I really enjoyed the book despite it not being something I would normally read. It is the first I have read by this author. If you love a good romance, then this is for you.

With the advent of Bridgerton on Netflix hopefully, there will be an increased interest in Regency Romance books. It definitely rekindled my interest and I read this in a few hours.
Whilst not as laugh out loud funny as Julia Quinn, Julia London has funny and feisty female characters and tall, dark, handsome rich men who are swept off their feet by them.
Here we have Eliza, a spinster who is cheerfully resigned to her fate, and Sebastian the Prince of Alucia who has no idea what to do with the straight-talking, irreverent woman.
Snappy dialogue, hilariously scatty characters who genuinely enjoy each other and are happy with their unwed status.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to dive into Regency romance.

(I would have given it 5 stars but, at one point, a man slaps a woman and doesn't get called out for it.)

This is not my usual genre but I have to say that I loved it! It is like pride and prejudice meets ms marple!! 

I adored the character of Eliza - so headstrong and free from care of others views of her. Eliza feels she has been assigned the title of spinster and so has no hope of gaining a husband. She embarks on a plan to meet the crown Prince of Alucia, in order to give some colour to her life. Little does she know what adventures await her!

Eliza finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery which brings a lot more of the prince’s attention than she ever planned! 

I loved Eliza and I loved the ladies gazette. Wonderful!

I really struggled with this, I think I've realised I'm just not a historical romance reader. Although the americanisms also put me off, I personally would not recommend, but my review is nowhere near as weighted as those who are fans of the genre and have more experience with it.

This was such a nice read to fulfil my need for another historical romance. I loved how this was not your stereotypical love story and that it was filled with rebellion, secrets and scandal while still following the story of a prince finding his princess.

Writing:
This was such an easy read for me and I loved how the story was a well balanced mix of romance and mystery. Eliza's character was written to be someone who doesn't adhere to the rules of her society and is her own person. This is what pulls the Prince to her. Their relationship isn't a slow burn - which I loved - and started straight away. Their growing feelings were clear throughout the novel. I liked how the Prince was portrayed as not caring what other people thought and he put his heart before the crown. 

Summary:
This book was a different read to what I'm used to and I'm really beginning to enjoy historical fiction a lot more. This one was a really great read to introduce me to the genre and I loved the characters. It wasn't your stereotypical romance as it had themes of mystery and scandal. I think because I'm so new to historical fiction, it took me a while to get into the politics and the specifics of trade deals and business deals in that era which is why it is only a three star rating. I really did enjoy the story, it is just my inexperience with this genre that caused the lower rating as I didn't get into it as much as other reads that I have reviewed this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mills & Boon for the ARC copy of The Princess Plan!

☆☆☆/5

Loved this. A good classic regency romance. Not the most original, maybe, but it was fun and I felt there was chemistry between the characters.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Scandal and gossip have always been supreme in Victorian London, and being a member of a group publishing the only women's gazette in London has been perfect for Miss Eliza Tricklebank. When the Crown Prince of Alucia, Sebastian, arrives in England to find a bride and secure a lucrative trade deal, Eliza and sister Hollis, want to get invited to the royal ball, to find out the gossip for their gazette. Eliza and Sebastian meet, but as it's a masquerade, he doesn't recognise her when he later barges into her home, demanding to know where she got her 'evidence' relating to the death of his close friend, and secretary. Eliza is immediately on edge, and can't stand Sebastian's high handedness and arrogance, and quickly puts him in his place. Somewhat chastised, they form an unlikely partnership, to find the culprit, and uncover a plot to kidnap Sebastian. However, their chemistry becomes too much, and the fact that one is the heir to his throne, and the other a spinster commoner, daughter of a blind judge, is one that is hard to overcome.

When I was first approved for this book in November, I started it, but wasn't in the right mood. However, during lock down, historical romances have been what's kept me going, and I remembered about this one. The Princess Plan, quite honestly, was fantastic! I started it about 3 pm, and other than eating, I didn't put it down until I was done at 9. I just adored Eliza, and she was feisty, strong character I could've asked for. After believing she would be engaged years ago, and publicly embarrassed when it fell through, she's embraced her spinsterhood and relishes in helping her father with his work, and her sister with her gazette. Going to the palace for the masquerade ball was a nice bit of fun for Eliza, but she never had any thoughts that anything would come from it, and meeting the prince was a buzz. However, their second meeting at home, when he was rude and arrogant, fully removed any hint of rose tinted glasses, and she could truly be a friend to Sebastian as he struggled with his grief and his sense of duty. Sebastian, on his part, grew so much as a character throughout this book. Understandable, he was an arrogant so and so at first, but it was refreshing to be treated as a normal person by Eliza, and be seen for himself, and not for his title. His love for Eliza came on so gently, but it was heartbreaking to see Sebastian at war with himself over his sense of duty and his desire to be with Eliza.

