A fun story with a very predictable ending. The slow burn love between Dave and Sharu was a fun ride on this roller coaster ride of a story. It was great to see Stanley get trounced. ( )

David should have known better than to trust criminals. His own dabbling in dishonest dealings should be enough indication of what can happen. And that's how he winds up being left for dead in a crumbling tomb.

But David finds something special in the tomb that just might be his ticket out: an old lamp with, believe it or not, a djinni inside. David's not much of a believer, but it's hard to deny Sharu's existence when he whisks them safely back to David's apartment. And it's even harder for David to deny his attraction to the djinni.

While many people would be excited at the prospect of three wishes, it's a complication David isn't sure he needs in his life. He's still nursing a breakup from the guy he thought was the love of his life. And it just so happens he's a guy that David can't avoid in his social circle. Not to mention, there's the brewing attraction David feels for Sharu. There's also the fact that David can't help feeling dismayed at the fact that Sharu is cursed and enslaved. It just doesn't seem right.

As David begins to find his confidence and earn Sharu's trust, can he find a way to save the djinni from his fate and return the favor? Or is some magic so powerful that nothing can make it undone?

--

I think there's something about David that many readers will find relatable. While he finds success in some areas of life, there are others that just don't come together. This is especially true with relationships. And even when what seems like an easy solution presents itself, things are never as simple as they seem.

And sometimes, truly, we don't know what we need until it's right in front of us...

This is an entertaining and engaging read. I recommend it to anyone who likes their romance with a bit of magic--ancient or otherwise--on the side.

[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.] ( )

What a lovely story! ‘Loving Djinni” enchanted and delighted me in equal measure, starting with the laugh-out-loud humor of the first half of the novel all the way to the deeply emotional part of the second half, which is when David and Sharu realize they are falling in love.

David may want everyone to believe that he is a serious art dealer, but underneath the civilized veneer he is a bit of a scoundrel. He trades in antiquities, but not all of them as real as the paperwork he forges makes them out to be. David is a nerd who loves art and respects history, but he wants to make money too - lots of money if at all possible. His ex has dumped him for being boring, and David decides to accept a contact’s invitation for a trip to Egypt – just to prove he is adventurous after all. What he gets as a result is the adventure of a lifetime, a djinni who grants him three wishes, and a moral dilemma about what to do with them.

Sharu is an ancient djinni, immortal and immensely powerful, and a bit of a prankster. As a result, he was bound by someone who turns out to be a historical celebrity and has been a prisoner of the lamp he resides in for millennia. The curse has curtailed his powers so he can only use them to fulfill three wishes for each master who finds the lamp, and he hates it. Sharu’s purpose in life has become to do as much damage to each master as possible by goading them into making stupid wishes, or by misinterpreting what they say as much as possible.

David and Sharu’s relationship is not an easy one. David, as a modern man, has difficulty dealing with the magic aspect, but hates whoever did this to Sharu for locking up a sentient being. Sharu is more than mistrustful, believing all humans are stupid and cruel. He only slowly begins to see that David is different, and that is when their relationship changes from hostile to carefully trusting and eventually loving. There are a few bumps along the way, misunderstandings to deal with, and the matter of Sharu vanishing as soon as David uses his third wish becomes a real problem.

The tone of the story changes as the relationship develops, and I found that fascinating. Initially, the humor is snarky and sarcastic, and while both characters’ sense of humor still comes through even when they are battling the threat of never being able to share their lives, it is a softer sort of humor. The depth of their despair was very touching, and the relief I felt when the solution came along was immense. I felt close to both of them, and really wanted them to be happy despite the odds.

If you like fantasy stories with lots of magic and a touch of humor, if two men who are separated by a curse sound exciting, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, sweet, romantic, and has an energy all its own, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. It’s adorable and goes straight to the “read when cheering up is required” stack.


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )