The Scoundrel and the Siren

Princes of London #2

by Christy Carlyle

In the next installment of the swoon-worthy Princes of London series, Christy Carlyle takes readers on a heart-pounding hunt through Norfolk where a legendary treasure hunter and a fierce local woman battle over a Viking hoard, each determined to claim it for their own—and neither willing to lose their heart in the process…

Dominic Prince is passionate, tenacious, and determined to carve out a legendary name for himself—just like his famous treasure-hunting father. When an American tycoon funds his expedition to uncover a Viking hoard in Norfolk and ship it across the Atlantic, Dominic sees his chance to claim glory. If he can unearth a treasure trove so magnificent it lands him on the front pages of newspapers in both England and America, his success will finally be undeniable.

Tess Hawthorne doesn’t quite know what to make of the entirely too handsome scoundrel who shows up in her village seeking the very treasure she's been hoping to find all her life. When he asks to employ her knowledge and familiarity with the locals to assist on the dig, she accepts.

But she doesn't want whatever treasure they find to leave England, and she certainly doesn't want to lose her heart to the man determined to claim it…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Adult, Adventure

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick cute read with one very down bad MMC and an almost as equally down bad FMC.

I wanted to love this because it was marketed as The Mummy (1999) vibes. There are some similarities, a treasure hunter + librarian/historian pairing, but it’s not quite the adventure + humor + romance triple threat of The Mummy.

That said, it’s still a solid historical romance!

Whats to love…
- archeologist/treasure hunter + librarian/historican pairing
- playboy MMC ready to reform for her
- Excellent side characters!
- plenty of heart
- Open door spice
- short (304 pages)


What didn’t work for me, but might work for you…
- the playboy characterization got a little tiring pretty quickly… We get it, he’s bedded a lot of women.
- pacing felt a little off, a lot of build up for a pretty quick resolution

🌶️- Open door

3.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |

Thank you Avon for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid, fast-paced historical romance between two archaeologists. He's more established, she's more aspirational, but they're both very professional. And they're both hot. And they're both hot FOR EACH OTHER. This is my favorite kind of romance novel relationship: both of them like and appreciate each other and each other's work. They both have commitment issues (for different reasons) and I enjoyed reading two characters struggling with the same thing. I also love when it's not just the MMC who can't commit, because COME ON, not all women are just waiting for a man to sweep her down the aisle...

Ironically, they're both feeling some kind of way about the great discoveries they're unearthing ending up halfway around the world in their patron's private museum, but they both also loooove visiting the British Museum. I guess you're allowed to have complicated feelings, and they DID kinda-sorta address it, so I give it a pass.

All in all, nothing groundbreaking, but I had a very nice time reading.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved meeting the Prince family in the first book of this series and was excited to jump back in with this second book. A family that finds and sells antiquities is a fascinating one to follow for a series.

In this installment, big brother Dominic Prince is going into the field to excavate a mound in Norfolk and enlists the help of the Hawthornes twins, locals who have an interest in preserving local treasures. The serious, historian sister met Dominic briefly in London and is drawn to him. The romance here is ista-love (or insta-lust), with Dominic immediately thinking about Tess as a potential fling.

The secondary storyline is about not letting the American funding the dig take the antiquities to the US. That part of the story is handled well and wraps up efficiently. There's a thread in that part of the story that might have been explore more, which is the relationship between Tess' parents and the aristocrat who owns the land where they are digging. The purpose of that storyline isn't all that clear and the hint of a big reveal doesn't mean anything.

This book is a case where a time jump would have really helped make the relationship believable. Tess and Dominic meet for just a few minutes in London. It's hard to imagine Dominic would be instantly smitten with Tess. The prologue could have had them working together for days or a few weeks to catalogue and assess a library and then parting when the job was done. It would have made the reunion in Norfolk and the relationship that develops immediately more plausible. Without that, there's a lot more telling than showing when it comes to the feelings the characters have for each other.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 12th book by Christy Carlyle. I read 3 of her books in 2016 and 3 more in 2019. I didn't pick her up again until May, 2025 when I read The Bridewell Sisters book series. I didn't think she was very steamy until I read that series. Although sex wasn't 50 shades type steamy it was well written and the sex scenes were perfect for the couples in their stories and their personalities. I really loved Book 1 in this series but both of these were so expensive. I read 400 books a year so spending a lot on a book just makes me cringe.

