The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne (Sept. 16, 2025) Thank you, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the free print and audio copies! #berkley #berkleypartner #prhaudioinfluencer
Fiona Appiah is an online sleuth known for her ability to uncover the truth behind an online scandal or a cold case through her account, @Princess_PI. It has been an important escape for her from her overprotective and strictly religious family. A situation that has only gotten worse since her brother’s death. But when Fiona decides to take her online skills into the real world to avenge her brother by stealing back his invention from the corporation that stole it, things go VERY POORLY. Maurice Bennett was once on the force but hung up his shield for a PI license. But he can’t get the case he couldn’t solve out of his head. It weighs on him so much, he can’t sleep. But when Fiona’s chaos lands in front of him, he can’t help but step in to help. Soon these complete opposites find themselves working the case together and, despite their better judgements, they are drawn to each other.
I love a good romantic suspense novel and this one is full of both! I love how Maurice sees the real Fiona through the vail of the person she has crafted herself into in order to serve her family’s purposes. The contrast between Maurice’s family and their treatment of Fiona provide her with a vision of how families and love should be. The revenge plot and crime solving expands over the course of the novel, with a fair number of characters coming into play and I did find myself going back to re-read previous chapters to make sure I understood what was happening. The wrap up was intensely satisfying – both in the tying of loose ends with the crime and the growth both Fiona and Maurice have achieved.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Narrators Arissa Evans and Jaime Lincoln absolutely shine, infusing the entire cast with vibrancy and emotion. At 13h 46m, it’s an immersive listen that heightens every twist and romantic beat.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 