This book was difficult to get into and did not hold my attention. I was surprised by this, Julia London is usually much more readable than this.

First, the advanced reader copy I downloaded had formatting problems with the first 2 chapters being repeated 3 times. It was tempting not to even bother to read this book, but I did continue reading. I would hope that any and all glitches will be fixed by publication. In addition, the opening chapter about Eliza Tricklebank's father was not necessary in my opinion. All that info could have easily been teased out during the story. It felt like an info dump which is never a good thing to keep a reader engaged.

I found the story between Eliza and Prince Sebastian to be almost comical and not really romantic. For them to even have any interactions beyond the first ball seemed far-fetched, but with the murder of Sebastian's private secretary, Sebastian kept seeking Eliza's help. Evidently he felt she was the only one who would honestly express her opinions to him. I had figured out who the murderer was early on, but there was a bit of a twist at the end that was a little surprising. While this book was not my favorite, I will definitely pick up the next book in the series as I enjoy Ms. London's books.

This one took a while for me to get in to. I don’t like that the love interest brushes off the main character to go have sex with another woman at the beginning of the book (after the meet-cute!). That is a trope I despise, especially in historical romance, because we see the man sleep with someone (usually a prostitute/mistress) while the main character remains virginal and chaste until he comes along with all his knowledge to initiate her into the sensuality club. Blech. I realize that historical romance novels use this trope to highlight characteristics of the time but it’s fiction. And as a historian, I can tell you that women were having sex too. Anyway, despite that scene almost turning me away, the book progresses as the characters work together to solve a murder and slowly fall in love.

This was a pretty good read for me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. What happens when a smart, opinionated woman who cares for her blind father, has some pretty well-placed friends, and a sister who owns a gossip magazine whose focus is the shenanigans of "the ton", and a prince from another country who is forced to look for a wife while in England negotiating a deal that will mean a lot to his country financially all collide? It turns into a pretty interesting story with a murder mystery included.

Prince Sebastian does not want to get married though he knows he is required to marry as another branch of his family is pushing to take over the throne in his country. Eliza sees her life as pretty much well-written at this point and is excited when she gets a chance to go to a masquerade ball where she just might get a chance to meet a prince. Unlike all of the other eligible single women at the ball who hope to be the Prince Sebastian's new princess and future queen, Eliza just wants to meet a prince. When the Prince's secretary is murdered the entire visit is turned on its head as Prince Sebastian tries to solve the mystery that the English police are not that interested in solving, the negotiations continue for the deal that Sebastian is trying to make, and several "titled" women vie for the prince's proposal. The Princess Plan ends up a state of total confusion with some hilarious moments and a sweet romance. The review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com.

3.5 I tend to like Julia London's books and this was in keeping with her others, if perhaps a bit more silly and tongue in cheek. The plot involves a prince of a made-up country coming to negotiate a trade deal and falling for an on-the-shelf spinster who treats him like an actual person. I really enjoyed the heroine in this one, even if I was less sure about the why of her attraction to the prince. While not my favorite of London's books, this was a satisfying read.

I’ll admit. I was a little uncertain about the idea of a prince trope, but Julia London pulled it off beautifully. 3.5 stars! I loved both the hero and heroine!

If I ever have a chance to live a fairy tale, let it be like this one!

Eliza is a spinster and a commoner. Sebastian is a Prince. Where one is ignored, the other is fawned over.

Sebastian has come to England on business and to secure what he wants, he will need to choose an influential bride. What he does not expect is the murder of his most trusted friend and to find an undying love with someone who can never truly be his.

Eliza has come to be content with the life she has been given. That is, until she meets Prince Sebastian. As she becomes a confidant and friend to him, they become so much closer. Knowing nothing can come of their acquaintance does not stop her yearning to have so much more.

Is it possible for a prince and commoner to have more than just a dalliance? Or is it all one big fairy tale?

This is a beautifully written romance that put stars in my eyes and a fire in my heart.

The beginning may have been a little slow but once you get past that, the story that unfolds is magical ! I was swept away and held captive by this story until the very end. It left me breathless with anticipation.

