I really loved this book! I mean, I love the series as a whole anyway, but this was definitely one of my favorites so far to the point where I've been putting off leaving a review because I want to have something substantive to say other than that Julie Anne Long continues to be at the top of her game, and if you've been putting off checking out The Palace of Rogues you should stop sleeping on it. More specifically I'll add that I especially adored the hero here! And as she did in What I Did for a Duke, Long once again demonstrates how good she is at writing the kind of age difference romance where despite being younger and less experienced than the hero, the heroine is never naive or boring, and--leaving aside the inherent imbalance in power dynamics of the historical setting--shows you how the two end up being perfect for each other.

This is number seven in the Palace of Rogues historical romance series of which I’ve been privileged to read its six predecessors.

Catherine Keating is a young woman, the daughter of a country doctor, who is encouraged to journey to London for a season by her father, whose health has begun to fail and is anxious that she be wed and settled soon. She is spellbound by the city, and as she is chaperoned by a lady who is enamored of the card table, she is left mostly to her own devices. So unfortunately, as a newcomer to the city she could use some steering to navigate the ins and outs of the elite society.

Enter the enigmatic and renowned House of Commons speech-giver, Lord Dominic Kirke, a man who is temporarily staying at the Grand Palace on the Thames in a room just above Catherine's own. Kirke is arrested by her sharp wit, honesty and intelligence and is drawn in by her fearlessness to converse with him on any topic as others are often intimidated by him by his sly intelligence. As he secretly becomes her "chaperone" in the absence of other guidance, they become friends and seek each other out to spend time with at society events. As Catherine develops a crush on the man she has discovered has a whole other side from his public persona, Kirke endeavors to distance himself from her to spare her heart as he is guarding his own heart and harboring a secret that endlessly torments him.

While this one started a little more slowly for me than some of her others, it quickly picked up as the mains came alive and displayed their unique and vibrant personalities. This is a romance that is usually not one of my favorite tropes (older man, 35 and younger woman, 22), but in the hands of Long, I found myself not overly concerned with this...I felt this was more of a cerebral romance than I usually find and found that both refreshing and intriguing. Catherine, who is a wonderful and endearing revelation, is a young woman wise beyond her years, who meets the cynical, brutal honest and sometimes a bit arrogant Kirke on her own terms, bravely and unflinchingly. And Kirke, for his part, is often taken off guard and captivated by her spirit, her simple honesty and her refreshing originality. These two souls shine together as they slowly grow closer. And Long draws out the tension and expectation of intimacy in just the right way…this is not your typical "heavy on bed sport" romance (the physical intimacy is less prolific) but rather a sweet meeting of minds and understanding.

I’m never disappointed with a Long romance, and this one is particularly singular in its concept and characters. Very well done.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing the free early arc of My Season of Scandal for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

A slow burn historical romance novel that will have you pining for more! I don't know if this is part of an interconnected series of standalone romances or not, but if it was, I didn't feel like I missed any external context. I was able to confidently follow the love story, and I had a great time. I highly recommend!

James' rating: 5 out of 5 deeply penetrating stars! ✨

One of my favorite ever books of 2024! 💛

This was a complete emotional storm with a whole package of complex characters, humor, romance, friendship and family. Julie's writing is one of my favorites to read and I love her style and the words she uses. I ended this book with a chuckle and smile...but wait I'm getting ahead. Let's start from the beginning.

Catherine was a breath of fresh air with a spirited and realistic character. Dominic was a bold, intense person with a lot of layers and complexity. Both of them had a spark of chemistry at their first meeting and I loved their interactions henceforth. I was able to relate to both of them so much.

We had a very lighthearted yet realistic portrayal of the ton, as well as intense humane emotions and moments balanced out with humor. It was so nostalgic to meet our TGPOT characters. The ending or climax, I should say was absolutely epic. It was like a summer thunderstorm. There were so many special moments and so much to take away from this book.

Catherine's reactions to each new experience, be it a positive or negative one, was so riveting and refreshing. Dominic had a brilliant mind, a heart of gold and a magnetism which just drew me in. I loved him and just wanted to give him a hug. 🥺 He has become one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved the journey to their HEA so much.

