What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 07:16:21
15 copies available
U.S. only
The Heir Apparent
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 07:16:21
15 copies available
U.S. only
They would always choose the Crown over their family. It was the pact they made for the honour of wearing it.
Lexi Villiers is a 29-year-old Englishwoman doing her medical residency in Hobart, working too hard, worried about her bank balance, and living with friends. It's a good life, and getting even better, because as the dawn is breaking on New Year's Day, Lexi is about to kiss the man she loves for the very first time.
But by midnight, everything will change. Because Lexi is in fact not an ordinary young woman. She is Princess Alexandrina, third in line to the British throne - albeit estranged from the rest of her family and living in voluntary exile on the other side of the world. But following a terrible accident, Lexi - the black sheep of her family and, until this moment, always destined to be the spare - is now the heir apparent, first in line to the throne once her grandmother, the elderly Queen, dies. Called back to do her duty, she arrives in London to a Palace riven with power plays and media leaks, all the while guarding painful secrets of her own. Palace waters are treacherous, rumours are rife, and selling each other's secrets is a family tradition. And with the Crown just within her grasp, Lexi must choose what bonds she will keep ... and what she is willing to leave behind.
Lexi Villiers is a 29-year-old Englishwoman doing her medical residency in Hobart, working too hard, worried about her bank balance, and living with friends. It's a good life, and getting even better, because as the dawn is breaking on New Year's Day, Lexi is about to kiss the man she loves for the very first time.
But by midnight, everything will change. Because Lexi is in fact not an ordinary young woman. She is Princess Alexandrina, third in line to the British throne - albeit estranged from the rest of her family and living in voluntary exile on the other side of the world. But following a terrible accident, Lexi - the black sheep of her family and, until this moment, always destined to be the spare - is now the heir apparent, first in line to the throne once her grandmother, the elderly Queen, dies. Called back to do her duty, she arrives in London to a Palace riven with power plays and media leaks, all the while guarding painful secrets of her own. Palace waters are treacherous, rumours are rife, and selling each other's secrets is a family tradition. And with the Crown just within her grasp, Lexi must choose what bonds she will keep ... and what she is willing to leave behind.
401 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2025
2905 people are currently reading
38443 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
December 23, 2025
Full disclosure: I am a royal watcher. I have been ever since Diana entered the scene and married Prince Charles, the future king. So yes—anything involving royalty immediately captures my attention. That said, I prefer my royal intrigue at a distance, especially since I firmly believe in “no kings” in America.
Still, when I heard the premise of this novel, I was all in.
Lexi is a young woman determined to build a life outside ‘the Firm.’ She’s a medical student with carefully laid plans for a future that has nothing to do with crowns or court protocol. That life is abruptly upended when tragedy strikes: the sudden death of her father and her twin ‘older’ brother. Overnight, Lexi becomes the heir apparent. (Hence: the title of the book.)
Why does this matter? Because Lexi’s grandmother is the Queen of England.
Once third in line to the throne, Lexi is now first, and the expectation is clear: she must step into the role she never wanted. But what happens when being royal is the very thing she has tried to escape? How do you say no to the Queen? To Parliament? Especially when the alternative successor may not be what’s best for the country? And what secrets does Lexi carry that could shake the very foundations of ‘the Firm?’
Told through dual timelines—past and present—the story gradually reveals Lexi’s complicated family history, her long-standing disinterest in royal life, and the fraught relationships that shaped her choices. Most compelling is the question at the heart of it all: what happens to the life she was already building for herself, the one that had nothing to do with duty or titles?
“A few days ago, my life was heading in one direction, and now I’m somewhere I never thought I would be.”
“Yes, that’s true for all of us.”
At its core, this is a story about choice. Duty or freedom? Obligation or self-determination?
Readers will find themselves immersed in family scandals, trauma, forbidden love, illicit affairs, questions of paternity, and political maneuvering as Lexi searches for what truly matters. Can her desire for a simple life as a doctor overcome the weight of royal obligations, betrayal, and long-buried truths?
This is the author’s debut novel and also a Reese’s Book Club pick. Fast-paced and readable, this novel, blends light mystery with a touch of rom-com charm and a cast of both likable, unlikable and deeply flawed characters. It’s the kind of book that keeps readers quickly turning pages as they hope for a possible happy ending. Will we get it? (No spoilers from me.)
Still, when I heard the premise of this novel, I was all in.
Lexi is a young woman determined to build a life outside ‘the Firm.’ She’s a medical student with carefully laid plans for a future that has nothing to do with crowns or court protocol. That life is abruptly upended when tragedy strikes: the sudden death of her father and her twin ‘older’ brother. Overnight, Lexi becomes the heir apparent. (Hence: the title of the book.)
Why does this matter? Because Lexi’s grandmother is the Queen of England.
Once third in line to the throne, Lexi is now first, and the expectation is clear: she must step into the role she never wanted. But what happens when being royal is the very thing she has tried to escape? How do you say no to the Queen? To Parliament? Especially when the alternative successor may not be what’s best for the country? And what secrets does Lexi carry that could shake the very foundations of ‘the Firm?’
Told through dual timelines—past and present—the story gradually reveals Lexi’s complicated family history, her long-standing disinterest in royal life, and the fraught relationships that shaped her choices. Most compelling is the question at the heart of it all: what happens to the life she was already building for herself, the one that had nothing to do with duty or titles?
“A few days ago, my life was heading in one direction, and now I’m somewhere I never thought I would be.”
“Yes, that’s true for all of us.”
At its core, this is a story about choice. Duty or freedom? Obligation or self-determination?
Readers will find themselves immersed in family scandals, trauma, forbidden love, illicit affairs, questions of paternity, and political maneuvering as Lexi searches for what truly matters. Can her desire for a simple life as a doctor overcome the weight of royal obligations, betrayal, and long-buried truths?
This is the author’s debut novel and also a Reese’s Book Club pick. Fast-paced and readable, this novel, blends light mystery with a touch of rom-com charm and a cast of both likable, unlikable and deeply flawed characters. It’s the kind of book that keeps readers quickly turning pages as they hope for a possible happy ending. Will we get it? (No spoilers from me.)
October 12, 2025
The Heir Apparent is written by ABC journalist Rebecca Armitage. It’s about a fictional British royal family (but it’s super fun to draw some parallels to real life), focussing on daughter Lexi aka Princess Alexandrina, who’s run away to Australia to escape the stifling clutches of the monarchy. But when her father and brother die and she becomes next in line to the throne, she has some big choices to make between Jack, the man she loves, and her duty to the crown.
It’s an absolutely fascinating story with a fabulous cast of characters and Armitage’s past as a journalist covering the royals means that you feel like you’re getting a backstage pass to all the royal secrets. I would never have called myself someone who was interested in the royal family, but I have been totally sucked in by this book.
I truly didn't know which choice Princess Alexandrina was going to make and, equally, I didn't even know which choice I wanted her to make, which made it all the more compelling! Loved it. Put this one on your lists for next year.
