The Surgeon and the Princess - Karin Baine (HMED #1169 - Apr 2021)

A wounded princess, an off-limits surgeon
 
Can they heal each other?
 
Adjusting to life as an amputee, independent medic Princess Georgiana refuses help from anyone. Yet using surgeon Edward Lawrence's state-of-the-art clinic would speed her recovery and escape from the palace for good… Rehabilitation with the gorgeous -- and off-limits -- Ed means letting her guard down, something Georgiana finds hard… But can Ed make her see just how strong her scars make her and how much she has to offer?
 
Very good book. Georgiana is a combat medic, wounded in action, and an amputee because of it. She is also a princess and heir to the throne of a small country. As a result of her injury, she lost her work as a medic and now struggles to adjust to her new life. When the book opens, we see Georgiana doing her intense physical workout, determined to return to her previous physical condition. She dislikes being the object of pity and distances herself from the people around her, including her parents. Worry over Georgiana leads her mother to ask Dr. Edward Lawrence to look in on her. The encounter does not begin well as Georgiana resents his intrusion. While Georgiana treats Edward quite rudely, Edward maintains his calm and convinces her that using his clinic would help her recovery.
 
Edward and his business partner run a rehab clinic that serves everyone but specializes in working with amputees. As if the clinic weren't enough to keep him busy, he is also setting up a charity to help child amputees and spends the rest of his spare time caring for his elderly parents. The last thing he has time for is a relationship, but something about Georgiana draws him to her.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Georgiana and Edward. I liked how Edward gave her the space and privacy she wanted for her workouts but didn't let her push him entirely away. He quickly saw through the attitude to the insecurities she tried to hide. The loss of her leg and subsequent job loss left Georgiana feeling useless and unattractive, while Edward sees the inner strength that drives her. As they spend time together, they become friends. I liked how Georgiana saw the benefits of Edward's charity idea and offered to help. And when an emergency gave Georgiana the chance to use her medical skills, she realized she wasn't so useless after all. I loved how her joy at that encouraged Edward to ask for her help with a very young patient of his. The scene with Georgiana and young Hannah was terrific. I loved seeing the effect helping Hannah had on Georgiana, showing her how much more she had to give.
 
The more time Edward and Georgiana spent together, the more the simmering attraction between them grew. I loved how Edward's attention increased Georgiana's belief in herself to the point where she was ready to face the public again. I loved how she revealed her "cosmetic surgery" and used it to help others. I enjoyed seeing the sparks between Georgiana and Edward build during that gala and how they finally gave in to them. Their happiness was evident, as were their dreams for the future. But when Georgiana received disturbing medical news, she pushed Edward away rather than becoming another burden for him to find time for. I ached for Edward, who 1was blindsided by her withdrawal. Advice to both of them came from an unexpected source, giving each something to think about. I loved Edward's big moment as he showed her how important she was to him. The epilogue was a terrific conclusion and peek into their future. 

 

Once Upon a Royal Summer - Teri Wilson (Hallmark - June 2021)

A theme park "princess" meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince!
 
Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It's just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.
 
Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter's birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That's why they're pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he's been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?
 
This was a fun and sweet book. Lacey is a theme park princess, Princess Sweet Pea, who loves her work, especially the smiles on the faces of the children she meets. When Lacey was a little girl, her mother became very ill, and Lacey spent a lot of time at the hospital with her. The theme park princesses used to visit the children, and Lacey grew up wanting to be one of those princesses. The only downside is that Lacey's boyfriend and his mother aren't impressed with her choice. That comes to an end when Lacey calls it quits on their relationship after one too many put-downs.
 
Henry is the crown prince of a tiny Mediterranean country. His wife died four years earlier, leaving him the single father of a little girl. Henry struggles to give Rose as normal a childhood as possible, frequently over the objections of his mother, the Queen. Finally, with a critical royal event coming up and Rose fighting her part in it, Henry decides the two of them need to get away for a few days. Rose's seventh birthday is in a few days, so Henry takes her to an American amusement park. The first day they arrive, they go to the park incognito, pretending to be an ordinary dad and daughter.
 
I loved Henry and his determination to give Rose as ordinary a life as possible. He remembers his childhood loneliness and wants something better for her. I enjoyed the scenes where he stood up to his mother and insisted on public school and again when he informed her of their trip.
 
I loved the first meeting between Lacey, Henry, and Rose. Henry took Rose to Princess Sweet Pea's tea party, and when Lacey made the rounds of the tables, she and Rose immediately bonded. Henry was a touch cynical and mocking and soon found himself called upon to dance with the princess. Lacey thought she'd show him up, and instead, he blew her away with his dancing skills, not to mention the electricity that zapped between them. Lacey thought she wouldn't see them again - until the following day when she discovered that Princess Sweet Pea would spend the next few days escorting them around the park!
 