Definitely a book you oughtn't miss!

Thank you Julie and Avon Books for an amazing ARC!

Happy Reading!

I wanted to like this one. However, I struggled to get into it. The story was just not capturing my attention in the way I had hope it would based on the blurb. I actually really love different class stories between the main characters. Somehow I did not buy into their chemistry. I felt more so their friendship, and I couldn't see much a spark in terms of a romantic nature between the pair. Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one.

📣 my fave historical romance series!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what would your season be? Use autofill to see! My Season of Love is coming 🤣.

I feel like I keep saying the same things about Julie Anne Long’s Palace of Rogues series & that’s because each book is freaking amazing.

JAL writes yearning like NO OTHER. The amount of feeling is extraordinary & yet it doesn’t feel like too much—it feels like how people feel when they’re falling in love & can’t immediately or (won’t) act on those feelings.

There’s so much emotion but there’s so much physicality too. These people are falling in love with each other’s hearts & insides & bodies too, people.

My Season of Scandal features MP Lord Dominic Kirke, who is basically a cat if a cat loved to stir up trouble with his words & also fight for very important social causes. The heroine, Catherine Keating, is visiting from the country, & she is lovely & divine but also astute & in Dominic’s words, a fighter, & the two go together like peanut butter & jelly, thunderous rain & spring flowers.

I loved this book & I adore this series! The way that JAL writes romance is exquisite & if you haven’t read this series, you really, really should.

5 ⭐️. Out 04/23.

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess’s white hand holds the ebook in front of greenery.]

As usual, romance author Julie Anne Long’s MY SEASON OF SCANDAL is a virtuoso performance. A historical romance set in London, Long’s MY SEASON OF SCANDAL provides all the angst, complexity, and romance one could wish for, wrapped up in scintillating dialogue and shimmering prose. I adore JAL writing, and MY SEASON OF SCANDAL is one of her better novels. Dive in, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

This is book 7 in the <i>The Palace of Rogues,/i> series set in the boarding house The Grand Palace on the Thames. There are many beloved secondary characters which ripely round out the story, but by far, the stars of this book are our delightful hero and heroine Dominic and Catherine. Lord Dominic Kirke is a famously fiery orator in the House of Commons, fighting for the right of the downtrodden. He’s ever so swoony, but a tragic event in his teens has led him to be closed off to those around him. Bereft of friends of close family ties, the cynical Dominic ties his energies up in battles to protect children abused in England’s factories. JAL writes amazing heroes with feet of clay and hidden stalwart hearts, and I adore Dominic.

Catherine Keating is a sensible and charming miss from the countryside who is in London to make her come-out in society and hopefully catch a husband before her physician father passes away. I love how Catherine is able to see into the heart of Dominic, uncovering the motivations that are even hidden to Dominic himself. The heat between Catherine and Dominic is incendiary! Even better to me, though is the trust and devotion that grows between them. This story gave me all the feels, with a rollercoaster of emotions experiences by our stalwart heroine and wily hero.

Set during the glittering high season of the ton, Dominic and Catherine must navigate balls and society’s scheming while staying true to themselves. This page turner kept me glued to the story, which I gulped down in utter delight. I could not put this book down, leaving chores unfinished so I could revel in this tale. Julie Anne Long’s MY SEASON OF SCANDAL is brimming with witty dialogue and a compelling romance, and is definitely one for the Keeper Shelf.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing a DRC of this title.

Beautifully-written, charming, and deeply romantic, My Season of Scandal shows Julie Anne Long at her very finest. I can already tell this will go down as one of my favorites for the year, and I can't wait to recommend the book (and the entire Palace of Rogues series) to our historical romance-loving patrons. A total triumph, and I've already begun a countdown for The Beast Takes a Bride. 5 stars/5.

Usually, I really love historical fiction, and I haven't given a low review of one in a while - but the first couple chapters of this felt a little choppy, so I had to DNF and move on after favor 10%.

