What do you think?
Rate this book
Cordina's Royal Family #1
La princesa y el plebeyo
La princesa y el plebeyo
Nora Roberts
Después de haber sido secuestrada, la princesa Gabriella sufría de amnesia; pero en los brazos de Reeve MacGee, un guapísimo guardaespaldas, iba a descubrir una pasión inimaginable e inolvidable.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1986
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,312 books62.4k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
November 1, 2024
3 Estrellitas. Es justito lo que esperaba. La serie Cordina es una de las viejillas de Nora Roberts y además, publicada por harlequin.
Éste libro nos lleva al ficticio país de Cordina, una especie de Mónaco en la costa mediterránea francesa. La familia real de Cordina cuenta con el Príncipe (el padre) y sus tres hijos: Gabriella, Alexander y Bennett. Gabriella es la mayor y ésta es su historia.
El libro empieza cuando Gabriella está huyendo de sus secuestradores, y despierta en el hospital. Una vez hallada e identificada, su familia acude a ella, pero hay un problema. Brie ha perdido la memoria, sufre amnesia y no sabe quién es, ni lo que ha ocurrido, de modo que no puede ayudar en la investigación para esclarecer el caso.
Una vez recuperada físicamente, Brie vuelve al palacio real, donde su padre la agobiará a guardias y vigilancia, especialmente la de Reeve MacGee, un policía americano y el hijo de su mejor amigo. Brie preferiría no estar vigilada, pero la presencia de Reeve es demasiado fuerte y atrayente como para pasarla por alto, y justo cuando la prensa está en su punto álgido con lo ocurrido a la princesa, anuncian su compromiso para tener una explicación conforme a su presencia, siempre al lado de Brie.
Para Brie es muy dura la situación, sobre todo el no saber quién es ni lo que la pasó, y la investigación y pesquisas de Reeve no servirán de mucho si Brie no puede recordar. Lo que sí saben ambos es la atracción que surge entre ellos, a la que se entregarán sin reservas.
"La princesa y el plebeyo" es un libro que está bien, es entretenido y cortito, pasas un rato agradable leyéndolo, pero no es de lo mejor de la autora. Tengo toda la serie esperando para leerla, pero creo que tras leerla la olvidaré. Ése es quizás el problema de muchas novelas de éste tipo.
En general bien, pero en otros casos se nota que han pasado muchos años por ella, no me equivoco mucho si digo que este libro tiene más años que yo. Es verdad que el prototipo de hombre Roberts está presente, pero eso de que todos los hombres fumen te da detalles de cuando lo escribió, y me parece que desde el 2000 la autora ya no lo añade en las novelas.
En cuanto al romance, es sencillo y surge lentamente, pero Nora Roberts tampoco se explaya mucho en su desarollo. Lo que sí que me ha gustado es como se ha resuelto el final y cuando Brie lo recuerda todo.
Ha estado bien y no tardaré en leer el resto de la serie, de hecho me han llamado mucho la atención los hermanos de Brie.
Éste libro nos lleva al ficticio país de Cordina, una especie de Mónaco en la costa mediterránea francesa. La familia real de Cordina cuenta con el Príncipe (el padre) y sus tres hijos: Gabriella, Alexander y Bennett. Gabriella es la mayor y ésta es su historia.
El libro empieza cuando Gabriella está huyendo de sus secuestradores, y despierta en el hospital. Una vez hallada e identificada, su familia acude a ella, pero hay un problema. Brie ha perdido la memoria, sufre amnesia y no sabe quién es, ni lo que ha ocurrido, de modo que no puede ayudar en la investigación para esclarecer el caso.
Una vez recuperada físicamente, Brie vuelve al palacio real, donde su padre la agobiará a guardias y vigilancia, especialmente la de Reeve MacGee, un policía americano y el hijo de su mejor amigo. Brie preferiría no estar vigilada, pero la presencia de Reeve es demasiado fuerte y atrayente como para pasarla por alto, y justo cuando la prensa está en su punto álgido con lo ocurrido a la princesa, anuncian su compromiso para tener una explicación conforme a su presencia, siempre al lado de Brie.
Para Brie es muy dura la situación, sobre todo el no saber quién es ni lo que la pasó, y la investigación y pesquisas de Reeve no servirán de mucho si Brie no puede recordar. Lo que sí saben ambos es la atracción que surge entre ellos, a la que se entregarán sin reservas.
"La princesa y el plebeyo" es un libro que está bien, es entretenido y cortito, pasas un rato agradable leyéndolo, pero no es de lo mejor de la autora. Tengo toda la serie esperando para leerla, pero creo que tras leerla la olvidaré. Ése es quizás el problema de muchas novelas de éste tipo.
En general bien, pero en otros casos se nota que han pasado muchos años por ella, no me equivoco mucho si digo que este libro tiene más años que yo. Es verdad que el prototipo de hombre Roberts está presente, pero eso de que todos los hombres fumen te da detalles de cuando lo escribió, y me parece que desde el 2000 la autora ya no lo añade en las novelas.
En cuanto al romance, es sencillo y surge lentamente, pero Nora Roberts tampoco se explaya mucho en su desarollo. Lo que sí que me ha gustado es como se ha resuelto el final y cuando Brie lo recuerda todo.
Ha estado bien y no tardaré en leer el resto de la serie, de hecho me han llamado mucho la atención los hermanos de Brie.
May 13, 2024
Loved this.
The plot was good and great pacing.
A bit of mystery.
