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Royal Scandals #4
The Royal Bastard
A brilliant man with a profound secret…
Rocco Cornaro dedicates his life to creating innovative, life-saving medical devices…and in the process has become a wealthy man. However, he harbors a deep his mother was once the lover of Sarcaccia’s King Carlo Barrali, and Rocco is the product of their illicit affair.
Leaves a marriage on the edge and a royal family in jeopardy
Trained from birth to keep his royal parentage quiet, Rocco cannot even trust his beloved wife with his secret, and his silence drives her away. When Russian thugs kidnap Justine and hold her for ransom, he must risk everything—his siblings, his life’s work, and the reputation of a royal family—to save the woman he loves. But when he reveals his secret—and confronts a new, horrible truth—will Rocco break Justine’s trust forever?
The ROYAL SCANDALS
- Christmas With a Prince (novella), Royal Scandals # .5
- Scandal With a Prince, Royal Scandals #1
- Honeymoon With a Prince, Royal Scandals #2
- Christmas on the Royal Yacht (novella), Royal Scandals # 2.5
- Slow Tango With a Prince, Royal Scandals #3
- The Royal Bastard, Royal Scandals #4
Rocco Cornaro dedicates his life to creating innovative, life-saving medical devices…and in the process has become a wealthy man. However, he harbors a deep his mother was once the lover of Sarcaccia’s King Carlo Barrali, and Rocco is the product of their illicit affair.
Leaves a marriage on the edge and a royal family in jeopardy
Trained from birth to keep his royal parentage quiet, Rocco cannot even trust his beloved wife with his secret, and his silence drives her away. When Russian thugs kidnap Justine and hold her for ransom, he must risk everything—his siblings, his life’s work, and the reputation of a royal family—to save the woman he loves. But when he reveals his secret—and confronts a new, horrible truth—will Rocco break Justine’s trust forever?
The ROYAL SCANDALS
- Christmas With a Prince (novella), Royal Scandals # .5
- Scandal With a Prince, Royal Scandals #1
- Honeymoon With a Prince, Royal Scandals #2
- Christmas on the Royal Yacht (novella), Royal Scandals # 2.5
- Slow Tango With a Prince, Royal Scandals #3
- The Royal Bastard, Royal Scandals #4
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
122 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Burnham
36 books149 followersNicole Burnham is the RITA award-winning author of over twenty novels, including the popular Royal Scandals series. For new release announcements, audio/ebook samples, and to receive a free copy of A ROYAL SCANDALS WEDDING, visit https://nicoleburnham.com/new-events/
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NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't gotten around to listing all those yet.)
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NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't gotten around to listing all those yet.)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 18, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is the story of Rocco the illegitimate son of King Carlo. The story development was very interesting.
Rocco and Justine love story is part of the story and also the scandal was interesting.
Looking forward to read about the remaining siblings of the Barrali royal family.
This is the story of Rocco the illegitimate son of King Carlo. The story development was very interesting.
Rocco and Justine love story is part of the story and also the scandal was interesting.
Looking forward to read about the remaining siblings of the Barrali royal family.
May 18, 2018
Rocco Cornaro has been a "dirty little secret" all his life and keeping that secret may be costing him his marriage. When his estranged wife, Justine, is almost kidnapped, he rescues her and they go on the run only to be accosted by the kidnappers again. In between, Justine insists he reveal what he's been keeping from her. His secret? He and his sister and brother are the bastard children of King Carlo Barrali. Sifting through the papers left to him by his now deceased mother, Rocco finally learns the real truth of his parentage when he contacts King Carlo to find out his side of the story. Now an over 40 year old secret is about to be made public and Rocco is not sure he wants to subject Justine to the scrutiny that will ensue once it's told. With his usual grace and gravitas, King Carlo informs the press of his history with Rocco's mother and the existence of the three children. Seeing Carlo through new eyes gives and lisrening to his father's advice gives Rocco the strength to trust that Justine knows what she can deal with.
May 8, 2022
There’s NO brains in this one. It would be a service to the gene pool to let the bad guys take them out.
We are being chased by bad guys with guns… let’s not call the cops. They kind of explained that later with the whole royal scandal risk, kind of.
So, bad guys are still chasing them. Let’s stop and have a chat. Let’s stroll around the place. Let’s go out to dinner (and let’s not forget all that mind clearing and important wine) or get take out (and let’s not forget all that mind clearing and important wine, yes, again), let’s talk about how sad it is we can’t go full tourist and plan our next holiday while we are still on the run (cough, stroll)… let not - as a billionaire, with a security guard (who’s on holiday), and a link to a royal family who warned them of danger - make ANY attempt to get security or help, we’ll just wander around and catch a plane. The wine and our blind dumb stupidity will keep us safe.
We are being chased by bad guys with guns… let’s not call the cops. They kind of explained that later with the whole royal scandal risk, kind of.
