Cordina'S Royal Family

Rating:
Summary: Three Wonderful Stories! Well Worth the Wait!
Review: "Cordina's Royal Family" is an omnibus of three stories written by Nora Roberts in the mid-1980's. I have searched for these three out of print tales for years, so imagine my delight when I discovered that they were to be re-printed in a special 3-in-1 collector's edition. Well, I am happy to report that it was worth the wait. Nora's three tales of royal romance and palace intrigue are, in a word, fantastic!

First is "Affaire Royale", which introduces the reader to Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella de Cordina. Gabriella has just lived through a terrifying ordeal - being kidnapped. But Brie can't remember anything. Not who kidnapped her or how she escaped, not who her father and brothers are, not even her own name. Concerned about the safety of his only daughter, Prince Armand hires bodyguard Reeve MacGee to protect Brie.
Lost in a sea of concerned, unfamiliar faces, Brie finds a lifeline in Reeve. Reeve sets about helping Gabriella regain her memories, and as time passes he falls hard for the classy, determined, and remarkable Brie. Though he tries to remind himself that letting his emotions get involved will only cloud his senses while trying to protect Gabriella, Reeve well and truly loses his heart. But Reeve also knows that a guy like him has no future with a princess, and so he keeps what is in his heart to himself.
Though she is confused and scared and trying to find herself, Brie knows that the one thing that's real in her life is the love she feels for Reeve. Trying to accept that he doesn't love her the way she loves him isn't easy, though Gabriella was never one to give up when she wanted something. The passion that burns between Reeve and Brie will thrill and entice readers. But the threat to Brie is closer to home than anyone realizes, and though Reeve believes he has to let her go, he would never recover if the kidnappers' violent plans for Brie succeed!

Next is "Command Performance", which is even better than the delightful first story. His Royal Highness Prince Alexander is the heir to the Cordinian throne, and as a result he must always keep his emotions, and his temper, on a tight rein. Regal and enticing Eve Hamilton, the one woman Alex truly desires, has always seemed just out of his reach. Seemingly in love with his younger brother Bennett, when Eve comes to Cordina at his request, Alex knows a frustration unlike anything he has ever known. Eve, the manager of her own theatre troupe, is commissioned by Alex to put on four plays to benefit a children's charity. Though Alex is forever rubbing Eve the wrong way, she knows her troupe's first international performance is an opportunity too great to pass up.
But all is not perfect in Cordina. The man behind Princess Gabriella's kidnapping several years earlier, Deboque, is terrorizing Cordina with bombings. Next, Deboque begins using Eve to threaten the Royal Family. Alex is terrified for Eve's safety, but Eve is resolute that she will remain in Cordina and do her job.
As the misunderstandings that were keeping them apart are worked out, Eve and Alex are finally able to admit their true feelings for one another. Alex knows he will never love another woman the way he loves Eve, and their romance is full of sensuality and tenderness and is highly satisfying.
But both Alex and Eve are in grave danger. When Deboque issues a serious threat, it has everyone on edge. But what everyone doesn't realize is that Eve herself has become a target and the happiness she has finally found with Alex may well be snatched away from her!

Last, but certainly not least is "The Playboy Prince", which tells the story of dashingly handsome ladies man Prince Bennett. When reserved and conservative Hannah Rothchild arrives at the palace, Bennett can't figure her out. She couldn't be less his type, and yet something about her intrigues him. Hannah wears no make-up and her clothes are unflattering, and yet she is irresistible to Bennett. So for once in his life, Bennett finds himself compelled to look beyond what is on the outside of a woman in order to find out who she is on the inside.
In truth, Hannah is on a secret and dangerous mission and the attention Bennett keeps giving her is not good for the job she has come to do. But her treacherous heart skips a beat each time Bennett is near, and the woman behind the boring and unattractive facade longs to feel Bennett's arms around her. However, Hannah has never failed on a job before and she's not about to let Bennett keep her from doing this one. Still, Hannah can't keep herself from falling for the "Royal Rake" and Bennett too falls in love with the sweet and shy Hannah he knows.
So when Bennett discovers the real reason Hannah is in the palace, he feels completely betrayed and is hurt beyond words. Hannah feels her heart break at the contempt Bennett now feels for her, and she is consumed by guilt. But the game Hannah is playing is incredibly dangerous, and now Bennett knows that. Despite all that has happened, the thought of anything happening to Hannah turns Bennett�s blood to ice. Roberts builds this last tale to a thrilling climax that will have readers on the edge of their seats, and a most satisfying conclusion.

