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A Queens Duet #1
A Queen's Game
The New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series invites you to visit 19th-century Europe amid the glamour and intrigue of the Victorian era. In this historical romance inspired by true events, three princesses struggle to find love—and end up vying for the hearts of two future kings.
In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other.
Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.
Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.
Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.
In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.
In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other.
Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.
Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.
Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.
In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
377 people are currently reading
13281 people want to read
About the author
Katharine McGee
26 books6,447 followersKatharine McGee is the New York Times bestselling author of American Royals and The Thousandth Floor trilogy. She studied English and French literature at Princeton University and has an MBA from Stanford. She lives in her hometown of Houston, TX with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
December 4, 2024
This book was DRAMA from start to finish, and I ate it up! A Queen’s Game was the kind of quick, engaging read that hooks you right away and refuses to let go. The stakes were high, the twists were sharp, and the characters? Absolutely chaotic (in the best way). I was so invested that I devoured it in a single day.
If you’re in the mood for scheming, betrayals, and power plays that’ll leave you gasping, this one’s for you. Now I’m counting down the days until book two!
If you’re in the mood for scheming, betrayals, and power plays that’ll leave you gasping, this one’s for you. Now I’m counting down the days until book two!
December 13, 2024
I have to admit, I was really excited about this book when I first picked it up. I love historical fiction and this one promised a glimpse into the lives of three fascinating royal women—Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck—each on their own quest for love and power in the last glittering years of European empires. I didn’t realize these characters were based on real people at first, but once I did, I appreciated how McGee balanced historical accuracy with creative fiction, bringing these women’s stories to life.
The setting and plot were definitely engaging, with lush descriptions of everything from royal ballrooms to Scottish landscapes. Alix’s forbidden love, Hélène’s rebellious nature, and May’s struggle to marry into royalty kept me hooked. I loved the historical drama and the way McGee weaved these women’s fates together.
That said, I found the portrayal of the women a bit frustrating at times. They often came across as manipulative and overly focused on their romantic pursuits, which felt a little one-dimensional. I was hoping for more depth in their personalities and motivations. Instead of feeling empowered or complex, they seemed defined by their relationships with men, which left me wanting more.
Despite these issues, I’m still curious about the sequel, especially with the real-life connections to George and Mary of Teck. Overall, it was fun and dramatic read, but I’m hoping the next book will offer a bit more character depth and emotional complexity.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The setting and plot were definitely engaging, with lush descriptions of everything from royal ballrooms to Scottish landscapes. Alix’s forbidden love, Hélène’s rebellious nature, and May’s struggle to marry into royalty kept me hooked. I loved the historical drama and the way McGee weaved these women’s fates together.
That said, I found the portrayal of the women a bit frustrating at times. They often came across as manipulative and overly focused on their romantic pursuits, which felt a little one-dimensional. I was hoping for more depth in their personalities and motivations. Instead of feeling empowered or complex, they seemed defined by their relationships with men, which left me wanting more.
Despite these issues, I’m still curious about the sequel, especially with the real-life connections to George and Mary of Teck. Overall, it was fun and dramatic read, but I’m hoping the next book will offer a bit more character depth and emotional complexity.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 17, 2025
the way this ended on a cliffhanger and i didn’t expect that at all 💀
Want to read
November 27, 2025After years of having every Katharine McGee series sitting on my TBR… is
this
really going to be the first one I read?
Guess we’re about to find out.
Guess we’re about to find out.
December 15, 2024
3.5 stars. I definitely liked this book a lot more than American Royals, but I still have some mixed feelings on it.
First of all, this is a historical novel about Queen Victoria’s grandson Prince Eddy and the three princesses who were all linked to him romantically before his (SPOILERS for anyone who doesn’t keep up with royal news from the 1890s) untimely death at age 28. Which is a banger of a premise, honestly. Could not have chosen better material. The whole Prince Eddy thing was literally a real-life soap opera; there was the girl he was supposed to marry, Alix of Hesse, the girl he wanted to marry, Helene of Orleans, and the girl he eventually got engaged to like 6 weeks before he died of pneumonia, Mary of Teck. Whereupon Mary of Teck coolly turned around and married his younger brother, the new heir to the throne, like a true boss bitch. Respect.
