👑 Expectations: 👑
✨ Royal Scandals/Drama
✨Gaslighting
✨Mentions of Sexual Assault
✨Attempted Murder (at least on three different occasions)
✨Revengeful Behavior
✨Depictions of Schizophrenic Symptoms
✨Discussions on Terrorist Behavior
✨Several Annoying Characters

📝 Thoughts: 📝
It is officially time for me to accept that I am going to be an outlier when it comes to this book as well as this series. In all honesty, only 5% of me truly understand how and why both books #1 & #2 has 4⭐️ & 5⭐️ ratings. Both books are very well written and, sometimes, the drama is both entertaining and hilarious. But, the rest of me, the other 95% of me, wonders if I am reading the same series as everyone else. It took me 15 days to finish Book #1 and 7 days to finish Book #2 (I cancelled major plans just to finish this book over the weekend). For each book, I could only read four chapters at a time with a three hour break in between. I was bored most of the time. The majority of the characters are annoying and disrespectful (for no reason might I add). And the plot for both books is EXTREMELY lost on me. Like seriously, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THESE BOOKS REALLY ABOUT??? I spent EVERYDAY contemplating on whether I should DNF after every chapter. Though I am happy that I allowed my completist personality trait to push me forward, I know that I am going to be in a reading slump for the next week. 😔😔😔.

So. Book #2. Only slightly better than Book #1 but, NOT BY MUCH. 😬😬😬. Where Book #1 felt disorganized and disjointed in several areas, Book #2 is where this series has FINALLY found its focus. Book #2 is all about revenge. Book #1 ended with the revelation that a royal family member is out to destroy Evangeline “Evan” Bright all because she is the daughter of the current King of the British Monarchy and they are afraid of losing their spot in the line of succession (at least that is what’s been hinted at throughout both books). Once Book #2 starts, 6 months have passed and the royal family is in shambles and said evil Royal family member is back to continue their mission. As said Royal family member continues to destroy Evangeline, she soon finds herself truly alone. No matter how many people she informs about her thoughts and theories about the Royal family member who hates her, no one believes her. Because of this, Evangeline waits about 85% of this book to finally tell her mom what has been happening. To make matters even worse, it takes her sister, Princess Mary 91% of this book to finally listen but not before she practically destroys her closeness with Evangeline. Other Royal family members even get caught up in the line of fire and things just spiral out of control. It is just one drama filled chapter after the next and while some chapter are more entertaining than the next, I genuinely spent this entire book lost, annoyed, and ready for it to end. Again, though this book had a much clearer focus than Book #1, I still have not idea what the point of this story is nor what the author is trying to accomplish. Similar to a few other reviewers, I had to suspend my belief to understand why common sense was missing among all of the characters as well as to understand why and what the purpose of all the hatred toward Evangeline is.

And please. DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THE FORMAT OF EACH CHAPTER. Similar to Book #1, each chapter begins with either a quote, text message conversations, two-three page Royal interviews, a gossip column article, or a twitter exchange. And similar to Book #1, it was both distracting and annoying. These pieces of information took a lot of excitement out of me wanting to hurry and read the next chapter. It just became too much after chapter 5. 😐😐😐.

Reviewing this book is really hard for me because, honestly, I am just so happy to be done with it. If you find yourself wanting to read this book then I genuinely think you should. Just make sure you are in the mood to read about misplaced anger, a lot of nastiness, and characters who will MOST DEFINITELY get on your nerves. 🫣🫣🫣. Unfortunately, for me, this is where I leave this series. I really wish Aimée Carter the best on her future writing journey as well as any endeavors she might experience. 🥰🥰🥰.

👑Thank NetGalley and Delacorte Press for granting my request for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!! 👑

Publication Date: March 26, 2024

4.5 ⭐️ I dont know what she puts in these books but I can't put them down! Anxiously awaiting book 3!