The interaction between the MC was wonderful and the development of their relationship was adult like and romantic.
I absolutely loved both hero and heroine.
Loved the princess theme...Love my fairytales.
On my keeper shelf for sure.
The plot was good and great pacing.
A bit of mystery.
The interaction between the MC was wonderful and the development of their relationship was adult like and romantic.
I absolutely loved both hero and heroine.
Loved the princess theme...Love my fairytales.
On my keeper shelf for sure.
November 14, 2014
I can't believe the same Nora Roberts that I've been reading for years even wrote this book. Seriously did not enjoy it at all.
August 12, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Princess Gabriella reappeared as suddenly as she had vanished. Taken against her will, she managed to escape her abductors and return home. Suffering from memory loss, she doesn’t know who kidnapped her or where she was held.
Aware the princess is still in danger, her family hires American ex-cop Reeve MacGee as a bodyguard. He possesses the perfect set of skills to shield and defend her against any threat.
But when it came to helping Gabriella recover her mind and spirit, Reeve found himself even more determined to heal her heart, and protect their growing love.
I loved this story as Brea tried to find out who she was after being kidnapped and losing her memory.
Realy liked all the characters and reading as Reece and Brea fell in love. I especially loved trying to find out what happened to her and who was responsible. Lots of twist and turns make this intresting! I was hooked right to the end of the book.
Cannot wait to continue in the series and see what happens to the rest of the family.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
Princess Gabriella reappeared as suddenly as she had vanished. Taken against her will, she managed to escape her abductors and return home. Suffering from memory loss, she doesn’t know who kidnapped her or where she was held.
Aware the princess is still in danger, her family hires American ex-cop Reeve MacGee as a bodyguard. He possesses the perfect set of skills to shield and defend her against any threat.
But when it came to helping Gabriella recover her mind and spirit, Reeve found himself even more determined to heal her heart, and protect their growing love.
I loved this story as Brea tried to find out who she was after being kidnapped and losing her memory.
Realy liked all the characters and reading as Reece and Brea fell in love. I especially loved trying to find out what happened to her and who was responsible. Lots of twist and turns make this intresting! I was hooked right to the end of the book.
Cannot wait to continue in the series and see what happens to the rest of the family.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
February 1, 2018
"Affaire Royale" is the story of Gabriella and Reeve.
When Her Serene Highness Gabriella of Cordina's Royal house escapes her kidnappers, she lands up on an abandoned road and is rescued by two by passers.
Waking up in a strange world, she realizes she does not recognize anyone- and her father Amrand appoints Reeve McGee, the ex cop, detective and now farm owner as her companion.
As Gabriella determinedly navigates through the blank canvas of her memory, she has the support of Reeve, who annoyingly points out all her faults, and still supports and protects her while slowly exploring the passion that has always existed between them!
Sweet love story with a well woven plot, fairytale like quality of world, and intriguing secondary characters. I enjoyed the slow chemistry between the leads, the mild intrigue, and the family bond between the Cordina.
SWE
3.5/5
When Her Serene Highness Gabriella of Cordina's Royal house escapes her kidnappers, she lands up on an abandoned road and is rescued by two by passers.
Waking up in a strange world, she realizes she does not recognize anyone- and her father Amrand appoints Reeve McGee, the ex cop, detective and now farm owner as her companion.
As Gabriella determinedly navigates through the blank canvas of her memory, she has the support of Reeve, who annoyingly points out all her faults, and still supports and protects her while slowly exploring the passion that has always existed between them!
Sweet love story with a well woven plot, fairytale like quality of world, and intriguing secondary characters. I enjoyed the slow chemistry between the leads, the mild intrigue, and the family bond between the Cordina.
SWE
3.5/5
January 19, 2026
3.5 stars - The hero in this one was less infuriating so it let the overall story shine more
July 1, 2014
5 royally romantic stars
Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella Madeline Justine Bisset of Cordina or just Brie has lost her memory after being kidnapped and the only person she trusts now doesn't belong to her family, is rather a stranger, a private detective, a family friend Reeve MacGee.
Reeve is about to start a new life at his farm, leaving a long career behind being a cop and later a detective.
So he has no business getting involved in others's lives to sort it out or otherwise especially Brie's whom he had met 10 years before, on her sixteenth birthday and fallen in love with her then and there.
So when Prince Armand, Brie's father,called Reeve for help, he couldn't say no. Not just because Reeve's father and Armand were good friends once, but also because of Brie.
Two things i like the most about a novel are an intriguing start and a happily ever after ending. This had both. :D
You will fall in love with Cordina and its royal family. They are strong, loyal and love each other. Armand's determination, Bennet's charm, Alex's arrogance, Gabriella's struggles and Reeve's intelligence and patience. You will be enthralled with every one of them.
The complete story was nothing less than a fairy tale. Starting with Alex' s story now. Command Performance.... :)
Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella Madeline Justine Bisset of Cordina or just Brie has lost her memory after being kidnapped and the only person she trusts now doesn't belong to her family, is rather a stranger, a private detective, a family friend Reeve MacGee.
Reeve is about to start a new life at his farm, leaving a long career behind being a cop and later a detective.
So he has no business getting involved in others's lives to sort it out or otherwise especially Brie's whom he had met 10 years before, on her sixteenth birthday and fallen in love with her then and there.
So when Prince Armand, Brie's father,called Reeve for help, he couldn't say no. Not just because Reeve's father and Armand were good friends once, but also because of Brie.