This book gives a POV to each of the three women, Alix, Helene, and Mary (aka May). I like that the author does her best to show each of these female perspectives as equally interesting, instead of just picking one to be “the best” or “the winner.” I thought Alix was especially well-done, with her mix of quietness and strength, as well as her mental health issues (apparently historically accurate! I did not know that about her!) Princess May was also a very compelling character, with her mix of ambition, pragmatism, and desperation to escape her bleak home life. Now, I did think at times that May’s plot got a little melodramatic—I don’t know that her parents were necessarily as awful as they are portrayed here, and the whole drama with her American friend Agnes was a Bit Much. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see Mary of Teck portrayed with so much grit, and really, so much agency, for lack of a better term. Because in the historical biographies I’ve read, it’s usually a far more passive picture, “oh, she was surprised when Prince Eddy proposed to her, and she was surprised when Prince George fell in love with her after Eddy died.” Listen… a woman from a minor, impoverished, semi-disgraced branch of the royal family whose parents were deeply in debt, who nevertheless managed to get engaged to TWO heirs of the throne in rapid succession, was not SURPRISED by her own success. My girl knew what she was doing. She had a Strategy.
That leaves Helene of Orleans, whom, unfortunately, I couldn’t stand :-P I would say she is definitely the least-skillfully drawn female character here, in part because she falls into the tired stereotype of the Rebellious Princess (TM). Now, I love me a rebellious princess, but not when she scorns all other women on principle, totally ignores how her reckless behavior is making more work for her female servants, treats conventionally masculine pursuits as INHERENTLY superior to conventionally feminine ones, and insists that she’s the only woman in England who takes any interest in said “masculine” pursuits. I’m serious, Helene literally has a scene where she’s like, “ugh, all the other women at this horse race are just here to gossip, but not me, because I care about horse racing as a Sport. Because I Love Sports. Pick Me, Please.”
Ma’am, are you somehow unaware that it was so common for upper-class British women to take a serious interest in horses, horse racing, and yes, betting, that there were popular stereotypes about them, and even slang nicknames for them—“horsey women?” What on earth gave you the impression that you’re the only girl in Late Victorian England who’s ever cracked open a form-book?
(I could maayyyybe see this pick-me attitude as an intentional character flaw Helene needs to correct, but it’s never challenged or corrected, so like.)
Finally, I felt that Prince Eddy himself, the guy at the center of this royal quandrangle, was portrayed in far too sympathetic and uncomplicated a light. He and Helene are supposed to be The Star-Crossed Romance of this series, which means he needs to be The Ideal Book Boyfriend. This is a tall order because the historical Prince Eddy was a figure shrouded in sexual scandals, with a murky reputation towards women at best. This book makes the bold move of insisting that there was never anything really wrong about his many liaisons, that he was “just passionate,” and in fact had views on consent far ahead of his time, so it’s fine!!! And I’m just…
Look, when you openly tell the audience that Prince Eddy was keeping a secret lower-class mistress (which he was), but fail to mention that said mistress COMMITTED SUICIDE and his involvement in her death was hushed up/never investigated properly—yeah. This guy is not your book boyfriend, okay? Stop trying to make him your book boyfriend.
I feel the story dismisses the lower-class women Prince Eddy was more than likely exploiting because they’re not Helene… just as Helene herself dismisses all other women because they’re not Helene. Not very feminist of you, ma’am! Where is your intersectionality!
These problems aside, I did enjoy the book. I had a fanatical obsession with researching Queen Victoria’s descendants in my high school and college years, so this book reignited that fire a bit, which is always fun. “Oh look, another obscure name I haven’t thought about in years!” I was particularly obsessed with King George VI, who happens to be Mary of Teck’s son from her eventual marriage to Eddy’s younger brother, so it was fun of imagine what his parents’ road to romance could have looked like (well, if you add in some extra melodrama and blackmail just for spice). And I will definitely be reading Book 2 when it comes out, if only to find out HOW the author plans to handle Eddy’s SUDDEN DEATH FROM ACUTE PNEUMONIA—
Note: I would describe this book as New Adult, not YA. The characters are mainly in their 20s and there are a few vaguely open-door scenes.
