Lyra, the newest girl on the social scene in London, has a secret: her real name is Ela Dalvi, and she's here for only one reason: to get revenge. Years ago, her best friend Poppy betrayed her, and her only other friend, Keston, stood by and did nothing as she was sent away, never to see her father again before his death a few months later. Now, armed with a new name, a new fortune, and a burning hatred, Lyra is ready to infiltrate London society to orchestrate the downfall of those who betrayed her trust three years ago.

Queen Bee has a much more modern voice than I was expecting, but I was surprised by how well it worked for me. The anachronism was fun, and gave this book a really unique voice.
I really loved the diversity in this book as well, though on occasion when we were introduced to groups of new people, the way in which their races/ethnicities were brought up felt a little heavy-handed. Still, I loved the diversity, as I always love reading historical fiction with people who look like me (and other people of color) getting to have happy lives where they're not relegated to the background or servitude.

The revenge plot was a lot of fun, and I found myself getting swept away in it all. And though I'm not sure that I, in Ela's place, would have forgiven Keston so easily for not taking her side all those years ago, I like that she did, and that we can see Church's influence in her doing so. They've both grown in those three years, and ultimately I loved how everything resolved.

This was my second Amalie Howard book and I will definitely be reading more!

I really like Amalie Howard, I didn't like this.

It was truly a mess of a very, very, CW-ish teen 'revenge' drama. And I know it's a YA book so I shouldn't say it's juvenile, but I have read great YA books/romances and this was not close.
It felt so forced. I love bringing diversity into hisroms but this had the subtlety of a sledgehammer and kept bringing me out of the book.

And what revenge?? How is this Count inspired?

The 2 stars are all for the aforementioned representation and Lady Birdie.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

I was really excited for this book. Like many I’ve been affected by the Bridgerton hype, and a regency revenge story sounded like something I would enjoy. There were definitely parts that I enjoyed in this book, but also things that weren't for me.

Something that I really enjoyed was the diverse cast of characters, and I hope we get to see more alternative history books like these. Historical fiction is almost never completely historically accurate anyway, so why not make something more diverse with it while you're at it. When it comes to the characters I liked our heroine Lyra, and thanks to her flashbacks she was the most fleshed out character in the entire book. Which makes sense since she’s the mc, but there were other characters I would have loved to see getting some more to them. Mainly my favorite characters Rosalin and Zia. Their friendship with Lyra was one highlight in this story for me, and I wish they would have gotten a bigger role to play. The romance on the other hand was disappointing. The love interest - Keston - was like a hot-air balloon, really hot but pretty empty. He just followed the path of others, and couldn’t stand up to anyone. Clearly his sister got all of the backbone. So why Lyra, and everyone else, found him so amazing apart from his looks and title is beyond me.

While the characters were overall interesting, the plot had some problems which affected my enjoyment of the book. Mainly the revenge plot. While I was all in support of Lyra and her plans, because the things Poppy had done to her was top tier mean girl stuff. That girl is a bully and a brat. So she deserved some karma. But the execution of the revenge plan wasn’t satisfying for me. Lyra clearly sees herself as this mastermind when it came to revenge, but some of the things she did just felt a bit petty instead of clever revenge. Another problem I had with this book was how the story didn’t have a good flow to it. There could have been a better balance between the present and flashback chapters, because the way it stifled the pace for me. Something that made the book feel slower than what it actually was.

With all of that said, I can definitely see people love this book. It definitely has its strengths, and if you think this book sounds like a fun read - pick it up! Especially if you're in the mood for a Mean Girls-esque regency era story.

A cute story more of a YA but fun regardless.

It is funny how when you are young, your life can be ruined so easily. Thus was the fifteen year old life of Lady Ela, who because of her best friend was banished to the country.

A few years later and having remade herself into "new heiress" with a new name and presents herself to the ton.

Fun read in finding that revenge is not always the best way to bring yourself back!

Rumors and lies. The power that these two things can do to change someone’s lives for the worse are amazing. Lady Ela finds this out the hard way when a supposed friend’s jealousy lead her to be sent to a home for ruined children. Yet Ela is not willing to let the past be the past. She knows that she did nothing wrong and she is more then willing to seek revenge. Little did she realize that revenge isn’t always that easy to accomplish. Especially when there are others involved not just the friend who has wronged her.
This is quite a fun tale. I enjoyed seeing Ela compare her plot to chess. A game that she enjoyed playing so much with Lord Ridley before she was sent away. We all know coming into this book that Lord Ridley is going to win over Ela and change her heart. Yet the journey is just one that you are so easily swept up into it doesn’t matter. I also quite enjoyed Church and how much she supports Ela and lets her make her own choices, yet at the same time trying to encourage her to see that revenge is not always the best course of action.
Thank you so much to Random House Children's and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

Queen Bee is a regency-era romp which follows teen Ela as she reinvents herself in order to execute a plot of revenge against a childhood friend who singlehandedly ruined her life.

I haven't read a YA regency in a long time, so I was incredibly excited to pick up Queen Bee, especially as Amalie Howard is a regency romance icon. Queen Bee situates itself perfectly in between a youthful regency romance and a high school drama. The teens felt like teens, both voice-wise and in their actions and emotions, and I found myself regularly thinking that if this were a CW show when I was sixteen, I would have absolutely eaten it up. Though the plot itself is ultimately exactly what you'd expect, and the characters don't necessarily bring anything shockingly new to the genre, I still found myself enraptured with the vibe of this read. Bonus points for its anti-historical stance (as explained in the author's note), which was honestly refreshing.

Overall, I do think the teen drama aspect of this read might not be the right fit for adult regency romance readers, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I think this book is an excellent addition to the YA historical romance genre.

Scandal ✔️
Mayhem ✔️
Revenge ✔️
Regency era✔️
Retelling ✔️
Old loves✔️

This book is all the above and so much more! It is a quick fun read you need in your life.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

This book was kind of a flop. I see what it was trying to do but it did not work at all. One of the problems I have with this book is that it didn't feel like a historical romance at all. Like if the main character is saying that she's "hot and bothered" I am not going to believe the book is set in the 1800s. I also felt like besides the flashbacks, the romance has absolutely zero development in the present. They danced a few times, had 1 and a half conversations and then were in love??? I did like all the poc characters and stuff but other than that I didn't really like it.

Lately, Lady Ela Dalvi has been dressing for revenge.

When Lady Ela Dalvi was betrayed by her ex-best friend, Poppy, and sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined, there was one thing on her mind for nearly three years -- revenge. Now, her enemy is quickly joining the crème de la crème of high society while she withers away in the English countryside. With an audacious plan to get even, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. But when Ela reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved, she begins to question whether vengeance is still her greatest desire.

This was a witty and delicious story that I ended up reading within a single day. Ela's machiavellian plans were inspired and it was truly such a great feeling to see characters get the comeuppance that they so rightfully deserve. I do wish there was a little bit more romance though - the relationship between the two characters developed rather quickly and I was hoping for more.

Things to look forward to:
-revenge ✨
-falling off of boats into lakes
-mysterious patronesses
-strong, badass ladies
-the villain getting what they rightfully deserve

This eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Ela is upset when she learns her best friend betrayed her over a boy. She is sent away due to her reputation being ruined. Now back three years later, Lady Ela's best friend is a rising star in society while Lady Ela is sitting and waiting. How will she get revenge? Lady Ela decides to disguise herself as a mysterious heiress and is soon doing well. Ela soon realizes that she's still in love with the boy that broke her heart, the son of the duke? What is Ela to do?

A cute YA read set in the time of Bridgerton! I loved the story and will recommend it to others.

Absolutely loved this book! Very very new to the historical romance genre, I maybe read 10% HR in a year? I'm very particular. But this one was just so so good. I loved the revenge plot, it definitely screamed TS Reputation Look What You Made Me Do vibes and it was so swoony. I was melting at all the romantic quotes from the book. It was so easy to pick up and captivate me and I didn't want it to end. Amazing work by Amalie Howard and Joy Rev! More like this, please!

Who blurbed this? It's not Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo. More like petty teenage drama that absolutely no one cares about. Me. I don't care.

I love own voices. I eat that shit up. I had to double check that the author was actually from the background she is writing about. She is. This is embarrassing. For a historical fiction promising diverse backgrounds, this did not deliver. Sure, Indian and other backgrounds are mentioned in passing. Often too many times. Did I "see" anything beyond the brown skin and saris? No. Show, don't tell.

Also, for someone that was outed by a scandal by both her ex best friend and wannabe lover, I get the revenge plot against the friend, but don't re fall in love with the boy. He did you wrong, too. Thanks.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

Machiavellian...

Any YA book that starts out with Machiavelli is going to be good. Queen Bee is clever, witty and just a little bit Machiavellian. Lyra/Ela has a plan to take down her former BF, Poppy, who pulled a Mean Girl on her. Affter she did her dirty, Lyra/Ela, has been plotting. Of course there's a boy involved, Lord Ridley, or Kes. More importantly, Church is involved.

Yes, this is a regency YA that is fresh, inclusive and enlightened.
Recommend.

On Goodreads, Queen Bee by Amalie Howard is described as Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo and, oh man, did this novel deliver on that promise. Lyra is teen girl on the hunt for revenge against her ex-best friend who ruined her life, all while not trying to redevelop feelings for her other former friend of the male sort. 

This delightful YA novel was a fast-paced page turner. The romance was developed in a masterful way. There are two timelines running throughout the story, which was one of my favorite parts of how this novel was written.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review this fun arc. This was a 4 out of 5 star read for me. Highly recommend this novel to YA lovers who enjoy period romance books.

