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Royalty #2

Appointing

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This is book #2 in the Royalty Series.

Elin, the Princess of Norway, never planned to become the country’s Queen – her twin brother, older by minutes, would be the next King. When her father decided to retire, and her brother abdicated to continue his career in the military service, Elin was thrust into being not only the next in line, but the new Queen.

Ingrid, the Princess’s Private Secretary, was happy for her sometimes nervous and often klutzy Princess ascending to the throne, but because of her lack of seniority, she was disappointed to find out she won’t be Elin’s secretary any longer. When the new Queen moves mountains to keep Ingrid on her staff, Ingrid begins to wonder why she’d do that.

The new Queen’s crush is close to being revealed, and the Secretary, who’s always been professional, cannot take her eyes off of the woman she’s worked with for years. While it might seem impossible, Ingrid also can’t stop thinking about the possibility of more with the woman who will now be Queen of Norway.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2023

158 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Pyland

79 books820 followers
Nicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!

Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

Website: nicolepyland.com

Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter

Twitter: @nicole_pyland

Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor

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5 stars
421 (52%)
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276 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,448 reviews171 followers
April 19, 2023
'Arc provided by The Author in exchange for a honest review'

**'Most writers should always try to reach out and grab every reader there is out there but if some readers cannot endure love stories of certain genre, then it's their lost opportunity of knowing about different kinds of Love..'

Fascinating read!
'APPOINTING' is an endearing book #2 in the ongoing 'Royalty' series. Ms. Pyland starts her storytelling by having readers groove into the how a Queen fell in love with her secretary and when they actually acknowledge and revealed their love --- each surrounded and supported by their families and close friends, a few of those main characters from book #1 who played a part in encouraging Elin to chose Love over what others might think of her.
At times the storyline did have some entertaining parts, nice dialogue and even showcased that there's always someone out there for anyone/everyone -- no matter their status.
If any reader is in need of a well written love story then look no further --- this is the series to scope up and enjoy.
A highly recommended book #2 and series!
Profile Image for Corporate Slave.
358 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2023
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it because I did, but I wasn’t blown away and had higher expectations! Solid 3 stars!
Profile Image for Sam.
837 reviews114 followers
April 20, 2023
The second book in the Royalty series, but it could potentially be read as a standalone. Although I do recommend reading Ascending, it's a good read as well with a great couple, not as adorable as Ingrid and Elin though.

So this second book is about Elin and Ingrid. Elin is going to be the Queen of Norway, Ingrid has been her personal secretary for a couple of years. They are just utterly adorable together. Elin is confident and put together, unless Ingrid is in her vicinity. She becomes this huge klutz and it's extremely endearing. Ingrid knows all about royal life because of her job and it brings an extra layer to their romance. I like the sisterly support both characters get. The appearances of Palmer and Elizabeth from Ascending are great. We get to catch up with them for short bits and a decade into their story, it's wholesome and fun.

I really enjoyed this and it might be my favourite Pyland book (to date). One thing that irked me a little was the constant kid talk, which is understandable given that these characters are royals and need to have an heir. But it was a bit much, at times I felt like maybe Elin wouldn't hold firm on her believes. I'm very glad she did though!
Profile Image for Simone11.
248 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
I found it even better than the first book in the series. Two lovely MCs and a clumsy Queen. What’s not to love?
Profile Image for pipsqueakreviews.
588 reviews505 followers
April 25, 2023
Queen and her private secretary.

I needed this book. It was a rough couple of weeks at work and this was the first book I picked up during the weekend and it was the right choice. This is an extremely sweet romance that held my attention from start to finish and I just wasn't able to put it down until the end.

Before I continue, let me first introduce this book. This is the 2nd book of Nicole Pyland's Royalty series, a sapphic series about monarchs and royals. Each book can be read as a standalone but they are not entirely unlinked as the royals know each other. And I recommend reading both books because they are both awesome in their own right.