A country girl goes to London and is falling for the one man who won't commit. This book has all the things I look for. It's entertaining and full of twists. Really enjoyed returning to friends from previous books in series. I don't know how Julie Ann Long does it. I truly hope we will see more in this series. Wonderful fun book!

Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️

This is the first book I have read in The Palace of Rogues series and it was a good one. Lord Kirke and Catherine are both very likable and I was rooting for them. The side characters brought a lot of charm and humor to the story. The only thing that kept the book from being five stars was the internal dialogue. I am really intrigued by Lord Vaughn and would love to read his story. If you are looking for a HR that is well paced, witty, with great characters then give this one a try.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

Julie Anne Long has done it again! While Palace of Rogues is not my favorite series, I have been delighted by several outings and this is one of the finest. If some authors paint in acrylics with bright colors and sharp lines, Long paints with watercolor. She slowly layers things together and works with what is unsaid, until gradually a story appears that is realistic, heartbreaking and evocative. It doesn't open with an immediate conflict or even a clear escalation (which I usually like, by the way. Give me a prologue heartbreak any day), but by the time things unravel, the stakes are clear without being overt. No one says "WE CAN'T BE TOGETHER BECAUSE OF xyz," you just know they can't. To wrap up, it was beautiful and I loved the MCs and I love Julie Anne Long and that is all. Also very good steam, this must be pointed out!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and this is my honest review.

I picked this one because I have heard great things about Julie Anne Long and who doesn't have a soft spot for a reformed rake?

I knew I was jumping into the middle of a series which isn't my favorite, but I did understand the story. I'm sure I would have appreciated some of the side characters more if I had read their stories, however. If you don't want to start at the beginning though, this one can be read as a standalone.

I really enjoyed Catherine and Dominic's dynamic. It was sweet to watch him care for her and I liked how protective he was. I really appreciated Dominic's passion for making the world better. I also really liked his speeches.

🌶️🌶️ - This one has a few steamy scenes but is pretty slow burn for a historical.

Another excellent entry in this long-running series. The conflict is believable and well-written in a way that allows the audience to see what's coming before the characters but doesn't resort to forcing them to be stupid to work. As always the found family elements of the Palace of Rogues delight.

Every time I read one of Julie Anne Long's books, I am blown away by her writing. Each sentence holds a universe inside it, and the wit is as strong as the emotion. I loved Catherine's growth as she learned how to navigate the crocodile-infested waters of the ton, and Dominic's grovel is one for the ages. The whole Palace of Rogues series is wonderful, but this works as a standalone as well (but why would you want to skip such beautifully written books?)

What a beautiful book. Dominic is clever and intimidating and completely in love with Catherine from the very beginning. Catherine is witty and knows who she is and what she deserves. Add them to the delightful residents of The Grand Palace on the Thames and you have a fun, interesting and emotionally satisfying story.

Ahh, Julie Anne Long. You did it to me again. How do you keep writing heroes and heroines that I love so much?!? I'm in love with both Kirke AND Catherine. And the CLOVER! My heart can't take it. :)

Summary: (The 7th book in The Palace of Rogues series)
Thirty-five year old Dominic Kirke is a famous MP noted for his fiery speeches. Catherine is a girl from the country who finally has her chance to have a London season (she's 22). Both of them end up at The Grand Palace on the Thames under odd circumstances, and then sparks fly. They spend the London season in a sort of revolution around each other, going to the same parties and balls. When they finally realize how much they mean to each other, it's a beautiful thing to watch.

I love every book in this series, but the fourth one (After Dark with the Duke) is my absolute favorite. And this book comes in a close second, which is a big deal for me. Not just any Hero is up there with my stuffy duke, James, but Kirke is thisclose to it. Kirke is the historical hero of my dreams: clever, stuffy, funny, sexy, etc. I could go on and on. I absolutely loved the "fiery MP" angle (and trust me--it plays an important part in the book).