I enjoyed Dominic and Tess's personalities and their story. I liked that they both had strong, independent personalities. I thought it was cool that they were academics and archeologist. It was an interesting storyline. I also liked that it took place outside of London. Very different types of people and a slower pace of life. I like how well some of the secondary characters were written. You felt you got to know them too. Overall I did enjoy it and it was a good read.

[Larissa Balarini · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.5]
I enjoyed this, but some sparkle was missing.

[zoe ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was immediately interested in this book from the synopsis as I loved the idea of a treasure hunter x historian pairing. The first 40% of the book really set up an interesting dynamic between the characters and set up their relationship very well but something stilted after the first (and only basically) treasure was found. I appreciate the drama with the Americans wanting to seize the treasure and take it from England but also think that missed its mark a little considering how much of the British musuem is filled with treasures stolen from other countries 🤷‍♀️

[Kristina Dowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun! I loved the concept of the dig and the characters themselves were a great time. I haven't read book one (whoops!), but I plan to - and to keep an eye on future books. The love story was great, I enjoyed the historical context and the drama!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I loved this, it was everything I love about historical romance with the added bonus of an archeological dig. The romance and banter between Tess and Dom was sweet, and their respect for each other made the growth of their relationship feel natural and satisfying. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, so I’m going to go back to read Dom’s sister Allie’s story now.

[Heather Houghtaling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved how quick of a read this was! It was funny. Kept me on my toes. I loved the whole playboy reformation but it kinda just kept going. I liked how much they were down bad for each other. I do feel like it dragged out for 300 pages and could have been 250

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was cute, but the romance was not believable. It was insta-attraction to insta-love. They barely knew each other.

Bringing archaeology into the story was an interesting concept for a Historical Romance novel. It was a quick listen, but not one I’ll be adding to the bookshelves.

[Natasha J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prob more like 3.5 stars. But this was a fun Victorian version of The Mummy. I really enjoyed all the archeological aspects, but the insta-love was a bit much for me.

[Kayla Schmitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This was a fun read! I really enjoyed that it was a typical historical romance. None of the chaperones, balls, walks around the park etc. Instead the FMC and MMC are digging for Viking treasure. A unique storyline!

Lots of tension, banter, and a perfect amount of spice. I absolutely loved that Dom worked hard to earn Tess’s trust. He worked hard to prove to her they were end game. Bonus, no third act break up! Just two adults who believe in each other and their love to fight through obstacles.

My only pet peeve is the amount of time it was mentioned Dom had bedded many women. Like I get he’s the scoundrel but it started to give me the ick.

Overall, a refreshing and fun historical romance!

Thanks to Christy Carlyle, NetGalley, and Avon for the ARC!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time with The Scoundrel and the Siren! 💕 Dominic and Tess had sparks from the start, but what I really loved was how their relationship grew into friendship and trust, not just attraction. No silly drama, no big breakup, just a steady romance that felt natural and sweet (with just the right amount of 🌶️).

The pacing was great, I read it fast and never got bored. And can I just say — so refreshing to have a historical romance that isn’t all about London, balls, titles, and endless chaperones. 🙌 Treasure hunting in Norfolk? Yes, please.

Overall, charming, fun, and a lovely HEA. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Collins for the ARC. 📚

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was giving major “The Mummy” vibes and then fell a little flat for me. I enjoyed it overall but don’t know that I would go back and read the first one. 3.5 stars, rounded up

[Ashley Faltisek · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ — Fun idea, okay execution

The Scoundrel and the Siren had me hooked with the setup: treasure hunting, a stubborn heroine who knows the land better than anyone, and a hero with daddy-legacy issues trying to make a name for himself. Honestly, I love all of that. And the Norfolk + Viking hoard angle? Very cool, very different from the usual London ballroom circuit.

But… the book itself didn’t totally sweep me away.

Dominic is charming in that “I’m annoyingly determined but also kind of endearing” way, and Tess has that grounded, sensible energy that balances him out. Their dynamic should be perfect, and sometimes it really is — especially when the story leans into their conflicting goals. I also loved the treasure-digging aspect. It adds a nice adventure feel you don’t always see in historical romance.


