I enjoyed Queen Bee quite a bit! It's a fun diverse story with lots of drama that really feels the void of a trashy dramatic tv show when you don't have one.
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This was a mean girls regency romance! The story was fun and a little bit unbelievable but was resolved in a great way,

Thank you to the publisher, Penguin Teen Canada, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Three years ago, Lady Ela Dalvi was betrayed by her best friend Poppy who caused her reputation to be ruined, and was sent away in disgrace to a distant finishing school in the countryside. Now, three years later, Ela has plotted out her plan to get revenge and joins London society under a new name posing as a mysterious heiress. At first, everything seems to be going perfectly, but when she catches the attention of a handsome marquess who happens to be her childhood friend that abandoned her over the scandal, things get complicated very quickly. Will she see her plans through or throw away her shot at getting even for a chance of happiness?

I love a good retelling, so I was very interested in this one. Not only was it a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo (which is quite rare, I’ve only come across one before), but it was set in the regency era which is one of my absolute favourites to read about.

Plot wise, the premise of this book was unique and well thought out and it set up the revenge arc for Ela perfectly. The story alternated between the perspectives of Ela from three years ago and Lyra, her new identity, as she sets out on her quest for vengeance. It was interesting to see the two timelines unfold in parallel and I also loved that the cast of characters in general was so diverse.

On the downside, this barely felt like a regency novel at all. In a real regency setting, the daughter of an earl would have never been permitted to socialize with or befriend the daughter of the family solicitor, much less run about without a chaperone. The whole plot that Poppy orchestrated to ruin Ela also couldn’t have worked out that smoothly with no consequences. It also ignored so many points of etiquette and societal norms of the time. This story could have been moved to another setting entirely with little impact to the core plot. It also didn’t feel very believable that nobody recognized Ela – it was only three years since they last saw her and all she did was change the color and style of her hair.

I think overall, if you were to start looking at the finer details, this world building would not be plausible, but if you’re willing to gloss over it and focus on the story alone, this works.

The pacing was decent throughout and kept things moving. Queen Bee was a very easy read in general and not one that required a lot of focus, making it a good choice to pick up jf you’re looking for something that doesn’t take too long to read. The writing and narration were pretty good, however, the dialogues read more like modern rather than regency speech which definitely affected story immersion for me.

Ela/Lyra was an interesting main character. Her transformation from the irritatingly timid and naive Ela to the strong, independent Lyra was fantastically done. Now if she had just stayed the course, it would have been a much better character arc, but instead, she basically melts at the first sight of the handsome marquess – even though he didn’t stand by her when she needed it.

Which brings me to the somewhat weak love interest. I felt that Ela deserved better than Keston, the marquess, because he never stood up for her when it counted and instead let himself be influenced by others around him. It also made no sense to me why he would allow Poppy to hang around him regardless because clearly he is aware of her nature. He was forgiven way too easily and the entire romance was less than compelling for me.

The ending felt a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book and things came together almost too conveniently, making it fall flat. In my opinion, the way the author chose to wrap up this book was sort of a letdown compared to how strong the plot had been until then.

Overall, this was an entertaining read with vibes of Mean Girls meets Bridgerton. Queen Bee was a fun take on The Count of Monte Cristo and if the premise appeals to you, I would definitely recommend it!

Super cute for fans of Bridgerton! I really enjoyed this YA. It felt different from anything I've read lately while still being familiar enough to keep me engaged and entertained.

This was a bit of middling read for me. While I enjoyed the YA/historical romance crossover, I felt like it was very unbelievable that so little time would have passed between the two time periods of this novel and I couldn't quite get over my initial disbelief for the rest of my reading time! That being said, Amalie Howard does a nice job capturing teenage voices and the petty, vengeful attitude of teens and I loved the more inclusive and multiracial Regency world she pulled together. I think for readers who are newer to his roms or perhaps just better than me at suspending their disbelief, this is a great kind of "revenge romance".

Was this perfect? No. Did I have a very good time while reading? Absolutely.

Simone Ashley & Charithra Chandran walked (briskly) in Bridgeton Season 2 so that Amalie Howard's Queen Bee could run. This was such a fun regency romance with a ton of representation, dual timelines, and banter for the ages. I am really hoping that Amalie Howard will follow in the great regency romance tradition of doing separate books for characters within a first novel because I would give an arm and a leg for more of this group of friends and their successes in the 'Ton. The only thing I could ask for is some spice but I understand and accept this as a YA title...but now that I've looked at Amalie Howard's back list it seems like she may be able to satisfy through her other books! Overall this had the same energy of Bridgeton (via Netflix) and even the Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley (which I adore). If you are in need of a fun palate cleanser while waiting for the story of Queen Charlotte on Netflix this is the book to pick up.

AMALIE HOWARD NEVER DISAPPOINTS. Queen Bee was a fantastic book. The only reason I have it 4/5 stars is that I cannot concentrate on dual timelines. My ADD brain should be able to handle it but I just can’t. The characters were terrific. I love the storyline and the love interest. Fantastic read. It really caught my attention. I can’t wait for everyone else to read it!