Ok, so normally it's rare for me to relate to a historical heroine. They have to really impress me (because some of them are so generically written). And Long managed to do that with Catherine. The hero calls her Keating (her last name) and that sets the tone for much of their relationship. They become friends, and it's a weird pairing at first. She's a country miss, and he's a jaded, older politician. However, they both bond over their feelings of inadequacy and their difficult lives. One of my favorite things that Long does in her romances in how she shows common ground between the two MCs. Both of them--despite their circumstances--find similar things about each other that intrigues the other person. Even their differences in class help them bond with each other. Kirke is a jaded and cynical politician who struggles about the world around him, and that's why he wants to help children in labor mills. Catherine is a relatively naive woman, even though her father is a country doctor and she's made of sterner stuff than Kirke believes at first. I love when MCs are pleasantly surprised by the other one. It shows such a depth of character.

Another interesting thing about this novel is its chapters from the POVs of the others in the story (at the Grand Palace). It takes a bit to get used to, but once you do, it's such a swoony ride towards an HEA. Personally, I love hearing from the other characters, mostly because The Grand Palace is such a wonderful place to be, and feels a lot like home.

The latest additions to this series have been less sexual, more emotional, in my opinion. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. The spicy bits don't happen until about 60% of the book, and it's a slow burn, but what a DELICIOUS one. The sexual tension in this story is HOTTT.

If you've liked the series, you'll love this one (especially if you liked After Dark with the Duke--same hero vibes). I can't recommend this series enough, and if you love funny, swoony, sexy stories, this book is 100% for you.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of "My Season of Scandal" by Julie Anne Long.

Prepare yourself, readers, for another gushing review of Ms. Long's work. Because she is an absolute gall darn master of her craft and "My Season of Scandal" is another sterling installment in the Palace of Rogues series.

Catherine Keating is a country girl, in the city to find a husband. But when her chaperone proves to be absolutely useless and Catherine is exposed to the Ton's nastier side, she's cast adrift. Her fellow boarding house resident, Lord Dominic Kirke quietly steps in to protect her and in doing so, ends up head over heels for her.

If you want the angst, yearning, and sexual tension that characterize Ms. Long's stories, you will not be disappointed with this age-gap romance. As always, she balances tension and humor perfectly. As many other reviewers have observed, the big finale is incredible. You will never think of the word "clover" the same way again.

As always, it's a pleasure to return to the Grand Palace on the Thames and myriad of souls who reside there.

Vibes: age gap, rake/virgin, plucky heroine, and "I'm not good enough for you"

Heat Index: 5/10.

Inexperienced but determined Catherine Keating is in town to find a husband--and she's staying in the same boarding house as the famous rake and politician, Lord Dominic Kirke. Catherine and Dominic strike up an immediate camaraderie, and he knows everything she needs to know about high society. The catch: the more time Dominic spends helping Catherine as she looks for a partner, the more they want each other. But Dominic knows his scandalous reputation and secrets mean he's not right man for her. Right?

I love Julie Anne Long's Palace of Rogues series, which basically mashes a bunch of great characters together in this kinda kooky boarding house (a boarding house that has an incredible knack for helping residents find love). You always get the newbies, and the recurring cast of characters--including the heroes and heroines of the first two books. This was a sweet, fun addition that really doesn't have a lot of plot, but showcases solid character development and a lovely "jaded man meets sunshiney girl who makes him feel young again but is also Too Pure For His Wretched Hands" dynamic.

I do think that other installments are a bit more plot-heavy, and the degree to which this was really kind of just two people really liking each other slowed the story down at points. However, if you're looking for a low-conflict, cute romance, this will absolutely do the trick.

Quick Takes:

--Julie Anne Long loves an age gap, and while this was definitely on the softer side for her--Catherine is twenty-two and Dominic is pushing thirty-six, which is really not much to blink at compared to those found in What I Did for a Duke and After Dark with the Duke--but it felt like a bigger part of the story, somehow? Maybe more of THE CONFLICT versus a framing piece?

Because what Dominic struggles with most--and this is a hero-forward story, I'd say; Catherine is lovely and well-done, but Dominic is easily the one with the most conflict--is really being too corrupted and weary and Bad for Catherine. (Is he Bad, though? I would say that he's a deeply good man, if one with a past, and Catherine also knows this from the beginning.) It's pretty classic, and it's rooted in him having a lot more life experience than she does. I love that he kind of acted as her mentor--he wasn't actively trying to help her make a match (it's not one of those) but he does assist her with the general rituals and ways of high society.