Aimee Carter’s “Royal Scandal” delivers a gripping continuation to the Royal Blood series, plunging readers deeper into the treacherous world of British royalty. Evan Bright, the American girl at the heart of the turmoil, faces increasingly intense media scrutiny and personal threats as she navigates palace politics. Carter expertly crafts a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The character development in “Royal Scandal” is exceptional, particularly Evan’s resilience in the face of adversity. As she grapples with the possibility of being forever branded as Britain’s media villain, her determination to uncover the truth behind the threats against her adds layers of complexity to the story. The dynamic relationships between Evan and the other characters, including the enigmatic members of the royal family, add depth to the narrative and leave readers eager for more.

Carter’s vivid descriptions vividly bring the opulent world of British royalty to life, immersing readers in a setting filled with secrets and betrayal. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels the story forward, making “Royal Scandal” difficult to put down.

Overall, “Royal Scandal” is a thrilling and captivating read that will appeal to fans of mystery, suspense, and royalty. Aimee Carter’s skillful storytelling and intricate plot twists make this a must-read for anyone craving an escape into a world of scandal and intrigue.

Normally this story would have been right up my alley, but it was a slow read. Aimee Carter does build a realistic world and dynamic characters. It was just personally not for me.

I’m shook, that ending! Like in the first book in the series, Evan is still a likable MC to follow, and all the tragedies that befall her in this book are hard to stomach. So many moving parts, including some new characters and new settings. I’m excited to see how everything gets wrapped up, and I hope it’s happily for Evan and her family.

**Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5**
Mystery, royal drama, and relationships take center stage once again in *Royal Scandal,* an excellent second installment in the Royal Blood Series.

In Book 2, we join Evan as she faces a constant barrage of negative press and media attention as she has decided to remain with the royal family. Information about Evan and other members of the royal family keeps being leaked to the media from what looks like an insider source, fueling an anti-royal narrative in the country. And in the wake of failed assassination attempt that has the police scrambling to find a suspect, Evan begins to receive increasingly personal, anonymous threats. As the story unfolds, Evan has to figure out who to trust when all signs point to her own family and friends being the ones betraying her.

>>What I loved: The way this book is written is so engaging between the news media stories, social media discourse, letters, and narrative from Evan’s perspective—Carter is a masterful and compelling writer in this genre. The characters in this story felt like great continuations of who we met in book 1 as they all responded to changing circumstances and stressful situations. Evan+Kit Forever. I loved where the story went, and I was left absolutely at the edge of my seat with what is going to happen next!

>>What I didn’t love: If I’m to be knit-picky, I would say that the first part of the book feels a little unclear in terms of the direction for the overall plot as we are getting caught up with the characters and what has been happening (I also suspect some of this was in service of the next book to come). However, by a quarter of the way through things picked up and had a better direction.

*Royal Scandal* is a wonderful second book in the Royal Bloods Series—I think fans of the series will love this follow up. I frequently recommend this series to both my students and adult friends who love Young Adult Mystery and Realistic Fiction. I think this series is pretty underrated, especially in its genre. Can’t wait for the next installment!

**Acknowledgments & Disclaimers**
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Aimée Carter, and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.

When I picked up Royal Scandal I remembered how much I loved the first book and hoped that this one would be just as good, I was thrilled to discover that it is just as good if not maybe even a smidge better than the first in the series. It took me a minute to remember where we had left off in book one but I soon was back in the swing of things and looking forward to finding out how Evan was going to handle being part of the monarchy and in the public eye.

I loved that Evan was still mostly the same, she had to behave a little differently because she was now representing the Royal family too, but she still had her defiant side and was able to stand out even if it was unintentional. The relationships between Evan and the other Royals were much improved; especially the relationship with her sister Maisie, they still had their moments but I enjoyed that they were supporting each other more; which meant there was more at stake. There were a lot more interesting dynamics between the characters this time, secrets, relationships, and press speculation causing a lot more tension for each of them.

That was something that worked even better in this book than in the last, the articles, interviews, and text exchanges at the start of every chapter. As things really start to get tense these are a brilliant way to see just how volatile it is becoming for Evan and the Royals, it is also really interesting to see how perceptions are changed so easily by gossip and inaccurate reporting which feels very relatable to me right now.