Once again Nora Roberts has created a family that readers will come to love and cherish as if it were their own. "Cordina's Royal Family" is a fun-filled and exciting read that you don't want to miss. So come visit the small Mediterranean country of Cordina today, where the ocean is so blue it hurts your eyes, the air is warm, and there is always romance in the air!

Rating:
Summary: Three Wonderful Stories! Well Worth the Wait!
Review: "Cordina's Royal Family" is an omnibus of three stories written by Nora Roberts in the mid-1980's. I have searched for these three out of print tales for years, so imagine my delight when I discovered that they were to be re-printed in a special 3-in-1 collector's edition. Well, I am happy to report that it was worth the wait. Nora's three tales of royal romance and palace intrigue are, in a word, fantastic!

First is "Affaire Royale", which introduces the reader to Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella de Cordina. Gabriella has just lived through a terrifying ordeal - being kidnapped. But Brie can't remember anything. Not who kidnapped her or how she escaped, not who her father and brothers are, not even her own name. Concerned about the safety of his only daughter, Prince Armand hires bodyguard Reeve MacGee to protect Brie.
Lost in a sea of concerned, unfamiliar faces, Brie finds a lifeline in Reeve. Reeve sets about helping Gabriella regain her memories, and as time passes he falls hard for the classy, determined, and remarkable Brie. Though he tries to remind himself that letting his emotions get involved will only cloud his senses while trying to protect Gabriella, Reeve well and truly loses his heart. But Reeve also knows that a guy like him has no future with a princess, and so he keeps what is in his heart to himself.
Though she is confused and scared and trying to find herself, Brie knows that the one thing that's real in her life is the love she feels for Reeve. Trying to accept that he doesn't love her the way she loves him isn't easy, though Gabriella was never one to give up when she wanted something. The passion that burns between Reeve and Brie will thrill and entice readers. But the threat to Brie is closer to home than anyone realizes, and though Reeve believes he has to let her go, he would never recover if the kidnappers' violent plans for Brie succeed!

Next is "Command Performance", which is even better than the delightful first story. His Royal Highness Prince Alexander is the heir to the Cordinian throne, and as a result he must always keep his emotions, and his temper, on a tight rein. Regal and enticing Eve Hamilton, the one woman Alex truly desires, has always seemed just out of his reach. Seemingly in love with his younger brother Bennett, when Eve comes to Cordina at his request, Alex knows a frustration unlike anything he has ever known. Eve, the manager of her own theatre troupe, is commissioned by Alex to put on four plays to benefit a children's charity. Though Alex is forever rubbing Eve the wrong way, she knows her troupe's first international performance is an opportunity too great to pass up.
But all is not perfect in Cordina. The man behind Princess Gabriella's kidnapping several years earlier, Deboque, is terrorizing Cordina with bombings. Next, Deboque begins using Eve to threaten the Royal Family. Alex is terrified for Eve's safety, but Eve is resolute that she will remain in Cordina and do her job.
As the misunderstandings that were keeping them apart are worked out, Eve and Alex are finally able to admit their true feelings for one another. Alex knows he will never love another woman the way he loves Eve, and their romance is full of sensuality and tenderness and is highly satisfying.
But both Alex and Eve are in grave danger. When Deboque issues a serious threat, it has everyone on edge. But what everyone doesn't realize is that Eve herself has become a target and the happiness she has finally found with Alex may well be snatched away from her!

