I wasn't exactly a fan of the first book in this series but somehow I did want to know what happened to these characters, which counts for something? I still think the royal worldbuilding here is dumb and this book comes so close to being like "oh the American monarchy is a bad idea" but then I got whiplash from it being like "jk actually the PATRIARCHY is bad and it will be better when we have a QUEEN" and like

is it??

a lot of predictable but enjoyable tropes in here--multiple kinds of fake dating ending in real dating?? arranged marriage turning into true love?? trapped in a panic room with your ex-bf?? coma victim waking up and then dramatically regaining her memories? it's all here babey

I did like the introduction of Marshall as a bigger character and this book continuing to vaguely try to grapple with racism?

Anyway folks who liked the first book will probably also like this one. I spite-liked it in the same way that I liked the first one so I figure that follows.

It's...fine.