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Eliza Noble doesn’t belong in my world.
I’m a Prince, and she’s a scholarship student.
No one thinks she’s good enough, but I’ll have her anyway.

From the moment I lay eyes on her, she intrigues me.
And even though my friends can’t stand her, something deep inside me burns to know the pretty girl who doesn’t quite fit in.
At first, I hide my curiosity.
I have a rep to protect.
But I can’t hold back forever.

I will make her mine.
Then I’ll be forced to choose.
Do I pursue the path determined by my birthright,
or do I follow my heart?

312 pages, ebook

First published July 25, 2019

292 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read

About the author

Mckenna James

26 books884 followers

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5 stars
113 (33%)
4 stars
85 (24%)
3 stars
81 (23%)
2 stars
32 (9%)
1 star
30 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
July 27, 2019
3 1/2 stars

* New author to me
** Don't read much high school romance books

Yes, McKenna James is a new author for me, and yes, I do not read many high school romance books even though they seem to be the big troupe lately. Moreover, yes I gave this book 3 1/2 stars so let me tell you why I did that.

Prince Andrew or Drew as everyone calls him is a wimp. I do not like my hero's as a wimp. I do not care what age they are; I want my hero to stand up for his girl and be there for her. Drew was none of that. In fact, he made sure that his relationship with Eliza stayed hidden and away from his family, friends, and media.

Eliza is not from the "good side" of the tracks, and her father is a writer for the tabloids. She is doing everything she can to make her life better when she falls for the prince, which the feelings seem to be mutual. However, instead of making her life more comfortable, Drew appears to make it harder.

I am all for a royal romance, but this one did nothing for me. Yes, Drew does redeem himself in the end, but for me, that was a little too late.
Profile Image for Jennifer Dale.
782 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2019
No no no. Do not read this. Its a lovely story but my gosh 18 yrs old and acting like 30.
The main characters? To sweet for their own good. and not in a good way.
The story started off with potential but around 30% gradually went down hill and NEVER let up. The ending OMG. puhleesss. That was just horrible. If it wasn't for all the sex, I would say it was written by and for a 14yr old.

A potentially good story that fell way way way.... flat.
Don't recommend. and yes there was skimming.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,086 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2019
Ms. McKenna James has reeled me right back in to the Royal Family, yet again. Her latest release, Royal Academy, which centers around Andrew Harrington, Prince of England and all around gorgeous (inside and out) and the quiet student, Eliza Noble. We were introduced to Andrew in the first book, Royally Schooled and now that this particular man is all grown up, we get to see what he has made of himself. Drew has always been incredibly intelligent, however, meeting Eliza has struck him dumb. Ms. James has once again created an addictive storyline with believable characters that will melt your heart. Eliza has worked incredibly hard to get to University and the issues that surround getting involved with Drew... are many, but is he worth it? Eliza is a 'commoner', however, there is absolutely nothing common about her. As they are paired for a 4 month long assignment for class: you get to watch as these two fight their attraction and chemistry. Eventually, everyone has their limit... find out who caves first. Should you be a fan of superbly crafted romance, then trust that you are going to be scorched with their heat and addicted all the way through these uniquely designed pages. I cherished everything about this book. Just Wonderful.

I voluntarily requested an advanced reader's copy of Royal Academy in exchange for my honest opinion and I highly recommend reading this book as well as anything written by Ms. James. Oh boy, I truly hope that we will get an installment centered around Abigail.

Congratulations Ms. James, I am completely 'fan girling' right now.

Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,300 reviews70 followers
July 26, 2019
Andrew is the Prince of England and a student at Whitby University. As he is on his way to class he hears a girl cussing her car and he offers to help. She turns his help down and continues about her business but Andrew goes to a coffee place and buys her a pastry and a drink before he heads back towards class he leaves them with her. When Eliza gets to class she notices Andrew is in the same class. The professor breaks them into partners for an assignment and she ends up with Andrew. The professor wouldn't let her trade partners so they exchange info so they could meet up to work on their project. Sparks fly between them but Eliza knows that there's no use in making any moves on him because they are from too different of backgrounds. Andrews friends make it plain that they'll never accept her no matter what Andrew thinks of her which puts them at odds. Will Andrew quit seeing Eliza because of his friends? Can Eliza continue at school with the way his friends have been acting towards her?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
July 25, 2019
The storyline of this story is one of my favourite types of reads that focuses on two people that are completely different form each other. From the start of the story it was obvious that these two characters come from two completely different worlds and I enjoyed the way that they got together.