Two things i like the most about a novel are an intriguing start and a happily ever after ending. This had both. :D
You will fall in love with Cordina and its royal family. They are strong, loyal and love each other. Armand's determination, Bennet's charm, Alex's arrogance, Gabriella's struggles and Reeve's intelligence and patience. You will be enthralled with every one of them.
The complete story was nothing less than a fairy tale. Starting with Alex' s story now. Command Performance.... :)
March 22, 2023
NOT a favorite. I found both main characters totally unlikable.
April 27, 2016
Foi uma história fofinha mas revirei os olhos algumas vezes com os homens... -_-
June 21, 2019
It is okay.
Amnesia. Bit of a mystery surrounding the kidnapping.
Second chance.
I think it's a bit dated.
I just didn't really connect with the couple.
Amnesia. Bit of a mystery surrounding the kidnapping.
Second chance.
I think it's a bit dated.
I just didn't really connect with the couple.
September 27, 2019
Buscaba algo sencillo de leer y cortito, y no recordaba que ya me había leído este libro hace muchos años. Fue predecible la primera vez y lo es igualmente la segunda. Cuando ya llevaba algunas páginas recordé haberlo leído como en un sueño, no dejó gran huella en mí esa primera vez ni lo dejará ahora. Lo terminé porque no me gusta dejar libros a medias.
No mejoró con el tiempo, sino que incluso empeoró algo más, por la actitud de Reeve más que nada, no lo recordaba tan autoritario y tan dado a coaccionar y presionar para cumplir su voluntad (que casualmente coincide luego con la de ella, pero se resistía a admitirlo... claro). Igualmente vuelvo a notar fallos de coherencia.
Pero hay algo que me encantó. La princesa ha perdido su memoria, no recuerda cómo es, una cosa es que la gente hable de ti "eres encantadora, amable, bella", y otra descubrirlo por ti misma. Ella tiene miedo, miedo de conocerse, de ver que es una persona horrible o egoísta. Pero, parte por intuición, parte por intentar seguir con su vida a pesar de no tener memoria, va descubriendo que ha encontrado su lugar en el mundo, y que ayuda y no está solo definida por el dinero que su familia posee. Es una trama interesante.
Dejo esto por aquí para no volver a leerlo. Me pasa últimamente con las románticas...
No mejoró con el tiempo, sino que incluso empeoró algo más, por la actitud de Reeve más que nada, no lo recordaba tan autoritario y tan dado a coaccionar y presionar para cumplir su voluntad (que casualmente coincide luego con la de ella, pero se resistía a admitirlo... claro). Igualmente vuelvo a notar fallos de coherencia.
Pero hay algo que me encantó. La princesa ha perdido su memoria, no recuerda cómo es, una cosa es que la gente hable de ti "eres encantadora, amable, bella", y otra descubrirlo por ti misma. Ella tiene miedo, miedo de conocerse, de ver que es una persona horrible o egoísta. Pero, parte por intuición, parte por intentar seguir con su vida a pesar de no tener memoria, va descubriendo que ha encontrado su lugar en el mundo, y que ayuda y no está solo definida por el dinero que su familia posee. Es una trama interesante.
Dejo esto por aquí para no volver a leerlo. Me pasa últimamente con las románticas...
July 24, 2017
When reading Affaire Royale remember that it was first published 31 years ago as a Silhouette Intimate Moments (#142) in May 1986. I consider this a historical modern romance or a vintage serial romance. When I read this story, I remembered why Nora Roberts became the popular author that she is today. Her story in Affaire Royale draws the reader in and Roberts is the expert at telling a romance story. As you read the story there are some jarring aspects because of the vintage/historical nature of the book (i.e. smoking by lead characters, use/non-use of cell phones/pagers or other technology). All this aside and this is a story of a girl who meets a boy and they fall in love and they must overcome an attempt to kidnap her and the princess fairy tale background while not really believable is just realistic enough to make the story enjoyable.
July 17, 2016
It was an 'okay' read. I thought it was hurried towards the end. I could deduce who the kidnappers were long before they were revealed. Didn't understand them at all. I didn't like Gabriela or Reeve much. But off to read the story of Alexander next. Let me see how it will be.
September 20, 2024
Affaire Royale
3 Stars
Another early Nora Roberts category romance, first published in 1986. Princess Gabriella Bisset of Cordina escapes her kidnappers only to collapse and awaken with no memory of her life. As the kidnappers remain at large, Brie's father requests that Reeve MacGee, the son of his longtime friend and a former police officer turned private investigator, take on the role of her protector. To do so, Reeve and Brie must enter into a fake engagement until her memory returns and the kidnappers are apprehended. Of course, they give in to their attraction...
An intriguing setting with obvious parallels to the Principality of Monaco and the House of Grimaldi. Moreover, the suspense plot has potential although Brie and Reeve's romance feels contrived.
The kidnapping/amnesia plot is well executed. Brie's reactions to the loss of memory and her need for distance from familial pressure to remember are portrayed realistically. While the culprits' identities are evident from the start with some very heavy foreshadowing, the final confrontation is exciting.
Brie is an engaging heroine. Despite her amnesia, she is strong, confident and resilient. Reeve is a blueprint for some of Nora's later sexy protector-type heroes, such as Bo Goodnight in Blue Smoke and Jamison Brody in Angel Falls. He still has some of the domineering tendencies common to '80s heroes, but thankfully never crosses the line.