It’s an absolutely fascinating story with a fabulous cast of characters and Armitage’s past as a journalist covering the royals means that you feel like you’re getting a backstage pass to all the royal secrets. I would never have called myself someone who was interested in the royal family, but I have been totally sucked in by this book.
I truly didn't know which choice Princess Alexandrina was going to make and, equally, I didn't even know which choice I wanted her to make, which made it all the more compelling! Loved it. Put this one on your lists for next year.
August 11, 2025
I think I was really naive in thinking this would be like the princess diaries because the description of it led me to think it would be something similar and it wasn’t. I like books about royalty which was why I was interested in reading this but I felt that there was too much back and forth between the past and the present and it confused me even though the chapters had dates to identify which was which. I also think there was too much unnecessary details in the plot that made me struggle to read through it. The ending was predictable. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2025
I went through a couple of different emotions during this journey that at times really bothered me. I listened to this on audio, and sometimes that gives you a different experience - or, maybe that's just me, who knows? But, in the beginning, I realized that I was becoming quite annoyed with our FMC - Lexi Villiers - (well, she has a much longer name...Alexandrina Something Something Something Villiers. Remember, I listened on audio so I'm going by memory and can't remember her full name exactly).
Well, let me back up a bit. This book is a fictional portrayal of the British Royal Family, using EXTREMELY realistic and recognizable characters. In other words, you could really just substitute the character names in this book for the real life people with current royal titles- who also happen to have experienced many of the same dramas and circumstances. The one difference is that our main character is a female and she is a twin - but she is still the second born child. I'm not sure if that makes things better or worse. It definitely makes it easier to SEE this story in my mind as it unfolds.
So, the Queen is still on the throne when her son, the Presumptive Heir, and her grandson are killed in an accident (this is not a spoiler as it is in the description). The other grandchild, a daughter who has fled Britain and lives a quiet life in Australia is brought back home and thrown into the middle of a hornet's nest. This part of the story is where it becomes interesting because there are many, many things happening behind the scenes in the royal family - none of them good.
My earlier statement of annoyance came from Lexi's seeming inability to stand up for herself. At times, I wanted to shake her. But thankfully, I was patient, and in the end, I ended up being pleasantly surprised by where the story took me. Seriously surprised.
So, if there is anyone reading this who might just be frustrated while in the middle of this - my advice would be to stick it out. The payoff is worth it.
This book was narrated by Shakira Shute and was done well. As an American, I am always thrilled with any narrations that are filled with accents. Do I ever know if they are done properly or not? Nope, not at all. But to me, they always sound good :)
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Cardinal for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on December 2, 2025.
Well, let me back up a bit. This book is a fictional portrayal of the British Royal Family, using EXTREMELY realistic and recognizable characters. In other words, you could really just substitute the character names in this book for the real life people with current royal titles- who also happen to have experienced many of the same dramas and circumstances. The one difference is that our main character is a female and she is a twin - but she is still the second born child. I'm not sure if that makes things better or worse. It definitely makes it easier to SEE this story in my mind as it unfolds.
So, the Queen is still on the throne when her son, the Presumptive Heir, and her grandson are killed in an accident (this is not a spoiler as it is in the description). The other grandchild, a daughter who has fled Britain and lives a quiet life in Australia is brought back home and thrown into the middle of a hornet's nest. This part of the story is where it becomes interesting because there are many, many things happening behind the scenes in the royal family - none of them good.
My earlier statement of annoyance came from Lexi's seeming inability to stand up for herself. At times, I wanted to shake her. But thankfully, I was patient, and in the end, I ended up being pleasantly surprised by where the story took me. Seriously surprised.
So, if there is anyone reading this who might just be frustrated while in the middle of this - my advice would be to stick it out. The payoff is worth it.
This book was narrated by Shakira Shute and was done well. As an American, I am always thrilled with any narrations that are filled with accents. Do I ever know if they are done properly or not? Nope, not at all. But to me, they always sound good :)
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Cardinal for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on December 2, 2025.
December 15, 2025
Overall, the main issue that is the root of all the issues I had with The Heir Apparent was it was just too damn long. The plot went round and round and round. The audio was enjoyable to listen to and the story kept my interest, but the conflict wasn’t enough imo.
December 13, 2025
The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
Fiction, Chick lit. Fairy tale retelling. Multiple timelines.
Lexi Villiers is living her best life, in her second year of medical residency and a beginning relationship with one of her best friends. She made a conscious and deliberate decision to leave her royal lifestyle behind in Tasmania. Then the unbelievable happens. Her father and brother are both killed, bringing her back directly in line as successor to the Queen of England. Lexi didn’t enjoy her life in Tasmania, but feels a responsibility to her grandmother and the crown. But as she spends time with official duties, her grieving sister-in-law and manipulative uncle, she’s more disillusioned than ever. Can she wear the crown or should she walk away from the most famous position in the world?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Shakira Shute who did a marvelous job of bringing Lexi to life. Levels of British accents, and different character voices add depth and interest. There are several time changes that can be easily missed if the listener isn’t paying attention.
Because of accents, I listened to this at 1.5, a bit slower than my usual.
Entertaining, tragic, and feeling a bit like telling secrets.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
Fiction, Chick lit. Fairy tale retelling. Multiple timelines.
Lexi Villiers is living her best life, in her second year of medical residency and a beginning relationship with one of her best friends. She made a conscious and deliberate decision to leave her royal lifestyle behind in Tasmania. Then the unbelievable happens. Her father and brother are both killed, bringing her back directly in line as successor to the Queen of England. Lexi didn’t enjoy her life in Tasmania, but feels a responsibility to her grandmother and the crown. But as she spends time with official duties, her grieving sister-in-law and manipulative uncle, she’s more disillusioned than ever. Can she wear the crown or should she walk away from the most famous position in the world?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Shakira Shute who did a marvelous job of bringing Lexi to life. Levels of British accents, and different character voices add depth and interest. There are several time changes that can be easily missed if the listener isn’t paying attention.
Because of accents, I listened to this at 1.5, a bit slower than my usual.
Entertaining, tragic, and feeling a bit like telling secrets.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
December 23, 2025
This was such a refreshing read and honestly not what I was expecting. The Heir Apparent gives modern-day royalty with romance, but not in a fluffy Princess Diaries way. It's more like a behind-the-scenes look at a royal family, packed with secrets, scandals, and nonstop pressure.
Lexi, our FMC, is called back to England from her new life in Australia and suddenly has to choose between becoming the future Queen of England or walking away to pursue her dream of being a doctor. Was she indecisive? Yes. Did she frustrate me at times? Also yes. But somehow, I was still rooting for her the entire time.
The drama had me HOOKED. You’re constantly questioning who’s on Lexi’s side and who’s secretly plotting behind the scenes. Add in court intrigue and a friends-to-lovers romance (which I always eat up), and it made for such an addictive read. The romance was subtle but sweet and fit the story really well.