The pacing felt slow in spots, especially early on. I kept waiting for the spark to really hit, and while the chemistry is there, it never fully sizzles. The tension around the treasure — who gets it, what it means to them — had the potential to be so juicy, but it wraps up a little too neatly for my taste.

Basically: the promise was big, but the delivery was more “nice” than “can’t-stop-reading.”

It’s a pleasant, easy read with a unique setup and two characters who are genuinely likable. I just wish the romance and the stakes had pushed a little harder.

A good time — just not a new favorite.

[Katie Gullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I love a good historical romance and this book delivered! I loved the unconventional archaeology/treasure hunter plot as well.

Dominic was a very swoony MMC and Tess was PERFECT 👌🏻

Overall, this was a good time.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know who writes these blurbs, but they may need to re-evaluate terms like "heart-pounding" and "battle over" as I wouldn't use either for this book. I enjoyed the book, I thought the way Dominic worked to win over Tess's trust with her heart was very sweet and I liked their moments of banter. All in all, I would say this book is very low-stakes, there is never any true animosity between our leads (all miscommunications are quickly resolved, no third-act breakup) and there is no danger/adversity with the dig for most of the book. The British history referenced is interesting. For those that want a medium burn steamy romance with two smart non-aristocratic Victorian characters on an archeological dig that discusses the value of important finds remaining in their home country (I loved the dig at Elgin, although what Prince's does should be pointed out is similar).

[Erin Arkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In the world of Victorian historical romance, few things are as interesting as a high-stakes treasure hunt fueled by undeniable chemistry. Christy Carlyle’s The Scoundrel and the Siren, the second installment in her Princes of London series, delivers exactly that—a beautifully paced story that balances an archaeological mystery with an emotional romance. Set against the backdrop of Norfolk, this novel is a testament to how well a plot-driven adventure can enhance, rather than overshadow, the development of a central love story.

The story follows Dominic Prince, an ambitious and tenacious treasure hunter determined to step out from the long shadow of his famous father. When he is commissioned by an American tycoon to locate and excavate a legendary Viking hoard in Norfolk, Dominic sees it as his ticket to glory. However, his plans hit a snag when he encounters Tess Hawthorne. A local woman with an intimate knowledge of the land and its history, Tess has spent her life dreaming of the same treasure. While Dominic wants the find for fame and fortune, Tess is fiercely protective of her heritage, wanting the artifacts to remain in England where they belong.

What makes The Scoundrel and the Siren so great is the dynamic between Tess and Dominic. Dominic is the classic "scoundrel" with a heart of gold; he is charming, driven, and—most delightfully—completely smitten with Tess almost from the start. It is a classic "he falls first" scenario, and watching Dominic navigate his growing feelings while trying to maintain his professional composure is one of the highlights of the book. He recognizes Tess’s brilliance and spirit immediately, and his pursuit of her is as persistent as his hunt for the historical artifacts.

Tess, on the other hand, provides the perfect emotional counterpoint. Having been hurt in the past, she has built formidable walls around her heart. She is a "siren" not in the sense of a temptress, but as a woman whose intelligence and independence are magnetic. Her journey is one of learning to trust again, and Carlyle handles her vulnerability with great care. Tess’s hesitation to let Dominic in feels earned and realistic, making the moments when her defenses finally crumble all the more satisfying.

The perfect blend of plot and romance that Carlyle achieves here is centered on the dig itself. Often in romance, the work characters do can feel like a mere backdrop, but here, the archaeological process is central to their bonding. I loved seeing them together in the trenches, literally and figuratively. Their shared passion for history and the physical act of unearthing artifacts provides a unique foundation for their intimacy. As they brush away the dirt from ancient relics, they are also peeling back the layers of each other’s personalities.

Carlyle’s writing is evocative, capturing both the rugged beauty of the Norfolk coast and the refined, often stifling, expectations of Victorian society. The stakes are high—not just for the treasure, but for the characters' futures—and the pacing keeps the reader turning pages without ever feeling rushed. The conflict over the destination of the find adds a layer of genuine tension to their relationship, forcing both Dominic and Tess to re-evaluate what they truly value: a legacy of reputation or a future together.