The romance between the two main characters was phenomenal, and I was rooting for them from the moment Eliza kicked him out of her house. The chemistry was always there, but their mutual love and respect for each other, which came gradually and naturally, made it all so much more believable. I was actually feeling a bit teary as we got towards the end and I couldn't see how they could be together, and thought they would be heartbroken and separate, but I adored the ending, and seriously hope that we see more from the pair in book 2, A Royal Kiss and Tell.

First in the Royal Wedding Series. 
After a scandal, Eliza Tricklebank has accepted her role as spinster for the last 10 years, however after her sister prints a rumour in her gazette, she is asked by a foreign royal prince to help undercover who murdered his secretary.
 Interesting premise however I found it took a long time to get into the main story. Apart from two very quick interactions at a ball, that do not seem to have any chemistry, it isn’t until chapter 8 that the two protagonists have a proper conversation.  The first eight chapters mainly show the differences in the two character’s lifestyles, introduce other characters that will feature in follow-up books and the lead up to the murder. 
I liked the descriptions of Prince Sebastian’s life which really portrayed how difficult it would be to have privacy and the comparison to Eliza’s in which she could do whatever she wanted. Also the relationship between the sisters and their friend is unusual and very open, more like modern female relationships.
The actual “Princess Plan” of the title doesn’t appear until two chapters from the end so isn’t relevant at all

Hmm I’m in two minds about this book. For what it was, a smutty romance, it was alright. But it wasn’t gripping and as enjoyable as others I’ve read in the genre. I liked it (I think) but I’m not sure I will remember much of what happened in this book in the future...!

I loved this book,  I loved the characters.  I can't wait to read the forthcoming books in the series.

This book was a page turner for me. In every page I looked forward to see how Eliza and Sebastian's relationship will unfold and what will happen to them. When she opened her hear to him and told him about her past and why she had the reputation she had, I couldn't help feeling a mixture of emotions in my heart. A lovely mystery, romance. Will definitely be reading more of Julia London, whom I have never read before. Thanks to #Netgalley for offering me this book.

I didn’t read the blurb properly before requesting this book. I saw it was ‘inspired by the events of Harry and Meghan’ and ‘for fans of the crown’ - so was surprised to discover it was set in Victorian London! This aside, I loved it. It had characters you rooted for. It had some amusing snippets from the local ladies gazette. It had a swoon worthy prince. I loved it and intend to read the next one in this series. An easy, enjoyable read to make a change from all the thrillers I read.

A review copy was offered via netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Princess Plan fell very flat for me, unfortunately! It was a good 50% of the way into the book before either of the main characters became tolerable; Eliza was aggressively modern and "quirky", to the point of being completely unbelievable as a Victorian heroine, and Sebastian was stand-offish and downright rude, going so far as to order a servant to find him a woman to have sex with at a party. There's a lacklustre mystery subplot that seems to get solved without either of the main characters doing an awful lot on page, and the lack of chemistry between the two of them means that the romance didn't enthrall me either. A lot of the language used is weirdly modern for the context, but the names are Dickensianly twee. The historical context is pretty much irrelevant, with no sense of the rules or etiquette that would have been in place, leaving our female characters free to wander around and do as they wished. 

There are also two egregious errors that I noticed (as well as other more minor ones). These may have been fixed in the final edition, but from the general lack of appropriate language and historical setting, I doubt it. 

Firstly, there is a supposedly Latin phrase that has some significance, "amor loyal", which is translated in the text as "love is loyal". Not only is this phrase missing a verb, it is also just plain wrong: there is no letter 'y' used in Latin, and the word for "loyal" is "fidelis". "Loyal" is an English borrowing of a French word "loial", deriving from Latin "legalis", meaning "legal". It's just wholly incorrect to say "loyal" is Latin. I note that Google Translate incorrectly offers "amor loyal" as a Latin translation of "love is loyal", so this is probably where the error was introduced, but this is something that should have been checked and corrected by a proofreader or editor. 