That said, the ending knocked it down a bit for me. It caught me off guard and felt kind of anticlimactic after all that buildup, which was a little disappointing. Still, if you’re in the mood for modern royalty, slow-burn romance, and messy royal drama, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Lexi, our FMC, is called back to England from her new life in Australia and suddenly has to choose between becoming the future Queen of England or walking away to pursue her dream of being a doctor. Was she indecisive? Yes. Did she frustrate me at times? Also yes. But somehow, I was still rooting for her the entire time.
The drama had me HOOKED. You’re constantly questioning who’s on Lexi’s side and who’s secretly plotting behind the scenes. Add in court intrigue and a friends-to-lovers romance (which I always eat up), and it made for such an addictive read. The romance was subtle but sweet and fit the story really well.
That said, the ending knocked it down a bit for me. It caught me off guard and felt kind of anticlimactic after all that buildup, which was a little disappointing. Still, if you’re in the mood for modern royalty, slow-burn romance, and messy royal drama, this one is definitely worth picking up.
December 8, 2025
4.75 stars.
I must admit that the cover of this book at first made me hesitant to read it as it seemed frothy and YA. But then Carol Fitzgerald of Bookreporter.com said that she was really enjoying it, Reese picked it as her December pick, and a trusted bookstagrammer gave it a terrific review.
I am happy to say that I am so glad I read it!
This is the story of an exiled British royal - Alexandrina/Lexi - living in Tasmania who has to decide whether to return to England and become the heir apparent, or live a life of her own choosing. I was drawn into the novel instantly, into this tale of loss, grief, family relationships, romance, loyalty versus duty, and, most importantly, finding one’s path. I loved Lexi (even when she was very indecisive at times) and was rooting for her throughout.
This debut novel was written by an Australian journalist who has covered the royal family for years and her knowledge of the monarchy and its personalities really comes across well. While fictional, it was clear who many of the characters were meant to be in the real Royal Family. The many insights and details of royal life were interesting and I enjoyed being whisked into the world of the royals.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded through Lexi’s first-person POV, and how flashbacks were used to link the past to the present. The story slowed a little in the middle but I never lost interest in Lexi’s story.
Fans of the royals, and of engaging storytelling, should definitely check this one out!
I must admit that the cover of this book at first made me hesitant to read it as it seemed frothy and YA. But then Carol Fitzgerald of Bookreporter.com said that she was really enjoying it, Reese picked it as her December pick, and a trusted bookstagrammer gave it a terrific review.
I am happy to say that I am so glad I read it!
This is the story of an exiled British royal - Alexandrina/Lexi - living in Tasmania who has to decide whether to return to England and become the heir apparent, or live a life of her own choosing. I was drawn into the novel instantly, into this tale of loss, grief, family relationships, romance, loyalty versus duty, and, most importantly, finding one’s path. I loved Lexi (even when she was very indecisive at times) and was rooting for her throughout.
This debut novel was written by an Australian journalist who has covered the royal family for years and her knowledge of the monarchy and its personalities really comes across well. While fictional, it was clear who many of the characters were meant to be in the real Royal Family. The many insights and details of royal life were interesting and I enjoyed being whisked into the world of the royals.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded through Lexi’s first-person POV, and how flashbacks were used to link the past to the present. The story slowed a little in the middle but I never lost interest in Lexi’s story.
Fans of the royals, and of engaging storytelling, should definitely check this one out!
December 9, 2025
Friends, this book was not for me. I found it to be extremely boring. Maybe it was 100 pages too long.
December 29, 2025
In The Heir Apparent, Lexi is pursuing her medical degree in Australia after abandoning her British upbringing. When her grandmother’s assistant shows up unannounced, Lexi knows he’s there to deliver bad news. Tragedy has occurred and she must decide between familial duty and her passions, and both have consequences.
I really liked this story which balanced royal elements and contemporary fiction. I felt for the difficult position Lexi was put into and I was rooting for her. While I found The Heir Apparent fairly predictable, I enjoyed the journey.
I really liked this story which balanced royal elements and contemporary fiction. I felt for the difficult position Lexi was put into and I was rooting for her. While I found The Heir Apparent fairly predictable, I enjoyed the journey.
November 26, 2025
Everything I want in a book is/was right here
Great characters, Royalty, gossip, ‘carryings on’, romance, treachery, scandal and a are’ they/aren’t they’ theme throughout
Lexi is training to be a Dr in Tasmania, Lexi is also in line to be the next Queen of England, ( but knowing she will never be next in line ) she ‘ran away’ 10 years ago and is happy with her life, then tragedy strikes and she finds herself not only grief struck but also the ‘heir apparent’ to the throne
What follows is 400 pages of blissful reading, from delicious descriptions of Tasmania to the grandeur and strictness of her new life, every word scrutinised, every action monitored, every second of her day planned
She has suitors, of course but one true love Jack, and with a life full of secrets and jealous family members Lexi has to decide if service or love and her freedom will win
I could say I loved this book but maybe adore is a stronger word, just perfect in every way
Great characters, Royalty, gossip, ‘carryings on’, romance, treachery, scandal and a are’ they/aren’t they’ theme throughout
Lexi is training to be a Dr in Tasmania, Lexi is also in line to be the next Queen of England, ( but knowing she will never be next in line ) she ‘ran away’ 10 years ago and is happy with her life, then tragedy strikes and she finds herself not only grief struck but also the ‘heir apparent’ to the throne
What follows is 400 pages of blissful reading, from delicious descriptions of Tasmania to the grandeur and strictness of her new life, every word scrutinised, every action monitored, every second of her day planned
She has suitors, of course but one true love Jack, and with a life full of secrets and jealous family members Lexi has to decide if service or love and her freedom will win
I could say I loved this book but maybe adore is a stronger word, just perfect in every way
September 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was an arc I requested on a whim; it's not normally the type of book I'd read, but I was intrigued and wanted to push out of my fantasy/crime bubble. I'm honestly very glad I did because I had a great time with this book; it was honestly a five-star read, until the last third, and particularly the ending had me lower my score.
The long story short is that if you love The Crown and British royalty, you will adore this; it holds many direct parallels with the real-life British monarchy, just with names and situations slightly changed. For example, we have a Princess Diana figure; a divorced wife of the next in line, who was loved by the people who died in tragic circumstances, although this version died in the ocean rather than a car crash and a Camilla, the woman the next in line actually loved and wanted to marry, whom he marries later in life. For some, that might be a distraction, but I loved it.
The main bulk of the story is great; we follow Lexi as she unexpectedly gets flung into the position of heir to the British crown after being in exile in Australia studying medicine. She must tackle court intrigue, her own feelings about the crown, her grief and the secrets and relationships she left behind when she fled.
