You Were Made To Be Mine by Julie Anne Long

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was highly conflicted by this book. The first half of the book moved slowly, and so much was going on with so many characters that it got confusing at times. Christian and Aurelie do not meet until thirty percent into the book. There was too much setup in the first half. Also, there is a significant trigger warning with this book which I felt should have been disclosed in the blurb/synopsis.

That being said, here is why I gave the novel four stars. Once the couple meets, the story kicks into a new gear. Some of the scenes between Christian and Aurelie are exquisitely romantic. Christian is an older, experienced spymaster trying to get his life back together after a harrowing three years. Aurelie is young and disillusioned, running from an abomination done to her by her fiancé. Christian is paid to find Aurelie, but everything changes when the two meet.

There is a passage in the novel that says the couple felt as if they had always loved each other; the quality of the romantic dialogue and vivid description of the sweetly passionate love scenes convinced me of the truth of that statement. My heart broke and soared at the achingly sweet way Christian is with Aurelie. Aurelie’s trust in Christian is all-encompassing. These are two damaged people who have been through tremendous trauma and pain that find the cleansing and healing power of unconditional love. I fell head over heels in love with Christian and Aurelie’s journey to happiness.

You Were Made To Be Mine is the fifth book in The Palace Of Rogues series. This book started on the wrong foot; however, once Christian and Aurelie meet, we discover a sensual, pure love between two lost souls. The last thirty percent of the book is romantic writing at its best. Julie Anne Long has created hauntingly tragic characters who live and breathe and learn to trust and love. The romantic connection in this novel is phenomenal; that is why I gave it four stars. I understand it is a slow start going in, but I believe this is a romance well worth reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Release Date: June 28, 2022