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Almost Royalty: A Romantic Comedy...of Sorts
A "Post-Hollywood" novel and "a really intelligent (and satirical) take on the vanity of wealth and the alienation of privilege." -- Kindleman
"A hilarious, scathing tale of LA life." -- Kirkus Reviews
Courtney Hamilton is a Velveeta-loving attorney driven to distraction by a city that seethes with soul-sucking status seekers. When her friend Marcie formulates an impossibly detailed rating system for acceptable men--the Los Angeles Eco-Chain of Dating--Courtney goes on a self-destructive binge that doesn’t stop until she gets thrown out of group therapy for insulting a former child actress.
Courtney is mortified as she watches her best friends give up stellar careers in law and the arts to marry entertainment royalty and civilian overachievers. Worse, they expect Courtney to do the same. So they hatch plots to get her to give up her career, break her addiction to fake cheese, marry into high-orbit wealth and rule the stratosphere alongside them.
But Courtney resists. She doesn’t want to be a poster child for the Opt-Out Generation. And she certainly doesn’t want to be molded into date bait for the top rung of L.A. society. All Courtney wants is to be left alone so she can search beneath the surface for a meaningful life. But between a meddling, narcissistic mother, a self-absorbed therapist and friends trying to send her to dating re-education camps, it seems that fake cheese is the only genuine thing left in the city. Social ambition combats self-actualization in this biting tale of one woman’s search for certainty in a city full of mirages.
"A hilarious, scathing tale of LA life." -- Kirkus Reviews
Courtney Hamilton is a Velveeta-loving attorney driven to distraction by a city that seethes with soul-sucking status seekers. When her friend Marcie formulates an impossibly detailed rating system for acceptable men--the Los Angeles Eco-Chain of Dating--Courtney goes on a self-destructive binge that doesn’t stop until she gets thrown out of group therapy for insulting a former child actress.
Courtney is mortified as she watches her best friends give up stellar careers in law and the arts to marry entertainment royalty and civilian overachievers. Worse, they expect Courtney to do the same. So they hatch plots to get her to give up her career, break her addiction to fake cheese, marry into high-orbit wealth and rule the stratosphere alongside them.
But Courtney resists. She doesn’t want to be a poster child for the Opt-Out Generation. And she certainly doesn’t want to be molded into date bait for the top rung of L.A. society. All Courtney wants is to be left alone so she can search beneath the surface for a meaningful life. But between a meddling, narcissistic mother, a self-absorbed therapist and friends trying to send her to dating re-education camps, it seems that fake cheese is the only genuine thing left in the city. Social ambition combats self-actualization in this biting tale of one woman’s search for certainty in a city full of mirages.
Paperback
First published February 17, 2014
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About the author
Courtney Hamilton
11 books25 followersCourtney Hamilton has worked in Hollywood with writers, directors, executive producers, actresses and actors in the entertainment industry in L.A., Las Vegas and New York, including Golden Globe and Emmy winners in television and feature films (particularly in the humorous fiction, humor romance and women’s fiction genres). Based in Los Angeles, California, Hamilton is a keen observer of L.A. Royalty and southern California society (which many consider a romantic fiction of its own). Almost Royalty is a fictionalized satire of Los Angeles social classes and especially those who aspire to be part of the city’s A-Level Royalty.
Sit. Read. Have some Velveeta. Enjoy. Laugh.
Sit. Read. Have some Velveeta. Enjoy. Laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 10, 2014
Courtney, The main character in Courtney Hamilton’s Almost Royalty, is on my level. I have no idea what level that is on the L.A. Eco-Chain of Dating, but I think I’ll be ok if I never find out.
Almost Royalty tells stories throughout Courtney’s time in L.A. right after she broke up with her second fiancé. It’s a romantic comedy of sorts, but with a dark side. Luckily, though, that dark side is real and funny.
Courtney and I live in the same reality, which appears to be on a different plane than most of Courtney’s friends and suitors. Marcie and Bettina are the best friends you never asked for–because it’s too exhausting to deal with their backhanded compliments and social rules. And Courtney’s dates may be cute (even if her fiancés aren’t), but they are more concerned with their reflection than her happiness. Where Courtney works to pay the bills and takes comfort in junk food, her friends take on debt to fit in with the Ivy Elite and wouldn’t be caught dead eating anything heavier than a salad.
Almost Royalty may exaggerate some of their worst qualities, but I recognize features of Courtney’s friends in some people from my own life. Haven’t we all met these insecure, social status climbing, sometimes hilarious people? I have, and like Courtney, eventually it made me weary.
Like the rest of us, Courtney is trying to figure it all out. Because she’s grounded in reality, her point of view is a bit different than her social status conscious pals. This contrast is also why Courtney hits on some hilarious truths:
However, Andre’s revenge techniques were the classic male pattern. His intention was to make me believe I was a mess.
“You still think too much,” he said. If that wasn’t the classic line that every guy used when his attempt to hustle a girl were going south.
And when did you decide that your help included ignoring my feelings, pushing me to date stalkers, or celebrating my perceived inadequacies?
Courtney’s struggle to find her way resonates. Her people might be worse than mine (thank god) but the mistakes she makes are all too familiar. It’s a fun ride (for the reader at least, maybe not for Courtney), and when she starts to get things together, I’m cheering for her.
Almost Royalty, by Courtney Hamilton, comes out May 29, just in time to become your next beach read.
Almost Royalty tells stories throughout Courtney’s time in L.A. right after she broke up with her second fiancé. It’s a romantic comedy of sorts, but with a dark side. Luckily, though, that dark side is real and funny.
