Fiona Brand

Good book. Sarah is a twenty-eight year old history teacher who hasn't had good luck with men. She's had two engagements not work out. Now she has taken a good look at her life and doesn't like what she sees, so she is determined to make a change. She gives herself a makeover and heads off to the Zahir consulate for a reception. There she meets a good looking man named Gabe, who really gets her motor going. When she has car trouble later that evening, he offers to drive her home.

Gabe is the heir to the Zahir throne, and as such is expected to marry. He had been married young to his childhood sweetheart, but the marriage hadn't been a happy one. His wife had been even younger than him and hadn't been mature enough to handle the life they had to lead. She was clingy and selfish and gave him no peace. She died tragically when she ran off in a fit of temper. Since then, Gabe has sworn that he would never allow his emotions that much control over him again. He is currently being pressured to marry again, and as he really doesn't care who, he accepts suggestions from his father. The night before his engagement is due to be announced he spots Sarah from across the room and is intrigued. One thing leads to another, and they share a passion filled night together. He can make no promises to her and leaves without telling her who he is, and doesn't contact her again.

Four months later he hasn't been able to forget her. When he finds out she's pregnant he knows that he must be a part of her life. He is willing to do whatever is necessary to get her to marry him, except to give her his heart.

I really liked Sarah. She is independent and self reliant. I loved seeing her step out of her comfort zone that night and go after what she wanted - Gabe. Though she tries to tell herself that she not going to hold out for love, there is an instant connection with him and she can't help picturing a real relationship with him. When he disappears the next day, she forces herself to move on without him. When she discovers she's pregnant, she attempts to find out who he is and contact him, but is unable to do so. When he shows up unexpectedly, she is furious that it only appears to be because of the baby. She has to decide if she can marry him knowing that he doesn't love her. I really loved seeing her try to hold strong against his intentions while he tries to convince her that what they have is enough.

I liked Gabe's protectiveness, which was evident even when he was trying to stay away from her. He also couldn't get her off his mind, much to his dismay. Even so, when he found out about her pregnancy, he was quite happy for the excuse to break his engagement and plan to marry Sarah instead. It was equally amusing and frustrating to see him try to convince himself that all he felt for her was lust. I loved the way that he finally saw the truth, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him in action as he tried to win her back.… (more)