A London season is the chance of a lifetime for Catherine Keating. But the ton’s glitter and decadence and casual cruelty threaten to crush her hopes of finding a husband before her season even begins...until she accidentally acquires one of the most scandalous men in England as a secret chaperone.
Famously fiery Lord Dominic Kirke can hold the House of Commons—and any woman he chooses— in thrall. But when his house goes up in flames in the dead of night, he finds himself at the Grand Palace on the Thames. And there he discovers his cynical armor is no match for another guest: an innocent country girl with a crackling wit and eyes like a summer sky.
He's maddening, elusive, hopelessly charismatic, wrong in every way—perfectly designed to break her heart. But she doesn't know she holds his battered heart in her hands. And though it will destroy him, Dominic knows loving her means setting Catherine free for the life—and man—she deserves.
PJ's Thoughts:
She always does it. Each time I declare one of her books the “best ever,” back she comes with a new one that sets the bar higher. Like My Season of Scandal. The feelings, the scandal, the ton crocodiles, the tenderness, the humor, the deep, deep emotions. The clover. My heart!
If you have not yet read Julie Anne Long’s books you’re missing out on some of the best writing in Romance today (in my opinion). This author uses language like a master artist wields a brush. The pictures she paints with words effortlessly evoke a wide range of emotions within this reader. Her cast of characters (primary and secondary) are all beautifully developed, contributing texture and richness to the overall story while progressing the plot forward. Long’s books are decidedly character driven, pulling me into the lives, hearts, and minds of Catherine and Lord Kirke while also spotlighting key secondary characters. No supporting cast wallpaper here.
After reading How to Tame a Wild Rogue, I would have sworn that no JAL hero would surpass Lorcan St. Leger in my affections. I was wrong. Lord Dominic Kirke, with all his messy emotions and sarcastic deflections, captured my heart as surely as he did Catherine’s, as surely as Julie Anne Long captured my heart with this memorable, humorous, thought-provoking, heart-tugging novel. One more for the Julie Anne Long keeper shelf.
My Season of Scandal is book 7 in Long’s The Palace of Rogues historical romance series. It can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone but if you’ve already read the earlier books in the series you’re sure to enjoy the subtle nuances and gradual evolution of secondary characters at the Grand Palace on the Thames who appear in each of the books within the series. Whether you’re new to the author or a long-time fan, this book is sure to stand out as one to remember. It’s on my Best of 2024 watch list.
Not sure how or why, but I have never read a book by Ms Long. This does sound like a good story and it is obvious you are a fan of the author. Thanks for the review and this introduction to a new to me author. You do such generous things for me - and I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good! Thank you
ReplyDeleteEVERY book in this series has been a 5-star read for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I'm reading this book now, but I'm only a couple of chapters into it. I've only read a few books where the hero is a member of the House of Commons and an excellent orator. Usually, we're reading about a duke taking his place in the House of Lords. Another really good book where the hero is a member of the House of Commons is Meredith Duran's, A Lady's Code of Misconduct.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful review, PJ! This book came in the mail this week! I haven't read the complete series, but I know I have read at least 2 of the books. I need to remedy this!
ReplyDelete