What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal #1
Royal Target
When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him. Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God and to love.
257 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
177 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
66 books1,946 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 471 reviews
October 31, 2008
I loved this book!! Of course, I love all of Abramson's books. This book is full of mystery, adventure, and (clean) romance. It captured my attention from the first page and I had a hard time putting it down.
November 13, 2014
I enjoyed this story, I liked the plot idea and thought the story flowed nicely. It’s a fun book to curl up with on a snowy day. I liked our main character Janessa, she was easy to relate to. While she is a tough CIA agent, she doesn’t come across too tough. She and Garrett had good chemistry together and I liked how their story unfolded. I did think they fell in love a little fast; it drives me crazy when characters are declaring their love for each other when they’ve only known each other a few weeks. Just a personal pet-peeve. A fun adventure, I’ll definitely be checking out more of Abramson’s books.
February 23, 2009
If you have anything that absolutely must be done, don't start this book! I kept telling myself to put it down and get to work, but I couldn't until I was finished. :)
July 30, 2009
What I found refreshing about this mormon romance was that the conversion part of the story wasn't the entire story. About 90% of mormon romance is about a mormon girl/guy who meets and falls in love with a non member guy/girl and their struggle with their differing beliefs until the non member realizes the truth in the gospel, converts, and the two are able to be together for time and all eternity. This is a sweet outline, but 90% of actual mormon romances are not like that... so it gets annoying to read that same type of story over and over again. Now I'm not saying that it's a possibility that my job will eventually lead me into a relationship with a handsome, kind prince in a foreign country who has already studied the church and is wanting to be baptized... All I'm saying is that it was a refreshing change of outline. The mystery kept me on my toes and I loved the happy ending!
The only problem I had with the book was that sometimes it was written like a briefing. It wasn't til I finished the book that I read the bio about the author and found that she was once part of the CIA, but it made sense. I would have liked a little more information at the beginning of the story about what Janessa and Garrett were thinking and feeling.
I am looking forward to reading another one of her stories!
The only problem I had with the book was that sometimes it was written like a briefing. It wasn't til I finished the book that I read the bio about the author and found that she was once part of the CIA, but it made sense. I would have liked a little more information at the beginning of the story about what Janessa and Garrett were thinking and feeling.
I am looking forward to reading another one of her stories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2016
DNF
Ugh, learned my lesson with this one. Check the genres before buying.
Basically, I got a few chapters in when I realised that there was no way I could enjoy a book that is so religious. Basically, if you are Mormon, read this book and you will probably really enjoy it, if you aren't though, and like me have no intention of converting, just calmly walk away. This book just comes on way to strong. It was simply impossible for me to enjoy the story because I felt like the author was trying to shove her beliefs into my brain when all I wanted was some lighthearted literature.
Ugh, learned my lesson with this one. Check the genres before buying.
Basically, I got a few chapters in when I realised that there was no way I could enjoy a book that is so religious. Basically, if you are Mormon, read this book and you will probably really enjoy it, if you aren't though, and like me have no intention of converting, just calmly walk away. This book just comes on way to strong. It was simply impossible for me to enjoy the story because I felt like the author was trying to shove her beliefs into my brain when all I wanted was some lighthearted literature.
September 21, 2015
It was a pretty good book but I always have a hard time with Mormon authors making the characters join the church effortlessly. The prince just so happens to be investigating the church and is ready to join before the CIA agent comes into his life and unknowingly steals his heart. Although the story was already somewhat unbelievable, that little fact made it even more unbelievable. Still overall was a good story and I had a hard time putting it down! Will definitely read the next one as well! Ages 12+
June 1, 2016
5/31/16 - I thought I had read this one, but it has been awhile. Love books where they met and fall in love with royalty. Fun times.
1/9/2009 - I could not put this book down. LOVED IT! EXCELLENT! Lots of suspense and romance, just perfect. I can't wait to read Freefall by her.
