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Going Royal #1
Some Like it Royal
It’s The Role of a Lifetime…
Living out of a car and waiting tables to make ends meet is hardly the stuff of fairy tales. So when a gorgeous man approaches Alyx Dagmar with a wild story about her royal lineage and an even wilder proposition, the aspiring actress is sure he’s got the wrong woman.
Self-made billionaire Daniel Voldakov needs connections before he can expand his software business into Europe. A blue-blooded fiancée would open all the right doors—and Daniel’s certain he can tempt the pretty but penniless Princess Alyxandretta to accept the part she was born to play.
Alyx can’t resist Daniel’s offer, and throws herself into the role. But as the paparazzi fall in love with their “storybook romance,” Alyx finds herself drawn to Daniel in ways she’d never imagined. Are his returned affections true, or all just part of the plan? He’ll do anything it takes to prove his love, and to make her see that the only happily ever after he wants is with her…the real her.
Living out of a car and waiting tables to make ends meet is hardly the stuff of fairy tales. So when a gorgeous man approaches Alyx Dagmar with a wild story about her royal lineage and an even wilder proposition, the aspiring actress is sure he’s got the wrong woman.
Self-made billionaire Daniel Voldakov needs connections before he can expand his software business into Europe. A blue-blooded fiancée would open all the right doors—and Daniel’s certain he can tempt the pretty but penniless Princess Alyxandretta to accept the part she was born to play.
Alyx can’t resist Daniel’s offer, and throws herself into the role. But as the paparazzi fall in love with their “storybook romance,” Alyx finds herself drawn to Daniel in ways she’d never imagined. Are his returned affections true, or all just part of the plan? He’ll do anything it takes to prove his love, and to make her see that the only happily ever after he wants is with her…the real her.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
21 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
257 books2,275 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 22, 2014
5 OH-I-DEFINITELY-LIKE-IT-ROYAL STARS!!!!!!!!!!!
Fairy tales weren’t made of common sense and logic—they were leaps of faith.
So let's meet Alyx Dagmar. The feisty redhead who lives in her car because she's nearly broke with just waiting tables. As an aspiring actress, she also tries out her luck on auditions whenever possible. But most of the time, luck's just not on her side.
Still, she stays determined to make ends meet.
But one fine day when she was just sleeping inside her car, a knock knock on her car window woke her up.
And here we meet Daniel Voldakov. First described as: the blond haired, blue-eyed god.
He is the hot Russian self-made billionaire who's the sole owner of Spherecast Technologies. His company is "the fastest-growing software company in the States".
Yes, hot, smart AND successful. YUM RIGHT?
BUT! THERE'S A CATCH!
I’ve made great strides in Canada and South America, but we can’t get traction in the European Union markets. Too many competitors from old families there. But I have an opportunity that I’d like to explore and a proposal for you...
If you’ll agree to marry me—and by that I mean you don’t have to actually marry me, but we will have to be engaged—and lend me the use of your royal title, I can make the acquaintance of the Andraste Grand Duke Armand. Once we’ve cemented that introduction, I could use his influence to open the EU markets for the company.
So Mr. Daniel McHottiePants kindly asks Alyx to let him use her royal title to his advantage by means of getting engaged to her.
But Alyx's just like: NO
She won't accept Daniel's proposal. And then him saying that she is a royal, UTTER RIDICULOUS! But then Daniel gives detailed information about her and her family that can actually prove she is part of a royal family. She's confused as heck but she won't budge. Besides, he might be a liar/murderer for all she knows.
So, in the end, she says NO! But, Daniel doesn't give up. He continues to pursue her and he even runs down many benefits she could gain if ever she accepts his proposal. Like, she could have connections in the entertainment and film industry. She won't worry about feeding her grumbling stomach every now and then with the little of her money. She could also consider this as a "role" to improve her acting skills. She'll have the chance to know her royal family (well, that is if she's royal). AND! She gets to live in his home instead in her old car.
Alyx eventually gets swayed when Daniel holds a mock audition that Alyx thinks is true. She doesn't want to but she does need the help.
So, she reluctantly agrees, but with some conditions on her own (including no sex, which highly upsets Daniel HAHAHAHA).
From then on, they start a friendship and something more. They watch movie marathons, share ice cream, drink coffee together, talk about anything under the sun, get to know each other, and just do nonsense stuff.
They also needed to show their "affection and love" to convince the public that they are an item. This included BIGTIME PDA!
