After Dark With The Duke By Julie Anne Long -

by Julie Anne Long is the fourth book in the Palace of Rogues series, and it’s a masterclass in the "grumpy/sunshine" and "enemies-to-lovers" tropes.

The story follows , a spirited and independent woman who has retreated to the Grand Palace on the Thames to find her footing. There, she encounters James Bond, the Duke of Groundsworth (yes, his name is actually James Bond). He is a formidable, stern war hero seeking solitude to grapple with his own demons and the weight of his responsibilities. Why It Stands Out: After Dark with the Duke by Julie Anne Long

Because they are both staying at the same boarding house, the forced proximity creates a delicious, slow-burn tension. by Julie Anne Long is the fourth book

Beyond the romance, it’s a story about two people who feel out of place in society finding a "home" in each other. He is a formidable, stern war hero seeking

Long is known for her sharp, lyrical dialogue. Marianne and James’s verbal sparring is both intelligent and deeply flirtatious.

It’s often cited by fans as one of the strongest entries in the series because of the sheer chemistry between the leads.