Eliza was a strong female character that worked hard to get the prestiges collage of her dreams. I loved the way that she didn't care what others thought about her. Drew is the good looking prince that was different then I pictured. He cared about his education and I loved the dedication towards his learning. I enjoyed the way that he was with Eliza in the story.

This was an enjoyable storyline that took me a bit to get into at the start of the book. But as I read more of the story the more I enjoyed it. There was plenty of angst throughout the story and something trying to keep the characters apart form each other. There were enjoyable moments throughout the story that keep me entertained throughout the story.
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
July 26, 2019




4 Royal Stars!! Pretty cute, fast read! I enjoyed the book!

I went into this book blind, so I had no clue what it was about... crazy I know but I figured why not. I thought the overall forbidden romance thing was super cute. And all the obstacles they had to get through was fun to read! I think this book is definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Sahara.
249 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2019
I'm about half way through but had to start my review because when you find a book that is fun, sweet and " unputtdownable " (is that a word? ) well you have to talk about it! You know what I mean?! The main character, Prince Drew is a down to earth, nose to the grind kind of guy. Oh and hot of course. He wants to persue his studies and doesn't want to let his "Royalty" get in the way. Reminds me a little of Prince Harry. ;) In comes Eliza! He's got to have her. She is beautiful, determined, cocky lol! She is love at first site. But when you are royalty, you have a "reputation to uphold"so how is he going to have a non royal relationship with a commoner and keep his royalty reputation? I am soooo looking forward to finding out. Not my usual kind of read but I am soo very glad I chose it. Definitely recommend this one !
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
July 31, 2019
“Royal Academy is a story full of emotions.

Eliza is an ordinary and hard working woman. She work to pay school at multiple jobs. Also she’s aiming to get a scholarship. Andrew, prince of England, he’s undeniable a one of a kind man. He’s also a student of the elite academy. Hot, sexy and sensual. The moment they set eyes on each other the sparkles were settled. Reject, flirt and romance. A forbidden romance. Lots of mess and intense drama. Disapproval from family and friends.

Eliza and Drew chemistry was off limits. Their story was complicated yet funny. They shared a special and unique connection. Their romance was flawless but a little bit too fast.

I enjoyed their story. The plot was addictive. A so well-developed characters and story. McKenna writing skills amazed me, she wrote a flawless, royal and college student love story.”
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2019
Enjoyable Romantic Read.
This is a follow up story to Royally Schooled. Prince Andrew or Drew as he is more commonly know is attending an elite college and meets Eliza, a commoner who has earned her way into the college via scholarships and saving money from working. They are paired together for an anthropology project. Over the course of them being together they fall in love much to the dismay of his snobbish friend. Will that friend succeed in ripping them apart? Or bring them closer for their HEA? Yea, we know!
This storyline was written better than the first book which had several flaws.
So I do recommend this to read as a stand-alone.
I received this ARC from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest review so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
July 25, 2019
AN EXCITING WHIRLWIND OF ADVENTURE!!!
Ah Snap! Emotions, personalities, attitudes and dynamics are written with such realism it thrust this bad boy to life flawlessly. A multitude of inadvertent surprising events and vexing circumstances keep you riveted on a razors edge as the tale unfolds. Throw in a little intrigue and mystery and you have one prize winning page flipping delight. The main characters chemistry is intense and palpable. The characters traits and qualities are well balanced and blended with enough spice to add flavor to the mix. 100% spot on with amazing scenarios that are so colorfully described its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines. Fabulous job Mckenna, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,572 reviews
July 25, 2019
I loved Drew's story!!! Even though he is a prince he doesn't act like his entitle, snobby friends. He really loves University and can't get Eliza out of his mind. Eliza comes from nothing and has worked so hard to get into University. She knows she doesn't fit in, but she is paired with Drew for a project she can't help buy dream that he may actually like her. He tries to keep his feelings to himself, but she has wedged her way into his heart. She is worried he will resent her for her father's job, but through all the drama, secrets, and love that is building Drew will stand up for what he wants, and he wants her!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,982 reviews173 followers
December 2, 2019
Audio Review: Royal Academy by Mckenna James (Author), Holly Holt (Narrator)