1/9/2009 - I could not put this book down. LOVED IT! EXCELLENT! Lots of suspense and romance, just perfect. I can't wait to read Freefall by her.
March 13, 2012
Romance, danger, murder, mystery, and kidnapping are all found in this book. Janessa is a CIA agent. She speaks many languages and is well trained, but finds herself in bad situations often. She is bold, smart, kind, and very likeable. The CIA sends her on her newest mission, but trouble finds her there, and maybe true love. Janessa is sent to Meridia this is where she meets prince Garrett Fortier.
Janessa pretends that she is engaged to the prince of the royal family. They stage their engagement and announce it to the country. Its in all the society papers. Janessa is really there to protect the royal family, and her real work begins. She is supposed to set up security at the chateau, a big party will soon take place. She attends many social luncheons to gather information and meet as many locals as possible. There a few other CIA people that work with her.
While she was securing the royal family trouble began. A bomb was found under Prince Garrett's car. Janessa and her co-worker defused the bomb before it exploded and they begin to realize that the royal family is in harm. They believe that it could be an inside job. A warehouse also blows up in the city and everybody starts to get nervous. Janessa tries her hardest not to fall in love with Prince Garrett, but she can't help herself. She worries that she is getting to close so she tries to turn her mind to her work only.
Prince Garrett has fallen in love with Janessa. He also has showed interest in her religion. His friend from the U.S. comes to visit and other scary things start to happen. Another bomb is found, the queen is kidnapped, and very expensive art pieces are stolen. Prince Garrett and Janessa work together to save the queen and the royal family. Janessa decides she loves Prince Garrett, but she can't live the life he wants her to. So she ends up returning to the U.S. So after a few days he can't live without her. But when he arrives, he finds out that she has gone back to Meridia to go to the royal chateau party. In the end they end up together, and get married.
I liked this book because it is made up of a lot of genres. There was action, adventure, romance, and mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who is out for a good read. The author does a really good job describing people and the scenery. I like how it is a clean book to read. I enjoyed it a lot.
Janessa pretends that she is engaged to the prince of the royal family. They stage their engagement and announce it to the country. Its in all the society papers. Janessa is really there to protect the royal family, and her real work begins. She is supposed to set up security at the chateau, a big party will soon take place. She attends many social luncheons to gather information and meet as many locals as possible. There a few other CIA people that work with her.
While she was securing the royal family trouble began. A bomb was found under Prince Garrett's car. Janessa and her co-worker defused the bomb before it exploded and they begin to realize that the royal family is in harm. They believe that it could be an inside job. A warehouse also blows up in the city and everybody starts to get nervous. Janessa tries her hardest not to fall in love with Prince Garrett, but she can't help herself. She worries that she is getting to close so she tries to turn her mind to her work only.
Prince Garrett has fallen in love with Janessa. He also has showed interest in her religion. His friend from the U.S. comes to visit and other scary things start to happen. Another bomb is found, the queen is kidnapped, and very expensive art pieces are stolen. Prince Garrett and Janessa work together to save the queen and the royal family. Janessa decides she loves Prince Garrett, but she can't live the life he wants her to. So she ends up returning to the U.S. So after a few days he can't live without her. But when he arrives, he finds out that she has gone back to Meridia to go to the royal chateau party. In the end they end up together, and get married.
I liked this book because it is made up of a lot of genres. There was action, adventure, romance, and mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who is out for a good read. The author does a really good job describing people and the scenery. I like how it is a clean book to read. I enjoyed it a lot.
January 2, 2009
Ok, it was felt totally unreal as far as the situation of Janessa guarding the prince, but I don't read for reality all the time. It was a fun escape. I liked Janessa's character, and it was a good move away from the loose series Abramson has done before. I liked the characters, even as I kept laughing at the fairy tale aspect mixed in with CIA. Lighthearted "suspense" (does that word really fit this?).
October 16, 2017
CIA agent Janessa Rogers has been kicked out of three countries before being sent to go undercover as the finance of Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor. She will work on the security plan and protect the royal family.