For readers who enjoy a romance where the hero is the first to realize he’s met his match, and the heroine is a strong, guarded woman who needs a partner worthy of her trust, The Scoundrel and the Siren is a must-read. It’s a rich and heartwarming tale that proves the greatest treasures aren't always buried in the ground. I'll definitely be picking up Carlyle's next book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the complimentary early copy of The Scoundrel and the Siren by Christy Carlyle.

Dominic Prince never stays in one place for long. Following in his father's footsteps as a treasure hunter, he has spent his life wandering from dig to dig, unearthing treasures alongside his historian sister, Eve. But when Eve gets invited to present at a conference in Berlin just as they find out an American has decided to finance their dig on a Viking hoard in Norfolk, Dominic has to collaborate with a local Norfolk historian, T. S. Hawthorne. Dominic arrives in Norfolk and seeks out the man he'll be working with, only to find that not only is Hawthorne not a man, but Miss Tess Hawthorne is someone he's already met, and can't stop thinking about.

Tess Hawthorne was recently let go from a temporary position as a librarian for a countess when she got into a spat with a mysterious bookseller who messed up the careful cataloguing she had done of the collection. Now she's home and gets an offer to work as the historian on a dig of a site she's long wanted to excavate. She accepts because the money is good enough to keep her and her brother afloat for a while. The one caveat is that she has to work with that bookseller, the man who got her fired in the first place. The very hot, very kind, very brilliant man she isn't sure she can stay away from despite her past romantic disappointment warning her away.

I was a little nervous going into this one because of the first book in the series. I liked the previous book, but I thought it was trying to do too much, with a full mystery plotline on top of the romance. The marketing for this book was drawing on The Mummy, so I was worried we'd end up with more of the same. I am happy to report that I think this book was much better constructed than book one, really focusing on the core of the story without trying to do too much.

Christy Carlyle put in her author's note at the beginning of the novel that the hoard Tess and Dominic are exploring was supposed to be an early stand-in for Sutton Hoo. I was grateful she added that note, because otherwise my medieval-history-loving self would have been up in arms about Sutton Hoo not being excavated until the 1930s. I love historical romance characters with cool jobs, and here we got a treasure-hunting archaeologist and a medieval historian. How much cooler than that does it get? Christy Carlyle did a great job making sure all the history of the Anglo-Saxon period was accurate and also tied to the main plot. I can't speak to the accuracy of the archaeology, but if her attention to detail on the history is anything to go off, I would imagine she got it pretty close.

I really enjoyed the romance writing in this book. Dominic is your typical man who will Never Settle Down, but his reasons for his behavior felt novel in historical romance. His father was quite the rake, and Dominic has spent his whole life emulating his father, including his amorous pursuits. I liked that his scoundrel behavior came from his devotion to his father rather than trauma or some kind of bad breakup.

Tess was seduced and "ruined" by a man years prior to the start of the book. Everyone in her village knew what happened, and while no one blamed her—this man did the same thing to at least one other young woman in the area—everyone knows her past and treats her differently as a result. I really understood her reticence to enter into any kind of relationship with Dominic without clear parameters because she had been so publicly burned before. She wasn't just protecting her reputation by being cautious with Dominic, but protecting her relationships with her friends and neighbors. I really liked the community aspect of her storyline.

I had a great time reading this book. If you're looking for a cool Victorian historical romance with characters a little different from the norm, look no further than The Scoundrel and the Siren. 4.5 stars.

[Franky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

(+):
- I loved the archaeology angle. More books need to have archaeology.
- It’s also hard to ignore the 1999 ‘The Mummy’ inspiration when it comes to the characters - the rakish explorer, the demure librarian, and even her buffoonish brother. I think it’s fun, though you could tell a lot of the character decisions relied heavily on the at foundation.
- More VIctorian era romances! Victorian and turn of the century are just *chef’s kiss* to me.
- I like this title. I don’t…really think she’s a siren, even for the time. But it’s still a fun title.
- The cover is nice. I like the pinks and the green. I really like him peeking over his shoulder and her posing to match - though I do think her shoulder being as high as it is makes her look a bit more awkward.