First of all, this is a historical novel about Queen Victoria’s grandson Prince Eddy and the three princesses who were all linked to him romantically before his (SPOILERS for anyone who doesn’t keep up with royal news from the 1890s) untimely death at age 28. Which is a banger of a premise, honestly. Could not have chosen better material. The whole Prince Eddy thing was literally a real-life soap opera; there was the girl he was supposed to marry, Alix of Hesse, the girl he wanted to marry, Helene of Orleans, and the girl he eventually got engaged to like 6 weeks before he died of pneumonia, Mary of Teck. Whereupon Mary of Teck coolly turned around and married his younger brother, the new heir to the throne, like a true boss bitch. Respect.
This book gives a POV to each of the three women, Alix, Helene, and Mary (aka May). I like that the author does her best to show each of these female perspectives as equally interesting, instead of just picking one to be “the best” or “the winner.” I thought Alix was especially well-done, with her mix of quietness and strength, as well as her mental health issues (apparently historically accurate! I did not know that about her!) Princess May was also a very compelling character, with her mix of ambition, pragmatism, and desperation to escape her bleak home life. Now, I did think at times that May’s plot got a little melodramatic—I don’t know that her parents were necessarily as awful as they are portrayed here, and the whole drama with her American friend Agnes was a Bit Much. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see Mary of Teck portrayed with so much grit, and really, so much agency, for lack of a better term. Because in the historical biographies I’ve read, it’s usually a far more passive picture, “oh, she was surprised when Prince Eddy proposed to her, and she was surprised when Prince George fell in love with her after Eddy died.” Listen… a woman from a minor, impoverished, semi-disgraced branch of the royal family whose parents were deeply in debt, who nevertheless managed to get engaged to TWO heirs of the throne in rapid succession, was not SURPRISED by her own success. My girl knew what she was doing. She had a Strategy.
That leaves Helene of Orleans, whom, unfortunately, I couldn’t stand :-P I would say she is definitely the least-skillfully drawn female character here, in part because she falls into the tired stereotype of the Rebellious Princess (TM). Now, I love me a rebellious princess, but not when she scorns all other women on principle, totally ignores how her reckless behavior is making more work for her female servants, treats conventionally masculine pursuits as INHERENTLY superior to conventionally feminine ones, and insists that she’s the only woman in England who takes any interest in said “masculine” pursuits. I’m serious, Helene literally has a scene where she’s like, “ugh, all the other women at this horse race are just here to gossip, but not me, because I care about horse racing as a Sport. Because I Love Sports. Pick Me, Please.”
Ma’am, are you somehow unaware that it was so common for upper-class British women to take a serious interest in horses, horse racing, and yes, betting, that there were popular stereotypes about them, and even slang nicknames for them—“horsey women?” What on earth gave you the impression that you’re the only girl in Late Victorian England who’s ever cracked open a form-book?
(I could maayyyybe see this pick-me attitude as an intentional character flaw Helene needs to correct, but it’s never challenged or corrected, so like.)
Finally, I felt that Prince Eddy himself, the guy at the center of this royal quandrangle, was portrayed in far too sympathetic and uncomplicated a light. He and Helene are supposed to be The Star-Crossed Romance of this series, which means he needs to be The Ideal Book Boyfriend. This is a tall order because the historical Prince Eddy was a figure shrouded in sexual scandals, with a murky reputation towards women at best. This book makes the bold move of insisting that there was never anything really wrong about his many liaisons, that he was “just passionate,” and in fact had views on consent far ahead of his time, so it’s fine!!! And I’m just…
Look, when you openly tell the audience that Prince Eddy was keeping a secret lower-class mistress (which he was), but fail to mention that said mistress COMMITTED SUICIDE and his involvement in her death was hushed up/never investigated properly—yeah. This guy is not your book boyfriend, okay? Stop trying to make him your book boyfriend.
I feel the story dismisses the lower-class women Prince Eddy was more than likely exploiting because they’re not Helene… just as Helene herself dismisses all other women because they’re not Helene. Not very feminist of you, ma’am! Where is your intersectionality!