Courtney and I live in the same reality, which appears to be on a different plane than most of Courtney’s friends and suitors. Marcie and Bettina are the best friends you never asked for–because it’s too exhausting to deal with their backhanded compliments and social rules. And Courtney’s dates may be cute (even if her fiancés aren’t), but they are more concerned with their reflection than her happiness. Where Courtney works to pay the bills and takes comfort in junk food, her friends take on debt to fit in with the Ivy Elite and wouldn’t be caught dead eating anything heavier than a salad.
Almost Royalty may exaggerate some of their worst qualities, but I recognize features of Courtney’s friends in some people from my own life. Haven’t we all met these insecure, social status climbing, sometimes hilarious people? I have, and like Courtney, eventually it made me weary.
Like the rest of us, Courtney is trying to figure it all out. Because she’s grounded in reality, her point of view is a bit different than her social status conscious pals. This contrast is also why Courtney hits on some hilarious truths:
However, Andre’s revenge techniques were the classic male pattern. His intention was to make me believe I was a mess.
“You still think too much,” he said. If that wasn’t the classic line that every guy used when his attempt to hustle a girl were going south.
And when did you decide that your help included ignoring my feelings, pushing me to date stalkers, or celebrating my perceived inadequacies?
Courtney’s struggle to find her way resonates. Her people might be worse than mine (thank god) but the mistakes she makes are all too familiar. It’s a fun ride (for the reader at least, maybe not for Courtney), and when she starts to get things together, I’m cheering for her.
Almost Royalty, by Courtney Hamilton, comes out May 29, just in time to become your next beach read.
January 27, 2014
Hysterically funny and well-written.
I read an advance review copy of this extremely funny, penetrating, and heart-warming novel about a young native Californian woman who survives a constant barrage of ill-conceived advice from her misguided friends, her narcissistic mother, and the men she dates who are afflicted with "testosterone poisoning." The backdrop to this well-written drama is an authentic depiction of daily life in Los Angeles tainted by the explosions of abysmal celebrity and immigrant behavior - the immigrants being New York and San Francisco transplants, each of whom has their own version of elitist disdain for the City of Angeles. Courtney's Los Angeles is full of petty, competitive friction from everyone around her, except for one angel who we gradually get to know by the end of the book.
For anyone wondering what life is like from the perspective of a young, intelligent woman in Los Angeles, or any metropolis, this is an authentic, hysterical and heart-breaking novel. I highly recommend Almost Royalty to women everywhere, and to men in Los Angeles who would like to know what their date and or partner/spouse has been through.
I read an advance review copy of this extremely funny, penetrating, and heart-warming novel about a young native Californian woman who survives a constant barrage of ill-conceived advice from her misguided friends, her narcissistic mother, and the men she dates who are afflicted with "testosterone poisoning." The backdrop to this well-written drama is an authentic depiction of daily life in Los Angeles tainted by the explosions of abysmal celebrity and immigrant behavior - the immigrants being New York and San Francisco transplants, each of whom has their own version of elitist disdain for the City of Angeles. Courtney's Los Angeles is full of petty, competitive friction from everyone around her, except for one angel who we gradually get to know by the end of the book.
For anyone wondering what life is like from the perspective of a young, intelligent woman in Los Angeles, or any metropolis, this is an authentic, hysterical and heart-breaking novel. I highly recommend Almost Royalty to women everywhere, and to men in Los Angeles who would like to know what their date and or partner/spouse has been through.
February 12, 2014
Hilarious. A savvy, sophisticated, spot-on satire of characters with upscale lifestyles who are intent on climbing, or scrambling, ever higher on the ladder of success and self-importance.
Courtney Hamilton combines wry observation with witty analysis to offer insightful glimpses into the self centered, self assured, self-appointed world of entitlement. She has a sharp eye and peels away appearances to reveal her characters' interior thoughts and ulterior motives as she cleverly exposes their failings and foibles. Thackeray would be amused at her account of a modern day Vanity Fair.
I read an advance copy and couldn't put it down. It's a most entertaining, enjoyable, stylish new novel.
I highly recommend it. You will be richly rewarded by the author’s sense of humor —and good sense.
January 28, 2014
I’m a fan of romantic comedies and chick-lit, so I was excited to read a novel that was described as both.
The story is told from the point of view of Courtney Hamilton (also the name of the author), a professional woman who is trying to figure out her priorities in life while watching the world around her through a slightly cynical and snarky lens. Her hesitation to join the “married with children” set makes her an outcast among her peers, including two vapid “friends” who try to dictate her dating life based on an L.A. Eco-Chain of Dating (it’s a very involved, very shallow system). As she navigates around her selfish mother, a pretentious therapist, self-absorbed friends, and men who either want to use her for her income or stalk her, Courtney is a hot mess…but she’s a hot mess who’s funny and fairly independent, even when she doesn’t have it all together.
It took me a couple chapters to realize that I couldn’t approach this as a typical narrative type story because the scenes jump around. Once I started reading each chapter as its own short vignette, I was able to find my pace and really get immersed in the story. The writing was solid, though a little over-detailed in a few areas, and even though several of the characters were similar, I enjoyed the tiny details of personality that the author gave most of them to set them apart as original and funny.
What I particularly liked was that through the small scenes and antidotes, the full story unfolded in such a way that by the end I felt like I’d developed with the main character. Though her thoughts and opinions weren’t always made clear, her actions and voice were entertaining and I found myself both relating to her and rooting for her.
Thought not without a few flaws, I loved this book! I love that it didn’t fit the mold of my normal chick-lit fare, and even though I’m a sucker for romance, I love that the romantic aspect took second seat to a story about a real woman trying to come to terms with who she is and what she really wants out of life.
