Royal Order

Royals of Danovar #3

by Leslie North

Simon Stuart has always been serious. Serious about his studies, his naval service, and supporting the royal family. However, watching his cousins King Phillip and Prince Eric find love and new paths in life has left Simon feeling adrift. That is, until during a Danovian Dahlia event Simon finds himself offered a new proposal: an engagement of marriage.

Penelope Alcott never wanted to be queen. That’s why she runs a toy company instead of learning royal etiquette. Because when you’re fifth in line for the throne, it’s crazy to think that you’re ever going to be crowned. Yet, after a series of unfortunate events including a tragic plane crash, two abdications, and a bizarre incident involving a Native American sweat box,

Penelope finds herself crowned Queen. While Penelope is unsure about her new position of power, the royal family is taking no chances. They’re going to marry Penelope to a ringer: Simon Stuart, the perfect King who isn’t in line for a throne. Simon finds Penelope woefully unprepared for the realities of royal life and decides he has to help her. It isn’t long before Penelope gets the hang of ruling, and she begins to think she and

Simon make a pretty amazing team -- both publically and privately. But when a mother appears claiming her toddler has a right to the throne, Penelope and Simon are faced with losing a life they were just beginning to love.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Royalty, Romance

ebook

First published June 5, 2018

About the author

New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
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TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
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Reviews

[Davina Herondale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this via NetGalley for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The truth is, this book was fast.
- It was an easy read, sure.
- It was also paced very quickly
- Barry Allen has nothing on this book

If you like an insta-love story, this one is for you

[Maranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance leads Simon from Danovar, the only home he has ever known, to a new life in Escona and marriage to the Queen. Both Simon and Penelope strive to help the country especially the children. This is the third in the Danavor Royal series but each can be read as stand-alone. "A copy of this book was provided by Relay Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Inn Auni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal of Donovars Book 3, which I like to remind anyone reading this, the only book I've read in this series. Simon Stuart grew up to take on royal duties even though he have no right to the royal throne whatsoever. He could only looked on when his cousins took on their duty, hoping he could do more to help. When a choice was given to him, moved to another country and marry the soon to be queen of Escona, he grabbed it, hoping to feel grounded for once.

Please be reminded that this is purely fiction. If you compare this to your country's monarchy, if you have one, then you'll might get a headache. For example, once Simon married Penelope, he will be king, which is of course not what some monarch practice.

Let's also talk about the former king who decided to abdicate his position so that he can roam the earth doing God knows what, at the same time ignoring his responsibilities. I pitied anyone with any sort of relationship with him.

In today monarchy, role of royals are mostly ceremonial. So, don't expect much from Simon and Penelope. Apart from that, the thing that grated me the most was Simon's cousin who should have done something for him. What was the point of being king if you can't appointed someone as your legal adviser or something equivalent.

This work well being as it was short and compact. If it was any longer, I'll probably lose interest. And it was a nice break from all the mystery/thriller I've been reading for the past weeks.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Net Galley!**

3 stars.

Royal romances are some of my favorite romances to read. I'm probably a little addicted to them, to be honest!

I was hoping to enjoy this one more than I did, unfortunately. That's not to say this wasn't a good, cute story, it's just that it was very short, fast paced and somewhat surface level. I felt like we didn’t get the depth of the characters, the plot, or the setting that I wanted. And everything happened so quickly because the book was so short. I felt like things could have been expanded upon and that would’ve helped with the depth.

But that being said, it's a great romance, very cute, with a good plot (if a little short). It's great for a quick, light read and a perfect book to read to celebrate the first day of summer. It had cute characters (I loved Simon) and it had some hot scenes.

If you love romances, especially royal ones, and short books this one is definitely for you.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was alright-ish until the part where Pen tells Simon she's pregnant.

I'm SO mad at this series, because it has such a great premise and I normally don't complain so much over Ms North's books, but I didn't really like the first one that much, skipped the second because it sounded about the same as number one and hoped number three with a cousin would be a bit better.

