Sophie Reads YA: 2020 Contemporary Romance Challenge

2020 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: Gemma's Not Sure (Galloway Girls #2) by Gill Stewart

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Gemma's Not Sure
Series: Galloway Girls #2
Author: Gill Stewart
Published May 26th 2020 by Sweet Cherry Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
Gemma's not sure if she's brave enough to go to her audition, or if she even wants to study music at all. She's definitely not sure forming a band with Lily's hot ex-boyfriend is a good idea. Jamie's university life isn't like he thought it would be, and he doesn't know what to do about it. One thing he does know is that he wants a reason to bump into Gemma Anderson again. The Galloway Girls are back! With exams coming up and major life choices in progress, everything is about to change.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Life takes a turn in Gemma's Not Sure, as Gemma is decided on which university she should go to next year, and whether she can get over her stage fright to perform, for real. Her teachers want her to go to an exclusive Conservatoire, and teach youngsters while she's home, but it a bit much for her. To be honest, she's not even sure university is for her at all, and meeting up with Jamie, Lily's ex boyfriend and her long term crush, shows her that life as a fresher is not all great. Jamie was pushed into an accountancy course by his mam, and the expectations that are piled on him are too much. He loves his music, and refereeing, so when he comes home and starts getting more involved in youth training, being close to Gemma is perfect.

I read Lily's Just Fine recently, and liked how real the book was - talking about school, imperfect home lives, and what it's like being a teenager these days. As Lily's best friend, we saw a lot of Gemma and I wanted to know more about her, and why she seemed so nervous all of the time. She's a quiet bairn, who doesn't like attention or change really, and her final year of school is a big moment. One of the best things in this book was seeing her growth, from the shy and retiring Gemma at the start, to the Gemma who stood up for herself, was real with Jamie, and tried to help little Rosie with her own issues. Jamie and Gemma together were sweet - there wasn't any awkwardness over the fact Jamie used to be with Lily, so that was good. Of course, we have the obligatory angst we always get in YA's these days, but it was dealt with well, and I reckon I'll continue with the series. I'm hoping the next book is Sarah's, because there's so much about her yet unexplored!

Dates Read:
August 15-16, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: The Birds, The Bees, and You and Me by Olivia Hinebaugh

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The Birds, The Bees, and You and Me
Series: None
Author: Olivia Hinebaugh
Published January 22nd 2019 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Lacey Burke is the last person on the planet who should be doling out sex advice. For starters, she’s never even kissed anyone, and she hates breaking the rules. Up until now, she's been a straight-A music geek that no one even notices. All she cares about is jamming out with her best friends, Theo and Evita.

But then everything changes.

When Lacey sees first-hand how much damage the abstinence-only sex-ed curriculum of her school can do, she decides to take a stand and starts doling out wisdom and contraception to anyone who seeks her out in the girls' restroom. But things with Theo become complicated quickly, and Lacey is soon not just keeping everyone else’s secrets, but hers as well.
Goodreads

Review
Lacey Burke has never even kissed a guy, but she knows all about safe sex and healthy relationships because of her midwife mam making sure she's known since she was old enough. Her best friends, Evita and Theo, had a disastrous attempt at a relationship, but managed to stay friends through it all, but when the school's health class starts to give students unhelpful, and frankly, dangerous abstinence only sex education, the three decide they need to take a stand. Starting off with advice sessions in the girls bathroom, soon leads to pamphlets being made, condoms handing out, and a suspension in the works. Lacey also starts to reconsider her plans for the future, thinking that training to be a doula may be better than going to study music, and helping a former classmate through her own teen pregnancy is the jump she needs. Her conflicting feelings for Theo don't help matters either, but will Lacey's Senior year be as perfect as she was expecting?

This book was so sex positive and frankly, perfect for teens these days. I'm lucky that the school I went to, and the education system in my country, isn't outdated or spouts 'abstinence only' education, because that helps literally no one! Lacey was such a relatable main character, and I loved her friendship with everyone in the book, from Evita and Theo, to Alice, to Kelly and her mam at the hospital. The romance between herself and Theo was cute, but I would've liked a little more substance to it - but that's my only negative. Definitely a great YA contemporary!

