I was sobbing by the end of this. This is a heart-wrenching story about love, duty and friendship, that the average person may not relate to but will definitely feel for. 

There are, however, a few things I wished were explored more. First of all, the characters are so unrecognizing of their privilege, which was irritating at some parts (especially with Sam). Second, I wish the sexism and double standard Sam faced with Jeff was mentioned more often. Third, this book really lacks diversity. Nina has two moms and one of them is Latina, but that’s the extent of diversity that’s mentioned. Everyone else is never described as being anything but white and straight. Fourth, I really wanted Daphne to have some character development for my anger at certain scenes to be worth it, but that didn’t happen. Hopefully it will in the sequel. Last but not least, I wish the cultural impact of the US being a monarchy was mentioned more, or at least as much as the political impact (which is mainly mentioned at the start with some really obvious exposition). Generally,  a lot of serious topics were skimmed over (except for the ending, that was pure anguish) because this book is meant to be lighthearted and fun, which I understand but I still found myself craving that deeper element (which is why I loved The Sun is Also a Star, it has some heavy topics and they’re not avoided). For all these reasons I deducted a star, since books that make me cry usually automatically get 5 stars. 
Other than that, this just confirms  that forbidden romance is my absolute favorite trope. There’s also  a one bed scene, which is uncommon in contemporary books because that’s a trope usually only used for enemies to lovers (something that doesn’t really exist in the real world) but here the trope was used for more of a reluctant lovers type of thing. I lived for the bodyguard romance in this book, although I wish the whole protective aspect was more prominent (like Jacin and Winter from The Lunar Chronicles). 

I’m not surprised I enjoyed this as a young child, it has a lesson and a meaning while still being a great story and is very accessible. It’s also genuinely emotional to read, even if you’re not a child. 
One complaint I do have, which I’ve seen in a couple older children’s books, is this trope of a young girl growing up and that turning her shallow and uninterested in whatever the point of the story is. I just think it’s unnecessary; girls can grow up and mature and still keep some of their childhood interests. Other than that, I think most children and even some adults would enjoy reading this book.