This book is about Queen Elin of Norway, who has been thrusted into the top position after her father decides to retire and elder twin brother decides to abdicate. While this change is unexpected, Elin isn't exactly a reluctant Queen. She enjoys it, does a good job and carries herself well. That is only when her private secretary isn't around for she turns into a big klutz whenever Ingrid is in sight. Elin is aware of her own feelings for Ingrid and it doesn't go unnoticed by others too, but she doesn't consider acting on it due to various reasons including optics. But that being said, Elin's crush on Ingrid is extremely endearing and sweet.

Elin is a fascinating character but I found Ingrid to be just as interesting. I'm glad we have both POVs, otherwise it might have been hard to get to know Ingrid as she is a lot more composed than Elin in her thoughts and feelings.

Take it from me. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-written royalty romance. Well-paced with characters who have good chemistry together!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sky. .
348 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2023
“The clumsy Queen,” Elin said, smiling back at her.
“So I’ve noticed.”
“Well, you would,” Elin told her.
“Why do you say it like that?”
“Because I’m only clumsy around you,”



Elin the clumsy Queen who was in love with her private Secretary (only clumsy around said Secretary)🔥🔥,

Very adorable, I liked both Elin and Ingrid very much, the chemistry between them was 🥵🥵

”Elin was wearing black slacks with a light-blue button-down shirt. She also had on those very dangerous suspenders.”


Those suspenders is so dangerous indeed, they were the highlights of the book for me, i had to stop reading a few times just to go an pinterest and looks at pictures of women wearing suspenders, that’s how dangerous they’re 🤣😂😂.

I laughed so haaard reading this book, all the characters is funny but Lillian was so fucking hilarious i may be in love with her, why isn’t she gay??????

It was good to revisit Elizabeth and Palmer story, I enjoyed seeing them after 10 years with their kids! 🥺

Also Alex? Oh boy i am already in LOVE WITH HER, I can’t believe her book 😭😭😭🔥.
Profile Image for Judy - JC.
224 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2023
Solid 4 stars.

Second book of the Royalty Series by Nicole Pyland. I don’t know what I was expecting because I decided to not read the blurbs.

I started book 2 of this series considering book 1 was so good that I was suspicious about this and honestly so different but so good and you see a continuity from book 1.
Disclaimer: you don’t need to read book 1 to understand book 2 but book 1 is good so I highly recommend it.

Elin gets to be Queen because of one decision a family member makes.
Honestly, she was ready to be Queen.

Ingrid is Elin’s private secretary. What happens when you realize that you are into your country’s’ Queen but there’s nothing that makes you share even time or space.

10/10 supporting characters. Elin’s siblings and Ingrid’s sister, Markus. Then their siblings’ partners. The former King and Queen (Elin’s parents).
I lived for the moments we have with Palmer and Elizabeth (Book 1 of the series) and how they have changed.
Profile Image for Clara Addicted to sapphic books.
365 reviews265 followers
May 11, 2023
Elin and Ingrid already know each other and have been working together for three years. Elin is already head over heels for Ingrid, there is no build up like I usually read and it was refreshing. Seeing Elin nervous and clumsy around Ingrid was really cute and endearing when you think of her queen/princess status. In contrast, Ingrid is a 100% professional at first until she realize she won't be working with her princess anymore; I thought it was realistic.
Side characters make a good support system for the MC and It seems strong sisterhood is something important to Pyland. They are always here to say what us readers would like to say to the MC, taking off our shoulders potential frustration.
Palmer and Elizabeth from book one of the serie also play a key role for Elin, giving at the same time a follow up for readers

Pyland favors dialogue between characters and action over internal dialogue, which gives the novel a good pace, but makes me crave a bit for characters verbalizing thoughts and feelings. I was craving it particularly with Ingrid, when Elin comes out to her and I wish I knew the rail of thinking that leads her to make some decisions.

This was another really sweet and easy to read royal romance, with really human characters despite their status. This book will certainly gives you a good time.
Profile Image for queer_aussie_reviews.
314 reviews30 followers
April 26, 2023
Appointing is book two in Nicole Pyland’s Royalty Series and follows a Princess as she moves into her role as Queen while struggling to acknowledge that she deserves and can have the love that she craves.