Although they had their misunderstandings and fights, they had their sweet talks, some even flirtatious.
Anyway, one thing led to another...
And the next thing we know...
Anyway, I don't want to go into further details, but I really enjoyed this! Such a cute story!
This was my first Heather Long book and I loved it! I can't wait for the next book!! I hope it's Armand's story!!
Fairy tales weren’t made of common sense and logic—they were leaps of faith.
So let's meet Alyx Dagmar. The feisty redhead who lives in her car because she's nearly broke with just waiting tables. As an aspiring actress, she also tries out her luck on auditions whenever possible. But most of the time, luck's just not on her side.
Still, she stays determined to make ends meet.
But one fine day when she was just sleeping inside her car, a knock knock on her car window woke her up.
And here we meet Daniel Voldakov. First described as: the blond haired, blue-eyed god.
He is the hot Russian self-made billionaire who's the sole owner of Spherecast Technologies. His company is "the fastest-growing software company in the States".
Yes, hot, smart AND successful. YUM RIGHT?
BUT! THERE'S A CATCH!
I’ve made great strides in Canada and South America, but we can’t get traction in the European Union markets. Too many competitors from old families there. But I have an opportunity that I’d like to explore and a proposal for you...
If you’ll agree to marry me—and by that I mean you don’t have to actually marry me, but we will have to be engaged—and lend me the use of your royal title, I can make the acquaintance of the Andraste Grand Duke Armand. Once we’ve cemented that introduction, I could use his influence to open the EU markets for the company.
So Mr. Daniel McHottiePants kindly asks Alyx to let him use her royal title to his advantage by means of getting engaged to her.
But Alyx's just like: NO
She won't accept Daniel's proposal. And then him saying that she is a royal, UTTER RIDICULOUS! But then Daniel gives detailed information about her and her family that can actually prove she is part of a royal family. She's confused as heck but she won't budge. Besides, he might be a liar/murderer for all she knows.
So, in the end, she says NO! But, Daniel doesn't give up. He continues to pursue her and he even runs down many benefits she could gain if ever she accepts his proposal. Like, she could have connections in the entertainment and film industry. She won't worry about feeding her grumbling stomach every now and then with the little of her money. She could also consider this as a "role" to improve her acting skills. She'll have the chance to know her royal family (well, that is if she's royal). AND! She gets to live in his home instead in her old car.
Alyx eventually gets swayed when Daniel holds a mock audition that Alyx thinks is true. She doesn't want to but she does need the help.
So, she reluctantly agrees, but with some conditions on her own (including no sex, which highly upsets Daniel HAHAHAHA).
From then on, they start a friendship and something more. They watch movie marathons, share ice cream, drink coffee together, talk about anything under the sun, get to know each other, and just do nonsense stuff.
They also needed to show their "affection and love" to convince the public that they are an item. This included BIGTIME PDA!
Although they had their misunderstandings and fights, they had their sweet talks, some even flirtatious.
Anyway, one thing led to another...
And the next thing we know...
Anyway, I don't want to go into further details, but I really enjoyed this! Such a cute story!
This was my first Heather Long book and I loved it! I can't wait for the next book!! I hope it's Armand's story!!
December 30, 2014
A needless but charming story.
Meet Alyxandretta Dagmar. Orphan. Broke. Waitress. Aspiring Actress. And yeah, a long lost princess.
Enter Daniel Voldakov or should I say, her charming billionaire who has a badass computer software company that is already rockin' in America and Japan but has yet to enter the European scene.
What does Daniel need? A blue-blooded fiancée, of course!
So what do you say, Alyx? Are you in?
With a little convincing from Daniel, Alyx soon wasn't able to resist him
err... the role of a lifetime. Didn't she want an immersion?
This is her chance to finally be in the limelight. This is her time to have connections that could help her launch her career. The pay isn't half bad also. I mean, $1M? She could finally move out of her car. sign me up! Lastly, she'll be reunited with her remaining relatives. She'll be part of what she always wanted and craved for, a family.
Her only condition, NO SEX!
Too bad Daniel has other plans of his own.
Before they took the stage, they prepped her up first. That's what they do when you're going to marry a billionaire you see. Nothing like what us penniless commoners would experience. It took professionals to transform her into swan.
Soon they were eating ice creams, sleeping in one bedroom, and sharing intimate moments for the paparazzi to catch.
It wasn't long before they turned into media's favorite it couple.
