A Queen's Match

A Queen’s Match is the conclusion to A Queen’s Game duology. It is an excellent historical romance for all readers who like some drama with their history. This story is inspired by the court intrigues of late 1800s England. Told in three perspectives. There is Hélène d’Orléans, the exiled princess of France and the true love of Crown Prince Eddy. Princess Alix of Hesse loves Prince Nicholas of Russia, but his parents won’t approve of the match. And Serene Princess May of Teck, who is willing to do anything to be the next Queen of England.
Katharine McGee really brings sensationalism to the dusty old history books and inspires you to go do further research. I did look up what really happened within the first few chapters of book one, which really takes the edge off the intrigue she builds in the story, as well as the heartbreak in the final few chapters, so I would wait until after you finish reading.
She handled the death of a person superbly, and it made me realize that in YA Romances, it does not happen very often that there isn’t a happily ever after. It is a bit ironic that the prize marriage that everyone vied for ended the way it did. Given the drama, I thought the author packed a lot of scandalous details into the framework of the history. However, her wonderful Author’s note explains what liberties she took, and honestly, a lot of the drama was right there in history already; she is just skilled enough to make readers of 2025 care.
I listened to this story as an audiobook, and the narrator does an excellent job with the accents and tone of each character. It is an excellent way to immerse yourself in that time and the mindset of the people. Overall, if you love a good drama, history, romance, and court intrigue, then this is a fantastic choice.

What worked: Satisfying conclusion to The Queen's Game duology. Princesses Alix of Hesse, Helene D'Orleans, and May of Teck continue their search for love with all the complications, heartache, and joy. I enjoyed this duology with all the intrigue of palace romance.

The romance all the princesses experience is shown at times with heart-wrenching pain. Princess Alix's true love is with the Czar of Russia's son, Prince Nicholas, but his parents don't think she's 'good' enough.

Helene's past indiscretion comes back to haunt her and any chances she has with her love to Prince Eddie of Britain.

May of Teck comes across as conniving by doing just about anything to marry Prince Eddie. She even blackmails Helene to achieve her goal. While doing so, she neglects the genuine chemistry between her and Prince Eddie's younger brother, George. Of all the characters in this series, May was the one I disliked the most. Although we learn that her father was abusive, her actions towards advancing into royalty were sometimes harsh.

The real tear-jerker was how close one of the princesses got to true happiness with the prince she loved, only for tragedy to strike.

The emotions are all there in this historical royal romance set during the Victorian era. Forbidden love. Betrayal. Hatred. And finally, true love. Totally satisfying for those who love a good royalty historical romance. McGee once more delivers!