Poor Ben- he never expected Hurricane Allie to swoop in and destroy the life he thought he wanted. His stoic lifestyle and dreams of being a Cheir Inspector were lost the minute Allie swept through his door. I absolutely ADORED Allie and her bluntness. Her fidgety nature and independence is my type of heroine! The writing style gives just enough description without overloading the senses and the twists and turns kept the story rivieting! The villain’s reveal was quite a shock , though an understanding of why would have been nice. Clear your calendar as this is one of those books you WILL NOT want to put down. For a little girl who was always left behind- she surely got her adventure!

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

When Alexandra’s siblings leave her to mind the family antique shop while they’re treasure hunting, she finds herself involved in the hunt for London’s most notorious jewelry thief. Also on the thief’s tail is Detective Inspector Benedict Drake, nicknamed Duke. Ben initially does not want Alexandra’s help but as she is the one to keep finding and figuring out clues, he has no choice but to work with her, and the growing attraction between the pair is an added bonus.

I read this book in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon and it was perfect for that. The book moved very quickly and established this new series well (the next two books should follow Alexandra’s siblings). I’m not a big fan of mysteries taking over my romance novels, but this one moved well enough that I didn’t mind it. I liked the side characters and I could really feel the connection between Alexandra and Ben.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! The easy banter and relationship between the two main characters was perfect - I continued to find myself physically smiling while reading this. I love both their personalities. Hoping this was just the first novel of many in this series ♥️

Tropes: MMC is a detective; opposites attract; MC's solve a mystery together
Steam level: 2-3

3.75 stars rounded up. This isn't a perfect HR/mystery, but I was drawn in right away by the cover and was charmed by the MC's, Allie and Ben. They're both relatable, fairly intelligent with differences they're able to work through, and they have a mutually supportive, low-angst relationship. Maybe their relationship comes together a bit too quickly, and the dark aspects of Ben's past are never fully explored, but I've read so many "enemies to lovers" HR's recently where the angst is OTT and feels manufactured. This was a bit of a breath of fresh air. The world building is strong and the secondary characters are well developed, with a couple of exceptions (mentioned in the final paragraph).

The mystery aspect was inventive in places, but it did get a tad unnecessarily convoluted and wasn't quite what I'd expected. At the same time, it was a bit too easy to figure out what was going on with the baddie. There were moments of tension toward the end that did work, but the tone overall remained light.

I did feel as if there were lose ends left hanging, especially involving Ben's relationship with his boss at Scotland Yard, Haverstock. Haverstock has supposedly been a support to Ben in the past but the reader never sees this supportive side. Haverstock apparently knows who Ben's father is and is pressuring Ben to marry his daughter (a very underdeveloped character), but this isn't sufficiently resolved by the end of the book. Ben and Haverstock have a fraught conversation around the 70% mark that seems to imply the plot is going to move in a direction it doesn't; in fact, Haverstock disappears from the storyline entirely. It felt as if the author/publisher decided to take the book in a completely different direction. I was left wondering if these issues will be resolved in the next entry in the series?

Overall, this is a charming, "low-key sexy" HR with mystery elements that were fun but didn't build up to what I expected. I rounded up for the overall writing style and the MC's.

I wish I liked this one more than I actually liked it, which was sad for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters and found their relationship a little too instalove for my tastes. The mystery aspect didn’t bring much suspense for me. I will admit to being extremely stressed out due to external factors while reading this, so that could have impacted my overall engagement while reading too.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!

A romantic suspenseful mystery set in Victorian times? In my experience, this could be a hit, or just as easily be a miss…

Well, this was definitely a hit and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read an early copy of The Duke and Lady Scandal because this series starter was fun, Ben and Allie are perfect together, and this is full of swoony moments amid adventure 🙂

The mystery aspect wasn’t fully tied up but I’m hoping this will be revisited in future book.

Aside from my issue, I really adored this one and I’m looking forward to future titles for this series!



Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the DRC

I really enjoyed this book! It brought back so many nostalgic memories of reading very similar stories when I was younger and just starting to step into more adult romance.

Allie and Ben are so perfect for each other. He “settles” her and she softens him, and they just work together.

I read thorough this so quickly, I could not put it down. And I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series

Suspense, mystery, and romance, it's the best combo! Alexandra and Ben are the perfect pair and I will take no criticism because I love their love. They understand each other as no one else seems to and always have someone to turn to when needed.
Benedict Drake, aka Duke, is a detective investigator at Scotland Yard. He is single-minded in trying to track down a criminal in order to climb his way to a promotion. That is until Alexandra Prince, a clever, outspoken woman, turns up in his office with a tip that the Crown Jewels may be stolen. Working together to find the person behind this crime brings the two closer together.
Ugh, literally I can't because Allie and Ben are so adorable, they just get the other and it is captivating to watch their story unfold. The mystery aspect was very well done and I think the balance was good between that and the romance side. Can't wait to read more!!

📖Review: The Duke and Lady Scandal

💗Rate: 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎆Praise: So so so romantic!! I have been looking for a romance book that combines my favorite things! (I feel like Julie Andrews right now LOL) I always love instalove! An instant connection is key to getting my attention with any book! Jewelry heist mystery?! Yes!! Grumpy/ sunshine?! I am so happy!

🍭 Alexandra and her Detective are adorable and I couldn't get enough of them! They both have to work together to figure out a major mystery! I am a mystery fanatic and adding this to this beautiful romance made me turn the pages quickly! And I love the book so much I kept going back to read more!

🥞Characters: All the characters in this fun filled read had me wanting to know their backstory more and more! What would they do next? Would they admit their feelings? What other treats about their personality will be revealed? The story really had it all! I will be getting this book in paperback and rereading it! Going to put it in my purse to have it with me at all times!

🧁Extra/Tropes: I truly enjoyed the Detective and his Lady! I can't wait for more in this whimsical and adventure series!

🍪Romance
🍪Mystery
🍪Adventure
🍪Must Read!

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**

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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!!