American Royals (American Royals, #1) (2019) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The romance focuses on emotional tension and physical chemistry between the young royals and their love interests. There are multiple scenes of heavy kissing, 'making out,' and characters waking up in bed together, though actual sexual acts occur off-page or are described with non-explicit euphemisms. For example, when Beatrice and Connor find privacy, clothes are removed before the scene cuts, and later Beatrice reflects on her choices regarding birth control. Nina and Prince Jefferson also share several heated…

Violence is minimal and limited to social aggression or accidental physical contact within the royal bubble. There is a scene involving a physical altercation where Samantha is roughly shoved or grabbed by a member of the guard during a chaotic moment. Mental health and emotional manipulation are more prevalent than physical harm, as characters like Daphne use psychological tactics to maintain their positions. Mentions of historical wars and the American Revolution provide a backdrop of past conflict, but there is…

Moderate usage of profanity is present, reflecting the informal speech of older teenagers. Words like 'hell,' 'damn,' 'ass,' 'crap,' and 'bitch' appear throughout the text, often in the context of social catfights or internal monologues. The 'F-word' is used sparingly, typically reserved for moments of extreme emotional distress or when a character reaches a breaking point, such as during a confrontation between the royal siblings. The dialogue remains largely consistent with a standard YA contemporary novel…

Substance use is frequent and depicted as a standard part of the royal social scene, mirroring the culture of high-society nightlife. Characters regularly attend parties and galas where champagne, vodka, and cocktails are consumed by 18 and 19-year-olds. Samantha is frequently shown using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the stress of her public image, often appearing hungover or seeking out the next drink. While the book depicts the negative consequences of overconsumption, such as poor decision-making and…

Major themes include the heavy burden of duty, traditional gender roles in leadership, and the shift toward absolute primogeniture. The story explores classism, particularly through Nina's perspective as a 'commoner' thrust into the royal spotlight and Daphne’s desperate social climbing. Sacrifice is a recurring motif, as characters like Beatrice must choose between personal happiness and their public image. The plot also touches on heavy grief following the declining health of King George, whose battle with…