So, bad guys are still chasing them. Let’s stop and have a chat. Let’s stroll around the place. Let’s go out to dinner (and let’s not forget all that mind clearing and important wine) or get take out (and let’s not forget all that mind clearing and important wine, yes, again), let’s talk about how sad it is we can’t go full tourist and plan our next holiday while we are still on the run (cough, stroll)… let not - as a billionaire, with a security guard (who’s on holiday), and a link to a royal family who warned them of danger - make ANY attempt to get security or help, we’ll just wander around and catch a plane. The wine and our blind dumb stupidity will keep us safe.
October 11, 2021
Wonderfully written, I wondered how the author would write the story so we didn’t hate the king, she did a great job of doing this. I really enjoy this author writing and this series.
October 30, 2021
Hmmm this one was ok… definitely didnt give me the feels like the other 3 books.
March 9, 2017
Was one of my favorite in the series.
December 28, 2016
We hear about Rocco Cornaro in book 3 "Slow Tango" and get a clue that perhaps King Carlo had Rocco out of wedlock. There was a phone call that Rocco's mother, Theresa, calls the King but gets Queen Fabrizia and states that while the Crown Prince was hiding out in South America the press is asking questions and looking for the Prince. They see Rocco and think he is the Prince, because they look alike. The Queen is kind to Theresa, but Theresa is not kind to the Queen during the call...a little more insight into Theresa.
Only Rocco, his mother, the King and Queen knows the truth. Rocco's twin brother and sister (who also are the children of the King) do not know, nor the King and Queen's children know the truth. We find out the truth of why the King did not have a relationship with his three children AFTER Theresa dies...and it was not the King or Queens fault.
The sad truth is that because Rocco kept this secret and and would not open up to his wife, she left him. They love each other completely, but Rocco keept his word to his mother that he would tell no-one.
That changed after Theresa's funeral and Rocco's wife, Justine is kidnapped by Russian mob for his medical device that he has invented that will be worth millions....Rocco rescues his wife and the mob is still on their trail as they travel to Italy in order to make their way to America. The King and Queen help Rocco with their own security detail because they were in Italy at the same time Rocco and his Wife are trying to escape the Russians.
On the other front, the Royalty knows that is a matter of time before the news gets out about Rocco and the twins. But, will this reflect badly on the King or Rocco's mother when the truth comes out---because Theresa was 27 and the King's tutor when the affair started and the King was only 17....
This is a must read, it is fast passed, filled with mystery, great hot passion, and just maybe a second chance for.everyone.
Only Rocco, his mother, the King and Queen knows the truth. Rocco's twin brother and sister (who also are the children of the King) do not know, nor the King and Queen's children know the truth. We find out the truth of why the King did not have a relationship with his three children AFTER Theresa dies...and it was not the King or Queens fault.
The sad truth is that because Rocco kept this secret and and would not open up to his wife, she left him. They love each other completely, but Rocco keept his word to his mother that he would tell no-one.
That changed after Theresa's funeral and Rocco's wife, Justine is kidnapped by Russian mob for his medical device that he has invented that will be worth millions....Rocco rescues his wife and the mob is still on their trail as they travel to Italy in order to make their way to America. The King and Queen help Rocco with their own security detail because they were in Italy at the same time Rocco and his Wife are trying to escape the Russians.
On the other front, the Royalty knows that is a matter of time before the news gets out about Rocco and the twins. But, will this reflect badly on the King or Rocco's mother when the truth comes out---because Theresa was 27 and the King's tutor when the affair started and the King was only 17....
This is a must read, it is fast passed, filled with mystery, great hot passion, and just maybe a second chance for.everyone.
March 4, 2016
The Royal Bastard is the fourth book in the Royal Scandals series. This is the first novel I've read by Nicole Burnham and I loved it!
Rocco is the illegitimate son of King Carlo. His identity is secret, as the King had him and his siblings when he was courting and married to Queen Fabrizia, and the couple is famous for being in love with each other. Rocco had to hid all of this from his wife, Justine, and they drifted apart because of this. He soon learns that some people are targeting his wife to blackmail him, and they have to escape together, rekindling their relationship on the way, because Rocco is not ready to let her go.
I really liked this novel. It was well-developed and the characters had so much dept. I definitely wished for Rocco and Justine to have their happily ever after and I was cheering for them from the beginning.
The author's writing was flawless and the story was well put together. I was into it from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good second chance story!
Rocco is the illegitimate son of King Carlo. His identity is secret, as the King had him and his siblings when he was courting and married to Queen Fabrizia, and the couple is famous for being in love with each other. Rocco had to hid all of this from his wife, Justine, and they drifted apart because of this. He soon learns that some people are targeting his wife to blackmail him, and they have to escape together, rekindling their relationship on the way, because Rocco is not ready to let her go.