Dates Read:
July 6-9, 2020

Rating
4 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

ARC Review: Lily's Just Fine (Galloway Girls #1) by Gill Stewart

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Lily's Just Fine
Series: Galloway Girls #1
Author: Gill Stewart
Published July 11th 2019 by Sweet Cherry Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
Lily couldn’t have planned life better herself. She lives in the best house in town and she’s dating the most popular boy in school. Everything else she can fix. Mum’s apathy? On it! The stuffy gala committee? Watch this space!

Tom has enough on his plate without trying to drag Newton St Cuthbert into the 21st Century. His sister is sick and there’s nothing anyone can do. Not doctors, not his parents, and certainly not Lily Hildebrand.

Sail away this summer with the unexpected romance of Scotland's most determined teenager.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lily is expecting her summer to be perfect, but when her boyfriend dumps her after prom, and she's left alone with her inattentive mother, she needs to find something to do. When it's revealed that the town gala needs some more volunteers, and there's no one under the age of 50 on the committee, Lily joins up, along with best friend, Gemma, and Gemma's neighbour, Tom. Lily wants to change it up, adding a regatta for the youngsters, a raft building competition, and making the parade much more inclusive, rather than there only being a Gala Queen. Tom has never really spoken to Lily, and except for her being Gemma's best friend, thought her to be a busybody, and annoying. He's dealing with his sister's diagnosed illness, and would rather spend his summer before sixth form relaxing and going out on the river. Lily won't expect no for an answer though, and it soon becomes obvious that there's an attraction between the two. Will their close proximity lead to romance, or is that too much to ask?

I can't even remember where I first saw this book, but decided to request a copy on NG when it became available. I've hardly ever read any YA books set in Scotland, and loved the setting for this book. Lily and Tom were alright main characters, both with their own flaws and difficulties, but real and exactly what I'd expect for two 16 years olds. The plot line of the town gala and it's many additions - courtesy of Lily's input - was definitely enjoyable, and I loved how it showed a different side of Lily to us. Because of the way her family were, she was basically left to her own devices at all times, and what others might see as her interfering was a coping mechanism for her to keep herself busy. Her mam is depressed, and I understand the way she was, but I sort of hated the way Lily's whole family left her. She's only 16, and is the only one who doesn't know about her mam's mental health history, but is expected to keep her safe while her dad and siblings are living away. Tom, too, has difficulties, as he tends to be ignored a lot in favour of his sister, who they think has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but it's never been fully diagnosed. Sarah wants to do as much as she can, but her parents really coddle her, and I wish they were a little more understanding of a 15 year old who wants to do things, even if it makes her tired.

The relationships in the both, both romantic and platonic, were wonderful. I liked Tom and Lily together, and seeing their ups and downs as they navigated their relationship was perfect! Gemma was a fantastic friend to them both, and I'm definitely intrigued about her, as she seems like she may have anxiety, or something, and I can't wait to read her book, Gemma's Not Sure.

Dates Read:
August 1-3, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West

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Listen to Your Heart
Series: None
Author: Kasie West
Published May 28th 2019 by Point

Goodreads Synopsis
Talking to other people isn't Kate Bailey's favorite activity. She'd much rather be out on the lake, soaking up the solitude and sunshine. So when her best friend, Alana, convinces Kate to join their high school's podcast, Kate is not expecting to be chosen as the host. Now she'll have to answer calls and give advice on the air? Impossible.

But to Kate's surprise, she turns out to be pretty good at the hosting gig. Then the podcast gets in a call from an anonymous guy, asking for advice about his unnamed crush. Kate is pretty sure that the caller is gorgeous Diego Martinez, and even surer that the girl in question is Alana. Kate is excited for her friend . . . until Kate herself starts to develop feelings for Diego. Suddenly, Kate finds that while doling out wisdom to others may be easy, asking for help is tougher than it looks, and following your own advice is even harder.