The days at the park enhance the connection between Lacey and Rose, who bond over all things princessy. Rose is adorable in her enthusiasm and hero-worship of Lacey. There's a heartwarming scene where she sees Lacey interacting with a girl in a wheelchair and can't help reaching out herself. Meanwhile, Lacey and Henry discover how easy it is to open up to each other, and the sparks between them continue to grow. I loved how Henry shared his worry over Rose's new fear of riding her pony and the brilliant way that Lacey found to help. Henry didn't want to say goodbye to Lacey and impulsively invited her and her friend Ava to come to his country for the Flower Festival and Ball. His argument? "The royal ball?" she sputtered. "A real royal ball." Henry gave her a half-shrug. "We've danced in your castle. It seems only fair that we should dance in mine."
 
Lacey is equally excited and terrified to go to Bella-Moritz. She knows in her heart that there's no way a commoner and a prince can be anything more than friends, but that doesn't stop a tiny spark of hope. Henry and Rose are visibly happy to have Lacey there, though the Queen appears less so. Henry takes great delight in showing Lacey around, and it's easy to see where his heart lies. Lacey experiences a few awkward moments, especially around the Queen, but her enthusiasm remains high. Her innate kindness and ability to think of others lead her to a couple of terrific "Lacey to the rescue" moments. I ached for Lacey when a pre-ball disaster struck, leaving her heartbroken. Help came from an unexpected source, setting Lacey up for an incredible Cinderella-like moment. Henry's big moment was fantastic.
 
I enjoyed the secondary characters almost as much as the main characters. Rose was adorable. She wasn't too good, given her resistance to the pony thing, but her heart is just as big as her dad's. I loved how she connected with Lacey and the fun they had together. I also liked Henry's bodyguard, Ian. He is just as much friend as bodyguard, and he immediately notices the effect Lacey has on Henry. Lacey's best friend, Ava, was fun. I liked how well she knew Lacey and her support after Lacey's breakup. She was almost as excited as Lacey about their trip, and even more so once she laid eyes on Ian. Finally, the Queen was the biggest surprise. Her early appearances in the book made her seem stiff, cold, and autocratic, especially when it came to Rose's schooling. I worried a little at her first reaction to Lacey. But as the visit went on, I saw a different side to her. In the end, I thought that her heart was almost as big as Henry's. 

 

A Wife for the Surgeon Sheikh - Meredith Webber (HMED #1019 - Mar 2019)

Can a convenient marriage…
Bring them the happiness they deserve?
 
It's a normal workday for nurse Lauren Macpherson, until she's summoned to her boss's office to face Sheikh Malik Madani. To protect his nephew, her adopted son, Malik has come to claim him -- with a shock proposal! The enigmatic sheikh sweeps her into his world and Lauren is caught up in an undeniable passion. Could their marriage in name only become something more?
 
Good book with a sweeter than expected romance and an intriguing location. Lauren is a pediatric nurse in Australia and a single mom to her adopted son (who is also her nephew). Her parents, brother-in-law, and sister died under suspicious circumstances, and Lauren spent the years since then doing everything possible to protect Nimr. Then an unexpected meeting with Nimr's uncle, Sheikh Malik Madani, shattered Lauren's belief in their safety as he demanded that he be allowed to take Nimr back to his country, which Nimr is destined to rule.
 
The story drew me in from that point on. Lauren's fear of losing Nimr was palpable, and Malik's initial actions did nothing to alleviate that fear. My first reaction to him was that he was cold and ruthless and would do anything to get his way. However, Lauren is no pushover, and her determination to fight for Nimr's happiness quickly changes Malik's attitude. Instead of buying her off as he originally planned, Malik proposes a marriage in name only to satisfy both their needs. Lauren will continue to raise Nimr and watch out for his happiness, and Malik, as Nimr's regent, can work to bring their country into the 21st century. But it is not going to be as easy as he thinks.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Malik and Lauren. It got off to a rough start until both realized that they wanted the same thing - Nimr's safety and happiness. The sparks that flew between them also complicated matters. After they arrive in Madan, Malik spends a great deal of time showing Lauren the beauty of his country and discussing his hopes for its future. As a doctor, one of those dreams is improving the country's medical care. I loved how Malik involved Lauren in the new hospital's world, recognizing the benefits of her knowledge. When a medical crisis hits the country, working together drew Lauren and Malik even closer together. I liked watching the feelings between them grow. There were many scenes of the sweet things that Malik did to illustrate his feelings for her. I also liked how Lauren was attuned to Malik and often sensed when he needed care and support.
 