Elin is pressed into the role of Queen when her twin brother abdicates, setting her on a path she always assumed wouldn’t be hers. Embracing the change, Elin does her best to adhere to tradition but finds herself rebelling against some of the expectations placed upon her, especially the one dictating that her personal secretary be replaced. The secretary she has been secretly in love with for the past few years.

Ingrid is disappointed to lose her position as secretary to Elin, but seniority means she is forced to take a step back. Reluctantly, she watches as her Princess stumbles (sometimes literally) through her new routines but is quick to offer her services whenever possible.
Elin can’t stay away from Ingrid, and it isn’t long before Ingrid realizes her own feelings aren’t innocent towards the new Queen. It isn’t long before the mutual attraction is revealed, and they begin dating, which comes with its own obstacles.

The wonderful thing about Appointing is that we get to know both MCs individually, as they circle each other in true, slow-burn style. On top of that, Nicole Pyland always writes interaction and conversation brilliantly, with a knack for ensuring each character is relevant and relatable. Appointing is a great follow-up to Ascending, and we even get a little preview into how Elizabeth and Palmer are going, ten years on.
Profile Image for Bárbara Sousa.
376 reviews48 followers
May 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. The chemistry between the MCs could have been a tiny bit more sizzling but I enjoyed it nonetheless 😍
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,329 reviews100 followers
November 25, 2024
Yea, just great. Not going to win The Nobel Prize for Literature but I bet it brings more joy to the soul than those weighty, pretentious tombs. Give me Pyland and Royalty and I’m a happy bunny.
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
840 reviews63 followers
July 30, 2023
Appointing Book 2 of the royalty series by Nicole Pyland was as good as Book 1. There are similarities to the predecessor such as not being out, becoming queen and other factors I can’t think of right now. The sisterhood was really nice to read too. It was such a relaxed and safe camaraderie with easy and funny banter. Generally, it was just a pleasant book to read.
Profile Image for Geina.
43 reviews
April 17, 2023
Growing up with a twin brother who was going to be King was something Elin was prepared for, finding out that wasn't what was going to happen took some getting used to. I'm not sure how Nicole Pyland does it, but she has a talent to make characters you simply fall in love with and hope that they get there happy ever after. This is the second book in your new Royalty series and if you haven't read the first you NEED TO! In this one the new Queen is in love with her secretary. Both don't believe they stand a chance at being together and when they realize that it can be a reality, fireworks!
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
917 reviews46 followers
May 11, 2023
Ingrid is the private secretary for the Princess Elin of Norway. She's worked for her for 3 years, and all 3 yrs she's loved her. Elin is a competent, graceful woman except when she's around Ingrid. Because she's in love with her. After a shake up in the monarchy, Ingrid gives notice. And the fun begins... I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is book 2 of this wonderful series, I can't wait for book 3!! 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
922 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2023
Appointing

Another book that Nicole Pyland that is just simply amazing. I truly believe that the pairing she creates are flawless. I love the depth of character, the chemistry and the strength of bond between the MCs, along with the support system. I will be rereading this series again and again. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Inma Ro.
1 review
May 9, 2023
I love it. Sweet Book and lovable characters everywhere.
I have to say that I ended shipping Sarah and Lillian like crazy.
51 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2023
This second instalment of the royalty series introduces Elin and Ingrid, it takes place in the same universe as ascending a decade or so later. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two MCs and how the “reversed power dynamic” was handled. The change from employee, to friend, to lover was very well done. I also loved how we got to see Elizabeth and Palmer again but I wished we got a bit of a longer epilogue on Elin and Ingrid’s story. I can only hope that we get it in future instalments. This royalty theme, not in a historical setting, is a change from the classic celebrity trope and I am loving it. I highly recommend.

** ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
29 reviews
May 9, 2023
I’m loving this new series. As an avid reader who has read all of this Author’s books, I have appreciated watching the evolution of Nicole’s story telling in her books. The Royalty series thus far is absolutely amazing and I’m truly enjoying it.

This particular book is a great follow up to Ascending we get to see the original characters in the context Elin and Ingrid’s developing love story. I love the tension that is created in this story and how we get to see Elin’s and Ingrid’s experiences and thought processes of each other. The angst isn’t in overkill it was just enough for me to keep rooting for these extraordinary, strong, and empowered characters to share their truth with the other. For me, this author does a great job of pulling us readers in as an active member of the friend groups she creates in these series.

