The Beast Takes a Bride

The Palace of Rogues

By: Julie Anne Long

Narrated by: 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.

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.

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.

Absolutely brilliant

I loved how the author incorporated the characters into every story. I also enjoyed how the characters grew to ultimately love & respect one another. The narrator gives a stellar performance as usual.

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.