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The Diamonds #1
Queen Bee
A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!
Lady Ela Dalvi knows the exact moment her life was forever changed—when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined.
Nearly three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for . . . revenge. Her enemy is quickly joining the crème de la crème of high society while she withers away in the English countryside.
With an audacious plan to get even, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. But when Ela reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved, she begins to question whether vengeance is still her greatest desire.
In this complicated game of real-life chess, Ela must choose her next move: Finally bring down the queen or capture the king’s heart?
Lady Ela Dalvi knows the exact moment her life was forever changed—when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined.
Nearly three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for . . . revenge. Her enemy is quickly joining the crème de la crème of high society while she withers away in the English countryside.
With an audacious plan to get even, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. But when Ela reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved, she begins to question whether vengeance is still her greatest desire.
In this complicated game of real-life chess, Ela must choose her next move: Finally bring down the queen or capture the king’s heart?
Audiobook
First published April 4, 2023
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About the author
Amalie Howard
46 books3,277 followersAMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, most notably of The Beast of Beswick, “a smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance,” and one of O-The Oprah Magazine’s Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is the co-author of the #1 bestsellers in regency romance and Scottish historical romance, My Rogue, My Ruin and What A Scot Wants, and has also penned several young adult novels, critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT selection. Of Indo-Caribbean descent, she has written articles on multicultural fiction for The Portland Book Review and Ravishly magazine. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at amaliehoward.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,010 reviews
October 21, 2025
This book is scandalous, stimulating, smart, revengeful, tempting, and shocking! Even better than the Bridgerton series!
With the quotes of Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, it’s a brilliant revenge story of an innocent girl who lost everything in her life, facing the betrayal of her best friend and the boy who stole her heart!
Her reputation is tarnished! Her family is gone! She is penniless! She’s nobody! Poor Lady Ela Dalvi is sent to Cumbria at the age of 15 because of her slanderous comment that ruined her reputation! When she is away, she forms a Machiavellian plot for revenge, but for the success of her plan, she has to kill Ela. She has to be reborn from her ashes to turn into the enigmatic heiress, luminous Lyra Whitley, to infiltrate London’s elites, befriending Poppy and her close circle, doing everything she can to tarnish her reputation and take away her happiness just like she did to her!
There’s only one person standing between her success or avenging plan and her heartbreak: the eligible bachelor Lord Keston Osborn, the Marquess of Ridley, heir to the Duke of Heritege. He was the same boy she played with when they played with wooden swords in the woods, losing at the chess game, and listening to his nonstop gloating, racing across the pond on their estate, sharing blueberry ice cream. He was her childhood friend, her first love, and the biggest heartbreak. She has to seduce him to accomplish her revenge plan, but her unresolved feelings can threaten everything she’s scheming for years.
Could she be able to make people pay for their mistakes, or could she be a big person to let things go and take another chance for happiness?
This book is a MUST READ! I highly, absolutely, extremely recommend it! Lyra/Ela is my favorite kind of avenging angel! And Church is the fascinating supporting character! I truly loved her so much!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Joy Revolution for sharing this incredible reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
With the quotes of Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, it’s a brilliant revenge story of an innocent girl who lost everything in her life, facing the betrayal of her best friend and the boy who stole her heart!
Her reputation is tarnished! Her family is gone! She is penniless! She’s nobody! Poor Lady Ela Dalvi is sent to Cumbria at the age of 15 because of her slanderous comment that ruined her reputation! When she is away, she forms a Machiavellian plot for revenge, but for the success of her plan, she has to kill Ela. She has to be reborn from her ashes to turn into the enigmatic heiress, luminous Lyra Whitley, to infiltrate London’s elites, befriending Poppy and her close circle, doing everything she can to tarnish her reputation and take away her happiness just like she did to her!
There’s only one person standing between her success or avenging plan and her heartbreak: the eligible bachelor Lord Keston Osborn, the Marquess of Ridley, heir to the Duke of Heritege. He was the same boy she played with when they played with wooden swords in the woods, losing at the chess game, and listening to his nonstop gloating, racing across the pond on their estate, sharing blueberry ice cream. He was her childhood friend, her first love, and the biggest heartbreak. She has to seduce him to accomplish her revenge plan, but her unresolved feelings can threaten everything she’s scheming for years.
Could she be able to make people pay for their mistakes, or could she be a big person to let things go and take another chance for happiness?
This book is a MUST READ! I highly, absolutely, extremely recommend it! Lyra/Ela is my favorite kind of avenging angel! And Church is the fascinating supporting character! I truly loved her so much!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Joy Revolution for sharing this incredible reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 18, 2025
Who blurbed this? It's not BRIDGERTON meets THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. More like petty teenage drama that absolutely no one cares about. Me. I don't care.
I love own voices. I had to double check that the author was actually from the background she is writing about. She is. For a historical fiction promising diverse backgrounds, this did not deliver. Sure, Indian and other backgrounds are mentioned in passing. Often too many times. Did I "see" anything beyond the brown skin and saris? No.
Also, for someone that was outed by a scandal by both her ex-BFF and wannabe lover, I get the revenge plot against the friend, but don't forgive the boy. Eww.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Joy Revolution
I love own voices. I had to double check that the author was actually from the background she is writing about. She is. For a historical fiction promising diverse backgrounds, this did not deliver. Sure, Indian and other backgrounds are mentioned in passing. Often too many times. Did I "see" anything beyond the brown skin and saris? No.
