This series just keeps getting better and better. I seriously don’t know how Julie Anne Long can weave such beautiful and unique stories over the course of so many books all the while sprinkling in the nostalgia of couples from the beginning of a pretty long series. It’s why she’s one of my favorite authors and I’ll read anything she puts out.

I devoured The Beast Takes a Bride in one day. I truly couldn’t put it down! I needed to know where all the longing, pining, and heartbreak lead. This book had it all for me a stoic/emotionally stunted mmc, a woman dealing with the fallout of the past and the uncertainty of the future, and two people who clearly are into each other but can’t quite figure out how to get there.

The tension is exquisite - it seriously caught and reeled me in from the very first page. Our fmc, Alexandria, starts this book out in jail and is bailed out by her war hero husband, Colonel Magnus Brightwall. A man who just so happens to have been avoiding her for the 5 years of their marriage.

Their path to love is filled with heartbreak, forgiveness, and personal growth…it is such an achingly beautiful journey that I felt in my soul. I highly recommend this book and this series. JAL just continues to cement herself as one of my all time favorite authors.

Julie Anne Long titles really hit--and I LOVE the Palace of Rogues. I am deeply invested in the Dot and Mr. Pike plot and loved Alexandra and Magnus. I will be very eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Genre: historical romance
London Docks, late Georgian (after 1820)

Alexandra and Magnus have been married for five years, but living apart the whole time because she broke her vows on her wedding day. When Alexandra lands in Newgate for [not quite] stealing a carriage, she’s more surprised than anyone else to see her husband Colonel Magnus Brightwell walk through the gates to bail her out. He’s been in Spain for the last five years, and has returned to England to tidy some affairs and make some public appearances. A wife who has besmirched his name is the last thing Magnus needs as he navigates recognition from King and ton. When he needs neutral ground in order to sell the townhouse where Alexandra has lived for the last five years, the couple becomes the newest guests at the Grand Palace on the Thames.

The Beast Takes a Bride highlights all the reasons I love historical romance. Julie Anne Long knows exactly how to create deeply realistic characters struggling to come to terms with the realities of their marriage and their love.

The setup works because of how young and naive a bride of her status would be, and JAL shows us how much both Alexandra and Magnus had to grow while living apart in order to be together. This isn't really a marriage-in-crisis book. Yes, they are married and estranged, but their marriage was one on paper only. Alexandra had known Magnus for two months, and they were essentially married for 5 hours. And yet because in the early 19th century, divorce was nearly impossible, they are stuck together despite her betrayal and his stubbornness. When they are forced back together by circumstances, they don't have a shared language of marriage to help them navigate their current predicaments. It's a love story for a couple who happens to be already married. (And this setup that works so perfectly here would *not* work in a contemporary setting.)

It's a wonderful stay at The Grand Palace on the Thames, as always. This series has some of the best of what character-driven historical romance can offer. I don't recommend starting with this book - it assumes a familiarity with the side characters. But, as with most of the Palace of Rogues books, you could read books 1 and 2, and then jump here. If you're just in it for the romance (and sexy trysts in dark alcoves at large gatherings), though, start here and then pick up the other books for the added richness of the community created by Delilah and Angelique.

I am in love with the author’s writing. This is the first Julie Anne Long book I’ve read and it won’t be my last, there is so much emotion in the writing. I love how both MCs are stubborn, makes for some real good tense and angsty moments. I was left clutching my kindle by the end of the book.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, steamy, tugged at my heart strings and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as other books by this author.

This book scratched my historical romance itch and is perfect for anyone who needs a romantic escape!

While reading I would catch myself sitting statuesque still, holding my breath, waiting to see what would unravel between Magnus and Alexandra. THAT is the grasp Julie Anne Long had on me, that she could compel me to suspend involuntary actions just through the power of her words. And she is a master of words. Every single one feels unbelievably intentional, perfect for that feeling, that moment, that exact shade of pink (did I find myself Googling words and expanding my vocabulary? Yes. Yes I did.). To read a JAL book is to experience it and Alexandra and Magnus and the entirety of houseguests at The Grand Palace on the Thames enchanted me.

Be prepared for the best kind of angst that comes from two people desperate to be chosen, but who have caused pain and hurt towards each other. This is a story that delves into a marriage that has been separated by distance over the five years since their wedding night. It is about two people who barely know their spouse, but know the expectations they must outwardly show the ton. It is through these social obligations that Alexandria and Magnus begin to witness each other’s character and slowly learn how to hand over their bodies and their hearts.