The main problem is the lack of chemistry between Brie and Reeve, and their almost immediate emotional attachment, i.e., . This is based solely on one encounter several years earlier and is not all that believable.
This is the beginning of the Cordina Royal Family Quartet focusing on the Bisset children. The next book focuses on Alexander, Brie's brother and the heir to the principality. It appears that he is matched with Eve Hamilton, who plays a minor yet important role in this book. It will be interesting to see how these two get together.
3 Stars
Another early Nora Roberts category romance, first published in 1986. Princess Gabriella Bisset of Cordina escapes her kidnappers only to collapse and awaken with no memory of her life. As the kidnappers remain at large, Brie's father requests that Reeve MacGee, the son of his longtime friend and a former police officer turned private investigator, take on the role of her protector. To do so, Reeve and Brie must enter into a fake engagement until her memory returns and the kidnappers are apprehended. Of course, they give in to their attraction...
An intriguing setting with obvious parallels to the Principality of Monaco and the House of Grimaldi. Moreover, the suspense plot has potential although Brie and Reeve's romance feels contrived.
The kidnapping/amnesia plot is well executed. Brie's reactions to the loss of memory and her need for distance from familial pressure to remember are portrayed realistically. While the culprits' identities are evident from the start with some very heavy foreshadowing, the final confrontation is exciting.
Brie is an engaging heroine. Despite her amnesia, she is strong, confident and resilient. Reeve is a blueprint for some of Nora's later sexy protector-type heroes, such as Bo Goodnight in Blue Smoke and Jamison Brody in Angel Falls. He still has some of the domineering tendencies common to '80s heroes, but thankfully never crosses the line.
The main problem is the lack of chemistry between Brie and Reeve, and their almost immediate emotional attachment, i.e., . This is based solely on one encounter several years earlier and is not all that believable.
This is the beginning of the Cordina Royal Family Quartet focusing on the Bisset children. The next book focuses on Alexander, Brie's brother and the heir to the principality. It appears that he is matched with Eve Hamilton, who plays a minor yet important role in this book. It will be interesting to see how these two get together.
November 16, 2022
Libro originariamente publicado en 1986, una serie centrada en la monarquía del Reino Cordina.
En ésta historia conocemos a la princesa Gabrielle "Brie" de Cordina, que no está pasando el mejor momento de su vida; debido a un complot político ha sido secuestrada pero logra escapar con amnesia posterior a todo el evento. Ya que se sospecha que alguien dentro del palacio esté involucrado en éste hecho, el rey, y padre, de Gabriella decide llamar a Reeve MacGee, un extranjero, hijo de su mejor amigo y persona fuera de la política para ayudar y proteger a Brie ya que él es un ex-policía e investigador.
Brie no tiene recuerdos de sus hermanos ni de su padre, pero siente la presión y la ansiedad de ellos de recuperar su memoria, por eso encuentra una oportunidad de respiro al tener a Reeve como guardaespaldas ya que, si bien se han conocido antes, son prácticamente extraños y tiene una oportunidad de volver a conocerse a si misma a medida que conoce a Reeve.
Es una historia de suspenso, intrigas políticas, un compromiso de conveniencia, una alocada dinámica familiar y un romance digno de un cuento de hadas. Es adictivo, entretenido y disfrutable completamente. No está a la altura de sus grandes historia de suspenso pero realmente disfruté conocer a ésta familia.
En ésta historia conocemos a la princesa Gabrielle "Brie" de Cordina, que no está pasando el mejor momento de su vida; debido a un complot político ha sido secuestrada pero logra escapar con amnesia posterior a todo el evento. Ya que se sospecha que alguien dentro del palacio esté involucrado en éste hecho, el rey, y padre, de Gabriella decide llamar a Reeve MacGee, un extranjero, hijo de su mejor amigo y persona fuera de la política para ayudar y proteger a Brie ya que él es un ex-policía e investigador.
Brie no tiene recuerdos de sus hermanos ni de su padre, pero siente la presión y la ansiedad de ellos de recuperar su memoria, por eso encuentra una oportunidad de respiro al tener a Reeve como guardaespaldas ya que, si bien se han conocido antes, son prácticamente extraños y tiene una oportunidad de volver a conocerse a si misma a medida que conoce a Reeve.
Es una historia de suspenso, intrigas políticas, un compromiso de conveniencia, una alocada dinámica familiar y un romance digno de un cuento de hadas. Es adictivo, entretenido y disfrutable completamente. No está a la altura de sus grandes historia de suspenso pero realmente disfruté conocer a ésta familia.
April 10, 2018
2/3 STELUȚE
Ador cărțiile Norei Roberts, dar de data asta nu a reușit să mă impresioneze. Sper ca următoarele 3 volume din serie să compenseze pentru prima.
Scurtă descriere:
O poveste regală, despre prințesa Gabrielle Madelaine Justine Bisset, fiica cea mare a monarhului din Cordina, care este răpită și ajunge să își pierdă memoria în urma unui accident, și fostul polițist Reeve MacGee, chemat de către tatăl acesteia pentru a-i descoperi și pedepsi pe făptași. Doar că rolul său în această poveste se va modifica, iar el va ajunge să îi țină piept frumoasei și încăpățânatei prințese în drumul lor spre adevăr.
Părerea mea:
Cartea mi s-a părut prea simplă, iar acțiunea prea lentă. De-a lungul a 243 de pagini nu s-a întâmplat nimic, am avut parte doar de monologul interior al Gabriellei, care încearcă să-și amintească trecutul, dar și să-și clarifice sentimentele față de presupusul său logodnic, și de câteva paragrafe „romatice” între cei doi protagoniști.