Last, but certainly not least is "The Playboy Prince", which tells the story of dashingly handsome ladies man Prince Bennett. When reserved and conservative Hannah Rothchild arrives at the palace, Bennett can't figure her out. She couldn't be less his type, and yet something about her intrigues him. Hannah wears no make-up and her clothes are unflattering, and yet she is irresistible to Bennett. So for once in his life, Bennett finds himself compelled to look beyond what is on the outside of a woman in order to find out who she is on the inside.
In truth, Hannah is on a secret and dangerous mission and the attention Bennett keeps giving her is not good for the job she has come to do. But her treacherous heart skips a beat each time Bennett is near, and the woman behind the boring and unattractive facade longs to feel Bennett's arms around her. However, Hannah has never failed on a job before and she's not about to let Bennett keep her from doing this one. Still, Hannah can't keep herself from falling for the "Royal Rake" and Bennett too falls in love with the sweet and shy Hannah he knows.
So when Bennett discovers the real reason Hannah is in the palace, he feels completely betrayed and is hurt beyond words. Hannah feels her heart break at the contempt Bennett now feels for her, and she is consumed by guilt. But the game Hannah is playing is incredibly dangerous, and now Bennett knows that. Despite all that has happened, the thought of anything happening to Hannah turns Bennett's blood to ice. Roberts builds this last tale to a thrilling climax that will have readers on the edge of their seats, and a most satisfying conclusion.

Once again Nora Roberts has created a family that readers will come to love and cherish as if it were their own. "Cordina's Royal Family" is a fun-filled and exciting read that you don't want to miss. So come visit the small Mediterranean country of Cordina today, where the ocean is so blue it hurts your eyes, the air is warm, and there is always romance in the air!

Rating:
Summary: Dire Romance - Characters are very selfish
Review: Cordina's Royal Family, the combination of three books about the Royal Family on a small, fictitious Mediterranean island,is an irritating book. The best point is the writing style which is crisp and emotional. However, I am afraid that I am going to have to disagree with most of the other reviewers of this book because I really did not enjoy the trilogy very much overall.

The first story is about Princess Gabriella, abducted on a trip away from the palace. When she awakes after her ordeal she cannot remember anything about herself. Her bodyguard Reeve MacGee is one of the few she will trust in trying to bring back her memories and figure out who tried to harm her. The plot sounds quite fun with the chance for Reeve to play the protective hero but I ended up skimming most of it because Gabriella, although a strong and clever woman, was very irritating to me. Gabriella kept on complaining about her `obligations' as a Princess to such an extent that I wanted to scream. Every three pages there was some references to her `obligations', `duties' etc... To be honest her life did not seem bad to me at all! She was beautiful, pampered, dressed in the finest clothes and living in a palace. Her `job' consisted of writing correspondence in the morning, planning meals and acting as patron for various fun sounding organisations dealing with the arts and charities. COME ON, THIS IS NOT A WOMAN ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE FROM OVERWORK!

The second story was my favourite because it was very emotional and appealing. Prince Alexander, heir to the throne, fell in love with theatre producer Eve Hamilton years ago. The characters are better in this one but the plot drags as the main plot conflict is a `big misunderstanding' where Alex falsely believes that Eve is the lover of his brother, Prince Bennet.

The third story was about Prince Bennet falling in love with Hannah Rothchild despite the fact that she was `plain' and `dowdy'. Ben, it seems, is used to being fascinated with beautiful women rather than quiet and intelligent types like Hannah. But wait a minute! Low and behold, as soon as Hannah's thick, stunning hair is let loose she transforms from a frump into a tempting siren! Then follow a few plot twists with Hannah being someone else than she said she was. This is soon followed by Bennet being irrationally infuriated that Hannah lied to him (albeit for kind, genuine reasons). Soon they are in bed, despite her protests Bennet knows Hannah wants him and quickly he is able to overcome her denials with his amazing seduction skills. Yuck!

Overall Cordina's Royal Family was a disappointing read. The characters come across as shallow and irritating, Gabriella in particular. Readers new to Nora should start elsewhere, try Homeport or Carolina Moon, which I gave 5 star reviews.

JoAnne

Rating:
Summary: Dire Romance - Characters are very selfish
Review: Cordina's Royal Family, the combination of three books about the Royal Family on a small, fictitious Mediterranean island,is an irritating book. The best point is the writing style which is crisp and emotional. However, I am afraid that I am going to have to disagree with most of the other reviewers of this book because I really did not enjoy the trilogy very much overall.

The first story is about Princess Gabriella, abducted on a trip away from the palace. When she awakes after her ordeal she cannot remember anything about herself. Her bodyguard Reeve MacGee is one of the few she will trust in trying to bring back her memories and figure out who tried to harm her. The plot sounds quite fun with the chance for Reeve to play the protective hero but I ended up skimming most of it because Gabriella, although a strong and clever woman, was very irritating to me. Gabriella kept on complaining about her 'obligations' as a Princess to such an extent that I wanted to scream. Every three pages there was some references to her 'obligations', 'duties' etc... To be honest her life did not seem bad to me at all! She was beautiful, pampered, dressed in the finest clothes and living in a palace. Her 'job' consisted of writing correspondence in the morning, planning meals and acting as patron for various fun sounding organisations dealing with the arts and charities. COME ON, THIS IS NOT A WOMAN ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE FROM OVERWORK!

