Reviews

American Royals by Katharine McGee

markalkman's review against another edition

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4.0

This was... well, exactly what I expected it to be and then so much more. It was romantic and over the top dramatic, but sad and heartbreaking at the same time. There's lots of beautiful gowns, diamonds and jewellry, formal galas and parties, princes and princesses and of course secret love affairs.

It seems everyone's in love with everyone. There's so many going on it was hard to keep track of, at first. But then I got hooked and raced through the pages, wanting more and more with every new chapter. Of course, this book is definitely not 'high literature' and it's far from perfect, but it's a damn good reat; it's about love and kissing and backstabbing ex-girlfriends than it is about a brand new, fictional monarchy. I would've loved to see more of the formal events, of the tasks crownprincess Beatrice had to preform, the way she prepared for the inevitable role she'd eventually have to assume. But I can't complain; this is a romance novel, after all! It was fun to read about the altered American history, about the fictional royal house of Washington and the way that changed the American way of life.

I'm definitely going to read book two once it comes out! How can I not, after that cliffhanger? Can't wait to read how things continue, and of course, if all of the main characters find their happily ever after, one way or another. I hope they do, all of them, even Daphne Deighton.

starrywonder's review against another edition

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4.0

Wild Concept, Romance, Heartache

3.9 stars

The concept of America as a monarchy is very intriguing. The novel plays this out well and obviously there are many monarchies that still exist today to make this easily understandable.

Beatrice is everything you would expect and not except from the first would be Queen of America. I only hope she finds a way to keep her love.

Sam experiences a lot of growth in a small amount of time. I'm pulling for the Sparrow to get everything she deserves.

Jeff and Nina still have a lot of growing up to do. I'm pulling for them as a couple, but there's some things both characters need to overcome.

Daphne is just not a good person. She is all the things to expect in an antagonist. I wish she had more redeemable characteristics, but her desire and willingness to do anything for a crown is disgusting. I feel no sympathy for her. She is very one-dimensional even though the author tries to make her seem more.

madisonpaige17's review against another edition

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5.0

love this book! i was LIVING for the drama that was in the synopsis and it didn’t disappoint. it was a fun read about what it might be like if america had a monarchy instead of a democracy. it was about the children of the king, beatrice, samantha, and jeff, and the drama/love stories of their individual lives that also wrapped together. the book had great side characters, and daphne deighton can GO SOMEWHERE ELSE PLEASE! i just know that himari is going to wake up from her coma in the next book and ruin her life. i am very excited to read the second book in the series!

cvonalt's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

eggjen's review against another edition

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5.0

What if George Washington had agreed to being king after the revolutionary war? This is the story of that fictional royal family in present day, eleven generations later. Lots of interwoven drama, several love stories and a fun premise. I am on the edge of my seat waiting impatiently for book two.

heavensbee's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

julzcash's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mbenzz's review against another edition

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2.0

I knew this book was going to be a ridiculous frothy teen-drama, but I didn't realize how MUCH. I brought it with me on a three-day stay-cation to the other side of the island and it was perfect as a mind-numbing meaningless read by the pool.

All the characters are cardboard cutouts of the stereotype they've been assigned. Princess Beatrice is the regal and caged Heir to the American throne. There are her twin siblings Princess Sam and Prince Jeff...Sam falling into the 'Spare" roll of irresponsible party girl and Jeff serving no other purpose than being someone's love interest, whether it be Daphne or Nina. He never had a mind of his own in this story.

And then there's Daphne and Nina. The former is the cunning mean-girl extrodinaire who will stop at nothing to attain her goal of becoming Prince Jeff's wife, making her a Princess, and Nina, the 'normal' everyday girl whose mother works for the palace, making her the lifelong best friend of Princess Samantha who struggles with balancing her friendships and relationships among the Royal Family and that of being a regular college student who wants nothing more than to stay out of the limelight.

There was just so much 'We shouldn't be doing this!', 'I can't allow myself to feel this way!'. 'I'm not the girl for you, you deserve someone better!', 'No one cares what I do, I'm only the second child!'. 'I must do what's right for the country and put my own desires aside, poor me.', that I was in danger of my eyes actually getting stuck in the back of my head from rolling them so many times.

Needless to say, I didn't like it. I gave it two stars because I finished it and didn't DNF it, but I will not be continuing on with the second book. However, judging by the reviews of that book, it looks like I'm dodging a bullet.

jody_diou's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

jenhurst's review against another edition

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3.0

A decently fun, light read but nothing spectacular. I honestly could care less about the romance.