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.

Nothing agitates me more than a cliffhanger! With that said, I loved this book!
Evan is hoping for the drama to finally settle after a whirlwind of events the last 7 months. But of course her life isn't that easy, and now being in the public eye it's even worse.
Aimee Carter pulled a fast one on me. At first I thought this might air more on the side of drama and romance, but it quickly took a different turn as new events happened. This author does amazing things with her works, and I am here for it.
If you like mysteries and drama, this is for you. I love the fictional world she has created and how she sucks you into it.
Absolutely the perfect escape.
Thank you so much for the opportunity. Aimee Carter is officially on my autobuy list, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I'm definitely invested in these characters, and I'm happy some of my fears didn't come true with the plot. Well done Aimee Carter!
I hope this review helps! Happy Reading and Blessed Be.
Lily Ashtree

In the book Royal Scandal, Royal Blood book 2 by Amy Carter. Evan is doing her best to rebound after the whole rape and attempted murder of the past six months she still dating Kit and still making headlines. In the beginning of the book the American president comes to visit the royal family and she gets to meet their son Theo who immediately wants to be friends with her and although when her heel almost breaks he saves her from falling but she really wants nothing to do with him. Then everyone gets together and goes to Scotland for Christmas and surprise surprise Evans mom Laura shows up. Laura and Alexander are still in love with each other. Evan right after arriving runs into Constantine who doesn’t give her any acknowledgment whatsoever. But when she goes after Laura the American princess gives her an earful. Laura isn’t the only Christmas surprise because Ben who skirted his watchers in Africa arrives with his mom for Christmas. In this book Evan Will be shot at, live through a bomb attack and there’s even a fire set in the Winsor private apartments and she soon learns it was to take out her mother… I think? During the bomb attack king Alexander has devastating injuries and is still in a coma at the end of the book. They also find out a terrorist organization that claims Evan and kit or members but she and princess Mary a.k.a. Macy know it’s someone much closer to home. All I can say about this book is it must’ve reached its target audience because the ratings are high it reads like a book you would get off of those write your own book apps like Whatpad. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it it just seemed like a fantasy a teenage girl would have where she finds out her real dad is really the king and that makes her a princess then she falls in Love with a buy count who is totally enamored with her and they are so close they can read each others mine that is this book. It came really close to being a great five star read but they almost had too much drama not to mention when it came to her mom it was almost as if she was the parent and her mom the child, not to mention the about-face her and Constance‘s relationship took but once again having said that I still rated it three stars! I want to thank the publisher and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Back again and filled with more assassination attempts, political family drama, and a mystery to unravel for an american girl turner monarchy nightmare. Picking up where the last book left off Evan Bright has finally reunited with her mother and father and found out who tried to have her sexually assaulted, filmed, and destroyed... and tried to frame her for murder, her cousin Ben. Evan is still adjusting to being the illegitimate daughter of King Alexander, and the fact that her distant father is now dating her mom again and her mom is out of the psych ward and tentatively back in her life. Evan is also dealing with being in the spotlight and of course navigating a new relationship with her Earl boyfriend, Kit. Evan is meant to be spending Christmas with Kit and her cousin and her family, a cozy getaway from everything... except cousin Ben and his mother shows up... and things start going wrong as more news leaks about Evan tothe media, painting her as a villain and more attempts at her life begin to escalate but she can't prove it's Ben when she knows its him. With her loving boyfriend Kit beside her, Evan will have to find a way to survive all these attempts on her life while also dealing with the large amount of political family drama that comes with being part of the monarchy. This was a fun second book in the series that absolutely picked up the action and the tension, I felt so bad for Evan that after everything in the first book she had to go through even worse trials and endure so much more. I hope she finally gets her happy ending in the final book and can't wait to see what she plans to do to get revenge. This series has been such a fun read and I found myself completely engrossed until the very last chapter. I am so so excited for the next book!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

2.5 stars rounded up. THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!

I wanted to like this book. But after not really enjoying the first one, the odds were stacked against me here. I found Evan and Maisie's relationship in the first book to be overly hateful for no reason, and while I'm glad that some of this was fixed in this book, I still think that a lot of the time they were not nice to each other for the sole reason that the other person existed.

I found the twists to be fun but to get a little pedantic, and the fact that the big reveal included a character that we didn't even meet until the second book in the series was a little frustrating to me.

I also don't love the way this book discusses schizophrenia, but that's a whole different conversation.

This is a book that immediately grabs your hand and refuses to let go until you’ve reached the end. It is set a few months after where the first book ends and shows Christmas with the family isn’t always a fun event, especially not when said family consists of a grandmother who despises you, a tell-all aunt and a cousin who tries to destroy you. This is then the base that the rest of the book continues on.

Royal Scandal is a great sequel, as it contains as much emotional angst and both personal and political struggle as the first book. This is a book that will make you feel things. Then to it it adds another layer of tense mystery, flawed alliances, and character growth. Evan continues to be an underdog you root for, and her relationships with Kit and Maisie was fun to read. Even if Maisie’s character seemed to be a bit moody and ever changing from chapter to chapter, which at times felt like one step forward and two steps back. Not to mention the coldness of some of the extended family members towards Evan, even when it was clear she wasn’t at fault.

The ending was a bit disappointing. Not only for the cliffhanger that gave me a book hangover, but because the way the story was being told it felt like it just ended abruptly. Like there should be a couple more chapters before the cliffhanger to give the reader more of an idea of what's in store for the third book.

Wooooah. This book was an absolute ride and I loved every minute of it. Plus some of the themes of secrecy in royal news was kinda eerily reminiscent of whats happening in the royal family right now 👀

Royal Blood was one of my top books from 2023 and I’ve been chomping at the bit for the next book to see what happened next for Evan. Royal Scandal is a fast paced, highly detailed whodunnit kinda story with constant twists and turns and drama.

The writing was excellent and the pace of the plot was perfect. The novel took place over the course of about a month and it felt right. There is SO MUCH DRAMA in this book. Attempted murders. Shootings. Mysterious voices. It’s absolutely wild!

I still really like Evan. She’s trying so hard to find her place and fit in with her family. And it seems like at every turn someone is trying to discredit and even kill her. She’s a strong, interesting character and I love having her as the narrator.

I still don’t like Maisie, but I’m not shocked by that. She’s very much a spoiled, temperamental princess and I DO think Evan gives her too much grace and should call her on her attitude more, but that’s just me. Kit plays a prominent role in this book, providing support and strength to Evan. The pair of them together is so sweet and I do hope it continues into the next book.

Yes, the next book. THAT CLIFFHANGER. Omg. The race to the finish was intense and I could not put my book down! I’m very intrigued into how they’re going to tie everything up in the next book.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND. If you like YA novels with mystery, royalty, some thriller-esque aspects and interesting family dynamics then pick up this book!

Another great book, wonderful writing and full of the twists and turns every good mystery needs!

Back with Evan in the Royal Palace, and everything seems to be fine... until it's not. More bad press and scandal but still with the heart that I love about these books.

I simply love this series, and honestly, I find it hard not to! It's exactly the kind of fun and enjoyable read I need to get me through a rainy weekend!

Out March 26, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

I am OBSESSED with this YA royal thriller that sucks you in and doesn't let you go. Of course it ends on a cliff hanger and I am left waiting in eager anticipation for the next installment. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of the American Royals series by Katharine McGee. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for a complimentary digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Be prepared for romance, betrayals and tons of family drama when you enter this world. Definitely recommended to start with book one.

This series just gets better and better! Illegitimate royal Evan Bright is trying to move on from being framed for murder, and is still not really winning at this royal life thing. But everything goes from bad to worse when it becomes clear that there is a mole in the Palace and no secrets are safe ...

This book really goes all out on the drama, and the endless twists and turns had me dizzy. A really good read for anybody after a bit of mystery and whole lot of scandal.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of the book to review

The fast-paced plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twists and turns were both unexpected and thrilling. Evan's character development was superb, and I loved seeing her navigate the complexities of royal life while also dealing with personal challenges. Kit remains as dashing as ever, and the dynamic between him and Evan is captivating. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of tension, intrigue, and heartwarming connection. However, that cliffhanger ending left me desperately craving the next installment. Aimée Carter has crafted another gem in this series, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

This was a fun and intense time. This book was super intence and and was a non stop ride and i loved it. This book was so well crafted and i think this book def had intense vibes and it worked because i fel so connected to the characters and his book was a wild time!

Royal Scandal is the follow up to Royal Blood by Aimée Carter, and is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2024. American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography. When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects, and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?

Royal Scandal is a great follow up to the first book in the series. The story picks up not long after the end of Royal Blood, and I do highly suggest reading the series in order so that the personalities and dynamics are fully understood going into this book. That being said, this book has just as much emotional angst and struggle as the first book. It was very well written with layers of growth for the characters, with intrigue and mystery woven through the whole thing. There were elements and choices in the book that surprised me, and things that I saw coming but came in from a slightly different angle than I was prepared for. Again, like the first book, it is not what I would call an easy read. It had me anger, emotional, and concerned for Evan and the rest in a variety of ways through out the book. However, it is very well written and engaging. My biggest complaint is the end, because I felt like we were just about to get another chapter or two- more wrap up or hints as to what was coming next- but instead the book was over. I am already in need of the next instalment.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ROYAL SCANDAL by Aimee Carter

📚 Second in a Series
👑 Modern-Day Royals
🏎️ Fast-Paced
📰 Mixed Media
🧠 Mental Health Rep

I tiptoed into reading this one because while I liked the first in the series, I didn't love it. I am happy to announce that this one is fantastic.

This plot moves. Just when you think something was momentous enough to dissect for a minute, Carter throws you another curveball. It was quite the ride. My chest was pounding quite a bit.

There is clear character growth with many of the characters here- specifically Evan and Maisie. It was nice to see a lot more dimension added. I also loved a lot of the historical tidbits (I have no idea if any of it was based on real legislation), but it added a layer of depth that made the story feel a lot more authentic. The mixed media parts at the beginning of the chapters were some of my favorite parts!

And that ending?! I have to wait for the third now? Sheesh!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC. Opinions are my own.