It’s good enough to read for the cover alone if I’m being honest. It was cute with some intrigue, but the romance was a definitely instalovey and that threw me off balance a bit. The mystery was truly a mystery…and may still be a mystery…? The motive still confuses me but it was entertaining nonetheless. Bonus points for being inspired by National Treasure despite not much feeling like it.

The audiobook and narrator, Karen Cass, were great. Definitely a narrator I’ll keep an eye on.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5


I received a free digital review copy from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.

Super fun adventure-type romance between an outspoken bluestocking and a gruff Scotland Yard inspector. Alexandra (Allie to her friends and family) has been left behind to run the family antique shop while her siblings are off on an excavation and she overhears some possibly nefarious plotting at the coffee shop next door. She’s instantly off to Scotland Yard to warn someone and instantly connects with Ben, the serious inspector she meets there. Ben’s pretty much the only person to take her seriously, so she’s extra impressed by him. It’s most definitely instant attraction for both of these two, but they’re doing their best to keep things professional. Somehow, they end up entangled with each other through this mystery and have to team up to put all their clues together. Really enjoyable read.

Alexandra Prince has always felt she didn't fit in with her family of archeologists. Her childhood illness made them overprotective, leaving her out of their adventures. Now that their parents are deceased her brother and sister take off again while she is left managing the family antique shop. One day at the coffee shop next door she overhears three men plotting to steal the crown jewels. Enter Detective Inspector Benedict Drake. He's not quite ready to believe she heard what she thinks she did but their mutual attraction leads him to investigate. Alexandra has always been told her outspokenness causes trouble and offense and her impulsiveness will lead to conflict but Ben finds these traits charming. The two embark on an investigation to find the jewel thief while their romance heats up. I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Karen Cass. She has an excellent transition between characters with a unique voice for each. She'll be going on my list of favorite narrators!

The Duke and Lady Scandal by Christy Carlyle leans heavily into its mystery and detective elements, sometimes at the expense of the romance. While I enjoyed the book well enough it was a bit forgettable and not anything I would recommend to my patrons who enjoy historical romance.

Carlyle’s writing is decent but the investigative plot took up a lot of space, leaving the romance feeling a bit underdeveloped. That being said, if you enjoy historical romance with a solid dose of intrigue, The Duke and Lady Scandal might hit the spot. It reminded me a bit of the PBS series Ms. Scarlet and the Duke.