The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay Book Review
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Blurb
Tracey Livesay returns in this seriously sexy sequel to American Royalty, following Duchess and Prince Jameson as they strive to turn their romance into a relationship, beneath the relentless glare of the spotlight.
Against all odds, sexy American rapper, Danielle “Duchess” Nelson and brilliant reclusive royal Prince Jameson have fallen in love! They’ve decided to take their relationship public and find a way to make their two worlds coexist. On their terms.
Unfortunately, falling in love was the easy part.
Jameson and Dani’s love story has made them the most popular royals since Prince John, but that popularity comes with a price. Dani looks forward to signing the deal with a major cosmetics company that will make her skin care line, Mela-Skin, a force in the industry, and finally grant her the control over her life she’s craved since childhood. But the company wants to take advantage of their fame and involve Jameson in Mela-Skin’s marketing campaign. Dani is outraged! Her company has nothing to do with Jameson.
After stepping up for the royal family, Jameson yearns to retreat back into academia. But he’s fired when his university raises concerns about his newfound notoriety. And suddenly the queen, initially against the relationship, backtracks, seeking their cooperation when the family is embroiled in yet another scandal. This isn’t the quiet life Jameson was hoping for.
Dani and Jameson truly love each other. But under the scrutiny of the international spotlight, when the doubts, compromises, and secrets begin to take their toll, will their love be enough?
Sensitive Content
Here is the potentially sensitive content I observed while reading:
- Alcohol
- Classism
- Colonisation
- Death of a Parent
- Emotional Abuse
- Gaslighting/Manipulation
- Racism
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
Ratings
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There are possible **SPOILERS** beyond this point!
Overall Rating
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Duchess Effect is a little bit of a celebrity romance and a little bit of modern royal romance with a healthy splash of comedy! I loved this story. In this sequel to American Royalty, we get to see Dani and Jameson navigate the consequences of their romantic declarations to the world.
What I loved most about this book were all the outings and dates this couple went on. This opposites-attract relationship between them was endlessly entertaining and I like the fact that dual narration made it easy for us to see how both characters loved each other. They both have complicated pasts with their families in different ways.
Dani and I did not see eye to eye on some of her decisions but I was rallying behind her strong intuition to do good and give back to the people who supported her. I could not stop being impressed with how savvy Dani was and how she never let the monarchy or the press dwindle her down. She was so true to herself and her fight to keep her own voice in managing Melaskin but also within her love life and personal relationships.
Prince Jameson, my favorite was perfection just as in the first book. I was already firmly on his side after the first book and with this book, it was no different. He is so considerate and protective in a quiet way. He’s not the kind of alpha bok boyfriend who goes into situations with guns blazing, but he does still do everything he can to keep the people he loves safe, especially Dani. For Dani, Jameson is willing to do anything to keep her safe and comfortable. I’ve said before that this man is the best at grand gestures and he did not disappoint! The swoon was hard to contain. I’m not a fan of Regency romances or royal romances but this one is different because it feels more like celebrity romance since Duchess is such a huge performer.
I can’t forget to mention how spicy this book was! I think the chemistry between these two characters was just intense. They could often be found sneaking around to get a chance to be together since they are under such high scrutiny. Jameson said many HOT things that aren’t in this review but being a philosopher, the beautiful way he sees Dani… Y’all. That’s my prince.
I highly recommend these books to those who like celebrity romance, obsessed MMCs and strong FMCs. This is book two and you will need to read American Royalty first. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this book for review.
Spice Rating
2.5/5 🌶🌶
There are a few open door scenes and innuendo throughout.
Genre & Tropes
Genre
Contemporary Romance
Tropes
- Celebrity Romance
- Royalty Romance
- Opposites Attract
- He Falls First
Favorite Quotes
He tasted her, drank from her, as if every kiss before her was an unsatisfying experience and only she could ease the ache within.
“Do you know how much I missed you? Missed this? I need it like the air I breathe and the food I eat. It’s essential to my survival. I can’t live without you, I merely exist.”
“You’ll have to wear your uniform for me sometime.” “I will, if you promise you’ll ride me like I’m your personal stallion,”
“I was taught when I was growing up that you cherish and protect the people you love… And I love you. More than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. I’m just trying to show you how much.”
He needed to be close to her, craved it more than his next breath.
After what we’ve been through, do you honestly believe I wouldn’t move the heavens to satisfy you?
Intrigued?
Check out The Duchess Effect on Amazon here.
