This was a sensational book!! Tracey Livesay is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the story, the plot and pacing were outstanding. I found the couple to be one a reader can root for and was thrilled with their HEA. I would recommend to others.

Livesay mines the real-life romance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to create this dazzling romantic debut that's swoony, steamy, funny, and poignant.

Dani, or Duchess as she is known professionally, is a Black female rapper who tries to quell manufactured social media backlash by agreeing to perform at a week-long celebration the Queen of England is hosting in memory of her late husband. Raised by her beloved grandmother but left to the care of uninterested relatives after her Nana's death, Dani's used to making her way on her own. She's an expert at working within the world of music and fame--even its inherent sexualization of female artists--to both succeed yet never compromise her integrity. Most of all, she's hoping to seal a deal with a big cosmetics company to pursue her true passion: expanding the reach of Mela-Skin, her skincare company geared toward women of color. All is going according to plan until she meets the Queen's dashing grandson--and host of the weeklong event--Prince Jameson.

Jameson has long kept his distance from "The Firm," or what the press has dubbed the business arm of being a royal. Eschewing the scandals of his aunts and uncles (and even his late father), he works as a professor of philosophy at a local college and only goes to visit his grandmother when summoned. Yet when she tells him he'll be the face of the royal family at her event, he reluctantly agrees, determined to honor the memory of his beloved grandfather and his passion for the environment. When Dani and Jameson spend a week holed up together at his cottage before the event, sparks fly.

More than just a mere romance, this engaging book touches on the sexism and racism Dani experiences as a Black, female rapper and the sense of duty to family and state Jameson lives under. It also explores their relationship and how it threatens to upend the "the way things are normally done" in the royal sphere AND in regards to Dani's goal of pursuing her dreams.

I loved this book! The love scenes are steamy, Jameson and Dani are complex as individuals while having amazing chemistry, and the narrative enhances the "girl falls for a prince" trope with timely themes and insights. Highly recommend! Pre-order it today!

Even though I heartily thank @NetGalley and @AvonBooks for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, I've still pre-ordered a printed copy because of the gorgeous cover (well done, Erick Davila!) AND I will absolutely want to put Dani and Jay's gorgeous romance on my keeper shelf!

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
Rating : 5 stars

Synopsis
The premise of this book is based on the relationship that develops between Dani also know as Duchess, an African American female rapper, and the Duke of Wessex, Jameson. Duchess is a super star rapper who is also trying to breakthrough in the skin care industry. After a fake feud is startled by a rising pop star, the bad publicity sends Dani looking for much needed positive publicity.
Jameson is a Duke who was not very interested in the limelight or royalty. Jameson taught Philosophy at a local university and was quite happy in his position. After some bad publicity of the monarchy and threats of disbandment. The Queen seeks out the Duke for positive PR and wants to honor her late husband with a charity event/concert at the same time. After, the Duke hastily choses Duchess to be one of the musical acts the two worlds collide and sparks fly.

Review
This is an incredible book. This is the type of novel that makes you blush and reminisce about your first love or that love that made you realize that this person is the one. When I initially read the synopsis, I was so excited to see that this story was inspired by real life royalty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Also I was ecstatic to see that it was an interracial relationship. The chemistry and passion between Dani and Jameson was top tier. I loved the intimacy the gradual love that emerged as I continued to read the book. This book kept me intrigued and engaged the entire time. Also this book had some spiciness to it. 🥵 I wish I had a Jameson in my life. He is definitely book boyfriend material.

I loved that Dani’s (aka Duchess) character was done in such a tasteful way. I feel like the author captured the essence of being a black women in a tasteful way that wasn’t toned down or stifled. The author also highlighted a few micro agression and issues without taking away from the romance. Dani and Jameson (aka Jay) are such relatable characters. I liked the little tidbits of learning that Dani had to teach Jay in regards to dating a black woman. Dani and Jay have become engraved in my head and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I really enjoyed the realism that was incorporated throughout this novel. I felt like the portrayal of both the music industry and from what we know of the British monarchy was on par. It is also important to note that this novel didn’t glorify either sides, it pointed out the issues within the music industry and the issues that could arise with being in the royal family.
I honestly loved this book and I while I am a sucker for a great standalone. I would love to see more of these two characters or even an interconnected standalone with (hint hint Nyla and our residential British Thor, Rhys).

