The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
The Palace of Rogues #8
Historical Romance
October 22, 2024 by Avon

Review by Angela

I really love this series, but I have to say as soon as I heard this installment was a second chance, marriage in trouble romance I was all in and excited to read. The Beast Takes a Bride is the eighth installment of The Palace of Rogues series and follows a different couple in each book, but the two main couples, who own the establishment, remain an integral part of the story. There are also several characters who make appearances throughout.

This is the story of Alexandra Bellamy Brightwall and Colonel Magnus Brightwall, who have been married for five years, yet spent the entirety of their marriage separated after a betrayal. When the book opens Alexandria is in jail after a misunderstanding involving a stolen carriage. Just when she thinks she may be stuck in Newgate for a while, she hears a voice demanding her release and realizes it’s her estranged husband. And where else would they take refuge? The Grand Palace on the Thames.

I’m a sucker for the second chance romance trope. There is a lot of pain between the stoic war hero Magnus and the lonely, deeply regretful Alexandria. Their past is told in flashbacks scenes in the first several chapters, which gives insight to both Magnus’s and Alexandria’s states of mind when they meet, marry, and ultimately part ways. As they come back together, Magnus has a plan to separate forever with her following her family to America, and he happily accepting an Earldom and remaining in England. The only problem is he doesn’t ask for her feedback to the situation and she, realizing she has very little options, accepts despite her reluctance. The only problem? Magnus needs her help in cleaning up their images in the wake of her jail stint and their long marital separation.

As the estranged couple navigate social functions necessary to his promotion to Earl, their chemistry works its magic, and they begin to grow closer. Still accepting of their eventual separation, but finally learning of each other’s backgrounds, accomplishments, and personalities. There is still the matter of Alexandria’s betrayal, but to be honest, once her explanations are aired, I completely understood her feelings and motivations, while still feeling sympathy for Magnus. It does take time for them to overcome their past and the pain felt by both parties. The sex scenes are steamy, and perfectly timed with their relationship growth.

As with every book in this series, I was deeply invested in both the main couple and their love story, as well as the ongoing lives of the residents of The Grand Palace on the Thames. I love checking in with the residents and seeing how they are faring in their lives and relationships. The scenes where all get together in the evenings are always full of humor and mischievousness. I am so excited by these ongoing hints of a Dot and Pike romance. Gimme, gimme. gimme.

All in all, another fabulous installment in this series. I look forward to whatever comes next.

Grade- B+