Ancheta pe care Reeve ar fi trebuit să o desfășoare a lipsit cu desăvârșire, el doar amintind din când în când ce informații a mai reușit să strângă. Nu au existat bănuieli, nu au existat cercetări, rolul lui inițial desființându-se treptat.
De asemenea, am aflat foarte puține despre trecutul fostului polițist, despre ce l-a făcut să se retargă din meserie sau de ce relația cu tatăl său este una încordată.
Părerea mea este că cartea de față a fost scrisă la repezeală, iar autoarea nu a reușit să-și finiseze lucrarea. Seamănă mai mult cu un caiet de schițe, decât cu un roman.
Cele 3 steluțe acordate se datorează în întregime faptului că autoarea a reușit din nou să creeeze o familie unică, de care nu ai cum să nu te simți atrasă. Mereu am cosiderat că Nora Roberts construiește cele mai bune persoanje, cele mai puternice legături între membrii unei familii sau a unei prietenii. Și aici a reușit să mă cucerească cu legăturiile trainice dintre membrii familiei Bisset, care, deși fac parte din familia regală nu înseamnă că nu au o afecțiune uriașă unii față de alții sau că nu ar face orice pentru a-și ține familia în siguranță.
Ador cărțiile Norei Roberts, dar de data asta nu a reușit să mă impresioneze. Sper ca următoarele 3 volume din serie să compenseze pentru prima.
Scurtă descriere:
O poveste regală, despre prințesa Gabrielle Madelaine Justine Bisset, fiica cea mare a monarhului din Cordina, care este răpită și ajunge să își pierdă memoria în urma unui accident, și fostul polițist Reeve MacGee, chemat de către tatăl acesteia pentru a-i descoperi și pedepsi pe făptași. Doar că rolul său în această poveste se va modifica, iar el va ajunge să îi țină piept frumoasei și încăpățânatei prințese în drumul lor spre adevăr.
Părerea mea:
Cartea mi s-a părut prea simplă, iar acțiunea prea lentă. De-a lungul a 243 de pagini nu s-a întâmplat nimic, am avut parte doar de monologul interior al Gabriellei, care încearcă să-și amintească trecutul, dar și să-și clarifice sentimentele față de presupusul său logodnic, și de câteva paragrafe „romatice” între cei doi protagoniști.
Ancheta pe care Reeve ar fi trebuit să o desfășoare a lipsit cu desăvârșire, el doar amintind din când în când ce informații a mai reușit să strângă. Nu au existat bănuieli, nu au existat cercetări, rolul lui inițial desființându-se treptat.
De asemenea, am aflat foarte puține despre trecutul fostului polițist, despre ce l-a făcut să se retargă din meserie sau de ce relația cu tatăl său este una încordată.
Părerea mea este că cartea de față a fost scrisă la repezeală, iar autoarea nu a reușit să-și finiseze lucrarea. Seamănă mai mult cu un caiet de schițe, decât cu un roman.
Cele 3 steluțe acordate se datorează în întregime faptului că autoarea a reușit din nou să creeeze o familie unică, de care nu ai cum să nu te simți atrasă. Mereu am cosiderat că Nora Roberts construiește cele mai bune persoanje, cele mai puternice legături între membrii unei familii sau a unei prietenii. Și aici a reușit să mă cucerească cu legăturiile trainice dintre membrii familiei Bisset, care, deși fac parte din familia regală nu înseamnă că nu au o afecțiune uriașă unii față de alții sau că nu ar face orice pentru a-și ține familia în siguranță.
December 15, 2023
I found this book in a box, so I decided to re-read it. I guess it was written back in 1986. It was a nice story, but having all the main male characters continually smoke cigarettes was a bit shocking. I guess back in the 80's that might have been sexy but these days it is not. Personally I was turned off by all the smoking. It also made me realize how much things have changed in the past 40 years. I love Nora Roberts and JD Robb, but I would say this book is only ok. She has come a long way and has written so many other great books.
December 23, 2025
Nora Roberts - Affaire Royale
The Princess of Cordina is found in a road ditch but can’t remember how she got there. In fact she can’t remember anything at all. Not her name, her family or the people that kidnapped her. To ensure her security, her father asks the American ex-militarist Reeve MacGee to protect her and act as her fake fiancée but soon things turn real.
This was a quick and fast paced book. I really enjoy the princess x bodyguard trope. Throw in amnesia and I’m sure to have a good time. Reeve is a big grump while Brie is a curious, strong-willed heroine looking for answers. She doesn’t take no for a no and push his limits regarding her security.
The romance was quite insta lovey but later revelations give some more background of their relationship which I liked. He was the only one she trusted to give her a real, unbiased opinion and they bonded over that. Their trips and conversations were deep, sweet and fun. The mystery aspect was intriguing and I enjoyed trying to find the culprits alongside Brie. For a moment Roberts had me fooled.
Brie was down to earth which fit perfectly to the now farmer Reeve. All she wanted was to escape the pressure as a royal and he helped her with that. But she also fought for women’s rights and was proactive in organizations supporting women.
The brothers had distinctive personalities and I liked her relationship with her youngest brother the best. They could joke around and he seemed to understand her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Princess of Cordina is found in a road ditch but can’t remember how she got there. In fact she can’t remember anything at all. Not her name, her family or the people that kidnapped her. To ensure her security, her father asks the American ex-militarist Reeve MacGee to protect her and act as her fake fiancée but soon things turn real.