These problems aside, I did enjoy the book. I had a fanatical obsession with researching Queen Victoria’s descendants in my high school and college years, so this book reignited that fire a bit, which is always fun. “Oh look, another obscure name I haven’t thought about in years!” I was particularly obsessed with King George VI, who happens to be Mary of Teck’s son from her eventual marriage to Eddy’s younger brother, so it was fun of imagine what his parents’ road to romance could have looked like (well, if you add in some extra melodrama and blackmail just for spice). And I will definitely be reading Book 2 when it comes out, if only to find out HOW the author plans to handle Eddy’s SUDDEN DEATH FROM ACUTE PNEUMONIA—
Note: I would describe this book as New Adult, not YA. The characters are mainly in their 20s and there are a few vaguely open-door scenes.
November 2, 2024
THANKS TO THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A HONEST REVIEW.
I've been bumping into the American Royals series for a few years. I like royal drama and politics but don't have the time and temperament to engage in a series. So, A Queen's Game sounds like a perfect fun read, as it was supposed to be stand-alone. The story is based on real-world events and some real characters. Almost every character has their chapter. Everyone is looking for a happy ending but has different struggles. Alix of Hesse has everything that a future queen should have but her inner struggles are hidden. Helene d'Orleans, daughter of an exiled king, likes to break rules which princesses don't. May of Treck wants to get married and move out from her abusive family, but she is too ordinary to be noticed by any royalty.
Individually, each track was unique, and their struggles made sense. At the same time, the story felt dragged, much was happening but nothing contributed toward an ending. All characters were not likable. I just wish some had more spine. The American guest was so hateful and selfish. I just wish there was more to the story. The ending was sudden and open-ended. Several hints toward a sequel. I started this book for a standalone, not for a cliffhanger. I literally wasted my time on it. Because there is no way I'll catch up with the sequel.
I've been bumping into the American Royals series for a few years. I like royal drama and politics but don't have the time and temperament to engage in a series. So, A Queen's Game sounds like a perfect fun read, as it was supposed to be stand-alone. The story is based on real-world events and some real characters. Almost every character has their chapter. Everyone is looking for a happy ending but has different struggles. Alix of Hesse has everything that a future queen should have but her inner struggles are hidden. Helene d'Orleans, daughter of an exiled king, likes to break rules which princesses don't. May of Treck wants to get married and move out from her abusive family, but she is too ordinary to be noticed by any royalty.
Individually, each track was unique, and their struggles made sense. At the same time, the story felt dragged, much was happening but nothing contributed toward an ending. All characters were not likable. I just wish some had more spine. The American guest was so hateful and selfish. I just wish there was more to the story. The ending was sudden and open-ended. Several hints toward a sequel. I started this book for a standalone, not for a cliffhanger. I literally wasted my time on it. Because there is no way I'll catch up with the sequel.
September 2, 2024
I loved McGee’s American Royals series, but this one just wasn’t for me. Her writing is always top notch and this book is perfect for a teen if they are into the royal families of the 1800s, I just kept comparing it to AR and I got lost more than once… maybe once the next two books are out this one will be better? Give me a family tree somewhere and this instantly goes up to a 4 star.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.
August 27, 2025
4 Stars
Always love a Katharine McGee royal romance!! Also, I read a book on the Romanovs before this, so knowing about Alix's story was... 😭
Always love a Katharine McGee royal romance!! Also, I read a book on the Romanovs before this, so knowing about Alix's story was... 😭
January 29, 2025
I opened this book and was immediately whisked into the glittering regency ballrooms of the European setting. I always eat up anything in this era, and this book was no exception.
You are made privy to much gossip and secrecy right from the start, and it keeps up the whole book. So much of the characters reasoning is delusional but it's the 1800s so can I really make an argument on anything?? No. Therefore, I just have fun and enjoy it for what it is :)
I felt there was some Bridgerton.... influence or inspiration. In a good way though!
I was not aware that this was going to be a series, so I was taken aback with the ending we were left with!
Really thought I was signing up for a standalone. I guess no complaints since I will happily read whatever happens next, but this just came out so it shall be forever :')
You are made privy to much gossip and secrecy right from the start, and it keeps up the whole book. So much of the characters reasoning is delusional but it's the 1800s so can I really make an argument on anything?? No. Therefore, I just have fun and enjoy it for what it is :)
I felt there was some Bridgerton.... influence or inspiration. In a good way though!
I was not aware that this was going to be a series, so I was taken aback with the ending we were left with!
