I loved this book. This is the first of a three part series called the Pride of Zohayd. Anyone whose read Ms. Gates first Arab series The Throne of Judar will recognize some of the characters in this book and the intense favor of this set of books. This book reintroduces you to this Arab country and its tradition and culture. In this story you meet Shaheen Aal Shalaan, (those whove read the pervious series will remember as one the half-brothers of Aliyah, the new queen of Judar). Shaheen is the youngest of his full-blooded siblings. He has to make a marriage of state to one of the neighboring kingdoms to insure the peace. Unbeknown to him Johara, the sister of a former childhood friend, has been lusting after him for years. Johara having been told by her brother that the prince wanted nothing to with her or their family because of their station in life, is devastated when she learns of the princes impending marriage. She wants one last time to see and talk to the love of her life, never expecting that meeting to have far reaching and life long consequences. This story has everything a good royal romance should have. There is mystery, class conflict, beauty, tenderness, evil, innocents and very hot and steamy sex. A must read.
Shaheen would give everything up just to be with Johara. His brothers unite to make sure that the sweethearts have a chance at true love. Together and united the brotherhood holds strong and surprising results happen. There are parts of this story that will make you laugh and you know it's only a matter of time before the other two brothers will have their day of reckoning. In the end love is truly stronger than all the parties included can believe. This is a case of unrequited first love that lasts a lifetime.