The highlight for me was Lexi herself and her relationships with those around her. Lexi feels well fleshed out, she is flawed and conflicted, but also clearly traumatised and damaged by the experiences with her family and that makes for a compelling main character. In terms of relationships, I particularly loved the relationship with Amira and how Lexi had to reckon with the consequences of leaving people behind when she went to Australia. I do wish we'd gotten more of her and the prime minister, though; that seemed like an interesting dynamic that I wanted more of.
I also enjoyed the non-linear structure. This might be a struggle for other readers, but I enjoyed the slow reveal of information by switching between past and present and bit by bit piecing up the events leading up to Lexi's exit to Australia.
Now onto the issues, the non spoiler version is that I felt like the big dramatic reveal of the last third in regards to Lexi's "big secret" the secret that she couldn't possibly tell Jack about because he'd hate her and never want to speak to her again, was so anticimatic why everyone is acting like it's a big deal is bizarre to me, I think lexi would have some internailsed guilt but she did literally nothing wrong at all so it's very bizarre to me how much narrative tension hinges on this reveal.
Then there's the ending. Again, I found it very anticlimactic and kind of made me feel like all the progress made by Lexi was for nothing. All that time building up Richard as the antagonist? Pointless.
So yeah, a really fun read with some great character and relationship development that unfortunately gets undone in the ending.
This was an arc I requested on a whim; it's not normally the type of book I'd read, but I was intrigued and wanted to push out of my fantasy/crime bubble. I'm honestly very glad I did because I had a great time with this book; it was honestly a five-star read, until the last third, and particularly the ending had me lower my score.
The long story short is that if you love The Crown and British royalty, you will adore this; it holds many direct parallels with the real-life British monarchy, just with names and situations slightly changed. For example, we have a Princess Diana figure; a divorced wife of the next in line, who was loved by the people who died in tragic circumstances, although this version died in the ocean rather than a car crash and a Camilla, the woman the next in line actually loved and wanted to marry, whom he marries later in life. For some, that might be a distraction, but I loved it.
The main bulk of the story is great; we follow Lexi as she unexpectedly gets flung into the position of heir to the British crown after being in exile in Australia studying medicine. She must tackle court intrigue, her own feelings about the crown, her grief and the secrets and relationships she left behind when she fled.
The highlight for me was Lexi herself and her relationships with those around her. Lexi feels well fleshed out, she is flawed and conflicted, but also clearly traumatised and damaged by the experiences with her family and that makes for a compelling main character. In terms of relationships, I particularly loved the relationship with Amira and how Lexi had to reckon with the consequences of leaving people behind when she went to Australia. I do wish we'd gotten more of her and the prime minister, though; that seemed like an interesting dynamic that I wanted more of.
I also enjoyed the non-linear structure. This might be a struggle for other readers, but I enjoyed the slow reveal of information by switching between past and present and bit by bit piecing up the events leading up to Lexi's exit to Australia.
Now onto the issues, the non spoiler version is that I felt like the big dramatic reveal of the last third in regards to Lexi's "big secret" the secret that she couldn't possibly tell Jack about because he'd hate her and never want to speak to her again, was so anticimatic why everyone is acting like it's a big deal is bizarre to me, I think lexi would have some internailsed guilt but she did literally nothing wrong at all so it's very bizarre to me how much narrative tension hinges on this reveal.
Then there's the ending. Again, I found it very anticlimactic and kind of made me feel like all the progress made by Lexi was for nothing. All that time building up Richard as the antagonist? Pointless.
So yeah, a really fun read with some great character and relationship development that unfortunately gets undone in the ending.
November 1, 2025
No, not my usual kind of book at all but something about the Royal family fascinates me and I knew that I just had to read it. I didn’t realise that this was written by an Aussie so extra points for that!
This is a story of an alternate royal family. A tragedy strikes the family and 29 year old Lexi is summoned home to London by her granny…the Queen. When she was 18, Lexi ran away from all her family and the duties that she was born into. She has been living in Tasmania, training to become a doctor but her life is turned upside down in a second. Suddenly she is the heir to the throne, something that she has never wanted, but feels duty bound to fulfill.
I loved this story, with its obvious characters and stories based on the lives of the real royal family. It is hard to miss who is who and I was there for it all. It is full of emotion, drama and tension. Watching Lexi struggle with her decision was a roller coaster ride as she made some not so great decisions and some that made me cheer. She is a wonderful character.
Another part that I loved was the parts set in Tasmania. Now I have ever been that far south, but it made me want to visit. Such a love letter to the authors home, it was a wonderful setting for Lexi’s other life.
Thanks so much to HQ on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on December 2nd.
This is a story of an alternate royal family. A tragedy strikes the family and 29 year old Lexi is summoned home to London by her granny…the Queen. When she was 18, Lexi ran away from all her family and the duties that she was born into. She has been living in Tasmania, training to become a doctor but her life is turned upside down in a second. Suddenly she is the heir to the throne, something that she has never wanted, but feels duty bound to fulfill.
I loved this story, with its obvious characters and stories based on the lives of the real royal family. It is hard to miss who is who and I was there for it all. It is full of emotion, drama and tension. Watching Lexi struggle with her decision was a roller coaster ride as she made some not so great decisions and some that made me cheer. She is a wonderful character.
Another part that I loved was the parts set in Tasmania. Now I have ever been that far south, but it made me want to visit. Such a love letter to the authors home, it was a wonderful setting for Lexi’s other life.
Thanks so much to HQ on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on December 2nd.
December 3, 2025
Thank you @Hachetteaudio , and @netgally for this ALC in exchange for a honest review!
The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
Out now!!
3.75 ⭐️
One of Reese’s Book Club picks, This immediately caught my eye with its fun and intriguing description. I really enjoyed the narration and the royal atmosphere, but I didn’t fully connect with the story until about the 80% mark. Some plot details felt unnecessary, and the ending came together a bit too quickly for my taste. That said, I still enjoyed it for what it was. If you’re looking for a quick read with secrets and a princess vibe, this one is a solid choice.
👑 Family Secrets
👑 Heir/ Royalty
👑 Complicated Love
👑 Self discovery
👑 Duty vs Heart
👑 Royal drama
Lexi Villiers has walked away from royal life to become a medical resident in Australia, until a tragic accident kills her father and twin brother and suddenly makes her first in line for the British throne. Back in London, she faces a skeptical public, family betrayal, and intense pressure from a royal system she once rejected. As Lexi grapples with grief, secret-filled relatives, and the resurfacing of a past love, she must decide: will she accept the crown … or follow her heart?
November 7, 2025
A fast read that I really enjoyed! The story was familiar yet unique, and I really loved our main character. The side characters were also interesting and I would read novellas of their stories if they ever came about. Loved the multiple timelines and flashbacks that we got to see, overall a really nice read that I would recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
November 30, 2025
Wow! This was different!
Lexi, aka Alexandrina, is going to be a doctor. She’s been in school for a while, and is now practicing at the hospital as an intern. She loves what she’s doing! And she’s so happy to be away from her controlling family and doing what SHE likes! Did I mention that she is a twin? A Royal Twin??
