THE LITTLE LADY AGENCY AND THE PRINCE

Third installment in the romantic misadventures of brassy, sassy Melissa Romney-Jones.

When we catch up with the bossy Brit entrepreneur, she’s planning her wedding to handsome American Jonathan Riley and enjoying a financial boon. Melissa’s business, the Little Lady Agency, helps London’s inept bachelors navigate the rocky waters of dating. Judging by her packed appointment book and sizable bank account, it appears that Britain’s best are in dire need of her feminine advice. But Melissa’s ready to downsize her business and join her dashing groom-to-be in Paris as he expands his real-estate empire. Her devotion to Jonathan is tested when she lands a tricky, unbelievably lucrative new assignment: overhauling the image of a notorious European playboy. Nicky, heir to the throne of a small principality, has been acting like a spoiled rock star; his exploits threaten his family’s shot at regaining their castle and respectability. This could be too much for Britain’s strictest life coach. While Melissa tries to rein in Nicky’s wild-child behavior, her relationship with Jonathan hits a rocky spot as the two headstrong businesspeople jockey for power. Just when Melissa starts to doubt her feelings for Jonathan, Nicky starts pouring on the charm. To make things even more confusing, Melissa starts feeling strangely possessive about her reliable roommate, Nelson. Was he always so handsome, chivalrous and bright? Sorting out her heart’s wishes proves a bigger challenge than overhauling the wardrobes of slovenly bachelors. Tossing three men into the mix dilutes Browne’s normally potent wit. Yet it remains impossible to become disenchanted with Melissa, a curvy heroine who never denies her chocolate cravings.

Lacks the panache of Little Lady, Big Apple (2007), but Browne’s less-than-perfect princess is still a delight.