The Princess Plan

Written by Julia London

Narrated by Justin Hill

Passion. Intrigue. Love.

“This is a perfect historical romance” – Sunday Times Bestselling Author Sarah Morgan

“The gorgeous characters and the wit and charm made this a book I simply didn’t want to put down. I was willing Eliza and Sebastian on to their fairytale happy ending!” – Nicola Cornick

London’s high society loves nothing more than a scandal. And when the personal secretary of the visiting Prince Sebastian of Alucia is found murdered, it’s all anyone can talk about, including Eliza Tricklebank. Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip off about the crime, forcing Sebastian to ask for her help in his quest to find his friend’s killer.

With a trade deal on the line and mounting pressure to secure a noble bride, there’s nothing more dangerous than a prince socialising with a commoner. Sebastian finds Eliza’s contrary manner as frustrating as it is seductive, but they’ll have to work together if they’re going to catch the culprit. And soon, as temptation becomes harder to ignore, it’s the prince who’ll have to decide what comes first—his country or his heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Jan 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9780263280937

Julia London

Julia London is the NYT, USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of historical romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction with strong romantil elements novels, including the Secrets of Hadley Green bestselling series, and the upcoming series, Homecoming Ranch.  She is a four time finalist for the RITA Award of excellence in romantic fiction, and the recipient of RT Bookclub's Best Historical Novel.  She lives in Austin, Texas

Reviews for The Princess Plan

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Crown Prince of Alucia has come to London with two goals: negotiate a favorable trade treaty and find an English bride. He wasn't expecting to meet Miss Eliza Tricklebank who is a spinster and one of the authors of the latest ladies' gossip sheet. Eliza's father is a judge which leads to their meeting.When the Crown Prince's private secretary is murdered in Kensington Palace and a not implicating one of his party is delivered to the judge, both Sebastian and Eliza are determined to bring the murderer to justice. Sparks fly when the two of them meet. Eliza knows that a past scandal and lack of dowry and influence make her ineligible as a potential bride. Sebastian knows that his duty says he needs to pick one of the young women who have the right background and assets to make a suitable bride.I enjoyed that the romance was wrapped around a mystery. I thought it added depth to the standard historical romance. I liked the Eliza was a smart and helpful partner in the investigation. I liked that her practical nature didn't stop her from falling love with the prince. I liked Sebastian and the way he found a way to end up with the woman with whom he had fallen in love.This was an entertaining and well-written historical romance and mystery. Both parts of the story were strong.

[completely_melanie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I give this 3.5. It's a historical romance, and though that is not a genre that I usually like, I did enjoy this one.

[eyes92c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

No planned princess here!I really enjoyed the Tricklebank household. The maid who sits and has tea with her mistress. The mistress who mends clocks, the father who knits, the houseman Ben who is definately not the butler--much to the shock of both the Princes when he refuses to take their hats. No wonder the Prince Sebastian is confused, what with the daughter of the house, Eliza, who is a somewhat outspoken spinster (I could just imagine the scene when she discovered years early at a dinner party that the rogue who'd been paying his addresses to her had become engaged to someone else), the widowed daughter Hollis, who has turned her husband's political paper into a gossip and advice rag, and Judge Tricklebank who's blind and obviously supports his daughters independence, mostly!So we have the very precious Prince Sebastian seeking trade alliances (and casting around for an English wife to sweeten the pot), a possible looming war, his murdered secretary and really a host of other happenings. Sebastian is a Prince of Consequence who is initially shocked by the outspoken Eliza.I must admit that sometimes the various tropes seem to crowd each other out. Is this a part Cinderella story combined with a murder mystery, along with a political thriller?Occasionally my thoughts flashed onto The Mouse that Roared when I thought of the Kingdom of Alucia surrounded by powerful nations. Although given the times and what is going on politically for the tiny Kingdom, I'm way off the mark and Alucia might be more akin to The Mouse that Sqeaked.One might have to suspend belief over various background details. Let's face it, this is romantic fiction with an emphasis on 'fiction', that puts together Victorian times, political maneuvering, murder and romance, with a generous dash of humor. Do all that and you have an enjoyable read.A Harlequin ARC via NetGalley