However, forces within the country create obstacles to Malik and Lauren's plans to marry, insisting that he marry a Madani woman. I ached for them both, as by this time, they have acknowledged their feelings for each other. Malik fights for his right to marry Lauren, threatening to walk away from it all so that they can be a family. Meanwhile, Lauren feels that the country's needs outweigh her happiness and insists on Malik doing the right thing. Their joint pain was evident, and I wondered how they would overcome their obstacles. The method of resolution was unexpected but deftly portrayed, leaving Malik and Lauren free to pursue their future together.
 
I enjoyed seeing Lauren immerse herself in her new country. I loved seeing the beauty and life of Madan through her eyes and her connections with the people she met. One of my favorite scenes was near the end, involving Lauren's search for carpets for their new quarters. Her respect won her new friends and allies. I also loved the scene at the wedding involving her "bride price" and Malik's understanding of her feelings about it. His solution was inspired.

Pregnant by the Sheikh - Olivia Gates (HD #2363 - Mar 2015)

Series: Billionaires of Black Castle (Book 3)

At first sight, Sheikh Numair Al Aswad's lethal sensuality overwhelms Princess Jenan Aal Ghamdi. And when he rescues her from an arranged marriage, he has a shocking price…an heir! Though logic screams no, her body and soul burn for him.

Numair has come from the darkest of pasts to exact revenge -- and to claim his throne. Jenan is vital to his plans. But his cold-blooded scheme melts under the heat of their passion. Now he must choose: his lifelong ambitions or the woman who carries his unborn child.

Good addition to the Black Castle series. Numair, the head of Black Castle Enterprises, is the latest of the "brothers" to pursue his revenge against those he holds responsible for the horrors he endured growing up. Known to be cold and ruthless in pursuit of what he wants, Numair focuses on Princess Jenan as the key to his plans.

Jenan is beautiful, intelligent, and will do anything to protect her family. Though she escaped her stifling homeland years ago to pursue her ambitions, she can't stand back and see her father and country destroyed. She consents to her father's arranged marriage to a neighboring king, but she dreads it.

Everything changes when Numair walks into the engagement party. He has a plan, and this is the first step in it. He doesn't expect the instant connection and intense chemistry that hits him the moment he sees Jenan. The feeling is entirely mutual despite Jenan's familiarity with Numair's reputation. Intrigued by his offer to get her out of the engagement, her first reaction is wariness when she hears his terms. A baby and marriage were not on her radar at all. His promises, his intensity, and the heat between them convince her to give in.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Numair and Jenan. From the moment he saw her, Numair's plans for revenge took a back seat to his complete absorption in Jenan. From the incredible home he made for her to keeping his promise to help her father, Numair's intensity is all for her. Jenan blows away the walls that kept his emotions buried within him, stunning him when he realizes he loves her. Jenan makes the same discovery, but having been burned once, hesitates to tell him so. I ached for Numair, who knows he must come clean with Jenan but wants the timing to be right. He picks a poor method of delaying that conversation, creating doubt and insecurity for Jenan just when she needs him. Add in a premature revelation of Numair's original motivations, and the devastating results are off the charts.

I ached for both of them. Jenan feels betrayed and duped and heartbroken at the thought he never cared at all. Numair realizes his mistake in keeping secrets and is devastated by the pain he caused Jenan and the fear he's lost her forever. There's an interesting twist resulting from that fear, changing Numair's view of part of his past. Help comes from an unexpected source, and Numair finally gets his chance to face Jenan. The depth of emotion as he bared his soul and his past was heartwrenching, and its effect on Jenan was no surprise. Jenan also realized that her lack of trust contributed to the problem and finally let go of those fears. The ending was great, and their future looks bright.

The secondary characters of Richard and Najeeb were great. Richard, aka "Cobra," and Numair have a rocky relationship. Richard's actions in the past had a devastating effect on Numair and his fellow Black Castle brothers. Numair doesn't trust him, and Richard seems to enjoy pushing his buttons, but they work together when necessary. Najeeb is the oldest son of the king Jenan was supposed to marry. He was originally the prospective groom, but he and Jenan feel more like siblings, so they refused the arrangement. Najeeb is a good friend of Jenan's and protective of her. The first meeting between Numair and Najeeb was hilarious, with the two pawing and snorting at each other. I laughed out loud at Jenan's comments and attempts to settle them down. Najeeb plays some important parts later in the story.