As for the plot of this story, it was brilliant, I feel I have to be a little vague because I don’t want to spoil everything that happens and just how good it is, but trust me there are a lot of surprises in this book. Just when I thought things might start to get easier for Evan and her family everything takes a turn once again and she finds herself in all sorts of danger. I liked that there were points in the story where I was questioning everyone’s loyalty and the suspense of what might happen next was electrifying.

But oh my goodness that ending, I honestly gasped when I got to the end and was both exhilarated and frustrated at the cliffhanger. I already want the next book, I am dying to know what happens. This is definitely a series that you want to pick up, I highly recommend it.

This is book 2 in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone (IMO). I say that because I obviously didn't read book one but highly enjoyed this. It was easy to follow along, a great page turner, and informative as well.

The trials and tribulations of the royal family is something I'm sure everyone is curious about, but take that thought - add secrets, evil plotting , barrage of gun fire, a b●mbing, and add an illegitimate American daughter to the mix and you've got one heck of a story!

I will definitely be checking out book 1 of this series, ......

✨️Continued in the comments✨️

But the wY the last page ended, there HAAASSSSSS to be a 3rd book coming - and I absolutely can't wait for it!

Diving back into this series after around a year of reading the first presented very little challenge. I was not expecting there to be events in Royal Blood to be entwined with what happens in Royal Scandal. The dedication and premeditated planning stunned me & I didn’t see it coming – especially with all the intricate details. The cloud of suspicion from the first book does not dissipate in the second installment – it just morphs and amplifies into other aspects. Unfortunately for Evan, she is still making waves in the headlines even if she doesn’t mean to and would rather remain behind the scenes.

"Now millions of people follow an Instagram account I don’t even personally use, and based on the endless sea of comments I saw the one and only time I explored Tibby’s handiwork, a disconcerting number seem to think this means they know exactly who I am."

It’s hard to gush about enjoying a book without giving anything up for proof. I enjoy the easy to read and fast-paced writing style that Aimée has. I was never bored and always on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I’m interested to see if there’s someone pulling a certain someone’s strings behind the scenes, especially with the introduction of a group. I was not a fan of the cliffhanger at the end… ugh! It wasn’t terrible, but I just despise cliffhangers in general haha.

I enjoyed the continuation of Evan’s story in this book and I’m very invested I where it goes next – super excited for book three. I would like to send a BIG thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours for choosing me for this tour – I was over the moon to be on a tour for the sequel of a favorite book from last year! Thank you to Delacorte Press & Aimée Carter for my copy to read & review – all opinions are my own. Rounded from 4.5 stars.

Aimée Carter is NOTHING sort of a genius. I picked up this book just wanting something light and dramatic but it truly is my new obsession and one of my favorite YA books OF ALL TIME. Carter's writing is easy and fast-paced and she perfectly combines thriller, paranoia, and family drama in this crazy tale of British royalty. I genuinely wish I could read this book for the first time again. Royal Blood was great, but Royal Scandal was nothing short of perfect. I love the honesty that Carter writes with her characters, never leaning too much towards "idealizing" her characters. Evan is in a tough situation and the narrative does not shy away from that, but she is no doormat either. Carter's writing is whip-smart and truly deserves the fanbase of Katharine McGee's American Royals and Emiko Jean's Tokyo Ever After.

Woah my poor heart and nerves can't take this. Aimee has made me cry and swear a lot and if I had a swear jar it would be half full.

There were so many twists and turns that in some parts of the story i was thumping my sofa unable to believe what was happening to Evan who is one bad ass character. I honestly thought that Evan would have a better time but not on Aimee's watch.

When I got to the end and the cliffhanger I immediately checked to see when the next book wold be out and realise I have to wait to next year NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

For all the above reasons Royal Scandal receives 5 big fat stars

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter is the second book in the Royal Blood Series. The first book was my favorite, and I was so excited to read this book. It didn't fail me at all, I even loved the second book more than the first one, which I thought was impossible.

Evan and Kit are so sweet together in this book. Kit had my whole heart with his caring and protecting boyfriend character. I love him more than I did in the first book, just like Evan. I would read 100 books about them and never get tired of them.

The plot is a massive roller coaster ride. There are so many twists and turns and mysteries popping out now and then. What can I say more? A true page-turner. The cliffhanger at the end just stopped my heart. I WANT THE THIRD BOOK RIGHT NOW.

If you are looking for a very well-executed mystery/thriller novel, this should be your next read. Also, there is so much love and affection between characters that will surely warm your heart. Wait no further, just pick up the book.

Royal Scandal is the sequel to Royal Blood, which if you haven't read it yet, you need to. This second book involves the Evan taking on more, with events targeting her. Harshness of the tabloids and figuring out life, it definitely is a book that keeps you reading until the end (and then longer if you know what I mean)

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of Royal Scandal by Aimée Carter

Evan is trying her best to fit into royal life while dealing with ongoing media attention. The situation only gets more difficult when her mother comes to stay and there's a whole new round of coverage on their family dynamics. Evan just wants to have a nice family Christmas when she's attacked and hospitalized and it's becoming more obvious that there is a plot against the monarchy. Meanwhile, the media is turning out conspiracy theories that paint Evan in a very negative light and are calling for her arrest. Evan has to figure out what's happening and who to trust. Overall, a very drama filled sequel that increases the stakes for everyone involved. It was good to see a little more development between Evan and Maisie as they both try to figure out their roles in each other's lives and the establishment of Evan as part of the family in general. Recommended to readers who are interested in royals, conspiracies, and drama.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book via TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange for an honest review!

Royal Scandal is the sequel to Royal Blood, following along Evan, who still tries to find her place in the royal family, while threats keep coming towards her and escalate to a murder attempt.

“I'm a mut in a family of purebreads, and I definitely don't have a title."
Beware of possible spoilers for the first book!

As you might remember, I loved loved loved the first book! I am so glad to be part of the tour for the second, since it was a highly anticipated sequel for me! Let me tell you, this series DOES NOT disappoint!

If you loved the first book, you are going to love this one! Everything I loved about Royal Blood; the sarcasm, the drama, the entertainment and characters, all of that is back and sometimes even better in this book!

The plot is once again fun and engaging and the tension created with all these threats and the murder attempt on Evan’s live make it super hard to put this book down! I read this whole book in one sitting, because I just couldn’t stop! It is addicting and makes you want to keep on reading, just to find out what will happen next!

This book once again has the bits of information, interviews and text at the beginning of the chapters, which is such a clever way to give information to the reader, necessary to understand certain events without it being told or info dumped. It gives you background to understand it all! And also, since social media is such an important platform in the story, I really like seeing these posts in question.

The characters are super fun! I really love Evan, who is so great at staying herself through it all. The burden she feels weights heavenly on her shoulder, which is very noticeable throughout. But I applaud her for not really changing in personality. She stays true to herself and her believes! Kit remains a sweetheart throughout it all and always has Evan's best interest at heart, which is everything you need in a partner!

I loved seeing the bond between Maisie and Evan grow more in this book. They’ve spent more time together and it shows in their interactions and actions! I also love the romance between Kit and Evan, which was a much-needed grounding for Evan throughout all the hectic events happening around her!

So, this book is so much more than a mystery that needs solving. Mainly because you know who is behind it all, but can I just say; WTF all these twists!! This book was one hell of a rollercoaster than pulled me in every direction possible! And then comes the ending… it made me through my Kindle to the other side of the bank… My only thoughts at reading that: WTF! HOW? WHY? WHERE’S THE SEQUEL?

Overall, Royal Scandal is everything I needed from a sequel! It took everything I loved from book 1 and multiplied it to become an even better one!

This is the sequel to Royal Blood and it picks up right where the last book ended. Without giving too much away, Evan is dealing with a lot in this book from her parents, her new life as a “royal” and the media. It is fast paced, action packed and filled with both drama and mystery. The ending is a cliffhanger and book three can’t come fast enough!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. I can't believe PUB day is tomorrow.

