My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long
The Palace of Rogues #7
Historical Romance
April 23, 024- Avon
ARC

Review by Angela

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