Then the inevitable thing happened.
Can Alyx still distinguish reality from their contract?
Do all princesses have a fairy tale ending?
Overall, I liked this book. I wish the character development was better though. And the details. Gosh the details. I am not really much of a sucker when it comes to details, but I really craved for details in this one. It was sort of written in a rush (This book is short, you can totally finish this in less than 3 hours or 2), and the interactions with other characters even the interactions between the two leads, wasn't completely explored. It made it seem as though some of the characters act impulsively.
Okay... Alyx and Daniel, please stop judging me. I'm finished with being technical and all.
I still recommend this book though. It's not that memorable but it's decent enough. It is filled with enough fluff and sexiness. So yeah, grab a copy and enjoy!
Meet Alyxandretta Dagmar. Orphan. Broke. Waitress. Aspiring Actress. And yeah, a long lost princess.
Enter Daniel Voldakov or should I say, her charming billionaire who has a badass computer software company that is already rockin' in America and Japan but has yet to enter the European scene.
What does Daniel need? A blue-blooded fiancée, of course!
So what do you say, Alyx? Are you in?
With a little convincing from Daniel, Alyx soon wasn't able to resist him
err... the role of a lifetime. Didn't she want an immersion?
This is her chance to finally be in the limelight. This is her time to have connections that could help her launch her career. The pay isn't half bad also. I mean, $1M? She could finally move out of her car. sign me up! Lastly, she'll be reunited with her remaining relatives. She'll be part of what she always wanted and craved for, a family.
Her only condition, NO SEX!
Too bad Daniel has other plans of his own.
Before they took the stage, they prepped her up first. That's what they do when you're going to marry a billionaire you see. Nothing like what us penniless commoners would experience. It took professionals to transform her into swan.
Soon they were eating ice creams, sleeping in one bedroom, and sharing intimate moments for the paparazzi to catch.
It wasn't long before they turned into media's favorite it couple.
Then the inevitable thing happened.
Can Alyx still distinguish reality from their contract?
Do all princesses have a fairy tale ending?
Overall, I liked this book. I wish the character development was better though. And the details. Gosh the details. I am not really much of a sucker when it comes to details, but I really craved for details in this one. It was sort of written in a rush (This book is short, you can totally finish this in less than 3 hours or 2), and the interactions with other characters even the interactions between the two leads, wasn't completely explored. It made it seem as though some of the characters act impulsively.
Okay... Alyx and Daniel, please stop judging me. I'm finished with being technical and all.
I still recommend this book though. It's not that memorable but it's decent enough. It is filled with enough fluff and sexiness. So yeah, grab a copy and enjoy!
January 15, 2014
Heather Long takes every little girl's--and a good number of fully grown females, as well--fairy tale and puts her own twist to it. The result: a beautifully woven love story worthy of any long lost princess's fantasy.
What I really like about this book is, everything is right up front. Daniel needs Alyx's royal connections to land the account of the century, and he's willing to pay her to help him get it. Alyx, who is living out of her car in order to save cash for an acting class, is no push over. True, she doesn't believe him at first: if she was a long lost princess, whay hadn't her family stepped forward when she had needed them most? In the end, they come to an agreement. An engagement, and it has to appear real. In order to do that, they need to spend time together...like, really together. Like, moving into Daniel's home together. And there's Victor, Alyx's "princess tutor." I loved Victor, even if Daniel did have to step in and rescue her from him from time to time. Did I mention that one of the stipulations for Alyx's moving in was the "no sex clause?" You're going to have to read the book to see what happens there!
This is a great beginning to an exciting new series, and I can't wait to see what Heather has in store for us next. Could it be the hunky royal cousin? Oh, I hope so!
What I really like about this book is, everything is right up front. Daniel needs Alyx's royal connections to land the account of the century, and he's willing to pay her to help him get it. Alyx, who is living out of her car in order to save cash for an acting class, is no push over. True, she doesn't believe him at first: if she was a long lost princess, whay hadn't her family stepped forward when she had needed them most? In the end, they come to an agreement. An engagement, and it has to appear real. In order to do that, they need to spend time together...like, really together. Like, moving into Daniel's home together. And there's Victor, Alyx's "princess tutor." I loved Victor, even if Daniel did have to step in and rescue her from him from time to time. Did I mention that one of the stipulations for Alyx's moving in was the "no sex clause?" You're going to have to read the book to see what happens there!
