Secrets of a Teenage Heiress by Katy Birchall (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

 11th January 2018, Egmont, 320 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley 

Book summary

Flick's family have owned The Royale – one of London's most prestigious hotels – for generations. But Flick isn't that interested. She is interested in the newest guest – superstar celebrity Skylar Chase, and Sky's mega-famous group of friends, including dreamy YouTube star, Ethan Duke. But just as Flick gets the chance to join their glittering squad, she gets grounded following an unfortunate incident involving a prince, a wardrobe and a selfie stick (it could have happened to anyone!). With only her Instagram star pet dachshund, Fritz, for company, will Flick find a way to escape The Royale and join the fame game?

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is exactly the type of read I always wanted from modern books with a princess in them (be she born or made royal)! I know Flick isn't royal, and her mum doesn't give her free reign of the perks of being in a hotel, but it felt like Flick took me into the world of royalty and famous people who spend time in hotels, what really goes on behind closed doors (note, spying is not a good occupation if it's not your official job and will get you into trouble). I got to know every part of the hotel with the at first reluctant Flick, who was far removed from being down to earth and kind to people. 

She has Atttiude with a capital A, and yes she gets in trouble for it, but her confidence is a little admirable. Trouble follows her around, especially when she gets to the hotel kitchen and near her much loved hiding space, yet because she ends up becoming a real friend to Skylar, she is let off the hook for a few issues because it's important to keep guests happy. She simply gets punished later, and her punishments are amusing to read. I liked the strange teen relationship she has with her mum, I felt sorry for her long suffering childhood friend because Flick can be dismissive to him until she needs something and he has the solution. Learning about Skylar's insane life was interesting, famous singers have many issues the public have no clue about, but there are a few perks too. Flick learns fame isn't everything, and sometimes keeping quiet about a secret is more satisfying than being the centre of attention and revealing the secret. 

I know this isn't out until next year but please put it to the top of your reading list - you won't regret it! There is a sequel which I'm eager to read (also not out yet, obviously) 

Find out more on Katy's website. 

Suggested read

Check out Katy's other books including The IT Girl Team Awkward by Katy Birchall (Young Adult, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)