Also, for someone that was outed by a scandal by both her ex-BFF and wannabe lover, I get the revenge plot against the friend, but don't forgive the boy. Eww.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Joy Revolution
May 25, 2023
update: it was literally bridgerton but w revenge i love it
bridgerton s2 if anthony was a brown boy 🤭
bridgerton s2 if anthony was a brown boy 🤭
August 2, 2023
Okay upon reread Keston needed to check himself!!! It was also hard to read about Poppy again bc she was such a wench OOF. My first read I was like IN it but this one I really just wanted Poppy to fall down a well. But I still had a great time and the pod episode goes live on 8/4 ✨
Initial review ⬇️
✨Sorry, the old Ela can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, cuz she’s dead.✨
I HAD SO MUCH FUN. Amalie Howard is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I was so excited to see her venture into YA! I got into historical romance in part by another YA title—Dangerous Alliance—so I’m happy to see another one! If you loved (or wanted to love) Reputation by Alex Croucher, I definitely recommend Queen Bee.
I simply blew through this book and didn’t want it to be over!! It was as charming and sharp as I could have hoped for, especially the second chance romance aspect. I’m not generally a fan of alternating timelines, but this one used them quite effectively. The momentum never faltered and I’ve never rooted for a main character more.
I’m obsessed with a character intent on revenge, truly revenging the SHIT out of the villain. Sure she had some qualms towards the end but she took back what was hers. A lot of times when a character wants revenge, other characters try to be massive party poopers with “be the bigger person” bullshit.
NO. This is 2022 and for the love of god I’m so tired. I need revenge. I crave it. I was pleased that most of her friends just helped Ela achieve her goals and the big reveal was actually very refreshing.
The relationship was very cute and Keston was such a swoon. I think he understood his errors in the past and handled everything very well at the end (YAY). Second chance isn’t always my cup of tea, but I loved it here. Ela’s glowup was fun to witness, but obviously Kes saw beyond that.
Upon publication, I will immediately be purchasing the audiobook and shouting from the rooftops that a movie NEEDS to be adapted. If you always get mad at your mother for being the devil’s advocate whenever you just want to vent, this is the book you need in your life. There’s nothing I like better than revenge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The summary says Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo, but I also detected a distinct Mean Girls meets Do Revenge influence. Bridgerton is comped because at this point it just means anything historical romance. Amalie had a wonderful author’s note detailing why this is called an “anti-historical” novel.
I hadn’t encountered the term before, so if like me you were confused, Amalie defines anti-historical as a historical novel with a fully diverse cast. While history did include characters such as those found in this book, most historical romances do not.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
______
Initial reaction:
10/10 made me feel so powerful Ela was so strong and badass and idc what the actual lesson learned is bc I LOVED the revenge 😤 (the actual message of keeping your power and agency, but also being a good person was good too but I’m so petty I thrived)
Initial review ⬇️
✨Sorry, the old Ela can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, cuz she’s dead.✨
I HAD SO MUCH FUN. Amalie Howard is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I was so excited to see her venture into YA! I got into historical romance in part by another YA title—Dangerous Alliance—so I’m happy to see another one! If you loved (or wanted to love) Reputation by Alex Croucher, I definitely recommend Queen Bee.
I simply blew through this book and didn’t want it to be over!! It was as charming and sharp as I could have hoped for, especially the second chance romance aspect. I’m not generally a fan of alternating timelines, but this one used them quite effectively. The momentum never faltered and I’ve never rooted for a main character more.
I’m obsessed with a character intent on revenge, truly revenging the SHIT out of the villain. Sure she had some qualms towards the end but she took back what was hers. A lot of times when a character wants revenge, other characters try to be massive party poopers with “be the bigger person” bullshit.
NO. This is 2022 and for the love of god I’m so tired. I need revenge. I crave it. I was pleased that most of her friends just helped Ela achieve her goals and the big reveal was actually very refreshing.
The relationship was very cute and Keston was such a swoon. I think he understood his errors in the past and handled everything very well at the end (YAY). Second chance isn’t always my cup of tea, but I loved it here. Ela’s glowup was fun to witness, but obviously Kes saw beyond that.
Upon publication, I will immediately be purchasing the audiobook and shouting from the rooftops that a movie NEEDS to be adapted. If you always get mad at your mother for being the devil’s advocate whenever you just want to vent, this is the book you need in your life. There’s nothing I like better than revenge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The summary says Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo, but I also detected a distinct Mean Girls meets Do Revenge influence. Bridgerton is comped because at this point it just means anything historical romance. Amalie had a wonderful author’s note detailing why this is called an “anti-historical” novel.
I hadn’t encountered the term before, so if like me you were confused, Amalie defines anti-historical as a historical novel with a fully diverse cast. While history did include characters such as those found in this book, most historical romances do not.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
______
Initial reaction:
10/10 made me feel so powerful Ela was so strong and badass and idc what the actual lesson learned is bc I LOVED the revenge 😤 (the actual message of keeping your power and agency, but also being a good person was good too but I’m so petty I thrived)
April 8, 2025
2 stars. Just 2. That’s all this chaotic regency mess is getting from me.
Summary?
Revenge? I barely know her. Logic? Never heard of it. Keston? Absolutely not.
This book tested my patience like no other 😭
So Lyra/Ela—our main girl—gets ruined and cast out of society thanks to her fake BFF and her weak little situationship man.
Fast forward just three years and she decides to re-enter society undercover to exact revenge. I was seated. I was READY for schemes, sabotage, slayage.
But instead??
NO ONE recognizes her. NOT A SINGLE SOUL.
Not the ex-BFF. Not the man who “loved” her. Not one ton member.
Just because she changed her HAIR and DRESSES??
Be serious.
Is this a regency drama or a Clark Kent glasses situation?!
The “revenge”?
