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Member Reviews
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I’ve been loving Christy’s books, so I was really excited to see that she was starting a new series.
I loved Alexandra and Ben. They’re both hardworking and good, but also lonely. They have an instant interest that organically morphs into more and I loved reading them work together to solve the case. Of course, I could have done with a bit more conversation between them as it didn’t quite feel like they actually knew that much about each other, but it was also easy to overlook.
Plot wise, it’s good. I enjoyed the different layers of the case and how each piece of it played the part. Ben listening to Alexandra and letting her decide for herself was an added bonus and it was even better when she didn’t quite listen to his “demands”.
Overall, this was a quick read that had me hooked from the start. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series plays out and I’ll be over here hoping we get more of these two in the next books.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
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If you're a fan of National Treasure, you'll love this book! From the start I was hooked, likely because I'm such a sucker for a looked-over bluestocking hellbent on solving a mystery. This book was so easy to get into and I think that has a lot to do with the character and the fun trying to uncover a jewelry heist plot. While there's a bit of instalust with Allie and Ben, they also have a lot in common and I don't mind the instalust when it's followed by actual moments of getting to know each other deeper. And these two definitely have those moments in this book. They understand each other and bond at such a fundamental level, it's easy to see how this instant-attraction turned into true love. I also love that neither of the protagonists were interested in finding love or marriage and truly were caught by surprise when this happened to them.
Fun mystery with an even better romance threaded throughout! I think this might be my favorite book by this author and for sure one of my favorite heist-related historical romances. I've already preorded this book and am so excited to dive in again. I think this is one that is easily re-readable and I'm even more excited to see where Carlyle takes this series. I really hope we get to see more from the Prince family- as I'm obsessed with this idea of a family of antique hunting experts!
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Miss Alexandra Prince is left to keep the family’s antique shop going while her siblings head off on an expedition. When she overhears a group of suspicious individuals arguing about a plan to steal the Crown Jewels, she has a gut feeling that it cannot be ignored. Detective Inspector Benedict Drake initially thinks the scheme is ludicrous and not worthy of investigation, but problems related to Miss Prince keep adding up and tying into another case he's working.
This is the first book in the Princes of London series, likely revolving around the three Prince siblings. I thought the book suffered from a dry start due to the set up, but thankfully found its legs several chapters in once the main characters had more interaction. I liked Allie and Ben's chemistry and the intrigue surrounding the case and her shop, but the conclusion felt a little lackluster. Nonetheless, I think fans of the PBS show Miss Scarlett and The Duke will enjoy this story. 3.5 stars
Tropes: Spy/Govt Work, Working Heroine, Grumpy/Sunshine-ish
Steam: 1
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review
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I didn't get to this one, unfortunately, but I'm giving it five stars for the cover and for how much I know I would have enjoyed it.
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Yes! I loved, loved, loved this!
Carlyle delivered with this series (hopefully!) starter. We have a fun heist plot, opposites attract, mystery and romance?! What's not to love?
Allie and Ben were a lot of fun. I couldn't put the book down. Their interactions were very entertaining. Think Rick and Evie from The Mummy or Ben and Abigail from National Treasure. That's the dynamic these two have. Plus the romance gets quite steamy!
The plot is full of mystery, adventure and heist hijinks. I really had a great time.
A delightful historical romance for readers looking for books with vibes of National Treasure or just want a fun adventure historical romance.
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This just wasn't right for me right now. It could have been me. It could have been the book. I just know that 8 chapters in, they had gotten coffee and had some surface convos and I needed more plot.
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This was a cute read. I like both Alex and Drake. Alex is the sibling that never gets to do anything fun, and when she least expects it she finds herself involved in some sort of vendetta against Drake. Drake is an investigator trying to do his best so he can finally get the promotion he yearns for, but little does he know Alex will be the one to help him find the man that’s been terrorizing the crown. Alex has the time of his life her life while her oldest siblings are on an expedition, and wants to be on her own but that doesn’t work with Drake. He doesn’t want to own her but he does. I kept hoping that Drake turned out to be a real Duke lol. I also liked one of the latter characters in their bicycle club, her sarcasm about marriage had me laughing.
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When Allie overhears a plot to steal the crown jewels, she runs to tell the police. Detective Inspector Ben Drake believes she is an intelligent and pretty young woman whom he can trust to tell the truth. They eventually learn that this is connected to the same person Ben has been investigating for other crimes. Spending time together, they feel a mutual attraction. Ben, however, is a workaholic who is determined to solve the case and tries to deny his feelings for Allie. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon for my honest review.
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Thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Carlyle's new Princes Of London series. Detective Inspector Benedict Drake is aka "Duke" and store owner Alexandra Prince have great chemistry together. They are both over-looked; Duke by his boss and Alexandra by her siblings, but when they see each other, nothing is over-looked. They both have an affect on the other in unexpected ways, and when they finally give in, it's life changing. He truly 'sees' her and she sees his potential, no judgements by either one. Looking forward to more in this series. Carlyle writes
I enjoyed the nod to Miss Scarlet and the Duke with fellow detective "Fitzroy."
Favorite quote "Love is not measured in length of acquaintance."
