Royally Jacked

Author: Niki Burnham
Release Date: December 23, 2003
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 208
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Purchased 
 Interest: None
Other Title In Series: Spin Control, Do-Over 

Valerie's life is pretty good. While she's not the most popular girl in school, she does have decent grades, great friends, and a potential boyfriend. All a girl could want.

Then her mother announces that (1) she's gay, and (2) she's leaving Valerie's dad for her girlfriend. Not what Valerie envisioned for her future. And just when Valerie is getting over this bombshell, her father tells her he's gotten a new job as protocol chief for the royal family of some obscure European country.

Valerie's world has come unglued. She can either stay in Virginia with her mom and her über-organized, veggie-burger-eating girlfriend, or go with her dad, leaving everything she knows for some place she's never heard of. Valerie opts to go, and quickly discovers that it was a mistake -- until she meets the prince, and all bets are off!

If your still all flustered from the royal wedding this is the perfect read for you! 

I picked this up wanting a quick romance fill. And thats what I got! Niki Burnham does an excellent job with her characters. What makes this book even better is it's a series! Valerie's story doesn't just end!

The characters are very interesting...and different. Valerie is going through a rough spot right now. Her mother and father are getting a divorce, and she just found out her mothers gay. Her fathers job, working for the government, requires them to stay proper and polite, which only adds more stress to Val! So because of his job, he has to move. Val has to decide to stay with her mom or go with her dad. In Val's situation I wouldn't know what to do! I felt bad for her character a lot in this book. I mean can you imagine moving to another country! Not knowing the language, the customs. YIKES! 

Val's friends are all unique. They add comical relief when needed, and some are there to support her. David, Val's long lasting crush, made a brief appearance. I suspect he will be in the second book. Which is fine because I liked his character! AND how could I forget the gorgeous prince! George! Oh you will love him. Love his manners, love his hot accent! Just (sighs).

Niki Burnham is a talented writer. I will be reading more from her!

I am not a big fan of the cover. And if you are like me a love to stare at beautiful covers, this can be a little bit of a let down. I just like real people on covers. I know, strange, but it's what I like. So fear not cover lovers, BUY THE BIND-UP! The cover is beautiful on the bind-up :)


The ending will have you craving more. Thats why I am so happy it's a series!


I really liked this. I found it enjoyable, and I hope you do too!

Plot: 18/20

Characters: 17/20

Creativity: 19/20

Writing: 17/20

Cover: 6/10

Ending: 8/10

Total: 85/100