The story is told from the point of view of Courtney Hamilton (also the name of the author), a professional woman who is trying to figure out her priorities in life while watching the world around her through a slightly cynical and snarky lens. Her hesitation to join the “married with children” set makes her an outcast among her peers, including two vapid “friends” who try to dictate her dating life based on an L.A. Eco-Chain of Dating (it’s a very involved, very shallow system). As she navigates around her selfish mother, a pretentious therapist, self-absorbed friends, and men who either want to use her for her income or stalk her, Courtney is a hot mess…but she’s a hot mess who’s funny and fairly independent, even when she doesn’t have it all together.
It took me a couple chapters to realize that I couldn’t approach this as a typical narrative type story because the scenes jump around. Once I started reading each chapter as its own short vignette, I was able to find my pace and really get immersed in the story. The writing was solid, though a little over-detailed in a few areas, and even though several of the characters were similar, I enjoyed the tiny details of personality that the author gave most of them to set them apart as original and funny.
What I particularly liked was that through the small scenes and antidotes, the full story unfolded in such a way that by the end I felt like I’d developed with the main character. Though her thoughts and opinions weren’t always made clear, her actions and voice were entertaining and I found myself both relating to her and rooting for her.
Thought not without a few flaws, I loved this book! I love that it didn’t fit the mold of my normal chick-lit fare, and even though I’m a sucker for romance, I love that the romantic aspect took second seat to a story about a real woman trying to come to terms with who she is and what she really wants out of life.
February 17, 2014
Courtney Hamilton is also the name of the fictitious heroine of this satirical novel based on postmodern Los Angeles society. Courtney is a single professional woman at 35 years old. She's on the prowl for a husband that stations her into the proper place in the caste system that exists. Meanwhile, she's trying to balance her career, physical fitness (training for a marathon), friends, dating and caring for her cat Abyss whilst perfecting the melting of her favorite food staple: Velveeta, in various recipes.
The book is very well-written, in describing the absolutely ridiculous hierarchical society of L.A., the rules for dating, the smug engaged and/or married couples who never seem satisfied with what they have, the over-the-top qualification process for private schools, the unbelievable amounts of gossip and dysfunction in group therapy or local coffee shops. Altogether there were some great laugh-out-loud and witty moments. Finally, there's a fairly satisfying cast of colorful characters and a conclusion that leads the reader to a satisfying place, albeit one that still resides in the complicated landscape of Los Angeles rich/elite society. One simply knows without being told that Ms. Hamilton's issues are far from over, but perhaps a new adventure is just about to take shape at the end. My only beef is that the book wasn't properly edited before it was put into an ARC format. However, I can't fault the author or the book for that, as I am reading before publication.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book for other women who enjoy a little social commentary or humor. If you enjoyed Where'd You Go, Bernadette?, you might like this one. I think we can all identify with the pitfalls of trying to live one's life for one's own comfort and happiness, versus trying to meet the expectations of society and/or our peer groups.
May 8, 2014
A crack up of what life is like when you are just a normal girl living in Los Angelos. I simply adored this story and how well it was told.
This was about Courtney a girl who makes it as a lawyer but lives a simple life in Los Angelos. She still believes in things like working, taking care of yourself and being a good person. OH MY!! How could she? Especially when she is living so near Hollywood. A funny take on what it is like to be surrounded by people, some even friends that feel this need to constantly impress and one up each other.
I found this story so incredibly funny. I honestly couldn't stop laughing. Some of the stories the author tells are even relateable to people who aren't living in Hollywood but can still relate to those people who feel the need to be better than the next person. There was a story about Courtney's therapist who seems to never be satisfied with anything she says. A story of the men she dates that seem to just want to know when they will end up in bed.
So laugh out loud funny, I couldn't put this one down!
This was about Courtney a girl who makes it as a lawyer but lives a simple life in Los Angelos. She still believes in things like working, taking care of yourself and being a good person. OH MY!! How could she? Especially when she is living so near Hollywood. A funny take on what it is like to be surrounded by people, some even friends that feel this need to constantly impress and one up each other.
I found this story so incredibly funny. I honestly couldn't stop laughing. Some of the stories the author tells are even relateable to people who aren't living in Hollywood but can still relate to those people who feel the need to be better than the next person. There was a story about Courtney's therapist who seems to never be satisfied with anything she says. A story of the men she dates that seem to just want to know when they will end up in bed.
So laugh out loud funny, I couldn't put this one down!
March 15, 2014
A witty novel about Courtney, a young, single woman living in socially stratified Los Angeles. This city has as its own 'celebrity royalty' - a complex and occasionally feral group. Courtney manages to pull her life together while dealing with non-supportive friends, a narcissist mother, a crazy therapist and some unfortunate boyfriend choices from various links of the dating 'eco-chain.'
Hamilton makes wry observations about Hollywood, the Los Angeles dating scene, and dysfunctional families. In a beguiling mix of humor, insight, sass and satire that reads almost like a sitcom, Hamilton delivers a steady flow of laugh-out-loud moments. I highly recommend this book to readers who liked 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?' or other funny, satirical novels.
Hamilton makes wry observations about Hollywood, the Los Angeles dating scene, and dysfunctional families. In a beguiling mix of humor, insight, sass and satire that reads almost like a sitcom, Hamilton delivers a steady flow of laugh-out-loud moments. I highly recommend this book to readers who liked 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?' or other funny, satirical novels.
February 18, 2014
When I started this book I didn't have high expectations, thought it would be an average book about a done many times story. I was so wrong! Courtney is a gifted and funny writer, the forward movement of the story never slows down.
The main figure in the story is very familiar, 30ish, single career woman with snarky friends and a series of loser boyfriends. It's Ms Hamilton's writing style that sets this book so far apart from any other I've read for a long time! I was sorry when the book ended and I hope there's a sequel! Recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny many times laugh out loud, story about a person most of us will be very familiar with.
