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…
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Sexual Content - 3/5
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Violence - 1/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
Review of "Princes of London" by Donna F
The first book in the new series, "Princes of London," introduces readers to Allie, the youngest sibling in a family that owns an antiquities shop. While her brother and sister embark on thrilling adventures, Allie is left to manage the shop, feeling somewhat inadequate compared to her overachieving siblings.
The plot takes a turn when Allie overhears a conversation about stealing the crown jewels at her favorite coffee shop. She reports the potential crime to Scotland Yard, where she meets Detective Inspector Benedict "Duke" Drake. Duke takes her tip seriously and begins investigating the matter himself. As the investigation progresses, Allie and Duke develop an intriguing chemistry, and it becomes apparent that what Allie heard might be connected to another case Duke is working on. The story is filled with action, mystery, and captivating secondary characters, including Duke's sister, who I hope will get her own book in the future.
While I enjoyed the romance and the mystery, I felt that a couple of red herrings should have been resolved rather than left hanging. This lack of closure was a bit disappointing, but perhaps future books in the series will address these loose ends. Despite this, I am eager to read the next installment in the series and see where the story goes.