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A review by sophiesometimesreads
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this overall, and I think I've found that I am a fan of the royal x celebrity trope. In saying this, there were a few factors that just weren't for me but that's definitely a me problem not a problem with the book.
Firstly, and I realise this will be a selling point for a lot of people so I put it first, it was a bit spicy for my personal preference. Look, I don't mind a bit of spice but it is the part of romance novels I like the least. It didn't make me hate the book or anything but it's just something that factored into this not being a 5 star read. BUT if you do like spice, this has a number of scenes but also a decent storyline so this may be for you. I also felt that there could've been more romance and intimacy between the couple outside of the spice to get me more convinced as to why they work as a couple, not just as a fling. We got a bit of an insight into this and, when we did get it, it was really cute, but I just wanted more.
This also leads into the pacing of the book and the speed of the relationship. It took almost half the book before the two characters even met one another, and then it seemed like into a few chapters later they were talking about loving each other. I would've liked for a bit more development in them getting to know each other, so it didn't feel so much like instalove. The third-act conflict also felt a bit rushed in its conclusion, though I do give it points for not having a traditional third-act breakup, even though the conflict was centred around miscommunication (another trope I'm not a huge fan of).
Now, even though these things did impact my enjoyment a little, I did really like the book overall and had a great time whilst reading it. Dani's character was great, I loved her fiesty attitude, independence and her drive towards what she wanted. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a fan of the royal x celebrity trope and liked seeing this dynamic play out through these characters. There were also some good discussions about sexism in the hip hop scene, as well as racism in society and also the royal family.
If you don't mind (or like) instalove, love a decent amount of spice in your romance and love an independent FMC, then this book is for you!
Firstly, and I realise this will be a selling point for a lot of people so I put it first, it was a bit spicy for my personal preference. Look, I don't mind a bit of spice but it is the part of romance novels I like the least. It didn't make me hate the book or anything but it's just something that factored into this not being a 5 star read. BUT if you do like spice, this has a number of scenes but also a decent storyline so this may be for you. I also felt that there could've been more romance and intimacy between the couple outside of the spice to get me more convinced as to why they work as a couple, not just as a fling. We got a bit of an insight into this and, when we did get it, it was really cute, but I just wanted more.
This also leads into the pacing of the book and the speed of the relationship. It took almost half the book before the two characters even met one another, and then it seemed like into a few chapters later they were talking about loving each other. I would've liked for a bit more development in them getting to know each other, so it didn't feel so much like instalove. The third-act conflict also felt a bit rushed in its conclusion, though I do give it points for not having a traditional third-act breakup, even though the conflict was centred around miscommunication (another trope I'm not a huge fan of).
Now, even though these things did impact my enjoyment a little, I did really like the book overall and had a great time whilst reading it. Dani's character was great, I loved her fiesty attitude, independence and her drive towards what she wanted. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a fan of the royal x celebrity trope and liked seeing this dynamic play out through these characters. There were also some good discussions about sexism in the hip hop scene, as well as racism in society and also the royal family.
If you don't mind (or like) instalove, love a decent amount of spice in your romance and love an independent FMC, then this book is for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Sexual content