The Beast Takes a Bride
by Julie Anne Long
The Palace of Rogues - Book 8
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever.
But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.
PJ's Thoughts:
A Julie Anne Long book is like a beautiful symphony of words that transports the reader through a myriad of feelings. She is an author who can move me to laughter, tears, and a number of other emotions with equal ease of skill. She's one of the few authors I read slowly, savoring the unique flavor of each perfectly placed word.
Marriage in trouble is not my favorite romance trope, especially when the estrangement begins with a betrayal, but in the hands of Long it's nothing short of a masterpiece. Nothing is black and white with Magnus and Alexandra. There are shades of gray, layers to be explored, reasons for actions, and suppressed feelings waiting to blossom...if tended properly. This estrangement heading for permanent separation is explored with relatable, realistic, poignant care leading to understanding, acceptance, and a deep, abiding love. I loved their growth, individually and as a couple, and cheered them on as enthusiastically as if they were personal friends. Which in a way they are.
Every character at the Grand Palace on the Thames has become like family. I feel like I have a vested interest in the happiness of all of them. Long brings them to life with charm, wit, adorable awkwardness, humor, and relatable human flaws. They are vividly depicted, bringing a rich texture to the overall story, supporting the journey of each book's main couple without overshadowing them. It's a balance that Long pulls off with perfection.
If you have yet to discover Julie Anne Long, in my opinion you're missing out on one of the best historical romance authors out there. Why not begin with The Beast Takes a Bride. It has my highest Top Dish recommendation.
Started this book on release day and finished reading it the next day. A great addition to the Palace of Rogues series! Julie Anne Long is one of my auto buy authors and she never disappoints. I agree. Top Dish!
ReplyDeleteOK, an author I have never read. I realize that makes me the only one on the planet. I am not familiar with the series. It does sound like an interesting premise. I reckon I will need to start at the beginning. As always, thanks for the review and your always wonderful insights.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful review PJ! I can't wait to read this book! I've read a few books in the series, but I am woefully behind.
ReplyDeleteI have read a couple of her books in the past and have been impressed by her attention to and accuracy of details. She takes the time to reveal the layers of her characters personalities and develops the story at just the right pace. This should be another good one.
ReplyDeleteI love this series!
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