She left Britain many years ago to pursue becoming a doctor… and she never looked back.
But now, she gets a call…one she never expects.
Her father and her twin brother were skiing… and the snow on the mountain collapsed… and they’re not sure if anyone is going to make it out alive.
So she is summoned home. And she needs to leave her medical residency…. to see what is going on, and if she can help…
This was a sweet and touching story, yet at times it was sad and horrible too! You see and read about the tabloids and reporters, and how they change the narrative to their needs… well you hear about it, but it just seems utterly heartbreaking! And hard to believe! But, I guess it really is true!!
This speaks of hard times, and love, and family and friends….and school, and doctors, and the British Royalty, 👸🏻
It also speaks of following your heart, AND sometimes, breaking the rules… and the molds!
#TheHeirApparent by @RebeccaArmitage and narrated nicely by @ShakiraShute.
4 1/2 Royal, worldly, beautiful stars for me, happily rounded up to 5 !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/02/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Lexi, aka Alexandrina, is going to be a doctor. She’s been in school for a while, and is now practicing at the hospital as an intern. She loves what she’s doing! And she’s so happy to be away from her controlling family and doing what SHE likes! Did I mention that she is a twin? A Royal Twin??
She left Britain many years ago to pursue becoming a doctor… and she never looked back.
But now, she gets a call…one she never expects.
Her father and her twin brother were skiing… and the snow on the mountain collapsed… and they’re not sure if anyone is going to make it out alive.
So she is summoned home. And she needs to leave her medical residency…. to see what is going on, and if she can help…
This was a sweet and touching story, yet at times it was sad and horrible too! You see and read about the tabloids and reporters, and how they change the narrative to their needs… well you hear about it, but it just seems utterly heartbreaking! And hard to believe! But, I guess it really is true!!
This speaks of hard times, and love, and family and friends….and school, and doctors, and the British Royalty, 👸🏻
It also speaks of following your heart, AND sometimes, breaking the rules… and the molds!
#TheHeirApparent by @RebeccaArmitage and narrated nicely by @ShakiraShute.
4 1/2 Royal, worldly, beautiful stars for me, happily rounded up to 5 !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/02/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 12, 2025
This was a mesmerizing story that had my attention right from the beginning. Listened to the audio and loved it!!!
Lexi is living in Australia and is her second year of her medical residency. She lives with her two best friends, Finn and Jack. Jack is about to kiss her for the first time when abruptly she must return to London. To the life that she ran from years ago and now she is the heir apparent to the throne as her father and brother are killed in a skiing accident. Her grandmother, the Queen, gives her a year to decide what life she wants. She is greeted with so many secrets and must decide what she wants from her life. Will she decide to be Queen or return to become a doctor?
This one is available on 12/2 and I highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for the ALC.
Lexi is living in Australia and is her second year of her medical residency. She lives with her two best friends, Finn and Jack. Jack is about to kiss her for the first time when abruptly she must return to London. To the life that she ran from years ago and now she is the heir apparent to the throne as her father and brother are killed in a skiing accident. Her grandmother, the Queen, gives her a year to decide what life she wants. She is greeted with so many secrets and must decide what she wants from her life. Will she decide to be Queen or return to become a doctor?
This one is available on 12/2 and I highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for the ALC.
December 1, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'The Heir Apparent' is a royal melodrama by Rebecca Amritage, in which a princess who has long ago given up on being a royal is called back to take the reins of the kingdom.
The book is no 'Princess Diaries' but more of 'The Crown', with loads of royal drama and family disputes. The royal family also resembled the real-life British one in the first half, especially, but the second one turned things around. The family secrets, hence, were enjoyable and spicy.
On the other hand, the pace of the story was too fast and nothing developed smoothly. The romance, especially, was hasty and read between the lines. The back and forth of the plotline was also a minus and did not help the book at all.
Finally, the writing was enjoyable and the audiobook nicely narrated and produced.
'The Heir Apparent' is a royal melodrama by Rebecca Amritage, in which a princess who has long ago given up on being a royal is called back to take the reins of the kingdom.
The book is no 'Princess Diaries' but more of 'The Crown', with loads of royal drama and family disputes. The royal family also resembled the real-life British one in the first half, especially, but the second one turned things around. The family secrets, hence, were enjoyable and spicy.
On the other hand, the pace of the story was too fast and nothing developed smoothly. The romance, especially, was hasty and read between the lines. The back and forth of the plotline was also a minus and did not help the book at all.
Finally, the writing was enjoyable and the audiobook nicely narrated and produced.
September 18, 2025
I so wanted to like this book, The Heir Apparent started so strongly for a fun read for anyone interested in the monarch and perfect for fans of The Crown. Not sure why people are comparing to princess diaries cause then you are set up to not like it, as it is nothing like princess diaries.
Unfortunately after a strong intriguing start. the story just unravelled. The use of dates and flashbacks for very confusing forcing me to go back to find the chapter start to see how much time had passed. It was very difficult to keep the timeline straight. Also the references to the current British Monachy was so obvious it became low key insulting to the family, especially so keenly following the Diana, Charles and Camilla story line and Diana’s death but making it ‘different’. Also having a version of Meghan. The is also a LOT of mention of eating disorder which I didn’t think had been warned about so do be careful of that is a trigger.
All that being said I could accept this alternative version of events and hypothetical of how would the royal family and a princess deal with this situation. However, main issue (without spoiling) was that the big secret alluded to most of the book honestly felt like a massively anti climatic and not in line with what had being discussed about said event. The blame was put firmly on Lexie’s shoulder which after it was revealed felt a bit ridiculous especially for adults to blame her.. So once it was revealed I felt deflated and confused.
My other more petty issue was that just like the real royals and the late Queen, they spent a lot of time in Scotland and the authors method of describing scotland and specifically the Highlands was completely inaccurate and felt like it was written by someone who had never visited and was very stereotypical and verging on offensive. Which surprised me given the attention to detail and awareness writing about lesser known areas in Australia (yes I know the author is australian).
For instance the negative comments on the bagpipes.. ouch, ESPECIALLY given the context with the monarch when the crown banner all this scottish and the highland clearings devastated scotland and specially the highlands. When the author was very keen to bring up all the colonisation and bad things the empire did, the author seemed to have forgotten one of the first places colonised and terrorised WAS scotland. Also describing the summer as cold, damp, wet all the time and repeating it often. It shouldn’t be such a surprise we do get a summer and it does get hot. Sure it rains as well and it’s a running joke about the scottish summer but it’s not actually true and given how much time is spent in this fake Balmoral it got ridiculous how it was so badly represented. Once it’s described as unseasonable 30 degree day. So they do know it can be hot and it’s also not unseasonable, we have a summer just like everyone else and the scenery is beautiful and lush in the summer and warm, if it was so dreary the Queen wouldn’t have come so often. Also the scenery isn’t the stark empty space the author describes. Just baffling at times. So I found that incredibly annoying especially like I said given how much of the book was set in scotland at the castle if it was just one visit I could have gotten over the inaccuracies but given how often it was, it got really annoying.. Also MP’s in scotland are not called MP’s, they are called MSP’s.