The courtship between Prince Sebastian and Eliza is tentative, sweet and romantic. Sigh!
I loved reading every second of their fall into love. Sebastian’s character is honest and genuine. He is caring, thoughtful and honest in everything he does. Eliza may have come to accept her place in the world but that does not mean she is meek or docile. Indeed not. She is outspoken and has no care for other’s opinions of her.

There is no over-the-top drama. Just an amazing story and memorable characters. The story at times was so poignant it made my heart flutter.

I need more! I loved this couple, their journey and the intrigue surrounding the murder! Sadly, there is no epilogue and I am BEREFT. I could use just a few more paragraphs of this couple’s story.

This amazing read had me walking on clouds and now I’m a little hesitant to be dropped back down to earth. In the meantime, I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Princess Plan by Julia London is a fun Cinderella story with a murder mystery to solve rather than a glass slipper. It has some sexy scenes but none of them too explicit so it can be recommended to patrons who prefer less explicit books. And I would be one of those to recommend this book.

This was a fun if predictable book. The characters were genial and okay, but I didn't feel a zing when I was reading this book. Don't get me wrong - it's another strong novel by Ms London - it's just not my favorite one of hers.

A woman who is unwed by a certain age is generally ignored by society, for she has no prospects or lack of a dowry. Eliza Tricklebank was betrayed by love. She currently works for a ladies gazette, repairs clocks, and is intelligent. She was excited to meet a prince, more specifically Prince Sebastian of Alucia, who has come to England to work out trade agreements and find a wife. Sebastian wants to keep his country from war, but does not want a wife, yet it is a part that he agreed to in order to complete the trade agreements. He has never met a woman who talks back to him, but Eliza believes him to be rude and gives him quite a set down. Sebastian needs Eliza’s help to figure out who murdered his personal secretary and friend. Eliza provides good insight and Sebastian finds himself wanting to spend more time in her presence. But a prince cannot marry a commoner and the killer needs to be found otherwise war will breakout.

I received an advanced reader’s copy copy in exchange for an honest review

Quite an intricate plot but very little heat. I’m old school and I like my characters to make out early. No sizzle for a good chuck of the book

This did not work for me. I like historical fiction for similar reasons as fantasy - both let me get immersed in another world. However, I didn't like the ways this skirted the boundaries of historical fiction and went fantastical. I didn't like the made up country (which I have liked in other contexts, most notably A Brief History of Montmaray) and I didn't find the romance believable or compelling. Eliza's backstory was good, but the meet cute fell flat for me and I never bought any of the subsequent chemistry. All the characters felt more like archetypes than fully fleshed out people, and the mystery was dull and unsurprising.

Delightful. A most unusual story about finding true love. Evil in the court, family and friendships that last a lifetime.
Eliza is a wonderful woman who has suffered extreme humiliation and heartbreak. She has recovered and become a quirky, Intelligent and talented woman. Prince Sebastian has big problems in both business and personal life. All of that makes a great story. Touching and romantic. Lovely.

2.5 stars

With her slightly scandalous past and spinster status, Eliza’s blunt, opinionated and a rather quirky self had minimal-okay nil- marital chances. But have no fear, Eliza could, and did, find ways to stumble ways into the spotlight without any trouble at all. Her accidental meeting with Prince Sebastian, leads to an unexpected murder investigation, an unplanned attraction, and a large, looming decision on the Prince’s part.

Prince Sebastian was a lost, floundering prince. He was fighting an uphill battle regarding his preset future, disliking the restraints his birth has placed him in. Befriending Eliza helps him see issues more clearly, due to her pragmatic nature, but he still waffles over what he wants versus what he needs to do.

I wanted to like Eliza, but she was over-the-top in terms of personality. Too outspoken and extremely impetuous to the point of annoying, some parts could have been toned down so Eliza didn’t always feel in my face. She wore me out by the end of the book with her antics. I’d also like to say Sebastian was likable, except Eliza dominated every scene they were in together, and three days after finishing the book, I still can’t tell you much about him.

The Princess Plan is the first book in A Royal Wedding series. The positive-the cover is gorgeous with the blues and purples! While I really wanted to like the story, this was a total case of ‘it’s me, not you’.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An enjoyable story though rather improbable. Set in Victorian England with the prince of a make believe country visiting for trade agreements and seeking a wife and he falls for a commoner.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.