No such luck.

Because Pen is an absolute bitch and hypocrite. Obviously, if it's not about HER then it's not about anyone. SHE and HER MONARCHY got Simon to marry her, forced him to sever all ties with Danovar and give up everything so he could marry her, while SHE gave up NOTHING, despite REPEATED orders that she needs to focus on fully being Queen and not draw income from her toy making business.

And then, because you know, it's NOT IMPORTANT to worry about the fact there's ANOTHER ELIGIBLE HEIR TO THE THRONE she throws a hissy fit when Simon isn't instantly ecstatic about the coming baby and DARES TELL HIM HE WON'T BE SEEING THE KID BECAUSE SHE DECIDED SO.

I'm sorry, Simon should have sued her ass to next year, her AND her stupid kingdom, gotten all the bonuses, the right to participate in his child's life, and left her there with the other kid as King since nobody deserved him researching ways to put Pen back on the throne.

Because, you know, IT WAS A TEST RUN FOR HER.

She didn't deserve Simon. Heck, she didn't deserve Esconia, or her toy factory. What she deserved was to be stranded all alone looking at everybody else getting happy because they actually did things that mattered in this book, while she was either whining or complaining because Simon was trying to figure things out FOR HER BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO DO OR INSTIGATE RESEARCH FOR HERSELF INSTEAD WORRYING ABOUT HIPSTER TABLECLOTH DRESSES AND THE COLOUR OF HER LIPSTICK.

Don't get me started on how stupid her kingdom was for THAT.

No more royals from Ms North for me. EVER.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Sometimes life has a way of changing everything we thought we knew about our future, a twist here, a turn there and suddenly we’re doing things we never thought we would be asked to or could possibly do. Such is the situation for Simon and Penelope. Neither ever though to rule, both saw a far different future unfolding in front of them… and certainly to think that love could grow from an arranged royal marriage would have been the thing of dreams. But then, sometimes dreams do come true usually when we least expect them.

Royal Order is fast paced, a quick read, steamy yet tender in all the right places. I liked this couple, and certainly could have wished for a longer, deeper story of their romance – yet, I was completely satisfied with the story I was given. Pen and Simon work well together, their blossoming romance was a delight to read. Through the twists and turns of life, Simon and Pen find the true treasure that came out of a politically arranged marriage… each other, and if that doesn’t make you swoon, then I don’t know what will. I’ve loved this entire series and would gladly recommend any and all of these stories to any Contemporary Romance reader, especially those that can never get enough of a royal love story… like me.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Nextbookaroundthecorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read Royal Service, I assumed that Royal Order would also be a kind of re-telling of a fairy tale. It wasn't however. The only relation to the Royal Service story is that Stuart is a cousin to King Philip. That doesn't mean the story isn't nice altogether.
It is a sweet story of Stuart being asked to marry Penelope. As fifth descendant of the throne, she never suspected to become Queen, until some strange events led to the death of leaving of her family members. Therefore, suddenly she is forced to become queen, instead of contently being the CEO of her toy company.
Not prepared or trained in royal manners, she is happy to turn to Stuart. He has been trained all his life to act like a royal. And a convenient marriage between the two of them, will ensure a much more smooth acceptance of the throne.
Stuart didn't realize he would be giving up his ancestral claims by marrying Penelope. So when they start to get the hang of being King and Queen, it all threatens to end, when suddenly someone is claiming to have a son with on of the other descendants of the throne. And therefore having more rights to the throne than Penelope. Can Penelope and Stuart prevent losing their thrones? Or will Penelope be happy to go back to her toy company, leaving Stuart with nothing? Find out for yourself in this wonderful short read of Leslie North. Four out of five stars from me. With a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Stuart is the serious cousin. He has been feeling lost since his cousins King Philip and Prince Eric found love. Lately, they have been asking him to represent the Crown at official functions. At one of the functions, he was offered the opportunity to marry the new Queen of a neighboring country.