The story in and of itself was is very sweet and addresses certain issues with a tenderness that pulls is in even more with every turn of the page. I would recommend this series to any and everyone. I’m looking forward to re-uniting with these sweet characters in the next installment of the series.
Profile Image for Sarah Stoneleigh.
26 reviews
May 4, 2023
Appointing is the second book in Nicole Pyland’s royalty series. It can be read as a standalone book but does reference the main characters from Ascending so I would recommend reading book 1 as well (also read it because it’s a great story as well).

Appointing follows the monarchy in Norway. Elin becomes the Queen after her father steps down as King due to health reasons and her twin brother chooses to abdicate. While she was not expecting to become Queen, she knows that she can do a great job. She’s composed and confident until her private secretary, Ingrid, enters the room. She becomes clumsy whenever Ingrid is around, which is quite adorable. I was worried that it might get tiresome after awhile, but it makes the story more endearing as you read.

I enjoyed the writing from Ingrid’s POV as well and seeing her realize her feelings for Elin. Both Elin and Ingrid get unwavering support from their sisters to tell the other how they feel and it’s heartwarming when they do get together. The romance was well paced and I enjoyed reading Elin and Ingrid’s story. I’m for the next story in the series and I highly recommend both books so far!
Profile Image for Lyric Vickers.
173 reviews
May 14, 2024
I loved Elin and Ingrid in this book my favorite couple of the series. (I’ve read one other of the series so far) Elin captured my heart with her adorableness and her literally falling every time she sees Ingrid. Elin’s father passed me off at the majority of the book; we get it life sucks. Anyway,such a heartwarming book!
44 reviews
May 4, 2023
Will they? Or won’t they?

In the Appointing, the classic trope of a secretary falling in love with their boss is turned on it’s head with “the boss” harboring a huge crush for their secretary.

In typical Nicole Pylon style, this story is a perfect balance of longing, family duty, and hopeful resolution.

The love story has the notes of a sweet high school crush, overlayed onto a complicated royal romance. The reader gets to observe the behind the scene challenges, while also enjoying the magical royal perks. Spoiler: Northern Lights.

Easily, my favorite part of the book was the dialogue between the siblings, both Ingrid‘s and especially Elin’s. The conversations frequently made me chuckle and reminded me of several of my own sibling exchanges.

Another great addition to the Nicole Pyland collections.
31 reviews
May 5, 2023
This is the second book in the Royalty series and both have been very pleasant surprises. I’ve never been a big fan of royal romances, but I enjoy series and this one has captured my heart. This was a book that I couldn’t wait to finish but didn’t want to end. I loved it and it left me wanting more. There is a sweet, slow burn love at the core of this story. The main characters are likable and believable and their sisters are a great addition.

An added bonus to the Royalty series has been the inclusion of historical information. While the story and the characters are fictional, I enjoyed learning more about the history of Norway. I was also especially glad to see more of Elizabeth and Palmer from the first book. I hope to see glimpses of Elin and Ingrid in future books.
Profile Image for Julie.
51 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2023
ARC of Appointing review.

I really enjoyed reading Elin and Ingrid's story. It starts out very cute with Elin constantly being clumsy around her private secretary Ingrid. It's really adorable how it was written. Little does she know that she's found the love of her life. When they finally admit to themselves and each other that they have feeling for one another things start to heat up between them. There first official date was adorable as well. I also liked how Nicole wrote Elizabeth and Palmer into this book as well. It was nice to see where they ended up. I was surprised to read that it had been 10 years in the time line. The 2nd book in the Royalty series was awesome. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
15 reviews
May 6, 2023
The second book in the Royalty series was not a disappointment! Falling in love with someone you shouldn't can be very heartbreaking. But who is it to say who you should fall in love with? When Elin and Ingrid come to the realization that they want to date, there are lines that Ingrid doesn't want to get blurred. Which is understandable, but the thing that stood out to me most was Markus's secret. And of course, Ingrid's sister Sarah, everyone who is going to date a Queen needs a sister like Sarah! Nicole Pyland thank you again for changing my mind about reading about princesses and Queens!
Profile Image for Siddie.
545 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2024
Elin is Princess Royal of Norway, second in line to the throne - until her seven minute older twin, Christian, decides he doesn’t want to be the next sovereign, and her father retires because of ill health. So Elin has to step up to be Queen.
Ingrid has been Elin’s private secretary for the past three years, and is secretly in love with her.
This is their story, how they find a mutual love, and how they negotiate all the pitfalls of royal life in the public eye.
I always like stories of sapphic royalty, nobility or politicians, and this is an excellent example. It is a slow burn, because of the working relationship between the two main characters, but once they do get together, the attraction is so sensual. I especially liked the elevator scene - so sexy. If this book was made into a movie, that would be the memorable scene that everybody would quote.
Profile Image for Jayden.
55 reviews
May 6, 2023
This book was so adorable and that was entirely because of Elin.