The main figure in the story is very familiar, 30ish, single career woman with snarky friends and a series of loser boyfriends. It's Ms Hamilton's writing style that sets this book so far apart from any other I've read for a long time! I was sorry when the book ended and I hope there's a sequel! Recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny many times laugh out loud, story about a person most of us will be very familiar with.
January 30, 2014
Quirky and funny chick lit tale of a woman trying to find herself, and her perfect mate, in LA - the land of Almost Royalty, and "ruled" by a pseudo caste system among potential dating partners.
This book is told in a series of vignettes. Each chapter could be read independently, but together they tell a cohesive story. The writing style took a bit to draw me in, but once I understood what the author was doing, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone seeking a non traditional chick lit read.
This book is told in a series of vignettes. Each chapter could be read independently, but together they tell a cohesive story. The writing style took a bit to draw me in, but once I understood what the author was doing, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone seeking a non traditional chick lit read.
August 13, 2016
Check out my other reviews at Little Miss Bookmark
I'm sure you can tell by my one star rating that this one really missed the mark for me. This is not a book that was made for me ... or anyone that likes having money, for that matter. I know that sounds really weird ... who doesn't like money?!? Or at least who doesn't like what money can buy ... like food and stuff. From the very first page, I got this distinct feeling that the main character in the book hated money. Or the author hates money. Someone (either within the pages or outside of them) HATES money. Now, was this written? No, it was just the feeling I got just from reading.
I just felt a lot of hatred from this one ... the character hates her friends, her fiance, her chosen career and basically herself. She just seems really bitter and although the pages really go out of their way to say that the main character isn't jealous but every other sentence is just laced with an underlying hatred of pretty much everyone and everything around her.
Maybe Almost Royalty isn't subliminally about hating money. Maybe it's intended to be wittily sarcastic or darkly funny. Maybe I just read the book wrong. When I got about halfway through the book, I went back to the beginning and reread the first chapter. I was just hoping that I would get a different feeling or something would click and make the rest of the novel slide into the fun chick lit genre that I had initially categorized it. Unfortunately, that click never happened. If anything, my rereading the beginning just kind of cemented my initial take.
Now, this is just my opinion. Take it with a grain of salt. This novel is wildly popular on Goodreads right now and I'm hoping that is how it stays. I'd rather be in the minority with my negative reviews than be surrounded by a bunch of other party-poopers, like myself.
May 12, 2014
I received a free copy of Almost Royalty in return for an honest review.
In a city of fame and riches, Courtney is surrounded by the constant headache that is brought on by her so called friends, relationships, and celebrity encounters. Breasts are not the only thing fake within Los Angeles. Courtney does everything in her power to not become part of the stepford wives lifestyle, which includes abandoning their ivy elite degrees to pursue their dreams of marrying a man with money, and lots of it. Courtney must find her own way through a city of status seekers in this hilarious social satire about dating in Los Angeles.
I absolutely loved this book. The novel had every element that kept me hooked, including: humor, a strong feminine protagonist, the unimaginable way people act, a contemporary style, and a very unique approach to writing the novel, with a sitcom feel. I was absolutely shocked how entitled people feel just because they have a couple dollar signs to their name. If that’s all they have compared to me, I’m not even envious. I could definitely see Courtney put a lot of hard work into making the novel the best it can be, and it truly is a great read. This isn’t your typical chick lit novel. If you’re looking for a hilarious, well-written social satire novel about dating in Los Angeles, Almost Royalty is it.
In a city of fame and riches, Courtney is surrounded by the constant headache that is brought on by her so called friends, relationships, and celebrity encounters. Breasts are not the only thing fake within Los Angeles. Courtney does everything in her power to not become part of the stepford wives lifestyle, which includes abandoning their ivy elite degrees to pursue their dreams of marrying a man with money, and lots of it. Courtney must find her own way through a city of status seekers in this hilarious social satire about dating in Los Angeles.
I absolutely loved this book. The novel had every element that kept me hooked, including: humor, a strong feminine protagonist, the unimaginable way people act, a contemporary style, and a very unique approach to writing the novel, with a sitcom feel. I was absolutely shocked how entitled people feel just because they have a couple dollar signs to their name. If that’s all they have compared to me, I’m not even envious. I could definitely see Courtney put a lot of hard work into making the novel the best it can be, and it truly is a great read. This isn’t your typical chick lit novel. If you’re looking for a hilarious, well-written social satire novel about dating in Los Angeles, Almost Royalty is it.
May 12, 2014
Beautiful book cover and fascinating blurb so I'm not sure what this tells about my sense of humor since I struggled reading this book. I couldn't get into the rhythm of this class defining romantic comedy. It literally took me a month to read this because I wasn't getting it. It felt like reading a boring textbook. Haha, maybe I'm too low in the "Eco-Chain" to understand! But seriously I plugged along trying to read between the lines and see a purposeful plot. Still wasn't getting it. Not that there wasn't a plot but again perhaps I'm not hip enough to find the novel funny as intended. Anyway, I wanted to like this Velveeta-loving main character but for a supposed smart, down-to-earth woman she sure makes poor decisions. Yes, I know that smart and down-to-earth people make bad choices too but there was just too many negative vibes that I got from the read. Also found the many social group classing and stereotypes disconcerting. Many of the characters would be interesting if given a better venue as well. Oh, I can't explain it eloquently! Basically, I think this book just wasn't for me. I was hoping the ending would make up for the tedious beginning and middle but nope, just finally something good happened. However, by that time I was exhausted and indifferent.
Jinky is Reading
Jinky is Reading
May 1, 2014
UH-MAZING!
