Game of Rogues by Julie Anne Long: My Book Review

Julie Anne Long is one of my go-to historical romance authors and she dazzles again with her latest release, Game of Rogues. Check out my book review below to see why this was one of my most anticipated new romance books of 2026.

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Game of Rogues Summary:

One disastrous night. One devastating man. One diabolical proposition.

Gabriel Marchand ruthlessly fought his way up from the gutters of St. Giles to preside over London’s most exclusive gaming hell. Few dare cross him. But when a young earl gambles away his inheritance, Marchand makes an enemy: a woman with wit like a dagger and the softest eyes he’s ever seen.

Spend a night in his bed, and he’ll call off the debt. This is the offer he makes Guinevere Woodville, the earl’s sister, when she blames him for her brother’s disaster. She’d rather die, of course. But when their seething enmity gives way to sizzling attraction at The Grand Palace on the Thames, his offer haunts them. Soon it seems a matter of not if, but when.

It’s not long before Ginny is facing two stark truths: the so-called worst man in London is the best man she’s ever known….and keeping him would mean losing everything and everyone else she loves. But Marchand has one final card to play…and losing everything is a risk he’s willing to take if it means a chance to love her forever.

Game of Rogues: My Review

Julie Anne Long is a master at her craft. I consider it a privilege to read her words. Game of Rogues is full of yearning, exquisite banter, hilarity, and feeling that I come to anticipate and devour in every Julie Anne Long book!

If Julie Anne Long is writing a book, I’m reading it. It’s that plain and simple because she is truly an artist at her craft and she is one of the BIGGEST reasons why I love reading historical romance. I have devoured her Palace of Rogues series and Game of Rogues is just a masterful addition to an already fantastic series that only gets better and better.

Even if I wasn’t already a Julie Anne Long fan, I would have snatched this book right up based on its summary. A woman who tries to clean up her brother’s mess is presented with an offer of spending a night in a man’s bed….um, yes I want to see how that plays out and it was AMAZING.

I love a strong heroine in historical romance and Ginny is absolutely a woman to root for. She has been carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders ever since her parents died when she was sixteen. Of course that means putting her siblings’ happiness before her own and now possibly her reputation as well.

Ginny is a force and yet is so human in her reactions, responses and desires throughout the story. She wasn’t a damsel in distress but someone who was determined to find any answer to her family’s predicament.

Gabriel is equally as compelling and has so many layers to love about him. I definitely have a soft spot for men who come up from nothing and the more that you learn about him, the more you will fall hard. He is definitely in a position of power when it comes to Ginny but under his business acumen and staunch business principles, is a kind man who fell hard for the woman who was his perfect equal in every way.

The way that Ginny’s (and Gabriel’s) predicament unfolds is also a delight and I loved how surprised I was how everything played out!

It’s always so fun to return to the Grand Palace on the Thames which offers the perfect forced proximity for Ginny and Gabriel when they aren’t off galivanting to solve her brother’s gambling debt. I LOVED the brief moments with Dot who is just as effervescent and charming as ever in this book whether she’s dancing through rainbows in a room or naming her chess pieces as she plays Mr. Delacorte. There’s always a unique, new guest at the Grand Palace as well and this book’s little guest provided cute hilarity.

Julie Anne Long’s books are such a breath of fresh air whenever I read them. It’s such a pleasure to sink into her words which convey so much thought and feeling and swoon that I can be laughing one moment and tearing up the next.

Game of Rogues is such a delight. You don’t want to miss it!

*I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

More Books by Julie Anne Long:

• The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
• I’m Only Wicked With You by Julie Anne Long

Related Book Lists:

• Best Historical Romance Books
• Best Historical Romance Series
• Best Historical Romance Authors to Read Right Now

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