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DNF 40%
This book is moving too slow for to me to continue. I’m trying not to force myself to read books I don’t want to and I was really pushing myself to finish this one. Somehow for me the romance and mystery aspects don’t blend well. The romance lacks depth and seems a little sudden as Allie and Benedict haven’t know each other long. Then the mystery is a little interesting but not moving the story along. I’m surprised the Inspector, who is so meticulous, would be so agreeing in looking into the possible jewelry heist from a non-reliable source like Allie. Sadly, it’s a no for me.
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Alexandra ‘Allie’ Prince was a sickly child, so while her siblings were off exploring with their father she was left at home. Now she is the one who is managing the family’s antique shop and wishing she could join her siblings on their adventures.
Benedict Drake is a detective inspector at Scotland Yard and known as ‘Duke’ to the other inspectors. He takes his job very serious and is working just as hard to get his promotion.
Allie and Drake’s path cross when she goes to Scotland Yard after hearing of a possible attempt on the Crown Jewels. Allie is directed to Drake’s office to file her report and he is immediately skeptical of what she is telling him since she can’t identify any of the people involved. Let the romance and possible crime solving adventure begin!!
I really enjoy reading Christi Carlyle books and this one definitely did not disappoint!! I like that there was a good mixture of both romance and crime solving with both Drake and Allie helping each other along the way. I instantly fell in love with both Drake and Allie’s characters and loved reading their love story and how they find their path forward together!! This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one!! I highly recommend this book!!
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National treasure meets late Victorian romance? Sign me up.
Some of the introspection and exposition slowed the pace. I often found myself wishing Allie or Drake would stop thinking about doing something and just go do it. But once the action got moving, the story progresses well and the development of their attraction and relationship is very believable. Allie’s fear of being left behind due to childhood illness was underdeveloped. The mystery was good even though the ending was rushed, but I wish the hint of a National Treasure-esque heist in the description hadn’t been used because this story was nothing like that.
Some historical and title errors and homonym errors distracted me. Still, I liked this author’s voice and I’ll read the next in the series.
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This was a miss for me. It was a book that seemed as though it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a romance or a mystery & so both parts suffered because of it.
The romance was far too insta-love for my tastes. Lots of the romances I read have the couples fall in love very quickly but the heroine's suggestion to the hero seemed very out of character & his instant acquiescence also seemed out of character. There had to be another way to get these two people together without the machinations the author used.
The mystery (when finally solved at the end of the book) left so many things unanswered as to how things had been accomplished. It was all just too implausible.
The writing was fine, but the concept didn't work.
What a shame.
If it sounds like I'm being vague in this review I am as I don't wish to give away any spoilers. The things I had problems with may not bother another reader.
Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for an advance copy of this title.
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"The Duke and Lady Scandal" by Christy Carlyle
I really enjoyed the romance that bloomed in this first of a new series, but the mystery was even more entertaining to uncover.
A great choice!
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The Duke and Lady Scandal by Christy Carlyle is a captivating return to everything that makes historical romance so enchanting. Amid the growing shift to sci-fi love stories, this novel holds fast to the sweeping themes of passion, honor, and vulnerability that define the genre. Carlyle masterfully weaves scandal and intrigue with a tender love story that will resonate with readers who adore the timelessness of historical romance. This is undoubtedly one of the best books of 2025, a true testament to enduring love stories.
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Sweet Allie seems to have been left behind by her siblings. She wants adventure and fun but instead she is the one who stays home to take care of the family’s shop while her siblings travel. Allie is at the right place at the right time to overhear a possible plot to steal the crown jewels. Adventure finds her. Sharing this information with Scotland Yard detective Benedict Drake, is a fantastic beginning.
I loved their romance and journey of self-discovery. Drake enjoys and appreciates Allie’s forthrightness and love of life. He does not tire of her and how she stays involved in the investigation until it becomes dangerous. This book does seem to have some of what I think of as modern-day conveniences. For example, from the issue of the family shop being next door to a Starbucks-like coffee shop to let’s go to dinner and talk. Regardless, this is a great read and beginning to A Prince’s of London series.
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This book was nuts. Christy I apologize, I was unfamiliar with your game. Alexandra and Drake were such a fun couple to read about. Their chemistry was CHEMISTRY-ING; by the time they got together I was gnawing at the bit waiting for one of them to make a move. I love a historical with a ~mystery~, so reading about why Alexandra was being targeted (and how Drake was protecting her, swoon) added a great element to the novel. It added a level of stakes that I love in these kinds of books, and the threat of violence was real! I was so invested in every character's safety! The scene at the end where Alexandra is like "oh yeah this hot man is my betrothed" to her family was hysterical. The bluestocking x catch of a man trope works for me every time.
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
Refreshing to read a historical romance with middle class characters at the center, loved that!
Fast paced and fun romp, would like to read more from this author.
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Christy Carlyle is one of my favorite historical romance authors and I'm so excited she's back with a new series! This first book introduces us to the Prince family and getting to read Alexandria's story was such a pleasure. Alexandria is daring and intrepid and speaks without giving much thought first and that's what makes her so lovable. I loved Ben and his story as a working class hero; we don't get too many of those in historical romance, Overall a very sweet romance -though I wish we had held out the tension just a little. The couple is pretty much together by the 50% mark but Christy Carlyle's writing is so good you still can't put the book down!
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This was a fast paced and interesting story. The characters were relatable and had a lot of heart. I would definitely look forward to more books by this author.