Thank you NetGalley for the advanced preview! This book makes up for bookn2 in the series. I very much look forward to the 4th book.

I love this series so much and was thrilled when I learned a third novel would release. I desperately wanted to know how Sam and Nina's tour went, how Beatrice adapted to her role, and how Daphne was behaving. Plus I needed the latest gossip on all their love interests.

This was such a fun read with all sorts of things happening. We get drama and intrigue and plotting and romance. The choices made sense for the roles and evolving ages of the characters. And I liked seeing some character growth.

But I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Without giving spoilers, I will only say that it felt like it went in the wrong direction. On the other hand, it did it's job in making me anxious to read book 4. I hope the wait won't be as long.

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. These opinions are my own.

Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne are back! Despite the fact that Majesty was designed to be the final book in the American Royals duology, Katharine McGee returns to expand the world of the Washingtons and other characters in their orbit.

Beatrice takes on the role of queen, overseeing the League of Kings conference. Relating to the challenges of others around her, especially Princess Louise of France, Beatrice finds her relationship with Teddy strained. Will she be able to get her “Protection of the Global Climate for Future Generations” initiative passed and hold on to her relationship?

Samantha, now the heir to Beatrice, finds herself caught at a crossroads in her relationship with Marshall. The two have become the center of the race conversation in the nation. Adding pressure to the couple, Marshall would have to give up his position as a duke should they decide to marry in the future, dismantling the legacy his family has built as the only ducal seat occupied by a person of color. Will Samantha be able to keep her relationship on course?

Nina is doing well in school, looking forward to her second year at King’s College. When her financial aid is revoked due to an encounter with Lady Gabriella Madison, Nina finds herself turning to an unlikely ally: Daphne Deighton. Daphne has her own problems. Her father’s baronetcy is threatened by Gabriella Madison’s father who seeks to position his daughter as the future princess. Will Nina and Daphne be able to take down Gabriella or will they destroy each other along the way?

While the first two novels focused mainly on the drama in and around the palace in Washington, D.C., Rivals expands the world these characters are living in. The League of Kings functions as a way for the reader to meet a slew of new kings and queens, most of them unimportant to the plot. However, the aspect to focus on is seeing how global politics functions with countries governed by monarchies.

There are a few standouts among this group, specifically Louise, Sirivannavari, Bharat, Alexei, Dmitri, and Frederick. Beatrice finds herself becoming part of Princess Louise’s inner circle, which includes an unexpected trip to France. As a reader, I enjoyed the fact that Beatrice found a group of friends at the League of Kings since much of her story so far has focused on her romantic relationships. Between Beatrice, Louise, and Teddy there is some drama, though it is not what you might expect. I found this to be a bit forced, though I understand that the point of the American Royals series is to hype the drama and gossip. I was surprised by the way McGee left Beatrice at the conclusion of Rivals. Based on the cliffhanger, it is clear that there will be a fourth book.

Samantha’s chapters were equally as engaging. Having an interracial relationship as royalty was handled relatively well in Majesty, but Rivals really sought to tackle the challenges of being in the public eye and maintaining a relationship. This was also emphasized by the expectations of both Samantha’s and Marshall’s families and their respective legacies. Both Samantha and Marshall find that their relationship sustains them, but they also feel powerless to their circumstances. Though Beatrice is a balm for Samantha, Aunt Margaret receives the MVP in this storyline and I wish she had more page time. I’m excited to see how McGee resolves Samantha’s story.

Finally, Nina’s and Daphne’s threads are almost inextricable in Rivals since so much of their time is spent together. Prince Jefferson is right when he says that these two are more similar than they think: they know their own minds; they’re stubborn; and they fiercely go after what they want. Seeing Nina and Daphne plot against Gabriella, who is basically Daphne turned up to twenty, was very enjoyable. As a reader, I hope the budding relationship between these two is not irreparably damaged by some of the events in the final few chapters. They’re delightful together.

