This is #6 in my favorite series! It won't be published until July, but I got an e-galley. Again, JAL knocks it out of the park. There is humor and pathos and despicable characters and heartbreak, and oh, yeah - a great love story.

Daphne has always been the nurturer, the caretaker, the planner - she took over running her father's household after her mother died. She did all the budgeting, menus, and more. She was ELEVEN. But she was really good at it. She got engaged to a lovely titled boy when she was 20, and life was good. But her father gambled away his fortune - including her dowry - and her fiance fell in love with a governess and dumped her.

Lorcan St. Leger clawed his way out of St. Giles and became a pirate. Now he's a semi-respectable "privateer" (which is basically a pirate with the blessing of the king). His veneer of respectability can't really hide his semi-feral state.

Lorcan and Daphne wash up at the Grand Palace on the Thames during a torrential storm. Getting the two of them to Happily Ever After is a lovely lovely tale. Also, it must be said, I ADORE DOT.

This is the best installment in the series and it's not even close. I've long been a fan of the found family and boardinghouse logistics in the series, even when I struggled with aspects of the romantic ship. I had no issues here — the relationship arc is genuinely romantic with no bullshit curveball ruining the climax. Lorcan is the perfect hero: sexy, scarred, kinda-criminal, thoughtful gift-giver, and capable of swoony romantic declarations. I legit screamed when we got to the spillikins wager (the second one! Both were memorable, but the second one made me cry). Making the MCs familiar to the boardinghouse owners (Delilah being childhood friends with Daphne, the men knowing Lorcan) added necessary wrinkles and secondary conflict that ultimately paid off at the end. In previous books, the Delilah/Angelique storylines felt disjointed from the main romance; that wasn't at all the case here. JAL is such a hit or miss for me; I'm so glad I had the former experience this time.

Sidenote: I don't understand why everyone kept calling Daphne (the unmarried daughter of a still-alive viscount called Lord Worth) "Lady Worth." Like... that's wrong, right? I can't think of a single situation where that makes sense to call her "Lady Worth." Her dad and brothers are alive! This isn't a Scottish title! Someone make sense of this, lol.

Would recommend to all historical romance fans. I can't believe I've been sleeping on Julie Anne Long for so long.

Oh how the cover of this book is absolutely everything. I mean the earring? The thigh grab? The hair? The EVERYTHING!

The book itself? It wasn't my favorite. I liked the premise of the book, but I didn't fall in love with it.

I really loved Daphne as a character. Her growth and her personality were great. Not necessarily a typical historical romance heroine (or at least in my reading), which made me enjoy her. She grew up way too fast and took on way more than she should have. Her rationale for life is completely reasonable.

Lorcan was also fabulous on his own. I'm always down for a story with the MMC making a name for himself. I especially loved that it was through smuggling. I mean the earring. That whole thing, I just yeah. It was a thing for me. Will not get over it.

I loved the soft moments between the Daphne and Lorcan. The build up in their story was great. The mornings, the presents, and all those in-between moments were perfection.

However, there was a lack of chemistry between the characters that made the romance fall flat. I needed more moments of emotion from both and it was not in this book. When they finally .... I was like, really? Why? Because there wasn't that pining build up that I sooo needed between them.

More communication in general would have been great!

Additionally, there was way too much of the book given to characters from earlier novels in the series. Look I love the characters, but it truly took away from the main romance in the book. Honestly, erasing those storylines would have allowed for SO much more focus on the emotional build up and the pining between Daphne and Lorcan.

Long story short I enjoyed the book. Would I recommend it? Probably for those who have read this series and maybe for other historical romance lovers, but that's about it. It's good, just not a favorite.

Really this is a 3.5 stars one because I have 3 stars feelings about the first half of the book and 4 star feelings about the second half.

The first chapter of this was great, it totally hooked me and was very excited. But then the first half of the book was just such a slow and kind of boring part of the book. There wasn't really any plot happening to keep me engaged. Which could have been fine, in romances I don't mind just sitting with the couple as they get to know each other in a low plot scenario. Except we kept getting pulled out of our couple's POVs to get lots of POVs from side characters. In scenes that didn't have the main couple in it. And I found that very boring because I didn't care about the other random couple's 3 page tiff in their marriage. I just wanted to get to know the main couple. So it took me a while to get through the first half because of the lack of plot and a lack of connection to our couple.

