Had to put them all together here, because really talking about the individual books, although they differ greatly in quality, doesn’t really make sense. And if you are going in, you are going in to the 4 books, you cant stop halfway. I’m putting my take on the series on the first book and then the other 3 book descriptions, in case you want to avoid spoilers, then don’t read the descriptions of book 2-4. If you are interested I’m giving my stars in each book 😉
Book 1: American Royals
Goodreads blurb: What if America had a royal family? When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne. As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America’s first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she’s breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn’t care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her. And then there’s Samantha’s twin, Prince Jefferson. If he’d been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart.
My take: 4 out of 5. I absolutely love the concept of these stories. The premise that Washington doesn’t become a president but a king is brilliant. It is also quite interesting to see how this absolutely could have been very relevant in America. The American celebrity obsessed culture would have fully gravitated to a royal watch.
In terms of my enjoyment of the books, I would say Book 1 has to be top, as it is the premise and the door to the world. My second favorite was the final installment, it was a beautifully wrap up of the stories of Nina, Samantha, Daphne and Beatrice. Book 2 and 3 feel like functional bridges. Not really pretty on their own but key to get from point a to point b.
The female character development in the books is amazing. You change your mind about these 4 women throughout the books, and in general they are nuanced , intriguing and flawed wonderful women. they are not stereotypical but quite kick ass.
I don’t want to say too much to avid spoilers, but one of the things I did not like was how young all these kids were, making all these mayor life decisions. I get the point of it being more of a YA book and it is more attractive to have teenagers but there are mayor life decisions here being determined, lives upended, mayor betrayals and royal titles being given up and people are not even 20!
Book 2: Majesty
Goodreads blurb: Is America ready for its first queen? Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we’re looking at you Daphne Deighton. As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her “party princess” persona…and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace–and Prince Jefferson–at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne’s carefully laid “marry Prince Jefferson” plans.
My take: 3 out of 5
Book 3: Rivals
Goodreads blurb: Beatrice is queen, and for the American royal family, everything is about to change.
Relationships will be tested. Princess Samantha is in love with Lord Marshall Davis—but the more serious they get, the more complicated things become. Is Sam destined to repeat her string of broken relationships…and this time will the broken heart be her own?
Strangers will become friends. Beatrice is representing America at the greatest convocation of kings and queens in the world. When she meets a glamorous foreign princess, she gets drawn into the inner circle…but at what cost?
And rivals will become allies. Nina and Daphne have spent years competing for Prince Jefferson. Now they have something in common: they both want to take down manipulative Lady Gabriella Madison. Can these enemies join forces, or will old rivalries stand in the way?
my take: 3.5 out of 5
Book 4: Reign
Goodreads blurb: A queen’s life hangs in the balance, and her siblings’ decisions—about what to do, and most of all, who to love—could change the course of history. Romance. Duty. Power…only one can triumph in this stunning conclusion to the New York Times bestselling American Royals series. America’s royal family is in shambles. Queen Beatrice is in a coma and Princess Samantha has gone missing—from the look of things, she ran away with her boyfriend, Lord Marshall Davis. Which means that Prince Jefferson is currently on the throne. For some in America, it’s exactly what they wanted: a King ruling the country. And for Daphne Deighton, who has tricked Jefferson into dating her again, it’s the ultimate dream come true. Surely this is all just temporary. Won’t Beatrice wake up and reclaim her rightful place? Samantha can’t really be gone…can she? And Prince Jefferson will never truly be over his childhood crush, Nina Gonzalez. Right? For the Washington family, the stakes are higher than ever. Love might save the throne….if secrets don’t destroy everything first.
my take: 4 out of 5
Tati's Tidbits 