*Thank you so much to the author Tracey Livesay, Netgalley, and Avon And Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted to Goodreads.

Let me cut to the chase: This is an incredible book. The type of romance book that will make you kick your feet in the air and giggle like a school girl.

When the blurb said it was inspired by Harry and Meghan, I was intrigued and when I read further I knew I had to request an arc. However, as interesting as the blurb sounds- the book is even better. The chemistry between Dani and Jameson (aka Jay), was OUTSTANDING. The intimacy in this book is probably some of the best I've ever read. Although the events of the book are harrowing and keep the reader engaged throughout the novel- it's the two main characters that really stand out in this book. Dani and Jay are such dynamic, layered, and lovable characters. They are a true testament to Livesay's gift for writing. Dani and Jay didn't just feel like two love interests in a contemporary romance- they felt like real people who I couldn't help but love and root for.

Another thing I really loved about this book was how realistic it was. I felt like the portrayal of both the music industry and the machinations of the British monarchy were extremely believable. On the note of the British monarchy, I know what you're thinking. Elise, I'm not a monarchist. I am not reading a novel that romanticizes the Royal Family. I am here to happily inform you that this book does NOT do that. Truly, it is genuinely a rebuke of their lifestyle and the values they stand for. So for all the fellow anti-monarchists (who also love romance books) out there, be at ease. This book is actually very much so for you.

A problem I often have with romance books is that the only character arc or development the love interests have is their coupling. That was another thing I loved about this book- we got to see the main couple fall in love but we also got to see Dani and Jay on their own personal journeys. I loved them at the start but I loved them even more by the end.

Please read this book. I am genuinely head over heels for it. The things I would do to read this again for the first time, ugh. Thank you to the author and netgalley for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

American Royalty follows the story of Duchess, a female rapper and Prince Jameson. I expected it to be like a Meghan and Harry portrayal, but the author does a fun job creating this story and it is vastly different. For one, duchess is much more interesting than Meghan. Think Lizzo. She is wildly successful and not looking to fall in love. She is a fierce heroine! Jameson is everything a hero (prince) should be. Overall I really enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

American Royalty was a fun book.I think fans of the Royals would like this just as much as non fans.
I was looking for a book that was lighter, but had depth and I think this did a great job of checking both boxes. I think the authors did a really great job creating a modern love story with royalty elements.
Highly recommended!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

👸🏾🤴✨📖 Book Review! 📖✨👸🏾🤴
“American Royalty” is a delightful contemporary IR romance Fairy Tale!
Duchess, American rapper and creator of the Mela-skin beauty company, has several hit records, millions of fans, and an opportunity to take her business to the next level - granting her the independence she’s worked hard for to finally earn. But, antics from an annoying pop star one-hit wonder are creating drama that is threatening to ruin it all. Big Beauty companies are clear - her reputation must be flawless for them to sign on the bottom line.
HRH Prince Jameson, Duch of Wessex, has been the least-active royals by choosing a life out of the public eye. He enjoys his professor duties and is passionate about Philosophy. But, unfortunately, his uncles and aunts are trainwrecks - so the Queen commands that Jameson be the public face of the Royal concert honoring his late grandfather, Prince John. Additionally, he’s required to pick a Musial act; and blindly follows a student’s suggestion for Duchess to perform.
It’s perfect - Jameson can appease the Queen and earn the right to manage his grandfather’s charities portfolio. He chose a performer who’s name is a “cheeky” nod to the Royal connection. Duchess gets away from LA and has an opportunity for some positive press to hopefully close the deal and sell Mela-skin.
Duchess travels to England a few weeks before the concert to take a mini-vaca and escape the drama with her pop-star nemesis. The Prince’s private estate is offered up, but *drama* of course she must share the main house with Jameson instead of a private cottage elsewhere! Queue the sexual tension and delicious frisson as these two morph from strangers-to-lovers practically overnight.
No spoilers on how we get to the HEA, but for those curious on the heat index: I give this 2 hot peppers. A little zingy, but not overly salacious. But dayum- the prince knows how to throw down a little alpha male control! Dirty talk is strong and he’s not afraid to go down 😉 Always a fan of a generous lover! And Duchess is secure and strong in her womanhood and sexuality/sensuality. They complement each other so perfectly!
Overall, 👑👑👑👑/5 crowns!