Kasie West's adorable story of secrets, love, and friendship is sure to win over hearts everywhere.
Goodreads

Review
I have always enjoyed Kasie's contemporary books, so was looking forward to this one all the same. In Listen to Your Heart, Kate ends up being forced to co-host a podcast at school, which is definitely out of her comfort zone. She's at home on the lake, and being around people, especially her arch nemesis, Frank, but her best friend, Alana, is there to help her get through it. An advice podcast, they start getting phone calls in from a mystery guy, who has feelings for someone but doesn't know how to go about telling them. Kate is adamant that the caller is Diego, who works at the local tutor centre, is her friend, and Alana has the biggest crush on. Kate tries to get them together, but the more that she is near him, the more she starts to develop her own feelings for him. What can she do? Does she ignore them in order for her friend to be happy, or see if he reciprocates her feelings?

As much as I love Kasie's work, I think this was one of my least favourites of hers. P.S. I Like You, will always be my favourite, but this time around I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot, really. I enjoyed it, but wasn't invested as much as I normally am with her stories. The characters didn't have anything wrong with them, but there was nothing really standing out. The best thing about the book was the podcast plot line, as I've never really known anything about them, so that was good. I will be reading more of Kasie's books in future, but was disappointed with this.

Dates Read:
January 12, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud

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Truly Madly Royally
Series: None
Author: Debbie Rigaud
Published July 30th 2019 by Point

Goodreads Synopsis
Fiercely independent and smart, Zora Emerson wants to change the world. She's excited to be attending a prestigious summer program, even if she feels out of place among her privileged, mostly white classmates. So she's definitely not expecting to feel a connection to Owen, who's an actual prince of an island off the coast of England. But Owen is funny, charming...and undeniably cute. Zora can't ignore the chemistry between them. When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his big brother's big royal wedding, Zora is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, along with her family and friends. Everyone is talking about her, in real life and online, and while Owen is used to the scrutiny, Zora's not sure it's something she can live with. Can she maintain her sense of self while moving between two very different worlds? And can her feelings for Owen survive and thrive in the midst of the crazy? Find out in this charming romantic comedy that's like The Princess Diaries for a new generation.
Goodreads

Review
Truly Madly Royally was a book that fell below my radar for so long, and it was actually in the back of another book by the same publisher when I first learnt of it. We have Zora who has overcome her less well off background to gain a scholarship to one of the most prestigious summer schools in the country. Being one of the only black students there, and one who commutes in daily, Zora feels like a fish out of water with all of the over privileged white students she's studying with. One day in the library, she meets a stranger who she has a connection with - they seem to understand what it's like to be a fish out of water, and appreciate her love for her community, and her wish to help the children too. When she realises that the handsome stranger is no more than Owen, the younger prince of a European kingdom, and he seems extremely interested in her. As they spend more time together, they realise they want to continue their relationship, and will do whatever it takes to deal with the press and the attention they receive.

I really wanted to love this book as it had everything going for it. There's a foreign prince, an independent girl, and class barriers and privilege to overcome - what more could you ask for? However, I was left wanting more when I finished the book. It was a good book, it really was, but the last few chapters were hurriedly done, and I was left with questions, and wanting more. Zora was a fantastic main character, and I loved her and all those around her, but I just wanted more. Her and Owen's relationship was cute, but missing something. That's pretty much the theme of this review - more. Nothing was wrong, but it was just missing, and I couldn't give the book higher than 3 starts.

Dates Read:
February 2-3, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss (Love, Life, and the List #2) by Kasie West

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Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss
Series: Love, Life, and the List #2
Author: Kasie West
Published December 10th 2019 by HarperTeen

Goodreads Synopsis
Lacey Barnes has dreamed of being an actress for as long as she can remember. So when she gets the opportunity to star in a movie alongside one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, she doesn’t hesitate to accept the part.

But Lacey quickly learns that life in the spotlight isn’t as picture perfect as she imagined. She’s having trouble bonding with her costars, her father has hired the definition of a choir boy, Donavan Lake, to tutor her, and somewhere along the way she’s lost her acting mojo. And just when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, it looks like someone on set is deliberately trying to sabotage her.

As Lacey’s world spins out of control, it feels like the only person she can count on—whether it’s helping her try to unravel the mystery of who is out to get her or snap her out of her acting funk—is Donavan. But what she doesn’t count on is this straight-laced boy becoming another distraction.