This was a quick and fast paced book. I really enjoy the princess x bodyguard trope. Throw in amnesia and I’m sure to have a good time. Reeve is a big grump while Brie is a curious, strong-willed heroine looking for answers. She doesn’t take no for a no and push his limits regarding her security.
The romance was quite insta lovey but later revelations give some more background of their relationship which I liked. He was the only one she trusted to give her a real, unbiased opinion and they bonded over that. Their trips and conversations were deep, sweet and fun. The mystery aspect was intriguing and I enjoyed trying to find the culprits alongside Brie. For a moment Roberts had me fooled.
Brie was down to earth which fit perfectly to the now farmer Reeve. All she wanted was to escape the pressure as a royal and he helped her with that. But she also fought for women’s rights and was proactive in organizations supporting women.
The brothers had distinctive personalities and I liked her relationship with her youngest brother the best. They could joke around and he seemed to understand her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 20, 2020
I actually started with book 3 in this series and wanted to read the first two. I enjoyed the story, but I loved the suspense in book 3 more! I love Gabriella and her fierceness, though. And Reeve was a sexy hero.
April 16, 2025
This is another instance of my grandma buying little 12-year-old me books with adult content because she was oblivious and I absolutely wanted the beautiful covers. Libro really has to start dividing children’s books from adult ones…
As for the book: it was nothing special.
—> 2,5 stars
As for the book: it was nothing special.
—> 2,5 stars
November 6, 2018
Aburriiiiido!
January 22, 2021
Lengvas skaitinys. Nieko per daug sudėtingo, bet tiko atsipalaidavimui. Įtraukė pakankamai, kad norėčiau skaityti kitas dalis.
July 12, 2024
Roberts is one of my favorite writers and I have read many of her books. Could not believe this one is written by her. Why is the writing so sloppy and simplified? The story itself is okay, very lighthearted and an easy read. It had a lot of repetition, basically nothing else happened in the book than Gabriella wondering when her memory will return.
August 23, 2018
como siempre me pasa, no puedo hacer reseñas sin poner un poco de spoiler, así que queda bajo responsabilidad tuya, querido lector, si sigues leyendo o no.
Es la primera novela de Nora Roberts que leo.
No es la que mas me gusta de la serie "familia real de Cordina".
Nos introduce en la historia de la familia real de un principado ficticio y como la protagonista tiene que recuperar la memoria luego de que la secuestren para que su padre libere a un preso, el cual resulta ser el malo de tres (por lo menos) de los cuatro libros de la serie.
Mientras ella recupera la memoria, le asignan un guardia que es estadounidense y del cual ella termina enamorándose, a fuerza de hacerle creer a todo el mundo que él es en realidad su prometido (ya que es hijo de un amigo del príncipe de Cordina).
Obviamente, el final no hace que la historia general termine ahí (solo la de los protagonistas), pero no es abierto, tampoco.
Tampoco da pistas de quien será el protagonista del siguiente libro... (eso es algo que me gustó, si)
Relectura:
Recordaba haber leído el libro, mas no recordaba haber hecho la reseña del mismo…
Hace dos años, la historia no me llamó mucho la atención, pero quedó grabada en mi memoria, hasta el punto de que la reseña que le hice en su momento, me parece que no le hace ningún honor.
Lo que pasa Brie cuando despierta en el hospital y descubre que no recuerda a su familia, ni quien es ella en realidad, lleva al lector a poder empatizar con el personaje.
Cómo la ve Reeve va evolucionando a medida que la historia va avanzando y el lector va descubriendo no solo los miedos de ella, sino que también las inseguridades de él.
El sentimiento que va surgiendo entre ellos es muy bonito (a pesar de que muchas veces quise meterme en el libro y cachetearlo por arrogante a él), ya que desde el inicio ambos tienen la necesidad de ser sinceros entre ellos, por la condición de ella.
La pluma de la autora es maravillosa, y te mete en la historia, dejándote atrapado hasta el final; y el toque de suspenso a lo Agatha Christie que le da a las escenas de los secuestradores, es perfecto para eso...
Súper recomendable, salvo que seas menor de (pongámosle) 13 años.
Es la primera novela de Nora Roberts que leo.
No es la que mas me gusta de la serie "familia real de Cordina".
Nos introduce en la historia de la familia real de un principado ficticio y como la protagonista tiene que recuperar la memoria luego de que la secuestren para que su padre libere a un preso, el cual resulta ser el malo de tres (por lo menos) de los cuatro libros de la serie.
Mientras ella recupera la memoria, le asignan un guardia que es estadounidense y del cual ella termina enamorándose, a fuerza de hacerle creer a todo el mundo que él es en realidad su prometido (ya que es hijo de un amigo del príncipe de Cordina).
Obviamente, el final no hace que la historia general termine ahí (solo la de los protagonistas), pero no es abierto, tampoco.
Tampoco da pistas de quien será el protagonista del siguiente libro... (eso es algo que me gustó, si)
Relectura:
Recordaba haber leído el libro, mas no recordaba haber hecho la reseña del mismo…
Hace dos años, la historia no me llamó mucho la atención, pero quedó grabada en mi memoria, hasta el punto de que la reseña que le hice en su momento, me parece que no le hace ningún honor.
Lo que pasa Brie cuando despierta en el hospital y descubre que no recuerda a su familia, ni quien es ella en realidad, lleva al lector a poder empatizar con el personaje.