The second half turned it around though! I ended up quite enjoying the second half. The other POVs decreased and I really liked a lot of the scenes we finally got to see of Daphne and Lorcan getting to know each other and really did end up invested in their relationship by the end of the book.

I would be interested in trying another entry in this series as though I didn't like jumping to the side character POVs, I did like the side characters as characters and I know the previous books are about several of them.

Julie Anne Long’s How to Tame a Wild Rogue, the latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, is an original, captivating novel and a five-star read from start to finish! In this sixth book of the series, we meet Lady Daphne Worthy, a paid companion fleeing her situation after her employer’s husband becomes handsy. It is late at night in London near the docks, and despite her careful planning, things go awry, and she ends up being rescued by Lorcan St. Leger, a privateer whose ship has recently docked. He is a large, imposing man with a scar across his face. Daphne is reluctant to trust him, but when he comes to her aid a second time moments later, she concedes that she needs his escort through the streets as they both seek shelter from a building storm. The characters become further entwined when they arrive at the Grand Palace on the Thames to discover there is only one suite left. Some quick thinking has them take the rooms as a married couple. I liked the originality here of the couple being stuck in a suite, each with their own bedroom and sharing a sitting room rather than the usual bed-sharing trope. The storm that takes London hostage forces the couple to playact their marriage over a number of days. The forced proximity, class difference, and fake marriage tropes of the novel are treated with originality and the flawless storytelling readers have come to expect from the talented Julie Anne Long.

The two main characters are eminently likeable and are fully developed throughout the book. Both in their thirties, Lorcan and Daphne come from two different worlds: she is a viscount’s daughter, while he is a product of St. Giles and a world of brute survival. Each character resents the other to a certain degree: How can Lorcan, who has no family, understand the obligations brought on by love and duty? How can Daphne understand the lengths an individual will go to survive? There is no immediate attraction between these characters, but they must find out enough about each other to convince the others at the GPOTT that they’ve been married for a year. In the process, not only do they learn about each other, but each is lead to a better understanding of themselves. This self-discovery that occurs from their interactions was one of the best parts of the book. One of my favourite quotes concerns an epiphany Daphne has about Lorcan’s influence: “In his presence, unanticipated corners of her character seemed to be unfolding like a secret letter written long ago”. More importantly, the characters are revealed to us through their actions and dialogue which are skillfully written in JAL’s beautiful prose. There are no writer short-cuts of telling rather than showing here, and I deeply appreciate the way that immerses us more in the story.

The sexual tension that mounts during their stay at the GPOTT is delicious. There are fleeting touches, sexual innuendo, and a growing attraction played out against a game of Spillikins. The slow burn of the romance eventually turns incendiary to create passionate and steamy scenes. That these come late in the book doesn’t diminish the emotional depth of the novel. There are some beautiful and tender scenes and more than a few teary moments. As readers, we come to care deeply for both Daphne and Lorcan and suffer the anguish of their situations; there is seemingly no way for them to be together. But not to worry, the road to the happily-ever-after is well-written and extremely satisfying.

JAL’s sense of humour shines through, and there are some absolutely hilarious laugh-out-loud moments. The third-person narration follows the point-of view of the two main characters and of some series’ favourites. For fans of The Palace of Rogues, there’s an opportunity to see what’s going on with the beloved Delilah, Angelique, Captain Hardy, Lord Bolt, Mr. Delacorte, and Dot (and of course, Gordon, the cat). The new footman, Mr. Pike, also makes some memorable appearances, and there are some hints toward an interesting sub-plot involving Dot. We also learn more about St. John (Lillias’s brother from the fourth book, I’m Only Wicked With You) who becomes trapped at the GPOTT because of the storm; the thinly veiled hostility Lorcan feels for this indolent, young lord produces some clever and amusing repartee. There is also a neat set-up for the next novel (I hope!) when the doorbell rings at the end of the main story.