Youthful infatuation quickly turns into adult obsession. Eliza and Drew are a fairytale come to life. Total opposites in every way. He's a Prince, that seems to have it all. She's a girl with many dreams, struggling to find a way to make them come true. Royal Academy is a young adult romance that speaks to the little girl in every woman's heart. James reminds us to never forget to dream in a world that forces us to forget how.
Profile Image for FS Meurinne.
Author 2 books134 followers
July 23, 2019
Great royal romance book, Prince Andrew is attending college and there he meets Eliza a regular girl that attends with a scholarship, they get paired in a class and things start to be complicated, they shouldn't be together and there is also a friend trying to get them apart. Overall, I really enjoyed the story, I like royal romance and I like forbidden love stories, this was just perfect. I will look forward to reading more of McKenna James books.
Profile Image for queen_of_the_books_18.
894 reviews242 followers
July 25, 2019
Royal Academy is bought to you by new to me author McKenna James.

This was a fun, royal college romance that I was really looking forward to but it fell a little flat for me unfortunately.

I loved the forbidden aspect, it was good just not a fantastic read.

If you love a royal romance then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Kaitlin.
1 review
August 5, 2019
I wish I had the time back that I wasted reading this

Not good. Don’t waste your time. The writing was terrible it felt like a second grader wrote it. The story had no depth whatsoever and left many things unanswered. I had no connection with any of the characters. The romance was ridiculous they didn’t even know each other it felt very fake. It’s a good thing it was free.
2,453 reviews
June 27, 2020
Eliza and Prince Andrew, known as Drew. Eliza has spent so much time working through her school days, that along with scholarships, she can afford to go to an elite college. But certain people call her a poor pauper and much worse. Then she meets Drew, who just happens to be the Prince of England. A gorgeous young woman. A very handsome prince. Illicit meetings. An evil friend. Wonderful story and I loved it.
Profile Image for Mystic.
72 reviews
January 14, 2021
Not bad

Too much inner monologuing. It drones on too many times about the inner thoughts of the characters mind. Rather than focus on about the here and now and the basis of the story.
Every now and then is ok, but not every single moment, that's what took up most of the pages in the book It's too much, I found myself skipping some of the line just to get to the speaking parts. the ending of the story was nice.
Profile Image for Chelsa.
29 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2021
College girlfriend or 70 year old lady?

Very difficult to get though. I liked the first book and I made myself finish this one just so I could read the next. This was WAY out of touch with how college aged adults speak especially if your going to try and say one is an inexperienced virgin...
Profile Image for Katie.
383 reviews31 followers
May 27, 2024
Just like with the previous book - I love the whole royal romance aspect of this. However, I just can't get past the idea that virginity is a virtue. It's so toxic. The relationship itself is not toxic which is rare in straight romances. Their communication is perfect. Drew is a dream guy! So why does he have to have that virginity fetish? 🤷🏽‍♀️
Profile Image for Tonia.
1,337 reviews
December 28, 2020
Andrew knew from the start that Eliza would be his princess. Eliza didn’t care for Andrew’s arrogance. She realized she judged him before actually getting to know him. Long story short, Andrew literally fought to gain the live from Eliza. Great read!!!!
2,533 reviews
books-boxed-sets
November 18, 2021
In boxed set - "Royally Loved: The Royal Romances Books 1-5"
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
November 18, 2021
🎁Part of Royally Loved: The Royal Romances Books 1-5 which is FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2021)! 🎁
1,540 reviews
October 14, 2019
​It's the fist day of winter semester at Whitby Uiversity and Andrew Harrington is just arriving at school. Andrew (Drew) isn't only a student, he's also the Prince of England. On his way into class, he hears a woman's voice, swearing at her car. He tries to offer some assistance, but all she has to do is look at him and can't understand why he, of all people, would want to help her. She dismisses him with a sneer. Eliza Noble is a woman who has had to work two jobs just to be able to afford the tuition at the most expensive school in all of England. Whitby is her dream school and nothing is going to deter her from learning as much as she can. Drew thinks to himself that she is one of he most beautiful women he's ever seen and can't understand what she has against him. Her day goes from bad to worse as she realizes they are in the same Anthropology class. Professor Haddish assigns partners for a project and, of course, they are paired together. Surpisingly, they are good for each other in many ways. But Eliza harbors a secret that could ruin what they have. She can't tell Drew that her father is a paparazzo who works for the biggest tabloid in London and is responsible for trashy, mean-spirited news that has hurt the entire Royal Family. It's just a matter of time before Drew's arrogant friends and classmates discover the truth. They do their best to bully her and guilt him into questioning themselves, wondering if they should really be together. In the end, everything turns out as it should and all main characters get exactly what they deserve. A well-written, delightful story that is sweet and sexy at the same time. Remarkable! (This is the sequel to Royally Schooled with Drew's older brother, Prince Edward, and tutor Maggie.)
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2019
They are from different worlds. Silver spoons and staff versus sweat and hard work.