Courtney Hamilton's brain operates so much like mine that there were moments while I was reading this book when I wondered if I had accidentally wandered into my own self conscious. Her hatred of all things phony (apart from cheese, of course) is downright inspiring. Never have I laughed so hard while reading a book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes comedy. I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle the truth about what the world is really like. I would recommend this book to anyone who breathes oxygen and drinks water.
seriously.... she nailed it.
Courtney Hamilton's brain operates so much like mine that there were moments while I was reading this book when I wondered if I had accidentally wandered into my own self conscious. Her hatred of all things phony (apart from cheese, of course) is downright inspiring. Never have I laughed so hard while reading a book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes comedy. I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle the truth about what the world is really like. I would recommend this book to anyone who breathes oxygen and drinks water.
seriously.... she nailed it.
April 3, 2014
If you live in Los Angeles, or are even just thinking about making it your home, this book is a must-read. And for the majority of us who live elsewhere and lead just average lives, this book will make you appreciate your normal existence. Courtney, too, is an average woman with a savvy perspective on life, though she does lives in L.A. A lawyer, she is not a status-seeker and does not buy into the attitude that if your child is not enrolled in the most prestigious and expensive kindergarten, he or she is doomed. Courtney offers advice on dating, or maybe that is non-dating advice on whom to avoid. Overachieving is not something to be coveted and emulated. And if you like and enjoy eating Velveeta cheese, you should acknowledge that habit and not endeavor to hide it! While others scheme and tell untruths to make themselves seem brighter, better, richer, thinner, and more successful than everyone else, in reality, they are no happier or better adjusted. Courtney’s search for the genuine in a city full of fakes and fakery is a hoot and half. Though she is occasionally down, she is never out. Written with subtle wit and deft hand, this book entertains with tongue-in-cheek humor, yet offers some sound theories on life. Can a woman who gets kicked out of Group Therapy, and who then decides that she doesn’t need it after all make it on her own? The answer is a resounding YES! My advice to you? Pour a glass of your favorite white wine, get some Velveeta nachos, and settle down with this book. It’s time well spent.
March 9, 2014
Courtney Hamilton burns away pretense and artifice like some cool acid tinged with Givenchy Dahlia Noir.
I tend to prefer books that offer insight into the way things work, tinged with clever wit and often turning things upside down...ala Catch 22 by Joseph Heller or Party Girl by Anna David. Courtney Hamilton brings a rather keen eye to the L.A. scene (ever noticed all the renovated homes built out to the property line with zero yard?) and I enjoyed some rather wicked chuckles at the expense of those foolish enough to drive their leased Mercedes into her crosshairs.
I tend to prefer books that offer insight into the way things work, tinged with clever wit and often turning things upside down...ala Catch 22 by Joseph Heller or Party Girl by Anna David. Courtney Hamilton brings a rather keen eye to the L.A. scene (ever noticed all the renovated homes built out to the property line with zero yard?) and I enjoyed some rather wicked chuckles at the expense of those foolish enough to drive their leased Mercedes into her crosshairs.
April 14, 2014
Rating: 4 emmys
Review: A good book will make me cry. A good book will teach me things without my knowledge. A good book can be subtle and bold and crazy all at once. This was a good book.
The Fabulous: The redemption. Of all circumstances. If you don’t read any other part of this book, read the last two pages. It’s all anyone ever needs to know.
The Flaws: At first, I thought the characters shallow and one sided. Then I got it. They’re supposed to be, or the book would never work.
Favorite Moments: Aside from the last chapter (which I found brilliant), the hysterical one line come backs to her therapist, and an overwhelming line of self-indulgent and over-important males, one of the best write ups for Match.com ever written. I wish I’d used it myself.
Best line: Just a couple…
“I love Velveeta.”
“And you already know who it was.”
Review: A good book will make me cry. A good book will teach me things without my knowledge. A good book can be subtle and bold and crazy all at once. This was a good book.
The Fabulous: The redemption. Of all circumstances. If you don’t read any other part of this book, read the last two pages. It’s all anyone ever needs to know.
The Flaws: At first, I thought the characters shallow and one sided. Then I got it. They’re supposed to be, or the book would never work.
Favorite Moments: Aside from the last chapter (which I found brilliant), the hysterical one line come backs to her therapist, and an overwhelming line of self-indulgent and over-important males, one of the best write ups for Match.com ever written. I wish I’d used it myself.
Best line: Just a couple…
“I love Velveeta.”
“And you already know who it was.”
April 24, 2014
I received a complementary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really wanted to like this book, but just didn't.
Almost Royalty: A Romantic Comedy...of Sorts is about the young, rich and famous, and the want-to-be rich and famous of Los Angeles. Some friends think they are helping Courtney by trying to get her to fit into the social culture in LA.
This was suppose to be a chick-lit comedy but I didn't find it particularly funny. Yes it was chick-lit. You would never catch a man reading it but I didn't think it was very funny. I think I chuckled twice while reading it.
All I can do is hope this was a work of fiction because if people really live like that, OMG!
Almost Royalty: A Romantic Comedy...of Sorts is about the young, rich and famous, and the want-to-be rich and famous of Los Angeles. Some friends think they are helping Courtney by trying to get her to fit into the social culture in LA.
This was suppose to be a chick-lit comedy but I didn't find it particularly funny. Yes it was chick-lit. You would never catch a man reading it but I didn't think it was very funny. I think I chuckled twice while reading it.
All I can do is hope this was a work of fiction because if people really live like that, OMG!
January 17, 2014
Story was good, but the writing jumps around a lot and was confusing at times. Once I got through the first jump around chapter I realized what she would be doing and the rest of the book was fine to read.
March 28, 2014
I love reading books by authors new to the Chick Lit scene. This doesn’t mean I do not enjoy books by the established authors of the genre, like Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jill Mansell and Paige Toon who are all master story-tellers, but it is always exciting to see a new name enter the field of woman’s fiction. Courtney Hamilton is one such name.
