THE HEIR APPARENT by Rebecca Armitage

5 stars

A modern-day British princess who’s escaped the unrelenting oppression of the monarchy by moving to Australia and living an ordinary life suddenly finds herself next in line for the throne. Lexi has moved right after turning 18 to Tasmania, where she attends both college and med school. She’s currently a resident in the hospital and thoroughly estranged from her Grannie the Queen, her father Frederick, and her twin brother Louis. In the novel, this royal family descends from another British line, but their story closely parallels that of the current royal family, with characters serving as fictionalized stand-ins for Elizabeth, Charles, Diana, Camilla, Andrew and co-ed twins Louis and Lexi taking the place of William and Harry.

Lexi has been living with her two best friends, Finn and James, on James’ family’s sprawling vineyard where she gets privacy from any stray press. Lexi has had to learn to be independent – from supporting herself to cooking after being raised in the palace with help doing everything for her. Lexi has run away from the monarchy after the tragic death of her beloved mother who like Diana had gotten divorced in the face of Frederick’s long-time love and mistress (aka Camilla) and was a press darling but was ostracized by the entire royal family.

Lexi, Finn and James are camping on a remote island as part of their annual New Year’s tradition when a huge helicopter swoops in. Her father and brother, along with her brother-in-law, all died in an avalanche skiing in Switzerland and the Queen has summoned Lexi home for their funerals as well as to decide if she’s willing to be the Heir Apparent to the throne.

Lexi finds she deeply misses James, with whom she had a brewing romance, as well as her independent life as a doctor. She instead finds herself embroiled in nasty palace politics, where family members leak gossip, often untrue, to the press in a game of one-upmanship for popularity ratings with the public. Lexi also has to contend with her uncle Richard who’s determine to best her for the crown and will stoop as low as it takes to do so. The one bright light: rebuilding a friendship with her sister-in-law and college roommate Amira.

The Queen gives Lexi one year to decide about whether she wants the Crown, and that decisions in limbo until the very end of the book. What’s intriguing is the author’s blending of her inside insights on the royal family into a fictionalized account (for which she cannot be sued!) What also gets highlighted is what it would take to bring the British monarchy into a modern era: is there room to acknowledge the harm done by prior colonization? Can a monarch seek true change, escape the tabloid culture in which they are symbiotic, or have a real career? Regardless of her choice, you find yourself passionately rooting for Lexi to find happiness.

A fun romp through the royals, especially for anyone who follows along and wonders what may be truly going on behind the scenes.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing, Cardinal, and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.