As this is book 3 in the series, I think these books are best enjoyed in order. An enjoyable book which was enhanced by setting it in a world where being gay was the norm rather than being straight. Even the royal family was gay.

Quincy is scarred, physically and emotionally, and watching her facade melt makes it hard to put the book down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and Jenny Frame for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in Frame's Royal series - it can probably be read as a standalone but I supsect you'll enjoy it more if you've read the first two. Characters from the other book(s) are in this one, and having the full backstories helps.

Set in a not so distant future (definitely not SF), Captain Quincy of the Royal Marines is a stoic, strict, and rigid military officer who has been assigned as part of the protection detail for the Queens (from the first book ... like I said, probably best to read the others).Once in this position she meets Holly, the Royal Dresser/BFF of the Queen Consort who is Quincy's complete opposite - fun, spontaneous and looking for a love as passionate and lasting as her friend's. Obviously, this is an opposites attract - with the clash of personalities leading to some great banter, sniping and dialogue. There's a fun chemistry between them which definitely translates into the bedroom.

Add to the romance a threat to the Queen Consort and Quincy and some action and you've got a fun and enjoyable read.

This was an okay romance. Perhaps I missed something by reading this one first as I believe it's a trilogy of some sort. It is in some alternate world where lesbian couples seem to be so universally accepted that the Monarch of England can be a married lesbian and nobody seems to bat an eye. That's a wonderful dream, and I hope someday to see it real, but for some reason, it just didn't sit well with me. The story, including the dramatic tension was very predictable. The characters were interesting, but half of each couple was so very male presenting that I almost felt as though this was a straight novel that had been reformatted with butch lesbians in the male roles.

Stevie‘s review of Royal Court (A Royal Romance, Book 3) by Jenny Frame
Contemporary Bisexual and Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 15 Jan 19

While I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series, I felt slightly short-changed by the second due to its split focus covering two couples, the new romance between the main protagonists and the ongoing romance between the two Queens. Not that George and Bea aren’t adorable, but I did feel that I’d like to get to know the other women in their entourage just as thoroughly – in the way that can only be done by devoting the whole of a book to each pair. Notwithstanding my doubts about how much mileage could be got from a series that devoted so much time to a marital unit with little strife, I was keen to renew my acquaintance with Bea and George’s friends once more in this third book. Sadly skipping over the romance between Bea’s friend Lali and George’s friend Cammy, this book follows the last singletons out of the two friends’ groups, Holly Weaver and Captain Quincy.


On the day she receives the Victoria Cross for her part in a top-secret Royal Marines mission, Quincy lands herself in trouble by using a rather unnecessary level of force to stop a sexual assault from being perpetrated by one of the men who also took part – though with less valour – in the same mission. Her previous record, and her mother’s high Naval rank, keep Quincy from being court martialed. However, she is transferred to a new role as a Royal Protection Officer with specific responsibilities relating to Queen Beatrice. This new assignment also puts Quincy in close proximity to Holly, Bea’s dresser, whose friends have always assumed to be straight, in spite of teasing her about her crush on the lesbian action movie star, Story St. John.

In actual fact, Holly’s first real love was a woman, and when that relationship fell through, she decided to celebrate her bisexuality by having lots of casual flings with men, while always assuming that one day she would settle down with a woman – if she were to find one whom she trusted with her heart. Holly is already crushing on Quincy when they start working together, having seen her at a charity polo match the year before, and she soon makes it her mission to get the dour captain to lighten up and start enjoying her rare moments of off-duty time. While on a royal tour of the United States, Holly’s friends conspire to win her a date with Story St. John in a charity auction, and soon Holly is seeing a different side of life – and fame – to anything she has experienced with Bea and the gang. Meanwhile, her friendship with Quincy continues to develop, and she comes to realise that some crushes have more potential to mature into real relationships than others.

Once again, I loved the characters at the centre of this story, Quincy the virgin butch and Holly who embraces even the geekiest of Quincy’s outside interests, and so was disappointed that so many chapters of the book were given over to George and Bea, even though Bea’s attempts at matchmaking for Holly and Quincy were very sweet. I was also cross – not just disappointed – that we’ve seen so little of how Lali and Cammy’s relationship has progressed over the course of the series. It feels like a potentially interesting relationship has been glossed over in favour of one that mostly mirrors George and Bea’s, albeit without the Royalty aspect.