Why I started this book: My goal this month was to not purchase any new books, instead to read the books that I already have. This was one of them, recommended by some of my Goodreads friends.
Why I finished it: Christian fiction is not my genre... and I was super annoyed at how Janessa alternated from complete spaz and complete professional depending on if the story needed to move forward or the romance.
Why I started this book: My goal this month was to not purchase any new books, instead to read the books that I already have. This was one of them, recommended by some of my Goodreads friends.
Why I finished it: Christian fiction is not my genre... and I was super annoyed at how Janessa alternated from complete spaz and complete professional depending on if the story needed to move forward or the romance.
October 28, 2013
I find conversion stories (individuals' journeys to Christ) touching...when they're real. When authors invent such stories to sell books, I find it trite and contrived. I know there is a market for this, but it does not appeal to me.
That being said, I'm glad I didn't like the first 3 chapters. I was listening to an audio of the book and the delivery was as bad as the voice on my phone's GPS locator: wooden and robotic. If I had liked the book, I would have had to suffer through the torturous, unemotional delivery for hours.
That being said, I'm glad I didn't like the first 3 chapters. I was listening to an audio of the book and the delivery was as bad as the voice on my phone's GPS locator: wooden and robotic. If I had liked the book, I would have had to suffer through the torturous, unemotional delivery for hours.
September 27, 2020
I keep hearing about this author, so I thought I’d read one of her books. Did I just pick the wrong title? I’m struggling to think of a book I’ve read that was more stupid. This book was so poorly researched and so full of holes I wouldn’t know where to begin in listing them all. Yikes.
February 18, 2009
This was a really fun read. I could picture is as a movie!
Now that I've read 2 books in a row, I can see a formula going with this author. But that's not necessarily a bad thing ;)
Now that I've read 2 books in a row, I can see a formula going with this author. But that's not necessarily a bad thing ;)
April 12, 2011
Total cheese.
February 19, 2017
I love how this book gives you the perspective of several different characters and how it relates to the LDS church.
June 15, 2025
Abramson was recommended because while I’m not LDS myself, I read a decent amount of LDS authors. This was the first modern book that I have read and the first that has blatantly dealt with the struggles of the LDS in society. I was a little caught unaware and I was curious how she was going to play it out as it came off pretty strong. At first it was a turn off toward the book because I thought the book wasn’t going to be religious at all but as I thought about it, most authors have a belief component to their books. I imagine that if I were LDS, I could relate more to what she shared. In any faith, they each have their own struggles to be understood by others: If you want a simple mystery book, agent and prince falling in love, hallmark story, this one is not for you. If you don’t mind the religious component, give it a shot.
I read the book curious to see if it would be a good series for my teen. If we were LDS, I think she would have enjoyed it absolutely but as we are not, the amount of religious content would have been hard for her to push through. If it had been a little softer, I believe the struggles could have been addressed but not felt overwhelming for those who don’t have the same beliefs.
Unfortunately because the beliefs were so strong, it took away from the mystery/love part of the story. It definitely had the energy of a hallmark movie or a poolside book for the summer.
I am not going to continue on with this series, however, abramson does have a great writing style. I will just read up a little closer before starting one of the books.
I read the book curious to see if it would be a good series for my teen. If we were LDS, I think she would have enjoyed it absolutely but as we are not, the amount of religious content would have been hard for her to push through. If it had been a little softer, I believe the struggles could have been addressed but not felt overwhelming for those who don’t have the same beliefs.
Unfortunately because the beliefs were so strong, it took away from the mystery/love part of the story. It definitely had the energy of a hallmark movie or a poolside book for the summer.
I am not going to continue on with this series, however, abramson does have a great writing style. I will just read up a little closer before starting one of the books.
June 21, 2025
This is the first in the Mormon romantic suspense series. I am guessing that is the genre where this would be. It talks about the Mormon faith in particular. It is a kisses only romance.
