<p>An absolutely delicious, compulsively readable, stylish novel about a young aristocratic woman, who has to choose between duty and her heart - think <em>The Crown</em> meets Taylor Jenkins Reid. <strong>'I loved it. I <em>devoured</em> every page of this glorious novel.' Holly Ringland</strong></p>
<p>Lexi Villiers is a 29-year-old Englishwoman doing her medical residency in Hobart, working too hard, worried about her bank balance, and living with friends. It's a good life, and getting even better, because as the dawn is breaking on New Year's Day, Lexi is about to kiss the man she loves for the very first time.</p><p>But by midnight, everything will change. Because Lexi is in fact <em>not</em> an ordinary young woman. She is Princess Alexandrina, third in line to the British throne - albeit estranged from the rest of her family and living in voluntary exile on the other side of the world. But following a terrible accident, Lexi - the black sheep of her family and, until this moment, always destined to be the spare - is now the heir apparent, first in line to the throne once her grandmother, the elderly Queen, dies. Called back to do her duty, she arrives in London to a Palace riven with power plays and media leaks, all the while guarding painful secrets of her own. Palace waters are treacherous, rumours are rife, and selling each other's secrets is a family tradition. And with the Crown just within her grasp, Lexi must choose what bonds she will keep ... and what she is willing to leave behind.</p><p>'This engrossing debut ... is filled with secrets, scandals, and a few unexpected twists, including a forbidden and beautiful love story. Armitage's writing is spectacular, with rich dialogue and descriptions, a vibrant depiction of the burden of duty versus personal freedom, and unique insights into royal life.' <em>Booklist,</em> starred review</p><p>'For everyone wondering who's going to be the next big thing on the Australian literary scene, I have the answer: it's Rebecca Armitage. <em><strong>The Heir Apparent</strong></em><strong> is one of the best books I've read all year</strong>.' Natasha Lester, N<em>ew York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>The Mademoiselle Alliance</em></p><p>'A fabulous novel, juicy and irresistible'. Pip Drysdale, bestselling author of <em>The Close Up</em></p><p>'Completely addictive! I was up until the wee hours finishing this fantastic book. It's <em>Hello! </em>mag meets Sally Hepworth and I was utterly transported by the evocative, clever storytelling. Five stars!!' Ella Ward, <em>The Cicada House</em></p>