This is a great beginning to an exciting new series, and I can't wait to see what Heather has in store for us next. Could it be the hunky royal cousin? Oh, I hope so!
June 23, 2014
You would think between a heroine named Alyx and so many of my favourite tropes, I would be all over this book but it was just meh for me. It wasn't bad but I never got into the romance and the characters left me somewhat indifferent.
July 2, 2019
3.5. This book gave off very many Anastasia vibes and I was here for it.
March 21, 2014
I have really enjoyed other books by this author and I was totally curious what she would do with modern fairy-tale princess story. This was a cute and enjoyable story about the lost princess living in poverty discovered by her prince. I liked how it wasn't all hearts and rainbows and Alyx Dagmar was a gal easily related to as she went from obscurity to the world's notice. A little My Fair Lady ala Cinderella ala contemporary romance and all good.
From the moment self-made billionaire, Daniel Voldakov, spotted Alyx Dagmar working as a waitress, he knew the outlandish scheme he had laughed over with his lawyer to get in good with the European market for his software company wasn't so outlandish after all. When he saw that Alyx was living out of her car, it was no longer strictly business for Daniel and he was willing to go to any length to convince Alyx to work with him.
Alyx hadn't had an easy life from the moment her parents died in the car accident. She was whisked into the foster system bouncing from home to home and now she was putting herself through school to become an actress. Her waitressing job pays for the classes, but she must sleep in her car to do it. Alyx is startled from sleep when a man knocks on her car's window to offer her a crazy deal. Pretend to be a princess and his fiancee to help him get an in for his software company in Europe where bloodlines are everything? He's nuts and she fingers the trigger on her Taser prepared to use it. But then Daniel proves to be genuine and he offers an opportunity that she is not in a position to refuse.
And so the princess lessons commence and the charade engagement begins. Both are uneasy at first and Alyx finds the task more than daunting, but slowly things start to come together. Daniel and Alyx become friends as well as partners in the endeavor. It becomes harder to believe that it is all just business. Alyx soon starts to forget it isn't real particularly when Daniel does sweet things for her that have nothing to do with their contract and when she gains so much respect for the self-made man who works long into the night to make things happen for other people. How long can they keep up the charade when they both start to wonder if they really want success or just each other?
The plot is unapologetically that of a modern fairy tale and I loved it. From the hero discovering the heroine and rescuing her from near-poverty, to the princess lessons, to the growing romance and finally the big finale before those who would claim or repute her as family, this was engaging. The pace slowed down a bit when the preparations were going on, but it wasn't long enough to cause boredom and it was nice to see how much work Alyx was putting into her new role. I liked that there were some bittersweet moments and it wasn't all easy-peasy.
Alyx had more going on than just learning to be a princess- this is a chance to attain her dreams of being an actress. This is a chance to train for a role and her chance to make a name and be recognized so she'll get a leg up in her career knowing she needs this sort of break if she is to make it onto a stage. Alyx's time in foster care and losing her family left her indelibly marked by all that. Alyx doesn't dare hope or believe when the relationship becomes more than just a business arrangement or that she is really a part of a family who never came looking for her.
Daniel isn't just some greedy or power mad business guy. He comes from humble hardworking blue-collar origins. He took the refusal of the aristocratic Europeans led by the Grand Duke Armande as a personal slight like he and his product is not good enough- like he isn't good enough. This does not mean that he ever thought to cold-heartedly use Alyx. Daniel fell for her right away, but must exercise great caution because she is like a scared, cornered animal that will run if he handles things wrong. In the end, he must make a decision of what is most important to him. And hey! Its a fairytale so we all know what he will choose.
Like I said, its a fairy tale, but it's an adult fairytale so there are some sexy times included. For a geeky genius, Daniel knows how to get a female hot and bothered. And Alyx's playful flirtatious nature has Daniel struggling to keep his hands to himself. There was a nice slow build up to Daniel and Alyx's relationship. I loved that while they both felt attraction that it wasn't instant gratification. They got to know each other first. The cute late nights sharing a favorite TV show and ice cream and early breakfast moments sharing the newspaper probably did as much to cement their feelings as the later times when they gave in to their passion.
All in all, this was another good start to a new series by a favorite author. I look forward to what is to come. If you like the idea of a modern royal romance, give this one a try.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
From the moment self-made billionaire, Daniel Voldakov, spotted Alyx Dagmar working as a waitress, he knew the outlandish scheme he had laughed over with his lawyer to get in good with the European market for his software company wasn't so outlandish after all. When he saw that Alyx was living out of her car, it was no longer strictly business for Daniel and he was willing to go to any length to convince Alyx to work with him.