I really liked this novel. It was well-developed and the characters had so much dept. I definitely wished for Rocco and Justine to have their happily ever after and I was cheering for them from the beginning.
The author's writing was flawless and the story was well put together. I was into it from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good second chance story!
January 9, 2017
It comes full circle
I have been waiting to find out what happened with Carlo and Fabrieza since I read the very first book. As I learned more tidbits and got more involved in the books I formed my own opinions on what I though occurred. I was mad that Carlo could be unfaithful to the queen not realizing the extend of it all.
I am so glad that things worked out in the end and that now the royals have 3 more siblings, but that it will be possible to have a relationship between Rocco and Carlo.
I am also glad to see that Rocco and Justine have invested in each other. Love really can overcome anything. When it exists it's powerful. When it doesn't exist and can never make anything work.
Looking forward to the wicked prince and any future stories of the Carnaro twins. I also cannot wait to see more of each of the royals and new spouses as well as together as a family with the Carnaro kids.
I have been waiting to find out what happened with Carlo and Fabrieza since I read the very first book. As I learned more tidbits and got more involved in the books I formed my own opinions on what I though occurred. I was mad that Carlo could be unfaithful to the queen not realizing the extend of it all.
I am so glad that things worked out in the end and that now the royals have 3 more siblings, but that it will be possible to have a relationship between Rocco and Carlo.
I am also glad to see that Rocco and Justine have invested in each other. Love really can overcome anything. When it exists it's powerful. When it doesn't exist and can never make anything work.
Looking forward to the wicked prince and any future stories of the Carnaro twins. I also cannot wait to see more of each of the royals and new spouses as well as together as a family with the Carnaro kids.
February 1, 2017
Royal Scandals Book 4 by Nicole Burnham. Although this book is part of a series it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. However, you will get a better understanding of the action of the characters if you have read the prior books in the series. Rocco Cornaro is a wealthy man – he is on the cutting edge of inventing and implementing life-saving medical technology and devices. BUT, Rocco Cornaro has a secret. In keeping this secret, he has alienated his wife, Justine. Although they live separately, Rocco still feels deeply for Justine. When Justine is kidnapped by the Russian enforcers and held for ransom will Rocco reveal his secret and risk everything to save her? This has been my favorite book of this series. The plot is fast paced. The characters are interesting and their interactions are believable and sometimes intense.
November 1, 2015
Rocco and Justine are quite the couple. He is a brilliant designer of medical equipment and she is a professional skier. Unfortunately she is recovering from a bad accident that has left her unable to compete. Rocco's mother has passed away and now he learns about her secrets. He has always known that his biological father was none other than King Carlo. Now he learns the rest of the story and he doesn't like what he finds out about his mother. Carlo has always known about him but respected his mothers wishes and stayed away from him and his siblings. Now the truth is out and he thinks that it would be best for Justine if they were not together because of the scandal. Rocco soon learns that he has to respect her strength and put away his pride. Ah another happy ending. Very good series.
June 26, 2015
A mix between suspense, mystery and a romance. The fourth book in the series, but probably the best one.
It follows the firstborn son of King Carlo with his first love.
I am not going to go into much details, but it was fast paced and kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put it down.
It follows the firstborn son of King Carlo with his first love.
I am not going to go into much details, but it was fast paced and kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put it down.
June 24, 2015
A perfect addition to a wonderful series.
Having read all of this series I was anxious to read King Carlo's and Queen Fabrizia story. Rocco turned out to be another interesting character in this amazing royal family. A wonderful series and this author never disappoints. Looking forward to more stories of these Royals.
Having read all of this series I was anxious to read King Carlo's and Queen Fabrizia story. Rocco turned out to be another interesting character in this amazing royal family. A wonderful series and this author never disappoints. Looking forward to more stories of these Royals.
July 3, 2020
This book was a total surprise! Great story line, great writing, great editing, great everything. Both of the main characters were likeable and their problems ultimately began and ended with his mother. She did the crime but many innocents paid the price.
May 29, 2021
Another in the series of books I can't wait to get back to
Thoroughly enjoyable as with eavery orhwr in the series. I will be looking for other execellent reading time from Nichole Burnham.
Thoroughly enjoyable as with eavery orhwr in the series. I will be looking for other execellent reading time from Nichole Burnham.
June 23, 2015
ohhhhh wewww.. my heart beats faster remembering the scandalous scene in this book!
ohhh please says that it is not the end of this series!
ohhh please says that it is not the end of this series!
June 18, 2015
looking forward for the next scandal...
July 28, 2015
It wasn't awful. I just found it boring and I never was invested.
July 21, 2018
Enjoyed it but not as good as the first 3 in the series. Didn’t feel as invested in the characters as much this time.
January 10, 2019
Another good book in the series. I wish it had more of the Royal children, but I enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews