As a fan of the American Royals series, I was not disappointed by the start of this new series. The author did a great job of building an exciting new world full of characters that readers will certainly come to love.

I’ve read and enjoyed the American Royals series by Katharine McGee, so when I saw this new title available on NetGalley based on historical events with similar themes, I quickly requested it to read. If you enjoy McGee’s writing style and novel themes, you will most likely enjoy this first in a new series. This book is based on real people and real events, though it is obvious that the author took some liberties with it. I’m sure even a well-researched historical fiction novel has some room for speculation, and so I felt like I learned about some aspects of history I was not familiar with, yet I reminded myself to keep an open mind just because it’s hard to know if all the events actually transpired as written. It was engaging enough for me, though, that I ended up doing some research on the characters afterward. This being a pre-published copy, there is no author’s note at the end to explain what is factual and what is conjecture, so that would be a good thing to keep in mind as you are reading it. I did find it interesting, though, to look at photos of the characters after reading this book. It really helped make it come to life a little more.

The story is based on the lives of three young women in the Victorian era of England. Each are connected to Queen Victoria of England in different ways, and her personality is the strongest in this book. She definitely has favorites, and she definitely has made up her mind who she wants to marry into the royal family. From the very beginning, you can see that Alix of Hesse is her favorite granddaughter, and she has plans for her to marry her grandson, Prince Eddy, who will be the future king. The problem is, there are two other female characters who would also like to be engaged to the prince. For Hélène d’Orléans , it would be away for her to secure her future, as she is a former princess of France living in exile with her family in England. For May of Teck, who has spent her whole life wishing she was included in the world of her distant relatives, the Royals. it would mean safety. It would be a way to get out of the household of her father, who is extremely domineering and critical. It would also be a relief to leave her parents, who fight constantly. She is made to feel like she is less all the time, and she will do whatever she can to escape.

Even though this book is a fictionalized account of royalty, I think many readers will be able to identify with one of these three characters. It is also an interesting look at the lack of ability for Victorian females to make any choices of their own about marriage and their futures. While each of these women goes about their romantic relationships in different ways, you can find sympathy for each of the three. I am curious after having read this to see how these women’s futures play out. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this eGalley.

This was very similar to the American Royals series expect set in England during the reign of Queen Victoria.

A Queen's Game offers a captivating journey into a world of political intrigue and royal drama. McGee's storytelling prowess shines through in her richly crafted characters and intricate plot twists. While the pacing occasionally falters, the overall experience is engaging and immersive, making it a worthwhile read for fans of royalty and power struggles.

While I have not read American Royals by Katharine McGee, they are on my to read this now. A Queen's Game was such a fun and intriguing story that I'm now hooked on Katharine's writing.

Thank you netgalley for A Queen's Game by Katharine McGee

I loved the American Royals series and was excited to see a new series from McGee. I had a little trouble getting into this one and was just getting connected to the characters and sorting out their alliances when it suddenly ended on a cliffhanger. I wasn't surprised - this is sort of McGee's schtick - but it was a little annoying to have to wait for the next in the series, so I went and googled to confirm what I remembered from world history. Now, with the next installment, I'll have a better understanding of the characters and know how the story ends, so it will be easier to enjoy the journey. I love how this takes several characters from this era of world history, all over Europe, and tells what "could have been" their side of the story, bringing history to life for a new generation.

Although it took me a while to get into this book, by the end I was hooked on A Queen's Game. This book is a great read for Katharine McGee fans.

Three girls duke it out on the marriage mart in Victorian England. Alix, Helene, and May don't have much in common accept for Eddy, the heir to the throne. Alix is the queen's favorite granddaughter, and thought to already be engaged to Eddy, much to her dismay. May is a distant relative, who's parent's low status leaves her hoping to marry well above her station. Helene, an exiled French princess, wants only to have a home and to escape the banality of her situation. The season is turned upside down when Eddy falls in love with the wrong royal.

A fun historical novel. McGee's writing style is easily recognizable and she does a fantastic job of adapting it to a historical novel. The women's stories were easily recognizable. Even though I knew the outcome of the women's lives I still felt trepidation and excitement as they unfolded. I will be recommending to all my teen patrons looking for something reminiscent of Bridgerton but more age appropriate.

I received a temporary digital copy of A Queen's Game by Katharine McGee from NetGalley, Rondom House and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Like so many who came before them, Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck are looking for their happily ever after. Alix of Hesse and Hélène d’Orléans find love, but politics and tradition hold them back from pursuing their love interests. May of Teck wants to be rid of her unsupportive mother and verbally abusive father and is willing to hurt those around her to gain status. Will Alix and Hélène get their loves or will May ruin it for them?

Well, you don't find out in A Queen's Game, you have to wait until the next book of McGee's. McGee loves to end her books on major cliff hangers, and she does that in A Queen's Game, but I don't think enough of the story was told this time. I felt the beginning and middle of the book inched by and right as I finally began to appreciate the characters and care about their stories, the book was over. I wish there was more of this book and truly believe I will enjoy the second installment much more.

LOVED THIS!!
The American Royals series is one of my favorites, so I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this. Historical fiction focusing on the grandchildren of Queen Victoria. 5 amazing stars. I can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you so much for the advanced copy.

Wow - another fun novel by Katharine McGee! A romance novel set in the Victorian Era... I was pleasantly surprised to find that the novel was historically accurate and can only imagine the deep dives that patrons may get into after reading this book! This will definitely be purchased and highlighted on our shelves.

I was so surprised and excited to see a new Katharine MccGee book on Netgalley. I LOVE the American Royals series and had no idea she was writing another book! I am also a big Nicky/Alix romantic and I was so intrigued to read a book about the beginning of their courtship... as well as other family members (May of Teck, for example). I love McGee's books - they are fun and engaging and a nice read. I am doubly excited that this will be a series! Yay!

American Royals author, Katharine McGee, does it again! A new two novel series about royal life. A Queen's Game follows three historical real-life princess from the Victorian-era on their quest to find a match and maybe even love! Inspired by real events, this book if exciting and fun. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to the sequel!!

From the author of the American Royals series comes a new novel about three real-life princesses. Mary of Teck, Helene d'Orleans, and Alix of Hesse are three Victorian-era princesses who are struggling to find love-or at least appease their families and find a suitable match. Two future kings are under the same constraints-and as the three princesses compete for the princes' hearts, court intrigue and heartbreak threaten their happily-ever-after. Inspired by real events, Katharine McGee dives into an important moment in history, and how three young women changed it forever.

This was such a good book! I really love this author so I was so excited to get to read this book. The plot was so good I could not put it down until I finished! The characters were unique and I loved the journey and turmoil they went through. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

Katherine McGee had me with her American Royals series. This is a two book series and it was fantastic. Loved the concept and well written. So fun. Hooked immediately.