Beatrice, Queen of America, has returned from her "honeymoon" with Teddy to host her first major international meeting as Queen, the League of Kings. As the summit begins, the eternal light of the league is extinguished as Beatrice receives it setting up an ominous beginning. As the League of Kings continues, Beatrice befriends Princess Louise of France while unintentionally distancing herself from Teddy. When Teddy leaves the League of Kings, Beatrice realizes her need and love for him, but will it be too late?

Meanwhile, Jeff and Nina are at King's College together. Although Daphne was also to be a student there, her father's shenanigans left the family unable to afford college, but Daphne is too proud to admit that, so instead she spins a "gap year" to focus on charity work. Gabriella Madison, returned from France, is also at King's College, causing problems for both Nina and Daphne. Soon, this common enemy, brings about an unlikely friendship between these two rivals, but nothing can be as good as it seems.

Samantha, as Beatrice's heir, is learning her new role in the family. While in Orange, at the League of Kings, she spends more time with Marshall and his family and quickly learns that the future she envisions for them may be impossible. With the help of Aunt Margaret, Sam learns that love can overcome duty, but how will her choice impact Beatrice and the Washington family?

Rivals is the perfect continuation of American Royals. Each member of the Washington Family is growing in ways not seen before. Beatrice is learning to trust herself, while Sam begins to accept her new position in the family while questioning her future. Jeff is now the crazy, college guy torn between the past, the present, and the truth. Daphne is still conniving, but nothing compared to Gabriella Madison, recently return from France and Daphne's nemesis. Nina is still lovable, trusting, Nina, but now, through an alliance with Daphne, she finds friendship and deception all around her. American Royals is one series that gets better with each new title.

I’m completely obsessed with all things American Royals and I was SO excited for book three! It immediately hooked me back into the storyline and at first I loved it just as much as the others. However (trying to keep this review spoiler free), in the last 25% of the book everything went downhill. I felt like there were too many tropes and plot twists thrown in that it just felt hard to keep up with, and there wasn’t a satisfying end to the story. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

If you’re a fan of this series, you might be asking yourself, is Book 3 the point in the narrative at which poor Beatrice finally gets a break? And the answer, unfortunately, is no.

Poor, long-suffering Beatrice still has absolutely no luck at all at anything. I was so excited when she finally made a friend until…well, you’ll see.

As usual, things go notably better for intrepid Sam and human golden retriever Jeff, the dim, unobservant Nate Archibald of this particular universe. Sometimes I think of him as the villain, based purely on how he treats Nina and his infuriating stance that all women should just be so darn nice to other women, even the ones that have done something terrible to them because of, well, him.

Anyway, Jeff is a dolt, but it’s part of what moves the plot for the series, so I have no objection to it narratively. This is such a fun series and it’s actually getting better as it progresses. Thematically I still prefer the Thousandth Floor books, but McGee has done an equally good job of characterization and plot propulsion here, even if the world building isn’t as rich.

This series still feels like a better quality, more likable and less gross version of those awful Royal We books, and I’m so excited that it will continue on to a fourth installment.

Rivals by Katharine McGee Book Review

Rivals is the third book in Katharine McGee’s American Royals series. The series as a whole attempts to answer the question, in a juicy New Adult novel form: What would happen, in today’s modern world, if George Washington was the first king of America rather than the first president? 200+ years later, what would become of his and (Queen) Martha’s descendants?

This devotedly character-driven novel follows the love lives, ambitions, and friendships (but mostly love lives) of newly-crowned Queen Beatrice, Princess Samantha, girlfriend-of-Prince-Jefferson-and-daughter-of-a-baron Daphne and the happily untitled, non-royal ex-girlfriend of Prince Jefferson and BFF to Princess Samantha, Nina.

What’s so great about this series is that each character’s described reality feels plausible through McGee’s clear descriptions of how they walk through life. It also feels a bit like reading the Eloise at the Plaza books for the first time — too exceptional by nature of the circumstances to seem at all relatable. It’s not a series where I pause often to ask: “Well, what would I do if this were me?” This third book takes that up a notch and is truly about what the title says it’s about: rivals.

Ultimately, Rivals was, as was the whole American Royals series, a total romp of a read. That said, I was repeatedly frustrated by the petty rivalries that made up the plot of this third installment. The characters that, throughout the rest of the series, I was most sympathetic toward, succumbed to the worst versions of themselves. There were so many moments when friendships — alliances! — started to bloom and then fizzled out due to overly dramatic and yet minor misunderstandings.

One of my fave authors YA authors Victoria Aveyard shared on the First Draft podcast an incredible rule of fantasy writing (and I’m paraphrasing here): You get one unbelievable thing. Everything else has to adhere to that one unbelievable thing. In that vein, I am satisfied with the way Katherine McGee adhered to an America-as-monarchy plot with vivid detail. The only thing that dissatisfied me was perhaps intentional; the rivalries brought out the worst in the characters, which is a pity to see. Even so, will I read the fourth? Of course.