This was a really entertaining story. I loved the way the author wrote Dani. Her inner dialogue and badassery was something I really appreciated. The story definitely keeps you hooked from the beginning and keeps you turning pages cause you need to know what’s going to happen with this couple. The Prince was kind of bland to be honest. He was a bit of a grump but that’s as far as his personality went. I would have loved for there to be more moments (scenes) in their relationship that sold the lover story for me.. I think some more build up would have been perfect for this book. This wasn’t very steamy, a few scenes but very quick. Overall, I would recommend this for folks who enjoy books with royals, or love between famous people.

O.M.G. I loved this book. And honestly, step aside bitches - Duchess is here. I read the description of this book and was immediately hooked and DAMN did it deliver. Just imagine if Cardi B or Lizzo was dating one of the British royal family. It sounds amazing - and it is so much more.

Dani is a rapper, business owner, and complete and total badass. She more than wanted to be famous and successful - she <i>needed</i> to be. She has been making waves and pushing boundaries in the entertainment industry for 10 years. Her cosmetics company is poised on the brink of a major breakthrough. All of that is put at risk by an obnoxious wannabe who is trying to boost her own reputation by creating a feud with Duchess where one doesn't exist. So, when an opportunity comes to participate in a royal benefit concert arrives - she takes advantage of it and a two week break in the country outside of London as well.

Prince Jameson has, mostly, stayed out of the business of being a royal. He is a philosophy professor at the University of Birmingham and mostly wants to be left alone. When his grandmother, the Queen, insists that he be the face of the benefit concert and a reminder of how good the royals can be - he agrees to honor his grandfather. Jameson knows nothing about music or Duchess - and adds her name to the list when a student suggests it. When he sees Duchess for the first time - he is shocked by his reaction. He is very drawn to her - but wants to avoid the actions of his father in a very real way.

Jameson and Duchess as a couple are a foregone conclusion - and they are extremely hot together and freaking adorable. Taking a risk on each other has way more implications than just their hearts. I loved so much about this book - how it didn't shy away from the tough stuff - how the characters interacted with each other with honesty and openness. And Duchess is definitely a character that I will never forget.

I highly recommend this one.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

A few months ago, this cover caught my eye and after reading the premise, I knew I HAD to read the book. Fast forward to earlier this month when I was approved for the book and dropped EVERYTHING to read it. I am so glad I did. I devoured this book so quickly. It was steamy, fun, and incredibly thought-provoking. Even though it doesn't publish until June 2022, American Royalty is a book that needs to be on your radar!

American rapper "Duchess" is on the verge of signing a major skin care deal, but a public feud with another singer has threatened to tarnish her reputation and end the deal. Across the pond, constant scandal surrounding the royal family has the public calling for the abolishment of the monarchy. In response, the Queen decides a tribute concert in memory of her late husband headed by her grandson, Prince Jameson, is the answer to save the crown. Duchess jumps at the chance to perform to clear her name, but forced proximity causes sparks to fly between her and the prince, which can only mean a recipe for disaster.

Dani, the "Duchess," is an amazing heroine. Caught in an industry controlled by men, Dani has to fight tooth and nail for everything she has. Determined not to be just a rapper, Dani is incredibly smart. As an entrepreneur and determined business-woman, she's forced to play the game to get ahead. I loved how humble her character was, never taking anything for granted and always making time for her fans. Dani has grit, is incredibly multi-faceted and I simply loved her character.

What better hero for an expressive and larger than life rapper than a buttoned-up prince? Goodness, I loved Prince Jameson so freaking much! His life has been marred by tragedy and scandal and his family is an absolute mess. Not the typical royal and never one to handle change well, Jameson just wants to live a quiet existence outside of the public eye, living out his days as a professor of philosophy.

This forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance was super steamy and I was there for every bit of it. The banter between Dani and Jameson was absolutely amazing, leading to explosive chemistry. Dani elicits extreme reactions out of Jameson and I loved seeing how she pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Jameson's sweet acts of love were so swoony and I appreciated how we saw all sides to their relationship. It wasn't one noted.

American Royalty publishes June 28, 2022. A huge thanks to Avon for the advanced copy!

Favorite Quote:
"He needed to read a history book. America won the Revolutionary War. She wasn't required to bow down to him or anybody else."

American Royalty is a sexy and flirty romance between a British royal prince and a female rap icon. Tracey Livesay's writing is so fun and engaging. I couldn't put this book down!