Finishing up with honestly a really lack luster ending I was glad for the book to be finally over. Obviously if the reader is basically not scottish or even british they might enjoy this book much more. Sadly it was not for me.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review (maybe too honest)
Unfortunately after a strong intriguing start. the story just unravelled. The use of dates and flashbacks for very confusing forcing me to go back to find the chapter start to see how much time had passed. It was very difficult to keep the timeline straight. Also the references to the current British Monachy was so obvious it became low key insulting to the family, especially so keenly following the Diana, Charles and Camilla story line and Diana’s death but making it ‘different’. Also having a version of Meghan. The is also a LOT of mention of eating disorder which I didn’t think had been warned about so do be careful of that is a trigger.
All that being said I could accept this alternative version of events and hypothetical of how would the royal family and a princess deal with this situation. However, main issue (without spoiling) was that the big secret alluded to most of the book honestly felt like a massively anti climatic and not in line with what had being discussed about said event. The blame was put firmly on Lexie’s shoulder which after it was revealed felt a bit ridiculous especially for adults to blame her.. So once it was revealed I felt deflated and confused.
My other more petty issue was that just like the real royals and the late Queen, they spent a lot of time in Scotland and the authors method of describing scotland and specifically the Highlands was completely inaccurate and felt like it was written by someone who had never visited and was very stereotypical and verging on offensive. Which surprised me given the attention to detail and awareness writing about lesser known areas in Australia (yes I know the author is australian).
For instance the negative comments on the bagpipes.. ouch, ESPECIALLY given the context with the monarch when the crown banner all this scottish and the highland clearings devastated scotland and specially the highlands. When the author was very keen to bring up all the colonisation and bad things the empire did, the author seemed to have forgotten one of the first places colonised and terrorised WAS scotland. Also describing the summer as cold, damp, wet all the time and repeating it often. It shouldn’t be such a surprise we do get a summer and it does get hot. Sure it rains as well and it’s a running joke about the scottish summer but it’s not actually true and given how much time is spent in this fake Balmoral it got ridiculous how it was so badly represented. Once it’s described as unseasonable 30 degree day. So they do know it can be hot and it’s also not unseasonable, we have a summer just like everyone else and the scenery is beautiful and lush in the summer and warm, if it was so dreary the Queen wouldn’t have come so often. Also the scenery isn’t the stark empty space the author describes. Just baffling at times. So I found that incredibly annoying especially like I said given how much of the book was set in scotland at the castle if it was just one visit I could have gotten over the inaccuracies but given how often it was, it got really annoying.. Also MP’s in scotland are not called MP’s, they are called MSP’s.
Finishing up with honestly a really lack luster ending I was glad for the book to be finally over. Obviously if the reader is basically not scottish or even british they might enjoy this book much more. Sadly it was not for me.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review (maybe too honest)
November 9, 2025
The title gives royals book, the first line gives romance book… and it is but it isn’t.
It’s drama and intrigue, and what would you do? How would you choose? Who would you choose? Who would you trust? It is not ‘The Princess Diaries’… not at all.
Under the guise of a gap year, Lexi left the British royal family for a new life in Tasmania, where she’s training to become a doctor. No one really approves, but as third in line to the throne, no one is stopping her. Until a tragic accident leaves her the heir apparent and she must return to London for funerals and to officially accept or refuse the role. She has been gifted a year to decide between the life she feels duty-bound to, and the life she feels called to, and we follow that one year.
I got truly swept up in this story. All the family drama, the slow unveil of characters public versus private selves, the mystery… told through current frictions but revealed by impactful flashbacks. It’s a gorgeously juicy tale. We have themes of family (birth and chosen), duty vs purpose, identity…. All without feeling too heavy.
The pacing of this book was a little rollercoaster-esque for me; with a propulsive start, before slowing down, and then really kicking off. I found the first third to be quite slow and felt I was waiting for the story to truly begin, but the last two thirds I read in one sitting, so know that once you’re through the set-up, the plot really picks up. Stick with it!
Regarding the Royals of it all: Honestly, had I known the author to be a journalist with a special interest in the Sussexes, I doubt I’d have chosen to read this, but I would’ve missed out on a superb debut. I felt Armitage’s background informed the text -particularly the understanding of royal life and protocols- without giving it a fanfiction feel, and subtly fortified the realism and strong sense of place. Do note, that whilst it’s a fictional and alternate British royal family, at least half the members have an overt real-life counterpart -that Pizza Express reference was comic but not subtle- the key characters do not so be assured that the core plot is original and unique.
With thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s drama and intrigue, and what would you do? How would you choose? Who would you choose? Who would you trust? It is not ‘The Princess Diaries’… not at all.
Under the guise of a gap year, Lexi left the British royal family for a new life in Tasmania, where she’s training to become a doctor. No one really approves, but as third in line to the throne, no one is stopping her. Until a tragic accident leaves her the heir apparent and she must return to London for funerals and to officially accept or refuse the role. She has been gifted a year to decide between the life she feels duty-bound to, and the life she feels called to, and we follow that one year.
I got truly swept up in this story. All the family drama, the slow unveil of characters public versus private selves, the mystery… told through current frictions but revealed by impactful flashbacks. It’s a gorgeously juicy tale. We have themes of family (birth and chosen), duty vs purpose, identity…. All without feeling too heavy.
The pacing of this book was a little rollercoaster-esque for me; with a propulsive start, before slowing down, and then really kicking off. I found the first third to be quite slow and felt I was waiting for the story to truly begin, but the last two thirds I read in one sitting, so know that once you’re through the set-up, the plot really picks up. Stick with it!
Regarding the Royals of it all: Honestly, had I known the author to be a journalist with a special interest in the Sussexes, I doubt I’d have chosen to read this, but I would’ve missed out on a superb debut. I felt Armitage’s background informed the text -particularly the understanding of royal life and protocols- without giving it a fanfiction feel, and subtly fortified the realism and strong sense of place. Do note, that whilst it’s a fictional and alternate British royal family, at least half the members have an overt real-life counterpart -that Pizza Express reference was comic but not subtle- the key characters do not so be assured that the core plot is original and unique.
With thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
ARC✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @grandcentralpub via Cardinal
& @hachetteaudio for the ALC #partners
🆃🅷🅴 🅷🅴🅸🆁 🅰🅿🅿🅰🆁🅴🅽🆃
< @rebeccaarmitageauthor >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ’ꜱ ꜰɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ | ᴀ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴏꜰ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
Lexi is living her best life, a medical resident living with her best friends, far away from her royal birth rites. But all that changes when she’s altered to a tragic incident which left her father - the original heir apparent - dead and her brother in critical condition.
