Review: The Beast Takes a Bride

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: The Beast Takes a BrideThe Beast Takes a Bride (The Palace of Rogues, #8) by Julie Anne Long
Series: The Palace of Rogues #8
Published by Avon on October 22, 2024
Genres: Historical
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: The emotional depth, beautiful prose, masterful character development, and perfect balance of angst and humor make this one of my favorite books of the year. Long never disappoints. This is a second chance story of an estranged couple finding their way back to one another.

THE STORY: Colonel Magnus Brightwall, an orphan who rose to become a war hero, arranges a marriage with Alexandra Bellamy by offering to save her family’s fortunes. A misunderstanding on their wedding night drives them apart, sending Magnus to Spain for five years. Upon his return to England, scandal forces them to share quarters at the Grand Palace on the Thames while seeking a courtesy title from the king. Though Magnus plans to exile Alexandra to his American estate afterward, their forced proximity begins to change both their hearts and their futures.

OPINION: I loved this book. There is some angst, but this book, as so many of Long’s books are — is a meditation on love, giving and sacrifice.

I loved Magnus. He appears at first the stern war hero, but we quickly discover his soft, gooey heart beneath the stern exterior. His journey from an unwanted orphan to respected colonel shapes him deeply, but Long reveals his vulnerable heart with expert care. Every scene peels back another layer of this complex man who yearns for love but fears it simultaneously.

Alexandra is his perfect match—strong, intelligent, and willing to face their shared past honestly. What I particularly appreciated was how the story avoided unnecessary drama. Magnus and Alexandra made mistakes in their past, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing how they each contributed to their failed marriage. Yet perhaps only now, with years of growth between them, can they truly see and understand each other.

The story’s strength lies in its intimate focus. Long doesn’t waste time on unnecessary plot devices, instead crafting a beautifully claustrophobic narrative in which Magnus and Alexandra spend time together, learning about each other through shared meals, conversations, and adventures at the Palace. Their gradual rediscovery of each other through these quiet moments and delightful escapades feels genuine and weighty.

The emotional intimacy between them is breathtaking—Long writes the scenes where they are together with such beauty and raw emotion.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book has some great humor — donkey races and ghosts.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE BEAST TAKES A BRIDE is the 8th book in the Palace of Rogues series. While it stands alone perfectly, familiarity with previous books enhances appreciation of the boarding house setting and its delightfully eccentric residents.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in order to assist in writing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

five-stars

Review: Remember When

Review: Remember WhenRemember When (includes In Death, #17.5) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #17.5
Published by Berkley on January 15, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 460
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: This is duology that combines a present-and-future story. When read together, it is a clever and engaging blend of contemporary romance (Roberts) and futuristic mystery (Robb). This crossover showcases Nora Roberts’ versatility as an author and provides a link between her two writing personas.

THE STORY: The book is divided into two parts. In the first, set in the present, Laine Tavish, the respectable owner of an antique shop, finds her past catching up with her when her criminal father’s old partner shows up looking for hidden diamonds. She teams up with Max Gannon, an insurance investigator, to solve the mystery and keep herself safe.

The second part, set in Eve Dallas’ future New York, follows the granddaughter of Laine and Max as she becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding the same diamonds. Eve must solve a murder and prevent more deaths while unraveling a decades-old puzzle.

OPINION: REMEMBER WHEN is a unique entry that brilliantly bridges Roberts’ contemporary romance world with her futuristic In Death series. The structure of the book is refreshing and adds an extra layer of intrigue to both stories. The contemporary portion showcases Roberts’ skill in crafting engaging romance with a touch of suspense. Laine and Max’s relationship develops naturally amidst the danger, with their chemistry and banter providing a perfect counterpoint to the tension of the diamond hunt. The transition to the futuristic In Death story works well, and it’s fascinating to see how the consequences of the first story play out in Eve’s time. The In Death portion delivers the usual mix of clever detective work and character moments that I have come to expect.

This book is unique because it ties together both parts of Roberts’ writing identity. Seeing the connections between the two time periods adds depth to both stories and provides longtime readers with a treat. I especially enjoyed how the tone of the books changed — it was almost like two different writers collaborated. The pacing in both stories is well-handled, with each story feeling complete while also being part of a larger whole.

WORTH MENTIONING: Although originally published in this combo format, it has also been divided into its separate parts and sold separately — “Hot Rocks” by Nora Roberts and “Big Jack” by J.D. Robb.

CONNECTED BOOKS: REMEMBER WHEN is a standalone in terms of the contemporary story. The futuristic portion fits into the IN DEATH series but can be read on its own. However, readers familiar with the In Death series will get more out of the character interactions in the second half.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars