Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

His Royal Highness: Elite Alliance

Rate this book
To love him was forbidden, and it would come at a cost...

Princess Cadena Winthrope was well aware of the splintering heat that sizzled her flesh whenever Gemini was nearby. As her loyal guard, Gemini remained standing in the shadows, watching her every move—his gaze catching the dark corners of the room as well as her body's outline. Past ready to face their attraction head-on, Cadena is prepared to put her heart on the line, but a romance between the two could put his life at risk. How far would they be willing to go for love?

She was off-limits…

Gemini is pledged by royal law to protect Cadena at all costs, even from himself, even from his heart. But being at her side, sunrise and sunset had given Gemini something he wasn't expecting—a lifetime of memories transformed into picturesque scenes of their future together. Now, Gemini's loyalty is put to the test as he struggles with obeying his royal oath or giving in to his deepest desires.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2022

405 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Nicole Norris

110 books1,230 followers
Stephanie Nicole Norris is an author from Tennessee with a humble beginning. After becoming a young adult, her love for romance sparked, leaving her captivated by heroes and heroines alike. With a big imagination and a creative heart, Stephanie penned her first novel in 2010. She went on to write grin-inducing romance and has received multiple literary awards.

As a prolific writer, Stephanie’s catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found at major retailers, including Amazon, and her website, www.stephanienicolenorris.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
478 (68%)
4 stars
145 (20%)
3 stars
58 (8%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,066 reviews298 followers
August 23, 2022
I enjoyed this story and Wesleigh and Winston did a phenomenal job with the their interpretation of Gemini & Princess/Royal Advisor Cadena. I look forward to the next book from this series.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews112 followers
April 23, 2022
His Royal Highness - The Royals of Kera Ansela Book 1 by Stephanie Nicole Norris
Initial Review:
WOW! I really enjoyed this forbidden love! Cadena is a beast!!! I'm so glad I finished this book and a more thorough review will come soon! But Stephanie did not have to stress us like that in the last chapter lmao!! Omg!!
NOW Let's get to the real review!!
So now that I have sat with this book I can give a better review. First and foremost I really enjoyed this read and loved the warrior vibe it put me in! Cadena is one bad azz bih! No one can tell me different! She stood her ground on what she believed and was always trying to do right by her people. Her vision with the Spirits intrigued and with the way Stephanie wrote those scenes, I felt the visions myself. I only hated that she felt she had to honor her country by an arranged marriage. I get it but I didn't like it! It seemed she of all her siblings held soo much weight on her shoulders! And that is where Gemini comes in because I stopped and reread where it said he was 6'7 and around 380 something massive like a giant was her protector and he was the best in the land too?!?! I loved how he didn't belittle her feelings and truly wanted what was best for her. WHICH WAS HIM! Their passion would be intense because they were constantly trying to fight their attraction to each other. Them at the triplets' wedding (Promising Forever) was TENSE, (and I'm glad we got clarity on that whole exchange!) Gemini knew this was a forbidden love but he didn't care and honestly, that made me love him more. The Royals of Myriad were a disgrace and honestly had what was coming (no spoilers). I'm on the fence with the Princess Izara of the Royals of Myriad, she was a brat, but I don't think she fully was on her family's side and more so was just a victim of circumstance in how they ran their kingdom.
I'm excited for the books to come in this series because I think each sibling and Jasir need a book!

OH OH wait! Let me tell you all the fight scenes with Gemini and Cadena side by side?!? So good! I was ready to get up and fight too! This series is off to an amazing start and I'm so ready to see where Stephanie takes us!! I don't think yall understand how scared I was 90% into this book but Stephanie stressed us out yall!! LOL! But she gave us what we deserved to end this book! This will be a reread for me and probably swaps out With Your Permission as my fave book by Stephanie Nicole Norris!
Profile Image for Sheronda H.
505 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2025
Loved this forbidden love story. Princess Cadena was not one to be played with. Even though Gemini vowed to protect her, she could handle things on her own. Great book.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
June 21, 2022
Action, suspense, and romance

At one point in the book it felt like a scene from the movie Gladiator and from the movie Braveheart. I loved it. Gemini is errrrythang, straight bae and Cadena is not one to play with. I enjoyed the action and the suspense. The Spirit prevailed and fear had no place in the kingdom. On to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for MiMi.
551 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2025
This was cute, a forbidden love story where the MMC literally had to fight for her love. I loved Cadena’s character. Although she was a twin she was her own person and this book allowed it to be. Although it read YA to me it was very hard to keep reminding myself that our love interests were in their mid-thirties, early forties! In all honesty it was just okay. It was nicely wrapped in the end and It didn’t give me any desire to continue on with series.
Profile Image for KarynReads.
629 reviews20 followers
September 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this one 🥰 I adored Cadena. Her strength in this book was so refreshing. But, lets talk about Gemini. Cuz what?!? 🥵🥵 Idk what the author visuals are for him but I have attached mine and then my reaction! This man sent me over this whole book. He took Princess Cadena to the moon came back and then stopped over at pound town!!! 🥵🤪😜😝 I kept my reading partner entertained commenting on this one! 🤣😂 We all need a bodyguard turned lover named Gemini!! Narrators be doing their jobs reading some of these scenes! Lol
Profile Image for H (sosheescapes).
243 reviews24 followers
dnf
February 12, 2025
DNF @ page 26

I hate age gaps and this is one I can't get behind. He's known her since she was 10 years old. Respectfully, no.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
954 reviews14 followers
April 13, 2022
WOW! This was a thrilling tale. I absolutely cannot believe how vivid the imagery the author was able to entertain us with! This royal African tale had everything in it: romance, love, passion, drama, gladiator fight, and a war!!! EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!

Cadena and Gemini knew they shared a forbidden desire for each other…years of stewardship matured into a deep fondness and attraction. Neither dared to believe it could be anything more than a fantasy…until Cadena see’s her future. The battle for her hand and honor of her kingdom was not a game and Gemini did not disappoint. He brought the heat in the bed and on the battlefield.

I did not know how the author was going to present and develop this story, honey she did that! For fiction sake she cut a few corners but it was well done!
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2022
Cadena! Gemini! Cadena! Gemini!

Cadena, our heroine was a warrior! Loved her tenacity and feisty spirit! I also loved how she wanted to be known for more than just a princess, heck anything else besides a princess! She was courageous and intelligent and she wanted to make her mark as more than a figure people curtsied or bowed to!

And Gemini! Whew! Beyond a warrior! No wonder he fell under Cadena's spell, their spirits were perfectly aligned with each other--so perfectly matched. I love how Gemini was willing to sacrifice his life or imprisonment to be with Cadena. *Swoon* I have to admit, the sexy scenes weren't poppin off as hot and steamy as I'm used to when reading a SNN novel, but that's okay! It could me and my mood right now. I just didn't feel it. Not all of the stories will have couples hittin' it hard with them sexy as **** shower scenes SNN be getting down with in her books! Whew! Gotta fan myself just thinking about them! LOL! Anyway, I do love Gemini and Cadena and see them as a super power couple ruling and fighting side by side always in Kera Asnela.

But I punched the air when Cadena first agreed to that alliance. My heart was in my throat! It's the one thing that bothers me about Royalty/Royal stories--always some talk of arranged marriages and uniting families for stronger alliances. And I knew that old triflin Prince Man"dummy", or whatever his name is, was gonna pull a stunt like that! Oh stupid self couldn't even pretend to be charming until he had Cadena where he wanted her. But I guess it's hard to be anything else but a snake when your soul is full of black soot! 🙄I loved when Cadena let him have it! Especially seeing how they treated the elderly in that country! But in the end Gemini's and Cadena's love, courage, strength and belief in the Almighty allowed them to ultimately defeat the enemy! No matter how things look in the beginning, good always triumphs over evil!
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,483 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2022
Title: His Royal Highness
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink LLC
Series: The Royals Of Kera Asnela Book 1 [Elite Alliance]
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"His Royal Highness" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Assessment:

'His Royal Highness' was a beautiful and powerful African tale that dealt with a forbidden love for 35-year-old Cadena, but some things were to be...as it was for this twin sister. Will will happen as Cadena and Gemini [her royal guard, warrior, who was 42 years old] share this forbidden love? Was this just a fantasy? What will happen when this secret some out about these two? What will happen as Princess Cadena demands to be equal to her brothers, be respected for all she did for her country, and let's not leave out that particular guard who cared about her? To get these answers and more, pick up 'His Royal Highness' and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Be ready for a good read that has a little of it all from...'smoldering romance, faith, jealousy, power, passion, suspense, drama, love, steamy love scenes, gladiator fighting, and oh yes, war!'

And guess what? There is more to this series, so be ready for another good read of 'The Royals of Kera Asnela Book 2.'





Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
442 reviews26 followers
April 20, 2022
I enjoyed this story to the max that featured Cadena Winthrope and her Royal guard Gemini. It had so many elements that I love in a story: romance, tension, an utterly bad player, and drama. The author did a great job in setting the stage for this story. The setting on the Continent of Africa was a plus! I also like how she included characters from two of my favorite families, the Roses and the Valentines.
There is no author who writes love scenes like Stephanie Nicole Norris. You’ll get that when Cadena and Gemini “get together”.
The story line is enhanced when Prince Mandla stakes his claim on Cadena. All hell breaks loose! Thank goodness for Cadena’s “gift”.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS is a captivating and intriguing story. I highly recommend it. You can thank me later!
Profile Image for Jess *lovetolovebooks*.
687 reviews149 followers
May 28, 2022
This was such a fast paced, forbidden romance between 35 year old Princess Cadena and her 42 year old royal guard Gemini. There’s some political intrigue, secret rendezvous, a Princess that demands to be seen as equals to her brothers and respected for what she does for her country, and a guard who is her safe space to let her more vulnerable side show. I really enjoyed them together, and they were a couple that just made sense. The steam was there but wasn’t heavy on the smut. Also I loved seeing this country and it’s beautiful landscapes through the author’s wonderful descriptive writing.

(I’m still not over how gorgeous this cover is.)

Read if you want:
-royal romance
-forbidden romance between Princess and royal guard
-characters in their late 30s/early 40s
-Black love

TWs: there is discussion of videotaping someone in their bedroom/bathroom without their consent, kissing without consent (not done by either main characters), violence and fighting

Overall rating 4 stars
Steam 3 stars
Profile Image for Crystal Parker.
14 reviews
April 10, 2022
The Royals of Kera Asnela Book 1

The wait is finally over. The royals have entered the building! I was so excited when I heard the Royals’ stories were finally going to be told. This 👏🏾story 👏🏾did👏🏾not👏🏾disappoint!!! 👏🏾 Cadence and Gemini gave me all the feels. Their chemistry and connection could be felt through every page. This first installment of the Royals brought romance, drama, suspense, and of course some steamy love scenes!! I will be reading this book over and over again!! This book was just that good! I definitely recommend this book! Kudos Stephanie!! Gemini is now my new fav!! Sorry Hunter!
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
833 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2022
The Power of the Spirit and Love

Cadena is one of a pair of twins. Her lineage is filled with power and she has a double portion because of her belief. Gemini is a warrior with a skill given to him as a child. Their dance covers a few years. Each has a secret of their desire for the other. It comes to a head as Advisor let's the warrior know her wishes. The warrior too has longed for the princess. Each will follow their heart until an evil prince desires to possess the princess. Great read from a side of love. We see the part that Cadena and Gemini 's faith keeps them together..can't wait to see what is in store for the other siblings.
Profile Image for Tina Miller-Drew.
30 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2022
An amazing story of two people from different backgrounds and futures planned by others but still they fell in love. Cadena the Royal Princess and Gemini the captain of the guards have a connection like no other. It was great to read a well written story about a black Royal family. This story is about Faith, love, jealousy, power (political and personal) and hot and steamy. I really enjoyed it and I am so glad to start reading this series, I think it will only get better with the upcoming Royals of Kera Asnela books. Happy Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Corynne Person.
364 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2025
Enjoyed the action.

This story was definitelyentertaining. Cadence and Gemini are a strongclose couple because of their proximityof him to her as her protector which turned into so much more. My only beef with this book was the lack of protection taken during the sexy times. I mean I was gonna be mad as hell if there was a surprise pregnancy. I just felt like common sense literally flew out the window for both of them and it seemed out of character for such responsible people.i enjoyed it and will continue with the series.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
746 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2022
what an entrance!!

Stephanie gives us another fantastic family series. I loved Gideon and Candena gave us all the smoldering romance from beginning to end. Stephanie’s pen is top tier when it comes to romance and off the chart sex. But baby she wrote the hell out of the fight battle. I truly could envision single swing and fall . Fantastic. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series bring us! Welcome to The Royals!!
2,079 reviews14 followers
April 11, 2022
Fairytales really do come true!

OMG! This book was the best written book that I’ve read in a while. The scenes were so vivid that it was as if you were watching it unfold on the big screen. The relationship between Cadence and Gemini was so strong that they were willing to put everything on the line for each other. King Tau and his son were weak and evil, therefore deserving everything that they got. I’m looking forward to reading more about the Royals and the Elite Alliance.
Profile Image for Yasmine.
338 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2022
This was a good story. The romance was sweet and spicy. I loved how Cadena wasn't a pushover Princess who did what she was told but a woman with her own mind who wasn't afraid to voice how she felt. Gemini was great as a leading man. A true alpha male in a healthy way. He was supportive, loving and protective. Everything you want in a man.The only fault I will say is I did find the battle at the end lackluster. It could've been better but overall a solid story. 4/5 for my rating.
4 reviews
May 10, 2022
A Royal Read

His Royal Highness, is so worth the read. I could feel the passion jumping off the pages between Gemini and Cadena. Whew, I couldn't put the book down!! If you want to read about the Real strength, love and soul connection between two people, then this is the book for you; although you can find that in every book written by Stephanie Nicole Norris. She Never Disappoints.
135 reviews
June 4, 2022
HOT ROYALTY

WOW, WOW, WOW! Loved the chemistry between the Advisor and her Royal Guard. Let me tell you, he can guard me anytime, anyway, anyhow any anywhere. The family relationship was beautiful and every character played it’s part. Loved the strength Cadena showed. Stephanie, wrote this book, the rating should be sooo big it reaches all the way to Africa😎💕. This book 📕 was HOT
Profile Image for D Marie.
105 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2022
Breathtaking!

Wow!! I stumbled across this book on Amazon, the cover snagged my attention and the story did not disappoint. Gemini and Cadene's story leaped off the pages of this book. Their chemistry was HOT. The story intriguing. And I am so happy I took the plunge. Grab this amazing story by Stephanie. It's a five star read, beautiful HFN ending. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
5 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2022
Exceeded Expectations

I have read many of SNN's books, and this, by far, is my favorite!! It is so different from everything else I've seen from her, but is still true to her style at the same time. I love the intensity of both the romance and strife. The emotions come through beautifully, and it truly does play like a movie in my mind's eye. Lol. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for allreadsmelanin JamiLen.
22 reviews
July 14, 2022
All That Melanin

Everyone knows I love me a good series. Cadena and Gemini had my attention from the very beginning. The way he protected her was the exact way a King should always protect his Queen.

What was interesting was how Cadena didn’t hesitate to fulfill her fathers wishes and put her needs to the side all for the sake of their kingdom. She was all Woman thru and thru. It’s what we all do for the sake of our families and loved ones. A Must Read
64 reviews
July 18, 2022
Do for Love....

Cadena knew in her hearts of hearts that love would prevail. It's the simple things like peace and harmony that is not so common among people everywhere. It is because of Cadena's love for the people around her that evil and betrayal had no recourse in her life. If your spirit is not right(at peace/seeking love) then you will lose every time. Forever Thankful for Love, Cadena was able to gain the world(Gemini) and save her kingdom.
11 reviews
April 10, 2022
Gemini and Cadena

His Royal Highness was a great read. I enjoyed all aspects of this book, from Gemini and Cadena trying to hide their feelings to the meeting of two hearts becoming one. Their love and respect for each other made them willing to go through a bad situation for each other but love will overcome and conquer all.
56 reviews
April 12, 2022
So I thought I was not going to like this book, but I was so wrong. I loved everything about it. Could not put it down. It was like reading a movie script.

Cadena was such a strong woman and truly loved her family and country. But she was truly in love with Gemini.

The other royal family needed some professional mental help.
944 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2022
😍😍wow amazing

Omg yesssssss rhe royal family is every thing 😍 I was so excited for this series and the first book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 the chemistry between Gemini and cadena was ❤💯chemistry I love how wanted ❤love and protect her she was a strong woman this was steamy adventurous I was on edge with excitement ❤ I loved it loved it ❤♥
6 reviews
April 13, 2022
Strength, Honor and Heat!

It’s getting hot in here. I was totally enthralled though out the whole book. I loved the getting to know you, romance, lust and commitment. The family pride, the spirituality and respect. The devil tried it but with the Spirits guidance they were more than a conqueror. Fabulous
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.