Alyx hadn't had an easy life from the moment her parents died in the car accident. She was whisked into the foster system bouncing from home to home and now she was putting herself through school to become an actress. Her waitressing job pays for the classes, but she must sleep in her car to do it. Alyx is startled from sleep when a man knocks on her car's window to offer her a crazy deal. Pretend to be a princess and his fiancee to help him get an in for his software company in Europe where bloodlines are everything? He's nuts and she fingers the trigger on her Taser prepared to use it. But then Daniel proves to be genuine and he offers an opportunity that she is not in a position to refuse.
And so the princess lessons commence and the charade engagement begins. Both are uneasy at first and Alyx finds the task more than daunting, but slowly things start to come together. Daniel and Alyx become friends as well as partners in the endeavor. It becomes harder to believe that it is all just business. Alyx soon starts to forget it isn't real particularly when Daniel does sweet things for her that have nothing to do with their contract and when she gains so much respect for the self-made man who works long into the night to make things happen for other people. How long can they keep up the charade when they both start to wonder if they really want success or just each other?
The plot is unapologetically that of a modern fairy tale and I loved it. From the hero discovering the heroine and rescuing her from near-poverty, to the princess lessons, to the growing romance and finally the big finale before those who would claim or repute her as family, this was engaging. The pace slowed down a bit when the preparations were going on, but it wasn't long enough to cause boredom and it was nice to see how much work Alyx was putting into her new role. I liked that there were some bittersweet moments and it wasn't all easy-peasy.
Alyx had more going on than just learning to be a princess- this is a chance to attain her dreams of being an actress. This is a chance to train for a role and her chance to make a name and be recognized so she'll get a leg up in her career knowing she needs this sort of break if she is to make it onto a stage. Alyx's time in foster care and losing her family left her indelibly marked by all that. Alyx doesn't dare hope or believe when the relationship becomes more than just a business arrangement or that she is really a part of a family who never came looking for her.
Daniel isn't just some greedy or power mad business guy. He comes from humble hardworking blue-collar origins. He took the refusal of the aristocratic Europeans led by the Grand Duke Armande as a personal slight like he and his product is not good enough- like he isn't good enough. This does not mean that he ever thought to cold-heartedly use Alyx. Daniel fell for her right away, but must exercise great caution because she is like a scared, cornered animal that will run if he handles things wrong. In the end, he must make a decision of what is most important to him. And hey! Its a fairytale so we all know what he will choose.
Like I said, its a fairy tale, but it's an adult fairytale so there are some sexy times included. For a geeky genius, Daniel knows how to get a female hot and bothered. And Alyx's playful flirtatious nature has Daniel struggling to keep his hands to himself. There was a nice slow build up to Daniel and Alyx's relationship. I loved that while they both felt attraction that it wasn't instant gratification. They got to know each other first. The cute late nights sharing a favorite TV show and ice cream and early breakfast moments sharing the newspaper probably did as much to cement their feelings as the later times when they gave in to their passion.
All in all, this was another good start to a new series by a favorite author. I look forward to what is to come. If you like the idea of a modern royal romance, give this one a try.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
May 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Lots of laughs, a few tears and some nice sexy times. The banter between the two main characters is so much fun. Such a great tags to riches story.
January 8, 2014
I received this book as an eArc from Netgalley and I really enjoyed it. It was quirky and fun and drew the reader in from the start. It is always great to see a techie meet someone and have him get the girl. This story has a great set up where the techie, Daniel Voldakov, who is a self-made billionaire that needs a bit of help breaking into the market in the EU due to the proclivity of companies over there only selecting vendors where the owner/officers have pedigrees. You're a prince or related to one, sure we'll consider you as a vendor. Daniel comes up with an idea where he finds an unknown royal in the U.S. that is linked to the EU and has pedigree. Will marrying her help him break into the tech world in the EU? It looks that way. Of course, he can't even give a demo so they can see how great his product is so he has to take extreme measures. He sets up a meeting with Alyx Dagmar in the greatest way which I will not divulge because it is one of the best scenes in the book. He gets Alyx to agree to come aboard as an employee and explains what he is trying to do and if things go well maybe they may both get more out of it. I did have one thing I would like to know that the book does not address. Why was the maid so upset? I can guess but it would have been nice if the story told me just in case there was something else there. Either way, great story!