Grade: C

Jenny Frame has done it again! She gave me what I've been longing for, a delightful romantic match for Holly. I still can't get over the fact that I've read this entire book in a matter of hours because I couldn't put it down to do any of my household chores. Now, I'm going through my own royal withdrawal because I want more of Captain Quincy and Holly!

From the blurb, I expected this story to be set in a fantasy world but it’s actually set in ours - with the difference that the Queen of England is a young lesbian (she’s happily married and overall same-sex attraction doesn’t seem to be an issue in this world). Also, unlike most romances, the book has several POV-characters apart from the main couple. I was surprised but I still read on. Untile I realised, about 25% in, that there was no real sign of a developing relationship between the leads. They still hadn’t talked outside of what was required due to them working together. They both think the other is hot but that’s not a relationship. And with the book being not very long, the already mentioned multiple POV-characters and a mystery side-plot that will also need space, I simply couldn't see how there would be enough left to develop a relationship I could believe in.

Additionally, there was questionable behaviour from multiple characters. Quincy doesn’t talk to Holly but looks up her personal files to find out information about her (now to be fair she is responsible for the security and as such has to do some digging but I did get the impression that she did more than necessary). Meanwhile, Holly’s friends decide that Holly - who has only dated men as long as they’ve known her - actually needs a woman and instead of discussing it with her, decide to plot an elaborate ruse to force her out of the Bi-closet which just didn’t sit right with me. All of that together was simply too much and I eventually quit the book.

This book was just ok for me ,the story was interesting but I felt the characters needed to develop a little more

Royal Court is the third book in this series, but could be read as a standalone. A great romantic novel as usual from Jenny Frame. Her characters are well written and so is the story. I love to read her books.

I absolutely love Jenny Frame's books. I love both having the ebook versions of her books as well as the audiobook version. Since I have finished the ebook version I know this will be an audiobook that I will be buying. I enjoyed getting to see more of Bea and George in this one. While I enjoyed both Quincy and Holly, Bea and George are still the best couple in the series. I could keep reading about them for several more books. Frame writes incredibly sexy butch characters. She has it down, and for me it works. As this is book 3 in the series, I think these books are best enjoyed in order. I see how perhaps you could skip book 2... but why would you want to do that? Read them in order. If you haven't read any of these, pick all 3 up today. For me I think this may be my favorite in the series, but I enjoyed them all. I actually enjoyed both book 1 and 2 more on my second reading of them.

Another enjoyable romance from Jenny Frame. I found it a bit slow to start--could be because I hadn't read the first book in the series, and wasn't familiar with some of the characters. Once I caught up, I enjoyed it. Well drawn characters, nice build up and perfect amount of angst. A satisfying read.

An enjoyable book which was enhanced by setting it in a world where being gay was the norm rather than being straight. Even the royal family was gay. The characters were well written, the military traits of one of the main characters were believable and added to the tension while the relationship with her partner was developing.

Part of a series, it was the first I’d read and was fine as a stand alone. I’ll happily read the others in the series.

An honest review thanks to NetGalley. Highly recommended to read the previous two books in the royal romance series. This was a good book but as a huge fan of the previous two books I was disappointed. This would have been a great read but I did not connect with Holly. I found her massively self centered and rude, when I cant connect to a character the whole book starts to fall apart for me. What i did really like about this book was the continuing of George and Bea's story and of course little Teddy. I am excited for more in this series by Jenny Frame.

Royal Court is a very good addition to the author's Royal Romance series. Well-written, great characters, and a believable alternate world. If only...
I love butch / femme romances, I love that Holly is openly bisexual. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars for me is that Quincy is too much a product of her upbringing and environment - just a bit too stiff upper lip, a bit too manly, and a bit hard to love.