Secondly, the issue of Eliza's not having a title is solved by making her father a baron. In the book, this grants her the title of 'Lady Eliza Tricklebank'. This is incorrect. She would become 'The Honourable Eliza Tricklebank', which is not, in itself, a title, but a courtesy style.  

Really, really disappointing, and the lack of research really shows it up.

Having been previously disappointed in love, Eliza is now perfectly happy looking after her father, fixing clocks and helping her sister produce the Gazette. When she meets Prince Sebastian at a ball, she refuses to be blown away by his titles which intrigues and infuriates him. The pair are drawn together in trying to solve the mystery of a masked murderer but both know there is no chance they could ever make a relationship work, even if Eliza were interested.

I have to say I have a weakness for romance books. I am finding more and more that I am pulled towards Historical Romance as well so when Mills and Boon asked me if I wanted to be part of this tour I jumped to it! 

This book ticked all the boxes for me when I am looking for a Historical Romance, well any romance really. It was easy to read and follow, we had some angst thrown in, there was a Princess AND the main character is strong and independent.

I believe this is the first book I have read by Julia London and I am excited to go back for more of her books. They are extremely well written romances that literally have you swept off your feet into the world and falling in love with the male lead but the female main character as well.

Eliza Tricklebank is a strong independent woman, she unfortunately has not always done what society has said, she has given her love to someone previously and this has meant that she is now a fallen woman. The thing is she has been brought up to be smart and independent and not only concerned about her looks. (Winning already for me here).

Eliza and her sister are writing a gossip newspaper and getting the information from their well connected friend. The thing is the Prince of Alucia has arrived and they get invited to the Masked Ball and that’s where things don’t go to planned.

I love the interaction between Eliza and Prince Sebastian. There is something honest about it which I adore. Yes there were sparks flying from the start and you know the Prince had to be brought down a peg or two by Eliza as well.

The one thing I find utterly compelling about these books is that ordinary girls fall in love with Royalty.. I mean where’s my prince! I loved the imagery of the ball and all the beautiful ball gowns as well. What I enjoyed most about this book was that it was also a murder mystery as well as a Romance. It added new depth to the characters and more to the story instead of Prince finds girl and falls in love. This element I enjoyed more in the book as it added a little bit more of an edge to the book.

I found the way they met and interacted was charming and the character growth and buolding of tension was utterly delicious. As I said I do love a romance book that has not only the female character being swept off of her feet but the male character too.

Definitely a quick and sizzling read if you want to imagine yourself dancing with a Prince in an delicious ballgown. I am looking forward to seeing more from the author and for this series!

I started reading this book before Christmas but then had to put it down for several weeks while real life got in the way. However, as soon as I picked it up,again I was easily able to get straight back into the thick of the action as it is so well,written. Eliza and Sebastian are really likeable characters  and the little details of Eliza’s world were fascinating. I especially liked the introduction to each chapter from Honeycutt’s Gazette, they really set the amusing tone which made the book so enjoyable.

A story that has made me fall in love with the historical romance genre all over again, THE PRINCESS PLAN by Julia London is everything you could wish for in a novel and more. 

​After being disgraced in society ten years ago, Eliza Tricklebank is content with her life, helping her blind father with his work as a judge, and assisting with her widowed sister's gazette that is making waves in society. Eliza has learned the hard way that she must be true to herself and not try to fit into anyone's opinion of what a lady should be, and while her blunt honesty and lack of airs and graces may seem uncouth to some, Eliza no longer cares about other's opinions. But when she stumbles across the path of an Alucian prince, Sebastian, it will set off a chain of events which will find Eliza investigating the murder of Sebastian's closest friend, and taking every opportunity for happiness with Sebastian, who beneath his demanding exterior has a heart of gold that connects to her soul. Even though heartache is guaranteed when he must return home with an English bride from the upper nobility, Sebastian cannot resist Eliza who is unlike anyone he has ever met. And as they get closer to catching the killer, will they be able to walk away from each other forever?

I devoured THE PRINCESS PLAN in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. The female characters are fresh and feisty, unwilling to dim their intelligence or their needs for anyone and I loved that, and their relationships with each other are joyful in every way. Sebastian is a little demanding at the beginning but the more I got to know him, the more I fell in love with him alongside Eliza, and I desperately wanted them to find a way to be together. There is danger, betrayal, sizzling chemistry, and a connection that is off the charts and the setting came alive on every page and I felt immersed in the time period at all times. 

THE PRINCESS PLAN by Julia London is simply perfect and I cannot wait for more from my new favourite author.