Really thought I was signing up for a standalone. I guess no complaints since I will happily read whatever happens next, but this just came out so it shall be forever :')
November 30, 2024
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. #PRHInternationalPartner
*** 3.5 STARS ***
It took me a while to get into the story but I definitely enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
*** 3.5 STARS ***
It took me a while to get into the story but I definitely enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
January 23, 2025
somehow managed to out-incest cassandra clare with this one
November 21, 2024
3.5 stars
Victoria is bound and determined to marry off her progeny and her grandchildren are up to me matched. With weddings, courtships, proposals, and more on the line, it's anybody's guess if Victoria will persevere and get her way. Alix, Helene, and May are all potential matches for Victoria's heir either by their own desire or their grandmother's. Friendships come and go and loyalties don't last forever.
Katharine McGee to me means lots of drama, like Gossip Girl level drama. And until the last 25% or so, I was convinced that I misremembered and this was actually just a standalone fictional retelling of the life and times of some of Victoria's grandchildren. The ending, however, brought me back to Katharine's American Royals. I didn't find this to be as entertaining as that series but I did like the historical nods and the likeability of most of the characters... even though the sole American wasn't the best example of my countrywomen (or is she???).
I tandem read this book and I have to say that the audiobook was a bit of a miss for me. The narrator, Imogen Wilde, is lovely but with so many POVs, having a solo narrator really was a disservice to the story. I'd easily listen to another she performs without issue if it's single POV.
Thank you to Get Underlined for the gifted copy and PRHA for the alc. All thoughts are my own.
Victoria is bound and determined to marry off her progeny and her grandchildren are up to me matched. With weddings, courtships, proposals, and more on the line, it's anybody's guess if Victoria will persevere and get her way. Alix, Helene, and May are all potential matches for Victoria's heir either by their own desire or their grandmother's. Friendships come and go and loyalties don't last forever.
Katharine McGee to me means lots of drama, like Gossip Girl level drama. And until the last 25% or so, I was convinced that I misremembered and this was actually just a standalone fictional retelling of the life and times of some of Victoria's grandchildren. The ending, however, brought me back to Katharine's American Royals. I didn't find this to be as entertaining as that series but I did like the historical nods and the likeability of most of the characters... even though the sole American wasn't the best example of my countrywomen (or is she???).
I tandem read this book and I have to say that the audiobook was a bit of a miss for me. The narrator, Imogen Wilde, is lovely but with so many POVs, having a solo narrator really was a disservice to the story. I'd easily listen to another she performs without issue if it's single POV.
Thank you to Get Underlined for the gifted copy and PRHA for the alc. All thoughts are my own.
August 1, 2025
This book was good. My fave part was when one of the characters has an anxiety attack. I almost laughed when she talked about her shameful illness. I think it was funny how society has changed its view of teens with anxiety. This book is a must read for everyone!!
January 5, 2025
The phrase "Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing," once used by Katy Perry to describe a frenemy, perfectly captures the essence of this novel. While many of the characters are inspired by real people, their portrayals are loosely based on history. Some, like Agnes, are entirely fictional. Fun fact: Agnes was inspired by the American "dollar princesses" who came to London at the end of the Victorian era. According to the author, Katherine McGee, these women came to Britain hoping to trade their American wealth for a British title. Talk about scandalous!
The novel centers around three main princesses: Alix of Hesse, Queen Victoria's beloved granddaughter; Helene of France, a strikingly beautiful and headstrong young woman whose family lives in exile in England; and May of Teck, the poorest of the three. May's father squandered her mother's fortune, and now he hopes to marry her off to a wealthy family to regain status and money.
If you're a fan of juicy gossip about Britain's high society, this is the book for you. The characters come to life in a way that makes the story utterly captivating. I must admit, I looked up the real-life marriages of the ladies, which gave away the novel's ending for me. But don’t worry—there’s more to come! The author has confirmed that a sequel is in the works, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The novel centers around three main princesses: Alix of Hesse, Queen Victoria's beloved granddaughter; Helene of France, a strikingly beautiful and headstrong young woman whose family lives in exile in England; and May of Teck, the poorest of the three. May's father squandered her mother's fortune, and now he hopes to marry her off to a wealthy family to regain status and money.