Penelope Alcott was happier running her toy store. She is only Queen due to a series of unfortunate events and a bizarre abdication of the last King to "find himself". Penelope knows she needs help and Simon is the one to take the job.

Simon helps Penelopy find her style as Queen. They are making an amazing team, publicly and more so privately. When the former King's ex-girlfriend comes forward with her young son claiming the boy's right to the throne, Simon and Penelope have to face losing the life they were just beginning to love.


This is the last book in The Royals of Danover Series. I loved how Simon changed from stiff and serious to a true spouse for Penelope. He was a smoking hot "Clark Kent". This was a fun story.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read the love stories of King Phillip and Prince Eric. Because of that fact (they were both really good), I wanted to read this one.
This is the story of Simon (cousin to King Phillip and Prince Eric) and Penelope (future Queen who never thought she would be Queen). Pen needs to be married per the laws of her land so she enters into an arranged marriage with Simon. Sounds good so far, right?
Overall, I thought the concept of this book was excellent, and I did finish the book, but I wanted a little something more. Something was lacking for me. Didn't hold my interest nearly as much as the prior books. Loved the ending!
I still highly recommend this book. Although it is part of a series, it can be read alone.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the opposites attract theme of this romance, and I was cheering for Pen and Simon as they took their places in the monarchy and balanced their sense of self against the expectations of service.

Penelope never really wanted the throne, but when previous abdications put her next in line, she was committed to serving her country as best she could. Simon was perfectly supporting from the start, but when her claim to the throne is challenged, true motivations surface and the fallout was pretty messy.

Their romance wasn't as emotionally developed as I would have liked and the ending was a bit rushed, but those were minor concerns. Overall, I enjoyed the story and thought Simon and Pen worked beautifully together. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A royal romance that immerses you in Simon and Pen’s lives from the onset of the story. The tenderness between the two is endearing, their journey toward their HEA was heartbreaking at times. Simon’s floundering without purpose caused a despair that was emotional and saddening. While Pen’s struggles over her being thrust into a life she hadn’t wanted touched my heart. As the couple worked their way through their journey that was laced with minefields caused by their adversaries, supporting each other when all the extraneous negativity was eliminated, they were actually finally getting what they had only wanted, to be a family.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and it. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[anita.thebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this 3rd book on the Danovar series. This was the cousin Simon story. It was a quick read that had a little of all you need in a good steamy romance. They do talk dirty during sex, just fyi to readers if you not into that hot of a novel. This is the style of Leslie North at least all 3 of the Donovar books I read fit more into the erotica side, which I like ..... they are a good series I really enjoyed them.
Now I hope we get to read about the last sister that is still single!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie North does it again. She weaves a sweet romance in this story and you cannot help but wish the characters the best. Penelope is shy and loses her confidence in public but she's got to reign as Queen, whereas Simon, is the responsible and serious one from Danovar and he's uncertain about his purpose. When the two meet, you cannot help but hope they make it through and fall in love while getting into their new roles!
I saw this on NetGalley yesterday and had to read it, and it was a short thrill. Thanks for the copy!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course Leslie North just had to go and top her last book that I loved, with this book that I actually think I love even more. This is a five star and one click book in my opinion. This hot royal theme romance will draw you in right at the beginning and keep you turning the pages. Has a fantastic storyline with well developed characters who have great passion, sizzling chemistry and explosive scenes throughout the story, that I could not put this book down for one minute. I would absolutely and definitely recommend this book to all book lovers out there

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon and Penelope's story was in two words, fun reading! A sweet story, as strangers, they brought out the best in each other. Their story is emotional with obstacles that need to be met head on. Together they meet those obstacles while finding love in an arranged marriage. The episode with the treehouse and the background behind it just brought out more of who Simone is. Pen and Simon complimented each other as love surrounded them with their HEA. I would like to thank NetGalley and Relay Pub. for gifting me "Royal Order". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 4.25 Stars!