I loved the epilogue – so original and satisfying. No spoilers, but an observant reader will notice some clever connections to earlier parts of the novel and see a tasty poetic justice being served to some key characters. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face after closing the book. As I said before, a wonderful book from start to finish!

I highly recommend this book to readers who like beautifully written romance, realistic and well-developed characters, steamy scenes, and an emotional story with some entertaining dashes of humour. It can be read as a standalone, but knowing the previous books in the series provides a richer reading experience.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Julie Anne Long wrote, quite possibly, my favorite HisRom of the year.

Long has this wonderful ability to build the tension between a couple so throughly that by the time we reach the end of the slowburn, it’s like being edged for 20-odd chapters. In the BEST possible way. You’ve got rogue/spinster, working class MMC/aristocratic lady, and “we’ve got to pretend to be married to rent this boarding house room” all wrapped with a beautiful, pining for each other bow.

I mean, both of these MCs are jaded. By life, by love, by their own expectations and what they really want is each other. But Lorcan doesn’t believe he’s good enough and Daphne feels she owes her (terrible) father more than she really does.

I knew I was going to love Lorcan because he’s a pretty morally grey figure from the rookeries that has just now started to climb to respectability. What I didn’t expect was the fierce way he loves Daphne and the tenderness and care Daphne wants to give him.

It’s one thing to write compatible characters. Julie Anne Long wrote two characters that fill the gaps for each other and what they need to be happy and it was beautiful to witness.

This book is literally perfect, 10/10 no notes. Good LORD. I want every word tattooed on me.

Thank you thank you thank you to the publisher & NetGalley! One of my new all time favorites!

Ahhhh, I loved this book. So much. Apparently, I’m a sucker for morally grey, charming heroes, and competent yet emotionally bruised heroines in historical romance.

How to Tame a Wild Rogue, the latest installment in The Palace of Rogues series introduces Lady Daphne Worth, a woman fast running out of options, and Lorcan St. Leger a man who pulled himself out of the slums of St. Giles to become a powerful privateer, with a vast network of friends across all stations in life. This is a fake marriage, forced proximity romance that worked for me in almost every way.

This book starts with the hero coming upon the heroine dangling from a bedsheet outside a window as she’s trying to escape a bad situation. He’s intrigued, so he helps her and then later comes to her rescue yet again when she’s set upon by a thief. Trying to outrun a massive storm, they end up together at the door of The Grand Palace on the Thames, but the only issue is that there is ONLY ONE BEDROOM available. Also, Daphne knows one of the proprietors of the establishment, so they have to convincingly pretend to be husband and wife in order to gain admittance and secure the room for the duration.

She’s a woman, down on her luck, used to taking care of everyone and he’s a guy from the streets, who managed to overcome the odds to become wealthy and powerful. She’s a lady, and he’s a rogue, but over the course of the storm and in the confines of their suite those differences don’t matter. He gets her to realize that her family, especially her father, has emotionally used and gaslighted her for years, and she teaches him that love and security matter.

I absolutely loved the tender, quiet moments between this couple. He may be a rogue, with a morally grey background, but his emotional support of Daphne is unparalleled. He listens to her. He lends his strength when she needs it most. Daphne is resourceful and competent, but she’s been let down so many times in her life. I loved that she found someone who appreciated her just for herself and was willing to meet her halfway on all things. The sex scenes come later in the book, but that just lends tension to the relationship and had me clutching my Kindle more than ready for them to finally give in. And even though the relationship develops over a short span of time I completely believed in their dedication to and love for each other. The epilogue is well done, I was so very happy at seeing Lorcan and Daphne years from now, still overcome with joy at the other’s presence.

Alongside the main romance, readers get a glimpse into the current tensions between Delilah and Hardy, and Angelique and Bolt- also at the mercy of the current storm as their ship hasn’t come into the harbor and their financial stability is in question. Lorcan’s questionable background and his past relationship with Captain Hardy add to the angst. I think readers will enjoy the platonic bed-swapping and sexy make-ups.

This is such a fabulous series. I’m always ready for another trip to The Grand Palace on the Thames. This is yet another fantastic installment, and I highly recommend.

