I have mixed feelings on this. The story was interesting, but also felt very young adult, or just targeted to a younger audience. Despite that, I felt like the was decently written, albeit a little corny. To see expected for what it is though. “Queen Bee” gave such Bridgerton vibes, which was really enjoyable. This is definitely worth checking out if you need just quick, easy read. Although there could be better options for that, this could work I guess.

What a fun book! The story was so entertaining and I had a great time reading it. The characters were lovable. The alternating timeline took a minute to get into, but then I really liked it! Overall, a really enjoyable read. I look forward to Amalie Howard's next YA novel!

Amalie Howard has a way of reimagining both fairytales and early 200's romcoms with a regency twist that will make your nostalgic heart swoon. If you love movies like Clueless, She's All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You, Ela and Queen Bee will hit every one of those tropetastic cravings.

A girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!

Lady Ela Dalvi knows the exact moment her life was forever changed—when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined.

Nearly three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for . . . revenge. Her enemy is quickly joining the crème de la crème of high society while she withers away in the English countryside.

With an audacious plan to get even, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. But when Ela reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved, she begins to question whether vengeance is still her greatest desire.

In this complicated game of real-life chess, Ela must choose her next move: Finally bring down the queen or capture the king’s heart?

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard is a delightful and lighthearted historical romance that will captivate readers who adore Regency-era settings, swoon-worthy romance, and themes of revenge and self-discovery, making it a perfect fit for fans of Bridgerton and The Count of Monte Cristo.

5 stars! A refreshingly diverse YA historical romance. This book had me absolutely swooning and kept me flipping pages late into the night because I HAD to see Ela get her HEA.

I’m not big on revenge plots. However as the book went on I found myself invested in the characters and the outcome of the story. While I would have liked the end to go a bit further than it did or even an epilogue that was X number of years later, I was overall pleased with how it ended.

A well-written Regency romance about a young girl named Ela who befriends her neighbor, Kes, son of a Duke. Her best friend Poppy is angry and jealous and plots to ruin Ela. Ela is ruined, send to a boarding school for girls. At school, Ela plots her revenge against Poppy. which backfires time and time again.

i was super into this one. i thought it was entertaining and kept me interested the whole way. i thought it was a bit predictable but good nonetheless. i really enjoyed Ela’s revenge scheme and im a sucker for a second chance romance. the secondary characters were wonderful and the antagonist was absolutely devilish and so easy to root against. all in all, a very solid 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4!

This book was so good! I absolutely loved being able to read it! Can’t wait for you all to enjoy it as much as I did!

Quick Summary: A YA historical fiction novel

My Review: Queen Bee by Amalie Howard is a multicultural romance geared towards teens and older YA. It is set during the Regency era in England.

About the Book: A lady's reputation has been tarnished by a person she considered to be a close friend. The one who knew her best did not stand up to defend her when it counted. As a result, she had to die to self. Now, her life as it was is never to be and her new identity will cost her.

My Final Say: This was a real treat in that it was completely unexpected for a YA. I loved that the story was set during the 1800s and that it provided a glimpse of the social hierarchy of the times. I also really liked that subterfuge was a huge part of the main character's story. She was a phoenix who had no choice but to rise from the ashes.

Other: There were many teachable moment concepts weaved into the novel, and it all worked so well. At the end of the day, readers can walk away knowing that:
1) You reap what you sow.
2) Love conquers all.
3) Forgiveness is necessary for one's total healing.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T/OYA
Status/Level: Clean

Note: This story is a clean read, however, it does contain false accusations and scandal, set ups and deception, attempted murder and brutality, and heavy kissing. Additionally, a LGBTQIA strand is present.

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Random House Children's, Joy Revolution), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

Thank you for sharing this book with me.
I appreciate the opportunity to read Queen Bee and share it with my followers.

I absolutely adored the story of Lady Ela Dalvi. The twists and turns that the story took kept me hooked the entire way through the story. From the Bridgerton-esque intrique of high society to the Mean Girls-esque glimpses into her past to show why and how she had gotten to where she is when the reader meet her, Amalie Howard builds a world that leaves much open for more stories to be told.

Side characters were nicely fleshed out and gave great support to the story without being just one-dimensional obstacles to overcome

"Queen Bee" by Amalie Howard delivers a captivating blend of scandal, revenge, and romance, positioning itself as a noteworthy addition to the YA genre. Drawing comparisons to the Bridgerton series, the novel skillfully integrates the wisdom of Italian diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli into a compelling revenge story.

Lady Ela Dalvi's transformation into the enigmatic Lyra Whitley, as part of her Machiavellian revenge plot against her betrayers, sets the stage for a riveting narrative. The complexities deepen as her intricate plan involves navigating a second chance romance with Lord Keston Osborn, her childhood friend and first love.

The alternating timelines, a potential stumbling block for some, are deftly handled, maintaining a high level of engagement throughout. Ela's character growth and the well-defined supporting cast, particularly Keston's sister Zia, contribute to the story's richness.

While the novel isn't without its moments of convenience and occasional cheesiness, the overall execution is commendable. The revenge plot is a triumphant high, and the second chance romance is tenderly portrayed. The book successfully marries the allure of Bridgerton with a Count of Monte Cristo flavor, resulting in a clever and charming narrative.

For those seeking a YA tale filled with scandal, drama, and a nuanced romance, "Queen Bee" emerges as a compelling recommendation. It strikes a balance between the indulgent and the thought-provoking, making it a noteworthy addition to the regency-era YA landscape.

Bridgerton meets revenge. This was such a fun read. I enjoyed it immensely. It definitely reminded me of Count of Monte Cristo and Revenge the Tv show. I really enjoyed the audiobook and the narrator. I definitely recommend it. I loved the diverse cast and the history at the end.

I requested this for consideration for Book Riot's All the Books podcast for its release date. After sampling several books out this week, I decided to go with a different book for my review.

I had high hopes for this book, but it didn't hold my attention. I love a regency romance that isn't all white characters, but I think this was adding diversity for the sake of diversity and not really exploring any of these characters. I wasn't attached or rooting for anyone because it moved too fast for me to really like anyone. I like what this book could have been, just not what it turned out to be.

A fun Regency read for YA fans of the era. It takes the Bridgerton show approach to the world, making it more diverse. Lady Ela Dalvi's revenge plot makes sense for the time period, but it does drag a bit in parts. It is a more subtle revenge and the end leaves me wanting more in the way I don't feel like she adequately got her revenge. It was her driving force at the beginning and, yes, through the course of the story, she grows as a person and develops, but it just fell flat for me. The characters are what kept me reading, as many (even Poppy) were fun to read.

I loved this one so much! Amalie Howard does not disappoint! The novel is so much more than a revenge story. The main character grows towards the realisation that revenge is not as satisfactory as expected. What she learns is the importance of standing up for herself and for others. She also learns the importance of forgiveness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an e-galley of Queen Bee.

I loved this book from start to finish - a perfect Bridgerton adjacent book for teens, complete with mystery, drama, and a healthy dose of romance.

Ela was betrayed horribly by her best friend. Fast forward three years, and she has reinvented herself and appeared on the London social scene. No one recognizes Ela after her disappearance, so she is able to launch her revenge scheme against Poppy. However, the further into her plan she gets, the more Ela realizes that revenge might not be her end goal after all.