If you're a fan of juicy gossip about Britain's high society, this is the book for you. The characters come to life in a way that makes the story utterly captivating. I must admit, I looked up the real-life marriages of the ladies, which gave away the novel's ending for me. But don’t worry—there’s more to come! The author has confirmed that a sequel is in the works, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed this, and I think any other historical fiction fanatics will definitely appreciate the liberties taken here.
Three girls duke it out on the marriage mart in Victorian England. Alix, Helene, and May don't have much in common accept for Eddy, the heir to the throne. Alix is the queen's favorite granddaughter, and thought to already be engaged to Eddy, much to her dismay. May is a distant relative, who's parent's low status leaves her hoping to marry well above her station. Helene, an exiled French princess, wants only to have a home and to escape the banality of her situation. The season is turned upside down when Eddy falls in love with the wrong royal.
Three girls duke it out on the marriage mart in Victorian England. Alix, Helene, and May don't have much in common accept for Eddy, the heir to the throne. Alix is the queen's favorite granddaughter, and thought to already be engaged to Eddy, much to her dismay. May is a distant relative, who's parent's low status leaves her hoping to marry well above her station. Helene, an exiled French princess, wants only to have a home and to escape the banality of her situation. The season is turned upside down when Eddy falls in love with the wrong royal.
October 8, 2025
sometimes you really just need an angsty time piece romantic drama to pass the days
November 21, 2024
Thank you Random House Children’s for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
If it’s a royal romance, I’m gonna read it. I was a huge fan of McGee’s AMERICA ROYALS series so when I saw this pop up, I immediately added it to my TBR. And thank goodness I did because I think this might be the most well written of all her books. I found that the story structure, character arcs, peeks into history, and modern elements of romance all worked so well together. I kept running to my internet browser to Google the real lives of these characters. I also immediately wanted to watch Anastasia after I finished.
Synopsis:
“In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other. Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Pacing—This was unputdownable for me in a time when I really had a hard time focusing. Everything moved very well and the tension pulsed through the pages. This is the kind of book that makes me excited about writing.
The Passion—Katharine McGee’s characters are always going to find stolen moments amidst forbidden romances. And there’s always going to be that sneaky character you aren’t sure if you should trust. She did her typical tropes SO well.
The History—I think this is a fascinating time in history, especially as Americans because the role of monarchies feels so distant and foreign. I don’t know all of this history by heart, but I did know bits and pieces of it and I loved having the chance to get to understand it better. Also, I’m glad to know we’ve come farther in terms of mental health, but it seems that there will always be a stigma surrounding it and I felt for Alix.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Nothing—I really, truly loved this book. It was escapist but not unrealistic, since it is all based in history!
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
grief, death, misogyny, blackmail
If it’s a royal romance, I’m gonna read it. I was a huge fan of McGee’s AMERICA ROYALS series so when I saw this pop up, I immediately added it to my TBR. And thank goodness I did because I think this might be the most well written of all her books. I found that the story structure, character arcs, peeks into history, and modern elements of romance all worked so well together. I kept running to my internet browser to Google the real lives of these characters. I also immediately wanted to watch Anastasia after I finished.
Synopsis:
“In the last glittering decade of European empires, courts, and kings, three young women are on a collision course with history—and with each other. Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, so she can expect to end up with a prince . . . except that the prince she’s falling for is not the one she’s supposed to marry.Hélène d’Orléans, daughter of the exiled King of France, doesn’t mind being a former princess; it gives her more opportunity to break the rules. Like running around with the handsome, charming, and very much off-limits heir to the British throne, Prince Eddy.Then there’s May of Teck. After spending her entire life on the fringes of the royal world, May is determined to marry a prince—and not just any prince, but the future king.In a story that sweeps from the glittering ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wilds of Scotland, A Queen’s Game recounts a pivotal moment in real history as only Katharine McGee can tell it: through the eyes of the young women whose lives, and loves, changed it forever.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Pacing—This was unputdownable for me in a time when I really had a hard time focusing. Everything moved very well and the tension pulsed through the pages. This is the kind of book that makes me excited about writing.
The Passion—Katharine McGee’s characters are always going to find stolen moments amidst forbidden romances. And there’s always going to be that sneaky character you aren’t sure if you should trust. She did her typical tropes SO well.