I was sent an advance reading copy of this novel through Net Galley to review.
Almost Royalty by Courtney Hamilton is a tight, fast-paced, witty and at places, a laugh out loud funny novel. It deals with the dating scene of Los Angeles and more importantly, the class divide between the haves, have-somes and the have-nots. On a more serious level, this book is a light-hearted look at the hypocrisy that still exists in our society even today and on a non-serious level it is a ‘fly on the wall’ look at Los Angeles and Hollywood’s celebrity and looks obsessed culture, where appearances are everything and if you don’t live in the correct neighbourhood, don’t attend the correct school/college/university, drive the right car and don’t ensure that your children attend the correct school, then you are an ‘outcast’.
This novel is all about Courtney, a ‘Velveeta-loving’, group therapy-attending, entertainment attorney’s struggles through the L.A. world of dating and the trials and tribulations she faces. (Velveeta, for us Brits who don’t know what it is, is as per Wikipedia: ‘The brand name of a processed cheese product having a taste that is identified as a type of American cheese, but with a softer and smoother texture than cheese.’)
Her friends Marcie (aka Marcee) and Bettina think she is definitely ‘on the shelf’ and doing something wrong, as she should by now have ditched her career and gotten married to L.A royalty. Her friend Marcee has coined her own ‘L.A. Eco Chain of Dating’ where you should only be dating and eventually marrying a ‘mate’ who is on your level, in terms of ancestry, education, family background, etc. etc.
The reader follows Courtney as she dates a string of no-hopers, starting with her ex-fiance Frank, the free-loading commitment-phobe with a tendency to attend group therapy sessions to the mildly successful but wholly repulsive Dr. Ted who has alarming stalker-like tendencies. Add to the mix a Courtney’s dysfunctional relationship with her ‘mutton who thinks she is lamb’ mother and you have a humorous tale, where our opinionated and feisty heroine rebels against her friend’s expectations of who she should be.
I found this novel to be an entertaining read, with a very interesting and colourful list of characters. Courtney’s observations of the L.A lifestyle are extremely astute and show the reader the other side of the Hollywood lifestyle as well as providing a telling picture of how superficial and artificial individuals who subscribe to that particular lifestyle are. You find yourself rooting for the heroine when she refuses to be mistreated by her friends and ex-boyfriends and cheer for her when she finally says goodbye to the expensive and counter-productive group-therapy sessions and unapologetically embraces who she is as an individual and finally realises the one perfect man for her was closer to her than she thought.
My only criticism is that this novel at times felt like a mixture of commentary and observations by the author and I felt at times that the storyline could have been more defined.
However, this is a great first novel by Courtney and I look forward to reading more written by her in the future. Almost Royalty is out on 29th of May 2014 and if I were you, I would pre-order my copy now!
I was sent an advance reading copy of this novel through Net Galley to review.
Almost Royalty by Courtney Hamilton is a tight, fast-paced, witty and at places, a laugh out loud funny novel. It deals with the dating scene of Los Angeles and more importantly, the class divide between the haves, have-somes and the have-nots. On a more serious level, this book is a light-hearted look at the hypocrisy that still exists in our society even today and on a non-serious level it is a ‘fly on the wall’ look at Los Angeles and Hollywood’s celebrity and looks obsessed culture, where appearances are everything and if you don’t live in the correct neighbourhood, don’t attend the correct school/college/university, drive the right car and don’t ensure that your children attend the correct school, then you are an ‘outcast’.
This novel is all about Courtney, a ‘Velveeta-loving’, group therapy-attending, entertainment attorney’s struggles through the L.A. world of dating and the trials and tribulations she faces. (Velveeta, for us Brits who don’t know what it is, is as per Wikipedia: ‘The brand name of a processed cheese product having a taste that is identified as a type of American cheese, but with a softer and smoother texture than cheese.’)
Her friends Marcie (aka Marcee) and Bettina think she is definitely ‘on the shelf’ and doing something wrong, as she should by now have ditched her career and gotten married to L.A royalty. Her friend Marcee has coined her own ‘L.A. Eco Chain of Dating’ where you should only be dating and eventually marrying a ‘mate’ who is on your level, in terms of ancestry, education, family background, etc. etc.
The reader follows Courtney as she dates a string of no-hopers, starting with her ex-fiance Frank, the free-loading commitment-phobe with a tendency to attend group therapy sessions to the mildly successful but wholly repulsive Dr. Ted who has alarming stalker-like tendencies. Add to the mix a Courtney’s dysfunctional relationship with her ‘mutton who thinks she is lamb’ mother and you have a humorous tale, where our opinionated and feisty heroine rebels against her friend’s expectations of who she should be.
I found this novel to be an entertaining read, with a very interesting and colourful list of characters. Courtney’s observations of the L.A lifestyle are extremely astute and show the reader the other side of the Hollywood lifestyle as well as providing a telling picture of how superficial and artificial individuals who subscribe to that particular lifestyle are. You find yourself rooting for the heroine when she refuses to be mistreated by her friends and ex-boyfriends and cheer for her when she finally says goodbye to the expensive and counter-productive group-therapy sessions and unapologetically embraces who she is as an individual and finally realises the one perfect man for her was closer to her than she thought.
My only criticism is that this novel at times felt like a mixture of commentary and observations by the author and I felt at times that the storyline could have been more defined.
However, this is a great first novel by Courtney and I look forward to reading more written by her in the future. Almost Royalty is out on 29th of May 2014 and if I were you, I would pre-order my copy now!