Overall, Rivals was an excellent addition to the American Royals series. This may be the strongest entry yet as it expands the world but focuses more on the interpersonal aspects of each character. If you like the American Royals series, you’ll be delighted by Rivals and you’ll eagerly be waiting for the next novel.

This series continues to deliver! Majesty (book #2) was crying out for a third book, so I was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on Rivals. Rivals picks up right where Majesty leaves off and is told from the same four points of view of the previous books.

Beatrice is still adjusting to life as Queen, hosting her first international summit. Samantha and Marshall are figuring out what their relationship can look like while the country makes them out to be a symbol of race relations in America. Nina and Daphne find themselves as unlikely bedfellows when they find a common enemy.

This series is compulsively readable, and that was definitely the case with Rivals. Once I picked it up and got immersed in this universe again, I didn't want to put it down. I liked seeing the continuation of many of the stories that were unresolved in the earlier books, but I thought some of the contours of those stories felt repetitive throughout this book. This one ends on another cliffhanger like Book #2 so hopefully we'll finally see some resolution in a future fourth book?

Thanks to Randhom House Childrens and NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited for this book but a little disappointed. I feel like it was almost the same thing as the second book. The ending did get me and I was shocked by the ending. But I feel like it was the same book as the second one almost.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series so much, I can’t help it! This book was just as good as the other two. I hate the way it ended on a cliffhanger so I have to wait even longer for the NEXT one!

The development of Daphne and Nina's relationship kept this book going for me and I'll be sad to see it go away in future installments of the series. It was great to see them on the same side for once instead of on opposite sides of eyerolling drama. This book was good mindless entertainment.

I am very excited to say that “Rivals” was my favorite book in the series so far. If you enjoyed the previous American Royals books, you'll enjoy this one, but I do not recommend starting with this book, to understand the dynamics and cast of characters, you really need to start with the first book. It combines everything that I enjoyed in the first two books (alternative history, palace intrigue and gossip and glamour) with some deeper and more mature topics. It is definitely a testament to how much time and effort Katharine McGee has put into building out these four main characters. I really liked how each character continues to grow and you get to know more about each of them. Just when you think you know them well, they surprise you, and just when you think you know how things are going to play out, something unexpected happens. I also love reading the chapters from different perspectives, it breaks up the book and keeps it interesting.

I enjoyed the evolving dynamic between Queen Beatrice and Princess Louise, as well as the amusing other new younger international Royals introduced. It gave Beatrice a completely new cast of characters to interact with, and I loved it! I loved seeing Beatrice's relationship grow with Teddy. He is so perfect for her, but I was glad that they faced some bumps along the way together. Samantha's storyline was perfect, along with Marshall, and I loved how she grew into herself as she tried to figure out what it means to go from the spare to the heir and whether she can have love and still do her duty to the crown. I think “Rivals” does a better job of showing Daphne’s motivations and the pressure she faces than the other 2 novels, but just when I was beginning to like and kind of starting to feel sorry for Daphne, she had to go and ruin it and make me despise her again. I liked that this book spends a lot of space exploring what life is like for the significant others of the royal family, especially when they are also people of color. I felt that this book had more detail about the alternate reality of America as a monarchy and it was really fun to dig into that more. I enjoyed some of the Easter eggs like the joke about trying to imagine an elected executive branch. There had better be a fourth book, the ending of this took my breath away, and I NEED to know what’s going to happen next. I think that this would make a great female centric streaming series, as all of the 4 main women characters offer a different perspective on life and how they live it. Overall, the best installment in this series yet and a joy to read! I love these characters and all the new story lines were so great of an addition. Thank you to Katherine McGee, Netgalley, Random House Books for Young Readers and to Random House Children's for an advance copy of this book to review.

The latest installment of American Royals was fantastic! I loved how all the stories came together and the character development of each character from book 1 to book 3. Reading this book, I really left like I was in that part of the story living right along with the characters and feeling what they were feeling. I do however, think I love Nina the most.

I adored the first two books in this series, but this latest installment felt unnecessary and forced.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

“Sometimes the world changed in smaller ways: a boat ride over ink-dark water, the flip of a card.”

