Review will be posted on 9/30/2020
Majesty picks up where American Royals left off; Beatrice is planning a royal wedding and preparing to follow in her father's footsteps as the Queen. Is America ready for its first Queen though? To make things a bit "easier" for all involved, she is going to marry the Duke of Boston's son, Teddy Eaton. He is pretty great, but she isn't in love with him, not like she was with Connor. But she knows deep down that their relationship can never be; he was her bodyguard! So, she throws herself into her royal duties. Then there's her sister, Samantha, who has got a lot of drama surrounding her love life in this sequel as well as Sam's best friend, Nina. Of course there's more from Daphne, who is still planning on winning over Beatrice's brother, Prince Jeff. She will go to great lengths to get what she wants as we learned in American Royals. If you are looking for a fun escape this fall, definitely give this series a try. Majesty by Katharine McGee was such a fun follow-up and didn't disappoint.

McGee is able to juggle all the different points of view in Majesty very well. However, I found myself mostly interested in Beatrice's story. Beatrice is trying to get over her first love, Connor; however, as the story progresses, she finds herself having real feelings for Teddy. I mean how could she not? He seems pretty great. Even I somehow ended up rooting for their relationship!

Nina and Samantha's story in Majesty wasn't as compelling as the first book. Nina is crushing on a new love interest (which is really complicated) and Samantha is deliciously dramatic in Majesty. She wants to make her ex jealous by dating someone new, so she and her new love interest have an arrangement. Even though this is a common trope, I will admit this part of the novel was a lot of fun!

Then of course there's more from Daphne, the character I just love to hate. She is back at it with her sights set on Prince Jeff. We know from American Royals that she will do just about anything (even her parents' encourage this) to get what she wants. So cue all the scheming!

I love McGee's premise for this series. Imagine George Washington ended up as our crowned king; it's fun to explore this alternate universe and Majesty was a great escape from our current political climate. If you enjoy all things Royal, I urge you to check out this delightful series.

I am a very picky YA reader and this was phenomenal! I loved the first book and this totally hit the mark as well. Fresh, fast, and just what my mind needed during this rough year! This sequel to "American Royals" doesn't miss a beat from its first book.

SPOILERS:
Beatrice is named queen after the king has passed away and everything seems to be imploding. She is engaged to a man she is not sure she loves, the kingdom is questioning this "woman" left in charge and her siblings are floundering as they try to find their own place in this world and their version of happily ever after.
The characters are beautifully unique and well developed and the pacing keeps you flipping the pages. I was feeling a bit of girl-power throughout and I am HERE for it! Could there be a 3rd book? The ending left a tad unfinished...would love to read a 3rd!!! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wonderful sequel in a fabulous series. I can't wait to see where it continues to go. I much prefer this America to our current one.

*Thanks to #NetGalley and #prhinternational for give me this digital copy of the book in exchange of a honest review*

Last year when the news of American Royals come out I was really exiting both for the plot and for the fact that The Thousandth Floor is one of my favorite book ever. I read it and unfortunately I was not really impressed, because I found that the characters were too similar in personality to the ones of her other series, but I still wanted to read the sequel for the love stories. And I have to said that I am a little disappointed.

I read the book for the dramma and for the love stories.
The dramma practically don't exist in this book. There were a lot of secrets, but none of them were reveled. And this shows how little the characters comunicate between them. And even if a part of me believe that not everything needs to come out of the box, I think that one of the big secret one day or another definitely will come out, but the writer choose to not show this to us.

Like she did in The Towering Sky it seems that the writer wanted to restart her work and it something that I don't like. Especially because this happens to love stories, the ones of the first book were not my favorites ever, but I was interesting in see how they would have ended. In this book the writer erase them all and give new love interests to all of them.
I don't like this for two two reasons: the first is the choice in itself, I would understand a new love interest for one of the girl, but the fact that all the three main couples disappear for me is a big no; the second is the fact that the new relationships didn't have time for evolve in a realistic way, a conclusion for a series is the time to conclude the stories already started not restarted them at new. Another thing that bothers me is the fact that the first loves interests practically disappear, I think that they are in two scenes each. You can't fall out of love and in love immediately after with another person without talk with the first one.
And then come the point to understand why these girls feel in love with these guys. All of them have the same excuse "that was a girl crush and now I have found love", but I don't see the difference between the old and the new relationships, they fell in love in 30 seconds in the first book and now they fell in love in 30 seconds in the second book.

Also I really miss the communication between the characters. Sometimes it seems like four different stories, because the book is concentrate on developing the love stories.
So if you don't like them, probably you will not like the book.
Plus this has so much space in the story that the development of the characters only come at the end and they are all so fast that you practically don't understand well why this happened.