With her entire future riding on this movie, Lacey knows she can’t afford to get sidetracked by a crush. But for the first time in her life Lacey wonders if it’s true that the best stories really do happen when you go off script.
Goodreads

Review
I've had some misses with Kasie's most recent books, but had high hopes for this one, and I was pleasantly surprised. Meeting Lacey in Love, Life, and the List, I was intrigued about her love of acting, and thought that seeing her actually in her element, on a set in production would be fantastic. Lacey has bagged the lead role in an upcoming zombie romance, opposite the extremely famous Grant James. However, she doesn't have the right chemistry with Grant, and he himself is in a funk after a bad review went viral. To make matters worse, some people are speaking out against her casting online, and she's struggling to find herself while also completing the school work and battling her over protective father. When it seems that things are purposefully going wrong on set, just when Lacey is around, she has to work with the people she can trust to try and save her career before it's even started. Will her tutor and crush, Donovan, be able to help, or will her dream of acting crash down in flames?

Now, I really disliked Love, Life, and the List, and might not have read this one if I hadn't already bought it. However, the story line and romantic elements this time were soo much better than in the previous book, and I really engaged with Lacey as a character. I understood her worry and her anger at the situation she was in, and seeing her vulnerabilities as a 17 year old actress, falling for someone for the first time, and acting in her first big break, made her a real character. The chemistry and witty banter between herself and Donovan was fantastic, and it made me believe in Kasie's romantic pairings once again. I think this one has redeemed and revived my love of Kasie's books, and I will try Moments of Truth when I can get a copy.

Dates Read:
May 29-30, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Dramas of a Teenage Heiress (Hotel Royale #2) by Katy Birchall

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Dramas of a Teenage Heiress
Series: Hotel Royale #2
Author: Katy Birchall
Published September 9th 2018 by Egmont

Goodreads Synopsis
A brand new laugh-out-loud series from rising star Katy Birchall, author of the much-loved It Girl series. Perfect for readers of 10+ and fans of Geek Girl, Super Awkward and channel 4's Derry Girls.

1. If anyone was going to be photographed FIRST holding that handbag, it was going to be Fritz.
2. And if it was a little too big for Fritz, then it was going to be ME.
3. And if it wasn't me, then maybe the Queen or Beyoncé or someone.
4. Whoever it was, it was not going to be gossip columnist Nancy Rose . . .

When a scurrilous journalist writes a very mean article about hotel heiress Flick Royale after 'an unfortunate incident' over a handbag designed for her pet daschund Fritz, she is mortified. Especially when it goes viral! She has to find a way to show the world that she's not the spoilt brat she's been made out to be.

But with not enough followers on even Fritz's Instagram account, let alone her own, she needs to find a bigger crowd to tell the real story to. But how?

Find out in this brilliant sequel in the Hotel Royale series.
Goodreads

Review
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so thought to give book 2, Dramas of a Teenage Heiress, a try. This time around, Flick is facing social media nightmares, when a 'popular' vlogger, Nancy Rose, starts to spread negative messages about her, some of which have a bit of truth in them. This leads to Flick being dropped from the exclusive 50 Heirs to Watch list, and she's distraught. Appearing to save the day is her aunt, who brings with her a reality TV show, who want to film a pilot about Flick's life. Pretty much everyone else is against this, but Flick jumps at the chance, and relishes the attention - especially as ex-best friend Ella has infiltrated her friendship group, seems to want to spend all her time with Cal, and may be spreading bad information about Flick to Nancy Rose. Will the TV show be the making of Flick, or is it another bad idea?

Again, this book was enjoyable, but definitely read young - I definitely don't see how it can be compared to Derry Girls, if I'm being honest. Flick isn't as annoying as she had been in the first book, but there were times I was rolling my eyes at her, and neigh on begging her to give her head a shake - especially when the TV show became involved. Here, she became a bit of a diva and really started to alienate her friends, but she did come to her sense later on. The ending of the book was quite ambiguous, and seeing how it was released a few years ago, I don't think there's going to be a third, so I would've like it to be wrapped up a bit more.

Dates Read:

May 15, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

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Thicker Than Water
Series: None
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published December 29th 2015 by Kensington Books

Goodreads Synopsis
On his own.

Thomas Bellweather hasn’t been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad’s cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect.

Not that there’s any evidence. But before Thomas got to Garretts Mill there had just been one other murder in twenty years.