I really enjoyed this one! I love a good mean girl type drama, especially when said ‘mean girl’ gets what she deserves in the end. I also really love the fact that this was anti-historical as the author noted in her author’s note. The diversity of the characters was great and it made the story even more enjoyable.

A fan of adult historical romances and revenge plots, I am very pleased I had the opportunity to read Queen Bee. It is accurately described as a cross between The Count of Monte Christo and Bridgerton (the show), but it is toned down and ideal for YA readers new to historical romance.

It moves at a nice pace, not too fast nor too slow, with chapters alternating between Lady Lira Whitley's revenge and before Ela's exile from society. Labeled an anti-historical novel, the diverse cast was very much welcomed and the sometimes modern dialogue was not as jarring as I expected.

Additional detail would have been helpful. Including more descriptions especially about Ela's fall from grace and the subsequent inception of her plan for revenge would have contributed to greater intrigue. It also would have increased the sweet satisfaction of a conniving villain getting her comeuppance. Because of the lack of detail, it leads to the book being lighter read, which I did not mind. In fact, this was another reason I liked the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. While the conclusion was satisfying, more groveling would have been the cherry on top. (I am a fan of lots of groveling. Heh...) Queen Bee is a great choice for YA readers who are newer to historical romance and may want to try a contemporary take on historical romance. (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)

4.5 Stars

Queen Bee is billed as an anti-historical Regency-era tale that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s an excellent comparison, though I’d also throw the television show Revenge in there as well. It’s a great mashup of the feel of the three, but written for a YA audience.

Told through alternating chapters featuring the past and present, Queen Bee unfolds in a delightful way. Each chapter brings new insight and interest. And this way of introducing background creates an air of mystery.

The principal player in Queen Bee is Ela, once a trusting soul whose heart was broken and life destroyed by a supposed friend who only cared about her own upward mobility. Ela is smart and strong and thinks she knows what she wants. But your heart and mind aren’t always in sync. Ela’s a strong protagonist that really carries the story. Supporting characters are well developed, although Poppy (the nemesis) feels a bit one note.

In Queen Bee, author Amalie Howard has created a believable world built on history but with a number of twists. You immediately feel at home in her world, and her own imaginings are grounded and feel natural.

Queen Bee is a fast, entertaining read that brings all the things people love about Regency fiction together with modern sensibilities. It’s great fun to read, and I hope the author is planning more in this genre.

4.5 stars

I honestly really enjoyed this story concept…pitched as “Bridgerton” meets “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and it actually meets those expectations. Or at least it did for me. It’s been a little while since I’ve read a Regency Romance-esque story…and now I kind of want to go and binge read a bunch of different ones.

Following Ela as she creates a new identity and inserts herself into the world she was sent away from years before, and returning to society as Lyra…well that was honestly so intriguing. I honestly thought that the whole plot to get vengeance on those who wronged her and ruined her reputation before was pretty darn riveting.

This book gives us the current story with the intrigue and revenge path, but then we also get flashbacks to what occurred with Ela and Poppy and Keston leading up to the betrayal and ruining of reputation. It helps to showcase how she came to be in the position to want revenge in the first place.

Watching Ela as Lyra, ingratiating herself to polite society, and making social maneuvers really was like watching an intricate chess match. I found myself practically glued to the pages, wanting to keep reading as I got more swept away into the story and the plight of all of the characters. Honestly, I read it in only a couple of sittings, and if I hadn’t started the story late one evening while already fairly tired, I probably would have read it all in one go.

This was exactly the book I needed to whet my whistle while waiting for the release of “Queen Charlotte” on Netflix in another month. I’m ready for more adventures in the Bridgerton world…and if you have any recommendations for Regency Romance-esque stories (particularly if they have magical fantastical elements in them, I’d love to have more books to add to my TBR.

"A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!"
This is a juvenile love story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard is a very delightful book! First and foremost, I really enjoyed the Bridgerton-esque theme of it. The writing is beautiful as it transports you to the picturesque English countryside. Vibrant, witty dialogue and high-stakes drama make the story come alive. The characters are interesting, with each having their own motivations and personalities. Beautiful gowns and brilliant ballrooms perfectly capture the Regency era. The plot is also engaging with its constant twists and turns. The story is filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue, and it’s easy to become invested in the characters and their journey.

I loved how the chapters switched between two timelines- how we saw the two different thought processes and journeys of the same character at different points in her life. It gave the story more depth and allowed us to gain a better understanding of how the character’s experiences had shaped her decisions.

There were a few things that bugged me here and there. It was disappointing how the ending fell a bit flat after so much build-up. The side characters were so interesting but their stories were so poorly explored. At times, it felt like they were only there to serve the main character’s motives. Other than these few things Queen Bee was a very engaging and fun read. I would recommend it to Bridgerton lovers who want to enjoy a captivating and fun romance book.

This was such a fun read!

I loved the alternating timelines showing Ela/Lyra's past and present. It was an interesting way to tell her story, and I think it really served the story well, making readers excited to know how she got to where she was.