Now it’s only Lexi left in the bloodline; she’s to be the new heir apparent. But returning home doesn’t prove an easy feat. The public are suspicious and don’t forgive her leaving easily. There’s also other members of her family who want that crown and will do anything to get it.
Now her grandmother - the Queen - has given Lexi a year to decide what she wants to do. Accept the crown, or not.
I loved this book. The royal family plot had me invested in the story and Lexi is just the perfect character. The family dynamics, desire vs duty, and the plot to steal the crown were all highly entertaining.
🎧: I also listened to the audio while following along and loved this audio. The narrator has one of those voices made for audiobooks. Loved her.
This is just an overall solid read. It’s told in three parts and jumps around a bit, but the story mostly takes place in 2023 between January through to December. It was a fun read and listen. And the writing is phenomenal- I’ll def be reading this author again.
#ad much love for my advance copy @grandcentralpub via Cardinal
& @hachetteaudio for the ALC #partners
🆃🅷🅴 🅷🅴🅸🆁 🅰🅿🅿🅰🆁🅴🅽🆃
< @rebeccaarmitageauthor >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ’ꜱ ꜰɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ | ᴀ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴏꜰ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
Lexi is living her best life, a medical resident living with her best friends, far away from her royal birth rites. But all that changes when she’s altered to a tragic incident which left her father - the original heir apparent - dead and her brother in critical condition.
Now it’s only Lexi left in the bloodline; she’s to be the new heir apparent. But returning home doesn’t prove an easy feat. The public are suspicious and don’t forgive her leaving easily. There’s also other members of her family who want that crown and will do anything to get it.
Now her grandmother - the Queen - has given Lexi a year to decide what she wants to do. Accept the crown, or not.
I loved this book. The royal family plot had me invested in the story and Lexi is just the perfect character. The family dynamics, desire vs duty, and the plot to steal the crown were all highly entertaining.
🎧: I also listened to the audio while following along and loved this audio. The narrator has one of those voices made for audiobooks. Loved her.
This is just an overall solid read. It’s told in three parts and jumps around a bit, but the story mostly takes place in 2023 between January through to December. It was a fun read and listen. And the writing is phenomenal- I’ll def be reading this author again.
December 6, 2025
I was fascinated by the premise of this book. It’s clever, very unique, and kept me intrigued throughout. Considering that this appears to be Rebecca Armitage’s debut novel, I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the storytelling and the originality of the idea. It left me wanting more, and I would definitely read more of her books in the future.
Imagine being the younger twin — and a girl at that. Your father is heir to the throne, and your grandmother is the Queen of England. Then tragedy strikes: your twin brother and father are killed in an accident. Having escaped the royal spotlight to build a new life as a doctor in Australia, you suddenly find yourself first in line to the crown. This is Lexi’s story, and she faces enormous decisions. On one hand, she has her career, her independence, and a burgeoning love in Australia. On the other, if she turns her back on the crown, there is no going back — and her vile uncle is waiting eagerly to snatch it away. The extra icing on the cake is how certain aspects of Lexi’s family feel strikingly familiar. Her mother was beautiful and adored, but struggled with an eating disorder. Her father was in love with a divorced woman whom the country disapproved of, and there were three in the marriage. Lexi’s mother passed away far too soon and her father married the other woman. These echoes of real royal scandals add a fascinating, almost uncanny layer to the novel.
Overall, The Heir Apparent is a clever and unique debut. The premise is captivating, the royal parallels are intriguing, and the dilemmas Lexi faces make for an engaging read. I was very impressed by Rebecca Armitage’s storytelling.
Imagine being the younger twin — and a girl at that. Your father is heir to the throne, and your grandmother is the Queen of England. Then tragedy strikes: your twin brother and father are killed in an accident. Having escaped the royal spotlight to build a new life as a doctor in Australia, you suddenly find yourself first in line to the crown. This is Lexi’s story, and she faces enormous decisions. On one hand, she has her career, her independence, and a burgeoning love in Australia. On the other, if she turns her back on the crown, there is no going back — and her vile uncle is waiting eagerly to snatch it away. The extra icing on the cake is how certain aspects of Lexi’s family feel strikingly familiar. Her mother was beautiful and adored, but struggled with an eating disorder. Her father was in love with a divorced woman whom the country disapproved of, and there were three in the marriage. Lexi’s mother passed away far too soon and her father married the other woman. These echoes of real royal scandals add a fascinating, almost uncanny layer to the novel.
Overall, The Heir Apparent is a clever and unique debut. The premise is captivating, the royal parallels are intriguing, and the dilemmas Lexi faces make for an engaging read. I was very impressed by Rebecca Armitage’s storytelling.
December 13, 2025
I always love a good fictionalized account of the British royal family. This book really lived up to the hype for me. I was fascinated by each character’s story and couldn’t put the book down.
Many of the characters can be compared to current members of the royal family. If that isn’t your cup of tea, I could see how you might not rate this as high.
Many of the characters can be compared to current members of the royal family. If that isn’t your cup of tea, I could see how you might not rate this as high.
December 21, 2025
Wow.
Armitage’s writing is superb. I felt every single emotion in this roller coaster ride and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Armitage’s writing is superb. I felt every single emotion in this roller coaster ride and I couldn’t get enough of it.
December 10, 2025
3.5 but I’m rounding up. A very silly and frilly book that took the modern day royal family and gave them slight twists. Instead of the the mistress name being Camilla, it was Annabel and Lady Diana died in a boating accident. So comforting in the fact that it all felt familiar. I wanted to see more of the after effect of the news report in the end but it’s a rom com so it must end happy! Even though I objectively know it sucks being a princess I still in fact want to be a princess…this book did not change my mind. I’m built for tea parties charity galas and bitch little backhanded comments - I’m a debutant. Would recommend and I did to my grandma who loves the royal family!
November 16, 2025
The Heir Apparent is a well written story loosely based on our own royal family (I believe). It tells the story of Lexi who is one half of twins - her brother being the heir to the British throne once their father passes. She lives a quiet life in Tasmania as a medical student doing her residency when the unthinkable happens - her father and brother are killed in a tragic accident and she is now the heir to the throne.
She returns to England and her grandmother gives her 12 months to decide whether to take the crown or return to her previous life and leave the country in the hands of her uncle who is desperate to take over and will do anything he can to ensure that happens.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and well written - such an interesting storyline which gives you an insight into what royal life would be. Makes you wonder what Harry would do if in the same boat.
Hard to believe this is a debut novel, this is an author to watch - another new Australian author is born.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book for review.
She returns to England and her grandmother gives her 12 months to decide whether to take the crown or return to her previous life and leave the country in the hands of her uncle who is desperate to take over and will do anything he can to ensure that happens.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and well written - such an interesting storyline which gives you an insight into what royal life would be. Makes you wonder what Harry would do if in the same boat.
Hard to believe this is a debut novel, this is an author to watch - another new Australian author is born.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book for review.