The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her best friend was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple answers.

Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden…
Goodreads

Review
I only discovered Brigid last year, and since then have been devouring all of her books I can get, so this one was no different. Thicker Than Water follows Thomas, who after moving to a new town following his mother's marriage, is facing accusations of murder when she is found strangled in bed, and he was the only one in the house. The only person in town who isn't treating him like a complete social pariah is Charlotte, daughter of one cop, and sister of three others. She has been warned away from him, but feels a connection and can't keep away. When different things start happening, such as Thomas allegedly attacking her and her brothers, it seems like he is all alone. Can he find someone to help, and discover just who killed his mam?

Right, so this book was different. I was fully invested until about 80% through, and then something happened and I was completely thrown. Honestly, I was contemplating not finishing the book because of it, because I just wasn't too interested any more, but decided to push through. It started as a solid 4-5 star for me, and I really enjoyed the mystery and the attraction between Thomas and Charlotte, but it wasn't enough to keep up my excitement. I don't want to give too much away, but the last 20% of the book were plain weird, and not enough was tied together for the ending. It was far too quick and untidy, and could've been so much better without that ending. It hasn't turned me off Brigid's books, but I am disappointed.

Dates Read:

May 9-12, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Beat the Backlist challenge

Review: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

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Finding Mr. Better-Than-You
Series: None
Author: Shani Petroff
Published January 14th 2020 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Camryn has been dating Marc FOREVER—since freshman year! She dropped out of volleyball to go to all his games, switched her schedule around to be in his favorite class, and has been busting her butt to get into Columbia so they can go to the same college. So when Marc suddenly, and very publically, breaks up with her a week into their senior year so that he can date the new transfer student, she’s absolutely devastated.

But why be sad, when you can get even? Inspired by her favorite movies, Camryn decides that the best revenge is a Senior Year well lived, starring a boy who is ever so much better than her ex. With a little help from her friends, Cam is going to have the Best. Senior. Year. Ever.

Or else!
Goodreads

Review
I've read a few of Petroff's books before, and when I saw this one was on special, I decided to order it as it sounded like my sort of book. Finding Mr. Better-Than-You shares Camryn's story. She has spent the last three years in a relationship with Marc, and is planning on having the best senior year she can, before they head off to Columbia for college. However, the first week back at school, Marc dumps her, publicly, and she is distraught. She now needs to rediscover just who she is, and, inspired by her love of rom-coms, decides the best way to get over Marc, is to find someone who is better than he was. She enlists her friends in her endeavours, and over time, will she work out that friendship is more important, and that this year will be perfect?

This book was okay, but it wasn't much, if I'm honest. I read it in about two hours, and even though I'm writing this review the day after I read it, I'm at a bit of a lost to what actually happened in the plot. Really, there wasn't much there, and what there was, wasn't too memorable. Marc, the ex-boyfriend, was awful - he had cheated on Cam with Lissi, but I felt sorry for Lissi. She was new to the town, and didn't know about Cam at first, and when she did, she refused to see Marc until he had spoken to Cam. Cam, as a character, wasn't the best either. She was flaky at times, though she did care about her friends - the party for Terri being evidence for this - but just not a character I would like, or want as one of my friends. By the end of the book, she had improved, but still not enough for the book to be more than 3 stars.

Dates Read:

April 18, 2020

Rating
3 Stars

2020 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: Shine (Shine #1) by Jessica Jung

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Shine
Series: Shine #1
Author: Jessica Jung
Published October 15th 2020 by Electric Monkey

Goodreads Synopsis
Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knock-out debut about a Korean American teen who is thrust into the competitive, technicolor world of K-pop, from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time, Girls Generation.

What would you sacrifice for a chance to live your dreams?

For seventeen-year-old Korean American Rachel Kim, the answer is almost everything. Or at least that’s been the answer for the past six years, ever since she was recruited by DB Entertainment—one of Seoul’s largest K-pop labels, known for churning out the industry’s most popular stars.

The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Don’t date. So while Rachel and her fellow trainees face grueling practices, punishing expectations, and ruthless competition, they know it’s worth it for the chance to debut in DB’s newest girl group.