I have heard so many positive things about this author that I wanted to give some of her books a try. This one was okay. I wasn't really connected to the characters or the story. I think part of that may be due to the audiobook narrator. She did not really have voices for characters so it was a little bland. I did listen to a sample preview of the next book that has a different narrator. it was already much better in the 5 minutes that I listened. so I may go ahead and continue with the next book in the series.
I have heard so many positive things about this author that I wanted to give some of her books a try. This one was okay. I wasn't really connected to the characters or the story. I think part of that may be due to the audiobook narrator. She did not really have voices for characters so it was a little bland. I did listen to a sample preview of the next book that has a different narrator. it was already much better in the 5 minutes that I listened. so I may go ahead and continue with the next book in the series.
July 13, 2023
Really probably almost 3 stars. Because this book …
It’s a story about a CIA operative who goes undercover as the fiancée of a prince of Monaco—excuse me, Meridia, not Monaco. Combine that with the publisher (Covenant Communications), and you can guess how it’s going to turn out. I was here for it. I thought I knew what I was getting into.
But no. I was wrong. Because in no way did I ever imagine someone would write this book.
This main character CIA woman was not just destined to fall in love with a prince, she is also, in fact, a member of the Church. As in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As in a Temple-going, church-attending, returned missionary, active member of the Church. When I first read this, I realized that this book would not likely end well. I wasn’t quite sure what she would do, but I thought it wouldn’t be great.
Boy was I wrong again. Here I’ll stop to give you a little spoiler warning. [spoiler] I was wrong because of the even bigger twist: the prince is a member, too.
…
…
That’s right. She went there. The author did what no one else would dare to do. She made a European prince a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. [spoiler] And the laughter and uncomfyness it brought me bumped my rating up an entire star. I just laughed and laughed.
Most of these books are already a little silly. But this one, this one, was truly ridiculous.
It’s a story about a CIA operative who goes undercover as the fiancée of a prince of Monaco—excuse me, Meridia, not Monaco. Combine that with the publisher (Covenant Communications), and you can guess how it’s going to turn out. I was here for it. I thought I knew what I was getting into.
But no. I was wrong. Because in no way did I ever imagine someone would write this book.
This main character CIA woman was not just destined to fall in love with a prince, she is also, in fact, a member of the Church. As in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As in a Temple-going, church-attending, returned missionary, active member of the Church. When I first read this, I realized that this book would not likely end well. I wasn’t quite sure what she would do, but I thought it wouldn’t be great.
Boy was I wrong again. Here I’ll stop to give you a little spoiler warning. [spoiler] I was wrong because of the even bigger twist: the prince is a member, too.
…
…
That’s right. She went there. The author did what no one else would dare to do. She made a European prince a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. [spoiler] And the laughter and uncomfyness it brought me bumped my rating up an entire star. I just laughed and laughed.
Most of these books are already a little silly. But this one, this one, was truly ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
DNF @ page 16
Definitely the fastest DNF of my life. I was excited for a strong fmc, instead there was a whiny LDS girl who thinks she’s perpetually the victim because of her religion. Her storming out of her boss’ office muttering “so much for religious freedom” after she was reassigned due to an incident that had nothing to do with religion was the final straw for me.
Definitely the fastest DNF of my life. I was excited for a strong fmc, instead there was a whiny LDS girl who thinks she’s perpetually the victim because of her religion. Her storming out of her boss’ office muttering “so much for religious freedom” after she was reassigned due to an incident that had nothing to do with religion was the final straw for me.
June 5, 2021
Such a fun royals romance with some seriously great suspense! I loved the way this book meshed an imaginary kingdom and prince with international intrigue. The characters were great, the setting was beautiful, and the romance was a delight!
October 2, 2017
so good absolutly loved it from page 1.
October 28, 2024
Took a little bit for me to sit down and actually read, but once I did, I was hooked! Really enjoyed it and there were some pleasant plot twists too!
