American Royalty: A Novel

Written by Tracey Livesay

Narrated by Antony Ferguson and Wesleigh Siobhan

In this dangerously sexy rom-com that evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, a prince who wants to live out of the spotlight falls for a daring American rapper who turns his life, and the palace, upside down.

Sexy, driven rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson is on the verge of signing a deal that’ll make her one of the richest women in hip hop. More importantly, it’ll grant her control over her life, something she’s craved for years. But an incident with a rising pop star has gone viral, unfairly putting her deal in jeopardy. Concerned about her image, she’s instructed to work on generating some positive publicity… or else.

A brilliant professor and reclusive royal, Prince Jameson prefers life out of the spotlight, only leaving his ivory tower to attend weddings or funerals. But with the Queen’s children involved in one scandal after another, and Parliament questioning the viability of the monarchy, the Queen is desperate. In a quest for good press, she puts Jameson in charge of a tribute concert in her late husband’s honor. Out of his depth, and resentful of being called to service, he takes the advice of a student. After all, what’s more appropriate for a royal concert than a performer named “Duchess”?

Too late, Jameson discovers the American rapper is popular, sexy, raunchy and not what the Queen wanted, although he’s having an entirely different reaction. Dani knows this is the good exposure she needs to cement her deal and it doesn't hurt that the royal running things is fine as hell. Thrown together, they give in to the explosive attraction flaring between them. But as the glare of the limelight intensifies and outside forces try to interfere, will the Prince and Duchess be a fairy tale romance for the ages or a disaster of palatial proportions?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063084520

Tracey Livesay

A former criminal defense attorney, TRACEY LIVESAY finds crafting believable happily ever afters slightly more challenging than protecting our constitutional rights, but she's never regretted following her heart instead of her law degree. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, the Washington Post, and CBS This Morning. Tracey lives in Virginia with her husband-who she met on the very first day of law school--and their three children.  

Reviews for American Royalty

[Ida Phillips · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is going to send me to
therapy. This woman was getting on my nerves so bad but then she started to grow on me after a while. She is like that spoiled friend everyone has but you can't help but love her.

[422hjyk4rn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the story but the audio was just not for me

[Dolorise · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A cute fun read. Definitely recommend if you need something light and fun

[Nikia J Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! I was skeptical at first and did know how the storyline would develop, but it was definitely worth my time. I found myself invested in the characters and the overall outcome!

[LaSharla · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't want it to end. It was realistic while still having a ring of, outlandishness that I found wildly entertaining. I was able to lose myself in this world and that, I loved. Thank you Tracey! Looking forward to a sequel or a spinoff her friend and Professor Thor.

[Lynn Anne · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.25 rounded down to 3 stars because I disliked that epilogue. The whole plot was amazing, but the writing could have been better.

[Shellan Ward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I finished this in a day! I adored duchess as a main character. She's unapologetically herself and I loved every moment of it. The romance is steamy and adorable. The main love interest is charming, and the chemistry between both characters is the best part of the book. Please, read this book. You won't regret it!

[A.N. Jones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

loved loved loved this audiobook! so well done didnt want it to end!

[Lois CJ · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I truly enjoyed this!
It wasn't what I was expecting at all abd other than the fact that the Prince in this story is British, not sure much matches with the Meghan & Harry storyline this was compared to.

I liked both of the main characters,found their back stories and action during the story believable if a bit contrived.

Romance involves tropes and I liked that this book was written for a primarily Black audience and the author made that crystal clear.

Either way I'd give this 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.

[Ekene Ogbue · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Smashing
Brilliant
A grand, jolly good time
Seriously, though, I had fun with this book the first time around and I’m remembering why I love it so much. Can’t wait for the sequel

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At the beginning of this book, I didn't think I would like it at all. Rap and Hip Hop are not my thing, so I wasn't excited about a book featuring a rapper. Once the setting of the book moved to England, and the Prince and "Duchess" Dani met, things began to heat up. Dani was actually a down-to-earth woman, with a kind heart. However, she was a bit raunchy.
The chemistry between the prince and Dani was definitely there, and there were many, MANY, steamy scenes which portrayed their interest in bed. I know that this novel is in response to the Harry/Meghan marriage, as well as referencing some other celebrities with business ventures, but although I liked the romance between Dani and the prince, I still found it VERY difficult to imagine that 1. a performance for the royal family would be laced with profanity, and 2. that a rapper and a prince would be able to pull it off.
As always, with books like this, I truly wish the author would spend more time showing the personalities of the characters, so that if they do make a go of it, you believe their relationship would last - because they know each other as friends, vs. just being hot for each other. I do think it is important to show interracial relationships.
All in all, I ended up liking the book, and the ending was just deserts.
Thanks to BookClubGirl/HarperCollins/WilliamMorrow and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own and freely given.