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy to read and review! This is out on 5/31.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t scream when I saw that I was approved for this title! I loved the first book, enjoyed the second, and devoured this one! I heard there’s a fourth coming out, and I need it like yesterday after the way this one just ended. Holy crap! I’m not sure if I’m excited or scared for the next book with everything that just happened.

McGee did another excellent job at making you love and hate her characters, as well as providing representation with her characters. Race and sexism were big topics in this book, especially Race, and I think that McGee did a great job with it.

Not much really happens in this book until the 60-65% mark. Then things pick up super fast and it’s one twist and one drama after another. It made the second half of the book fly by and be addicting. Granted, I didn’t really want to put this down at all when I read it, but the second half escalated that feeling.

We follow Nina, Sam, Beatrice, and Daphne. I think that all four women had some character development throughout the story. They all want one goal: a happy ending. Daphne really started to redeem herself and I was beginning to like her character a lot more. But, then she went and did some snakelike stuff, and she fell to the bottom
of the totem pole for me. I know it’s because every story needs a “villain” and this is what she is used to. She was raised to lie to get anywhere in life, especially since she was not born into the royal life. I’m still mad at her though.

Also the mention and description of Hawaii made me SO excited to go in July!

I think a big part of this book was overcoming loss, stepping out of your comfort zone, and fighting for what you believe in and love. All strong themes.

“He was her anchor amid the storm, the only thing she could cling to in this whirlwind of a world.”

I know now for sure that a fourth installment is coming based on the several cliffhangers this book provides. I really hope and would love to follow Jefferson, Teddy, and Marshall’s POV in the next one. And MAYBE Gabriella but that’s a big maybe. She was awful!

“And of course people can change. What kind of world would this be if they couldn’t? We need to believe that, or there’s nothing worth fighting for.”

This was probably not my favorite of the series as I felt there was a lot of filler until the very end, and I wasn't a fan of how Samantha's story played out. I wanted more for her!

However, Nina and Daphne teaming up made me do a 180 on Daphne as a character and I felt that she was much more human in the third book. I loved that Jefferson was more involved in this story too and that it was clear where his heart lies.

The writing style of these novels, especially Rivals, is such a joy to ease into. It's simple, straightforward but also so interesting. It makes for easy reading and a story you can get lost in. The ending was not what I expected and it left me in tears, and of course, wanting a fourth book because there is so many different ways the Washington siblings stories' can go!

American Royals III: Rivals is the 3rd book in this series by Katharine McGee. This book picks up where book 2 left off. Beatrice is learning to be the new queen, Sam and Marshall are now together, and the infamous love triangle of Nina, Jefferson, and Daphne. I love this series as it give a new take on the monarchy and everything that comes with it. Through romance, rivalry, friendships, and more, this book is sure to deliver on what was left.

RIVALS is the third book in Katharine McGee’s YA American Royal series. I absolutely LOVED AMERICAN ROYALS then she shook me with the direction relationships took in book two: MAJESTY. I was anticipating where book three would take us and welllll, it took us to another freakin’ cliffhanger!

My thoughts:
-it took me 12 days to read this so that should say something
-there were so many name drops for characters that served no purpose. it was unnecessary fluff that is a pet peeve of mine
-Sam & Marshall storyline vaguely mirrors Prince Harry & Meghan Markle so I enjoyed that
-i’m over the love triangle storyline

While I loved the start to this series I felt RIVALS was really lacking. There didn’t seem to be much of a storyline and the cliffhanger at the end seemed unnecessary. I had hoped everything would wrap up nicely buttt I am a sucker and once I start a series, I must see it through so I’m sure in a year or so you’ll be seeing my review for the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

An improvement over the second book in the series and ending in a brutal cliffhanger, American Royals III: Rivals still simplifies the plights of women in power to a binary fun-vs-dull conflict, and does not quite succeed in subverting or calling out the sexism therein. That being said, I will still be definitely reading the next book when it comes out.

What a fantastic series! American Royals: Rivals does not disappoint. I’m beyond excited to see where these storylines go. Highly recommend!