Another problem for me was the end that it is too open for my taste.
I like to have more closure in an ending, but I accept an open one when it fells the end of a chapter of the story; in this case it was not like this, there are a lot of unresolved question for which I would like more answers. This doesn't fells like an end end, but only a closure of a first or a second book, definitely not of the last one.
The only one that, in my opinion, has a good ending is Sam; while Daphne, Nina and Beatrice are only at the start of discovery who they really are. I am a really a curios person and I need more about their path for discovery themself. Especially for Nina and Daphne, I found them the most interesting characters and in this book there is not enough of them. In fact the core of the narrative are the two sisters.

While these are all that I didn't enjoy of the book, there is something that I liked.
The first thing is the writing style, it is really fluid and even if I wasn't very involved in the story I couldn't put the book down, I had to continue to read for know what would have happened.
I also really enjoyed some scenes, I was not into the couples so much, but some of their scenes were really enjoyable. For these motivations at the end the book still have a positive rating.

Majesty is not a bad book, but it too rushed for me. It fells like the writer had to put two books in one.
American Royals feels like a prologue or a flashback for the real story that is this one.

American Royals II: Majesty
5/5 ⭐️ to Majesty by Katharine McGee

I first wanted to thank Penguin Teen Canada, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for sending me an egalley to read it early! If y’all don’t already know, American Royals is a series that answers the question “What if George Washington was offered a crown instead of the presidency?” and follows a cast of characters that include both members of the American Royal Family and some close friends and acquaintances. If you love books that follow Royals and BRING the drama, I would highly, highly recommend this series 🙌 And I won’t spoil anything for you guys but the sequel definitely didn’t disappoint!

To elaborate further, there were so many elements that carried over from American Royals to Majesty which is why this sequel was so satisfying and sucked me back into the story & drama of this American Royal Family. The multiple revolving perspectives were done so well, and each character had a distinct personality and voice. Because of this, we got to know these characters even better, and the complexity of knowing their thoughts and decisions behind their actions really create a dynamic book. I truly adore character-driven stories that really suck you in to connecting with them and either rooting for or really disliking them. Branching off from this, I again really enjoyed the family dynamics in the story and how they stick together and balance their immense responsibility & duty to their country while still remembering that they are human, and families stick together.

One other element in this book that I thought upped the ante from American Royals are some of the complex themes that McGee integrated into the story (without making it an agenda or preachy). Bea, her siblings, and mother are grieving the loss of her Father, the late King, which adds tension to their family and brings them together. Racism is also tackled, specifically in light of social media and public notoriety. There is an interracial relationship in the book, which prompts conversation between the couple, between the Royal Family, and reflection for the reader. I also thought the relationship between Beatrice and her main love interest was cute! It was a bit slower to develop, but it did get there. Plus, there were some events that happened that added intrigue and a different edge to it. Finally, Bea having a fiancé, getting married, and ascending to her new role as Queen brings up some wonderful dialogue around feminism and equality for women. There are some people who question, because of her age and gender, whether she can rule the country without a husband ruling beside her. I applaud and appreciate how the author tackles this topic and situation through Bea’s character and response.

This is definitely a series that will stick with me for a while! I would highly, highly recommend others check out American Royals and American Royals II: Majesty. I got a physical copy as soon as I could, and I am planning a re-read of these two gems in the near future 😊

Like the royal treatment in books, but don't want to read the same old "the king is in love with me, but we can't be together because I aM A PEASANT" bits? This sequel to American Royals is the answer to your dilemma. It is so good, and I love the multiple perspectives into the story. Please do yourself a favor and pick it up - especially in audiobook form, it is majestic (hahaha) and a great read.

Majesty picks up right where American Royals left off (spoiler alerts from here on): the King has died, Beatrice was just named Queen, and everything is falling apart for basically everyone. What I loved about Majesty though is that because of the death of the King, you really get to see (almost) everyone be forced into growing and evolving.

Each character takes control of their life in some way and the development they go through is truly amazing. Samantha especially really shines through in Majesty and I love getting to see her going after what she wants, but also growing up at the same time. The only character we don’t get to hear much from in Majesty is Jefferson, but could that be a small nod (and chuckle) to the fact that he’s now the spare? I can’t say that I missed him that much though, I was having too much fun watching the women shine.

I read this book in one sitting and I can’t for another book in this series!

I am here for this series! I was perplexed at the idea of George Washington being King, but I LOVED the storyline following his heirs (go read my review!). With the crafty ending of that book, I KNEW American Royals II: Majesty would be one of my most anticipated novels of 2020.

Katharine McGee did not disappoint! What a great continuation of Beatrice, Samantha, Jefferson, and Nina as many of them show huge gains in maturity and at times some shocking revelations. I enjoyed that some of the secondary characters from AR took more of a front stage. And of course, there’s all the drama you’d expect from Daphne, and then even more drama from her- shocking, I know!

