J.J. McAvoy (Aphrodite and the Duke) returns with Hathor and the Prince, the third novel in the Du Bells historic romance series. McAvoy focuses this story, told in first-person voice from multiple narrators, on Hathor (pronounced "Ha-ther," not "Heather"), Aphrodite's younger sister. Considered by society to be nothing but a social climber, Lady Hathor is thrilled when her parents announce a house party to find her a husband, a gathering in which the queen will be in attendance along with her beloved nephew, Wilhelm, prince of Malrovia. What she doesn't know is that he is the same man she had previously verbally sparred with and sworn never to marry: "Even if the queen herself arranged for us to marry, I would refuse instantaneously."
There is obvious chemistry in their disagreements as scheming elders and circumstance continue to thrust the two together in this enemies-to-lovers novel. Hathor's family plays a pivotal role in the story, and there is a large supporting cast. Given that this is the third installment in the series, there are spoilers for the previous books, but Hathor and the Prince can certainly be read as a stand-alone.
The novel, perfect for lovers of Bridgerton, is as diverse as the beloved Netflix show. It is chock-full of witty banter, drawing readers into this fantasy Regency world with unmarried, charming, handsome, and kind princes. For readers looking for some spice, McAvoy delivers here, too. Though the end may feel rushed, it simply leaves readers longing for the next entry in the series. --Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller