what if america was a monarchy?

I've had this book on my Goodreads "Want to Read" list for quite a while, and I finally decided to check it off as "Read." Right off the bat, I will admit that the concept of this novel is what intrigued me the most. Imagining an America that has never known the concept of democracy, especially in such a turbulent time of very real political unrest? Brilliant. It's what kept me from taking it off of my initial list and what eventually moved me to actually read it. But I also have to admit that I was slightly disappointed on the whole. I read the book pretty quickly, but I was definitely motivated by a mixture of "if I keep reading maybe it will get better" and "I want to finish this so I can move onto something else." As harsh as that sounds, this book wasn't terrible in any way. It had its enjoyable moments and characters, and its very well-written, but overall, I just didn't really get connected or invested like I do with other stories. Overall, I felt like I just didn't connect with the characters on deep levels. At times I felt like their motives and emotions were predictable and even a little bland. But each character had redeemable as well as raw, human qualities that I appreciated. I also commend the author for balancing the perspectives and viewpoints of four different characters. I also wasn't too thrilled with the way the novel ended. I totally understand why it ended the way it did -- to lead directly into the series' second book; to keep some questions unanswered and readers wanting more. But unfortunately, like I already said, I was never completely hooked. I don't think I'll be continuing with the story, but I would recommend it to readers into modern love stories centered on the complications of royal life and the constant spotlight, duties, and regulations that come with it.



Some of my favorite quotes from American Royals:

"Jeff smiled: a lopsided, genuine smile, which was how Nina knew that the other one -- the one he showed the rest of the world -- was false."

"They were being reckless and foolish; they were tempting fate; they were breaking the rules; they were falling in love. Or they had fallen in love a long time ago, and only now had the chance to act on it."

"The people who love you know you for who you are. The rest is all just noise."

"The only people free from censure are people who've never taken a stand."

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