And when the opportunity to sing with K-pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee arises, Rachel knows this is her chance to get noticed. To finally debut. The only problem? Jason is charming, sexy, and ridiculously talented—he’s exactly the kind of distraction Rachel can’t afford to have. And exactly the kind she can’t stay away from.

Get ready as Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of Korea’s most famous girl group, Girls Generation, takes us inside the twisted, technicolor world of K-pop. Where following your dreams might just mean living through a nightmare. Where the stakes are high, but for one girl, the cost of success might be even higher.

It’s time for the world to see: this is what it takes to SHINE.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

The stylish and fabulous world of K-Pop is explore in Shine. 16 year old Rachel Kim has always embraced her Korean heritage, and adored K-Pop, so when she was discovered singing in a market at 11, and recruited to the exclusive DB Entertainment trainee programme, it was like a dream come true. However, it's not all glamour and fun. Life as a trainee is really difficult, with the rules about what you wear, what you eat, and above all, you are never to date. Rachel struggles to balance her school life with her life as a trainee, and worries that because of her camera shyness, she might be cut from the programme. When she meets DB golden boy, Jason Lee, everything seems to fall into place. They have such a chemistry that is apparent when they sing together, and she offered the chance to debut alongside him, as well as fellow trainee, Choo Mina, who just happens to be Rachel's arch-nemesis. Will Rachel be able to keep her head, and not let Jason become a distraction that could kill her career before it even starts, and can she trust Mina not to stab her in the back when the time is right.

I will admit, I know basically nothing about K-Pop. My timeline has a lot of people talking about different groups, so I have heard of some of them, but I've never really listened to any or got the hype. However, even as someone not a fan of K-Pop, I adored this book! Rachel was such a relatable character - not counting the whole fame aspect - and I loved her growth from where she was in the first chapter, to her position as this story ended. Her shyness, and somewhat, outsider syndrome was something that really affected her at first, but we saw her realise that she really needed to fight for her chance to be a star, and not to take what others did lying down, especially Mina. Another thing that was fantastic, was how the first and final chapters were neigh on identical, and we saw the plot go full circle.

The romance between Jason and Rachel was cute, and swoony. I loved how both of them had a sense of shared history, spending the majority of their childhood in other countries (Canada and America), so were somewhat outsiders in Korea. I hated the angst that inevitably occurred, and really hope we see a lot more of this couple in book 2, Bright. I definitely can't wait for the sequel, and knowing it's more than a year away is heartbreaking! A fantastic debut, and I look forward to more from Jessica!

Dates Read:
June 27-29, 2020

Rating
4 Stars

2020 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: Majesty (American Royals #2) by Katharine McGee

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Majesty
Series: American Royals #2
Author: Katharine McGee
Published September 3rd 2020 by Penguin

Goodreads Synopsis
Beatrice Washington now rules America as its first ever queen, but her family are more concerned about rushing through her arranged marriage to a man she barely knows. No one can know that her heart really belongs to her bodyguard - but even their love is under threat.

Meanwhile, Princess Samantha is under more scrutiny than ever before - and she still longs to be with her sister's fiancee. But with no sign of Bea's wedding being called off, she's surprised to find someone else catching her eye.

Nina Gonzalez is also tangled up with someone she never expected to be. She and Ethan are both nursing broken hearts, and it's not long before they find themselves pulled irresistibly together.

Luckily for Daphne Deighton, Prince Jeff's grief for his father makes him a prime target for her attentions. She's the closest she's been in years to getting what she wants . . . so why can't she let the idea of her and Ethan go?

As the royal wedding of the century creeps ever closer, will these four young women get what they want - or will their hearts be broken forever?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After fully embracing her love for her Revere Guard, Connor, Crown Princess Beatrice was ready to break off her engagement, with her father's blessing. But, the King's sudden death leaves the whole kingdom in chaos, and now Beatrice must take up her role as the first Queen of America, and all that entails - including an upcoming royal wedding. Her younger sister, Samantha, has always known that she was the 'spare' and never expected to have to take on responsibility as heir to the throne - thinking by the time Beatrice was crowned, she would already have had children. Now Sam must let go of her partying ways, and be serious to help her sister. Nina Gonzales, Sam's best friend and Prince Jefferson's ex, knows that being close to the royal family is not always for the best, and wants to forget all about the tabloid interest from last year. Helping Sam through her own problems is enough for her, and when Ethan, Jeff's best friend and someone she's known for years, gets close to her, she can't believe it. Here is someone who knows what it's like to be on the periphery of royalty, and seems to really understand her. But, Daphne Deighton is always in the background. Once girlfriend of Jeff, she wants more than anything for him to be with her, as she's been raised to be a princess her whole life. Her feelings for Ethan notwithstanding, she will do anything to make sure nothing gets in her way. Will the upcoming wedding go smoothly, and will America be willing to accept a young queen as their monarch?