The History—I think this is a fascinating time in history, especially as Americans because the role of monarchies feels so distant and foreign. I don’t know all of this history by heart, but I did know bits and pieces of it and I loved having the chance to get to understand it better. Also, I’m glad to know we’ve come farther in terms of mental health, but it seems that there will always be a stigma surrounding it and I felt for Alix.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Nothing—I really, truly loved this book. It was escapist but not unrealistic, since it is all based in history!
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
grief, death, misogyny, blackmail
December 13, 2024
The politics, romance, friendships, betrayals, and heartbreak… I could not get enough of McGee’s newest royal drama. I started reading McGee’s American Royals series back in 2021 and it’s been fun watching her growth as a writer and see the evolution of her storytelling.
With multiple main characters whose storylines are closely woven together, it could be easy for all the details to muddle together but McGee does a wonderful job of keeping each character’s arc and voice distinct. It also speaks to McGee’s strength as a writer that you empathize with each character and their quandaries because they are deeply human and striving not just for a HEA, but for the chance to have a say in the direction of their futures. The historical elements were fascinating and had me doing a deep dive after reading to learn more about these individuals and their lives.
My only complaint is that I thought this was a standalone, but it’s the start of a new series. I would still have read it, but it would have been nice to know there would not be a resolution in the end.
I’m looking forward to the next book and am keeping my fingers crossed for happy endings for Alix, May, and Hélène.
With multiple main characters whose storylines are closely woven together, it could be easy for all the details to muddle together but McGee does a wonderful job of keeping each character’s arc and voice distinct. It also speaks to McGee’s strength as a writer that you empathize with each character and their quandaries because they are deeply human and striving not just for a HEA, but for the chance to have a say in the direction of their futures. The historical elements were fascinating and had me doing a deep dive after reading to learn more about these individuals and their lives.
My only complaint is that I thought this was a standalone, but it’s the start of a new series. I would still have read it, but it would have been nice to know there would not be a resolution in the end.
I’m looking forward to the next book and am keeping my fingers crossed for happy endings for Alix, May, and Hélène.
November 29, 2024
I think if I had a better understanding of late 19th century European history (or more accurately the people involved), I would’ve enjoyed this more. As it was though, I honestly just didn’t feel attached to any of these characters and it sort of felt like a knock off Bridgerton book. I went into this with really high expectations since I loved AR so much, but this just did not live up to that series. I also don’t know that I necessarily think this needed to be a whole series, but all that being said, I’ll read the next one when it comes out.
January 30, 2025
I loved this book! 4.5 stars.
Only thing I have to say is that I went into this thinking it was a standalone, but it looks like there will be a sequel since the last few chapters were messyyyyy. Other than that, the writing is amazing and the three main characters were all loveable!
Only thing I have to say is that I went into this thinking it was a standalone, but it looks like there will be a sequel since the last few chapters were messyyyyy. Other than that, the writing is amazing and the three main characters were all loveable!
June 21, 2025
A delightful fictitious rendering of British royal history! Yes-real names were used and a lot of research went into to this novel as the author used many factual details. If you love anything about royal history you will love this! I want a sequel!!
July 28, 2025
This book was boring. I felt nothing for the characters and the plot really felt like the first act of what should've been a larger story. Sure, it IS part of a larger story in a series, but that doesn't mean the first book should be stretched out to 300+ pages when it could've been accomplished in half that.
May 28, 2025
Katharine McGee does it again with A Queen's Game, a historical fiction romance that brings the Victorian era to life. The story centers on three young women—Alix, Hélène, and May—all of whom are in the market for a husband. As their lives intertwine over the course of a year, secrets and passions are revealed alongside tons of royal drama!
Fans of McGee's American Royals series will love this book! The mix of real historical figures with fictional drama makes the story feel vibrant and authentic. While I found myself wishing for a family tree to navigate the cast of characters (especially at the beginning), it did not diminish the book's overall charm.
It is worth noting that this book is slightly spicier compared to the American Royals series, but it's still totally appropriate for YA readers. A Queen's Game is a delightful mix of history, romance, and drama that earns a solid 4 stars. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel! Fans of royal romances won't want to miss this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Fans of McGee's American Royals series will love this book! The mix of real historical figures with fictional drama makes the story feel vibrant and authentic. While I found myself wishing for a family tree to navigate the cast of characters (especially at the beginning), it did not diminish the book's overall charm.
