Command Performance

Cordina's Royal Family #2

by Nora Roberts

AVAILABLE DIGITALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME

'She'd been to the palace before. The first time, nearly seven years earlier, she'd thought it was a fairy tale palace sprung into three dimensions. She was older now, though she wasn't sure about wiser... Fairy tales were for the very young, the very naïve or the very fortunate.'

Seven years ago Eve Hamilton had experienced a brief schoolgirl crush on Prince Alexander de Cordina. But her feelings soon changed. His Royal Highness was powerful, reserved and a little intimidating - and clearly disapproved of this young, spirited American girl.

Now Eve has returned to Cordina a woman - with a successful career and little patience for the obstinate, serious-minded prince. But perhaps Alexander is not quite what he seems...

Command Performance can be read as a gripping standalone novel. It is also the second book in the Cordina's Royal Family quartet. The series begins with Affaire Royale and continues with The Playboy Prince and Cordina's Crown Jewel - all now available as Ebooks for the first time.

Includes a preview of Playboy Prince

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Royalty, Harlequin, Chick Lit

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Nora 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.

Reviews

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5 Estrellitas. Me llevo una grata sorpresa, pero es verdad que se me ha quedado muy cortito, por eso no le subo más.

"Puesta en escena" ocurre siete años después que el primer libro. Y la sorpresa han sido los protagonistas. No era un secreto que el protagonista fuese el príncipe Alexander, tan serio, recto y responsable. La sorpresa fue ella.

Eve Hamilton es la hermana pequeña de Chris, la mejor amiga de Brie, que tuvo un pequeño papel protagonista muy decisivo en el libro anterior. Por aquel entonces, Eve era apenas una niña de veinte años. Ahora es una mujer y tiene una carrera deslumbrante, es productora teatral y su compañía de Houston está a punto de firmar un contrato irrenunciable.

Eve vuelve al país de Cordina, ése idílico país inventado al que he comparado con Mónaco. Invitada por la familia real, van a ofrecerle la producción y estreno de cuatro obras en el teatro nacional, una oferta que no puede rechazar, porque puede lanzar al estrellato a su pequeña compañía.

La sorpresa es que Eve deberá verse las caras con el presidente del teatro nacional, que es nada más ni menos que el príncipe heredero, Alexander. Aunque todos en la familia real de Cordina sienten un sincero aprecio y amistad por Eve por haber salvado al príncipe Bennet y a la princesa Gabriella siete años antes, con Alexander es distinto. Él es muy atractivo, pero tan serio, frío, distante y responsable, que es imposible llegar hasta él. Sus primeras escenas juntos están llenas de pullas y discusiones, parece que no se caen bien.

Alexander es inalcanzable, pero ¿no podría ser todo una treta porque Alexander guarda tanta represión dentro suyo por su posición? Él es el que nunca se equivoca, el que debe hacer todo bien y sobre el que pesa tanto poder y expectativas por ser el heredero, pero dentro suyo guarda una pasión tan fuerte por Eve que cuando quiere algo con ella causa el efecto contrario.

Realmente he disfrutado el libro y del romance, pero se me ha hecho corto. Es normal, siendo un libro de harlequin, así que tampoco debe causar muchas expectativas porque es a lo que vas. El romance me ha gustado mucho y ver cómo se derrite el príncipe de hielo es lo que más he disfrutado.

Lo que menos me ha convencido es la vuelta de los malos del libro anterior, me parece rebuscado y reiterativo. Deboque sigue en la cárcel, pero parece que su red es tan extensa y la tiene cogida contra toda la familia real de Cordina que nada lo detendrá. Y de nuevo tendremos esa amenaza en éste libro. Cuando todo parece perfecto y el estreno de las obras que trae Eve va a realizarse, empiezan a surgir las amenazas y a destrozar todo cuanto se está labrando.

Bien coordinado todo, pero repito, se me ha hecho corto. Aún así lo he disfrutado mucho y el romance es lo que más me ha convencido. Nora Roberts siempre ha sido una excelente narradora y ha sabido crear unos personajes muy profundos y bien caracterizados, es una suerte que ya supiera hacerlo en los años 80 y que esa pericia haya llegado hasta nuestros días, nunca defrauda.