I really enjoyed this series when it first began but less so with every new instalment and the latest one is my least favourite to date. The mystery subplot was predictable and in my opinion, not really needed. The stoic butch archetype and the romantic storyline - both very similar to the previous books in the series - is starting to feel a little formulaic. I didn't really click with any of the leads in this book, and found Holly rude and annoying. Also had issues with how bisexuality was framed in this book. Having said that, the author is very talented, she has a very engaging style of writing and I look forward to her next work - I just hope it's something drastically different!

This is the third book in the Royal Court Romance series. Although it could be read as a standalone, to fully enjoy the characters, I would recommend reading the other two first.

In Royal Court we find Captain Quincy has been reassigned to Royal Protection Command to guard Queen Beatrice (Queen Consort). Quincy is an old friend of Queen Georgina and accepts this new post after previously completing a difficult mission during which the men under her command were all killed except for her best friend. She receives the Victoria Cross for her bravery under fire. Unfortunately, this mission has taken a toll on her emotionally. Quincy is very reserved, a rule follower, and a loner.

Holly Weaver is Queen Beatrice’s personal dresser and one of her best friends. Holly has a bubbly personality and is always positive. Although they are polar opposites, sparks fly when Holly and Quincy meet. When Quincy dictates how Queen Beatrice’s schedule will be handled, Holly’s temper fires up and they butt heads—but the attraction also ignites.

I love this series! Ms. Frame has created a delightful story with a strong plot, interesting characters and imaginative narrative. For example, all members of the Queens’ circle of friends just happen to be lesbians. It’s a wonderful idea, but a stretch in the imagination no matter how exciting it would be.

I definitely recommend this book and the other two books in this series. Readers will find themselves anxiously turning the pages to find out what their new friends are doing. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

I always enjoy Jenny Frame's take on royal life, and this story is no exception. It's completely unrealistic to have every member of a royal family and all their staff be gay, but it sure is fun to read about. Quincy is a multi-dimensional character with a great backstory involved in an enemies-to-lovers/opposites attract relationship with the Queen Consort's dresser. Quincy is scarred, physically and emotionally, and watching her icy facade melt makes it hard to put the book down. A great way to escape reality for about 6 hours.

DNF

I just lost interest

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‘Royal Court’ has a wonderful set of characters; many I have grown to love over this series. But Captain Quincy and Holly will hold a special place in my heart. Their love story was so touching, so emotionally intense and beautiful. I believe Jenny Frame has surpassed herself. Quincy is a royal protection officer in charge of looking after Queen Beatrice, the Queen Consort. Holly Weaver is the royal dresser and Bea’s friend. Holly is easy going, happy-go-lucky and a delight to be around. However happy she seems though, she hasn’t found love and wonders if she’s been looking in the wrong place. Captain Quincy is buttoned-up, a stickler for the rules and for protocol. She is also gorgeous and Holly has noticed. I loved the will they-won’t they part of the novel. I was also hooked on the significant tension of someone wishing to put a big spanner in the works.

But it is the slow unravelling of Quincy that is the pivotal element of this whole story. We see more and more of her and can really empathise with her. I could feel Quincy’s pain and I just wanted to hug her. She brings out feelings of protectiveness and desire, even though she’s supposed to be the protector. Holly wanted to do a lot more than just be a good friend to her and seeing that dawn on the Queen’s dresser was fascinating. There were unbelievably hot sex scenes as I have come to expect and look forward to in Jenny Frame’s books. Passions slowly rise until you feel the characters may burst! The encounters are intense and desperate. And Ms Frame’s highly imaginative invention intelliflesh- oh my goodness!!! ‘Royal Court’ is wonderful and I highly recommend it.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for review.

This is a great followup to the first book A Royal romance. Our favourite queens are back along with Queen Bea's best friends. We all missed the story telling of Lali's romance or rather chase by Cammy however Ms. Frame gives us Holly's story.

The story of Captain Quincy is well told and we switch back and forth between multiple characters. There is PTSD and some action thrown in. Altogether a well told story and romance.

I don't feel like leaving this world however I doubt if Jenny Frame can pull in another one unless we end up in the future with the two princesses romantic entanglements

A modern setting for a fairly old fashioned love story.

The characters are a bit stereotypical- butch versus femme. But the characters develop into interesting people dealing with extraordinary issues in day to day life.

The book has a vintage feel that is very fresh.