Mild at best. Petty at worst. Satisfying? Not even a little bit.
She had three years to plot, and this was her grand plan? A couple of smug comments and a dramatic exit?
I WANTED BLOOD. I GOT VIBES.
And don’t even get me started on Keston.
This man?? THIS MAN??
He had one job: stand up for her when it mattered.
He did NOTHING. Let her be destroyed.
And now, instead of burning it all down, Ela’s over here blushing and swooning???
GIRL STAND UP.
Not one grovel. Not one redeeming act.
And yet we’re supposed to root for him??
Absolutely not.
The only reason this gets 2 stars and not 1?
Because the beginning had potential and I liked the idea behind the story. It just wasn’t delivered well at all.
Final thoughts?
This book told me it was Bridgerton meets Count of Monte Cristo, but it gave me Mean Girls: Regency Edition, minus the bite.
PS. Don’t let a man who stood by your ruin come back into your life with one smirk and zero accountability. We deserve better.
ALWAYS.
Revenge level: 2/10
Keston: 🚮
My face every time Ela forgave too fast: 😭
Me yelling at the pages: GET A GRIP, GIRL.
Summary?
Revenge? I barely know her. Logic? Never heard of it. Keston? Absolutely not.
This book tested my patience like no other 😭
So Lyra/Ela—our main girl—gets ruined and cast out of society thanks to her fake BFF and her weak little situationship man.
Fast forward just three years and she decides to re-enter society undercover to exact revenge. I was seated. I was READY for schemes, sabotage, slayage.
But instead??
NO ONE recognizes her. NOT A SINGLE SOUL.
Not the ex-BFF. Not the man who “loved” her. Not one ton member.
Just because she changed her HAIR and DRESSES??
Be serious.
Is this a regency drama or a Clark Kent glasses situation?!
The “revenge”?
Mild at best. Petty at worst. Satisfying? Not even a little bit.
She had three years to plot, and this was her grand plan? A couple of smug comments and a dramatic exit?
I WANTED BLOOD. I GOT VIBES.
And don’t even get me started on Keston.
This man?? THIS MAN??
He had one job: stand up for her when it mattered.
He did NOTHING. Let her be destroyed.
And now, instead of burning it all down, Ela’s over here blushing and swooning???
GIRL STAND UP.
Not one grovel. Not one redeeming act.
And yet we’re supposed to root for him??
Absolutely not.
The only reason this gets 2 stars and not 1?
Because the beginning had potential and I liked the idea behind the story. It just wasn’t delivered well at all.
Final thoughts?
This book told me it was Bridgerton meets Count of Monte Cristo, but it gave me Mean Girls: Regency Edition, minus the bite.
PS. Don’t let a man who stood by your ruin come back into your life with one smirk and zero accountability. We deserve better.
ALWAYS.
Revenge level: 2/10
Keston: 🚮
My face every time Ela forgave too fast: 😭
Me yelling at the pages: GET A GRIP, GIRL.
February 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
“I was going to war, the glittering ballrooms of London my battlefield.”
ʚ mini review ɞ
🐝 : queen bee is best described as if better than revenge by taylor swift was a book, but with a happy ending. Stick it in a Regency setting, with a dual timeline, playful banter, and swoony romance, and there you have it. If you like any of those things you’ll like this book <3
🐝: I liked this just enough to give four stars hehe. It wasn’t the most amazing thing ever, but I did immensely enjoy it. I got it for a little Valentine’s Day read and it delivered on that part.
🐝 : the whole revenge/girl hate plot wasn’t my fav, but the ending was satisfactory! Ela had a great character arc. AND KESTON! omg!! He is actually perfect and my new favorite book boyfriend fr. Ela was obsessed with him and I had to endure paragraphs of her ranting about how hot he was, only for her to add that she didn’t have any feelings for him. Girl, you are fooling no one.
🐝: all in all, this was a great read! I could barely put in down hahaha. The writing fell a bit flat sometimes & some of the characters cough Ela cough were a little too delusional, but besides that it was good! You can get the whole vibe from the quote I put at the beginning <3
ʚ bye! Ilysm! ɞ
“I was going to war, the glittering ballrooms of London my battlefield.”
ʚ mini review ɞ
🐝 : queen bee is best described as if better than revenge by taylor swift was a book, but with a happy ending. Stick it in a Regency setting, with a dual timeline, playful banter, and swoony romance, and there you have it. If you like any of those things you’ll like this book <3
🐝: I liked this just enough to give four stars hehe. It wasn’t the most amazing thing ever, but I did immensely enjoy it. I got it for a little Valentine’s Day read and it delivered on that part.
🐝 : the whole revenge/girl hate plot wasn’t my fav, but the ending was satisfactory! Ela had a great character arc. AND KESTON! omg!! He is actually perfect and my new favorite book boyfriend fr. Ela was obsessed with him and I had to endure paragraphs of her ranting about how hot he was, only for her to add that she didn’t have any feelings for him. Girl, you are fooling no one.
🐝: all in all, this was a great read! I could barely put in down hahaha. The writing fell a bit flat sometimes & some of the characters cough Ela cough were a little too delusional, but besides that it was good! You can get the whole vibe from the quote I put at the beginning <3
ʚ bye! Ilysm! ɞ
April 24, 2023
off topic, but this book has a chess scene where the character castles late into the game when her king is in check…..
on topic, this is an average, cheesy little fun read that does its job. even if i didn’t agree with the ending (this time, because i actually wanted more chaos).
on topic, this is an average, cheesy little fun read that does its job. even if i didn’t agree with the ending (this time, because i actually wanted more chaos).
