Queen of Lombard Street

'The rare author who can make you laugh and cry - on the same page' JULIA QUINN, bestselling author of the Bridgerton novels

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas comes a sweeping, richly layered Victorian novel about a trailblazing female economist who's determined to succeed in business . . . and in love.

London, 1880. One brilliant female economist looking to change the status quo meets an undercover detective investigating a conspiracy that could topple an empire. As they work together, it's not just their ambitions on the line, it's also their hearts . . .

Brilliant economist Reina Martin has spent her life defying people's expectations. As the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish immigrant mother and an English banker, she knows exactly what life is like for society's outcasts. That's why she's hired a household staff of paroled prisoners - to give them a chance to remake their lives, and come together as a found family.

With the help of her mentor, the aristocratic William Farlow, Reina pursues her dream of building to build the first all-women's bank, where women will be finally able to manage their own money and take control of their futures.

But soon Reina is shocked to learn that her enigmatic and handsome butler, John Pembroke, is actually an undercover police detective. He's investigating Farlow for vast financial fraud - and Reina, by association, is at risk of losing everything she's fought for.

When John asks for her help with a high-stakes heist to obtain incriminating evidence, Reina faces an agonizing choice: either betray the beloved mentor she's always trusted, or turn her back on the thousands whose lives are at stake. As she and John search for the truth, they're swept up in a passionate love that neither of them ever dared to dream of.

Based on real-life trailblazers such as Mary Paley Marshall, Britain's first female economist, and financial titan Hetty Green, Queen of Lombard Street celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women who are normally hidden from the history books.

'Lisa Kleypas turns her pen to historical fiction with considerable panache! Queen of Lombard Street is an absolute delight!' Kate Quinn

'Historical fiction with such a great romance . . . it is fantastic' Isabel Ibanez

Tropes

Historical romance

Found Family

Workplace romance

Self-Made Heroine

Forced Proximity

Slow Burn