[Somia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely cozy read, which I continue to read with enjoyment, despite having read it a number of times over the years.

Are there some cheesy bits - yes, but they work within the framework of this story.

I always enjoy the tension and chemistry between Eve Hamilton and Prince Alexander de Cordina.

Romance and a dash of danger make this a lovely read.

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline was interesting, romantic, with a touch of drama thrown in. So much better than the first book.

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars - English Ebook

When Eve Hamilton first met Prince Alexander de Cordina, he received her youthful exuberance and attentions with disdain.

So she doesn’t understand why he has requested her theatre company to entertain guests at a palace reception after they parted with such finality.

In his mind, when Prince Alex extended his invitation to Eve, he never expected to find that the girl whose affections he once easily dismissed has become an alluring, confident woman.

Now, he wants nothing more than to prove that her initial feelings for him were not misplaced and that love can be nurtured between such distinct hearts. But as heir to the throne, Alex has many enemies, and loving Eve may put her in grave danger.

I loved this story even more than the first. This is the story of Alex and Eve, I loved reading how they tried to resist the attraction but fell in love anyway.

With Deboque still using others to get the royal family they have to be on the guard as the attacks start to happen.

With the tension between them and the threat looming it was a great book that I struggled to put down. I read till 2 AM.

Cannot wait to continue in the series and see what happens to Bennett.

Definitely a series I would recommend.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Command Performance" is the story of Eve and Alexander.

Playwriter and director Eve Hamilton has had a crush on Prince Alexander for years- but as time goes on, she thinks it has receded, especially as all Alexander can look at her is with disdain.
However, as Eve is summoned to Cordina to direct a play, she comes face to face with her feelings, as Alexander seems to have developed jealousy over her friendly banter with his younger brother Bennett.
Prince Alexander has always been attracted to Eve, but thinking her in a relationship with his brother- kept his feelings on bay. As she enters his life again, and his misunderstanding is finally corrected- he decides to make a play for her. She might be utterly "unsuitable" to be his bride, but love sees no boundaries, and hits people unaware!
I absolutely adored this book. Its a bit slow in the first half, and Alexander seems to be infuriating- but the second half is deliciously enjoyable.
There is sharp contrast between the strong, brooding, burdened with responsibilities uptight Alexander, and the independent, sassy and lovable Eve. The chemistry crackled, and so did the mild angst in the end.
There is a small assassination plot to spice up the novel, but only adds to the charm of the book.

Great read!

Safe
4/5

[Preethi Venugopala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander and Eve restored my faith in Nora Roberts. I think that is praise enough to glorify this book.
A pleasant read. As both the protagonists had been introduced in book 1 of this series, the characters were more fleshed out. The danger that lurks and threatens the lives of the members of the Cordina Royal family creates tension right from beginning to end.
The romance is endearing and evocative.

Recommended to anyone who is a fan of a fairytale romance.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was MUCH better than the first book.

[Manisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for another ROYAL FAIRY TALE.

His Royal Highness Alexander Robert Armand De Cordina, heir to the throne is very near to losing his patience, the control on his emotions and his heart. The very three things he has been careful with all his life.





But Eve is driving him insane ever since she walked into his life and that Christmas ball 7 years ago.

"When had he started backing woman into corners? With Eve. When had he started entertaining thoughts of taking a woman whether she was willing or not? With Eve. When had he wanted a woman so badly she clouded his judgement and dominated his thoughts? With Eve."

They were a world apart, she knew about that. In personalities and in differences.

"A man like Alexander expected perfection and she respected flaws"




Then why the hell did she wanted to be the only woman to take away all the seriousness off his face. To make him laugh. To annoy him.
She was star struck by him, when she first came to Cordina 7 years ago and attended the Christmas ball with her sister Chris. He had taken her breath away then. He had looked every bit the Prince he was in his uniform and ready to slay dragons with a sword by his side.
She had fallen head over heels in love and never fully recovered.