January 24, 2014
Title: Some Like It Royal
Author: Heather Long
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was sweet, romantic, had a subject matter that I love (because who doesn’t secretly wish she was a long lost princess?) and most importantly, it was well written and well-paced.
The story is based on Princess Alyxandretta Dagmar, an impoverished orphan girl who gets caught up in the schematics of Daniel Voldakov, a self-made billionaire who desperately needs her blue-blooded heritage to break into the European computer software market. Because apparently being massively successful in American and Japan isn’t enough to a) quench his global ambitions and b) convince the EU market to be interested in cultivating business. Moving away from the slightly unbelievable situation that requires the Princess Plan to be put into place, however, and you have some really lovely characters and a romance that is slow building but believable.
This book was like the Princess Diaries and Pretty Woman all rolled into one. In fact, the only minor disappointment I had with it was the ending, which felt a little anti-climactic and rushed. I expected more than a crisis of confidence to be the major conflict in this book, but maybe that was just me.
Would I recommend this book: Absolutely. I may even re-read it at some point.
Author: Heather Long
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was sweet, romantic, had a subject matter that I love (because who doesn’t secretly wish she was a long lost princess?) and most importantly, it was well written and well-paced.
The story is based on Princess Alyxandretta Dagmar, an impoverished orphan girl who gets caught up in the schematics of Daniel Voldakov, a self-made billionaire who desperately needs her blue-blooded heritage to break into the European computer software market. Because apparently being massively successful in American and Japan isn’t enough to a) quench his global ambitions and b) convince the EU market to be interested in cultivating business. Moving away from the slightly unbelievable situation that requires the Princess Plan to be put into place, however, and you have some really lovely characters and a romance that is slow building but believable.
This book was like the Princess Diaries and Pretty Woman all rolled into one. In fact, the only minor disappointment I had with it was the ending, which felt a little anti-climactic and rushed. I expected more than a crisis of confidence to be the major conflict in this book, but maybe that was just me.
Would I recommend this book: Absolutely. I may even re-read it at some point.
January 21, 2014
Where to start on how much I love this book… It’s a modern day fairytale, including a princess, royal lineage, and a hardworking self-made billionaire who raised himself from nothing to what he is now.
The development of the characters relationship was natural and subtle. Though you know from the very beginning that Daniel is attracted to Alyx, he is resistant to giving into those feelings. Alyx is afraid to give any hope to anything that is going on in her life. Because of her past she is resistant to believe that good things could happen to her. She is also cautious of believing that Daniel could really be falling in love with her.
Then we have a cast of amazing supporting characters… You have that one character that makes you laugh. Another that makes you wonder if they will screw with the main characters and their happiness. A character that you want to hate, but in the end secretly love and finally that one character that from the instant you know about him want to know more. Heather did a fantastic job of giving us that throughout the entire book.
This is a series I look forward to reading more about…
January 7, 2014
As a big fan of Heather Long I was thrilled to be given an ARC by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not disappointed. This is a full length contemporary fairy tale. In this modern day Cinderella the prince is a self-made man software billionaire who has lifted himself up and out of the trailer park and onto the international corporate stage. Our Cinderella is an orphaned actress who is living in her car to save up enough to go to an immersion acting class. Our hero finds her and convinces her to help him break into the European market using her royal heritage. She finally agrees but doesn’t count on falling for him. I love that she isn’t easy and doesn’t jump on the billionaire band wagon. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Sometimes sweet, at times painfully sad but always with a sense of humor this take on an old trope is well worth the read. It doesn’t seem to matter what genre Heather long writes, it comes down to the fact that she tells a darn good story and I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
February 17, 2014
When an aspiring actress receives an offer to act as a billionaire's fiancé, you would think she would jump at the chance, right?! Not Alyx! Daniel approaches her with his crazy scheme while she is sleeping in her car and she distrusts his sincerity AND his sanity! When he tells her that he has proof that she is really a long-lost European princess, she is convinced he is around the bend, but some persuading from the handsome software guru and some hard evidence of his claimed to her heritage convince the feisty red-head to accept the role for 1 year. Now, sit. Back, relax, and let the fireworks begin! Watching Alyx become a princess was fun and the romance was hot! I really liked this story and would recommend it as a fun, witty, sexy read!
May 9, 2016
Disappointed - I usually love Heather Long's work, but this book just did not engage me. Almost DNF by about 25% through because I just did not care about either character or their silly, angsty reasons for their hooking up. Skimmed the rest of the book to see if it was worth giving it the full read, but the topic and the characters were superficial - I just found it boring and a waste of my valuable reading time.
I don't like overly angsty or melodramatic stories, but I like to have enough heart and emotional engagement with the characters and the story, so that I at least care how it all turns out.
Final Rating: 1.5 Stars - will not keep in my Ebook Library to re-read.
I don't like overly angsty or melodramatic stories, but I like to have enough heart and emotional engagement with the characters and the story, so that I at least care how it all turns out.
Final Rating: 1.5 Stars - will not keep in my Ebook Library to re-read.
February 6, 2014
What fun! Heather Long makes the fairy tale come true in this lovely offering. It was a fast read with a great premise and a really well crafted story. The settings were beautifully detailed. The dialogue was crisp. The characters were easy to relate to, even the nerdy billionaire! I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, fun romance.
I will look for more from Heather Long.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I will look for more from Heather Long.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2014
This was FUN.
And many of you should read it because 1) long lost royalty and 2) modern (marriage) engagement of convenience that becomes more. Yes. This was fun.
And many of you should read it because 1) long lost royalty and 2) modern (marriage) engagement of convenience that becomes more. Yes. This was fun.
January 1, 2014
sooooo good! Fun, Funny, sexy and sweet! A great start to a new series! Definitely a "can't put it down" book!!
January 14, 2014
This was a fun quick read! Modern royalty and arrangement of convenience for both parties. It was great.
January 19, 2014
I absolutely loved this! Virginia Nelson takes a fairy tale, gives it a twist, and then delivers a smooth new take on a classic. True love. Doesn't get much better than this.
January 28, 2014
What a wonderful easy-going read. Characters were fun, love the plot theme and the sex wasn't too spicy, but just right. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 12, 2014
It was cute and sexy!
June 23, 2017
A beautiful, short romance story.
April 30, 2025
Some like it Royal by Heather Long
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
A perfectly written fake dating story where a princess in training finds her happily ever after in her tech billionaire. Some like it royal is a re-release with new cover and definitely one of my favourites romance reads.
Alyx and Daniel are captivating couple and are completely irresistible. Alyx is a long-lost princess raised in foster care. She's found by Daniel a self-made billionaire with plans to move his product into the European Market. However, he needs a royal invite or a fake fiance. Hence the contract between them. A charming love story spring to life. I wish I had the vocabulary to properly explain how much I enjoyed these characters.
Tropes:
3rd person pov. Forced Proximity. Fake dating. Nerdy mmc. Princess in training. MF. No 3rd act breakup. Best first kiss. He falls first. Obsessive mc.
Qoutes:
“Marry me. Be engaged to me. I’ll take care of your bills, get you a real place to sleep and all you have to do is be my princess and help me get those invitations.”
“I spoke to her this morning,” he began without preamble. “Oh, for the love of God, Daniel. We talked about this. Are you in jail? Do I need to come bail you out?”
“We were almost kissing, but apparently we needed to have some cut scenes for the blooper reel.” Daniel squeezed her lightly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
A perfectly written fake dating story where a princess in training finds her happily ever after in her tech billionaire. Some like it royal is a re-release with new cover and definitely one of my favourites romance reads.
Alyx and Daniel are captivating couple and are completely irresistible. Alyx is a long-lost princess raised in foster care. She's found by Daniel a self-made billionaire with plans to move his product into the European Market. However, he needs a royal invite or a fake fiance. Hence the contract between them. A charming love story spring to life. I wish I had the vocabulary to properly explain how much I enjoyed these characters.
Tropes:
3rd person pov. Forced Proximity. Fake dating. Nerdy mmc. Princess in training. MF. No 3rd act breakup. Best first kiss. He falls first. Obsessive mc.
Qoutes:
“Marry me. Be engaged to me. I’ll take care of your bills, get you a real place to sleep and all you have to do is be my princess and help me get those invitations.”
“I spoke to her this morning,” he began without preamble. “Oh, for the love of God, Daniel. We talked about this. Are you in jail? Do I need to come bail you out?”
“We were almost kissing, but apparently we needed to have some cut scenes for the blooper reel.” Daniel squeezed her lightly.
