The Beast Takes a Bride

The Palace of Rogues, Book 8

De: Julie Anne Long

Narrado por: Justine Eyre

In USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long’s latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, an estranged couple decide to fake their way through the London season to repair their good name… but neither are prepared for the genuine sparks that begin flying between them.

A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…

He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever.

But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.

©2024 Julie Anne Long (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Charming romance!

Full of twists and turns, this story was charming, romantic, and overall a blissful way to spend time. The narration was impeccable as always with Justine Erye! It was nice to have characters from other stories by this author woven into the fabric of the tale. Truly enjoyable series.

Love the ending!

The story was beautifully told. The letter at the end was just perfect. Also, Ms. Long is fantastic at weaving together the storylines and details of her series together and I simply cannot wait for the next book. I must know what happens with Dot and Mr. Pike!

Falling in Love Twice

I read earlier reviews in which someone indicated that they didn't connect with the Hero until half way through. Not me. My heart was broken for him right away & I felt myself rooting for him throughout. Conversely, I found the Heroine so hard hearted that I almost felt she didn't deserve him. I didn't like her at all until she came to realize how little she really did deserve him. Then, I found myself truly rooting for them both. The satisfaction of taking the journey with them & being able to rejoice in their HEA together finally loving each other is what every romance should be. It did sometimes feel a bit slow and wordy at times, but the masterful weaving in of the hotel's characters & perspective-shaping interactions made up for it. Can hardly wait until the next bunch of guests in this hotel series emerge...& of course, I'm ever rooting for simple clumsy Dora. :)

spectacular and amazing per usual from this series

Julie Anne Long is right up there with Lisa Kleypas as far as I am concerned with writing regency romances full of compelling, loveable, flawed characters. This latest edition to her Grand Palace on the Thames series is as good as anything she has ever written. I love the whole series and cannot wait for the next installment.

When a good love story is made better still by beautiful writing

The Beast Takes a Bride is one of the most beautifully written romances that I have read in a long while. The language is lyrical and moves us along the story with charm and fluidity. It becomes one with the evolution of the storyline and enhances the plot development.

Not only is the story entrancing and compelling but the characters that represent the protagonists fit perfectly together in the proverbial ying and yang of a relationship. One roots for them to overcome their differences and to acknowledge that they do belong together. No other option exists! One can only cheer when the only solution becomes the perfect solution.

Oh, to have a beast of one's own. ;-)

It’s always a delight to return to the cozy setting of the Grand Palace on the Thames, and reunite with my favorite cast. The Beast Takes a Bride is an entrancing tale of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Alexandra and Magnus are both flawed and vulnerable protagonists. Despite Alexandra’s mistake, I was more sympathetic to her feelings. On the contrary, it wasn’t easy for me to warm up to Magnus for nearly half the book. Yes, I have been spoiled by Hawkes, Lorcan, and Kirke, in particular, from the past three books. Nonetheless, Magnus is magnificent once he exposes his emotional vulnerability and bares his soul. Also, Justine Eyre is indispensable to this series. I enjoy how she depicts each character. Given the large cast of characters, her range is insane.

twas fairly alrightly entertaining

I enjoyed the romantic energy yet it takes a patient listening until the first troughs of intimacy.

Another winner!

This is one of my favorite series of all time. Every time a new installment of The Palace of Rogues is released, I hope that it’s not the last. The recurring characters are wonderful and the new ones are always interesting and fun to root for. Justine Eyre’s narration is brilliant. The Beast Takes a Bride is an absolutely delightful read!

Love this series!

I truly loved this series and I hope the author continues to write more stories within this series.

Another Brilliant One

How does JAL continue to do it? This book is lovely, heartbreaking, laugh-out-loud funny, beautifully written. I loved both the main characters and their story, but we also get to enjoy our reoccurring cast as well as some side characters. I never want Palace of Rogues to end.