#QueenBee #AmalieHoward #NetGalley

I don't know the story of The Count of Monte Cristo very well, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with this book.

The moments between Lyra/Ela and Keston are so cute. I know she wants to get revenge on him, but...they were so good together! He was sooo charming and made lots of flirty remarks and little touches here and there. Plus, their connection as younger teenagers made their reconnection that much sweeter.

This book has a great cast of BIPOC characters! On top of our FMC and MMC being bipoc, there are also lots of side BIPOC characters. And the side characters were so fun! There was a large group of friends that were fun to get to know, especially Keston's sister who is absolute goals. I would love to get a spin-off book with her HEA!

I loved all the chess references. It made so much sense for Ela to make references to the game when her and Keston played chess all the time and had inside jokes about it growing up. Plus, chess has so many good uses for revenge.

At about the halfway mark, I no longer wanted the flashbacks. I understand why they were kept around for a few more chapters, but I was done with them by then. I only wanted to live in the present from then on out. But this wasn't a big deal so I didn't care all that much.

Overall, if you're looking for a beautiful romance, a stunning look at forgiveness and moving on, and some modern takes on the regency era, this is your book!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a super fun period novel focused on revenge! As it jumps back and forth in time from 1814 to 1817, what happened to Ela is slowly revealed, as well as how and why she reinvented herself as Lyra. It is the transformation plot that is often dreamt of (think Sandy in Grease), but so much better because she is smarter and wiser and more worldly now, ready to beat her nemesis at her own game and come out on top in all ways. I loved the multicultural representation in English society at the time, especially with the historical explanation in the author's note. The resolution is super satisfying as well. Highly recommended for grades 7 & up.

It did remind me very much of Bridgerton, but more the TV version that the books, and for teens versus adults. Loved it! Double crossing! Sneaky plans! REVENGE. And also adorable love. As a librarian, this is the sort of book I'd recommend to young adult readers before I introduced them to 'classic' regency romance. It's certainly in the same genre, but it's very modernized and would be an excellent way to broaden either YA readers with no experience with Regency or with older readers looking to get into younger generations of books.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Joy Revolution for the ARC of this!

I love this author’s books so much and this one was no exception. I noticed she called it an anti-historical novel in that it was diverse and that resonated with me. I loved the friendships and side characters even more than the romance. The revenge plot was interesting and kept me coming back for more to know why the main character needed revenge and if she would get it - and then ultimately of it was what she truly wanted.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

What would you do if your best friend for years betrayed you and ruined you to society? Would you go all Monte Cristo and seek revenge or forgive and forget?

I loved everything about this book. You can tell that the author did her research on this historical part of time. I loved that when I read this book I was taken back in time, to where the girls had to wear big poofy dresses and went to balls and other gatherings to find a gentleman to marry. I thought the characters were easy to connect with and I found myself relating to some of them.

I thought the plot was done well, with everything wrapping itself-up in the end. At first when I saw that the chapters would be going back and forth from Ela past to the present, it would be confusing, but they were not. I liked that the author made sure that it was clear and understandable. I found that Ela was a person that I would love to meet one day, she is funny, loving, caring and yes she has a hard time with letting things go, but when you read the book you really get to see how much her character developed from being a young teen to the young adult that she is now. I thought that I would not like that she was planning revenge, but I found myself rooting for Ela and really hating Poppy. Poppy truly got what she deserved, and I wish that she would have gotten it sooner.

Ela and Keston's relationship was adorable as teens and then getting to see them again as young adults. They started out as friends, but we all know you can’t help who you love. Keston, you can see how badly he just wants to be a young adult and not have to worry about his title, and it was great getting to see those moments and seeing it happen with Ela was the chef’s kiss. I can’t forget about Zia, I loved Kestons little sister in this book, she is not scared to say what she feels and is very smart for her young age.

I thought of having Church(female character in the book) there for Ela when she really needed a friend/motherly character to come into her life right after everything went hell was perfect. I won’t lie, I did cry because I thought Ela might lose another person that became dear to her. I wouldn’t mind seeing a book about Church and her life..hint hint lol

This book is fast paced, and I couldn’t see any part that was lacking or dragging. I highly recommend this book if you want a quick YA historical romance, friends to lovers, revenge, found family and a strong independent female character.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Children for the opportunity to review this book.

Queen Bee was a fun read with a diverse cast of characters. I think most people will find Lady Ela's situation to be relatable to some point in their life - backstabbed and hurt by a supposed best friend, the person you least expect.

I found most of the characters likeable and several of them grew throughout the book. The descriptions were just enough to imagine the scene without being lengthy.

Overall, Queen Bee is a delightfully entertaining YA historical romance and I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading Amalie Howard's other books.

Thank you to Joy Revolution for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.