--You know, for all that it was light on plot, there are some things here that you don't often see in historicals. Dominic is a politician, and that's a big part of his character and what he does. This is definitely one of the more politically aware historicals I've read.

And... I don't know that I can reveal the OTHER thing this novel does that you don't often see in historicals. But let's just say... rakes don't often have to face consequences for being rakes. Dominic's problem doesn't exactly link to his active rakehood, but it is the kind of reality that, again, historicals frequently seem to avoid. (Which isn't a bad thing, by the way--but these touches of realism matter.)

--Like I said, the conflict is, overall, Dominic resisting Catherine. After a certain point, he knows he wants her. He knows she wants him. They get along. There are obstacles, but none of those obstacles are so extreme that they can't just get hitched ASAP.

The issue is that this goes on for quite a while, and after a certain point I was like "okay, it's time for y'all to make it happen". The ending did drag a little for me. That said, slow burns aren't my favorite, and this is what I would call a pretty slow burn. A lot of y'all LOVE slow burns, and again, I did like this one. So I imagine it will be a crowd pleaser on that level.

--It's always great to see the collection of side characters in this series. But I've gotta say... I'm especially interested in how Long is slowly unfolding a secondary love story between Dot, the ditzy and hilarious and territorial maid, and Christopher Pike, the footman she believes is moving in on her turf. Dot also learned about what the word "phallus" means in this installment. Long live Dot!

The Sex:

There are a few solid scenes--most of which do not involve penetrative sex, but rather some fingering, grinding, handies. You do get p in v, but it does take quite a while to get there. It's good, but it kind of felt like Long waited until the last minute.

I'll also be honest: while Long has always been on the fluffier side with her sex scenes, they are explicit and hot. However, looking back on a book like What I Did for a Duke and more recently After Dark with the Duke, I see a bit more heat... and I kind of miss that. Don't hold back!

While it is quite a slow burn and a bit light on plot, My Season of Scandal is a fun and frothy rake/virgin romance. It leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, and it's ideal for when you need something lighthearted and low stakes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Julie Anne Long is one of my favorite historical romance authors and The Palace of Rogues one of my very favorite series. I’m always thrilled at the chance to visit the beloved residents and guests of The Grand Palace on the Thames.

My Season of Scandal is an age gap romance, introducing Catherine Keating, an innocent country bred young woman who has come to London for the season, and Lord Dominic Kirke, an older, jaded member of the House of Commons. They both end up at The Grand Palace on The Thames, one floor apart, but get to know each other as Catherine and he attend balls throughout the season.

The actual premise of this story is pretty simple, there are no mystery subplots or villains around every corner to upstage the romance. Keating and Kirke repeatedly encounter each other at every event, further getting to know each other while residing at the boarding house, until they begin to seek each other out. Constantly looking for the other even while surrounded by crowds of people. Despite being from completely different backgrounds and life experiences, they connect on a base level. And it’s glorious.

Kirke is well known around town as a fiery orator in support of reform, but who chooses to live alone with no desire to wed. Keating is looking to settle down before her father passes, she is a bit naive about the politics of the ton and their machinations. She’s honest and brave, and open in a way that surprises and intrigues Kirke. His longing while trying to resist the temptation of her is *chef’s kiss*.

This is such a well-done romance, full of dancing, carriage trysts, garden trysts, small secret smiles, private conversations behind green things, and public speeches that are really love letters. So heartfelt and compelling. Let me tell you– when I realized what “clover” meant I about melted into a pile of goo. The epilogue and HEA are lovely.

Part of what makes this series so fabulous is the familiar setting of boarding house and the comfortable relationship with its residents. I adore them, each and every one. I’m more than intrigued by the hinted at beginnings of an attraction between Dot and Pike. I look forward to the evenings in the sitting room and the dialogue between the entire cast of characters. I love getting glimpses into established relationships to see how they are doing.

Make sure you add this one to your TBR. I highly recommend.

Grade- A