(-):
- The chemistry between these two is pretty messy, to be honest. There would be moment where I was really enticed by it all, but then so much of it just felt very forced and just, for lack of a better word, expected because it’s a romance novel.
- I wanted more from both of them in regards to their core wounds or their baggage. The FMC has her wounded reputation and he has his family, etc. But they felt relatively surface level and I wanted more connective tissue.
- The treasure hunting becomes almost tertiary to the whole story which is such a bummer because it’s a huge reason why I picked this book up. It felt like in the end it barely mattered and was just a vehicle for pushing them together DESPITE them having solid reasons for seeking it.
- There were moments of this book where I genuinely felt taken out of the story by some of the writing choices. It was very simplistic and had the possibility to lean somewhat modern and I could feel my connection to the writing slip more often than I could ignore.

(?):
- Why does this town hate her so much?? She’s done nothing wrong?? Even for the time - how would they even know anything about her past relationship!
- Why does he care about this treasure. Like I know why, but also…why does *he* care? I needed this character to care, for reasons that *he* is tied to. Not just because the author dictataes it.


Will I read the next one? : Unfortunately, I don’t think so.

(How Long) Do I Think They’ll Stay Together? : They’ll have a long and boring life I guess. Congrats for just following the expected route.

*Thank you to Ballantine & Netgalley for providing this ARC!


Similar Books :
- 'Scandal of the Summer' by Alexandra Vasti
- 'Is This Real or Just Pretend?' by Emily Sullivan
- 'Bombshell' by Sarah MacLean

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Carlyle’s The Scoundrel and the Siren is a captivating historical romance that skillfully combines adventure, emotional tension, witty banter, and slow-burning chemistry into a thoroughly engaging and atmospheric story. Set against the rugged coastal beauty of Norfolk and centered around the hunt for a legendary Viking hoard, the novel delivers both romantic charm and a strong sense of historical intrigue.

At the center of the story are Dominic Prince and Tess Hawthorne, two determined individuals whose conflicting goals create immediate emotional and romantic tension. Dominic’s ambition to step out of his father’s shadow and establish his own legacy as a treasure hunter gives his character emotional depth beyond his charm and confidence. Beneath his adventurous exterior is a man driven by validation, purpose, and the desire to prove his worth, making him a compelling romantic lead.

Tess is equally strong and memorable as a heroine. Intelligent, fiercely loyal to her community, and deeply connected to the land and history around her, she refuses to simply stand aside while outsiders seek to remove a treasured piece of local heritage. Her independence and emotional strength create a wonderful contrast to Dominic’s restless ambition, and the dynamic between them feels lively, layered, and emotionally believable from the very beginning.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the balance between romance and adventure. The treasure hunt storyline adds momentum and atmosphere while also serving as a reflection of the emotional stakes between the characters. As Dominic and Tess work together, their growing attraction unfolds naturally through shared challenges, playful conflict, trust, and emotional vulnerability. Carlyle captures the push-and-pull tension between desire and duty exceptionally well, allowing the romance to develop with both warmth and emotional authenticity.

The Norfolk setting further enriches the story, creating a vivid backdrop filled with coastal charm, local history, and a strong sense of place. The historical details never overwhelm the narrative but instead deepen the immersive quality of the novel and complement the adventurous tone beautifully.

Warm, adventurous, and emotionally satisfying, The Scoundrel and the Siren is a delightful historical romance that will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy clever heroines, charismatic rogues, enemies-to-lovers tension, treasure-hunting intrigue, and richly atmospheric love stories filled with heart and adventure.

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a bit Mummy-inspired (if you couldn’t tell by the cover), and I loved all these callbacks to a movie I adore. Dominic Prince, eldest brother and adventure extraordinaire of the Prince family, is itching to get out of the city and back on a project. After the death of his best friend, he’s feeling particularly adrift. So when his sister must bail on their latest dig, he travels to Norfolk alone to meet with a TS Hawthorne who will act as his historian on site. Tess Hawthorne has always dreamed of an archaeological dig and uncovering the secrets of her Norfolk home. And when a letter arrives for her deceased father seeking assistance, she can’t resist the pull. Especially with her twin brother, and flirt about town, encouraging her to do it. The instalust between Dom and Tess is so hot and real- this author does a really good job of creating a believable instant attraction. Their intial meet cute in the library, then subsequent meeting in the jail cell, leads to all kinds of sparks it’s hard for either to ignore. They fit into this really great dynamic of himbo and scholar that I enjoyed (though he’s not dumb by any means, he definitely gives off Rupert Carsington vibes).