Firstly, I have to mention how much I adore this cover. Huge props to the designer of this cover. Secondly, I can't tell you how much I loved this book! It definitely reminds me of Harry and Meghan's love story because the main character isn't keen on the spotlight that comes with being a royal and the heroine isn't accepted by the royals. It's juicy and swoon-worthy the entire way.

The story follows Prince Jameson and Duchess, aka Dani. Jameson has never been a fan of keeping up with the royals and the lifestyle. He loves being out of the spotlight and being a professor. But when he is called by the Queen, his grandmother, he can't say no. She enlists his help to pick artists for a concert fundraiser to honor her late husband and Jameson's grandfather. This is in part because of the way people are starting to feel about the monarchy and the Queen will do anything before she lets it fall to pieces. Although Jameson doesn't think this is the best idea, he decides to go along with her plan. So, when he is asked for recommendations on artists for the event he listens to one of his students and says that he wants Duchess to perform. Sure he doesn't know much about her but it's his way of sticking it to the monarchy.

Duchess is a female rapper at the top of her game. Everyone is listening to her music. She has catchy lyrics and everyone can't help be enamored by her appearance and fierce attitude. She is on the verge of signing a huge and life-changing deal when another artist starts drama with her. It is all over the news. Some are fueling the fire and some are coming to her defense. But the people who are in charge of the deal are asking Duchess to apologize or make it go away with good press. That's when she decides to accept the royal invitation to perform at the tribute concert in London.

When Jameson and Duchess meet, the sparks are so apparent. They have this undeniable chemistry and it won't be easy to ignore. They both don't want any bad press or scandals but after a fiery kiss, they might just risk it all. I swear they share some HAWT scenes together. Be prepared and get your fans ready because it is that spicy!!

I give American Royalty 5 stars. It is such a fabulous romance. I love that the author gives readers a tough-as-nails heroine who can hold her own and yet be vulnerable like the rest of us. Pair that with a charming and down-to-earth Prince and you have got yourself an unputdownable romance. I ate every part of this book up! So fun, edgy, and flirty!!

Hiiiiii first of all I'd like to thank you for allowing me to read an arc on netgalley. I don't normally read books with pop culture references but somehow this book pulled it off effortlessly. The book was amazing, I love dani and Jameson, they were really cute 😍. In short I absolutely loved it and I am definitely getting a physical copy when it's out and I'm definitely going to rally all my friends to read it too. 👏 😍😍😍

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

American Royalty was such a delight! I had a blast following Dani and Jameson on their whirlwind romance. While I can’t speak to the accuracy of the portrayal of the Royal Family in this book, I still enjoyed all the royal aspects of this book and seeing Jameson navigate being a Prince while being a Philosophy professor and while being a loyal partner to Dani. I also really appreciated that this book didn’t gloss over the fact that Dani and Jameson were in an interracial relationship and that Jameson understood fully how Dani would be treated very differently by the media & press as a Black woman compared to him as a white man. I do wish that there was a more drawn-out slowburn between Dani and Jameson, because it feels like their romance was a little rushed for Jameson to give up his duties to be by Dani’s side, but it was still a super fun read regardless!

3.5 stars

Royal romance + celebrity romance = lots of sneaking, angst, fame, and conflict.

I have been anxiously awaiting Tracey Livesay's next book and while this one didn't blow me away, it was definitely an enjoyable read! An interracial romance between a prince of England and an American rap artist, this book is exciting and steamy. Duchess is such a badass and Jameson's contempt of the royal family is delicious. The circumstances of their accidental meeting and the vastly different worlds they come from and were born into provide some really fun tension. Also, the cover is amazing.

The book was slow to start (they don't meet for a long time!) and unfortunately I was pretty uncomfortable with the number of times the writing referred to Duchess' "flat stomach" and the amount of girl hating in the central plot line. However, no one does female friendship quite like Tracey, and there were quite a few glimmers of profound, dynamic, intersectional feminism woven throughout the plot.

Fans of Meghan and Harry and Red, White, and Royal Blue should give this a try!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I like anything royal and this lived up to my high expectations. I think the cover art is a little weak. The male character is not drawn well.

Wow,

If you’re looking for a quick read with it two very attractive main characters falling in love a bit of spice and a lot of drama this book is for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is my first time reading books from this author but I have had quite a bit of her books on my TBR , And look forward to reading her other books.


