This is the 6th book in the Palace of Rogues series and admittedly I've only read a few (not all) so it could be that I've missed something that I don't know but ultimately I enjoyed this book and thought Long did a great job of setting the stage with these characters specifically while still integrating them into the day to day world at the Grand Palace on the Thames.

I loved both Daphne and Lorcan. They have their own backstories but when they inadvertently cross paths one evening and find themselves sheltering together at the Grand Palace, despite their different backgrounds, they find some common ground to establish a bit of a friendship and then ultimately something more.

As a Lady, Daphne grew up taking care of her family's household when her mother passed away and she has always done everything for everyone else. When she finds herself in London trying to earn money to pay off her father's gambling debts, she crosses Lorcan's path and this is the catalyst to truly seeing how her father has been taking advantage of her. She comes off as a bit of a pushover too but I think it's more so the fact that she just wants to give those around her what they need to be happy (as evidenced by her breakup with Henry).

Lorcan grew up on the streets of St. Giles and he's been a smuggler and a privateer so he hasn't necessarily led a life that many men would support. When he finds himself staying in a suite with a Lady, his true colors come out and he is able to show Daphne how she matters. I loved the coffee and scones ritual and the fact that he got her a birthday present...and what he got her...it was perfect. I appreciated how Lorcan challenged Daphne's perceptions too and helped her to recognize who she wanted to be.

There were some chapters from the other character's points of view and it added to the story but I think had I read more books in this series, I might have gotten more out of them. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one but definitely determine if you want to jump into the late stages of a series if you haven't read the others yet. I have heard great things about the others so based on that, I would recommend picking this up.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.