With the source material being what it is, and the many winks early on to scenes from The Mumny, I expected this to have a bit more adventure. It kept seeming like it was about to ramp up to something, but continued to be pretty low stakes throughout. Dominic and Tess are on a dig, and slowly falling into deeper lust and love. And while their archeological find ends up being bigger than either expected…that’s about it. I did appreciate the realistic conflict between the two on what should happen with the findings. Dominic, like all true treasure hunters, is after the glory and slated to give these findings to some American museum for profit. Tess, on the other hand, would prefer to keep these findings local and start a museum in Norfolk to benefit the people. We’re clearly on Tess’s side here, but this felt like a genuine conflict for the situation. Overall, this was a great premise, but the execution didn’t pay off in the way I’d hoped. I still enjoy this author’s writing style and the way she delivers delicious instant attraction so well. I think if you’re looking for a quick read and enjoy archeological digs with realistic conflict, and high spice, this book is for you! I was just hoping for more of a high-stakes adventure romp

3.5/5
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Siren and the Scoundrel is romantic comedy with some adventure in the form of a treasure hunt.
The synopsis of this book had me sooo interested, like treasure hunter vs historian and they fall in love?? Sign me up😩 Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into it like I wanted to. I think plenty of people will enjoy this, I just couldn’t fully do so for some reason.

The hunt and conversation around it was interesting. It wasn’t as high stakes as I anticipated but I still enjoyed it. This was for sure more romance centric, I think if I picked it up knowing that I would have had a better time. The sibling relationship bits were sweet too, her and her twin are so close that the FMC literally chooses a night in jail just to be able to catch up with him after a couple weeks apart, now that’s a bestie lol Her brother is def an idiot but she loves him anyway, extremely relatable.

The beginning was too insta love for my tastes, talk of wondering about electric jolts bringing him back to life during the first two minutes of meeting level insta😅 The lines were honestly super romantic, it was just jarring how quick they came with zero reason. I also felt things were a bit over explained as well, like the author was second guessing if we would pick up enough feelings from the dialogue alone. The dialogue was honestly where the writing shined, they should be more confident in it! I can definitely rock with some insta love/lust sometimes so I’m wondering if I was just in the wrong mood to fully enjoy this book, plus I read an uncorrected e-proof, so I think I will try this book again at a later date.

If you are looking for a sweet, funny historical romance with an adventure, this is for you! It’s EXTRA for you if you want love at first sight, these two meet and it’s hello yearning 😂❤️ Early in the book Dom looks at his hand like, “The same hand that held Tess Hawthorne’s last night” this man is down baaad and Tess is hardly any better lol

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

[marialetto.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ ⊹ 1 🌶️ ⊹ 304 📖

⁀➴ Overall: This was a very sweet and fun historical romance. I found the characters to be very likeable and thought they fit well together!

⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
⚒️ historical romance
📜 english countryside
🏺 treasure hunt
⚒️ opposites attract
📜 ignoring propriety ;)
🏺 third-person, dual POV

⁀➴ Bookish Breakdown:
First of all, I totally love history and the idea of being an archaeologist or sociologist studying old languages, cultures, and really anything we’d see in a museum. I loved the little air of mystery about what the team would find on the archaeological dig in Tess’ village. The characters were all so incredibly sweet and I felt their excitement along with them as they worked at the dig site.

I loved that both Tess and Dominic had such a spirit for adventure and knowledge. I love learning new things, and it was so fun to see this couple working together to discover what’s been buried. I completely loved their energy!

I really appreciated Tess’ courage throughout the novel. Not only was she a woman in a male-dominated field, but in the Victorian era, that was an incredibly tough position to be in. Still, she persisted in her search for knowledge. I also appreciated her character growth throughout the story. Learning to trust again after hurt, loss, and embarrassment can be incredibly difficult.

Dom was so supportive of Tess’ dreams, which was amazing. His desire for adventure was fun and exciting. I loved it even more when he decided that the most important thing became not just adventure, but adventure with Tess. He absolutely worshipped her and rightly so!

I also enjoyed the banter between the MCs. It was just the right amount of witty and silly, but still fit in nicely with the story. And lastly, I must mention, I especially liked that the author built tension outside of the relationship and didn’t stick us with a third-act breakup!

