The Scoundrel and the Siren: A Steamy Victorian Historical Heist Romance

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, Adult

300 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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.

[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.

[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. 📚

[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.

[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

[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.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Scoundrel and the Siren is a low stakes historical romance between an antiquarian Dominic Prince and a local historian Tess Hawthorne. They meet when a wealthy American funds an archaeological dig of what appears to be an Anglo Saxon Viking burial. Prince is supposed to come across as a womanizing scoundrel but that fades rather quickly. Meanwhile, Tess has already been a victim of a blackguard who stole her virtue before leaving town. She has a difficult time trusting Dominic. The main conflict of the story is the American who wants to take the discoveries back to America, instead of a British museum. Tess in particular is upset about this as it is her village. There is an irony here, never mentioned in this book: the British Empire has a well known history of pillaging antiquities from its many colonies and not giving them back. And yet, our main villain is the ugly American (from a former colony, no less!) daring to bring some English history to the New World. Nevertheless, I did enjoy all the machinations between Tess and Dominic and the Van Arsdales. I also enjoyed the prickly Lord Fenbridge whose land was being excavated. But the romance simply didn’t have enough tension to work for me. This is a book series about the Prince family so perhaps some of the other stories will work better.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars) The time period is 1896 in the Victorian era and treasure hunting is a hobby of the wealthy. Dominic Prince wants to make his mark in treasure hunting like his father. He is hired by a rich American to uncover a Viking treasure in Norfolk. Tess Hawthorne is a librarian cataloging the library of Lady Goddard. She is surprised to find the handsome Dominic upsetting her library one day. She is also surprised that he is after the same treasure find that she has always hoped to uncover.

The premise is realistic as I have visited Viking relics that have been discovered in English burial mounds. The time period and not being titled people gives both Dominic and Tess more freedom to interact together. I grew a little weary of the mention of how many women he has been with, but I guess he puts those skills to good use. I think the title is a little misleading as Tess isn’t a “siren” but that is his nickname for her. There is nice banter and heat between the pair. I appreciated that they could work together and there wasn’t a flimsy third act break up. It is a good solid adventure and an easy, low stakes read.

I have not read the first book in the series and read this easily on its own. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️ A Viking hoard, a rugged scoundrel, and a treasure worth fighting for! ⚔️

I just finished The Scoundrel and the Siren by Christy Carlyle and it was a refreshing change of pace for my historical romance shelf! This was my first time reading Christy Carlyle and I was immediately impressed by her ability to weave together a swoon-worthy love story with a genuine sense of adventure.

The plot follows Dominic Prince, a determined treasure hunter, and Tess Hawthorne, a local woman who knows the Norfolk land better than anyone. I particularly enjoyed the archaeology/treasure hunting backdrop to the story; it added a layer of intellectual tension with the romance elements. While they are technically working together to find a Viking hoard, their conflicting goals for the treasure keep the sparks flying!

Why you should pick this up:

The Setting: The dig site in Norfolk felt atmospheric and historically grounded. It wasn't just a backdrop; it felt like a character in its own right.

The Independence: Even though this is the second book in the Princes of London series, I read it as a standalone and never felt like I was missing vital information.

The Leads: Dominic is the perfect blend of ambitious and charming, while Tess is a fierce, intelligent heroine who holds her own against his scoundrel ways.

If you love a historical romance that offers a bit of a tomb raider vibe with banter, this is the book for you! Huge thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: March 31, 2026

Vibe: Adventurous & Romantic

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Princes of London series, but the previous book does not need to be read for this one to be enjoyed. I found this to be a quick and easy read that moved along at a quick pace, but that does mean that this falls into the insta-lust category of romances. I liked the premise of the book and appreciated that both Tess and Dominic were not nobility, which allowed them to be together more easily and allowed them to be actively working on the dig site. I have seen the Sutton hoo findings at the British Museum which easily allowed me to picture the artifacts they were digging up and I appreciated that little bit of history. However there was just something lacking. I found the constant reminders of Dominic’s playboy past to be repetitive and annoying where it wasn’t seen and didn’t really affect anything. The book also wrapped everything a bit to quickly and too neatly. The tension needed to be held a bit longer to really feel the stakes of everything going on. I will read the the third book in this series.

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

[bookedinthepnw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scoundrel and the Siren by Christy Carlyle sucked me in right from the beginning and now I’m definitely going to be reading more historical romances!

The story is about Dominic Prince, a handsome, butt-chinned MMC who is introduced as a lovable but unreliable thrill-seeker who detests the thought of staying still or settling down. He has a meet cute with Tess Hawthorne, our FMC, in a library, and then in a town jail where she’s locked up with her bar-brawling brother, and Dom can’t seem to fight his attraction towards her. They end up having to work together on a dig to unearth some Viking treasure (hello forced proximity/workplace romance) and the chemistry is UNREAL.

