Book Review: "The Royal Treatment" by Lindsey Leavitt

Summary from BN.com: 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?

This story was really fun to read and very cute! I enjoyed it even more so than the first book in the series that introduced readers to Desi and how she is now part of a organization that uses magic to help princesses in need. In this story, Desi has upgraded to the next level of the agency which comes with more perks and more responsibilities. It's fun seeing what she has to do in her secret life and how she balances it with her real life.

I really liked going behind the scenes in Facade. I wish that I had the same powers that Desi had or just given brief access to get all the perks of working for them. While reading about Desi's adventures with the younger princess set is fun, I would have loved to get in on the stories of the older princesses like newly married Kate! I also like how within all the lightness of the story, there are some subtle serious tones as well. Desi's character is quite responsible and is eager to learn but she also has a curious streak as well which leads to some pretty big discoveries. I really like how she is now comfortable with what she is doing and spends her time enjoying herself as well as help out the girl she is replacing in times of need.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, I strongly recommend doing so because it's important to know the background of how Desi got this sweet gig. Also you learn more about her relationship with Prince Karl and why it plays into such a big factor in this story. I loved the twist at the end of story as it gives the whole concept another different meaning. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Desi's story as she discovers more about the secrets of Facade. Middle grade girls will really enjoy this light read.

The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt is published by Disney Hyperion (2011)

This ARC was provided by the publisher