This was my first book by Tracey Livesay and I'd be interested in reading another novel by this author. The plot content honestly was not what I normally gravitate towards but the writing was delightful and I think the target audience will be attracted to this book!!

Rating: ★★★¼☆ (3.25/5)

"The Duchess Effect" by Tracey Livesay is a captivating sequel that delves into the challenges faced by Dani aka "Duchess", an American rapper, and Prince Jameson, a reclusive royal, as they strive to transform their romance into a lasting relationship amidst the relentless glare of the spotlight. Did I also mention that this book IS SPICY - it is filled with smut. Tracey did that.

I'm not sure if we needed a sequel to further explore the fast paced love of Dani and Jameson. Since this was giving insta-love vibes, some of the romance between Dani and Jameson seemed more like lust than love. Additionally, some of the slang used by Dani was slightly cringe and had me feeling like it was the early 2000s.

Overall, this was a quick read that was just okay to me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

American Royalty was my first book by the author and I really liked it! I knew I had to get my hands on the second one as well! These books were giving Prince Harry and Megan vibes and I was here for it!

We meet Dani “Duchess” who is a fierce American rapper who has worked hard to get to where she is at today! She knows her worth! Then we have Jameson “Jay” who is an uptight British Royal. The tension between these two was insane! They both antagonized each other only to feel remorse later. You just knew something good was going to go down between them!

When they finally broke and admitted the sexual tension it was HOT! It was so sweet to see how protective they were of each other. They truly were a team and wanted what the other wanted.

In the Duchess Effect it focused more on their relationship and how they were going to navigate it since they both come from completely different backgrounds.

I enjoyed the second book just as much as the first! You could feel the love these two had for one another and you could tell they were doing whatever it takes to make their relationship work despite their backgrounds! I can’t wait to read more by Tracey!

When I read American Royalty earlier this year I immediately knew I wanted more of Duchess and Jameson, and The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay delivered! It’s still a whirlwind romance for the American rapper and His Royal Highness and this time they have to decide what pieces of their relationship are worth risking when her company and the monarchy are in jeopardy.

Dani “Duchess” Nelson is thisclose to getting an investor for her skincare line but they suggest more good press is needed before they’ll sign a contract. Jameson thought he could host the tribute event for his grandfather, leave his royal duties behind and go back to being a professor. Wrong! Turns out Dani and Jameson did too good of a job and with their relationship now public, they’ve become the face of a “progressive” new monarchy, one the Queen is desperate to preserve.

Enter the miscommunication trope - where Dani and Jameson try to protect each other to show how much they care instead of just talking it out and finding a solution together. I wanted to shake both of them! And even when I got to the epilogue, I still wanted more. They’ve been a couple for a few months, and I’m glad I got to see more of them as they navigate a relationship that everyone is trying to manipulate. Plus I got more of Jameson’s dirty talk and WHEW! the steam was even better in this book.

I’m hoping this is a trilogy OR we get more insight about Dani and Jameson through their royal adjacent friends Rhys and Nyla. There were too many hints for their story to be left unexplored.

I requested an ARC of this book after reading book 1. I can say that I did enjoy book 2 but not as much as book 1. It was nice to see their relationship after the HEA but I didn’t feel like I gained much from the second story. I do recommend still reading it.

I enjoyed American Royalty, but I can't say I was desperate for a sequel. When I saw this cover though I couldn't wait to read it because isn't that the most gorgeous cover you've ever seen?

This is a very different romance from the first book because Prince Jameson and Duchess are already together, this time battling all the various royal and corporate forces that are trying to keep them apart. A lot of this book I found so interesting - particularly Duchess' battle with trying to retain her individuality while also joining this huge, traditional thing that stands for a lot of things that she stands against.

Because Jameson and Duchess are already together, a lot of my favorite romance elements are missing. I will say though that the big climactic scene was really harrowing and I really didn't see how they would move forward. There was an interesting twist with Duchess' makeup and skincare line that made the conflict really intense and had me biting my nails waiting for it to come to fruition.