McGee continues to tell the story from the varying points of view [this time with Beatrice, Sam, Nina, and Daphne].

I also appreciated that McGee utilized Samantha, a character long known as the wild, defiant child, to be the loud vocal spokesperson for racial inequalities in America through her relationship with Lord Marshall Davis in this novel. She of course does it in complete Samantha style! She was my favorite character in this novel.

Beatrice spends the novel growing into her role as the Queen, and how different that ultimately means her day-to-day has become. She takes some hard lines, and some lines that were tough and made me so sad about it, but I SEE THE WHY. Thank you for ending this novel with Beatrice just the way you did, KM- THANK YOU!

Nina has very little page time, except for her love life- this was probably the most shocking change to the plot for me- I really liked her in the last novel! If her desire was truly to go “back to her normal life” then I think McGee has done it well.

Y’all- Jefferson, he might have been the biggest shift for me- he had such a front stage role in American Royals, and now, let’s just put it this way...he’s right where he needs to be.

I will leave you with: Sometimes in a romance, the romance end game doesn’t need to be marriage and a neat, tidy happily ever after ending. The true story is in the growth and strength of the female characters in this novel and I AM HERE FOR IT!

Last, I will say there is rumor this is the last book, so a duology rather than a trilogy, and I am SAD about that! I enjoy this series, and I really think PRH and McGee need to make another book happen, because there is SO much still to happen in the lives of these Royals.

Majesty was majestic in every way possible and it honestly didn't happen the way I thought it would. Nothing went as it was planned out in my head and I'm so happy that it went the way it did.

Beatrice is queen and she's finding her footing, Samantha is letting go of Teddy and finding new love while Jefferson is being pulled back in by Daphne. Nina is getting involved with someone she should really stay away from, and leaving Jefferson in the past. There is so much going on in the book but it's so easy to keep track of.

Both American Royals and Majesty are told from different perspectives: Beatrice, Sam, Daphne, and Nina. The girls are so different yet all want the same thing, to be happy with their lives.

There is more substance to the 2nd book, of course, because that's just the nature of sequels. There is so much to everyone's stories and I love seeing it play out.

I loved seeing Beatrice be Queen and be happy, I loved seeing Samantha come into her own yet Nina and Daphne's stories made me less than pleased. Daphne is truly my least favorite fictional character ever; she is mean, vicious, and only after what she wants. She has no regard for anyone but herself and it is infuriating. McGee has written Daphne perfectly because you don't feel bad for her and she has not one redeeming quality.

Nina fell flat for me this book because I feel like she really belongs with Jefferson and there was no interaction with him this book.

I really did love Majesty and it tied up a few loose ends from the first novel but there is still so much story to be told, so much that I need to know. I think it was set up perfectly for the 3rd novel, whenever that is coming.

If you are in need of a feel-good book series that you can dive into and forget about the world, this is it. If you love royal books, you need to read this. If you love YA books, you need to read this. It's just such a good series and beautifully written!

This was a sequel I was dying for and it did not disappoint. We pick up right after the sad events of the first book and fall right into the drama.

I loved having the multiple points of view but Daphne’s storyline and arc will forever be my favorite. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Samantha and Beatrice have a lot to work on and sort out in their personal lives and with their royal positions. Just wish we had a bit more of them together.

Weakest link for me was Nina - which was sad because I loved her storyline in the first book.

If you loved the drama from book one - book two will definitely bring it all full circle and give you more scandal!

Absolutely addictive. I was dying to learn what would happen to everyone we met in the first book, and Majesty did not disappoint. Readers who liked the first will devour this second book.

I have been anxiously awaiting Book 2 in the American Royals series and I am so grateful that it is here! Majesty is a great sequel and it did not disappoint! I am loving Beatrice's story as she is coming into her own as the Queen, and the new character introduced, Marshall...well - I have my mind set on exactly what he looks like and who should play him in my made-up film adaptation. Daphne is back and scheming more than ever before, but so are all of the supporting characters. Katharine McGee has a great vision for these characters and I look forward to reading more of her works!

Check out the American Royals books! You won't be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a digital ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

SWOOOOON! I really really liked this! While I thought the first book had a bit too much drama, I really grew to like the characters in this book (welll.. except for Daphne of course UGH)! It honestly feels like The Crown but for and with teens, and I enjoyed every minute of it (again... except for the Daphne POV chapters hahah). Beatrice is a bad-ass queen and I hope there will be more books in the series :)

If you're looking for a feel-good read and/or a book focussed on royals, I'd highly recommend this!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an E-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was very eager for this sequel to be released because the first book ended with about 10 open plot lines/cliffhangers! Every character was either facing a big decision, a big heartbreak, or a karmic comeuppance, and I was ready for it! Or so I thought...