April 30, 2025
I re-read this to refresh my memory before reading the new books in this set. I enjoyed it this time as much as the last. The thrills were exciting and the scene descriptions made me want to go on vacation to the beach! Good story with twists and turns. Only a few plot holes that you have to ignore.
February 1, 2025
My rating 3.0
This was another book by Traci Hunter Abramson whom I seem to be turning to for a quick, light read in between heavier subjects. Enjoyable -- and probably pretty forgettable!
Summary:
When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him.
Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God — and to love.
This was another book by Traci Hunter Abramson whom I seem to be turning to for a quick, light read in between heavier subjects. Enjoyable -- and probably pretty forgettable!
Summary:
When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him.
Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God — and to love.
May 8, 2018
Great plot! Writing is good but when it comes to the romance it kind of is awkward and stiff. But still like it:)
December 10, 2018
I love Traci Hunter Abramson's books, and this one did not disappoint. It starts out with CIA agent Janessa is assigned to go under cover for the royal family in Meridia, she meets Prince Garrett and they both fall in love. But things are not easy for the royal family, and Janessa is afraid for their safety. She and Garrett go through several trials thought the book, and it was a fun journey to go through.
Janessa is a very hard working woman. She's super intelligent, and she isn't afraid to stand up for her beliefs. I admire all of these qualities in Janessa. She made the book very interesting because of this.
Garrett is a wonderful character as well. He is loyal to the T when it comes to his family, and country. And he is just now getting the courage to stand up for his beliefs as well.
When he and Janessa meet, sparks fly. They instantly have an attraction for each other, but both are somewhat afraid to act on it because of their jobs. But soon Garrett realizes he needs Janessa in his life, and he's going to do everything he can to keep her their.
I really enjoyed this book. I love female agents! They are awesome, and it was so cool she got chosen to protect Garrett, even though he sometimes had a hard time with that because he wanted to protect her instead. I recommend this book, along with most other's of this author, she is very talented.
Janessa is a very hard working woman. She's super intelligent, and she isn't afraid to stand up for her beliefs. I admire all of these qualities in Janessa. She made the book very interesting because of this.
Garrett is a wonderful character as well. He is loyal to the T when it comes to his family, and country. And he is just now getting the courage to stand up for his beliefs as well.
When he and Janessa meet, sparks fly. They instantly have an attraction for each other, but both are somewhat afraid to act on it because of their jobs. But soon Garrett realizes he needs Janessa in his life, and he's going to do everything he can to keep her their.
I really enjoyed this book. I love female agents! They are awesome, and it was so cool she got chosen to protect Garrett, even though he sometimes had a hard time with that because he wanted to protect her instead. I recommend this book, along with most other's of this author, she is very talented.
August 29, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him. Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God, and to love.
MY TAKE
I read this book years ago and wished it was available in audiobook on Audible. I found it. I loved being able to revisit this story and these characters. The narrator did a great job, though I had to slow the playing down to 85% because it was really fast.
When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him. Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God, and to love.
MY TAKE
I read this book years ago and wished it was available in audiobook on Audible. I found it. I loved being able to revisit this story and these characters. The narrator did a great job, though I had to slow the playing down to 85% because it was really fast.
September 25, 2015
I listened to this book with my sister on our way to Colorado for a bridal shower for our other sister. Given that context, this book was a lot of fun. It's certainly not deep or complicated (although it becomes more so if you, like us, periodically stop listening and realize that the narrator is talking about a character we haven't heard of and seems important to the story). But it's light and entertaining. It provided a lot of reasons to laugh (maybe more than were actually intended) and it's one I can highly recommend especially if you will be listening to it in the company of a cherished friend and sister on a roadtrip. :)
November 26, 2008
I enjoy Tracy's books. They are fresh, without being preachy or heavy handed. The lds influence is something I could see happening in real life, how many of us really are, living our life the best we can without trying to force our beliefs, but live them. If you like LDS suspense this is a fun one to read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 471 reviews