This book is so smartly written because it breaks up the tension filled, quiet military-like engagements between Magnus and Alexandria with humor and reminiscing from The Grand Palace on the Thames occupants. Truly this book is just as funny as it is heartbreaking; there are fanciful evening discussions, mysterious sounds from a possible ghost (or is it?), swooning, and even a secretive donkey race. Thank goodness this is a romance because I was so desperate for Magnus and Alexandria to get a happily ever after. It’s what readers will want most for two characters they can’t help but fall for—and boy will Long make you wait until the very end for it. That being said, there is no third act breakup. The entire book acts as a catalyst for encouraging Magnus and Alexandria to fall in love as they heal from betrayal and voicelessness. I cannot stress how beautifully written this story is about taking chances and mending hearts and I encourage readers of all genres to give it a try. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭
Tension/Tenderness: 🥩🥩🥩🥩
Humor: 🫏🫏🫏

This is the 8th book in the series - I've read all of them and they are all delightful, funny, and romantic. Dot, the maid, is perhaps my favorite character in the series. She will race to be the first person to answer the door of the Grand Palace on the Thames to a new arrival.

Colonel Magnus Brightwall had met and married Alexandra Bellamy. It was not a love match, but when he found her in an embrace with another man soon after their wedding, he didn't take it well - and that is putting it mildly. He went back to war, and he made sure that she had no opportunity to stray.

Five years later, Magnus returns to England where he finds his errant wife in jail (for good intentions). He gets her out of jail, and since their own house is not ready and he wants to discourage curious visitors, they go to stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames. He is about to be awarded a title and is trying to suppress the scandal around his wife being arrested. I wasn't sure how this couple could overcome the damage they had done to each other - or that they would ever reconcile - but should have had more faith in the author.

I received an e-arc of this book from publisher Avon and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

Big thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Ms. Long for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. An honest review was requested but not required.

Ms. Long hit this OUT OF THE PARK as far as I'm concerned. The main character couple, Magnus (Colonel Brightwall) and Alexandra, his five-years-estranged wife, are brought back together by a little bitty scandal (ahem, she's in jail). They must put on a good show to save face so Magnus can be granted his peerage before Alexandra will be shipped off to America to live a quiet life, alone. While they are performing for the ton, they are of course staying at the Grand Palace on the Thames.

So much angst, so much longing, so many years of hurt and pride, it's all very romantic in a Heathcliff sort of fashion, except for... the supporting cast. Seriously, I almost fell off a treadmill in the gym during the group conversation featuring Mrs. Cuthbert and Mr. Davenport. LOLOLOLOL. Then there's the pair of *very* newlyweds, doing, um, what newlyweds are wont to do, Dot's unique brand of weird, donkey races, and more. Honestly, this book was practically pitch perfect: we get to check in with the OG couples long enough to get a serious case of the warm fuzzies and then it's right back to Alexandra and Magnus, who are absolutely magnetic. Second chance/marriage on the rocks is so difficult for me because the angst can be overwhelming - I'm not a big drama person - but this was just the right amount. The pull between the Colonel and his wife is palpable and the tension is high: after all, if the two of them can't figure it out, she's off to America, alone, for life.

I would absolutely revisit this book periodically when I need a good palate-cleanser. Highly, highly recommended, although it might be best to read at least the first two books in the series to be more familiar with Delilah and Angelique (the proprietresses).

5 stars.

Magnus wants Alexandra yet once they are married he leaves her for five years. He is a man of great honor and pride. She has the heart of a saint and when a scandal takes place, she has a chance to have the marriage she wants. But will his pride get in the way. A truly beautiful story. A fun story with great chemistry and characters. This author has a number of books that I will happily go back and read.

Alexandra Bellamy is a young lady who wants to be free to express who she really is. She finds herself embroiled in affair with her brother’s tutor because he doesn’t have any expectations of how she should act. She meets Magnus Brightwall, a war hero and because they appear to get along well, he offers for her. Only thing is, Magnus neglects to tell Alexandra why he thinks they would make a great couple. After he witnesses Alexandra in a compromising situation with the tutor on their wedding day, Magnus leaves her behind and is gone from her life for five years. He returns in time to save her after she is arrested and prevents her from having to be sentenced for her participation in a theft. Magnus and Alexandra must now come to terms with how they will carry on now that he is being awarded a title and must not have anyone gossiping about him or his family. Of course the owners and residents of the Grand Palace on the Thames have to make an appearance in the story to help Alexandra and Magnus see where they are going wrong before they make the biggest mistake of their lives.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I loved this book! As a whole, the Palace of Rogues series has been one of my favorites. But this one? The best of the best. A perfect 5-star read.

In The Beast Takes a Bride, Alexandra Bellamy marries Colonel Magnus Brightwall to save her family's fortunes. Their marriage is immediately in trouble, and Magnus disappears for five years. When he returns--to rescue our heroine from jail!--he tells her they will present a united front to the ton to clean up her scandal and then he will send her to America. While he is getting their townhouse ready to sell they move into the Grand Palace on the Thames, where the magic of the boardinghouse begins to bring them back together. The story is both heart breaking and funny. It's a slow burn that finally ignites in the best way.

