MY SEASON OF SCANDAL by Julie Anne Long

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 The Palace of Rogues, series set in the boarding house The Grand Palace on the Thames. There are many beloved secondary characters that 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 rights 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 can see into the heart of Dominic, uncovering the motivations that are even hidden from 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 experienced 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.

In USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long’s latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, a notorious rake meets his match in a lovely girl from the country, changing the course of both of their futures…

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.