Overall this was fun and had a lot of the charm of the first book while also being something really different. If you enjoyed the first part of this royal love story then I definitely recommend picking up the sequel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Duchess Effect starts off a month after the events of Book 1, American Royalty. Overall, all I really enjoyed this book. I love Dani and Jameson and they are probably one of my favorite Rom Com couples. It was clear that they both deeply love each other. I gave this book 4/5 stars, my only criticism was that the conflict that was created in the story created a miscommunication trope that could have been resolved with one conversation early in the book. I think that the other conflicts in the book could have held the story without having the miscommunication trope and would have shown that Dani and Jameson have grown as a couple, however I had to keep remembering and reminding myself that they have only been dating for about 2 months and are still learning and growing as a couple.

What I absolutely loved about the story is that Jameson is 100% committed to Dani and protecting her. He loves everything about her and doesn’t want her to change as his family actively tries to change her. Also the spice was immaculate in this book. Jameson has one of the dirtiest mouths and you get to see it in action in this book. I give the spice rating in the book a 2.75/5 chili peppers (my spice rating is for how much spice is in the book not for the quality of the spice) as there are multiple spicy scenes that were written very well.
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But overall I was entertained while reading this book!

I like some American's have a slight obsession with the British Royal family. I have always wanted to be a princess so I love reading books that have that somewhere in the story line. But somehow I never knew about these novels until I got this ARC, and I have been missing out. I binged both this and American Royalty in the course of a week. I can't even tell you how much I wanted there to be a sequel for me to read immediately when I was done.

Aside from that, this book touch on real life issues. Like what is like to be the only woman of color in a room and having people look up to you because of that. I can 100% relate to that and I was very happy to see that someone was able to document that so clearly in book form so that the rest of the world can understand what that is like.

I'm really hoping that there is a book #3 in the works as it is going to be on the list of books that I am most looking forward to reading when it is released.

OK, I struggled with this. I REALLY liked the first book, American Royalty, so I requested this on Net Galley. I was sadly disappointed, and DNF'd around 44%. I really tried to stick with it.
I think Livesay writes really great spicy scenes, but the rest of this book was just the main characters droning on and on about their precarious political/social/celebrity situation. It just didn't move fast enough. If there had been more forward progress, I might have stuck with it. I wish we'd only gotten the first book because it ended happily and optimistically and felt complete.
If you're invested in these characters and good as skimming (I'm not), then maybe you'll make it through.
While I'm done with these characters, I am willing to pick up a new book by Livesay in the future.

Unfortunately I don’t think a sequel was necessary. Dani and Jameson’s story should have ended with the first book where the ending perfectly fit the story. The Duchess Effect didn’t do much to develop their relationship and instead had Dani making hurtful decisions, keeping information from him and being selfish. She uses him for her own purposes throughout the majority of the plot and it just didn’t sit well with me.

I would have much preferred a story about Nyla or Yolanda with minor cameos or updates on Dani and Jameson.

I loved Tracey Livesay‘s first book in this series, American Royalty, so I was very excited to continue Duchess and Jamison’s story in The Duchess Effect.

It’s so refreshing to read romance books that follow a couple after their initial “falling in love stage.” Unfortunately, a few things early on didn’t sit well and kept me from loving this story.

The first issue was Duchess’ total flip-flop in her initial proclamation to keep their work life separate from their personal life. I love that she is a strong, independent woman, and yet her decision to start using their public outings for her benefit without even talking to him first really went against what I came to know as her character.

So, it was really hard to see her acting that way time and time again knowing that it was wrong and that there would be some major fallout.

I’m also all about steamy romance books and yet the scenes between Duchess and Jamison seemed a bit much. They were constantly going at it, which is fine, but their scenes were hot and heavy for like two minutes, which seemed kind of jarring to how they fit in with the rest of the story. It was like, let’s have a chat and now let’s get down with some intense dirty talk and now we are done – next scene.

I’ll definitely continue reading in Tracey Livesay’s books, however, this one just had a few things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

*Thank you to a Netgalley for the advanced reader copy all opinions on my own.

I loved American Royalty.
And loved reading the second book in this highly anticipated sequel.

The Duchess Effect is the sequel to American Royalty by Tracey Livesay.

