Series:
Royally Tempted (Book 2)
OFF LIMITS BUT IRRESISTIBLE…
World-class obstetric surgeon Edmund is furious that his
long-awaited Seychelles retreat is hijacked by a helicopter carrying a
smart-ass (if stunning) princess! Xiomara is determined to engage Edmund to
save her cousin the King's unborn twins. He takes some persuading! Now in
London together, a powerful attraction develops, and Xiomara learns Edmund's
talents go far beyond surgery. He makes her feel empowered and free -- in every
sense! Until the paparazzi discover their secret affair, reminding them they come
from impossibly different worlds…
Fun and emotional story. Edmund, a famous obstetric
surgeon, is enjoying his first vacation in five years when a helicopter
carrying a determined princess interrupts his relaxation. Princess Xiomara
needs his expertise to save her cousin, the King's unborn twins, and she won't
take no for an answer.
I loved the first meeting between Edmund and Xio. He was
not happy about the interruption, and she was determined to get her way. The
back-and-forth of their "negotiation" was amusing, with Xio's offers
becoming more and more excessive and Edmund's refusal to budge growing
stronger, until she found the key to his cooperation. Once he decided to help,
Edmund was all in, and matters moved swiftly.
I enjoyed the development of Edmund and Xio's
relationship. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but their lives are so
different that only a brief fling is possible. However, the more time they
spend together, the deeper their feelings grow. Xio sees the man behind the
fame, and likes what she sees. Edmund sees Xio as a woman, not just a princess,
and gives her a taste of what life beyond the palace has to offer. But can Xio
pry herself away from devoting herself to her country and grab at a chance for
happiness and a different life? And can Edmund find a balance between the work
that fulfills him and the family life that he yearns for? The emotional journey
to their HEA was well done and believable.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. Despite their worry
about the unborn babies, the King and his wife are not oblivious to what is
happening between Edmund and Xio. I loved the little nudges and knowing looks
that showed how much they wanted Xio's happiness. I also liked Xio's head of
security, Xavier. He was unexpectedly mellow in his efforts to protect, and I
loved how he aided and abetted Edmund and Xio's getaway.
This being a book in Harlequin's medical series, the core
motivation was an intriguing health crisis. I had never heard of this
particular issue and found the explanation and treatment fascinating.
No comments:
Post a Comment