I would like to thank Tracey Livesay and netgalley For letting me have this arc copy of American royalty. This is my first time doing a review of an Arc copy and it was great.

I love the chemistry between Dani and Jameson. They were cute once they finally admitted that they had attraction for each other. The book was pretty fast pace and quick and easy read. I know that this book was supposed to be similar to Harry and Megan but I felt like it was on its own league and they did such a great job with keeping up with the idea of a pop hip-hop star and a professor prince falling in love.

What I did not like was Dani’s disposition when she moved in to the home of Jameson. I felt she was disrespectful and quite a few things as was Jameson . I am glad it was addressed at least for one of them. Like messing up somebody’s kitchen and not feeling apologetic about it until someone calls you out. For choosing the most beautiful bottle of champagne and not thinking hey maybe this looks way too expensive let me choose a simple bottle of red. Even better buy my own stuff. I thought that that part was a little weird being that she never felt comfortable in someone’s home. I thought she would probably buy a lot of her things herself and they would have to tell her constantly stop doing it, but she didn’t. That really bothered me about the Champagne bottle incident. But it did lead to some very spicy spicy scenes.

Hopefully this book becomes a series. I think I would love to see how they manage both their lives together.
I also hope that we do get books about Nyla and Rhy, as well as a quick hint about Liam and a very famous tennis player. I’m looking forward to those books if she does continue the series. I can’t wait for everyone to read it and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s reviews.

American Royalty is a new romance by Tracey Livesay that features Danielle (Dani) “Duchess” Nelson, a Grammy winning rapper and entrepreneur, and (Prince) Jameson, a university professor and the reclusive Prince of England.

While the storyline was inspired by the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, personally anyway, and there are some throwaway details that are somewhat reminiscent of the Sussex’s story, I really commend Tracey Livesay for taking inspiration from the couple but letting her imagination run away with her to make for an extremely entertaining, sexy, and even poignant book.

Both Dani and Jameson were strong characters, the interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts they faced separately and together were gripping, and I appreciated Livesay’s attention to detail and her emphasis on the genuine. The ways in which Dani and Jameson responded to outside circumstances and their own emotional baggage felt extremely realistic and despite the admittedly fantastical elements of the plot, nothing felt contrived, not even the dirty talk.

Livesay is one of my favorite romance authors because she writes about diversity in a way that doesn’t feel tokenized but rather is organic and true-to-life. For instance, the little exchange between Dani and Jameson where she bursts into laughter at his bafflement at her hair care methods and he insists that he wants to know about her nightly routine even if their relationship was ephemeral made me smile.

The only quibble I had is with the book is while most of it was excellently paced and plotted, the last quarter of the book moved a bit too quickly for my tastes and I wanted more from the epilogue. However, the rest of the book was impeccable so a solid 4.5/5 stars.

**Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

When Prince Jameson is forced to help with a tribute concert for his late grandfather, he recommends American rapper Duchess (Dani’s raunchy alter ego) to perform. Dani agrees to perform because she needs positive publicity to secure a deal for her skincare line. When Dani ends up staying at Jameson’s house in the weeks leading up to the concert, sparks fly between Professor Prince and Duchess Dani.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I love a Royal Romance, and I really enjoyed America Royalty. I enjoyed Dani and Jameson’s chemistry, and this is the steamiest royal read that I’ve read. It felt a little insta-love at times, and I would have enjoyed reading more about their relationship. I was a little disappointed by the epilogue, but I’m hoping it means we will get a sequel. Definitely, preorder this if you’re a fan of a royal romance!

Thanks to @NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for my ARC! The Pub date for this is June 28, 2022 - but I started it as soon as I got approved for an ARC.

What a fun read! Dani instantly made me think of Eve, who I adore! That elevated the storyline for me. You can tell the author took care and consideration in her characters. Even the secondary characters are well developed. I could have read another five chapters

This was great! It was addictive and had me hooked from the first couple of pages. I had to fan myself during those steamy, spicy scenes they were perfect! And i felt the chemistry between Jay and Dani. The epilogue had me cracking up and I loved how realistic the situation seemed to how e everyone would react to this couple. My only critique is that I wish we could have experienced more courting of their relationship and more ins and out of the royal life. But otherwise loved it!