May 12, 2014
Close your eyes and imagine one young woman in her thirties, attorney by profession, good looking with two unsuccessful engagements and you are her friend and you try to find someone for her but she is so stubborn an cynical. So, you just imagine Courtney Hamilton the main character in this book. Courtney lives and work in L.A. with her cat Abyss and with her cynical approach of life. She has a girlfriens which wants to suits her in L.A. society and find her a man who is compatible according the Los Angeles Eco-Chain of Dating. You surely wondering what are that L.A. eco -chain of dating, so that is a system which is inventing by Courtney's friend Marcie a rating system about man who are or aren’t acceptable for dating.
The story begins when Courtney broken her second engagement, then she describes her earlier life. In hilarious way the author shows us how is like to be a Courtney with Roberta as therapist, overreacting friends, with specific date rating system, surrounded by couples who are not happy with each other.
Like I say the author describes topics that are part of nowadays in L.A. as qualification and fees for private schools, been woman with carrier, marriages and divorces and dating with suitable man.
I like cynicism that Courtney has, in some situations she reminds me of me, I enjoy in her replies and most of the time reading this book I was laughing.
From all characters I pick Courtney’s mom to say few word cause she is ridiculous woman she had me laughing tears, first I just want to hit her, than I laugh to her ridiculous actions and desires to act as a young girl.
The story begins when Courtney broken her second engagement, then she describes her earlier life. In hilarious way the author shows us how is like to be a Courtney with Roberta as therapist, overreacting friends, with specific date rating system, surrounded by couples who are not happy with each other.
Like I say the author describes topics that are part of nowadays in L.A. as qualification and fees for private schools, been woman with carrier, marriages and divorces and dating with suitable man.
I like cynicism that Courtney has, in some situations she reminds me of me, I enjoy in her replies and most of the time reading this book I was laughing.
From all characters I pick Courtney’s mom to say few word cause she is ridiculous woman she had me laughing tears, first I just want to hit her, than I laugh to her ridiculous actions and desires to act as a young girl.
March 22, 2014
I loved the story and laughed continually while reading "Almost Royalty" by Courtney Hamilton.
This is a great book for anyone who would like an original and honest perspective of life for any woman who has attempted to have a career and a personal life-- as the story shows, it's not easy, especially for Courtney (the main character and name of the author), who has not-so-helpful "friends", a narcissistic mother, a therapist with questionable motives, and a soon to be ex-fiance. She also lives in a city which has as its Royalty some occasionally quite feral celebrities whom Courtney manages to encounter at all the wrong moments.
As other reviewers have stated, the book has a series of vignettes about different aspects in Courtney's life. But what's interesting is that the structure of the novel also reflects the content of the story: as the novel comes together to represent one cohesive story, so does Courtney.
Although written with classic Chick-Lit elements (yes, there is a guy), the novel isn't so much about finding the guy-- it's more about finding yourself-- I really enjoyed that, and also enjoyed the original portrayal of Los Angeles and the hysterical/crazy/messy world of a woman who is attempting to find and define herself.
This is a great book for anyone who would like an original and honest perspective of life for any woman who has attempted to have a career and a personal life-- as the story shows, it's not easy, especially for Courtney (the main character and name of the author), who has not-so-helpful "friends", a narcissistic mother, a therapist with questionable motives, and a soon to be ex-fiance. She also lives in a city which has as its Royalty some occasionally quite feral celebrities whom Courtney manages to encounter at all the wrong moments.
As other reviewers have stated, the book has a series of vignettes about different aspects in Courtney's life. But what's interesting is that the structure of the novel also reflects the content of the story: as the novel comes together to represent one cohesive story, so does Courtney.
Although written with classic Chick-Lit elements (yes, there is a guy), the novel isn't so much about finding the guy-- it's more about finding yourself-- I really enjoyed that, and also enjoyed the original portrayal of Los Angeles and the hysterical/crazy/messy world of a woman who is attempting to find and define herself.
October 17, 2014
The hours I spent on this novel are hours I will forever regret losing. The idea that this was supposed to be a funny and satirical novel leaves me speechless. Courtney our protagonist allows everyone in her life to walk all over her...from her nut case of a mother, to her 'best friends', and the men in her life.
Frankly I didn't even want to see if Courtney ever made it to a HEA.
Whatever is so funny about your mother stealing your clothes and showing off her inflated boobs at a family party? Or how about this - your best friend wants you to donate goods and services so she can have the wedding of her dreams. A wedding she can't afford because she isn't going to work to pay for it because it (work) isn't fun but insists this is the wedding she has to have. Courtney is presented a bill of over ten thousand dollars to attend the wedding, this is to help the couple pay for it. The bill includes handing over the wedding dress Courtney bought for herself and then spending her time at the wedding playing the violin.
If this is funny, then I am surely missing something...maybe it's my East Coast upbringing.
ARC supplied by publisher
Frankly I didn't even want to see if Courtney ever made it to a HEA.
Whatever is so funny about your mother stealing your clothes and showing off her inflated boobs at a family party? Or how about this - your best friend wants you to donate goods and services so she can have the wedding of her dreams. A wedding she can't afford because she isn't going to work to pay for it because it (work) isn't fun but insists this is the wedding she has to have. Courtney is presented a bill of over ten thousand dollars to attend the wedding, this is to help the couple pay for it. The bill includes handing over the wedding dress Courtney bought for herself and then spending her time at the wedding playing the violin.
If this is funny, then I am surely missing something...maybe it's my East Coast upbringing.
ARC supplied by publisher
April 27, 2014
I really tried to enjoy and like this book but I did not. I did not fine it funny at all, with so many wonderful reviews I read on it I expected more. It is hard for me to believe that one woman could stay with so many men that are so for themselves. Once maybe but all throughout her life I truly hope there is no women that dumb. I would have told those around me a long time ago to go get a life and leave me alone. I had a very hard time getting into this book and found myself going back rereading parts that I still could not connect with.
