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The American Royals Series: The SPOILER Episode

   If you have not read the American Royals series by Katharine McGee - GO NO FURTHER! This post is chocked FULL of spoilers (the 's' word is very taboo in the book community - my apologies for using it so willy-nilly in the past couple of posts). This post will include three sections. (1) The section where I unpack all the relationships I love and why I raced through other chapters to get to details about them. (2) The section where I discuss a relationship I HATE (hot take) and why it simply does not work. (3) My frustrations with the ending (in more detail and with specific reasons from the text also known as SPOILERS). 


Welcome to episode #2 of the American Royals series on BTP: the spoiler-filled, dramatic episode (the probably more fun one though!). 

Section 1: The BEST relationships

Beatrice + Teddy

   You've got a HUGE Beddy or Teatrice fan on your hands. While their relationship was painful at best in the first book (this was McGee's point), the second book took me (1) completely by surprise (the best kinds do) and (2) was sweet, genuine, and authentic. They began to truly love each other through learning about their interests behind the crown. When Teddy started calling Beatrice by her nickname "Bee", I knew this relationship would be my favorite. Teddy's gentleness with Bee and his respect for her title and all the responsibilities she has is admirable and wins over her in the end. When Bee and Teddy go to visit with his family, my heart couldn't handle it. Katharine McGee, thank you for giving us the relationship we didn't know we needed. 
   Samantha + Teddy was MUCH worse. Their relationship was very forced. Sam basically demanded Teddy to kiss her within the first 20 pages of the first book, but Teddy and Bee fell for each other over time naturally. The king's death only brought Teddy and Beatrice closer - the mark of a great relationship. 
   Beatrice + Connor (I will get to this later in section 2 if you know what I mean.) is far less functional and appropriate (the least romantic word in the English language) than Teddy + Beatrice. 
   Teddy takes care of Beatrice while Beatrice takes care of the country. This is what Beatrice needs - what she has been looking for: a suitable match for the country but more importantly for her. 

Nina + Ethan

   While this relationship was born out of ill intentions, Ethan starts to truly love Nina and forget Daphne. From the beginning, I thought Ethan deserved better. Even though he is rough around the edges, he becomes an open person with Nina and cares about more than bumming around with the Prince. As Jefferson's best friend, he has never really had a true "friend" in the Prince. As Samantha's best friend, Nina is in the same situation. Nina and Ethan share a lot of circumstances. Both are best friends to one of the twins and are seen as somewhat social climbers. Ethan initially dates Nina because he wants a title from Daphne. Nina constantly is trying to prove herself to the royal family even though she also is constantly telling Samantha she does NOT need to prove herself. (Almost like she is trying to convince herself - much like Ethan always has to do as he has been rejected by Daphne for three years.)
   Ethan tells Nina his secrets and hangs out with her at college - almost (dare I say) like a normal couple (whaaaaaat). While Jefferson hung out with Nina (and their relationship was pretty enjoyable to read about and cute), the two were always having to hide from the paparazzi and didn't spend time with each other that much in the first book. Sure, they went to events together and hung out at a party that one time, but Jeff and Nina never had a real relationship apart from their time spent together as childhood friends. Ethan and Nina hang out between classes, and they can actually get to know each other as a couple out of the public eye (almost). 

Section 2: The WORST relationship

Beatrice + Connor

   I am going to get some hate for this one, but hear me out. Connor's relationship with Beatrice feels forced. Also, Beatrice's feelings for Connor seem like an easy out. Beatrice says herself that she hasn't had a lot of exposure to other guys, so dating her Revere Guard, who is *cough* always with her, wouldn't be difficult. 
   Connor is always trying to get Beatrice to give up her responsibilities. Connor never once offers to be the king consort (even though this is not plausible). Connor always asks Beatrice to run away with HIM. He never offers solutions about her being queen and then them "figuring it out". 
   Beatrice is no better in this relationship. She strings this poor man along knowing the relationship won't work out with her responsibilities and his standing in society. Also, she asks him to be her real love interest even after she marries someone who is suitable for the public. Um, no, Beatrice you can't just ask someone to spend his life with only you while you play house with someone more suitable. You can't have your cake and eat it too. 
   Connor does not seem like Beatrice's type, nor is Beatrice Connor's. This relationship simply feels wrong. 

Section 3: THAT ENDING

   Why didn't Teddy and Beatrice get married? Anyone else feel like this is the ending of Gilmore Girls? Beatrice wants to put off marrying a man she actually loves, who could be a great king, who wants to marry her, and who she actually wants to marry. Plus, the public loves him and so does her family. But hmmmm, why does she cancel the wedding (the day of might I add)? Because she wants to stick it to the people who want her to be married. 
   Sure, I understand, doing something as a huge "IN YOUR FACE" is certainly gratifying; however, Beatrice has found a man she truly loves and is excited to marry. Is it worth it to stick it to the country? Is it worth it to rule by herself? Even though the second reason is a fairly good one, Beatrice will still be the first Queen of America. One with the love of her life next to her as she becomes the first female leader of the United States. 
   But no. Beatrice must be the Queen alone. Why can't McGee just let the readers have this one thing - this one thing!?
   Nina needs time and Samantha almost doesn't get her fairytale ending and Daphne gets Jefferson after being mean to everyone else even though she has realized she loves someone else now? Excuse me, what? No, no, no. 

Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 13, 2021 at 2:58 PM

    Okay hot take: what about a third of the series where everyone ends up with their perfect someone ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 18, 2021 at 11:50 AM

      Am I calling Katharine McGee or are you?

      Delete

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