She had thought he had hardly noticed her and even if he did, that was just to scowl at her. As if she was just a nuisance he wanted to get rid of.
Oh, but he had noticed her alright, once he did, his eyes couldn't leave her, his thoughts couldn't leave her. :)

Now she is a successful producer and own a company which produces plays. Now she has been requested to perform in Cordina by the Royals themselves. So how could she refuse? She is not a naive girl anymore who gets intimidated by royalty or their disappointments.

The only problem is her feelings for Alex, which are being difficult to control day after day.



So with the danger of Deboque looming over them, would they be able to overcome their differences and egos in order to give love a chance.

This is Cordina, so you never know, here Fairy Tales do come true!!



"Now, Alex, I have to ask you one question. Why do you want me to take this ring and the responsibilities that go with it? Why are you asking me to marry you?"
Beacause I love you."
"That seems to more than even things out, doesnt it?"
"He looked at her in wonder. I had to say nothing else?"
"Thats all you ever had to say..." :-)

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been an avid reader of this author's books for many years. In all honesty I didn't particularly care for this one. The main characters resolved their personal conflict much too soon for my taste and the romance part just seemed cheesy after that. The previous royal assassination attempt just wasn't explained enough for my taste...although I didn't realize this wasn't a stand alone book but book 2 of a series and I had missed reading the beginning of the Cordina story. The ending didn't come at the right time for me. It was almost as if the author had become bored while writing it and just wanted to reach conclusion quickly. After it did end I found myself extremely disappointed that there wasn't an epilogue to go into just how well the heroine had recovered from her ordeal and how she had adjusted to her new life. Sorry but I just won't be rereading this one nor (as I have with other of the author's books that I've read) waiting for a movie to be made of it.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

They met seven years ago and both fell in love though neither admitted it even to themselves. Alexander, the heir to the throne of Cordina knows his responsibilities and has always accepted them. When Eve Hamilton returns to Cordina and brings her theater troupe with her, Alex is still captivated by her beauty and attracted even though he believes she and his brother Bennett are lovers. Eve fell in love with Alex seven years ago but the attraction always seemed to be on her side alone. Finding out that Alex is interested changes things immediately. The threat of Deboque is still there and the royal family is still a target. Eve realizes that loving Alex means giving up a lot but gaining so much more.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better than book 1 in my opinion. It definitely had more feeling than the first, it was also dealing with a more intense main lead. The female lead was strong and the sense of loyalty and love was great. Enjoyed this thoroughly.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious chemistry :)

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

[Moira Marek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised at how much I liked this. I always pair a more serious book with a book that I can read before falling asleep.

I found this to be much more interesting of a story than the first book in the series and really loved how it continued the plot of the villain from the first novel.

Overall Royals, Theater, and Romance good light read if you're also looking for something to not keep you up at night.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Command Performance was a good royal, romantic suspense novel. The same central villain came back but who is working for them? Eve is a theater producer/socialite while Prince Alexander will is next in line to rule. They have quietly pined for each other for 7 years until they couldn’t deny their feelings any longer. Their story is good. Alexander is the typical Nora hero and Eve is a strong heroine.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what you would expect. I enjoyed it and it was a quick read.
It has been too long since I read the last book. I vaguely remembered the previous book and as it went along I remembered more because incidents in the previous one were referred to. Eve has a good relationship with the royal family of Cordina (I was not fully sure what her age was in reference to the royals). She is friends with Gabriella and Ben but Alexander (the heir to the throne) has always seemed aloof and serious. Alex has always been prepared for his future as King so he needs to act the right way and do the correct actions as the future ruler should. Falling for Eve an artistic and interesting woman is not one of the actions that is acceptable. Eve didn't want to come back to Cordina (she wanted to avoid the whole Alex issue) but for her personal acting troop this could be something that will give them more opportunities. It could make their future opportunities much better. So as much as she wants to she can't say no...
The longer she is in Cordina the more she is drawn to Alex and wants to spend more time with him. Then an old enemy rises to threaten the royal family. Who will be safe? Is her life in danger? How will they all cope with the chance that someone might get blown up? Does this change how she will relate to Alex and further their relationship? Will Alex be able to have a relationship outside of European royalty?
It felt a bit like there I was missing. There was a spark there before they came back together. Was there something in the last book? I cannot remember. It felt like they had some past interactions that determined how they felt more in this book.
Anyway it was cute, it wasn't over the top, and some of the information I could pick up as I read along. One part that I thought was funny was how Alex thought she was in a relationship with Ben because they were very close. Ben and Eve were like siblings and it caused some problems because of Alex's misunderstandings.