Cómo la ve Reeve va evolucionando a medida que la historia va avanzando y el lector va descubriendo no solo los miedos de ella, sino que también las inseguridades de él.
El sentimiento que va surgiendo entre ellos es muy bonito (a pesar de que muchas veces quise meterme en el libro y cachetearlo por arrogante a él), ya que desde el inicio ambos tienen la necesidad de ser sinceros entre ellos, por la condición de ella.
La pluma de la autora es maravillosa, y te mete en la historia, dejándote atrapado hasta el final; y el toque de suspenso a lo Agatha Christie que le da a las escenas de los secuestradores, es perfecto para eso...
Súper recomendable, salvo que seas menor de (pongámosle) 13 años.
November 9, 2016
Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1986
Length: 313 pages.
Setting: Contemporary. Fictional country of Cordina.
Sex: Infrequent. Reasonably explicit.
Hero: Former cop, now PI.
Heroine: Princess.
Supposed to be a suspense but that was a very light, almost secondary, part of a novel about rediscovering yourself. Nicely, sweetly done. Very enjoyable.
Cordina’s Royal Family:
Book 1 Affaire Royale - Princess Gabriella and Reeve MacGee
Book 2 Command Performance - Prince Alexander and Eve Hamilton
Book 3 The Playboy Prince - Prince Bennett and Lady Hannah Rothchild
Book 4 Cordina's Crown Jewel - Princess Camilla de Cordina and Delaney Caine
References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com
(ISBN 9780263246438)
-CR-
First published: 1986
Length: 313 pages.
Setting: Contemporary. Fictional country of Cordina.
Sex: Infrequent. Reasonably explicit.
Hero: Former cop, now PI.
Heroine: Princess.
Supposed to be a suspense but that was a very light, almost secondary, part of a novel about rediscovering yourself. Nicely, sweetly done. Very enjoyable.
Cordina’s Royal Family:
Book 1 Affaire Royale - Princess Gabriella and Reeve MacGee
Book 2 Command Performance - Prince Alexander and Eve Hamilton
Book 3 The Playboy Prince - Prince Bennett and Lady Hannah Rothchild
Book 4 Cordina's Crown Jewel - Princess Camilla de Cordina and Delaney Caine
References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com
(ISBN 9780263246438)
-CR-
January 12, 2012
I've been aware for some time of Ms Roberts' illustrious career at the top of the best-seller charts, and her prolific output in several genres.
I don't know why I put off reading one of her books for so long. Perhaps it was a reluctance to open and drink a fine vintage wine.
I'm also not sure why I chose this book as a starter. Maybe it wasn't the best choice, or maybe it's representative of her work.
Whatever the case, I didn't enjoy it at all.
The characters were as anonymous as the models on the cover and the narrative as predictable as a long-running TV series.
But what really put me off was not the ludicrous Princess Diaries heroine and her manly protector, but the frequency with which he lit up cigarettes. The book could have been an ad for a tobacco company. The cigarettes had nothing to do with the story, and told us nothing about the hero, except that he smoked.
Could it be that Ms Roberts is a heavy smoker herself and likes her characters to share her enjoyment?
No one in the story reacts to the constant haze of carcinogenic smog generated by the hero, but it was too much for me. Didn't finish the book; awarded a couple of stars for the part I did read.
I don't know why I put off reading one of her books for so long. Perhaps it was a reluctance to open and drink a fine vintage wine.
I'm also not sure why I chose this book as a starter. Maybe it wasn't the best choice, or maybe it's representative of her work.
Whatever the case, I didn't enjoy it at all.
The characters were as anonymous as the models on the cover and the narrative as predictable as a long-running TV series.
But what really put me off was not the ludicrous Princess Diaries heroine and her manly protector, but the frequency with which he lit up cigarettes. The book could have been an ad for a tobacco company. The cigarettes had nothing to do with the story, and told us nothing about the hero, except that he smoked.
Could it be that Ms Roberts is a heavy smoker herself and likes her characters to share her enjoyment?
No one in the story reacts to the constant haze of carcinogenic smog generated by the hero, but it was too much for me. Didn't finish the book; awarded a couple of stars for the part I did read.
June 5, 2017
When the princess has been kidnapped and got away. You start to wonder who did it. When you start out it would have thought it was a group of radicals with them one someone released from prison. Then it shifted to appear it was one of her brothers. Well when the American is called in he starts sensing something is up because the police are not doing their job. In all with the princess has amnesia anything could get past her so they thought. Friendships regained and gained, deceit, anger, family love and caring and new love found.
February 28, 2022
WHAT IS AFFAIRE ROYALE?
When Brie, the Princess Brie, opens her eyes in her hospital bed, the first thought she has is that she doesn’t recognize her lifetime doctor, nor the hospital itself, or the Princedom in Cordina—much less herself. It turns out she has lost every inch of her memory, and every inch of the people responsible.
But because finding culprits is justice’s favorite pastime, Brie’s father enlists an American to protect his daughter of the mysterious menace that now haunts his family, despite it sounding like the worst idea politics-wise.
The man’s name: Reeve MacGee.
A man with no quells with prohibition on so many levels.
**
Because I keep on confessing that I am a newbie at reading, I now come with vol. 2 of this story. It starts with the fact that Affaire Royale was my first romance novel, and Nora Roberts the one author I sought to fill me in on the job.
So here it goes, what was Affaire Royale to a romance virgin?