I am sure that the women in LA who are well to do there are a lot of them like her friends. You do not work but you have to have an asst. to know what the hired help is for. That is sad and enough said on that issue.
For me there was nothing positive here, nothing I could grab a hold of to get much out of this read. I am so sorry and do truly love this book. I just do not see what they see….this book was not for me but I am sure others will enjoy it.
I am sure that the women in LA who are well to do there are a lot of them like her friends. You do not work but you have to have an asst. to know what the hired help is for. That is sad and enough said on that issue.
For me there was nothing positive here, nothing I could grab a hold of to get much out of this read. I am so sorry and do truly love this book. I just do not see what they see….this book was not for me but I am sure others will enjoy it.
October 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book free through the Good reads Giveaway program.
Upon reading other reviews of this book, I expected to laugh my way through it and to enjoy it immensely. This was not the case. I did chuckle a few times, but other than that, I found it too 'over-the-top'.
I realize that this is supposed to be a satire of what a single girl in L.A. must endure, but it just came across as ridiculous. I found certain things humorous, such a the fact that the main character was stuck in therapy for years and saw no end in sight unless she pretended to agree with the therapist. However, it took too many pages and was much too detailed in my opinion, which took away from the point entirely.
I did find the author to be articulate and I do believe that this book will do well. It is more the fault of my own biases and opinions that I did not enjoy this book than any fault of the author.
I rate this book two out of five stars. However, if you are a lover of satire and "chick lit" I do believe you will enjoy this book immensely.
Upon reading other reviews of this book, I expected to laugh my way through it and to enjoy it immensely. This was not the case. I did chuckle a few times, but other than that, I found it too 'over-the-top'.
I realize that this is supposed to be a satire of what a single girl in L.A. must endure, but it just came across as ridiculous. I found certain things humorous, such a the fact that the main character was stuck in therapy for years and saw no end in sight unless she pretended to agree with the therapist. However, it took too many pages and was much too detailed in my opinion, which took away from the point entirely.
I did find the author to be articulate and I do believe that this book will do well. It is more the fault of my own biases and opinions that I did not enjoy this book than any fault of the author.
I rate this book two out of five stars. However, if you are a lover of satire and "chick lit" I do believe you will enjoy this book immensely.
May 30, 2014
It seems times have changed from Jane Austen's time when well-to-do men needing wives to be complete to today when all a woman needs to be fulfilled is apparently a husband and then children. I love how Courtney Hamilton's debut book took this head on. I haven't read smart chick lit in a while, so when I was asked to read this book in return for a review, I couldn't say no.
The book took a really good luck at the superficiality of what society and some women place importance on today. The issues are serious but they're handled in a light manner that will leave you laughing, shaking your head in disbelief, and relief that hopefully your life isn't like that of Courtney's friends.
I loved reading about Courtney's dating adventures and she went about taking control of what she wanted. If you need something smart and witty, then this book is definitely for you!
The book took a really good luck at the superficiality of what society and some women place importance on today. The issues are serious but they're handled in a light manner that will leave you laughing, shaking your head in disbelief, and relief that hopefully your life isn't like that of Courtney's friends.
I loved reading about Courtney's dating adventures and she went about taking control of what she wanted. If you need something smart and witty, then this book is definitely for you!
January 13, 2015
3.5 stars.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't do it for me. I loved the main character, Courtney. She was witty and for the most part, a strong and smart woman. But unfortunately, almost every other character in the book was extremely unlikeable and unbearable to read about. Courtney's interactions with them were usually quite funny, but in general, I was more just annoyed by them until the very end of the story when Courtney started putting them in their place and they started to smarten up a bit.
The main problem I had with the book was that it really didn't have much of a plot. There wasn't any rising action, or a climax. It was difficult to really get into the book because nothing major really happened.
So in general,there were some funny parts and I appreciated the satirical aspect of the novel, but in general, I didn't find myself hooked to the story.
I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't do it for me. I loved the main character, Courtney. She was witty and for the most part, a strong and smart woman. But unfortunately, almost every other character in the book was extremely unlikeable and unbearable to read about. Courtney's interactions with them were usually quite funny, but in general, I was more just annoyed by them until the very end of the story when Courtney started putting them in their place and they started to smarten up a bit.
The main problem I had with the book was that it really didn't have much of a plot. There wasn't any rising action, or a climax. It was difficult to really get into the book because nothing major really happened.
So in general,there were some funny parts and I appreciated the satirical aspect of the novel, but in general, I didn't find myself hooked to the story.
May 13, 2014
Okay, this book was hilarious and wonderful at the same time.
I loved that Courtney was just a little bit off to the right, that is she never seem to be "just like" everyone else or even think like them. Of course, the fact that she finds herself in the dating pool without quite agreeing with the rules of society just added to the story.
I found myself laughing out loud at some of the darker side stories, yes, I guess laughing is not appropriate, but like Courtney, I never live by society's rules myself. Love this book.
I loved that Courtney was just a little bit off to the right, that is she never seem to be "just like" everyone else or even think like them. Of course, the fact that she finds herself in the dating pool without quite agreeing with the rules of society just added to the story.
I found myself laughing out loud at some of the darker side stories, yes, I guess laughing is not appropriate, but like Courtney, I never live by society's rules myself. Love this book.
February 22, 2015
Almost Royalty . This book was very funny at times , I like how the stories are told by Courtney herself and they are about her ,I thought that was really neat and very different from anything I've read before . I felt like this book is more directed to an older age .. But defiantly a worth while read !!
March 14, 2014
A laugh-out-loud novel that's spot-on about the complexities of living in Los Angeles, or any large metropolitan city. Funny and satirical, I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a modern comedy and a great laugh.
October 17, 2015
Not the fun chic-lit book I had hoped for.
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