This book kept me intrigued and engaged the entire time.
Dani and Jamesons personality just shined on each and every page.
I love the chemistry between Dani and Jameson.
These characters are extremely lovable and highly entertaining, each in their own unique way.
I had so much fun reading this charming book.
A cute, fun and highly entertaining modern love story with royalty elements.
This is the type of royal romance I live for!
Tracey Livesay writes the best romantic stories that are enjoyable to read and easily read in one sitting. They are unique but equally well written and enjoyable.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Royal Treatment: A Review of Tracey Livesay’s “The Duchess Effect”
By Valencia Turner

**SPOILER warning just in case**

Danielle “Duchess” Nelson and Prince Jameson Alastair Richard Lloyd are back, and this time – things get even more complicated, both in front of the camera flashes and behind palace walls.
And I’m here for it!
I read “American Royalty” this past year and I was excited to read and review its sequel: “The Duchess Effect.” While “American Royalty” focused on the love story between Dani and Jameson, this second book delves deeper into the challenges they face as a couple in the spotlight of celebrity and under the microscope of the Royal Family and the British press. One cannot deny the similarities between Dani/Jameson, and Prince Harry/Princess Meghan (She’s a princess. I will only refer to her as such.)
I must confess, I haven’t watched the Netflix docuseries produced by Harry and Meghan. (Please don’t come for me.)
I didn’t’ really want to watch it for fear it would upset me to watch their struggles just to love one another when it feels like there is an entire multimedia complex trying to tear them down. My heart breaks for them – to an extent. They have the money and resources to disappear. They shouldn’t have to disappear, but I digress.
“The Duchess Effect” centers its story on the next part of the “Happily Ever After” story that ended “American Royalty.” This time, readers will get a glimpse of what happens after declarations of love have been shared and the romantic leads ride off into the sunset together. This novel depicts the unique challenges they face now that their romance is official. As they face additional public scrutiny, how will they move forward? Is love enough?
“The Duchess Effect” begins in the euphoria that is Dani and Jay. They are trying to lead their lives as far away from the public eye as possible, while still reaching personal and professional goals.
But when you add celebrity and royalty, you end up with a bit of chaos.
The monarchy is coming under intense scrutiny when it is learned that Prince Julian, next in the line of succession, is embroiled in another huge scandal. The Crown Prince is going to be a father again, and … um, again. Apparently, the Prince has impregnated both his wife, and his mistress. That mistress being one Duchess Hater/Imitator Samantha Banks.
The Royal Family must stay relevant and ideal, otherwise the monarchy is no longer needed. The Queen realizes she must sway the country toward a more respectable, handsome member of the royal family: Jameson. She knows Jameson doesn’t want an active role in the family business, so she decides to use blackmail to secure his cooperation. Prince Jameson will take over his uncle’s work schedule, and the Queen won’t kick the prince’s mother out of royal life and its protections.
Jameson thought he could retreat into private life and spend more time with Dani, but he gets stuck filling in for his uncle. Dani thinks she’s about to ink a deal for her skincare business, but now the deal hinges on her compromising her ethics.
After the couple agreed to keep their personal and public lives separate, they must merge the two, resulting in even more press coverage and personal conflicts.
I don’t want to spoil it the rest of it. Let’s just say that the issue of trust is a huge theme throughout this book. While it’s not a “sexy” topic, it’s an important which must be explored as their relationship grows.
One would think that palace intrigue would be boring. Ok. Me. I thought palace intrigue was boring, but this book makes it interesting. Since I have ADD, it’s no small feat to keep me engaged in royal and familial politics, but Tracey Livesay manages to do it quite skillfully.
We learn more about the inner workings of royal life, press coverage, challenges to their existence, etc. It gives the reader a sense of why these characters behave the way they do. One doesn’t necessarily feel sorry for these people, but it gives us a look into their point of view. They don’t have the luxury of looking anything less than perfect or speaking out on topics that might make them seem controversial.
It gives it a human face to a fictional world.
Dani and Jay don’t get as much of a chance to let their live develop naturally before they are shoved back out there for the entertainment and pleasure of others. Their lives aren’t their own, and they must live with the reality of that.
Livesay is able to take two people, whose positions are normally way out of our league, and relay their struggles in a way that is completely relatable.
We have a young woman who has been raised to be independent because she can’t count on anyone else. She’s also a black woman navigating a business environment run by people who don’t look like her. Jameson is forced to confront old demons, the complications of being a devoted son and reluctant royal, as well as navigate a new relationship with another public figure.
Livesay gives us a fresh look at the characters we love, as well as a deeper insight into some of the supporting characters who make their lives full. It’s definitely a wild ride, but it’s worth taking.
My only critique, and I hesitate to include it, is the fact that – for the better part of the novel – there are several references to how attractive they look to one another. Duchess and Jay are frequently referencing the other’s beauty, physical attributes, and other traits; additionally mentioning all the fun things they can do with those hot bodies.
I think the reason for such frequent references in the first half of the book, is to make up for the lack of sexy scenes. Instead, the author uses references to steamy times to sate the reader’s lust until they reach the actual sex scenes.
In a romance, readers expect to be pulled along from one sexy or romantic scene to another. We hunger for the angst, stolen kisses, heated glances, and every passionate love scene. We also understand that there is a larger story in which the romance takes place. We know something will threaten their love story and happy ending.
“American Royalty” is the love story. “The Duchess Effect” shows us what happens after the epic declaration of love in the first book. It demonstrates what happens when the real world clashes with love.
(Also, I want to see more of Rhys and Naya’s love story.)