I love the setting of the Grand Palace and the recurring cast of characters that inhabit the boardinghouse. I was happy to catch up with the Hardys, the Bolts, Dot and Mr. Delacorte...and to finally go to a donkey race!

I can't wait for the next Palace of Rogues book. In the meantime, you can find me re-reading this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC. Opinions are my own.

SIX STARS! I don't even think it's possible at this point for Julie Anne Long to write anything other than a stellar swooner that'll have me all in the feels for days.

The Beast Takes a Bride, the latest entry in the author's Palace of Rogues series, is a delight from beginning to end. The tale of an arranged marriage between a legendary British soldier, and a sheltered society debutante offered up to the highest bidder to save her family from financial ruin, is plotted to perfection. Despite some emotionally weighty material, the novel never feels heavy because of its brisk pacing and bright, soaring prose.

The novel is a celebration of all of the seasons that make a love story, told through the eyes of the two main characters, as well as the supporting cast of permanent residents of The Grand Palace on the Thames -- the boarding house of elegant proportions located right in the middle of the rough and ready London docks, The reader experiences that first thrill of infatuation, bitter disappointments, flirtatious meet-cutes, madly hot for one another physical encounters, and the intense vulnerabilities of deepening intimacy, We enjoy the honeymoon phase, the settling-in to real life phase, and the being comfortable and secure in enduring love phase. But there are also the moments of paralyzing insecurity, fears of an unknown future, errors in judgment, hypocritical actions, harsh words thoughtlessly spoken, and devastating misunderstandings. There is the ultimate finality of the decision to stay or to let go.

There are so many precious moments in this novel for the reader, that no review I could possibly write would do this thoughtful and fun read the justice that it really deserves. Julie Anne Long's ability to communicate the emotions of every high and every low, through profoundly beautiful prose and laugh out loud humor, is unmatched. There is an understated level of highly emotional intelligence woven through this book that truly deserves all of the critical recognition it has already and will undoubtedly continue to receive.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and Julie Anne Long for the opportunity to read and review this novel before its release. It was my honor and pleasure!

Top Pick!

Couldn’t put it down. The Palace of Rogues series delivers once again.

I enjoyed this book immensely for multiple reasons. Since this is a review, I should thoroughly count the ways. First off, Long knows how to set up a pair of characters and fascinate me from the opening lines.

Three of them were thieves (a silver candlestick, a half dozen handkerchiefs, a wheel of cheese, respectively), another one was a forger, and the fifth one had stabbed her husband in the leg.

Does it get any better than that? I don’t think so. The heroine, Alexandra Bellamy, has had such a fall from grace, and on the first page, she’s in gaol. How does she get to our famed boardinghouse from here? Well, her military husband, the war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall (aka the beast) rescues her of course. Cue the estranged married couple who haven’t seen each other in over five years, being reunited and in jail of all places. I was immediately entranced by not only one but three tropes I adore. Second chance romance, a quirky unlucky heroine, and the beastly hero. Bonus, this one is a slow burn, but sweet glory, the payoff is worth it.

The story is heart-wrenching, emotional, and poignant, the only way Julie Anne Long delivers historical romance. There is so much longing, self-discovery, and growth between these two characters over the course of only a fortnight. The power of the Grand Palace on the Thames is real. Add in plenty of humor, our favorite proprietors, their husbands, and the shenanigans of Dot and Mr. Delacorte. The reading adventure doesn’t get any better. I feel lucky, nay we are all so lucky to get not one, but two Palace of Rogues books in one year.

Overall, if you love romances with a perfect blend of emotional twisting, laughter, and a rewarding HEA, then The Beast Takes a Bride should definitely join your TBR. It is for readers who enjoy Julia Quinn.

~ Landra

I am in love with everything Julie Anne Long writes, and I ADORED this even more than the last one!

This series is so fun, charming, and filled with such swoony romances and lovable characters.

Alexandra and Colonel Magnus have been married, but unhappily, after what Magnus witnessed on their wedding night, for five years. And suddenly, with an impromptu, stay in Newgate, Alexandra, has forced scandal upon a man who will not tolerate it to touch his name. He is cold, ruthless, and powerful, but his soft spot has always been his wife, even if she broke his heart.

Alexandra, for her part, longs to have a closeness with her husband, but her pride prevents her from putting herself out there and offering her heart to him.

Can the magic of the Grand Palace cause these two to reconcile and finally have the love they both dream of from each other?

One of the more angsty romances from this author but just as romantic and compelling as all the rest. The stakes are so high for this couple, and I was rooting for them to JUST KISS ALREADY so hard.

I loved it. Can't recommend this series enough!

I received an ARC for review.