I absolutely adore this series! I really wish someone would make it into a Netflix series We are catching back up with Daphne, Beatrice, Samantha and Nina. I love the alternating perspectives from these four women as they continue to grow up. Even though several of them are royal or royal adjacent, they still face a lot of the same things that normal teenagers do. Marshall and Samantha quickly became one of my favorite parts of this story. I just love them together and love seeing Samantha happy. I was surprised that Daphne and Nina developed a friendship of sorts, but I wasn't surprised at how badly it went by the end. The ending of this had me gasping out loud. I really really really need a fourth book ASAP.

Huge thanks to PRH International, and Katherine McGee for my E-ARC in exchange for the honest review.

I assumed this was a trilogy, but that was not an ending, but I still want more. The Rivals is an excellent pick if you're looking for something engaging and lighthearted. In the third book of American Royals, the controversy surrounding America's royal family continues. It has strong female characters, love triangles, family rivalry, and the expansion of the universe in which the American monarchy occurs. Gender roles and power and privilege are two significant subjects tackled and pushed to the forefront throughout the story. These characters went through reflection and growth, and I like how the author introduced several side characters in this book. Daphne is still the worst, and even though she almost improved, that final bit made me hate her even more.

Overall, a worthwhile read! I was hesitant since they would leave us hanging with the second book and not release a third, but I'm so pleased I read this one. I'm completely immersed in this universe, and I hope Katharine McGee continues the series further! Based on how the story finishes, there will undoubtedly be a fourth.

Thank you to the publisher, Penguin Teen, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beatrice has now fully stepped into her role as queen, but her next challenge is already around the corner. The League of Kings, a conference in which royalty from around the world participate, is approaching, and Beatrice is to host this time. Sam, as the ‘spare’, is now her sister’s heir, is struggling with her new situation even as her relationship with Marshall grows more serious. Once rivals in pursuit of Prince Jefferson, things take a surprising turn when Nina and Daphne find themselves on the same side as a greater threat appears in the form of Lady Gabriella Madison, and they must find a way to work together to take her down.

What I liked best about this book was the more in depth look we got at the larger world these characters live in, from what the situation is like for the nobility in America through Sam and Marshall’s storyline, to the royals from other countries and the politics of the whole situation. Between the League of Kings conference, which seemed to mostly be a bunch of parties with some debates and politics thrown in, Sam finishing up a royal tour, and Nina and Jeff in college, this book felt more light hearted at times than the first two, and the change in setting from the palace was certainly welcome. The plot was engaging though I found the pacing in the first half or so of the book a little slow. Rivals is an interesting choice of title for this book. I initially assumed it referred to Nina and Daphne – which it does, but it also applies to Beatrice and Sam in different ways for the situations they are going through and learning to handle too.

Rivals continues to follow the same 4 POVs of Beatrice, Nina, Sam and Daphne. I was hoping for Jeff’s POV in this book to be honest, as I continued to find him a singularly annoying character – though there is a little more insight into his situation and some character development too. With regards to Samantha’s arc, I kind of saw it coming, because the decision she finally arrives at with regards to her complicated relationship with Marshall seemed a bit obvious to me right from the beginning – it was a very Sam like thing to do after all. As a character though, she didn’t stand out to me as much in this book as she did in the previous instalments. The focus this time was very clearly around Beatrice, Nina and Daphne. I enjoyed following Beatrice as she fully steps onto the world stage of royal politics, and alone at that, meeting others of her own age who seem glamorous and fun, but also struggling to determine if she can really trust them. Nina and Daphne’s unexpected alliance in the face of a greater threat was surprising, though it provided some very interesting insight into Daphne as a character.

While I do greatly enjoy Katharine McGee’s brand of drama, I felt that this went somewhat overboard. The addition of Gabriella Madison as a new antagonist to push Nina and Daphne into a sort of friendship, only for everything to be turned on its head again (thanks to – no shocker, Jeff) was unnecessary at this late stage in the story. Seeing a more human side to Daphne was intriguing, but it felt rather jarring to me, because we all know exactly what she has done so far to achieve her goal and it makes her hard to sympathize with in my opinion. Gabriella was really not needed – between Beatrice’s ruling woes, Sam and Marshall’s uncertain relationship and Nina, Jeff and Daphne’s problems, there’s more than enough going on for an entertaining read.

Nonetheless, Rivals ended on an interesting note and I’m definitely looking forward to book 4, though I do hope the series wraps up with it. I would continue to recommend this series as it remains a fascinating take on a what-if at a crucial point in history!