I was eagerly awaiting this sequel, but unfortunately the plot just fell a little flat for me. The constant unnecessary obstacles placed within the relationship annoyed me and it didn't make sense why The Mela skin deal came with those limitations to include the Jamison? Overall the author did deliver on some good spicy scenes. If a third book is to come, I'd read it!

So often we get HEAs at the end of novels that really read like HFNs and we are supposed to accept them as they are. We might believe them but really it’s about us using our imagination. With The Duchess Effect we got to see the HFN grow into a HEA. It’s fairly unique to get a book 2 with a couple when their feelings towards each other are already out in the open and together.

At the same time, this book isn’t a fluffy bit about them skipping through fields of flowers and sipping champagnes on yachts. They’re so more than enough angst to go around and keep you wondering “what’s next?”

The angst in this book actually had me regularly screaming “Dani. What the hell are you doing?!” I think I wanted her to trust Jay more than he did. He was so far gone for her he didn’t see any problems until they were right on top of them. I LOVE how he loved Dani and I’m grateful I got another few hundred pages to see it happen.

I’m not sure if we’ll end back in this world with Dani and Jameson but I’m not ready to leave their universe yet. Please don’t make me!

In case it’s not clear, I love this and think you should add it immediately to your summer reading list!

I received this title as an ARC on Net-galley in exchange for a honest review. Thank you HarperCollins for the copy!

I was so excited to be given my first ever ARC, and having it be the sequel to American Royalty (Which I loved) made it even better! I always get super nervous I'm not going to love a 2nd or even 3rd book in a series but Tracy did not disappoint! I was so glad to have Dani and Jameson back in my life!

I loved seeing more of a domestic side to them both and getting to read that the honeymoon phase has definitely not worn off ;).

I think I related to Dani a lot more in this book than the first one. As someone who is super independent and has the worst time asking anyone for help, I know I have felt exactly as she has when it comes to doing things on my own and the anxiety it brings when it starts to fall apart. Jameson continues to be one of my favorite book boyfriends as he is charming, supportive and loves my girl Dani so so much!

I will always be a sucker for black girls in a royal romance, and I did not want this one to end!!!

Readers invested in Prince Harry and Megan Markle will enjoy the follow up to "American Royalty."

Dani is FINALLY getting back into the good graces of everyone thanks to the palace ball and celebration. Her boyfriend, Jameson, may have a little role to play in that too. Both Jameson and Dani however; quickly come to agreement that they won't force their other half to appear in engagements and public appearances. Duchess Dani feels she can do things on her own. Jameson doesn't want anything to interfere with his lectures. Everything is about to flip on them.

The Duchess Effect is a novel that I wonder why it was written, other than to please fans of the first novel. While I enjoyed American Royalty and found The Duchess Effect to be another novel that kept my attention, the plotlines and different character arcs felt stranded instead for Dani's feelings. These feelings were great BUT I also wanted more in terms of Jameson's maneuvering and his group of friends. The spicy scenes sprinkled throughout made their mark.

Premise:
-Dani "Duchess" is still two months fresh into her new high-profile relationship with HRH Jameson
-Dani is navigating new contract negotiations with not only Genesis (the company that would acquire her skincare line Mela-Skin) but also Parcellum who recently acquired Genesis
-HRH Jameson is once again blackmailed by his grandmother, Queen Marina, to take on more royal duties for the Company, as his cousin Julian is caught in a scandal with the horrible singer that tried to frame Dani in a horrible light in the last book
-Jameson & Dani struggle as they both try to keep each other out of their respective limelight, and both feel very independent, so enter a lot of angst and miscommunication
-steam: 3.5/5 -- they get down immediately & it's absolutely delectable !!!

