Princes of London, Book 1
From the publisher:
Action-Packed Historical Fiction with a Grumpy Hero, Uncover the Plot to Steal the Crown Jewels!
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…
“For the launch of her new Victorian Princes of London series, Carlyle serves up a cleverly conceived romance that seamlessly blends a danger-infused plot with an engaging cast of characters that includes a charming heroine with a penchant for historical female pirates, a smolderingly sexy, career-driven hero, and a villain who could double for Moriarty.” — Booklist
“Carlyle starts a new Victorian-set romance-adventure series about Detective Inspector Benedict Drake, an ambitious, determined police officer, and Alexandra Prince, the smart, equally determined aspiring adventurer and proprietor of her family’s antique shop . . . Carlyle’s fans will be delighted, and those who enjoy historicals but also want adventure romances will be happy to find this series launch.”—Library Journal
“A plot to steal the Crown Jewels animates this rip-roaring Princes of London series launch from Carlyle . . . Carlyle makes her progressive leads perfectly matched: dogged detective Ben values Allie as his intellectual equal, and plucky bluestocking Allie loosens him up a bit. This is a promising start.”—Publishers Weekly
“A fast-paced Victorian romance packed with as much criminality as chemistry.” —Kirkus Reviews
Alexandra “Allie” Pierce grew up in a family of adventurous antique dealers, but her childhood illness kept her home while her siblings traveled the world in search of treasures. Now an adult, she manages the family shop while her older brother and sister continue their globe-trotting antiquities hunts. Years of being left behind have left Allie restless and hungry for her own adventure, though her experiences have also forged her into a strong, independent woman.
Everything changes when Allie overhears a conversation at the neighboring coffee shop—strangers discussing plans to steal the crown jewels. Despite her brother’s warnings about jumping to conclusions, her instincts tell her this threat is real. She marches into Scotland Yard demanding to speak with someone in charge.
That someone is Detective Ben “Duke” Drake, a by-the-book investigator who dismisses Allie’s story as fantasy. Ben has worked hard to rise above his impoverished background and dreams of becoming Chief Inspector. He’s not sure whether this case connects to his ongoing blackmail investigation—or whether he’s simply drawn to the spirited woman before him.
When one of the men from Allie’s overheard conversation visits her antique shop asking about gem cutting, and someone later breaks in, Ben finally takes her seriously. As he investigates the jewel theft and its potential connection to his other case, he and Allie grow closer.
Ben’s difficult past drives his commitment to justice and making a difference in the world. Allie, who never planned on marriage and values her independence, finds herself powerfully attracted to the detective. In a bold move that reflects her direct nature, she confesses her feelings and proposes they have an affair.
The story shines in Ben’s character development—watching him evolve from a single-minded, career-focused detective to a man whose priorities shift after meeting Allie. With strong characters, a slightly steamy romance, action, and intrigue, this story delivers on multiple fronts. Carlyle consistently delivers engaging reads that satisfy on every level.
7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle. Avon (April 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063347342. 368p.
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