March 4, 2025
trillions of nerves in my body and this book manages to get to every single one of them
December 30, 2023
4.5 stars. i throughly enjoyed this book! i didn’t have any expectations walking in to it, but it fully surprised me. the plot was interesting and the story progression was well executed. i really love ela and kept cheering her on throughout her revenge scheme. her actions all made sense and i liked how dynamic and complex she was as a character. the tension between her and keston is something i’m gonna think about for such a long time. poppy however, as ela perfectly described her, was a cockroach that just wouldn’t die but at least i’m glad she got something close to that.
this is a super fun, scandalous, dramatic read that hooks you in from the very first word. if you’re into ya (or even if you’re not) do check this book out!
this is a super fun, scandalous, dramatic read that hooks you in from the very first word. if you’re into ya (or even if you’re not) do check this book out!
March 22, 2023
I am OBSSESSED! I felt the same compulsion to read this book as for the Bridgerton series, which I devoured the first 2 books.
Have you watched the TV show Revenge? Gosh I loved that show. A 20-something rich girl that plans her revenge against those who were bad to her father.... I devoured every episode, always wanting more. I was devastated when it ended. This book felt like the show : a rich 17 years old is planning her revenge against those who made her life a living hell 3 years before.
Chapters are alternating between past (Ela in 1814) and present (Lyra in 1817), so we can understand better why she's planning to demolish her enemies.
It's perfect, in every way.
Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours for including me in this book tour, in which I received a complimentary e-copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Have you watched the TV show Revenge? Gosh I loved that show. A 20-something rich girl that plans her revenge against those who were bad to her father.... I devoured every episode, always wanting more. I was devastated when it ended. This book felt like the show : a rich 17 years old is planning her revenge against those who made her life a living hell 3 years before.
Chapters are alternating between past (Ela in 1814) and present (Lyra in 1817), so we can understand better why she's planning to demolish her enemies.
It's perfect, in every way.
Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours for including me in this book tour, in which I received a complimentary e-copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 14, 2023
Thank you so much to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
I haven't read anything by Amalie Howard before, but I'm so glad I started with her YA. This was described as Bridgerton x Count of Monte Cristo. I haven't read either but... I LOVED THIS! This was so sweet and addicting to read. Also, cleverly written and charming with a splendid POC cast of characters!
I’m not generally a fan of alternating timelines or second chance romances, but I loved it here. There was also good pacing and I rooted for the characters. Never did I question Ela's motives since you understand and empathize exactly WHY she is doing everything. I am pleased how Ela achieved her goals and the big reveal at the end was well executed too.
The relationship was very cute and Keston was a likable hero. Their romance was engaging and not once did I think their love story wasn't believable. I'm definitely looking forward to getting a physical copy or audiobook because I definitely see myself re-reading this. This would also make for a great movie and NEEDS to be adapted asap.
I haven't read anything by Amalie Howard before, but I'm so glad I started with her YA. This was described as Bridgerton x Count of Monte Cristo. I haven't read either but... I LOVED THIS! This was so sweet and addicting to read. Also, cleverly written and charming with a splendid POC cast of characters!
I’m not generally a fan of alternating timelines or second chance romances, but I loved it here. There was also good pacing and I rooted for the characters. Never did I question Ela's motives since you understand and empathize exactly WHY she is doing everything. I am pleased how Ela achieved her goals and the big reveal at the end was well executed too.
The relationship was very cute and Keston was a likable hero. Their romance was engaging and not once did I think their love story wasn't believable. I'm definitely looking forward to getting a physical copy or audiobook because I definitely see myself re-reading this. This would also make for a great movie and NEEDS to be adapted asap.
January 22, 2023
This has been a sweet and fun read, but I am glad I went into it without high expectations. It was a little slow in places and I wish some of the characters had been fleshed out a little more but overall, this was a lovely YA historical fiction read.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this one, right up until the end when the inevitable drama showed up.
The Mean Girl was just really awful, and honestly, when her love interest said she had a lot to make up for lying to him I was like. DUDE. When the Mean Girl ruined the heroine's life (thoroughly and super viciously btw), you just stood by and believed her without defending what was supposed to be your best friend. She has every right to be mad at the boy, and honestly, he did not grovel enough for my taste. But oh well. They are teenagers? But still. After a strong beginning I found the ending a bit disappointing.
The Mean Girl was just really awful, and honestly, when her love interest said she had a lot to make up for lying to him I was like. DUDE. When the Mean Girl ruined the heroine's life (thoroughly and super viciously btw), you just stood by and believed her without defending what was supposed to be your best friend. She has every right to be mad at the boy, and honestly, he did not grovel enough for my taste. But oh well. They are teenagers? But still. After a strong beginning I found the ending a bit disappointing.
June 20, 2025
Another good one!! I loved how we got drama and a sweet romance! The historical setting with the balls and dresses and suitors is my absolute fav!!! I feel like the whole revenge thing is overplayed, but it did give the book a little niche so idk. I feel like Poppy could have been redeemed, but also the ending was satisfying lol! I loved Rosalind and even Kes! I did feel like the book was a little dry, hence the 4 stars, but not bad!
May 14, 2023
2.5⭐️
This was alright. I would have enjoyed this more if it lived up to the way this was advertised. This regency romance was supposed to be swimming with diversity and be witty with a nice revenge plot. Instead, the diversity was lacking, the writing was alright but the plot wasn’t as good as I imagined it to be. I do not stand for women putting each other down, especially not over a man. Poppy was a disaster of a human being and she deserved every bit of the embarrassment that being exposed led to. However, Ela/Lyra’s plan for her was a bit disappointing.
And I’m not sure how I feel about her falling back in love with the man who let her down. I enjoyed his older version but was it worth it when the original revenge plan included him? On the other hand, Ridley was only a 16yo kid when it happened and clearly insecure. The ending was cute and I did like them together so I’m a little conflicted. The drama resolution was certainly fast and there was no real groveling on either side.
Maybe it would have been better if there had been another love interest (I’m not talking about creating a love triangle here, no thanks) that she would have fallen for and been happy with while Ridley looked on and regretted not having stood up for his friend back then. Maybe.
Also the idea that no one recognized Ela is a little bit silly. I kind of wanted for Ridley to secretly know and play along. Oh, what could have been.
This was alright. I would have enjoyed this more if it lived up to the way this was advertised. This regency romance was supposed to be swimming with diversity and be witty with a nice revenge plot. Instead, the diversity was lacking, the writing was alright but the plot wasn’t as good as I imagined it to be. I do not stand for women putting each other down, especially not over a man. Poppy was a disaster of a human being and she deserved every bit of the embarrassment that being exposed led to. However, Ela/Lyra’s plan for her was a bit disappointing.
And I’m not sure how I feel about her falling back in love with the man who let her down. I enjoyed his older version but was it worth it when the original revenge plan included him? On the other hand, Ridley was only a 16yo kid when it happened and clearly insecure. The ending was cute and I did like them together so I’m a little conflicted. The drama resolution was certainly fast and there was no real groveling on either side.
Maybe it would have been better if there had been another love interest (I’m not talking about creating a love triangle here, no thanks) that she would have fallen for and been happy with while Ridley looked on and regretted not having stood up for his friend back then. Maybe.
Also the idea that no one recognized Ela is a little bit silly. I kind of wanted for Ridley to secretly know and play along. Oh, what could have been.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
2023 reads: 253/350
lady ela dalvi’s life was forever changed when her best friend, poppy, betrayed her, leading to ela’s reputation being ruined. three years later, she’s determined to get her revenge. so determined that she decides to disguise herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrate london’s elite. she has to decide if revenge is worth it, though, when she reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved.
i’ve seen so many people enjoy this one that i just had to give it a try, even though i normally don’t pick up historical fiction. however, i’m sooo glad i did!! i enjoyed the hidden identities, second-chance romance, revenge plan…all of it! i highly recommend this book to any YA readers.
lady ela dalvi’s life was forever changed when her best friend, poppy, betrayed her, leading to ela’s reputation being ruined. three years later, she’s determined to get her revenge. so determined that she decides to disguise herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrate london’s elite. she has to decide if revenge is worth it, though, when she reunites with the only boy she’s ever loved.
i’ve seen so many people enjoy this one that i just had to give it a try, even though i normally don’t pick up historical fiction. however, i’m sooo glad i did!! i enjoyed the hidden identities, second-chance romance, revenge plan…all of it! i highly recommend this book to any YA readers.
November 16, 2022
Thank you so much to Random House Children's for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Another great historical romance from Amalie Howard! I adored Howard's The Princess Stakes when I read it last month, especially because of the wonderful South Asian representation, which made me so excited when I heard of the upcoming release of Queen Bee. This young adult historical romance was super fun and charming. There were so many aspects I enjoyed while reading this book: the themes of friendship, identity, love, found family, and more. I think the various character dynamics and character developments of this novel is what makes it stand out so much. Ela was a super unique character to follow--I definitely think some readers may see her as flawed, but it only made me admire her more. I loved her relationship with Church and her newly forming friendships with Rosalin, Zia, Rafi, Blake, and of course Keston. It's not as common for historical romances to feature both a main character of color and a love interest of color, so I'm so glad that this book was a POC x POC romance! Amalie Howard is definitely a new favorite author of mine after having read both of her historical romances with South Asian MCs, and I can't wait to read her upcoming works! 4.5 stars rounded up.
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Another great historical romance from Amalie Howard! I adored Howard's The Princess Stakes when I read it last month, especially because of the wonderful South Asian representation, which made me so excited when I heard of the upcoming release of Queen Bee. This young adult historical romance was super fun and charming. There were so many aspects I enjoyed while reading this book: the themes of friendship, identity, love, found family, and more. I think the various character dynamics and character developments of this novel is what makes it stand out so much. Ela was a super unique character to follow--I definitely think some readers may see her as flawed, but it only made me admire her more. I loved her relationship with Church and her newly forming friendships with Rosalin, Zia, Rafi, Blake, and of course Keston. It's not as common for historical romances to feature both a main character of color and a love interest of color, so I'm so glad that this book was a POC x POC romance! Amalie Howard is definitely a new favorite author of mine after having read both of her historical romances with South Asian MCs, and I can't wait to read her upcoming works! 4.5 stars rounded up.
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February 24, 2023
I was super excited for a Regency revenge romance. I love a good revenge story. I really liked Lyra. She was wronged by who she thought were her friends and was ruined. Years later she comes back new and improved, ready to take on the ton and those that wronged her. She is determined and ready for part two. I was in total support of Lyra’s mission. What Poppy did was messed up. She really was the biggest witch in town, a total bully and brat.
Two things were my biggest problems. One, the book had parts that I really enjoyed but also some parts that were very slow so the story didn’t flow for me. I don’t think it was the back and forth scenes of showing how she was ruined vs present day. There were just some parts that weren’t either needed or needed to be re-written or re-arranged.
Lastly, I couldn’t get onboard with the romance because the love interest, Keston, is a weak man. He didn’t stand up for her when it was important. He followed along with everyone else and turned his back on her. Why you want to be with a weak man that can’t stand up for you or even himself. He knew Poppy but let her get away with everything. Even the end, he never really set her straight. Lyra needs someone stronger than Keston. I didn’t care for him at all.