A solid revenge plot set in Regency England, I was immediately sold. Ela/Lyra was a great protagonist, and I loved seeing her growth as a character. Poppy may have been one of the most annoying and horrible antagonists I've ever read, and while I was proud of Ela/Lyra's change I also was 100% behind the revenge haha

The other side characters were fun to read, and I liked the diverse group of friends they made. I think the author does a good job of showing the different "masks" the characters wear depending on who they're around, which really showcases the issues with the peerage and how many rules they had.

While I do think the story wrapped up a little too perfectly, I didn't have a problem with it. That's kind of what I expect from a YA romance! I like a happy ending.

If you're looking for a fun, YA regency romance, look no further!

"If revenge is a chess match, what happens when the queen falls for the king?"

Queen Bee is a stunning regency era Count of Monto Cristo retelling that I LOVED! This is a dual timeline story with Ela in the past and her rebirth as Lyra in the current. There is such a focus on revenge, healing and connection - very heavy on the bridgerton vibes. I find it rare for a novel of this time to have both a POC lead and love interest so this was GREAT to see!

Ela is shy, uninterested in high society and doesn't mind avoiding the spotlight unlike her best friend Poppy. But when a new Duke moves to two with his two kids, Ela loves spending time adventuring with them - esp Keston, but Poppy starts feeling jealous (and she wants to secure a marriage). After a perceived slight, Poppy betrays her and she's sent away with her reputation forever tarnished. Even worse? Keston casts her aside too.

But she doesn't lie down and die - fueled by thought of revenge, she bids her time until she can reenter society under a new name and fortune - Miss Lyra. "Ela can't come to the phone rn - Why? BC she's DEAD". Now Poppy has her eye on Keston fully, and Lyra knows she needs to take the two of them down - just as she was.

This book is FULL of chess metaphors - which I loved! There are hints of South Asian rep throughout the book as well - the food, the beauty treatments and the outfits that the MC wears. This was so fun to see in the regency era. Ela is also one of my favorite MC's in a romance book - we see her grow from her childhood to her bitter era to her revenge era to her kindness and found family one. I loved the happily ever after in this story and I can't wait to read more by this author! More POC x POC regency please!!

rep// South asian MC, side wlw

cw// regency era sexism, death

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amalie Howard's QUEEN BEE is advertised as Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo and that is probably the best, most accurate description of the novel. If you love the diversity, romance, tension, and banter of Bridgerton, and the revenge plot of Dumas's masterpiece, you will adore QUEEN BEE. Howard's novel is a progressive, modern take on a regency romance. The representation is great. The unfolding of the plot is wonderful. The heroine is super cheer-for-able. The chess metaphors viewed throughout are beautiful. The ending is super satisfying. It took me a little while to get into the story, but once you're in you cannot put it down!

This is Amalie Howard's firs YA novel although to be honest, most debutatnes in the real historical time were younger than the lead here, but for YA purpsoses this works. I liked the story, the lead actors and I hope it becomes a series.

Three words to sum up the book : Regency Era, Romance and Vengeance. Poor Lady Ela Dalvi was betrayed by her best friend and is now stuck in the boring English countryside while her new ennemi is joining the high Londonien Society. But Ella has a plan ! Disguised as a mysterious and rich heiress , she infiltrates the elite. Vengeance is hers now - strong Machiavellian laugh ! But her master plan didn’t count on Ella being reunited with the love of her life ! Now she has two choices : follow her heart, or follow her mind.

If you love drama and scandalous atmospheric novels, you will surely enjoy Queen Bee. This Young Adult novel is a fun read, especially if you love historical novels of the Bridgerton type.

This is my first time reading this author, and I did not know what to expect going in. Described as a diverse young adult regency romp. It is also quoted, as anti-historical novel. The way I deciphered the story, was it has an array of diversified characters and modernizes an historical era. It took me a little time to become comfortable with the characters, the storyline. As I got deeper into the book, I was captured by the story. It is a young adult story of revenge, friendship and young love. Being a young adult labeled book, it portrayed revenge in a means girls sort of way. The outcome doesn’t always go the way you expect it. When you are angry and hurt and put all your blame on others, it will come back and slap you in the face. The story had some good lessons to be learned about revenge, and friendship. I appreciate that it is a clean and sweet romance story. There were a few spots that dragged a little, but overall I thought the book was very well written, and I enjoyed it. I will be looking up other books by this author to be read at a future date.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've been starting at this screen all day trying to come up with a review. This is so hard.

So, this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was good and kept me engaged. It did take about 50% in until I was fully invested into this one, but once I was, I liked it. Amalie Howard is a great writer, and this book is no exception.

I hate the lying about your identity trope, and that's what this book was; however, this one wasn't all that bad. Yes, I think the FMC should have told the MMC sooner, but it was still good. I loved how this was a play on chess. I feel like I need to go buy a chess board and start playing again after finishing this book.

I liked that this story had past and present chapters. It really brought the book around full-circle, which I enjoyed. And the overall message about revenge isn't everything and doesn't satisfy you is of course a great message.

Overall, this was a good book. If you like historical YA romances, then this one might be for you.