Ascending: Royalty Series, Book 1

The Ascension is a great book detailing the rise of a new monarch in a small unknown country. The author uses a great deal of finesse in describing the tragic events that lead to the ascension, while also gently detailing the emotional and political fallout. Of course, a love story is also included. The characters wrestle with the complex emotions of grief and obligation while seeking out happiness. I loved Rebecca and Victoria as supporting characters, though in different stations, each of them love and support their queen and have some of the best lines. The story is touching, funny. sweet and a great addition to the the Nicole Pyland collections. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

I found this story sad at the beginning, but hopeful and extremely enjoyable to read. As the two main characters, Princess Elizabeth that later became Queen Antonia I and Palmer Honeycutt a reporter slowly fall in love with each other. I found the storyline entertaining and exciting. I also liked the ending, but was sadden that the author didn't continue by showing the readers about the wedding and afterwards if they had decided who would be the one to get pregnant and if they would have more children in the future. I would have loved to have read that. Though it didn't change my opinion of this story. I whole heartily recommend this book to everyone that loves a good romance.

In Ascending, Nicole Pyland takes readers overseas to the small island kingdom of St. Rais, between Norway and Greenland, where New York City journalist Palmer Honeycutt is taking a break from her job and her eroding nine-month-old relationship. Just as her vacation is winding down, a terrible tragedy rocks the royal family. Palmer’s editor assigns her to the story, extending her stay in St. Rais indefinitely and giving her the opportunity to report a possible Pulitzer-worthy story. Palmer first must figure out how an American reporter can earn an interview with the new Queen, who only days before was fifth in line to the throne as Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Antonia Victoria Louise Hanover — or more familiarly, Elizabeth or Lizzy. Palmer not only has to secure the confidence of a bereft woman who never expected to occupy the throne, she also must navigate the tight security surrounding the Queen. Palmer’s integrity and likability soon earns her an audience with Elizabeth, whom she finds smart, considerate beautiful, and concerned for her country. Lizzy, in turn, finds an understanding, effervescent, and ethical friend in Palmer. Pyland’s Ascending is a lovely, sensitive, and romantic story that appreciates the value of family, tradition, trustworthiness, love of country, and love ever after. It’s a novel I’ll shelve with my other well-liked “will read again” titles.

This was a good one. The theme of royalty is one that I like, but it is hard to do well. I think the first word for this would be "restraint". Ms. Pyland's story could have gone all kinds of sideways with political nonsense, but she kept the focus on the two characters. The fictional universe was a good concept since it's difficult to do a modern monarchy. The villain group, antimonarchists (presumably progressive anti establishment people, like an "antimo") were there to advance a plot. They weren't cliche anti-lesbian hard right boring Villains, which would have taken the story into the wrong places. Keeping the bad people in an isolated plot corner showed a lot of restraint. Same can be said of the inoffensive monarchy. Not horrible, and not full of horrible people. No dumb cliche distractions. Restrained to keep from getting in the way. Could this have been a stronger experience? Sure. I think a more fictional universe rather than modern day Europe might help, and I think the author could move into more speculative or fantasy fiction if she wanted to let loose (rather than flood a story with cliche). This was just about right. I like that the main love interest involved a Queen rather than some minor Nobility. I liked the restraint shown in keeping the story away from icky political games or unwanted sentiments about religion and sexually being opposite (when they shouldn't be). I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed by this story, and I was worried that I would…

Absolutely loved this one. Must read! I can’t wait for the rest of the series. All the start is extremely sad it is necessary to set the tone for the rest of the book. Thank you for writing such a beautiful story. The relationship between the MCs was beautifully written and although a slow burn the sex scenes were not over done.