REVIEW: A Christmas Bride for the King by Abby Green

A Christmas Bride for the King by Abby Green is the second book in the Rulers of the Desert series by Abby Green. It’s a sensual and passionate story of a man trying to escape his destiny but foiled by his loyalty to his country and the woman hired to help him take the throne.

Sheikh Salim Ibn Hafiz Al-Noury has spent several years away from his family, building a business empire and trying to distance himself from his home. But time has caught up to him. His brother Zafir has inherited the Kingdom of Jandor, his father’s birthright, while Salim has inherited Tabat, his mother’s ancestral home. Rulers of neighboring kingdoms due to the death of their father a year earlier, Zafir has taken his rightful place while Salim still has not claimed his crown. Tabat should have gone to Salim’s twin sister Sara, who had died tragically several years earlier. Blaming himself for her death, Salim had closed himself off emotionally, vowing never to let anyone close enough to hurt him. But he is soon captivated by the woman sent to ease his transition back into power.

Charlotte McQuillan has been hired by Zafir to help Salim navigate the tricky waters of protocol and international relations as he takes his place as ruler of Tabat. It’s the Christmas season in London, bringing for her depressing memories of a childhood spent as a pawn between her two divorced parents. It’s the perfect time to head to the desert for her latest assignment. She is surprised to find herself attracted to the handsome, arrogant man who seems to have no real interest in taking over. In fact, he plans to find a more suitable ruler to take his stead. Can Charlotte convince him to change his mind, without losing her heart in the bargain?

This is an enjoyable romance, contrasting wintry London with the desert heat and lush oases of Tabat. It’s an interesting holiday romance in that the heroine would prefer not to celebrate Christmas because of all the bad memories it evokes. Because she and Salim have both experienced traumatic childhoods, they have something to bond over as they spend time together. When Salim professes an interest in Charlotte, she initially has a hard time believing him. She’s nothing like the models and other sophisticated women that a playboy like Salim is used to. Their attraction may be mutual, but Salim is the one who makes the first move.

Even after sharing some sensual moments, Charlotte still believes he would never be interested in her for anything permanent, and that she certainly would not be Queen material. I did find it a bit tedious that she continually has an internal monologue that she’s not worthy to be his partner, but this is mostly due to her insecurities from her childhood and eventually Salim is able to convince her otherwise. I liked the push and pull between them, the way that Charlotte takes to Salim’s people as she travels to the different tribes with him, and her obvious affection for his country. It makes Salim see his duty in a more positive light. Eventually they work their way through their conflicts, and Salim is able to turn Christmas into a lovely experience for her. There is a sweet epilogue too. It’s a unique holiday romance.
 

Book Info:

Publication: Nov 21, 2017 | Harlequin Presents | Rulers of the Desert #2

Unwrapping her innocence… Reluctant ruler Sheikh Salim Al-Noury would rather abdicate than taint his realm with his dark secrets. Until one exquisitely beautiful diplomat is hired to persuade him to reconsider the throne… Christmas means heartbreak to Charlotte McQuillan, so working abroad over the festive season is the perfect getaway. But Salim proves to be her most challenging client yet as his rugged masculinity awakens untouched Charlotte to unimaginable pleasures! Soon Salim accepts that he alone can bear the weight of the crown. And his first proclamation will be to make Charlotte his Christmas queen!