December 8, 2025
I'm sorry to say this, but this book had promise but it felt to me, like the author got bogged down in royal politics too much to remember the fiction story she was writing. It was just filled with too much politics and "royal facts" to be enjoyable.
December 21, 2025
Reads like Prince Harry gender swap fanfiction. It’s a hard no from me.
November 8, 2025
I binged The Heir Apparent and I am not even a bit sorry. This is EXCELLENT, I thought initially it would be a fun peak behind the scenes of the machinery of the royal family..and it is, but it’s SO much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My arc describes it as The Crown meets Taylor Jenkins Reid with a dash of Sally Hepworth, but for me it’s so much more; I will be there automatically for any novel 100% Rebecca Armitage, this is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!
I was so quickly there for Princess Alexandrina, once third in line to the British throne and living her best spare life as a doctor in Hobart..suddenly she becomes the Heir Apparent, and omg I was there for her choice..walk away or agree to wear the crown….this would be the perfect summer read; and I am so grateful for my arc from Harper Collins out on the 25th..COULD NOT HAVE LOVED IT MORE
My arc describes it as The Crown meets Taylor Jenkins Reid with a dash of Sally Hepworth, but for me it’s so much more; I will be there automatically for any novel 100% Rebecca Armitage, this is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!
I was so quickly there for Princess Alexandrina, once third in line to the British throne and living her best spare life as a doctor in Hobart..suddenly she becomes the Heir Apparent, and omg I was there for her choice..walk away or agree to wear the crown….this would be the perfect summer read; and I am so grateful for my arc from Harper Collins out on the 25th..COULD NOT HAVE LOVED IT MORE
November 18, 2025
Thank you to HQ and Harper Collins UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
It’s New Year’s Day in Tasmania, and the life Lexi Villiers has carefully built is working out. She’s in the second year of her medical residency, she lives on a beautiful farm with her two best friends Finn and Jack, and she’s about to finally become more-than-friendly with Jack—when a helicopter abruptly lands. Out steps her grandmother’s right-hand-man, with the tragic news that her father and older brother have been killed in a skiing accident. Lexi’s grandmother happens to be the Queen of England, and in addition to the shock and grief, Lexi must now accept the reality that she is suddenly next in line for the throne—a role she has publicly disavowed. Returning to London as the heir apparent Princess Alexandrina, Lexi is greeted by a skeptical public not ready to forgive her defection, a grieving sister-in-law harboring an explosive secret, and a scheming uncle determined to claim the throne himself. Her recent life—and Jack—grow ever more distant as she feels the tug of tradition, of love for her grandmother, and of obligation. When her grandmother grants her one year to decide, Lexi must chart her own will it be the one determined by an accident of birth, or by her own heart?
Lexi is a rather admirable character. She was in an unhappy situation and found something that filled her with purpose. Being a doctor and devoting her time to patients shows what a caring heart she has - more so with the specialty she desired too. I actually liked seeing her be hesitant at times and almost dragging her heels at the prospect of being a figurehead. She wants to make a difference, that much is abundantly clear, but Lexi prefers doing it in smaller ways. She is used to being on the edges of the spotlight and is most content there, but seeing her take that step to the centre and allowing herself to shine whilst still doing what she does best - helping people - was truly inspiring.
This one had me interested from the first page and what a ride it takes you on! I love that we get to see all behind the scenes of how the royals live and also the emotions and thoughts we don’t get to see either. I love how modern everything feels too, really melding history and tradition with how things are today. There are elements and similarities for the royal family as we know it in our history, but it really works that this family is completely separate and has their own history. I think everything flowed brilliantly and I was swept away with the unfolding story. The characters were pretty good too. I think we could have gotten to know a few people a little better - especially with how frequently they interacted with Lexi or how they wanted to better their prospects from her situation. Having more of their presence beyond being told that they’re a nuisance would have made perhaps a little more of an impact on the characters and how things progressed in the story. Romance wise, I wouldn’t say there is a great deal of that here. The focus remains to be Lexi’s return into life as a working royal, not on who she may be with. There are elements of romance and we see a few romance leaning scenes, but these are few and far between. I was not expecting that ending in the slightest - what an unexpected twist! I think I may have gotten whiplash…
Overall, The Heir Apparent is a delightfully fresh modern royal story I certainly enjoyed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to HQ and Harper Collins UK for an advanced copy of this book.
It’s New Year’s Day in Tasmania, and the life Lexi Villiers has carefully built is working out. She’s in the second year of her medical residency, she lives on a beautiful farm with her two best friends Finn and Jack, and she’s about to finally become more-than-friendly with Jack—when a helicopter abruptly lands. Out steps her grandmother’s right-hand-man, with the tragic news that her father and older brother have been killed in a skiing accident. Lexi’s grandmother happens to be the Queen of England, and in addition to the shock and grief, Lexi must now accept the reality that she is suddenly next in line for the throne—a role she has publicly disavowed. Returning to London as the heir apparent Princess Alexandrina, Lexi is greeted by a skeptical public not ready to forgive her defection, a grieving sister-in-law harboring an explosive secret, and a scheming uncle determined to claim the throne himself. Her recent life—and Jack—grow ever more distant as she feels the tug of tradition, of love for her grandmother, and of obligation. When her grandmother grants her one year to decide, Lexi must chart her own will it be the one determined by an accident of birth, or by her own heart?
Lexi is a rather admirable character. She was in an unhappy situation and found something that filled her with purpose. Being a doctor and devoting her time to patients shows what a caring heart she has - more so with the specialty she desired too. I actually liked seeing her be hesitant at times and almost dragging her heels at the prospect of being a figurehead. She wants to make a difference, that much is abundantly clear, but Lexi prefers doing it in smaller ways. She is used to being on the edges of the spotlight and is most content there, but seeing her take that step to the centre and allowing herself to shine whilst still doing what she does best - helping people - was truly inspiring.
This one had me interested from the first page and what a ride it takes you on! I love that we get to see all behind the scenes of how the royals live and also the emotions and thoughts we don’t get to see either. I love how modern everything feels too, really melding history and tradition with how things are today. There are elements and similarities for the royal family as we know it in our history, but it really works that this family is completely separate and has their own history. I think everything flowed brilliantly and I was swept away with the unfolding story. The characters were pretty good too. I think we could have gotten to know a few people a little better - especially with how frequently they interacted with Lexi or how they wanted to better their prospects from her situation. Having more of their presence beyond being told that they’re a nuisance would have made perhaps a little more of an impact on the characters and how things progressed in the story. Romance wise, I wouldn’t say there is a great deal of that here. The focus remains to be Lexi’s return into life as a working royal, not on who she may be with. There are elements of romance and we see a few romance leaning scenes, but these are few and far between. I was not expecting that ending in the slightest - what an unexpected twist! I think I may have gotten whiplash…
Overall, The Heir Apparent is a delightfully fresh modern royal story I certainly enjoyed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to HQ and Harper Collins UK for an advanced copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews