The Heir Apparent: Reese’s Book Club Pick

An irresistible modern fairy tale about a British princess who must decide between her duty to her family--or to her own heart.

A Reese's Book Club Pick!

It's New Year's Day in Australia and the life Lexi Villiers has carefully built is working out nicely: she's in the second year of her medical residency, she lives on a beautiful farm with her two best friends Finn and Jack, and she's about to finally become more-than-friendly with Jack--when a helicopter abruptly lands.

Out steps her grandmother's right-hand-man, with the tragic news that her father and older brother have been killed in a skiing accident. Lexi's grandmother happens to be the Queen of England, and in addition to the shock and grief, Lexi must now accept the reality that she is suddenly next in line for the throne--a role she has publicly disavowed.

Returning to London as the heir apparent Princess Alexandrina, Lexi is greeted by a skeptical public not ready to forgive her defection, a grieving sister-in-law harboring an explosive secret, and a scheming uncle determined to claim the throne himself.

Her recent life--and Jack--grow ever more distant as she feels the tug of tradition, of love for her grandmother, and of obligation. When her grandmother grants her one year to decide, Lexi must choose her own destiny: will it be determined by an accident of birth--or by love?

​"There's nothing better than snuggling up with a great story this time of year. The December Reese's Book Club pick, The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage, has everything I love in a holiday read--royals, romance, family twists, and a woman finding her own path. Can't wait for you to dive in." --Reese Witherspoon

"One of the best books I've read all year." --Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress

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Published Dec 2, 2025

416 pages

Average rating: 7.06

33 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Larry Burns
Dec 28, 2025
9/10 stars
A very enjoyable journey!
SonM
Jan 11, 2026
9/10 stars
A lovely read. A few twists.
Aluzrod
Jan 09, 2026
7/10 stars
I expected Lexi to remain with the Crown, believing she could do more good and achieve her goals from a position of such influence. Yet the constant pressure from her uncle Richard, combined with the sacrifice of leaving the one person she loved, made that path feel heavy and unsustainable. In the end, I admired her choice. She did what needed to be done, stood up for herself, and honored her own voice. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the inner realities of modern queenship where duty, love, and identity quietly collide.
Nicole O
Jan 03, 2026
7/10 stars
7.75

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