Published by Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: April 7th 2015
Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction
If you have even the remotest interest in British royalty (and really, how could you not?!), specifically Will and Kate, then The Royal We is going to be mandatory reading—in the way that their wedding was mandatory viewing (who cares that I went without sleep that night- this was Will and Kate). Authors Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan take the royal romance on a fictional tour-de-force when they have American Rebecca Porter meet Nick, a nice guy who lives in her dorm at Oxford. He turns out to be Prince Nicholas, heir to the British throne, and has insomnia and a penchant for bad American television, two traits that they share and that allow them to become friends. In short order they’re dating, but with his profile and family’s expectations not even their closest friends know. No one, but Bex’s twin sister Lacey, who is back in America, is privy to the secret. What could go wrong?
Are there parallels to the real royals’ love story? Yes, of course, but that’s what makes it fun. It’s the twists and turns the authors add that make it delicious. Nick has a wild younger brother Freddie and Lacey is the glam half of the twins, who is not adverse to either the press or coming over from America to party with the aristocracy. In addition, there are the Oxford friends (and frenemies), the Porter family, and, of course, the rest of the disapproving royal family. It’s all a lark and yet, in the midst of the humor The Royal We touches on some of the less than glamorous parts of royal life—namely the scrutiny of the press, the quest for perfection, and the crushing weight of having your entire life mapped out for you. Once Bex is outed, her low-key attitude towards fashion and beauty are deigned unsuitable for anyone dating a prince and what little privacy she had is gone.
The Royal We follows the relationship with all its ups and downs with the only question being—will they make it to the altar? Or will Bex bail on the drama and Nick tow the family line? As fun as the novel is it’s not silly, which is a big distinction. Much like the queen herself, I don’t like silly. Cocks and Morgan strike the perfect balance of humor and intelligence, making this guilt-free, luxury reading. Whether you curl up with a glass of champagne or a cup of tea The Royal We is the perfect indulgence.
Monika @ Lovely Bookshelf says
November 11, 2015 at 9:45 amOhhh I have a friend with a birthday next week, who is totally into British royalty, so this sounds like the PERFECT gift!
Catherine says
November 11, 2015 at 1:25 pmOh, it is so fun- just pure simple enjoyment and if she loves the royals she will be so happy!
Lynn @ Smoke & Mirrors says
November 11, 2015 at 12:03 pmHmmm…I just posted in the Goodreads Semi-finals post that this was one I could skip. Just too many out there I’d rather read, though this at least sounds rather fun, in a way. Though can it ever be truly “fun” with the British monarchy? 🙂 Thanks for your review, which has at least given a bit better attitude toward this one!
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
November 11, 2015 at 1:19 pmI loved this book, and I think your review sums it up perfectly! I highly recommend it!
Andi says
November 12, 2015 at 9:02 amGawd, I must have it! I want to keep my happy reading run going and this is the thing!
Cassie @ Nose Stuck in a Book says
November 15, 2015 at 10:37 amThis isn’t the kind of book that I usually read, so when I first picked this up I didn’t think I would like it all it. I think the only reason I grabbed it from the library is because everyone seemed to be talking about it. But I LOVED it! It is so much fun!
Eva says
November 18, 2015 at 3:54 pmI’m so glad you loved this. I agree with everything. This was so sharp and funny and clever! It could have been such a disaster, especially as it mirrors so many of the real life circumstances of Will and Kate. I’m looking forward to the movie already.
And that whole night was magical. Sleep is completely overrated when you can watch a ROYAL WEDDING.
Catherine says
November 19, 2015 at 1:58 pmDID YOU SAY MOVIE?!!! How did I not know this?! I mean, it is an obvious choice, but still. Oh, yummy. This will provide loads of chatter about who should play who!