April 30, 2025
Living out of her car, taking classes and auditioning during the day, and waiting tables at night, Alyx is living her dream. However, her fairy tale is about to begin. Daniel Voldakov developed a software company that is hugely successful in the US, but now he wants to take it into the European market. He needs connections to break through the old-money system and Alyx is his in because he has discovered she is actually the lost Princess Alyxandretta. Alyx accepts the "role" and before long the world is in love with the Princess and her Programmer. But Alyx and Voldakov find the lines blurred and no longer know what is real and what is an act. Is this business or love?
Part Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, part Mia Thermopolis of Genovia, this story is cute and compelling. It is a fun charade-turned-love story. For anyone who dreams of being a princess or finding their Prince Programmer, it's the perfect escape. It's a modern-day fairytale.
Part Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, part Mia Thermopolis of Genovia, this story is cute and compelling. It is a fun charade-turned-love story. For anyone who dreams of being a princess or finding their Prince Programmer, it's the perfect escape. It's a modern-day fairytale.
April 23, 2025
What can I say, this was a very light enjoyable read. If you need to cleanse yourself after reading some of the darker books this one would be ideal.
It made me feel light and hopeful, like fairytales come true.
So if you like a bit of billionaire romance with no real drama just a man and a women getting to know each other and enjoying themselves then you will love Alyx and Daniel.
It's a light fluffy read that will sweep you off your feet, a proper old school fairytale romance.
In Heathers intro it reminded me of my gran keeping a harlequin novel by her bedside to read every night and where my love for reading began with Harlequin romance.
It made me feel light and hopeful, like fairytales come true.
So if you like a bit of billionaire romance with no real drama just a man and a women getting to know each other and enjoying themselves then you will love Alyx and Daniel.
It's a light fluffy read that will sweep you off your feet, a proper old school fairytale romance.
In Heathers intro it reminded me of my gran keeping a harlequin novel by her bedside to read every night and where my love for reading began with Harlequin romance.
May 9, 2025
Alyx is an actress- waiting tables, taking classes, trying to get by while she hones her craft. But she's been noticed by Daniel- who wants her to play the role of her life, for a year. She lost her parents years ago and grew up in the system, she has nobody, no family, few friends. Or does she? Daniel tells her she is a royal, for real and wants her to be his princess, for a year, no risk......only to her heart....Fabulous fairy tale romance....swoon worthy hero, tough as nails rags to riches heroine....love it Heather Long!
June 22, 2018
This book reminds me of the cartoon movie Anastasia. An orphaned young woman is trying to make something big happen for herself on little income. In swoops a rich man who tells her she is a princess and wants to use her for his own gain. Of course just like Anastasia this bickering pair ends up falling for each other... shocker, right?
Overall, despite the predictable plot I did enjoy Alyx and Daniel's relationship. There was enough snarkiness and wit to keep me interested. I really enjoyed the narrator as well. Maxine Mitchell (the audible narrator) delivered a performance that was believable and entertaining.
Overall, despite the predictable plot I did enjoy Alyx and Daniel's relationship. There was enough snarkiness and wit to keep me interested. I really enjoyed the narrator as well. Maxine Mitchell (the audible narrator) delivered a performance that was believable and entertaining.
May 23, 2018
After the weekend’s royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markel, I wanted a sweet royal romance that I haven’t already read. I found exactly what I was looking for in this sweet short romance.It’s Pretty Woman meets the Princess Diaries, and I loved it! The characters were fairly well developed for such a short story, and I wanted their HEA.
May 29, 2018
It is so nice to read a wonderful book. But it's not one that is about getting your prince. This is about princess who doesn't know her heritage, a man who needs a royal in, and a contract.
I really enjoyed the storyline. The strong leading female. The sexy leading male. And never leaving your roots.
The one thing I would change was I wanted closer on the social services story.
I really enjoyed the storyline. The strong leading female. The sexy leading male. And never leaving your roots.
The one thing I would change was I wanted closer on the social services story.
April 29, 2019
Some Like it Royal is the first book in the Going Royal series by Heather Long. This book had a solid storyline that had me from beginning to end. The characters were well developed and had great chemistry. All in all a solid book that I would recommend.
May 2, 2025
What a romance, started out fake and feelings made a show. Truly a book for the heart. take a billionaire and a fake romance and you find true love in the telling. It was a hard book to put down. It was a short romance, definitely worth the time. I'm hoping there is more in this series. Loved it.
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