It is worth noting that this book is slightly spicier compared to the American Royals series, but it's still totally appropriate for YA readers. A Queen's Game is a delightful mix of history, romance, and drama that earns a solid 4 stars. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel! Fans of royal romances won't want to miss this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
January 15, 2025
i enjoyed it but i feel like there was just a little too much going on and things were happening kinda quickly. i also feel like this shouldn’t be a series, i think there could’ve been a way to make it one book by just cutting all the nonsense out
January 4, 2025
this book is very interesting and was actually based off of historical events! it is very similar to her other series, american royals 🇺🇸
January 7, 2025
¡Me encantan los libros de esta autora! Su trilogía de El piso mil me tuvo dentrísimo todo el tiempo y con American Royals, lo mismo. Es la reina del salseo royal.
En esta ocasión, nos trae una novela de ficción histórica juvenil, donde los protagonistas fueron personajes reales de la realeza y los compromisos/relaciones que encontramos en ella ¡ocurrieron de verdad!
Está narrada desde 3 puntos de vista diferentes: tres princesas, en edad de casarse. En juego está la corona de Inglaterra o el futuro de la familia, entre otras. Se lee en un suspiro, ya que es muy ágil y el cambio de pov siempre ayuda.
Si os gustan los salseos dentro del mundillo de la alta sociedad y en este caso de la realeza del siglo XIX, sobre todo británica, os gustará. Varios romances, amistad, bailes, disputas, dramas familiares, entresijos políticos. Hay un poco de todo.
Es una primera parte y el final se queda abierto, así que ojalá tengamos noticias del segundo libro prontito.
En esta ocasión, nos trae una novela de ficción histórica juvenil, donde los protagonistas fueron personajes reales de la realeza y los compromisos/relaciones que encontramos en ella ¡ocurrieron de verdad!
Está narrada desde 3 puntos de vista diferentes: tres princesas, en edad de casarse. En juego está la corona de Inglaterra o el futuro de la familia, entre otras. Se lee en un suspiro, ya que es muy ágil y el cambio de pov siempre ayuda.
Si os gustan los salseos dentro del mundillo de la alta sociedad y en este caso de la realeza del siglo XIX, sobre todo británica, os gustará. Varios romances, amistad, bailes, disputas, dramas familiares, entresijos políticos. Hay un poco de todo.
Es una primera parte y el final se queda abierto, así que ojalá tengamos noticias del segundo libro prontito.
February 18, 2025
This was drama from beginning to end. I liked seeing historical fiction from Katharine McGee; I like her American Royals series more. I thought the settings were great, and the alternating points of view were done well. I thought the characters were interesting because I didn't really know a ton about that time in history. However, they were also super one-note. Everything felt petty and manipulative, with some romance at the center of every conversation. I felt like I couldn't root for any of them because it was juvenile. That's what took me out of the book. It was a quick enough read, and I am curious about how book two will unravel, but it definitely wasn't my favorite of McGee's.
October 4, 2024
If you’re looking to get into historical fiction, I think this could be a great way in. It’s YA about three real women, Mary of Teck, Alix of Hesse, and Hele d’Orleans. I knew their stories but I really enjoyed this kind of modern twist on it. It’s very much historical FICTION but a good easy to digest way to start learning about them.
December 16, 2024
Partiendo de hechos reales e históricos como son los personajes principales ( quitando el de Agnes de América), la autora se ha marcado un libro muy buenos sobre los tejemanejes de la Reina Victoria para unir a sus nietos con todas las casas reales y como las protagonistas hacen lo imposible o posible por esos matrimonios.
Un libro interesante sobre hechos históricos que ya conocemos… espero que el segundo libro no tarde mucho en llegar!
Un libro interesante sobre hechos históricos que ya conocemos… espero que el segundo libro no tarde mucho en llegar!
February 22, 2025
This was as soapy and fun as the American Royals novels. It started a little slow and felt like there was some info-dumping in the first few chapters, but once things got established, it was a quick and exciting read. I Googled, and it turns out that the characters were very much based on real members of the aristocracy in Victorian England. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, so don’t Google if you don’t want spoilers for Book 2!
Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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