Overall, a good and fun read but with the pacing and certain unreliable characters, it wasn’t my favorite Regency romance.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Two things were my biggest problems. One, the book had parts that I really enjoyed but also some parts that were very slow so the story didn’t flow for me. I don’t think it was the back and forth scenes of showing how she was ruined vs present day. There were just some parts that weren’t either needed or needed to be re-written or re-arranged.
Lastly, I couldn’t get onboard with the romance because the love interest, Keston, is a weak man. He didn’t stand up for her when it was important. He followed along with everyone else and turned his back on her. Why you want to be with a weak man that can’t stand up for you or even himself. He knew Poppy but let her get away with everything. Even the end, he never really set her straight. Lyra needs someone stronger than Keston. I didn’t care for him at all.
Overall, a good and fun read but with the pacing and certain unreliable characters, it wasn’t my favorite Regency romance.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 29, 2024
★★★½ stars ! ₊˚⊹♡
warning, some mild spoilers!!
is this the best book ever? no, ofc not. did i have a hell of a lot of fun reading it? yes, yes i did!! i laughed, i got mad, i even swooned a little. i was living for the drama, even if it didn't play out quite the way i hoped, and the characters who were all rlly fun, even if some (cough keston. cough cough) annoyed me for a majority of the book. the little historical inaccuracies made me side eye here and there but this was so inaccurate in the bridgerton way that i couldn't even be mad at it after a certain point. lyra/ela's development was rlly interesting and i like how she developed and matured by the end of the book. rosalin and blake and church and sally and all their friends ATEE it was lowk more fun reading abt them than the mc 🫣 poppy got what was coming to her, the wretch, but I WISHHH i got to see lyra's original plan play out, bc most of what she was doing was just humiliating high school pranks but no real ruination? and then she just forgot abt the whole thing bc of keston so it never rlly got to happen like ugh 🙄 i was digging the romance up until they met again when they were older and ela was just slobbering all over him completely forgetting how wrong he did her? like the ENTIREE book i was like girl what happened to taking revenge?? U NEED TO STAND UP. but alas she didn't so i had to suffer thru her lusting after him the whole time. it got annoying. i dont rlly care abt how they ended up but i will say it was cute ig. one of his lines near the end was lowk sounding like it was literally straight from a jane austen book even LMAO but overall, it is what it says, a revenge regency romp with diversity, but i was just hoping for a lot more havoc to be wreaked by the revenge so i'm sad i didn't get to see that.
thank you sm to nttbf and the publisher for providing this arc last year !!
warning, some mild spoilers!!
is this the best book ever? no, ofc not. did i have a hell of a lot of fun reading it? yes, yes i did!! i laughed, i got mad, i even swooned a little. i was living for the drama, even if it didn't play out quite the way i hoped, and the characters who were all rlly fun, even if some (cough keston. cough cough) annoyed me for a majority of the book. the little historical inaccuracies made me side eye here and there but this was so inaccurate in the bridgerton way that i couldn't even be mad at it after a certain point. lyra/ela's development was rlly interesting and i like how she developed and matured by the end of the book. rosalin and blake and church and sally and all their friends ATEE it was lowk more fun reading abt them than the mc 🫣 poppy got what was coming to her, the wretch, but I WISHHH i got to see lyra's original plan play out, bc most of what she was doing was just humiliating high school pranks but no real ruination? and then she just forgot abt the whole thing bc of keston so it never rlly got to happen like ugh 🙄 i was digging the romance up until they met again when they were older and ela was just slobbering all over him completely forgetting how wrong he did her? like the ENTIREE book i was like girl what happened to taking revenge?? U NEED TO STAND UP. but alas she didn't so i had to suffer thru her lusting after him the whole time. it got annoying. i dont rlly care abt how they ended up but i will say it was cute ig. one of his lines near the end was lowk sounding like it was literally straight from a jane austen book even LMAO but overall, it is what it says, a revenge regency romp with diversity, but i was just hoping for a lot more havoc to be wreaked by the revenge so i'm sad i didn't get to see that.
thank you sm to nttbf and the publisher for providing this arc last year !!
June 2, 2023
Book 39 of 2023: 3.5 Stars, Rounded Up
"When a person behaves badly, that ugliness comes from them, no one else. We can only control ourselves...what we do."
Finishing a book in April and not writing the review till June? Yeah, that doesn't bode well for me so I'll keep this brief.
What I loved?
1. The audiobook: Nikki Patel's voice and dialect was such a joy to listen to in this Regency-era romance.
2. The concept: A gender-bent Count of Monte Cristo with all the vibes of Bridgerton, but with YA-level problems and Mean Girls antics? I'm interested -- said in Josh Gad's Elder Cunningham voice. *Bonus points if you get that reference. More if you can hear it in your head.*
What I enjoyed?
1. The FMC and a handful of side characters (looking at you Zia...here's hoping you get your own book soon!).
2. The scenes -- and chess lingo -- between our FMC and our MMC. Their passages were my favorite to read, however...
What missed?
1. The MMC wasn't good enough for our girl. He let her down on multiple occasions -- even after learning his lesson. He somewhat evolved by the end, but it felt almost a bit too late to salvage. Our girl -- in all her forms -- deserved better.
2. The time jumps worked overall, but by the end I wished we'd stayed in the present timeline more. Once the motives were clear and the secrets were revealed, I would have liked to see the narration from the previous timeline stop.
Overall, a solid YA revenge story for those that enjoy period pieces mixed with modern-day vernacular.
Thanks to Joy Revolution/Penguin Random House for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to NTTBF for hosting the event.
