Series: The Palace of Rogues, #6
Traits & Tropes: scarred hero; class difference; spinster heroine; fake relationship; forced proximity; slow burn
Publication Date: 07.25.23
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, Winter
Heat Level: 2.5
Rating: 5 stars!
After pulling himself out of the slums of St. Giles, Lorcan St. Leger has amassed a rather mysterious empire. He has used his brilliant mind to stay one step ahead of potential enemies and believes he’s seen enough now to not be shocked by anything. He’s not even fazed by the sight of an aristocratic lady escaping from a window near the London docks in the middle of one of the biggest storms to hit the city in years. They both seek shelter at the Grand Palace on the Thames, only to find that neither was prepared for what was inside.
Daphne Worth is desperate and running out of options. Her last chance to save herself and her family from her father’s gambling debts is the offer of a loveless marriage. The raging storm gives her time to contemplate her choices and get to know the roguish man who rescued her and is now posing as her fake husband during their stay at the Grand Palace, thereby enabling them to acquire the only available suite.
The tension between Lorcan and Daphne soon becomes something more than the initial enmity. Daphne soon realizes Lorcan is everything she wants in a man. He knows he can’t be what she needs, but he’s not afraid of taking risks, especially if the reward is a chance to love and be loved by Daphne forever.
I adored this book. It is an incredibly slow burn, but absolutely delicious for it. Long’s writing just drew me right into the story from the beginning and left me engrossed in a way I haven’t been for some time. She made it easy to visualize the scene as if I were a part of it. I loved how rough Lorcan was on the outside, yet soft and eager for love on the inside. Once he realized his feelings, he faced them bravely and made bold moves to seek his happily ever after with Daphne and his take charge attitude was just perfect here. These two were opposites in many ways, but fundamentally the same in that they each had doubts about their own worth and how deserving they were of their own happiness. They each helped the other see their own intrinsic value and I found that to be beautiful. I also adored the epilogue, as well as the snippets we got with other characters from the Grand Palace on the Thames. I adore this setting and hope the series continues on for some time yet.
This was a new favorite story for me and definitely one worth savoring. I can’t wait for the next Palace of Rogues story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5279593962
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2748780405
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