Final grade- A

This is an entertaining, easy read, with a light plot and a good heart. There were several scenes that had me swooning or sighing, and I enjoyed how Lorcan and Daphne discovered through clashes and quiet moments that, despite outward appearances, they are each what the other needs. I was slightly disappointed that Lorcan ended up solving all of Daphne's problems for her — it seemed a little too easy, and I would like to see her stand up for herself, but I also understand that being rescued can be a nice fantasy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was like coming home- warm and familiar. I loved the growth and development of the relationships and the intimacies of the interactions. This really helped the characters come alive especially, Daphne & Lorcan.

Daphne is a woman who sacrifices for her family even at the expense of her own wants. One day that all goes out a window and she meets a rogue in the night. Thrown together by tumultuous weather and the need for lodging they become each other’s alibi in obtaining a room to get through the storm.

Daphne is a lady and part of a noble family, her opposite, Lorcan was a previous pirate and now privateer. I loved the parallel between the two. In fact, this book is filled with opposite couples with different backgrounds. I think that is one of the things I loved- each character was really unique.

This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. I would rate this a 5 out of 5! I honestly loved the epilogue as well. Would definitely read more!

An emotional yet funny journey.

I did really enjoy this! Our MCs, Lorcan and Daphne, are so adorable. Their connection felt very genuine and deep. And of course I enjoyed Julie Ann Long’s writing.
However, there was something about the pacing of this book that felt off.
Overall, I would recommend (either as a standalone or as part of the series).

Star Rating: 3.5/5
Tropes: Forced proximity, class difference, fake marriage

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Julie Anne Long and I really loved it! Half capsule novel, have ensemble novel, HOW TO TAME A WILD ROGUE is sort of weird, definitely fun, and certainly heartfelt. The energy reminded me of Lisa Kleypas, and made me want to read Long's backlist!

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Am I destined to fall for every morally grey character named Lorcan?

But seriously, it’s imperative that you understand how amazing Julie Anne Long’s How to Tame a Wild Rogue is.

It’s total wish fulfillment for me, honestly.

A class difference romance (she’s the lady, he’s a former smuggler turned privateer), with forced proximity and a fake marriage, all set in one of the best settings in literature as far as I’m concerned: the Grand Palace on the Thames, a congenial boardinghouse by the docks.

Lorcan St. Leger has an earring & some gray in his hair, *lustful gasp.* Lady Daphne Worth is described as quietly lovely by him & he can see the mark of a survivor in her eyes, which no one else sees *appreciative heart swelling.*

It is so so good to be back in this world—how is it so perfect?! Julie Anne Long’s facility with humor is tremendous—would I do grave things to protect Dot & the other residents of the home, yes.

This book had me LOLing, it had me yearning, it had me thinking “wow, that’s a great insight into human nature,” it had me cheering.

There are so many powerful moments in this book—including how Lorcan helps Daphne understand how she is being used by the man she’s doing everything to protect. The steam is wonderful, the yearning portrayed is A+, the return to old couples had me feeling even more emotions, it was so so good.

The Palace of Rogues series is—I’m pretty sure—my fave historical romance series. Please read it if you haven’t yet, you will be so happy you did!

5⭐️. Out 07/25.

Please consult a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess’ white hand holds the ebook in front of a sunset. A tree trunk is off to the left.]

I loved this one. It was such a fun and original historical romance. The plot wasn't like most others that I have read before and I loved the two main characters so much.

I was so excited to get an EARC of this book because I love this series. Each book is better than the last, and I am going to run out of stars to give!
The premise was set in book one when Delilah and Angelique renovated a boarding house. I love that we see many of the characters return with each book.
Apparently, there was a storm that went on for days in London, and our hero and heroine end up at the boarding house. Daphne, Lady Worth is escaping from a window by climbing down a bedsheet. Unfortunately, the barrel she was counting on was moved, and she was stuck. Along comes Lorcan St. Leger ( isn't that a great name) who catches her. That is the setup, and the story continues from there.
When they arrive at the boarding house, we discover Delilah and Daphne were childhood friends, and Lorcan discovers he knows the husbands and others in there. As the story unfolds, we learn the backgrounds of the characters. I laughed and cried.
The epilogue was wonderful. I will be looking forward to book #7.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy for an honest review.
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First of all, can we talk about the cover?? GORGEOUS! I wish more historical romances had covers like this one. Now the book itself was great. I really enjoyed it. The romance was delicious!

