Review: The Royal Treatment (Princess for Hire #2) by Lindsey Leavitt

Title: The Royal Treatment

Author: Lindsey Leavitt

Series: 2nd in Princess for Hire

Pages: 272

Published: Available now from Hyperion

ISBN: 9781423121930

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Desi Bascomb's job as a princess substitute has gotten a whole lot more glamorous now that she's advanced to Level 2 within the Facade Agency. Magical make-up, roller-skating celebrities, and the chance to see Prince Karl again are just some of the major perks. Not to mention, she's landed the role of Fairy Queen in her school's production of Midsummer's Night Dream (opposite her best friend's crush. Which is a little weird, but at least he wears a donkey head during their kissing scene). Life should be perfect, but Desi can't seem to shake the feeling that there is more going on with the agency's magic than she's told. Like why is this mind-bending power exclusive to royals? Is it possible that there could be a bigger way to make an impact in both parts of her life?

I Give This ...

 

I adore this series.  It's just the right blend of fairy tale princess, fantasy, mixed in with the real world.  I also think it's perfect your pre/younger teens.  I particularly like that it's set in Idaho, even if the town is completely fictional.

Desi was fantastic in the installment.   I loved that she took her task of preparing for the next level seriously.  It made me wonder if anybody questioned her when she was studying things like yachting.  I also enjoyed that when she's not on princess duty, she's very evolved with her own life.  I think being a princess for hire has made her more confident in herself and I really like that.  She's also still trusting her instincts when it comes to princess duty, which I think is an important skill to learn.

I enjoyed her time on princess duty.  It was a little bit of a mystery why she was subbing for a Hollywood star.  But, it added to the story when Desi began to question the facts presented to her.  I liked how she handled the problem presented to her.  She acted a little irrationally, but no one seemed to be listening to her.  I also liked that she interact with Prince Karl again but as a different person.  

I totally predicted the ending and what was really going on with Karl and Reed (her best friends crush).  But, I loved it anyway.  It just fit into the story so perfectly.  I also liked the revelation concerning the magic involved in being a princess for hire.  I'm really intrigued on were that storyline might go.  Completely looking forward to the next one!

Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt

Title: Princess For Hire
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Published: March 2010

Pages: 240

ISBN: 9781423121923

Source: Publisher sent copy after I requested

Description: When a well-dressed woman steps out of a bubble and wants to know if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you A) run B) faint C) say yes? For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for some glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C). Desi has a rare ability: with the help of "Royal Rouge," she can temporarily transform into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right? Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras.... In this winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

contacted the author (who directed me to her publisher) about this book. It just sounded so cute and since it was sort of set in Idaho, I wanted it! Thankfully the publisher consented to my wish! From the pink glittery cover to the princess story inside, I felt like the this story had Disney written all over. But, not in the cheesy straight to DVD sort of way. I was reminded of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries (OK the movie version since I haven't read the books). Desi is a great character for pre-teens. She's struggling with who she is, but knows she wants to make a difference. I think she does a fantastic job helping princess' who feel the exact same way she does. And, in doing so she gains confidence in her own life. The story had a little bit of fairy tale magic that makes it all cute and bubbly (pun intended)! Overall perfect for pre-teens, or even younger girls. I think even some adult might like this as well (I know I did)!