Rivals by Katharine McGee | Audiobook Review

Why Did I Listen To Rivals by Katharine McGee?

Katharine McGee’s American Royals series is one that works really well via audio. So, it was not a question in my mind that I needed to pick up Rivals via audio and listen to it ASAP. For once in my life I actually got through an ALC (advance listening copy) before release date. I am sure I haven’t said it enough, but wow will I miss Volumes and being able to listen to all these great Penguin Random House audiobooks. Rivals, fyi, was exactly what I expected for a listening experience. I find this series addictive and easy to listen to!

Rivals is the third book in Katharine McGee's American Royals series. It follows pretty quickly on the heels of the events of Majesty.

What’s The Story Here?

Rivals is the third book in Katharine McGee’s American Royals series. It follows pretty quickly on the heels of the events of Majesty. So if you aren’t down for spoilers, it might be time to look away. Also, why read the review of the third book if you haven’t read the first or second? This book has our main point of view characters at different junctures. Beatrice is now queen and about to go to a conference called the League of Kings where the real work gets done behind the scenes. Samantha is navigating her relationship with the Duke of Orange, Marshall, which is getting a lot of press and pressure.

Meanwhile Nina is in her first year at King’s College and in the orbit of Lady Gabriella Madison who is a real piece of work. Daphne, meanwhile, has learned her family doesn’t have the funds to send her to King’s College and so she takes a “gap year.” She’s the one dating Prince Jefferson. As it turns out though, Gabriella seems to have her eye on Jefferson. And so, Nina and Daphne form an alliance to take on Gabriella. A lot of drama is about to go down and I AM HERE FOR IT.

How Did I Like Rivals?

I really enjoyed listening to Rivals. This is a book where I didn’t take it too serious. It was perfect for the purpose of palate cleanser and moving along the series. I did not like how it ended with a lot of loose ends. At this point, I am aware another book is coming out in the series. However, I would have liked some kind of resolution to all the different threads. Rivals does move along at a fast paced clip though. I was never bored and liked how the story had consistent pacing and never became navel gazey. Oh and somehow this book redeemed Daphne for me? Even though she does do something horrible at the very end, I totally get her motivation.


How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Rivals is narrated by Brittany Pressley who has also narrated the previous two books in the series. I am very hopeful Pressley comes back for the fourth book because her narration is perfect. I could listen to this audiobook at varying speeds and understand and retain what was happening. Of course, I felt under pressure to listen to this one faster and it did not come back to bite me in the behind. Rivals is 12 hours and 31 minutes long. Those hours fly by though, I promise.

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April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.
About April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.