The second story was my favourite because it was very emotional and appealing. Prince Alexander, heir to the throne, fell in love with theatre producer Eve Hamilton years ago. The characters are better in this one but the plot drags as the main plot conflict is a 'big misunderstanding' where Alex falsely believes that Eve is the lover of his brother, Prince Bennet.

The third story was about Prince Bennet falling in love with Hannah Rothchild despite the fact that she was 'plain' and 'dowdy'. Ben, it seems, is used to being fascinated with beautiful women rather than quiet and intelligent types like Hannah. But wait a minute! Low and behold, as soon as Hannah's thick, stunning hair is let loose she transforms from a frump into a tempting siren! Then follow a few plot twists with Hannah being someone else than she said she was. This is soon followed by Bennet being irrationally infuriated that Hannah lied to him (albeit for kind, genuine reasons). Soon they are in bed, despite her protests Bennet knows Hannah wants him and quickly he is able to overcome her denials with his amazing seduction skills. Yuck!

Overall Cordina's Royal Family was a disappointing read. The characters come across as shallow and irritating, Gabriella in particular. Readers new to Nora should start elsewhere, try Homeport or Carolina Moon, which I gave 5 star reviews.

JoAnne

Rating:
Summary: Another jewel from Nora
Review: I am a HUGE Nora Roberts fan and she has yet to disappoint me. I just finished reading this book and I have falling in love with the royal family. I hope that this book brings others a much pleasure and escape as it has brought me.

Rating:
Summary: god choice for a reprint!
Review: I borrowed the playboy prince LONG time ago and waited anxiously for this trilogy to be reprinted!!! it is still the best out of the 3.

Rating:
Summary: Great stories!
Review: I had previously read all of the Cordina triliogy some years ago when I rented them from the library as part of Nora Robert's Language of Love series. I never bought them though, so I was escatic when they were rereleased in one trilogy. My favorite story is The Playboy Prince. I love the characters of Bennet and Hannah. Command Performance is also a great read. The only story I wasn't so fond of was the rirst one, starring Garbriella and Reeve, Affaire Royale. But, like all of Roberts stories, the characters and plot are wonderful, and she does a good job (in my opinion) of portraying what royal life would really be like. If you are a fan of Nora Roberts you are going to love these stories, and even if you aren't a fan, this trilogy will still amaze you.

Rating:
Summary: I love it
Review: I think this one Nora Robrets great work and I most of her
books, and this book is so good I'm reread all 3 of the story in
this book. Even those these stroy were not new, they were to me. I really think this book CORDINA'S ROYAL FAMILY IS A MUST READ.

Rating:
Summary: My First Taste of Nora Roberts
Review: I was in a bookstore and happened to pick up "Cordina's Royal Family." I'm really glad I did. My favorite story was "The Playboy Prince." I love Bennett and Hannah. I also liked "Command Performance." The first story, "Affaire Royale," is not the best; each one just gets better. I liked this trilogy so much that I bought "Carolina Moon" by Nora Roberts. However, from page one I saw that "C.M." was waaaaay different from the Cordina trilogy--not that I don't like it so far (I'm in the middle of reading it); it's just different. So I'm going to agree with another reviewer and say that Nora Roberts's early works are the best--more romance, less murder/mystery stuff.

Rating:
Summary: My First Taste of Nora Roberts
Review: I was in a bookstore and happened to pick up "Cordina's Royal Family." I'm really glad I did. My favorite story was "The Playboy Prince." I love Bennett and Hannah. I also liked "Command Performance." The first story, "Affaire Royale," is not the best; each one just gets better. I liked this trilogy so much that I bought "Carolina Moon" by Nora Roberts. However, from page one I saw that "C.M." was waaaaay different from the Cordina trilogy--not that I don't like it so far (I'm in the middle of reading it); it's just different. So I'm going to agree with another reviewer and say that Nora Roberts's early works are the best--more romance, less murder/mystery stuff.