Cheerio Bookworms!
This may come as a shock to you, but I have a crush on… England. My feelings on the subject can be summed up in the immortal speech Hugh Grant as Prime Minister gives in Love Actually
by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan is, more or less, the dream of many an American anglophile.
Rebecca Porter is a down-to-earth gal from America’s Heartland. Her twin Lacey was always the one fantasizing about fame, fortune, and glamour, which is why it’s such a strange turn of events when Bex ends up meeting the dashing Prince Nicholas while studying abroad at Oxford. Bex falls for Nick in spite of herself, and is reluctantly drawn into his tabloid laced, ritual heavy, duty filled, existence.
The book is basically Prince William and Kate Middleton fan fiction. Except that Kate probably had it easier because she at least had the accent going for her. Plus that woman has a fashionista gene that Bex seriously lacked… (Or she’s just got a really good style team. I have no idea what really goes on.) It would have been really easy for this book to fall squarely into the cheeseball Hallmark Original Movie trap (which are prefectly entertaining when it’s Christmas and… You know what? They’re perfectly entertaining. We’re not here to judge my terrible taste in movies.) It managed to avoid that pitfall, though. The Royal We
I have one teeny tiny complaint, though. I’ve never met an American girl named Rebecca who goes by Bex. That’s a thoroughly British sounding nickname. A girl from Iowa would go by Becky, maybe Becca, but Bex? It’s like a blaring signal that she’s destined to marry a royal. Is my corner of Illinois MORE BORING THAN MUSCATINE, IOWA when it comes to nicknames for Rebecca?
Obviously I haven’t got anything really to complain about. I’m grasping at straws. The Royal We
Talk to me, Bookworms. Do any of you know a Rebecca who goes by Bex? Does it strike anyone else as an unusual choice for Muscatine, Iowa? I’m genuinely interested, here.
Kailana
I am not sure this is a ‘me’ book, but you definitely make me tempted. Maybe one day!
Words For Worms
If I hadn’t seen some reviews of it, I’d have thought the same thing. It’s a lot wittier than I’d have expected.
Andi M. (@estellasrevenge)
Love this. You won me over straight off with Hugh Grant’s prime minister speech! I have this one on my iPad and can’t wait to get to it!
Words For Worms
Yesssssssssss! I want to hear about it as you’re reading.
Kristen M.
Haha. I know of no Rebecca who goes by Bex in the States.
Words For Worms
Just as I suspected!
Megan M.
I’ve heard from many sources that this book is adorable. I do love Kate and Wills. She’s so beautiful and lovely, it hardly seems fair. Like you, Katie!
Words For Worms
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Guuuuuuuuurl you better check yourself while I go blush in the corner.
JoulesDellinger
Hmm… I did not get a text to read this, but it’s totally going on my download list!
Words For Worms
I seriously didn’t text you? I thought I did! IT IS A JOULES BOOK! READ IT!
Jenny
Your reviews are hilarious! I’m sure glad I found your blog during BBAW. I’ve had my eye on this one and I think after your review I’ll need to read it. Nothing like telling everyone you know to read a book that recommends it! Nope. Never heard of Bex as nickname for Rebecca.
KatieMcD
I really need to get to this one. I marked it down initially when Shannon reviewed it, and this just adds fuel to the fire! Next time I’m in the mood for something like this (which is kind of sort of nowish, actually)….
Words For Worms
It’s a good time, you won’t be disappointed!
Jenny @ Reading the End
I so wanted to love this book, and then in practice it stressed me out horribly. The problem is that I would die of misery if I were scrutinized in the manner that Bex is, and that made it very hard for me to read the book. :p Alas! But I love the Fug Girls and I support their endeavors!
Words For Worms
Oh yes, I can totally see where you’re coming from there. Actually, the book just made me extra grateful that my in-laws aren’t paparazzi fodder and nobody cares at all that I never wear heels.
Kristilyn
I’ve heard so many good things about this book!! I know my library has a copy so I’ll have to give it a try. I also love all things England and love Kate and William (as a sidenote, have you seen the movie based on their relationship? Great watch if you’re a fan.) … so this book sounds perfect!
Words For Worms
I have NOT seen the movie about their relationship (it was Lifetime, wasn’t it?) Which, frankly, surprises me because I totally should watch it. Although after reading this book I can’t help but think about just how embellished it is… Or how much of the juicy stuff is left out. I now feel mildly guilty for being so interested in these people.
Jayne
This is totally the plan my sister and I have for my son and niece so they can marry William and Kate’s children! We plan to send them to study abroad in England wherever George and Charlotte go to college. So glad to know now that it’ll totally work…
Katherine Koba
I went to college with a Becky who we often call Bucky or Bucks….close enough?
Words For Worms
Close… Hmmmm…
Michelle
So many people have been raving about this one, and yet I cannot quite pull the trigger. The saccharine fear is just too high; that and I have a love-hate relationship with women’s fiction (mostly hate). Still…I do love Kate. She is just so refreshingly down-to-earth, or at least seems that way compared to the rest of that family. I should just bite the bullet and grab a copy.
Words For Worms
I think you should take the plunge. I think it’ll surprise you.
Lindsey
It sounds like this might be a good Readathon book or maybe a slump-buster kind of read!
I do have to agree with you about the Bex thing – both of the Rebeccas in my life are Beccas (one being my daughter).
DoingDewey
I don’t entirely get the obsessing over England’s royal family – they’re not even our royal family! – but this princess fantasy still appeals to me, especially since it doesn’t get too sickly sweet 🙂
Words For Worms
It’s a good time, and not too royal family fangirl-y. Except for maybe the Queen Mother because she’s hilarious.