Queen of Lombard Street by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance
October 20, 2026 by Avon
ARC

Review by Angela

As a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas, I was beyond excited to see a new release in 2026. Queen of Lombard Street is different from her other books, part romance and part historical fiction, it tells the story of Reina Martin, a woman who rose above the circumstances of her birth to become one of England’s greatest minds, an economist and banker.

When I tell you I LOVED this book. It had all the things that I adore about Lisa Kleypas romances- a strong, competent heroine, a supportive love interest, and a found family who are both quirky and endearing. There is even a secondary love story that is sure to have readers cheering.

Reina Martin is a sharp businesswoman, with keen intelligence, and when she sees a problem, she immediately wants to find a way to fix it. When the book opens that problem is women unable to find a bank that suits their needs. So, she quickly becomes a champion of opening a bank that caters to women of all socioeconomic backgrounds. She is helped by a longtime friend, William Farlow, who is also a prominent banker and begins to feel like this dream of her’s might actually come to fruition.

In the meantime, she is also setting up a household, and the easiest way to do that is to visit the local employment agency, albeit one for parolees out on a work program. But Reina sees things in people most others do not. So, she fills her house with a ragtag group of quirky individuals.

John Pembroke is a police detective placed in Reina’s household under the guise as a parolee applying for the role as butler. He’s really looking for any information about William Farlow, and how Reina might be involved in his suspected financial crimes. But the Reina he gets to know is kind, and hardworking, with a big brain and a strong will, she’s also kind, understanding, and cares about the people in her employ.

This book was absolutely delightful. One thing this author does well is create endearing secondary characters who are easy to root for a and fall in love with. While Reina and her incredible brain and accomplishments for the time period are the focus of Queen of Lombard Street, this book wouldn’t have been as fabulous without the found family at the heart of the story. These are supposed criminals and people of disreputable backgrounds and circumstances, but as the book progresses, and as Reina builds trust, they slowly become a unit who considers each other family. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed at their antics, and John’s reactions to them. I adored the way they blossomed under Reina’s employ and found their strengths and a loving home.

The romance is softer here, not as passionate on page, but there are open door love scenes and readers understand that these two respect and support each other through thick and thin. They have this incredible relationship built on mutual understanding and trust that absolutely shines through. I loved the epilogue showing this couple, and the members of their household, after the events of the book.

There is an element of intrigue, as Reina’s friend and mentor may or may not be committing fraud and theft. I won’t go into specifics, or give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say that plot arc ended exactly how I expected.

I’ve said this before, but you just cannot go wrong with a Lisa Kleypas historical. This will be another book placed gently on my keeper shelf to come back to when I need a little pick me up or am in a book slump.

Final Grade- A