Returning from what would have been their honeymoon (had they gotten married), Beatrice and Teddy are back after spending a few blissful weeks in the Caribbean. Teddy hopes to define his role as king consort to give the unprecedented position meaning and purpose. Beatrice has a lot of work to do to prepare for the League of Kings conference. For the first time, Beatrice is hosting the conference as Queen of America, and she plans to bring her father's climate accord to vote, despite the uphill battle she'll face as a powerful woman. Princess Samantha went on the Royal tour at Beatrice's request and convinced her best friend Nina to go along. In love for the first time, Sam is figuring out who she is and how to be the heir her family needs. And with the League of Kings taking place in Orange, Sam is looking forward to spending some time with Marshall. Meanwhile, Jeff filled as Regent (with Daphne by his side) in at the capital during his sisters' absence. As the royals settle into their roles, friendships and old rivals are put to the test. No matter where the Washington family goes, drama seems to follow. Spoiler alert, the League of Kings conference will be no different.

THOUGHTS: Tackling some tough topics like gender roles, privilege, and racism, the characters take on more dimension in this title than the past two, and readers will find themselves rooting for each rival as they get to know them. They also desperately will hope for another title in this series!

This series is pure fun. Storylines built around royalty also interest me and Katharine McGee writes a great plot. This is the third in the American Royals series and the books really should be read in order to fully appreciate the drama. There is romance, rivalry (as the title suggests), and friendship to explore with the fictitious American royal family. This book picks up where we left the family in the second story. Beatrice is figuring out how to be the new queen, Sam and Marshall have gotten together, and the messy triangle between Nina, Daphne, and Jefferson continues. This was a fun revisiting of a very unique series idea (What if America had it's own royal family?) and I enjoyed seeing where each character had landed. The plot points moved forward in an interesting way and I am intrigued about what will happen next. There will be a fourth book (the ending leaves you hanging).

Thanks to Katharine McGee, Random House Books for Young Children, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Holy Cliffanger!

I am so happy this book is finally here! It felt like putting on your favorite most comfortable sweater. I loved that, for once, everyone was GETTING ALONG! Nina and Daphne teaming up? YES PLEASE! Sam and Beatrice getting along? HELLO YES! a background cast of world-wide Royalty all in one room. I'M HERE FOR IT! For once all the enemies and rivals were characters we hadn't met yet and they were all written so well. I also felt like we also get more substance in this book rather then just drama and glamour. We see it in race relations between Sam and Marshall and talks about climate change between the gathering of the nations, However, by the end it felt a little repetitive. Don't worry, though, I still will pick up the next book. I am hooked with the cliffhanger at the end! I just love this theory of American Royalty so much, I'll keep coming back for more every time! Hey Hollywood PLEASE bring us an American Royals series ASAP!

One of my biggest regrets is that I read this as an advanced copy. I was so excited to read this that I devoured it as soon as I received my copy. The problem is I now have so much I want to discuss, but since I got the sneak peek before my friends and book club, I have to keep my thoughts to myself. So, here's the thing, I loved the first book in this series. It was such a unique premise, and it was so interesting to think about America as a monarchy and to learn about this alternate reality through the stories of the women in the book. The third book wasn't so much a love for me, and much of that has to do with why I fell in love with this series. The very title Rivals accentuates the stuff I don't like as much. I don't like the fighting and the gossip and the deceit that is a component part of some character's stories, and I didn't like that it took center stage here. The story picks up where the last left off as Beatrice is learning what it means to be queen, Sam is in her new relationship with Marshall, and the Nina/Daphne/Jefferson love triangle continues, but also has some new dimensions. What I ultimately wanted and didn't get was way more Beatrice. To me, her story is the most powerful and one I love the most. I wanted to see her centered so much more. Again, given the title that just wasn't what this was, but a girl could dream. I should also note this ends on a cliffhanger, so there's likely going to be a fourth read. Even though this one wasn't my jam, I'll be back for that one as I'm too invested to quit now. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this upcoming release!