"When a person behaves badly, that ugliness comes from them, no one else. We can only control ourselves...what we do."
Finishing a book in April and not writing the review till June? Yeah, that doesn't bode well for me so I'll keep this brief.
What I loved?
1. The audiobook: Nikki Patel's voice and dialect was such a joy to listen to in this Regency-era romance.
2. The concept: A gender-bent Count of Monte Cristo with all the vibes of Bridgerton, but with YA-level problems and Mean Girls antics? I'm interested -- said in Josh Gad's Elder Cunningham voice. *Bonus points if you get that reference. More if you can hear it in your head.*
What I enjoyed?
1. The FMC and a handful of side characters (looking at you Zia...here's hoping you get your own book soon!).
2. The scenes -- and chess lingo -- between our FMC and our MMC. Their passages were my favorite to read, however...
What missed?
1. The MMC wasn't good enough for our girl. He let her down on multiple occasions -- even after learning his lesson. He somewhat evolved by the end, but it felt almost a bit too late to salvage. Our girl -- in all her forms -- deserved better.
2. The time jumps worked overall, but by the end I wished we'd stayed in the present timeline more. Once the motives were clear and the secrets were revealed, I would have liked to see the narration from the previous timeline stop.
Overall, a solid YA revenge story for those that enjoy period pieces mixed with modern-day vernacular.
Thanks to Joy Revolution/Penguin Random House for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to NTTBF for hosting the event.
April 7, 2023
I've been starting at this screen all day trying to come up with a review. This is so hard.
So, this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was good and kept me engaged. It did take about 50% until I was fully invested into this one, but once I was, I liked it. Amalie Howard is a great writer, and this book is no exception.
I hate the lying about your identity trope, and that's what this book was; however, this one wasn't all that bad. Yes, I think the FMC should have told the MMC sooner, but it was still good. I loved how this was a play on chess. I feel like I need to go buy a chess board and start playing again after finishing this book.
I liked that this story had past and present chapters. It really brought the book around full-circle, which I enjoyed. And the overall message about revenge isn't everything and doesn't satisfy you is of course a great message.
Overall, this was a good book. If you like historical YA romances, then this one might be for you.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I really enjoyed it. The writing was good and kept me engaged. It did take about 50% until I was fully invested into this one, but once I was, I liked it. Amalie Howard is a great writer, and this book is no exception.
I hate the lying about your identity trope, and that's what this book was; however, this one wasn't all that bad. Yes, I think the FMC should have told the MMC sooner, but it was still good. I loved how this was a play on chess. I feel like I need to go buy a chess board and start playing again after finishing this book.
I liked that this story had past and present chapters. It really brought the book around full-circle, which I enjoyed. And the overall message about revenge isn't everything and doesn't satisfy you is of course a great message.
Overall, this was a good book. If you like historical YA romances, then this one might be for you.
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2023
this novel claims to be an “anti-historical romance” akin to bridgerton, which i found really interesting, but the writing was just so modern that it pulled me out of the historical setting. i’d love to see more books like this though!
September 2, 2025
Dnf strona 300/375
Próbowałam to skończyć. Naprawdę. Durnowatość tej książki przerosła moje najśmielsze oczekiwania. Jedna z najgorszych książek tego roku tylko MVP ją przebija
Próbowałam to skończyć. Naprawdę. Durnowatość tej książki przerosła moje najśmielsze oczekiwania. Jedna z najgorszych książek tego roku tylko MVP ją przebija
April 16, 2023
'Queen Bee' is a quick, and fun historical romance!
Lady Ela Dalvi life was forever changed when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined. Three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for revenge. (Justified!) To do this, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. What she doesn't account for in her plans is how she would feel when reuniting with the only boy she’s ever loved. The queen of chess doesn't know what's in store for her.
I love that the book starts off with the preface that this is an anti-historical fiction drama/teen romance. While I see the Bridgerton x Count of Monte Cristo inspiration - this is certainly an older YA dramatic romance at it's core. The anti-historical aspect speaks to the diversity within the regency setting of this book. We've got so much diversity in people, celebrations, and culture in this story.
The plot itself is very much a tried and tested revenge-to-love plot. Often Queen Bee doesn't feel like a historical romance. There are certain choices in plot, relationships and dialogue throughout the book that feel more modern than historical. It often doesn't have a regency tone to the actions and speech which can take you out of the immersion.
If someone is a historical romance aficionado, I think this might be irksome to read. However, if you mainly just enjoy banter, lots of flirting, high society drama and revenge stories then this will be a fun read!
Queen Bee is a very easy read overall and the drama was engaging. I actually even wanted more drama at certain points because the way the showdowns were so dramatic. Give me more fights and reveals in public!
Ela is the shining star for me in Queen Bee. I appreciated her development from a shy, young girl to a confident and regal young woman. Her growth and how she fared after being shunned by society and her own father at a young age to who she becomes (and who she really wants to be) was written so well. More than anything else in this book, I appreciated her relationship with her guardian, Church.
On the other hand, I didn't appreciate her losing her coherency at every instance she saw the main love interest, Keston, the marquess. She deserved better than him. I know the author justified they were young and that he made mistakes. But this man did my girl Ela so dirty and I don't think I can forgive him for that!
I might have appreciated him more if they didn't get together so quickly at the end. He needed to grovel more and we needed to see how their relationship developed a bit more with all their truths out in the open.
Overall, I found Queen Be to be a quick and fun read! Lots of drama to keep you hooked and a great cast of characters to keep you entertained.
Thanks to TBR Beyond Tours for the eARC and Joy Revolution and Penguin Random House for my gifted copy!