This book was full of blistering heat and crazy yearning and I was FEELING it in the best way 🥵! Can’t wait to read more about the Princes!

🪏 Historical romance
🪏 Workplace romance
🪏 Forbidden romance
🪏 Forced proximity
🪏 Reformed playboy
🪏 Secret lovers
🪏 Library meet cute
🪏 Village lockup meet cute
🪏 Daisy the milk cow

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the advance copy to review!

[Milly Dashwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Carlyle’s The Scoundrel and the Siren has a premise that will instantly appeal to many readers who love some adventure in their historical romance. With its archaeology and library settings, it offers a clear entry point for fangirls of Indiana Jones or The Mummy. The heroine, Tess, is a librarian with a very similar determined energy as Evelyn in The Mummy, and the story opens with a truly delightful meet-cute in a library that had me so hopeful about what was to come.

While the opening is strong, the plot didn’t quite accelerate or expand in the ways I expected. I really enjoyed the museum storyline and the thoughtful commentary about artifacts and colonization, and there are several expertly crafted moments of humor throughout. The romantic chemistry shines most during the characters’ dialogue, which is mostly lively and fun. For me, the steamy scenes would have benefited from slower pacing and a bit more buildup, and the hero’s characterization felt a tad inconsistent. Even so, readers who want some academia vibes with flashes of adventure will still find plenty to like here.

This one comes out on March 31st! Many thanks to Avon and to NetGalley for the opportunity!

[Kate | bff.bookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

If I see a book get compared to The Mummy, I’m gonna read it!

In THE SCOUNDREL AND THE SIREN, we follow a famous treasure hunter and a local historian who end up working together at a dig site, unearthing treasures *and* a growing attraction to one another.

This is my first book from this author and I found Carlyle’s writing smooth and readable - I breezed through this in about a day! Low-key, low-stakes, and a pleasant read.

I loved the concept of romance on a dig site! I would’ve liked to have seen more of their love story unfolding in that setting because it feels much more unique than society functions.

This is very much an insta-love story, so readers looking for a “will-they-won’t-they” kind of historical romance won’t find that here. It’s more like “is this going to be a fling or something more?” which is also entertaining, just with a different kind of tension.

Overall I enjoyed the vibes enough to check out more from this author and more in the Prince sibling series!

Thanks to Avon for the eARC in exchange for my review!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, and I was honestly nervous when I saw the cutesy illustrated cover for this one, especially after the first one had such a lovely clinch cover. I have to say though, this was a really cute book. I loved that we have an older spinster heroine here and one who is well-versed in history. Dominic is a treasure hunter and there's not a title to be seen, so this book is rather unique from many of the stories of this genre. I loved that Tess and Dominic worked together mostly as equals on a project and he was quick to give her credit when others sought to ignore her contributions. I also loved that we were mostly in the countryside for the majority of this book, rather than in London and Dominic's realization of his feelings was one of the cutest ones I've read. I loved Dominic and Tess together and how everything was resolved fairly quickly and with little fuss. This story lands firmly on my comfort read shelf.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ruth Brici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Christy Carlyle and NetGalley for this ARC.
I loved this historical romance full of adventure and heart. Dominic, who his family owns an antique shop, is questioning his life after losing his friend Peter. He’s soon headed to Norfolk for a dig with his sister Eve. Tess, a librarian hired to catalog a family collection. Sparks fly when Dominic and Tess meet first a funny accidental meeting at the library, then a charming second encounter involving her brother Tristan.

As they work together on the dig, their connection deepens, despite reservations. Dominic’s heartfelt gestures, including a heartfelt kiss and a birthday gift, show his genuine feelings. Tess struggles with past hurt but begins to trust again, culminating in a passionate kiss at the fair. Dominic promises to stay and proves his sincerity, leading to a proposal Tess joyfully accepts.

The story beautifully combines history, adventure, and romance, ending with a happy HEA. I’d love to see a story about Eve next!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominic and Tess have a chance encounter in a library, despite their hostile first run-in, there is something below the surface that might not be as disagreeable as they originally thought. What are the odds they are working together on the same archeological excavation site? They both feel the spark, but can they let go of their pasts enough to trust each other and maybe even believe in love?
The pair has great banter, and I really enjoyed how their characters grew and learned about each other as the story progressed. Tess is such a strong, independent woman that don't need no man but definitely deserves all the love in the world, and Dom definitely has so much love for her; she just has to believe it. I think that side characters are really the backbone of whether the book works or not, and I really like the cast of characters that are along with Tess and Dom.
I can't wait to see what's next for the Prince's!