Thank you to Christy Carlyle, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scoundrel and the Siren by Christy Carlyle

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A fun, fast-paced, and enjoyable read, The Scoundrel and the Siren features a well-known treasure hunter and a local historian who end up working together on a dig to uncover lost treasures, all while an attraction develops between them. The setting, the characters, and the archaeological backdrop all make for a unique and exciting historical romance read!

Dominic Prince, a treasure hunter, is determined to make a name for himself just like his famous treasure-hunting father. When an American magnate covers the cost of his expedition with the goal of finding treasure in Norfolk and shipping it back to America, Dominic sees his opportunity for acclaim. Tess Hawthorne doesn’t know what to make of the entire situation when Dominic shows up in her village seeking the treasure she's been looking to find all her life. When he offers her a job to use her knowledge to assist on the dig, she accepts. Tess doesn't want the treasure to leave England, though and she thinks she doesn't want to give her heart away to Dominic either, who is absolutely determined to claim it.

The Scoundrel and the Siren is a delightfully entertaining read from start to finish. The chemistry between Tess and Dom is great, there were a few hilarious scenes in the story that make it even more interesting, the supporting characters are well-written, and the archeological dig is super interesting. There were a few swoon-worthy scenes between Tess and Dom and the insta-love component of their relationship is done well.

Overall, The Scoundrel and the Siren is an engaging and fun historical romance read that is perfect for readers who are looking for a more unique story, who appreciate some academia vibes, and who like their historical romance books with a bit of adventure!

[Emilie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.

I have been struggling to figure out or explain exactly why I didn't like this book. And I can't quite find the right words. I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters--the MMC was really intriguing (even if I didn't quite buy into his motivations for his introspection and "reevaluation" of how he was living his life--the best friend aspect felt flat and a bit of a stretch for some reason). I was looking forward to getting further into the book, but once our two MCs met up and agreed to work together, everything kind of went downhill for me.

First, all character development just seemed to stop ("Scoundrel" and "Siren"? Um, no. The MMC seemed like a pretty nice guy, and was super nice to the FMC...who was supposed to be a "siren"? Nope. Sorry. Countless and interminable references to how the WHOLE VILLAGE knows exactly what kind of things the FMC got up to in her past does not make her a siren). The plot and pacing were halting, and then abrupt, and then jerky: moments/scenes that really had no bearing on the story were detailed and yet still felt confusing and superfluous, and then days would pass off page, with no mention. Plot threads and points were mentioned and then dropped. Events/people were talked about like the reader was supposed to know all about them with completely no background or history--at one point I even did a search on my Kindle in the ARC for a name because I had no idea who this person was that was being discussed like we were supposed to be intimately familiar with past events and this character's personality, and sure enough, it was the FIRST time this name had been mentioned! (And I am hoping this is because I read an ARC, but the continuity of the timeline was full of mistakes. Something was supposed to happen "tomorrow night," and then it happened THAT night, or something was supposed to have happened two days ago, but then it was mentioned as "yesterday"...I just got confused and then annoyed.)

The whole book began to feel like someone had decided to cook a meal for a dinner party without ever having attempted any of the recipes before--and didn't even have any recipes to follow! None of the ingredients fit together, nothing was seasoned, and most of the dishes were served raw or burnt. This book had some good aspects, and could have been a great read. But it was not. At the least some serious editing needed to take place to tighten the story where it needed it, develop characters, and evolve the plot and story in an organic manner.

This is the first book I've read by this author, and sadly it will be my last. To be honest, I got halfway through and just could not finish it. My frustration level with the juttering plot, flat and two-dimensional FMC, and the fact that I just did not care made me put the book down and have no desire to pick it back up.

[celestialpixels_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊 Treasure, Tension & a Heart That Can’t Be Buried ❤️‍🔥

Christy Carlyle’s "The Scoundrel and the Siren" is the kind of historical romance that sweeps you up like a gust of sea wind, equal parts adventure, longing, and quiet tenderness. Rather than centering on glittering ballrooms, Carlyle brings us to the rugged beauty of Norfolk, where maps, myths, and hearts are all waiting to be uncovered.

Dominic Prince is a man chasing more than fortune; he’s chasing the legacy of his father and the thrill of discovery. Tess Hawthorne, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with fame or fortune; she’s a woman bound to her principles. When circumstance (and curiosity) draw them into a shared quest for an ancient treasure, what begins as an uneasy alliance becomes something far more vulnerable and real.