Lady Ela Dalvi life was forever changed when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined. Three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for revenge. (Justified!) To do this, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London’s elite. What she doesn't account for in her plans is how she would feel when reuniting with the only boy she’s ever loved. The queen of chess doesn't know what's in store for her.
I love that the book starts off with the preface that this is an anti-historical fiction drama/teen romance. While I see the Bridgerton x Count of Monte Cristo inspiration - this is certainly an older YA dramatic romance at it's core. The anti-historical aspect speaks to the diversity within the regency setting of this book. We've got so much diversity in people, celebrations, and culture in this story.
The plot itself is very much a tried and tested revenge-to-love plot. Often Queen Bee doesn't feel like a historical romance. There are certain choices in plot, relationships and dialogue throughout the book that feel more modern than historical. It often doesn't have a regency tone to the actions and speech which can take you out of the immersion.
If someone is a historical romance aficionado, I think this might be irksome to read. However, if you mainly just enjoy banter, lots of flirting, high society drama and revenge stories then this will be a fun read!
Queen Bee is a very easy read overall and the drama was engaging. I actually even wanted more drama at certain points because the way the showdowns were so dramatic. Give me more fights and reveals in public!
Ela is the shining star for me in Queen Bee. I appreciated her development from a shy, young girl to a confident and regal young woman. Her growth and how she fared after being shunned by society and her own father at a young age to who she becomes (and who she really wants to be) was written so well. More than anything else in this book, I appreciated her relationship with her guardian, Church.
On the other hand, I didn't appreciate her losing her coherency at every instance she saw the main love interest, Keston, the marquess. She deserved better than him. I know the author justified they were young and that he made mistakes. But this man did my girl Ela so dirty and I don't think I can forgive him for that!
I might have appreciated him more if they didn't get together so quickly at the end. He needed to grovel more and we needed to see how their relationship developed a bit more with all their truths out in the open.
Overall, I found Queen Be to be a quick and fun read! Lots of drama to keep you hooked and a great cast of characters to keep you entertained.
Thanks to TBR Beyond Tours for the eARC and Joy Revolution and Penguin Random House for my gifted copy!
March 9, 2023
Read it for the:
-count of Monte cristo vibes
-diverse character cast
-romance and revenge
A true YA, with themes of revenge, forgiveness, friendship, and a stunning cover, this book had potential but unfortunately missed the mark for me.
While the theme was there, plot-wise, it did not keep me entertained or invested in the characters. I found myself skipping pages. This is a regency, and even though it is a YA with a modern feel, I felt the dialogue was misplaced and unrealistic at many parts. I liked Ela/Lyra and her overall character arc but the rest of the characters did not really add anything.
I think this book might better appeal to middle grade/younger teens but, for me, this story just didn’t work.
-count of Monte cristo vibes
-diverse character cast
-romance and revenge
A true YA, with themes of revenge, forgiveness, friendship, and a stunning cover, this book had potential but unfortunately missed the mark for me.
While the theme was there, plot-wise, it did not keep me entertained or invested in the characters. I found myself skipping pages. This is a regency, and even though it is a YA with a modern feel, I felt the dialogue was misplaced and unrealistic at many parts. I liked Ela/Lyra and her overall character arc but the rest of the characters did not really add anything.
I think this book might better appeal to middle grade/younger teens but, for me, this story just didn’t work.
November 11, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you Netgalley..
Reading Queen Bee I didn't know what to except. I thought it waa just Okay. I'm looking forward to reading more
Amalie Howard books. 3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
Reading Queen Bee I didn't know what to except. I thought it waa just Okay. I'm looking forward to reading more
Amalie Howard books. 3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
November 11, 2022
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you Netgalley..
Reading Queen Bee I didn't know what to except. I thought it waa just Okay. I'm looking forward to reading more
Amalie Howard books. 3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
Reading Queen Bee I didn't know what to except. I thought it waa just Okay. I'm looking forward to reading more
Amalie Howard books. 3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
April 30, 2024
3.75
Kocham ich love language - naprawdę ciekawie poprowadzone childhood friends to enemies to lovers. Bardzo przyjemna lektura, mimo wieeelu absurdów (Poppy - what the fuck) to będę mieć z nią bardzo miłe wspomnienia.
Kocham ich love language - naprawdę ciekawie poprowadzone childhood friends to enemies to lovers. Bardzo przyjemna lektura, mimo wieeelu absurdów (Poppy - what the fuck) to będę mieć z nią bardzo miłe wspomnienia.
May 6, 2023
I really liked this! It was a totally fun and entertaining read. It felt like Gossip Girl meets Bridgerton; full of revenge, romance, high society drama and humor. This was such a clever and charming book and just really well done!
Even though it has a historical setting, there was still great representation for diverse characters in race and sexuality which I definitely appreciated. Ela was such a strong main character and I loved that she was so independent in her thinking and pushed against the boundaries of Regency-era society.
The banter between characters was so good and I really liked the will-they-won’t-they push and pull between Ela and Keston. The romance was a great evolution of childhood friends to almost lovers to enemies to lovers.
I think this was Amalie Howard’s first YA book and she crushed it! I definitely want to check out some of her adult books now too!
Even though it has a historical setting, there was still great representation for diverse characters in race and sexuality which I definitely appreciated. Ela was such a strong main character and I loved that she was so independent in her thinking and pushed against the boundaries of Regency-era society.
The banter between characters was so good and I really liked the will-they-won’t-they push and pull between Ela and Keston. The romance was a great evolution of childhood friends to almost lovers to enemies to lovers.
I think this was Amalie Howard’s first YA book and she crushed it! I definitely want to check out some of her adult books now too!
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