Well who doesn't love a book filled with scandal, murder, treason and High Court Princes? I certainly do and this booked ticked all the boxes on the Royar romance front, that's for sure.

Now where do I start when describing this delectable book? I'll begin by saying the writing was an utter highlight, it's charming delivery drew me in but it's witty retorts made the pages turn themselves. The warm welcome I received on opening the first page made me feel very much at home and it was a true delight to read each and every word.

Our heroine Miss Eliza Tricklebank was joy personified. Her tenacity, strength, and sheer wit stole each and every scene and I do believe that she was the shining star in this performance. I cheered at her complete disregard for society norms and I loved her all the more on learning her sorrowful story of her first dalliance in the world of love. If you need one reason alone to pick this book up then Miss Eliza is it. 

What added to my joyful reading experience was the amusing articles, from Honeycutt’s Gazette of Fashion and Domesticity for Ladies, that laced their way throughout the chapters of this book. They not only enhanced the plot, but added a sparkly burst of delight at the beginning of each and every chapter to entertain the reader. 

You would be forgiven for thinking that this book offered only romance of the royal kind. But in fact the narrative boasts murder, intruige, treason and an impressive dalliance into the world of sleuthing to make the story jump off the pages and keep your attention. I was addicted to the chemistry between our two amateur detectives and crossed my fingers for that sort after happy ending. 

The Princess Plan is so much more than a love story...it's passion personified with a side order of sleuthing thrown in for good measure. I was hooked from the opening moments and didn't want this royal romance to end.

I voluntarily read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I really enjoyed this
Loved the characters and in particular Eliza's sassiness!! 
Loved the romance elements and loved the mystery elements - I thought they went really well together

I would say the only drawback for me was that although the book is set in Victorian Britain, there was an awful lot of Americanisms, which I do understand as this is maybe written more for the American market, I did find it distracted me 

In all, a great read though and I would recommend for any historical romance reader and another Great Julia London book - an author I absolutely love

SPOILER ALERT!

Thank you to Mills & Boon for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Whenever I hear about a book that focuses heavily on royalty, court, period romances, or masquerades, you should know that I'm absolutely here for it. There's just something about those novels that gives you a sense of nostalgia for a time you never lived in. Even though this is probably an accurate depiction of what the aristocrats and the upper class were doing in the Victorian era, we also know that Victorian life wasn't really all that great, what with all the misogyny, homophobia, and racism. Somehow, the sense of nostalgia for court intrigue draws us in, anyway.

In The Princess Plan, London manages to combine masquerades and court romances with a murder mystery and detective plot. It's an interesting combination, certainly one that's been done before, but with decidedly less steam. This book had its fair share of steamy sex scenes. Usually, I find those glorified and unnecessary and while it still felt that way a little in this, there was still at least a solid foundation to the relationship and they didn't happen too often (unlike a certain YA assassin fae series).

In terms of the characterisation, I liked it for the most part. At the start, I really wasn't a fan of Eliza -- who I imagined as Philippa Soo, courtesy of my obsession with Hamilton -- as she was pretty much a wild, out-of-character woman who felt out of place in the Victorian era as a whole. Eventually, she grew on me, particularly as she became more useful in advising Sebastian -- who I imagined as Chris Pine, courtesy of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Their dynamic was wonderful, although difficult to read in a good way because of the angsty slow-burn (which you all know is one of my favourite tropes!)

There were a few moments of modernisation of the Victorian era. Each chapter opens with an excerpt from Hollis' (Eliza's sister) gazette which contains both tips for maids, daughters and housewives, as well as not-so-subtle hints in the form of gossip. I call this a modernisation only because each excerpt felt more and more like the ending to an episode of Gossip Girl, which made me even more excited to continue reading.

Above all, I think it was the murder mystery element that really hooked me on this book. There were only hints of it amongst the romance (as expected), but what we did get was interesting. I would've liked a bit more focus on trying to find out who the killer was and, even though the reveal was predictable, it was reasonable and a decent enough twist.

Furthermore, while I liked the way it ended I would also have liked an American Royals type ending, where everything is up in the air. It would have been interesting to see an open ending, to have a sequel that explores the potential of them getting together while he courts someone else, or something to that extent. Still, the ending we got was expected but exciting to read. From what I've heard about the sequel, I'm not sure if it's something I'd be fully interested in. I would've liked more time with Sebastian and Eliza, but the sequel focuses primarily on Caroline and Leopold. We will see closer to the release date if I'd be more interested!