THE DUCHESS EFFECT

The continuing adventures of an American rapper’s romance with an English prince.

Danielle “Duchess” Nelson and Prince Jameson, grandson to the queen of England, had a whirlwind romance in the first book of the series, American Royalty (2022). This second novel is a contemporary romance rarity: a full-on sequel that features the same characters, not starting from a cliffhanger or breakup but instead picking up from the previous book’s happily-ever-after. The plot focuses on Dani and Jameson’s new relationship. Given that they are both global celebrities, they make a pledge to keep their relationship separate from their jobs and professional duties. The plot shows them facing a series of difficulties, many of them carried over from the first book and summarized with a fair amount of exposition. Jameson’s family is pressuring him to stay in his public role in the hopes of distracting the press from his uncle’s latest scandal. His grandmother resorts to blackmail to ensure Jameson remains a working member of the royal family even though he hates catering to the voracious British tabloids. The shady businessman acquiring Dani’s skin-care company now insists that Jameson’s presence is part of the deal, hoping to keep riding the wave of free publicity. The book relies heavily on guilt, secrets, and miscommunication to cause strife between the lovers. Dani knows it’s wrong to keep the details about her deal a secret from Jameson, especially since he’s so sensitive to being in the public eye. Readers will be frustrated and mystified as to why the confident, assured woman from the first book acts so out of character.

An unusual romance novel that tells the story after the happily-ever-after fails to deliver.