Feature book: Prince of Scandal

Prince of Scandal by Annie West

UK release – May 2011
Australian release -June 2011
US release – July 2011

This is the follow-up but stand-alone to Passion, Purity and Prince (Protected by the Prince) and continues the story of the cousins Raul and Alaric with Raul as the central character (Alaric has his HEA).

Raul is the Prince of Maritz and he gets what he wants; after all no one dares to refuse a prince. And he needs a bride if he is to rule his country. The succession needs a bride from one of the country’s principalities. This leads him to Luisa who is the heir to the throne of Ardissia. Once he has Luisa in his country and in his arms, he finds that he likes her as she challenges him in ways he never thought possible. When he realises that Luisa might become paparazzi fodder, he very quickly makes sure that all know she will be his wife. It is on their wedding day that he begins the seduction of Luisa. As events unfold Raul is suspicious of his secretary’s actions with Luisa when she only wants to surprise Raul. I liked that he wasn’t too mistrustful over her reason, an indicator that he was beyond the pettiness that often leads to couples breaking up.

Luisa has been living in Australia in a dairy co-op and is more than content to remain there after her experience with her grandfather on a visit to her mother’s country. She is reluctant to leave but she feels she has been blackmailed into returning to Maritz and to be Raul’s wife just to keep the co-op working. When she arrives in Maritz, she sees much more than Raul is willing to share as he tries to keep her from danger. Luisa is prepared to take much from Raul to save the co-op. She is a gentle soul and Raul cherishes her for this.

This story was a very good follow-up Passion, Purity and the Prince as it gives Raul’s story and how he is able to find the woman for him and how he falls under her spell. Even though Raul thinks he is being protective, he encounters Luisa who feels he should be more open and she should know what he feels and what is happening particularly when Raul’s life has been threatened.

This is a story of slow seduction and falling in love. There is an intensity in the relationship that will appeal to readers who like this intensity. Events are secondary to the relationship but allow the reader to see how events shape the relationship. There is even an appearance from Alaric and Tamsin.

reviewed by Heather K

A review copy of this book was provided by the author. All ARRA members who leave a comment will go in the draw to win the book.

The giveaway has now been drawn – congratulations to Barbara.