Well, this was a roller coaster. Forget everything you knew from American Royals, because it seems to go out the window here. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this instalment, because I did; I loved it! The plot lines were all entangled and running along nicely, and when there were moments when I couldn't work out how things would be restored, McGee threw another spanner in the works, but by the end, pretty much everything was tied together nicely.

I still love Beatrice as much as I did in the first book. Now, she's even more vulnerable, and has so much to contend with. She's only in her twenties, and has just lost her dad - who she was really close to - and now she has the fate of the whole nation in her hands. Her Lord Chamberlain, Robert Standish, is a holdover from her father's regime, and undermines her at every pass. He is adamant the wedding to Teddy Eaton will go ahead, and only then will he let Beatrice have some control. I despised Robert wholeheartedly - but he gets what he deserves!

All of the romances from American Royals have changed now. Because of Beatrice going ahead with the wedding to Teddy, Connor leaves, and the more time Beatrice spends with Teddy - who knows she doesn't love him (at least, not yet) - the better their relationship was, and I really liked them together. They were perfect for each other, and though Sam had once had feelings for Teddy, that was a puppy love kind of love, and the mutual respect and growing affection between Beatrice and Teddy was true, and I can't wait to see that explored more in future books.

Sam was the carefree and feisty princess that she had always been, but we see more of a vulnerable side to her in this book. Just like her sister, she is grieving the loss of her dad, and the added pressure as the 'heir' is weighing heavily on her. Out of the three Washington children, she has always been the ones the tabloids hound, and now is no different. Standish again shows his pompousness in the way he interacts with Sam, and expects her to fail at each turn. To top it all off, she's trying to get over her feelings for Teddy, and meeting Marshall Davis, heir to the Duke of Orange, helps. Both of them want to make someone jealous, but Sam soon develops real feelings for Marshall when she grows to understand him better, and can see that Teddy is falling for Beatrice properly. I loved the way Sam grew in this book, and her final scenes were sensational. The next book will show her even better - I'm sure of it!

Now that Nina is no longer with Jefferson, it's a bit awkward her going to the palace to visit Sam, but she wants to be there for her best friend, especially through her grief and new relationship, so will do what she can to overcome it all. When Ethan comes into the picture at university, she's a bit confused because they've never been close, no matter how long they've known each other, but it seems like Ethan is right for her. I liked seeing them together, especially as the feelings grew more and more real, but the start of it concerned me, because of why Ethan was hanging around, and, of course, that all falls to Daphne.

It seems as if whenever there's a problem, Miss Daphne Deighton is at the helm. Yeah, there are moments when I felt a bit sympathetic towards her, but for the most part, she deserves everything she gets! She cares for Ethan, not Jefferson, but knows that Jefferson is her meal ticket, and that of her parents, and she'd do anything - including trying to blackmail the queen - to make sure nothing gets in the way. That's why Himari, her best friend, was drugged and has been in a coma for the last year, and now that she's woken up, Daphne needs to find out just what she remembers, and get her out of the way if necessary. Daphne also doesn't like the fact Nina is still close to Jefferson, and get's Ethan to pose as a love interest to keep her out of the way, but when it turns into real feelings, Daphne wants Ethan back. She's petty, and, frankly, dangerous, and I want her to suffer - as bad as that sounds.

All in all, this book was everything I wanted from what was one of my most anticipated sequels, and more! I love where each of our heroines are in the final pages, and can't wait for more of them - especially Sam's story, in the next book! If you haven't already read American Royals, make sure to grab a copy before Majesty is published!

Dates Read:
August 14-15, 2020

Rating
5 Stars