The Duke and Lady Scandal (Princes of London #1)
Christy Carlyle
In the swoon-worthy opener of her Princes of London series, Christy Carlyle takes readers on a breathless chase through Victorian London as a wild bluestocking from a family of treasure hunters and a handsome, serious gentleman from the Scotland Yard butt heads while attempting to thwart a plot to steal the Crown Jewels, inspired by National Treasure. Alexandra Prince is clever, outspoken, and, yes, perhaps a bit impulsive. Yet she’s always been overshadowed by her siblings. While they are off on adventurous expeditions, she’s the one left to keep the family’s antique shop going while she works on a book about lady pirates—and longs for an adventure of her own. When she overhears a group of suspicious customers whispering about a plan to steal the Crown Jewels, she knows it’s her opportunity to shine. But she needs a little help. Detective Inspector Benedict Drake takes his duties at Scotland Yard seriously. In fact, he takes almost everything seriously. Except for the breathless beauty who crashes into his office to tell him about a ludicrous scheme to steal the Crown Jewels. Despite his turning her away, she keeps popping up wherever he goes, and he’s not sure whether she’s determined to cause a scandal or is trying to drive him to distraction. Just when he thinks he’s rid of her, an event compels him to believe her account, and he begrudgingly enlists her aid to thwart the theft of the century. But while thieves seek the Crown Jewels, the troublesome bluestocking he can’t seem to keep away from might just steal his heart…
Publication Year: 2025
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Alexandra Prince has always wanted to tag along on her family's archeological adventures, but due to childhood illness she's used to being left behind. This time, however, she's left in charge of her family's antiques shop. While visiting the coffeeshop next door, she overhears a group of scoundrels ostensibly planning to steal the crown jewels. Alexandra immediately takes the threat seriously and heads to Scotland Yard to inform the authorities. Enter Inspector Benedict Drake (known as "Duke", which is kind of a nonsensical nickname BUT titles with Duke in them sell well so more power to Carlyle for finding a creative way to incorporate it). Drake is on the fast track to leadership and impatient to impress his boss, so although he thinks Alexandra is a bit nuts, he decides to check out her tip. She's also HOT, which helps. As they investigate, the two bicker a lot, which is always fun! It's a lot of this trope: she's competent and wants to help but he wants her to stay out of danger, so she intervenes and it ends up being good that she did, which he finds exasperating but also bewitching. Ben and Alexandra are great characters, but I found the side characters and associated side plots lacking. Ben's boss is trying to set him up with his daughter (which would secure Ben a future promotion), and the two are just cardboard cut-outs. I also didn't understand the villain's motivations or character at all. The romance is definitely the best part so if that's what you're here for, you'll be pleased! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
0More cozy mystery than historical romance, this is a quick, easy listen.
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