As usual, Katharine McGee hits a homerun. I was at the edge of my seat reading the entire time. I couldn't put the book down. The pacing is perfect. I just want more.

Ugh I love this series so much but the drama gives me anxiety! It sucks me in every time and I just have to hold on for dear life.

I love all these characters and now in the third book I feel like I’ve really gotten to know them. I always want more of each of them. Every time a chapter ends I am upset because I need to know more from that storyline but then in the next chapter, another character will pull me in.

I didn’t like how Beatrice seemed to take a step back in this book. We ended on such a high with her finally wanting to take charge and not let everyone walk all over her but I feel like she fell back into that in this installment. I would love for her to just be a boss bitch in the next one.

I needed more of Sam!! I feel like her storyline was so good in this book and actually got into some prevalent themes in the world today. I loved that she is becoming her own person and choosing to be herself more and more.

Ugh Daphne. I felt like this book was trying to redeem her and I just wasn’t here for it. She’s horrible. And I get that it’s all from her family pressure and blah blah but she just shows how manipulative and mean she can be over and over again. Jeff and Nina cannot be that dumb.

And speaking of Nina, I don’t like that she’s getting herself into all the drama. She’s always been the one that grounds these stories and gives a sense of levity to each situation but it seems like she’s gotten pulled into the middle of it this time around.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and always love to discuss it with friends. There is so much drama to unpack every time. I was hoping that we’d get at least one more and with how this one wrapped up it seems like we definitely will. Can’t wait to see where we pick up in the 4th!

The American Royals series started strong, but as the series continues, it is struggling. In this addition, the storyline becomes convoluted through too many characters, and simultaneously predictable and unbelievable.

More drama, intrigue, and a massive cliffhanger that means a fourth book is inevitable. It was nice that some of the more two-dimensional characters from the previous story were fleshed out a bit more in this one. The book tackles issues of racism, sexism, and more. Lots of drama, some humor, and an interesting take on an alternate version of reality.

American Royals III: Rivals returns to the convoluted lives of America’s royal family. While Beatrice is trying to make her late father’s policy dreams come true, Sam and Jeff are holding down the throne in the States. Sam is forced to consider whether she can move forward with her beau Marshall, when they may have no long term future. Jeff continues to be oblivious to Daphne’s schemes, while Nina finds herself unexpectedly threatened by a conniving social climber.

The American Royals series is like eating a sugary cupcake. It’s fun, sweet, and always leaves you wanting more. This last point is both a strength and weakness- when readers are always left on the edge, it can feel like no storyline is truly concluded in a meaningful way. Like a cupcake, the series is also not particularly deep or filling. Still, it’s a lot of fun! I enjoyed the inclusion of the Princess of France! I would’ve loved it if she and Beatrice suddenly took things in a sapphic and unexpected direction, but that seems like wishful thinking.

I struggled with the Jeff and Daphne storyline. Jeff feels very simplistic to me and it’s hard to feel any type of way about him. I loved Nina and for the first time began to understand some of why Daphne is the way she is. Seeing Daphne and Nina begrudgingly team up was a huge highlight! However, a staple of this series is miscommunication-one of my least favorite tropes. I’m excited to see where Sam and Marshall decide to take their relationship. I appreciated the important dialogue about race and royalty. After that ending, I will definitely be reading the next book to see how the series wraps up. I’m hoping that in the fourth and final book, many plot lines are satisfyingly concluded at last.

American Royals III: Rivals is out now. Thank you to Katherine McGee, Random House Children’s, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, Wordpress blog, and Barnes & Noble etc

Another awesome American Royals novel - the only bad thing is having to wait a year for the story to continue. Spent my day off reading the book and was not disappointed. Highly recommend.

3.5

It’s no secret (I’ve alluded to this in stories and on my feed) but I struggled to get into this book. I’m no stranger to Katharine’s books ( I loved her Thousandth Floor series) and maybe should have predicted the longer arc with the Washington storyline, but the plotting/pacing of the series is just feeling off to me. I think what made the Thousandth Floor so good, was that each of the characters were real and flawed, with good sides and bad. Even the people who originally seemed like the ‘villains’ of the storyline were redeemed and vice versa. Each person had enough good and ‘bad’ that it really kept things interesting.

Back to the Washingtons: I relistened to book 2 in preparation for this release, and I’m frankly still annoyed at the lack of closure/direction things have taken (looking at you: Connor storyline). All that said, I’m invested in the series and will keep reading. My biggest gripe is that I don’t think this book stands on its own. As part of the larger series it makes sense, it’s clearly being used as a pivot point for a number of issues/characters but there is just so little that happens in the first 60% of the book. The last 40% was pretty decent. I think it’s setting up a lot of interesting plot points to be resolved, and makes for some good overall discussion/thought about what it means to serve your country. Be warned (I’d seen this noted in other reviews as well) it ends on a serious cliff hanger. You will have absolutely no resolution when you finish this book. So will I read book 4, yes? Will I likely still be annoyed with everyone of the characters? Also probably yes.

