Bedmates (American Royalty #1) by Nichole Chase

Title: Bedmates: An American Royalty Novel
Classification: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: American Royalty
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (October 4, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062405195
ISBN-13: 978-0062405197
Author's Website: http://www.nicholechase.com/
Notes: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Maddie McGuire is America's First Daughter. No longer a child but still living at home, she's just gotten herself in trouble and proven she still has a lot of growing up to do. Actions have consequences and while her father has managed to keep her from doing time for her crime, she's not getting off scot-free. She'll be spending the next several months working with the Vice President's son, Jake, promoting and working for the RCVA--Returning Combat Veteran Affairs program.

Jake Simmons is the vice president's son and he has a soft spot for the RCVA. Being an injured veteran himself, he knows how the homes they build can help injured veterans and their families in a big way. As he and Maddie begin work on their first house they become close as they put their differences aside. As Jake's mother notices the change in their relationship she reminds him that Maddie is off limits. That's one of the many rules she's laid out for her son over the years. The problem is Jake isn't a little boy anymore and this may be one rule he'll just have to break...  

When I realized this was a romance about a fictitious president's daughter I had some reservations about reading it. I wasn't sure I'd be pulled into the story, and it took a while for me to warm to the idea. Thankfully, after reading a handful of chapters which toggled between Jake and Maddie's viewpoints, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enchanted with this pair. Both were thrust at an early age into the political arena with every move, decision, and  mistake scrutinized by the world. Every choice, good or bad, reflecting poorly or favorably not only upon themselves, but upon their parents as well. Not many could understand or handle the pressure these two have been under, and that is partly what brings them together.

Maddie wears her heart on her sleeve, but is no wilting flower. When push comes to shove, she'll shove right back and give as good as she gets. In a world where everything comes with strings attached, she's managed to keep herself from being caught up in them. She just needs to learn to think before she acts on things she's passionate about.

There is no doubt Jake's mom is grooming him to be a political powerhouse. Already at ease at any   social function he's used to being in the world spotlight. Over the years he's learned to maneuver through the political landscape and verbal landmines with ease. Handsome, young, and charismatic, he has no problem using those traits to his advantage. While he's used to living in a world where everyone wants something from him, his mother included, he's a little tired of it all. Maddie is one of the few people he's found who is genuine and he can be himself around.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a cute story that also brought to light the fact there are many unsung heroes out there in need of help. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any reference to the RCVA other than a store that had nothing to do with Returning Combat Veterans. I wish the author had used this book as a springboard to drum up support for a real program, but apparently she didn't. The relationship between Maddie and Jake was sweet, but got a bit complicated as Jake worked through some emotional issues that dealt with survivor's remorse and the death of a close friend. While by no means a lighthearted read, it did have its moments and I enjoyed the story. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.