"At least they hadn't argued, Eve thought as she toyed with dessert. Actually, one didn't argue with Alexander; one just fumed and batted against a stone wall"(p. 36).

“If there was, Eve wouldn’t find it an easy road. Reeve mulled over his wine a moment, then kept his voice quiet. ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past few years, it’s that duty and obligation aren’t choices for some, or for the people who love them’”(p. 53).

“'Your brother’s an idiot,’ Eve said under her breath.
‘In a great many ways.’ Sympathetic, Brie took Eve’s hand. ‘Take a deep breath and come in and speak to the ambassador and his wife a moment. Then you can go to your room and kick something. That’s what I always do’”(p. 59).

“'For myself.’ Bennett held up a soothing, or protecting, hand, palm out. ‘I simply explained that…’ He shot a look at a quiet but raptly attentive Doreen. ‘Ah, that nothing had ever been-well, been.’ Uncomfortable, he shifted. ‘It seemed to satisfy him.’
‘Oh, did it? Isn’t that lovely.’ Eve jammed restless hands in her pockets. ‘I’ll do my own explaining in the future, thank you.’ Her voice was honey with a dash of bitters. ‘Where is he?’
Grateful that the temper in her eyes was about to be pointed in another direction, Bennett smiled. His only regret was that he wouldn’t see the results. ‘Since he was dressed for fencing, I’d say he’s in the gym with his partner’”(p. 183-184).

“Eve was steaming by the time rehearsals were wrapped for the day.
‘If one more person, just one more, tells me I should get some rest, I’m punching them right in the mouth,’ Eve muttered to herself as she strode down the backstage corridor.”(p. 298).

[Mariana Bezerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and many others can be found at: Book Travels
It’s interesting seeing Eve again and in a strange relationship with Alexander when we all thought she would end up with the playboy. She was very important on the end of Affaire Royale, by helping save Brie and getting the family attention.

She was just a teenager than and now ten years after her first visit to the palace, she’s back and very successful business women as a request of the Alexander to help children, impressive right?

That young girl who just wanted to be an actress became a very good producer and now owns a world renowned group of artists that will perform on Cordina to help raise money for kids treatment on hospitals, but the bogey man is back and terrorizing the royal family once again, the interesting thing is that his still in jail.

I liked how the romance was handled during the book, because knowing Alexander from the previous book and how serious he is, Eve is actually the perfect girl for him, because she is fun and was raise to be a lady. I actually liked this two together and the series is in a good path.

[Taylor Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Command Performance is the 2nd book in the series about Cordina's Royal Family but can be read as a stand alone. It's actually the first book I read of the series and it completely hooked me in.

The book reads almost like a fairy tale. There's a prince and a very normal girl who comes to his castle. There's danger and there's a love story.

Nora Roberts does a good job of making the heroine likeable. Eve is no Sleeping Beauty, simply waiting for a prince to kiss her so she can live again. She's a working, self-reliant woman happy with her life and needing no one's rescue. Though she's definitely feisty, she's not cocky or snobbish or rude. I loved her from the get-go.

Alexander is aristocratic and elegant without being stuffy, distinguished and confident. I had a crush on him from the first page.

Their story is simply beautiful. There's danger and passion and a happy ending. I have no idea how Nora Roberts can manage to create such realistic characters and satisfying plot in under 300 pages, but she does it.

If you haven't tried this one by Nora Roberts, I'd highly recommend it. You're in for a treat.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Command Performance is the second book in Nora's Cordina Royal Family series. Prince Alexander is the country's heir to the throne. He is normally very controlled but Alexander's emotions come to the surface as he longs for Eve Hamilton, a woman he has long believed to be involved with his brother Bennett. This story has a ton of passion and some great moments of suspense (the villain Deboque is still wreaking havoc on the royal family). This is the race for my favorite of the Cordina series (along with Bennett's story). To hear a full dicussion of Command Performance listen to Season 2, Ep. #4 "Nora Roberts' Cordina Royal Family: Affaire Royal and Command Performance" of Romancing the Shelf, a Nora Roberts Podcast: https://romancingtheshelf.libsyn.com/

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars (A new or old favourite that is firmly in the reread pile)
• The word is immersive and well defined
• The Characters are engaging, identifiable, likeable and show some sign of growth or enlightenment
• The plot is flows naturally, logically and is well told
• The story is moving and entertaining,
• The style use is descriptive and evocative without being over described or awkward
• The language use is appropriate for the setting and characters and feels natural in spoken words, internal monologues and narration
• The book is structured in a way that adds to the reading experience without distracting from the story
The book is well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable. It fits in well with the other books in the same setting or series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had a rough start for me. I almost considered returning the book but I stuck with it and I am so glad I did. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait for the next chapter. So much excitement, thrill, suspense, passion, romance....with a little humor mixed in. I loved the way Eve was portrayed in this book. A strong, intelligent, and independent woman who wasn't afraid to say what's on her mind. I truly enjoyed how her relationship with Alexander built over time. Seems like they both got underneath each other's skin but really didn't understand why they felt that way. The ending had a little twist and I really didn't know for sure if Eve would be ready for the life Alexander wanted with her. I was not disappointed.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Alexander is next in line for the crown. He has to maintain control of his life and his emotions. Long time friend of the family and theater producer,Eve, is invited to put on four performances in Alex's kingdom. She believes he has alway disapproved of her, but that is not true. There is someone out to punish the royal family and would love to use Eve as a pawn. I really liked Alexander, I could see him exactly in my minds-eye. Eve was likable too, if not just a little too stubborn. There is romance and excitment...good read! Hard to put down.

[Katrina Perolino · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, a romance by Nora Roberts include the too-pent-up suspense, and the romance, of course. In the second book, the eldest Bisset, Alexander summons Eve Hamilton, the best friend of his younger brother, Bennett. To be honest, I had no idea how Alexander asked Eve to come back to Cordina and not now that Ben and Eve are just friends. The chemistry between the heiress and the prince was fun to read about, and the suspense in the book was little unlike the first one. Anyhow, it was good.

[Sharon Eikenberry-Deary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As they got on their feet from the kidnapping of Brie. Seven years later Brie's college friend's sister is asked to come to the palace to speak with Brie and Alexander to have Eve's performaners do a set of 4 plays. None knew that since the first time Alexader and Eve meet they were in love. They didn't even know, but they would find out. Stuffy Alex didn't know what hit him and he had to ask Armand what was going on with him. Armand gave Alex his mother's engagment ring. Again they are marked by the man who set the plans to kidnap Brie. But they would win again.

[Jaleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of books was great. I read all four and was not disappointed. While Nora does an incredible job at telling backstories in each book so that it is not necessary for readers to read all of the books in the series, I highly recommend reading all of the books. They tell a wonderful story and immerse you into a beautiful fantasy world that the princess in us dreamed of as a child. Not to mention the explicit romance that follows, highly recommended!!!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the saga of the Cordina family have Eve and Alexander fighting against terrorism directed at the Prince of Cordina . This book has plenty of suspense and romance till the end . Looking forward to Bennett 's story and how to eliminate the threat to the Cordina family

[Ruth Benziger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely love story with just the right amount of mystery and suspense.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Roberts Cordina series. Once again, wonderful character development along with a touch of mystery. Good balance of romance and mystery. Looking forward to rest of series.

[Vona Karns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful little romance with a looming threat over them. It's fun to read about a modern day royal family. I love how all her series tie together so beautifully.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander.

OK read, not one of Robert's best but pretty typical for the time that it was originally written.