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.