I first discovered this series when I was browsing through the library shelves in December, and I absolutely devoured Royal Blood. I didn't expect to like it so much, so when I found out a 2nd book was coming soon.. I had to find a way to read it immediately. This book was just as addictive as the first.. like I really need to sit with myself and enter a hibernation until the 3rd book. Very rare is the 2nd book in a series my favorite, but this one might take the cake. Aimee Carter.. you are now one of my elite employees.

Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte, and Ms. Carter for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

If anything this, the second Royal Blood series installment, was even zanier than the first. I think the first one had a more immediately impactful and personal conflict, but the labyrinthine plot here was more complex and more frightening. "Can't trust anyone" is not a fun space to be in. The pace is just as breakneck as the first time, if not more so; the twists just as relentless. Don't want to spoil any of the plot but suffice to say: *no one* is safe.

As I write this I'm uncomfortably reminded just how spot-on the depictions of the British tabloid press are; hounding Evan unmercifully and forcing her to shoulder the blame for everything going wrong. Recalling current events - the months of conspiracy theories about Princess Kate hitting a frenzy over a photoshop incident (which frankly I didn't even think was that bad!), finally culminating in her announcement about her health situation - makes Evan's predicament even more resonant.

Guess I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat along with literally everyone else for book #3. 😬😅

Such an amazing sequel to Royal Blood! (And you absolutely have to read that first.) Evan, the illegitimate, American daughter of the King of England, is still living with the rest of the royal family and moving into a more public role. After the traumatic events of the first book, she would really like to settle into a routine. However she is suddenly both the recipient of terror attacks and is being blamed for them. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book! Note: It ends on a huge cliffhanger and I'm going to need the third book ASAP!! Highly recommended for grades 9 & up.

Aimee Carter's Royal Scandal is the second installment in the authors Royal Blood trilogy. Fans of fictionalized series like The Crown and American Royals will love this reimagining of the royal family. With more secrets, romance and scandal than book one, this series is poised to get better and better and have readers hooked. Six months after being exposed as the King Alexander’s illegitimate daughter, Evangeline Bright is still trying to embrace her new role as Britain's favorite media villain.

Thanks to a gossip rag called The Royal Record, Evan can't get a break it seems from anyone outside of her mother Laura Bright, baby sitter & personal security lady Tibby, and Christopher Abbott-Montgomery aka Kit. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the American President’s son Thaddeus Park, to headlines pitting her against her half-sister, Princess Maisie (Mary), it seems like everyone wants a piece of Evan, and they’re willing to take it by any means necessary. Especially Benedict who is still angry about Evan not being arrested for something she didn't do.

Even though Ben was ostracized and made to go away, his reappearance starts a tsunami of events that turn Evan into both a victim and a perpetrator. The press keeps pushing Evan's limits and pointing at her as if she's the one responsible for the demise of the monarchy. But when the threats against her turn deadly, leading to an attempt on her life, Evan is the only one who sees the truth—that the murderer is someone inside the palace walls.

Evan, who begins hearing voices, pretty much knows that Ben is behind all these dark schemes, especially since he tried to ensure she was arrested for murder. Pretty much nobody listens to Evie's concerns which end up being quite costly. The murderer also may be the person who is leaking information intentionally damaging to Evan who it seems this person wants very dead. And it’s only a matter of time before they strike again. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…but what if someone in your own royal family wants you dead?

*Thoughts* As I am loathe to spoil things, I will say that there is a long list of people I would love to see Evie get her revenge against. I loved that Evie's mom Laura is more active in this book even though it creates a bit of Diane and Charles scenario. I liked that Maisie and Evie are working out their differences. I can understand Maisie's displeasure, but it was never Evie's fault who was in and out of private schools because of her mom, and always taking the blame for others. The ending is a twisted nightmare of a cliffhanger ending which means waiting until Spring 2025 for the finale.