So Appointing is the 2nd book in Nicole Pyland's new Royalty series. It follows Princess Elin of Norway who becomes Queen unexpectedly when both her father (due to illness) and older twin brother abduct from the throne. She handles everything quite beautifully with the help and advice of her distant cousin Elizabeth (a recall from the Queen of the first book in the series).

The one thing Elin can't seem to handle is her feelings for her private secretary, Ingrid, whom she's been (somewhat) secretly in love with for 3 years. As a result of her feelings, Elin tends to be very clumsy around the other women - this is where the adorable comedy comes into play. The reader will take great pleasure in witnessing Elin's constant dropping of beverages or trips whenever the two women are together.

Ingrid was also an interesting character. Private secretary to the Princess Royal from humble beginnings. It takes her some time to come to terms with her feelings for the new Queen and what the future entails. I found her character and actions very human - I think most of us would pause when considering a future with someone of royalty if the opportunity presented herself.

Elin's sister Lillian and Ingrid sister Sarah Anne are also worth mentioning as they bring a lot of lightheadedness and humor to the story as well.

A must read if you are a fan of Nicole's or a lover of lesfic romantic comedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
50 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2023
And another Pyland book you won’t want to put down.

If you are looking for a super cute story about two characters who probably aren’t supposed to fall in love, so they don’t communicate well, and stumble (sometimes literally) through trials and tribulations to fall for one another… then this is your book!
You get all the feels too! You get serious moments when dealing with an illness, you get some heart breaking moments, some funny moments, and the pure happiness ones too.

Everything that could go wrong for the King of Norway seems to be going wrong. But these somewhat bad turn of events end up setting the right woman for the job to rule as the new queen. Elin has to deal with the drama of a king that need to let go, a brother that wants a different life, and woman that she doesn’t know how to admit her feeling to. Ingrid thinks that she has learn to get over unrequited love. Misunderstanding happen when both character’s keep their feelings and emotions hidden. Luckily they have some amazing family members and friends (2 particular ones from the first book in the series) to help them see what is pretty obvious to others. Add all the royalty business on top of that and you have yourself a very entertaining book to read.

39 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2023
A great low-angst slow-burn book.

Appointing is the 2nd book in the Royalty Series. The story between Elin, who is thrust into the role as Queen when her father retires and her older twin brother abdicates the role, and Ingrid her private secretary is filled with laughs, sass, sweetness, clumsiness and love. The cast of characters were witty and even though for the most part they were royals, the dynamics between the siblings, friends and MCs was relatable.

I loved how Elin, who is normally so poised and sure-footed, becomes a clumsy bumbling mess around Ingrid, and Ingrid, goes above and beyond for Elin

*Spoiler*
One of my favourite scenes is when Elin bumps into Ingrid in the kitchen in search of more Skolebrød that chef Henri had made for the dinner party. Ingrid offers to make her some more using her own recipe and not Henri's. When Elin tastes the final product she realises that it's been Ingrid who has been making her the Skolebrød this whole time because its Elin's favourite dessert.
*End Spoiler*

I liked that Appointing takes place 10 years after Ascending. We got some scenes with Elizabeth and Palmer in this book and we get to see how their future has turned out.

This series so far has been another great hit and I can't wait to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

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