CW:
-racism
-grief
-toxic media cycle
-manipulative behavior / unethical dynamics of power
-emotional abuse

Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel that followed Dani & Jameson pretty close to where we left them at the end of "American Royalty". If you've followed the Meghan x Harry royal drama, watch The Crown, or simply enjoy a good old royal x commoner romance, then I think you'll devour this just as I did!

I appreciated that Tracey presented situations where the Crown/Queen Marina/HRH Jameson had to confront their problematic presence in other countries and their part in a violent history. Yes, this is at its core a steamy romance but that doesn't mean we have to gloss over the very real implications of what the Crown represents. I loved that Dani (no matter how UnReaLisTiC) stood up to the Queen and I especially enjoyed the moment when the leader of another nation straight up asked Dani if she noticed that they were the only people of color in that room in the palace. I think many people can empathize with that feeling of always being the only POC/queer/disabled/marginalized person in a room, especially a room with that many people in power.

Anyway, I saw that a lot of people are complaining about the miscommunication trope in here, but even if these people weren't an American celebrity and a European prince/duke/whatever, I find the miscommunication trope to be deeply authentic to a couple that is brand new. I've been with my partner for a while now, and we *still* miscommunicate sometimes, and often with the intentions of sparing the others' feelings or trying to lessen the other's load. It has taken us a lot of work and commitment to improve this but no one is perfect and we all have our moments. To be that harsh on a couple that has been together for only a few months, who both have major attention on them at all times, and both of an upbringing where they had to protect themselves often..... that's an interesting choice from yall so..... idk let people be human and figure it out? Conflict often presents opportunities to improve our relationships anyway so let them grow, damn!

Though it was frustrating, I also enjoyed the conflict of Parcellum trying to use HRH Jameson's coverage as collateral for Mela-Skin because I also believe this is not far from the truth! Call me skeptical or pessimistic but brand management and optics is of utmost importance to any damn stakeholder, and while I want to live in a world where this kind of unethical behavior is not possible, I unfortunately live on Earth and I think yall know what a shitshow this place is. I think Dani handled it as best she could with the emotional tools she had at the time and I appreciate both her and Jameson's journeys to therapy eventually!

Anyway, if it's not clear, I love this book, these characters, Tracey & Avon! I can't wait to see what's next from Tracey but I hope it's a Rhys & Nyla story *crossing my fingers*

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: racism, family tensions, microagressions, death of a parent (past), cheating (non-MCs)

This is the second book in the series, you need to read book 1 first before diving in.

It was great to see the continuation of Jameson and Dani's love story. Two people with very different upbringings and backgrounds bringing their lives together. It's messy, drama filled. Neither Dani nor Jameson handle everything perfectly but at the end of the day love wins out.

Steam: 3.5

Nothing is better than spending the day at the pool devouring a spicy romance with characters you know and love. American Royalty by Tracey Lively was one of my favorite summer reads last year, so I was SO excited to get an ARC from #netgalley and Avon - the perfect companion for this long weekend!

The Duchess Effect takes up shortly after American Royalty ended - so I highly recommend reading that one first. We dive right in with Duchess and Jameson, though they are taking some time out of the spotlight and are in the US laying low... but very much enjoying each other. The signature wit and fun-lovingness of their relationship is there from the get go.

One thing that I really enjoyed about this book is that we are going beyond the initial Happily Ever After. We all know that relationships have one than more conflict - and that's before you toss in royalty and racism. The Duchess Effect builds upon the foundation of American Royalty, and we lean into the next steps for Duchess and Jameson - how do they balance their relationship with their careers, and how are they navigating the monarchy?

I tore through this one, and what a ride it was! The chemistry between these two characters just jumps off the page and I couldn't put it down. The ire ups and downs felt so real and authentic - and most important, the characters stayed true to themselves.

The Ducchess Effect comes out next week - July 11 !! Make sure to pick it up!

Will post this review on goodreads, retail sites, my bookstagram @scottonreads and twitter @sarahncotton