[Signi Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline of this book/how it unfolded but totally loved it! I really liked both Simon's and Pen's(Penelope's) characters! Despite being an arranged marriage, it is fortunate that they genuinely are very attracted to each other and fall in love! But it isn't enough to weather the storm and they both have to search their hearts and think about what they really want!! It was a very touching book and I loved reading it!

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Penelope never thought she would be queen.
But, here she is with a crown on her head.
Now what is she to do ?
No worries!
Simon is the perfect candidate to be her king.
Now Penelope + Simon both have to learn how to navigate this royal rough sea.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Royal Read

This is Book Three in the Royals of Danovar Series - loved this series by Leslie North

Simon & Penelope ( aka Pen ) start off this last book in an arranged marriage. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly & the marriage to be consummated with a HEA to follow ❤️❤️

I love when characters are written that are so supportive of each other !! Simon not only is supportive of his Queen but prepared to work at her side in all things !!

This book was a great quick read !!

❤️ this authors work ❤️

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North went and saved the best for last. Simon and Penelope are dynamite. He's the man never meant to be king. She's the woman who never wanted to be a queen. Yet fate had other plans. Royal Order is fireworks on a hot summer day. Surprises are around ever corner. Hopes are dashed, love is born and faith is put to the test. Despite it all love finds a way. Let the mystery unfold and put a little love in your heart.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This book is as good if not better than book two. I liked Eric but Simon is so much sexier! To be thrown into an arranged marriage, takes more courage than I have! Pen and Simon decide to get married so she can be Queen but all does not go well.

They will learn to understand each other and finally to love each other. There is a lot of problems that they need to resolve first!

Good thing there is a great HEA!!

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the third and final book in this series. It reads great as a stand alone. This is Simon's story. Arranged marriage for the crown. Antiquated laws. Tree house. Fast read. Fun characters. Simon was a bit of a trainwreck. Still I liked it. 4 stars. I think most romance readers would enjoy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Stuart is worried he does not have a place in Danovar's future. Penelope Alcott has been called from a nice normal life to be the queen of her country. Simon is approached to be her husband. This may be his solution to his future. Can these two strangers make it work? Simon can help Pen be the ruler she needs to be and she can help him be a little less stiff and proper. Read this engaging story and see how they work life out so it works for each of them.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book considering it was the third in a series. Usually by the third the flow is lost not so in this series. In the final book of the Royals series it is Simons time to find love. He is the cousin of King Phillip and Prince Eric. He has grown up around royalty and was trained for it. He has never felt like he has found his place and in this book he not only finds it but has to work to keep it.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope and Simon were wonderful! I went from happy to sad to encouraged to sad to happy while reading this book. Pen didn't have the best of hopes about being Queen, wasn't even sure she could do it! Simon didn't have anywhere to belong, or at least he didn't feel like he did, so I'm really glad he found that place with Pen.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story Simon he cousin of the King and Prince gets his story. He has been trained for the royal life but has no position until he is asked to marry Penelope. Penelope has fallen into the role of Queen after everyone in the line of succession is taken out! We get to see both Simon and Penelope fall into their roles and fall for each other.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and just like the first two, this was a great read. I really liked both Simon and Penelope they were super characters and were just so cute together. This was a really good quick read it was fasted paced with wonderful characters and it will keep you hooked and interested right until the very end.

[Terri Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Leslie North read and I was pleasantly surprised. I had no idea it was part of series but I had no problems keeping up with the characters. It was a safe, cute, quick read and I'll be checking out the author's other works.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, sweetly sexy, action packed and emotionally thrilling romantic journey that starts with a marriage out of the blue growing into a true and undeniable love..... could not get enough of this interesting and adorable couple, a page turner that I could not put down.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North has weaved another beautiful well written royal romance story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet, Funny, Sexy, Hot Love Story with a Happy
Ever After.
Enjoyable read from start to finish with great
characters.
Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.