Katherine McGee keeps her readers reeling with the dizzying twists and turns of the various relationships between the royals and the wannabes, and it's difficult to know how to even want the story to proceed. I really enjoyed how the author included elements of today's cultural climate- being aware of your privilege, recognizing the different and difficult scrutiny/judgment placed on persons of color, and the toxic world of the comment section. I also truly enjoyed the ending for Beatrice- who more than any other character had the most weighty of decisions to make, and the most personal growth to accomplish while the world was watching. Samantha's character arc was well received, though many of the other players were somewhat stagnant. Perhaps there will be a third book giving Prince Jeff some personality, as is hinted at the end.

I look forward to a potential sequel but won't be pulling my hair out wondering what will happen next as I did at the end of American Royals I.

4/5 stars, for an enjoyable, though very teen, dramedy

This one was a little slower for me than the first book. I think part of that had to do with how different this book was than the first book - I was surprised at how the author chose to complete each of the 4 main characters’ stories... I don’t want to give away any plot details, but it was a bit of a disappointment to me from where it left off after American Royals.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was LOTS OF FUN. So much I couldn't put it down and read it in one setting. I absolutely adore this series.
My only complaint is that I realized afterwards that this was the finale and I think it was a quite abrupt one. I would have preferred more development with the characters and more explanations for some. For example, I grew up fond of Jeffrey in book 1 only to have him have a terrible ending in book 2 with little development or mentions of him.
Otherwise it was fun and entertaining!

Majesty (American Royals 2): ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wanted to love this one so much more than I did 😭😭😭 I loved the first instalment and had super high hopes for this one, but it didn’t really live up to expectations. I didn’t really feel the story went anywhere 😬 and wasn’t as much drama as the first book.

"Majesty" is an enjoyable sequel to "American Royals," but it dragged at parts and felt a little too long for the subject matter. Like the first book, this novel exists in an alternate version of the United States where the country has a royal family. Beatrice has just become queen after the unexpected death of her father, and the story revolves around her, her younger sister Sam, their friend Nina, and antagonist Daphne. The book is soapy and entertaining, with lots of romantic intrigue, though most of the relationships set up in the first book were turned on their heads in this one. Beatrice continues to be my favorite character, and I also thought Daphne was a complicated, interesting friend/villain. This is a fun, light read, but not quite a page-turner for me.

I hate to admit it, but I was disappointed with this sequel. American Royals was everything I expected and more. The ending drove me right over the edge and I jumped right into the sequel. Everything I expected in this book, based on the build up, fell flat. People didn't end up where I thought they would. The story reminded me of Princess Diaries, where Mia didn't HAVE to do what everyone believed, once she became queen. Beatrice's relationship with Teddy? Nope, I feel like she settled.

The internal conflicts of the characters drove me crazy. Dumb decisions were made. Seriously, the decision that Hamari made was the final straw. I really don't think teens are THAT dumb. I was hoping for more but felt disappointed in the end.

I did enjoy the four different POV telling the story but blah, just blah. Daphne needs to be smacked around, Nina the same. Beatrice is a bit of a wimp while Sam was the one who's story I enjoyed the most. Hers seemed to me to be the most realistic. And this was the end of the series? I really hoped we would get more of Jeff and even Connor...

Below is the caption I used on my instagram:

I don’t want this series to end!!!!! @katharinemcgee I adore everything that comes out of your magical brain! Loved book one American Royals and her other series The Thousandth Floor. This book was one of my most anticipated books of 2020 and it totally lived up to the hype.

I had such an issue with do I sit and savor this book because I was told there won’t be a book three or so I sped through it to know what happens to by favorite Royals!? I couldn’t help myself I speed through it.

Katie! Can we talk about no book three!? I need to be dropped into the Washington life again. I love them so much. Nina, Sam, Jeff, Teddy, Marshall and Bea need to be my real life friends. Dauphine not so much. Dauphine is the mean girl I never wanted to know (yes! I know you need a villain in a book). Everyone else can sit with me. Dauphine you go sit in a corner and think about how you can become a better person😬.

I don’t want to get too deep into plot because it will give everything away. I will say if you haven’t read American Royals yet do so then pick up Majesty. You need American Royals for the context. Majesty is about family, friendship, finding love, finding oneself, strong women, and even a touch of grief.

This book is definitely up there for one of my favorites of the year. It’s going in the pile. It’s lite and frothy yet weirdly heavy in parts. It’s the perfect book for these quarantine times.

Majesty is out now. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore, library or @librofm. I grabbed mine on Independent bookstore day from @bluewillowbooks. That’s Katie’s local bookstore in Houston and she signed my copy. So you know Keeping forever! Hope because she is so close to NOLA that she makes a trip here when things open up on her next book tour.

Also if you love Book Clubs, Majesty is @badonpaperpodcast Book club pick this month. Tune in soon for their chat about Majesty.

Tell me if you have read this book/series yet. Also tell me your favorite Royal books!