What I loved most is how Carlyle handles romance as both an emotional and intellectual meeting of equals. Tess is clever, capable, and wonderfully grounded; Dominic is charming but flawed, his ambition softened by the depth of his growing affection. Their banter sparkles, but their quiet moments carry the story’s heart.

With the atmosphere of "The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter" by Hazel Gaynor, the wit of "The Duke and I" by Julia Quinn, and just a hint of the mystery from "The Devil and the Dark Water" by Stuart Turton, this novel finds the sweet spot between escapism and sincerity.

✨ A gentle, windswept romance about what it means to seek - whether it’s a treasure, a purpose, or someone who finally sees you clearly.

🙏 Thank you to Christy Carlyle, Avon / Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 star book!

Starting off, I was actually quite confused by the timeline. It says the events are taking place in May 1896. But the events in The Duke and Lady Scandal took place in September/October 1896. I had to go back to my paperback and confirm that I wasn't mis-remembering. So I thought maybe this was taking place before hand and would wrap into book 1's timeline. But that wasn't the case as I went further into the book and it mentioned Dom's sister and the royal jewels and that she was married. The events absolutely took place post book 1, the dates were just off by a year.

I enjoyed The Scoundrel and the Siren. I thought Dominic was a beautifully reformed cad. The book flowed nicely. I enjoy that even though this series is about the Prince siblings, each book is very much an individual book, there was very little of the sisters in The Scoundrel and the Siren. I thought that was nice. While it flowed, nothing excited me to pick it back up. None of the issues were too dire. Everyone was so emotionally mature (which I love, but I can agree a little immaturity makes good plot).

I appreciate how there was a lot of modern minded thinking in the book. Knowing it's wrong to dig up burial locations. Wanting to keep English finds in England. "Tarnished" ladies simply pitied for being taken advantage of instead of outright scorned. So I had hoped, with that line of thinking, that there would be more mention of birth control. Not a whiff of it anywhere.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with a well-liked archeologist that can’t imagine putting roots down to finding his match with a historian that’s wary of his charm. I was sold early on when the hero wants to know who’d caused her pain in her past. It works every time for me.

While this series is about historian and archaeologists Prince siblings, I felt that this seemed more of Tess’ story than Dom’s. Meeting Tess had turned Dom’s life upside down but Tess had internal struggles to overcome to be in a place for a HEA. It suited me well though with a rakish hero falling first and hard and a heroine overcoming a prior hurt.

There is some back and forth on whether Tess is going to make herself vulnerable again and is guided by an unlikely friend. I liked that when it would’ve been easy to create animosity between women that female reconciliation and friendship was added in instead.

I wished there had been more of the actual archaeological digging however, in the first book the plot took me too far off track. So it’s a concession that I was ok with because I enjoyed the romance and story overall.

There wasn’t many clues that I caught for Eve’s book so I’m intrigued for where it’ll go.

The Scoundrel and the Siren is the second book in the Princes of London series.

This could be read as a standalone.

There are three open door encounters.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

1896 England
Tess Hawthorne is a historian and a woman with a bit of scandal attached to her name. Dominic Prince is a historian and archeologist whose family reputation garners him the support of a wealthy American patron and the permission to dig a site Tess has had her heart set on for years. They clash on their first meeting because Dominic is pulling her carefully organized books off the shelves and dumping them on the floor. They continue to clash because her battered heart is scared of what opening up to a rogue like Dominic could do.

The Scoundrel and the Siren is a fun fast read, with all the elements I love in a late Victorian era historical romance. Tess is a holding her small family together with sheer force of will after her father's death and the ongoing passion for her pursuit of history. I love how much her brother supports her, and how quickly Dominic comes to support her as well. We love a man who falls fast and hard for his leading lady, and will do everything in his power to convince her of his steadfastness (especially as a rake). Neither of our main characters are aristocrats, though the Prince family does run in the well-to-do circles, giving this book a nice change of pace from the genre, while remaining very familiar.

This isn't groundbreaking, but I had a great time and ate it up in a day. It moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged at the right level, and I highly recommend it for tedious commutes stuck in traffic where you can pretend to be digging in the dirt in Victorian England instead.

Thank you to Avon for an eARC. The Scoundrel and the Siren is out 3/31/2026