Nobody’s Princess

A woman discovers her self-worth with help from a wonderfully unconventional family in Ridley’s sparkling third Wild Wynchesters Regency (after The Perks of Loving a Wallflower). Kuni de Heusch of Balcovia dreams of becoming the kingdom’s first female Royal Guardsman, though her Guardsmen older brothers always laugh her off. She finally gets a chance to prove herself on a mission to London gathering intel in advance of a royal visit. Graham Wynchester, the unofficial spy master of his Robin Hoodesque band of quirky adopted siblings, knows the Balcovian royalty are on their way. So when he stumbles on Kuni, he mistakes her for a princess in need of his protection. Of course, Kuni quickly proves more than capable of protecting herself. Taken in by her fierceness and beauty, Graham invites Kuni to stay with him and his siblings. Kuni’s independence is hard won—but when the boisterous Wynchester clan invites her to join in on their heists, she feels seen and appreciated for the first time. Graham and Kuni share an immediate attraction, which grows to something more through witty banter and mutual support. But if Kuni becomes a Royal Guardsman, how will Graham fit into her life? The sense of camaraderie between the diverse Wynchester crew is as strong as ever, and Ridley hits the sweet spot of tickling readers’ funny bones and pulling on their heartstrings in equal measure. This is a joy. Agent: Lauren E. Abramo, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (July)