Tune in for the tale.
C h a r a c t e r s
For people who have read my previous reviews, it might not come as a surprise to know that I am a character-driven reader. I enjoy the complexity of emotions within them, and how they all connect the dots flawlessly while moving the story forward in a way that plot-driven novels can’t do for me—amongst other indescribable things it does to my being.
Having stated that, I want to emphasize that Affaire Royale was nothing like that for me.
And no, it wasn’t mind-blowing either.
I found the characters to be lacking the very thing that makes us human: flaws. No character messed up more than the plot needed to, and there was little to no conflict between them. Unless being a bland character in a sea of very strong, and very attractive characters is a sign of passionate conflict because then there was… not much of it either.
Interactions between characters were less than interesting, and they themselves couldn’t hold a 5 inches-deep bucket to save their name. If they were meant to be a mystery, it did the job better than expected.
The positive has to be… that Brie was not a damsel in distress?
Sort of.
Verdict? NOT FOR ME
P l o t
When stories mix mystery and romance, I am the first to be engaged.
And in this book, there was no exception to the rule.
For the first few chapters, when the premise rang loud and clear, I was hooked. I hadn’t experienced a story from the perspective of a princess with amnesia, and I looked forward to seeing how things were planned to unfold, knowing that she was aware she could trust no one. The stakes were high in my mind.
Then the plot started to lag, and drag, and unfortunately, not much except romance was going on despite the interesting premise. The mystery was forgotten, and the only thing worrying Brie was a man named Reeve.
But what was I thinking? Romance has to lead the way in a romance novel, anyway. Right?
Well, I can’t tell how it is supposed to work, but my enjoyment level was barely average, and I don’t think that was meant to be the point. Perhaps romance is not for me?
The good thing: I wasn’t entirely sure of who the culprit was, so I guess the mystery is not completely obvious?
Verdict? NOT FOR ME
R o m a n c e
I am happy to say that this is the best this novel has to offer.
I can tell why many people love these types of romance novels, and why they love Nora Roberts in general. The love story was well written, from the very beginning and, almost to the very end. The tension was palpable, as was the chemistry, and the genuine connection between the protagonist couple. I did get the so-called ‘feels’ one is supposed to get in a romance novel, and for that I say: well done. Though sometimes I felt the love was developed on the faster end of the spectrum—which, to me, doesn’t quite get me going, but to some, it does.
The negative: There is nothing new to learn about romance or something new to consider in romantic interests going forward. There are even tightly defined roles of a woman and a man, and there is not much else to the relationship except passion and a few hobbies in common. Not to mention that there is some tinge of abuse going on, but I can’t tell if it's only meant to be a kink.
Is this what relationships are in real life?
If so, I get why people can’t stay with one person for too long.
Verdict? NOT FOR ME
W r i t i n g
I will continue my idea from the previous paragraph, and it has to do with how I get why people like these types of books. The writing is simple, to the point, has some punchy one-liners, and it's good enough to experience a romance of this level.
However, I found it didn’t suit my tastes much. I felt the writing had some structural issues with the plot, the characters, and the themes, which makes it feel more like fanfiction than a professional written novel. No judgment to fanfiction, because I love it, but in this case, the writing didn’t seem to be up to par with my expectations. I feel I need something extra in my books, but I won’t go hard on those who don’t.
All in all, it’s okay.
Verdict? NOT FOR ME
T h e m e s
I was prepared to lower my standards for a romance novel because the chatter one hears on the internet doesn’t help raise it, but I wasn’t prepared as to how low it would go.
I was expecting abuse, because, as most know, it is something very coveted in today’s love interests, though it shouldn’t be. So, I was surprised to find that many more things can go wrong in a novel of this type.
So, yes, I was mistaken. Things can sink much lower than expected. And I don’t think it’s something that pertains to this novel only, but to the genre overall.
There is some sort of fetish with monarchy, riches, beauty, and rationality, or strength of character, all over romantic fantasies, and none of them question the origin of it, or why we tend to idolize all of the above. I will delve into this further in my analysis here, so be sure to read it if you’re interested.
In summary, the themes are not exactly themes I’d be happy to show to my hypothetical daughter—or son— in a hypothetical future.
Verdict? NOT FOR ME
To make a long story short, this book is:
Not for me.
Final thoughts
I know I sounded harsh on the criticism for this story, and maybe for the author in general, but I don’t mean this as an attack on Roberts at all. I am aware that she has a fanbase and that she has a prolific skill that has allowed her to find her niche and the people who adore it.
I am simply not one of them.
I can’t say I was entirely bored throughout the book, nor that it wasn’t steamy as some people might desire, because it was, but it wasn’t something I would read or recommend.
If you’re looking for a deep, emotional romance, with some sort of depth to the plot or some other questioning or developing of themes, I suggest you skip this novel for good. But if you’re looking to read something light, steamy and comfortable, by all means, give this book a try.
With all due respect for the author and the genre, I won’t pick Nora’s books again. Sorry.
But I still wish her a nice life. I do!
June 5, 2017
Another Masterpiece
Affaire Royale was so well written. It had just the right amount of sex and a plot with the right amount of suspense. Her attention to detail engulfs you all the more in the novel. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Affaire Royale was so well written. It had just the right amount of sex and a plot with the right amount of suspense. Her attention to detail engulfs you all the more in the novel. I can't wait to read the sequel.
October 1, 2014
I knew where it was going to go but ended up liking it nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews