I wanted to read this book because it was the third book in the series. I was still upset that none of the characters were with who I felt they should be with. I wanted this rectified and I hoped this would be settled in the third book.

It was not.

However, what I found was that I enjoyed the new couplings more than I enjoyed the old ones. Katharine McGee has sold me on the character of Daphne. She has brought out her vulnerabilities and made her seem more human. If only she would show that to Jefferson. I am rooting for those two. I love Sam and Marshall together. Both know it can't work but are willing to try, where at Bea and Teddy seem to just ignore it or whine about it. I am crazy about Sam and Marshall, but I no longer care about Bea and Teddy. He comes across as petulant and she cares more about her new friends than she does about him at the moment. If she was supposed to come across as unlikable in this book, then the author did a great job.

I hope the ending allows Bea to take stock in her priorities and what she really wants out of her new place in life and the people in her life. If not, then I think Jefferson is the man for the job. I hope he gives Daphne the chance to show him who she really is.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

This next installment of the American Royals series, which imagines a United States where the founding fathers established a monarchy instead of a democracy, features Beatrice as reigning Queen, hosting a major diplomatic event and not making enough time for fiancé Teddy; Princess Samantha stepping up in a major way into her own royal role, in love with a Black Duke who would have to give up everything, and their brother Jefferson who is back with scheming Daphne. Meanwhile, he and Nina are growing to be close friends again.

Romance, drama, international politics modern day court intrigue, unlikely alliances and deep betrayals advance the plot. Least you think it’s all fluff, the series also addresses racism, misogyny, climate change, and media/fame. The writing is excellent, pacing perfect, and I devoured it in one sitting.

The cliffhanger ending promises a sequel that I personally can’t wait for; purchase where the series is popular.

I received an advance reader’s review copy of #Rivals from #NetGalley

I loved this book for exactly what it was and was trying to do - 4.5 stars. It is by far the best in the series thus far. When I finished the second one and saw it was only supposed to be a duology I was disappointed because it felt like there was more to this story. I was thrilled when I saw a 3rd novel coming out and boy of boy did this not disappoint. I enjoyed the 1st novel, was disappointed in the 2nd novel, but devoured the 3rd one. This has been one of the most enjoyable YA novels I’ve read in some time.

We get our same POVS as in the previous books, some favorite characters returning, but we get some AMAZING new side characters. We catch up with Princess Samantha and Lord Marshall Davis in Orange, see what’s going on with Nina, Daphne, and Prince Jefferson in Washington, and see how Queen Beatrice is juggling her relationship with Teddy while ruling America, in addition to other fun.

This entry primarily takes place during a month long convocation of the kings and queens of the world that happens every 5 years, and this year America is hosting. I love the injection of the additional royals into this story, it really adds to the world building. It also added a ton to both the plot and character development, and some new locations pushed the story forward, so it didn’t feel stale.

I love the world Katharine McGee has created and don’t know why more novels like this haven’t been created because it is so fun. This entry has a lot of angst like in previous novels, but it’s a fun ride and I’m here for it. I cannot wait for the next entry in this series!

I’ve been a bit lukewarm with all the book to tv/movie adaptations as of late, but this is the type of story that was meant to be a teen drama tv show!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#AmericanRoyalsIIIRivals #NetGalley Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion.

I could not put down the first two royal books. I was excited to see the third book ready for review. I devoured it as well. The second book had some holes and this redeemed it. The character development was Rowell done. I liked the new side characters that were introduced as well. . There was also an important conversation about sexism and racism throughout that made it feel all the more realistic.

Every single time I pick up a book by Katharine McGee I never want that book to end. I really really need book number four now!!

I absolutely love how Beatrice, Nina and Daphne are written so realistic. They are allowed to have and explore conflicting emotions and deal with mind( country) vs heart struggles that often get overlooked. Rivals allowed these women to not only explore but also showed Jefferson's growth as well as lead into the Queen Mother's emotions as well. Which Katharine if you ever read this, she would make an amazing book series as well!!

I have sooo many thoughts that I can't wait to share. The first is if you loathed Majesty as much as I did, give this book a chance. It helped mend the hole the second book created in my heart.

I was a lot less angry at the characters during this book. In fact, there were a few I actively enjoyed and loved! And Marshall is at the top of that list. He is charismatic, sweet, and so stinking insightful. We definitely didn't get enough time to enjoy him in book two so it was so great to learn so much about him here. Samantha is also a true delight. I've always really liked Samantha, but it's so great to see her grow up and decide who she wants to be and how she wants to be defined. I think this book will be a real turning point for her.

I mostly enjoyed all the characters in this book which, as I mentioned, is a complete 180 from book two. Even partially from book one. I think part of that has to do with the fact that many of these characters are finally figuring out who they wanna be and where they see their future. We see a lot of growth and development from pretty much every main character in this book. It was truly a magnificent surprise.

I would have liked to have seen more of Teddy. He's a character that is so important to the story and that I want to love so badly, but has always fell a little short. This book does his character more justice, he's not so much of a little puppy trailing Beatrice everywhere. I'm hoping next book we'll really see him blossom.

Also, I have to mention that there was a beautiful Nina and Jeff moment in this book. And it's probably not what you're thinking. Nina tells Jeff off for being stupid (as we've seen in the previous two books) and it was glorious. It was exactly what needed to be said and what I've been thinking for so long.

Ethan was not in this book which was a little strange considering the role he played in the last two. He's definitely mentioned, but it's kinda like when an actor is taking a break from a TV show and they address his absence at the beginning of the season and then move on. Maybe we'll see him again in the next book?

Was the plot of this book actually just a party? Like, there was so much drinking and partying I almost can't be convinced that the entire plot of this book wasn't that. That being said, it was a lot of fun seeing all the characters in this environment though. It made the book feel more youthful, a little less serious than the other two especially considering everything that happened in book two. We also get a new environment/location for this book so that was kinda fun. LA instead of DC. Adds to the whole party vibe.

I will admit, the first half was a little dull. Things were happening but nothing too terribly exciting. The second half got better. Things didn't really make me wanna scream until 90% in though. Why does McGee always gotta end the books with me wanting to rip my hair out?

Overall, worth the read! I was really skeptical considering they were just gonna leave us hanging with the second book and not come out with a third, but I'm so glad I read this one. It was more (in many ways) than the last two books. Plus, as I mentioned, it mended the little hole in my heart left from book two.

Katharine McGee is back with her third installment of the American Royals series. Queen Beatrice is grappling with the loss of her father and the pressure of being America's first queen. Sam doesn't know how she fits into the family being the heir and trying to juggle her new love. Jeff is starting school and trying to find his place there, in the political scene and with his love life. How will the Washingtons fair without their father and will they find their own happiness? McGee weaves a wonderful tale that keeps you turning the pages and cheering for all of them!

Katharine McGee saved the American Royals series for me with this book! I loved the first but the way the second played out, I was thrown off by the way the book took such a left turn. This book brought it back for me and had me rooting for the characters again. THAT ENDING! I'm excited for the next one.

3.5 ⭐ This book isn’t a bad book, though I do feel like both it and its prequel Majesty were unnecessary additions to this series. The ending in particular was a little disappointing, because I was hoping to see this series go out with a bang rather than yet another cliffhanger ending that could have been avoided. That aside, this book has great parts, and bad parts. McGee’s romance has always struck me as somewhat boring and undeveloped; Bea and Teddy felt rushed to me in the last book, and Sam and Marshall, who I really did like, felt stiff and alien this book—their struggles as a couple just didn’t elicit the feelings from me that they were intended to. Most of all, Nina and Jeff, my least favorite pairing, made a comeback, for illogical and annoying reasons. I love Nina, and I wish she were able to spread her wings without a man’s involvement—I thought that after Ethan that would happen, since she clearly stated that she didn’t want to date him again. Her relationship with Daphne was SO GOOD (platonically or romantically), and they were the highlight of this book for me; therefore, I don’t get what the point of her having feelings for Jeff again is. Jeff is a bland man and Nina could do SO much better. Why limit her conflict in this book to having feelings for her boring ex? If things had to get stirred up for her, why did it have to be in that way? She deserves to find herself outside of the influence of the men in her life. On that note, her friendship with Daphne and their alliance is the best part of this book and/or this entire series. Nina and Daphne GAVE in Rivals. They’ve always been an interesting pair to look at, at odds from the beginning, and their development in this story was just *chef’s kiss*. McGee nailed the enemies to friends trope. Really, so well done. Also—DAPHNE. My new favorite character. McGee created her as such a hateable character in the beginning of the series, and to some extent she still retains many of those bad qualities. But in this book, she gets more characterization, as well as more focus on her toxic, emotionally abusive home life. Daphne feels like the representation of what the American Royals series represents—she’s melodramatic, at times cartoonish, and conniving; but she’s also deeply affected by her parents’ abusiveness and an incredibly lonely person. The examination of her character in this installation of the books was absolutely immaculate, and I credit that to the way McGee introduced the villain of this story: Gabriella Madison. Gabriella is the perfect juxtaposition to Daphne, because they are so incredibly similar. In fact, Gabriella feels the way Daphne felt in the first book, and to some extent the second—wicked, cruel, and wildly rich. Putting Daphne’s character development against the backdrop of this evil villain out to ruin her life is genius, because it’s essentially comparing Daphne to her former self in plain sight for the reader to see. The antithesis of Daphne and Gabriella’s rivalry shows her change happening in real time, and it’s amazing to see. Intentional or not, it’s the best part of the story, and the best character development yet. Overall, this book had its flaws, but I found it to be very entertaining regardless of whether or not I liked certain parts. I couldn’t put it down, and I’ll be coming back for more when the next installation arrives.

Rivals (American Royals 3) by Katharine McGee

It’s President’s Day and the observance of Washington’s Birthday, so it’s the perfect opportunity to post about our favorite Washington family!

I was thrilled when I was approved for the ARC of the third book in the American Royals series. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, as I swooned over the first book and thoroughly enjoyed the sequel, Majesty.

Like the previous American Royals novels, the chapters capture the perspective and experiences of the four female leads - Beatrice, Samantha, Daphne and Nina. I'll admit, I found myself looking forward to particular storylines more than others, specifically Nina and Daphne's budding friendship (what better way to take down a tyrant/bully than to join forces with the person who had made your life Hell?), and while I appreciated the maturity/growth of Queen Beatrice, I was less engaged with her storyline, which included most of the political scenes. With summits and fancy parties, it's easy to forget that these are mere college-age (or recently graduated) kids navigating relationships and family while having to lead and make impossibly grown-up decisions where the concepts of "duty over self" and "country first" always take center stage in their lives. Titles and rank, constant scrutiny, tested relationships. Rivals is equally at its best when it feels like an episode of Gossip Girl as well as in the moments where the characters show vulnerability and compassion toward one another.

What I’d LOVE to see are some chapters or an entire novel focused on our male characters.

Rivals is set to come out on May 31, but we will get a prequel novella on March 15 (it’s called Inheritance)!

Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for this #ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#AmericanRoyalsIIIRivals #NetGalley #bookstagram #ARC #katharinemcgee

I spent the first 94% of the book thinking this was the final in the series. I began getting really nervous knowing the story couldn't possibly wrap up then I saw there is a book 4. I love this series so I'm not complaining, except I have to wait for it. It's been a while since I've read book 2 so it took me a minute to get back into the story. I love that it is multi POV and there is so much drama. My favorite part of this installment was the unexpected friendship. I was completely shipping that friendship as well. I enjoyed every second I spent with these characters, though I felt Jefferson and Teddy were a little flat this installment, that may be because there was more focus on the friendships, it didn't take away from my experience or me feeling the need to keep reading. I can't wait for book four to spend more time with these characters.

Rivals, book 3 in the American Royals series does not disappoint! The drama. The romance. The story picks up just after book 2 with all your favorite characters. Beatrice is proving her strength and gaining experience as queen. It was nice to see some depth to Daphne’s character. Don’t let that depth fool you, she’ll not disappoint in her scheming ways. Who will end up with who? Author Katharine McGee will pull on readers heart strings!

Okay…I feel like I have to give a bit of back story to this review. I read American Royals a couple of years ago and LOVED it. It was like a juicy, tell-all of royal life, with an added twist of it being in America. The premise was so neat - what if George Washington became a king instead of president? We got to follow the modern-day royal family, the Washingtons, and all of the gossip, scandal, and romance that went with them. Then…I read book 2. I have to admit, it really was not my cup of tea. Without spoiling much, things sort of fell apart, and I was so sad some of my favorite characters and couples were headed down different paths. I am so thrilled Katharine McGee gave it another shot with Rivals. Was it as good as the first? No, not really. Was it better than the second - by leaps and bounds! This series is still worth a read. Its fun, entertaining, and suitable for young adult and adult readers. I gave this one 4 /5 stars - @lucywrazor
*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#bookstagram #instabook #bookreview #bookreviewer #americanroyals #rivals #netgalley #randomhousechildrens #randomhouse #randomhousebooks

This book is like coming home to long lost characters I love. After reading through this book in a day, I had to reread it again just because I loved it and love Katherine’s writing style.

I was hooked from the start and I loved the storyline between Daphne and Nina and I am dying to see how that ends up. I love that this is a third installment and there is another book coming out. It leaves you with a huge cliffhanger and immediately wanting more. I already preordered books for my classroom and I can’t wait to get this book in readers hands. :).

I give this book 5/5 stars!!! I will be patiently awaiting news for the fourth book.

This story was a good continuation of the series. Although I didn't feel very connected to the characters in this book, it did progress it in an interesting way. I wish that Nina and Daphne's story ended differently but I will definitely pick up the next one!

Title: American Royals III: Rivals
Author: Katharine McGee
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

CW⚠️: death of a parent, racism, drugs

***This review contains spoilers for American Royals and Majesty***

Synopsis (swipe for Goodreads synopsis): American Royals continues with Beatrice as Queen of America and picking up right where Majesty left off. Princess Samantha is working through the difficulties of her relationship with Lord Marshall, Nina is single and going to college with Prince Jefferson who is back with Daphne. She even develops a new relationship with her which surprises everyone. And finally Beatrice is seem on the world stage as all the monarchs gather for a conference hosted by Beatrice herself.

Thoughts💭: I love this storyline and was so excited to be back! The author has done a phenomenal job with the character development as this series continues and I enjoyed seeing the softer sides of Daphne and seeing Nina stand strong in who she is.

The ending though…🤯 I was yelling while flipping the final pages and need answers. American Royals 4 @katherinemcgee?!

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @randonhousechildrens for this #gifted arc!

xoxo, S

This series gets crazier and crazier! I love the budding (and begrudging) friendship between Nina and Daphne, Beatrice's growing self-confidence, and Sam's quest for self-awareness.

Thank you for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA Fiction
Pub Date: May 31, 2022

I thought this book continued the American Royals series nicely. It was like coming home to characters I've gown to love and care about, and I enjoyed following them further on their journey. I thought the plot was well-paced, and I really enjoyed the additional dimension added to the characters in this book. Even though the plot was well-paced, though, the last 25% of the book is what really saved the story as a whole. The first 75% of the book dragged at points, and I wasn't quite as engaged in that section of the book as the last section.

I was disappointed, though, that the story basically just dropped some major plot points from the first and second books. For example, Ethan was just shipped off in this story, and Teddy was basically non-existent in this plot. I enjoyed both of these characters a lot, and I was disappointed to see their arcs basically abandoned in favor of new characters who were not as well-developed or interesting.

Even though I was somewhat disappointed with some aspects of this book, I still enjoyed returning to the characters I already loved. I am looking forward to the next book!

A fun third installment in this addictive series.

Overall, this had more of the same royal lifestyle escapades, will-they won’t-they romance, and coming of age themes that I particularly enjoy in these books. For me personally, the storylines and character growth for Sam and Beatrice felt a bit repetitive, but the plot with Daphne and Nina teaming up was a standout!

Also, be advised this is not the final installment! There is another book coming so the cliffhanger is brutal.