Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance
# of Pages: 440
In an alternate history, George Washington became the first King of the United States, not the first President. Today the United States is operating under King George Washington’s descendents which include Princess Beatrice, who will be the first woman to rule the U.S. when her father dies due to a change in the law. As such, Beatrice has been trained and groomed her whole life for the day she becomes Queen while her twin siblings, Samantha and Jefferson, have not had such pressures and have been able to behave more like regular teenagers (within reason). Sam, especially, sees herself as the spare and believes no one really expects much out of her. As Beatrice gets older it’s become a media fascination to wonder who she will eventually marry and have beside her on her throne and her parents are starting to think it’s time to think of that as well. Beatrice is not ready to settle down yet as she realizes that the one she might actually care for is off limits to a future queen. Meanwhile, Jeff has broken up with his longtime girlfriend, Daphne, who is adored by the public and she is determined to get him back at all costs. the person Jeff decides to start dating next, however, will surprise everyone. Samantha has also met someone, but it quickly becomes apparent hers isn’t the best choice for her position either. Can any of them find happiness as the royal family of the United States or will it always be “duty first?” Will the media ruin every good relationship any of them ever have? Will they find people to surround themselves with that they can actually trust who don’t just want to get close to them because of who they are?
Fans of the Selection series will enjoy this series as well. It captures the sense of duty and excellent character development that made the Selection such a hit. The author does a nice job of making sure that nothing appears to have an easy solution which makes it difficult to predict how it will end. The end does have a dramatic conclusion, but there is a second one available, Majesty, to continue the story with these characters.
Imogene Chively has been raised to find a wealthy husband in 1917 England and her family believes they have done just that when she attracts the interest of Ernest, but unfortunately, Imogene is much more intrigued by his younger brother, Benjamin. Ernest is perfectly friendly and accommodating but she feels they have very little in common while Benjamin is an architect’s apprentice and desperately needs her help in improving his drawing skills so that he can bring his architectural visions to life. As the two work together they begin to get closer and closer which makes Imogene wonder if she is brave enough to go against her family’s wishes and reject the heir for the younger working class brother. Meanwhile, a series of unfortunate accidents leads Imogene to believe that someone is trying to do Benjamin harm and no one believes her. She grows more frustrated as the incidents escalate and everyone dismisses her warnings since she is a young woman. Is there someone trying to harm Benjamin and if so why? Will she find the strength to be with the man of her dreams versus the one who can give her a comfortable life?
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