I am a huge fan of this series! Therefore when I saw that there would be more books, I was so excited! I thought the ending to Majesty was a bit of a let down, this book however makes up for that!
I loved catching up with all the characters and seeing how things have changed for them. But I also loved how they each had their own lives outside of the royal family.
That ending was extremely unexpected and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book! This is my honest voluntary review.

(I received an ARC for an honest review)

If you have not read the first two books in the American Royals series, then turn back now (and immediately go read them because they are so fun)!

This is the third installment of the American Royals series and the drama just keeps on coming.

Beatrice is Queen of America now, but of course people are still underestimating her because of her age and gender. Teddy is a great fiance and is trying to help Beatrice in any way he can, but he can't get other royals to respect her. Beatrice does make some new friendships with other royals and it looks like things will start to go her way. Too bad a twist at the very end of the story could put all of Beatrice's steps forward hanging by a thread!

Samantha and Marshall are officially together but their relationship is affected by people's opinions (including the Marshall family). Just when it seems like they have no real future together, they make a huge decision that changes everything.

Nina has come a long way after her relationships with Jeff and Ethan. She's putting her focus on her studies, but an entitled mean girl tries to put her educational future in jeopardy. An unlikely alliance with Jeff's girlfriend Daphne pits the two girls against a new rival. For one of them it works out, but for the other not so much.

Of all of the characters, I was starting to like Daphne's character arc the best. This book really showed a lot more of her personal journey to becoming who she is and why her actions have been the way they were up until this point. I was cheering for her and Nina's new friendship and I think this could have been a very redemptive arc for Daphne. But her choices at the end of the story were wild (but not really surprising I guess). I just don't see any way that she is going to be able to come back from her surprise news.

Until the last 20% of this book, I would say that it wasn't up to the level that the first two books were. The storylines were fine and kept a good pace, but it just wasn't anything as action-packed as before. Then that ending just keeps the hits on coming! All of the characters are undeniably affected by each other's actions, and the cliffhanger at the end had me shook. I have no idea where this series can go from here, but I will be anxiously awaiting the end!

#AmericanRoyalsIII:⁣
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“That’s the thing about love; you can’t just turn it off when it becomes inconvenient, like flipping a light switch”. ⁣
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Initial Thought: 2 things: 1. This sounds like a Rocky title. 2. Please be better than Majesty. ⁣
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Review: holy cliffhanger. I mean, I was not a happy camper after Majesty’s ending, but this, I am in shock. (In a good way) I thought I read there was only going to be 3 books in the series, so I immediately went to scream into the void. But many of you have since stated there may be a book 4, so I’m okay now. The set up for the next book is perfect. But, don’t think Rivals is just a placesetter to help alleviate book 4. It deserves the credit for a solid read. ⁣
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First off, Nina comes back like the badass we all knew she was. Standing up for her friends and not caring who has what title, redemption. I was upset when Nina was a bit meek last time, so to see be her confident self and even make an unlikely ally (I was shocked), was wonderful.⁣
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I did find it fascinating how the world’s leaders met. I liked seeing that side of Beatrice and see her kind of mature into the queen we knew she could be. I did keep saying, “where the heck is ole Ted?” But clearly, he was left out for a reason by McGee. I wish we could have seen their dynamic more, because I’m still not 100% sold on this love they have. However, I am glad Bee discussed the difference in Conner and Teddy, and that made me not hang out to Bonner any longer. ⁣
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Overall, I’m thankful McGee came back and gave us what we wanted, which was a follow up to Majesty. I’m excited to see what happens next, but I am hoping it’s not another cliffhanger. The last 20-30 pages were WILD AS HELL and had me turning in lightening speed. Thank you so much @getunderlined for the gifted copy. Rivals is out now! ⁣
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QOTD: You now own your own country, congrats royal person. What would you rename your country?

This series is always such a blast. I wasn't sure there would be another book and based on the ending of this one, I'm assuming there's at least one more to come. The characters have grown up and their problems have changed, but not too drastically. There's lots of coming to terms with responsibility and how love fits into life. Because we've already had a couple of books to get to know the characters, McGee jumps right into the action and doesn't really let up. There are a bunch of different perspectives, so the story keeps moving as each thread gets pulled.

This was a fun addition to the series. I wish we got more closure on some of the plot points; every book makes me long for the next one to come out. But I’m fully invested in these characters, the reads are always enjoyable, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

What a fun third book in this series! It’s so nice to get to see these characters again and see where they are going. The drama is top notch and I raced through to see what was going to happen. I’m so happy there is going to be another one!