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readingwhilemommying 's review for:
American Royalty
by Tracey Livesay
Livesay mines the real-life romance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to create this dazzling romantic debut that's swoony, steamy, funny, and poignant.
Dani, or Duchess as she is known professionally, is a Black female rapper who tries to quell manufactured social media backlash by agreeing to perform at a week-long celebration the Queen of England is hosting in memory of her late husband. Raised by her beloved grandmother but left to the care of uninterested relatives after her Nana's death, Dani's used to making her way on her own. She's an expert at working within the world of music and fame--even its inherent sexualization of female artists--to both succeed yet never compromise her integrity. Most of all, she's hoping to seal a deal with a big cosmetics company to pursue her true passion: expanding the reach of Mela-Skin, her skincare company geared toward women of color. All is going according to plan until she meets the Queen's dashing grandson--and host of the weeklong event--Prince Jameson.
Jameson has long kept his distance from "The Firm," or what the press has dubbed the business arm of being a royal. Eschewing the scandals of his aunts and uncles (and even his late father), he works as a professor of philosophy at a local college and only goes to visit his grandmother when summoned. Yet when she tells him he'll be the face of the royal family at her event, he reluctantly agrees, determined to honor the memory of his beloved grandfather and his passion for the environment. When Dani and Jameson spend a week holed up together at his cottage before the event, sparks fly.
More than just a mere romance, this engaging book touches on the sexism and racism Dani experiences as a Black, female rapper and the sense of duty to family and state Jameson lives under. It also explores their relationship and how it threatens to upend the "the way things are normally done" in the royal sphere AND in regards to Dani's goal of pursuing her dreams.
I loved this book! The love scenes are steamy, Jameson and Dani are complex as individuals while having amazing chemistry, and the narrative enhances the "girl falls for a prince" trope with timely themes and insights. Highly recommend! Pre-order it today!
Even though I heartily thank @NetGalley and @AvonBooks for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, I've still pre-ordered a printed copy because of the gorgeous cover (well done, Erick Davila!) AND I will absolutely want to put Dani and Jay's gorgeous romance on my keeper shelf!
Dani, or Duchess as she is known professionally, is a Black female rapper who tries to quell manufactured social media backlash by agreeing to perform at a week-long celebration the Queen of England is hosting in memory of her late husband. Raised by her beloved grandmother but left to the care of uninterested relatives after her Nana's death, Dani's used to making her way on her own. She's an expert at working within the world of music and fame--even its inherent sexualization of female artists--to both succeed yet never compromise her integrity. Most of all, she's hoping to seal a deal with a big cosmetics company to pursue her true passion: expanding the reach of Mela-Skin, her skincare company geared toward women of color. All is going according to plan until she meets the Queen's dashing grandson--and host of the weeklong event--Prince Jameson.
Jameson has long kept his distance from "The Firm," or what the press has dubbed the business arm of being a royal. Eschewing the scandals of his aunts and uncles (and even his late father), he works as a professor of philosophy at a local college and only goes to visit his grandmother when summoned. Yet when she tells him he'll be the face of the royal family at her event, he reluctantly agrees, determined to honor the memory of his beloved grandfather and his passion for the environment. When Dani and Jameson spend a week holed up together at his cottage before the event, sparks fly.
More than just a mere romance, this engaging book touches on the sexism and racism Dani experiences as a Black, female rapper and the sense of duty to family and state Jameson lives under. It also explores their relationship and how it threatens to upend the "the way things are normally done" in the royal sphere AND in regards to Dani's goal of pursuing her dreams.
I loved this book! The love scenes are steamy, Jameson and Dani are complex as individuals while having amazing chemistry, and the narrative enhances the "girl falls for a prince" trope with timely themes and insights. Highly recommend! Pre-order it today!
Even though I heartily thank @NetGalley and @AvonBooks for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, I've still pre-ordered a printed copy because of the gorgeous cover (well done, Erick Davila!) AND I will absolutely want to put Dani and Jay's gorgeous romance on my keeper shelf!