“While you’re with me, you do not have to be strong. . . Cry. . . Laugh. . . Scream. . . Be whoever you are. . . I am strong enough for both of us.”

I need time to recover.

First of all, what is that cover? The pose, the expression, the earring—super hot! I stare at it shamelessly. Secondly, I didn’t want it to end! Now, days after reading the last page, I’m still laughing, crying, and basking in the feels. It’s been a while since I felt a book as strongly as I felt How to Tame a Wild Rogue. Maybe because a lot of it resonated with me. This story will linger in your heart and memory long after you’ve devoured it. The type of book you want to reread straight away after finishing the final page. Undoubtedly, this is my favorite of the series.

I love historical romance novels in which both main leads are in their 30s. Julie Anne Long’s How to Tame a Wild Rogue is a moving, steamy, and entrancing romance, featuring two vulnerable souls hungry for love and a sense of belonging. Despite coming from different walks of life, Lorcan and Daphne are united in their yearning to feel accepted, cherished, and loved. Forced to take shelter at the cupid’s house AKA The Grand Palace on the Thames, Lorcan and Daphne find themselves pretending to be husband and wife. Soon after, the dutiful viscount’s daughter and the roguish privateer from St. Giles are performing intimate acts such as caring for one another, sharing secrets, enjoying scones and oranges, and removing each other’s clothes.

Lorcan St. Leger, you deliciously sexy rogue! Some of his lines are exquisitely romantic that I suggest you keep your smelling salts with you. He listens to Daphne! He gifts her the best birthday gifts! The astronomy nerd in me is completely SOLD! As for Daphne, I love heroines who are vulnerable because it makes them relatable and human. She’s intelligent, resourceful, and deserves all the happiness. The heart achingly fluffy slow burn, the crackling sexual tension, and the heartfelt declaration of love had me weeping, sighing, blushing, and all.

Furthermore, the colorful residents of The Grand Palace on the Thames return to add humor, drama, and depth to the story. I nearly died laughing while reading a scene with Lorcan and Delacorte. You’ve been warned! Finally, I love reading about Delilah, Angelique, Tristan, and Lucien. I love how they resolve conflict with good communication and baring their hearts. So emotional. So sincere. So inspiring.

I am madly in love with Lorcan. Where do I find him? Can’t wait for the audiobook!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC. Also, thank you to Julie Anne Long for writing this delicious book. I want to live in this book world. This is my honest review.

James' rating: 5 out of 5 fabulous and outstanding stars! ✨

I started this book and I was immediately pulled in! It's almost midnight here and I can't believe it's already over. A very nostalgic feeling going back into this world and meeting all of the characters just to fall in love with all of them again.

Lorcan was simply one of THE best book boyfriends out there. He was realistic, ideal and had a warm heart which all was just more and more love adding up. Daphne had a caring, dreamy and an orderly personality which was great combination. They both had excellent chemistry and it was amazing to listen to their banter.

There was some humor, hilarious and I do mean HILARIOUS banter, some very funny ribbing, deep conversations and true development of all characters with some insight into married life. Everything blended to be perfect and that ending was such an icing on the cake! ❤️💙 I absolutely loved and cherished every moment (except perhaps certain aristocrats) and the glimpse of the little one at the end was sooo cute!

I can't wait for you all read this book!! 💜💚

Cheers! 🥂

It is always a pleasure to return to The Grand Palace on the Thames. Though part of a series, this novel stands well alone, as much of the action is concentrated on the characters stranded together by a rainstorm, giving the reader a chance to get to know everyone. The interplay between Daphne, who takes care of the men in her family to her own detriment, and Lorcan, who projects the wild rogue image of the title, is delicious. The growth of their relationship is as precise and careful as their interactions, which are delightful to read. There's a little tension, a good amount of steam, and a whole lot of rain in this excellent read. Recommended for anyone looking for a well written and thoroughly satisfying happily every after.