Only Julie Anne Long can take a trope I don’t love and turn it into gold. Marriage in trouble is so hard, because there’s not much believable to keep the MCs apart that I’m also willing to forgive. And yet, this may be my new favorite book in The Palace of Rogues series.

Alexandra and Magnus married five years earlier, but due to “circumstances,” they are still virtual strangers after living separate lives in England and Spain. Without spoiling too much, a scandal brings Magnus back from the continent and both of them to The Grand Palace on the Thames, where they finally begin to communicate, understand each other, and discover what happened on their wedding day. JAL perfectly weaves past and present day to bring these two wounded characters to their hard-earned HEA. It was incredibly emotional and romantic!

And it’s not all heartbreak and high angst either. This is surprisingly one of JAL’s funnier books. Mrs. Pariseau, Dot, and Delacort bring their typical brand of humor, but Magus and Alexandra also find each other funny. I laughed out loud at some of the witty banter.

Though this is the 8th book in the Palace of Rogues series, it could be enjoyed as a standalone. The romance is THAT GOOD! But I highly recommend you start at the beginning. You will be utterly charmed by the full ensemble cast of characters we’ve grown to know and love throughout.

If you’re looking for Beauty and the Beast vibes with a headstrong heroine and grumpy war hero, then pick this book up today!

The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
The Palace of Rogues #8

How does The Palace of Rogues just keep getting better and better? The slow burn on this one kept me up way past my bedtime and in the hours when I wasn't reading this book. . .I was just reveling in it in my imagination. Brilliant!

This book opens with our heroine in a prison cell. Excuse me, Julie Anne Long, you have my FULL attention!!! And then we have one of my absolute favorite tropes in all of romancelandia: they're married, but haven't seen each other in YEARS. Gimme that angst, that angst is all mine!

• Competent man with a Big Reputation! A bit bossy, and soooo soft on the inside!
• Shenanigans were shenaniganning at The Grand Palace on the Thames. JAL knows how to make me giggle with all of the regular characters and the new ones too.
• I was going to say Mrs. Pariseau stole the show when it comes to repeat character moments, but then all the Dot moments (omg the Dot and Mr. Pike crumbs I am surviving on here) came to mind!
• Each book in this series serves as a continued epilogue for Angelique, Lucien, Delilah, and Tristan and I love that so much.

I felt so much reading this! I don't think JAL does high angst often, but she sure *can* do it! I read many parts with my heart in my throat! I loved this story and highly recommend this series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I hadn't read anything by Julie Anne Long in quite some time. I was delighted to see that she had a great series, (The Palace of Rogues), about an unlikely boarding house, (former bordello), and it's unlikely inhabitants.

I have enjoyed every book in this series. We go from a place that has people sleeping on their front steps to a highly respected rooming house.

In this story, we meet the war hero, Magnus Brightwall, (The Beast), and his wife, Alexandra. They have been apart for their entire marriage. He has been in Spain serving as a diplomat, and she has been staying in London. For the most part she has been keeping herself at home, but the opening chapter has her charming folks from the inside of a cell in jail.
This novel us different because the couple is already married but don't know each other at all.

Ms. Long imbues her characters with humor, and longing for each other, and always a chance at great love.

I love this series and I hope that it continues. The Grand Palace on The Thames has wonderful side characters, some of which change with each book in the series, but it always has a laughing, thoughtful, and sometimes raucous crew. There are long standing jokes that continue through these books, and always love.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for this ARC. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Oh, this was fabulous and the author doesn't disappoint. I have read all the books about The Grand Palace on the Thames. Ms. Long writes from the heart and soul. It's so fun to catch up with the other residents. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Magnus was raised by a family who found him of their doorstep abandoned by his mother. He was a servant in the household and made to feel worthless in their eyes. At sixteen he joined the military and made his own way though the ranks to be the best he could be.
When he was invited to a house party, he met the woman of his dreams. Her name is Alexandra and her father wants him to marry his daughter because of financial woes. She is maneuvered into marrying Magnus and given no choice in the matter. On the night of the wedding, Alexandra made a foolish mistake that caused him to leave her and head to Spain. He leaves his heartbroken wife behind and tries to forget about her.
When Magnus returns to England he's a war hero when he saved an important general on the battlefield. The king wants to make him an Earl for his military service. He plans to sell the house that his wife lives in, and banish her to his estate in the United States.
Now that he's waiting for the house to be sold, so they both move into The Grand Palace on the Thames as their temporary housing.
I felt that emotions were constantly flowing between Magnus and Alexandra. They will have to open their wounded heart to find the love that was there all the time.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

This has to be my favorite Julie Anne Long book yet. I got quickly sicked into this book about a marriage trying to start over (of only for a short period of time). You gain insight into why each character did what they did and you just want them to have their HEA. The book takes us back to our favorite character at the Grand Palace and it's always so nice to see them.