Whitby university further education for the wealthy, and now for Eliza too.

Shes earnt her spot there, will she be accepted though....?

He sees her and offers his help, but she turns him down. Hes shocked he is after all royalty!

Fate pairs them together for a project but can they see past their differences, and outside influences or will it all be too much.

I wanted to love this book, to swoon, fall in love and leave with my head in the clouds.

Sadly no such thing happened.

Academy reads are one of my favourite tropes at the moment, and I didnt go in blind so I semi knew what to expect but this just didnt agree with me.

There was a big blooper in the storyline which as much as I want to overlook, and not mention I feel that would be unfair to both myself and anyone who reads this.

Fair enough it might not matter to others but to me it was the removal of half a star on my rating.

The characters invoke words such as nice, good, kind and lovely as aposed to words of fire and passion.

I wasnt bothered if I had to walk away from reading this to do something else. There were no sulks, strops or glares and that to me is a sure fire sign that come tomorrow this book wont be remembered as sad as that is.

I wanted a roaring fire and all I really got was damp firewood that struggled to create any heat.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
August 28, 2019
>Book Review – The Royal Academy
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is a standalone contemporary romance with an HEA. Eliza is the poor girl with a secret in her background. Her father is a paparazzi for the royal family. She scrimped and saved in order to go to a prestigious college, one that the prince attends as well. Prince Andrew falls in love at first sight with Eliza. He doesn’t really care about her background. The story has the typical royal romance plot, but falls short. Prince Andrew’s character really isn’t developed, with previous girlfriends or interactions with his friends and family. As written, Prince Andrew is fairly one dimensional and dull. His friends have no redeeming qualities, as they bully Eliza. How can the prince even be friends with those bullies?
>The dialogue is stilted, especially dialogue the characters speak to themselves. I felt the characters were reading off of a script or something. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. The HEA was nice, but happened way too fast. Eliza didn’t go through any training on how to be a royal or deal with the press. Her father’s job never really came into play except to cause a misunderstanding between Prince Andrew and herself. If Eliza’s dad had actually tried to use his daughter’s relationship and printed something; that would have been a real source of conflict.
>I am giving this book 3 stars. The book needs a little more work in order to be better than good.
Profile Image for Demetra .
585 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2019
I always enjoy a good royal romance! This was my first book from the author and I really liked it!

Prince Drew and Eliza have a pretty interesting story. Her poor status and the fact that her father is a paparazzi, makes her want to keep her distance. After all she doesn’t have the best opinion about the Royal family. Drew is determined to prove her wrong and show her that he’s a good guy.

Their relationship has many ups and downs and they go through a lot before they get to be happy. I really loved the ending, it was truly magical and definitely fitted for a fairytale!

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Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,411 reviews24 followers
July 23, 2019
Price Andrew, le sigh! This guy is a modern day prince charming set in the world of stupid elitists and Eliza Noble is definitely his Cinderella. This was a fairly fast read for me and though there was definitely angsty wanting, it was not the center of the read. There were interesting situations and complications that kept me engaged even if it did seem a little predictable at times.

All in all, I recommend checking out this book if you are looking for a fast and fun NA romance set in swoony British accents land- which I always like! I will also be on the looking for more books by the author.

Thanks Give Me Books PR and McKenna James for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,571 reviews53 followers
July 28, 2019
This book is the story of Prince Andrew 'Drew' and Eliza Noble.

Eliza has worked her way into an Elite School where she meets Drew. Eliza is just a regular hard working young lady who is out to achieve her education goals. Drew is taken with Eliza from the moment she rejected his help. They meet in school again and fall for each other but their relationship is taboo because of his royal status. Lots of turmoil and drama as they face objection from family and snobby friends.

I liked the plot and story line of this book. But it felt like their relationship was a bit rushed and when they just started their relationship, everything felt through because of lack of communication and misunderstandings.

ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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