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Desert Princes of Jikkar #4
The Spider Prince
Amani Bantish has been passed over five times for marriage. She fears she has no hope for a husband until finally, the Spider Prince accepts her as his bride. Not for love, but to bear him an heir. Two years ago, Ziyad Bihar lost his first wife, Karis, and their unborn son under the hooves of a raider’s horse. No one else could possibly compare to the woman he’d once loved, therefore his new bride will not be his princess.But Ziyad cannot deny that the more he gets to know Amani, the more he fantasizes about his minx of a wife. Yet his loyalty to Karis pulls him deeper into his despair. When Amani’s life is threatened by the very man responsible for Karis’s death, Ziyad realizes he must fight for the woman he loves, or risk losing it all again.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2011
18 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Goings
41 books24 followersRebecca Goings has loved romance all her life. Always the romantic, she would frequently invent
love stories for her dolls and critters before realizing she should probably write them all down.
Bitten by the writing bug at the tender age of seven, Rebecca never once looked back as scores of
short stories and poems kept her company throughout her childhood.
In high school, she shared her stories with her friends, who became her first fans, demanding she write at least one new chapter a day lest they stage a coup. It wasn't until after Rebecca got married
that she tried her hand at writing a full-length novel. After many long years, she found the courage
to submit her work and now finds herself a multi-published author at several publishing houses.
Rebecca resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and four children, who are the light of her life.
A native Californian by birth, but a native Oregonian at heart, Rebecca loves the Pacific Northwest
and never plans on leaving.
Her dream is to host a book signing at Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, located in the heart of downtown Portland.
love stories for her dolls and critters before realizing she should probably write them all down.
Bitten by the writing bug at the tender age of seven, Rebecca never once looked back as scores of
short stories and poems kept her company throughout her childhood.
In high school, she shared her stories with her friends, who became her first fans, demanding she write at least one new chapter a day lest they stage a coup. It wasn't until after Rebecca got married
that she tried her hand at writing a full-length novel. After many long years, she found the courage
to submit her work and now finds herself a multi-published author at several publishing houses.
Rebecca resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and four children, who are the light of her life.
A native Californian by birth, but a native Oregonian at heart, Rebecca loves the Pacific Northwest
and never plans on leaving.
Her dream is to host a book signing at Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, located in the heart of downtown Portland.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2023
I picked this up because I’ve seen it on numerous regretful hero/H hung up on ex lists over the years, so I guess I had somewhat high expectations, but it sadly didn’t deliver. I didn’t realize this was part of a series because it isn’t linked to the other books in the Kindle store. (I now see it says book 4) I did feel lost with the worldbuilding because none of that is repeated, but never felt lost with the actual couple… if that makes sense. I’m going to add some of those (world deets) to this review but will keep it vague with Ziyad and Amani.
So, in this world there’re princes that are connected to different animal Gods. They all have some magical ability, but it sounds like magic is hit or miss with everyone else. Each prince is the head of a caravan (sort of like the Horde kings of Z. Draven’s Dakkar series) that travels around and provide water to the “stationary” people. (I think)
The blurb sets up the rest, Ziyad is the Spider Prince and grieving the death of his beloved wife, Karis. Amani has loved him FOREVER, but he chose Karis over her… who also was her BFF. The book starts with them marrying because he needs heirs.
My biggest complaint was the lack of any angst or feels. There was plenty to work with, but it wasn’t utilized. Amani is sad, and we’re being told she’s dying inside, but not shown it. Z is definitely holding back, but he’s not cruel. The dead wife is missed by both, but she’s not generating any hard feelings or drama. Everything is written very matter-of-factly with no emotion behind it… I felt very unattached to the characters and storyline.
I trying to be vague, but there were so many situations that could’ve generated some angst that didn’t. For example, (this happens on the first page) Z denies Amani being titled as his princess and will be known merely as his wife. This could’ve been so much juicier had his people ran with that (like in Coyote's Mate when Del-Ray did something similar to protect Anya) but they didn’t, so it didn’t pack an angst punch. So much potential, but each time it is either not discussed/explored or brushed over quickly.
Bottom Line- Not great. The writing style wasn’t for me. The characters felt YA, but the content was adult creating a weird tone to the book. Everything felt flat/passionless and I had zero feels… such a bummer because I like the drama created from a second-best/unrequited love dynamic.
So, in this world there’re princes that are connected to different animal Gods. They all have some magical ability, but it sounds like magic is hit or miss with everyone else. Each prince is the head of a caravan (sort of like the Horde kings of Z. Draven’s Dakkar series) that travels around and provide water to the “stationary” people. (I think)
The blurb sets up the rest, Ziyad is the Spider Prince and grieving the death of his beloved wife, Karis. Amani has loved him FOREVER, but he chose Karis over her… who also was her BFF. The book starts with them marrying because he needs heirs.
My biggest complaint was the lack of any angst or feels. There was plenty to work with, but it wasn’t utilized. Amani is sad, and we’re being told she’s dying inside, but not shown it. Z is definitely holding back, but he’s not cruel. The dead wife is missed by both, but she’s not generating any hard feelings or drama. Everything is written very matter-of-factly with no emotion behind it… I felt very unattached to the characters and storyline.
I trying to be vague, but there were so many situations that could’ve generated some angst that didn’t. For example, (this happens on the first page) Z denies Amani being titled as his princess and will be known merely as his wife. This could’ve been so much juicier had his people ran with that (like in Coyote's Mate when Del-Ray did something similar to protect Anya) but they didn’t, so it didn’t pack an angst punch. So much potential, but each time it is either not discussed/explored or brushed over quickly.
Bottom Line- Not great. The writing style wasn’t for me. The characters felt YA, but the content was adult creating a weird tone to the book. Everything felt flat/passionless and I had zero feels… such a bummer because I like the drama created from a second-best/unrequited love dynamic.
July 7, 2025
Weird but kept me hooked up.
November 20, 2022
4.7 stars
⏳ [5th re-read of 2022, 1st proper review, rating upgraded from 4 to 5 stars]
After just finishing Second Best, I knew I had to re-read this little gem if I wanted to have a satisfactory cryfest over the widower trope.
Ah the world of Jikkar, full magic and sensuality in the golden desert plains ☺. In this world, the gods are real and powerful and they have anointed stewards to roam the desert with their caravans to carry water across distant tent cities. Ziyad is hence the Spider Prince, designated by the God of Spiders, and he rules his caravan with a fair and just hand. Two years ago, he tragically lost the love of his life Karis, while she was pregnant, and though he has at last decided to marry a second time to Amani, he is convinced that he will never love as he loved Karis and so informs Amani that he intends to only make him his wife (mother of his heirs) and not his princess. Alas, in the world of Jikkar, this means that Amani does not hold the role of the mother of the caravan and hence not real royalty. To Amani who has always been in love with Ziyad, even when he rejected her for Karis, this is a painful burden to carry in her heart but she still accepts the union because she wants to be near him and bear him his heir - and have at least someone to love her back finally 😥.
It's been ten years since I first read this book and I think that I may have re-read it every other year. And every single time, though I know the plot by heart, I still get caught up in a huge angst fest with buckets of ugly tears 😢😭. The writing of RG is that good and raw, punching directly where it hurts best! This book is one of the best execution of the widower trope, the way I like it, that I have read so far. So many feelings clogging my throat each time I read it 😩😭! Dramatic angst galore 🤯! And the crying being so, so good 💯!
The plot is quite basic but set against the splendour of Jikkar, it does paint a very exotic tableau 🥰. The book reads as a highly emotional HP book, except that the sex scenes are very, very hot 🌋 and quite graphical for a 10-year old book. Amani was a one of kind heroine: she is so passionately in love with Ziyad, and for so long, that she does not shy in being very candidly outspoken in her feelings, her insecurities and her heartbreak with Ziyad. To the point that sometimes, she came across as masochistic in her ability to wallow quietly in so much pain. Ziyad can appear as very cold and caddish in the way he publicly humiliates Amani. He knows that his words and actions cause Amani great pains and each time he feels sick and wants to kick his own ass, but misplaced pride and loyalty to Karis' memory makes him believe that he can have it both ways: a sensual woman in his bed each night, but for whom he will never surrender his heart.
Of course, things boil down to a fever pitch (at the 50% mark) and when Ziyad finally faces that he may well have lost Amani, he superbly gets his head out of his arse and grovels back to her in a very dramatic and emotional way 😍. The rest of the book has Amani being targeted my an in-story villain and Ziyad in hot pursuit to save his princess. Much magic from Jikkar's world is also explored in this second half.
This book's sex scenes were smoking hot, with very, very dirty explicit talk 🥵🔥🔥🔥. Clearly, Ziyad and Amani are not shy, at all 😅, to share explosive sexual chemistry, despite the initial emotional high angst. But this book was no PWP either. Besides the dramatic romance, there are also quite strong side plots that connect loosely the other books of the series.
While I could handle Amani's selfless martyr tendencies (because it added to the angst so good 😍), I did get a bit tired of her always thinking benevolently at Karis' memory, as if the latter was some sort of saint 😑. Karis was not even her BFF for goodness' sake! However, I did like the bit when Amani and Zara philosophied that the God of Spiders may have ensured that Amani be rejected by so many men before, as she was meant to end with Ziyad only, and him being with Karis was for him to learn how to love when the time for him to finally claim Amani as his princess arrived. And if he had chosen Amani the first time, then, she would have been the one who would have died. Cheesy, definitely, but in Jikkar's dreamy world building, it totally works for me ☺😍🥰🤩.
*sigh* Still a favourite book! A total gem, so often overlooked by readers unfortunately. I am also sad that RG has decided that she was never going to write these kind of books again 😭 She has my eternal thanks nevertheless to have written this book that satisfies so many of my kinks ❤❤
P.S. Loved the tag line on the cover 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2014
This was a DNF.
I struggled with this book from the start. The writing lacked both polish and voice. It was flat and telly. The other half of the problem was the pacing was off. There was nothing at all suspenseful. No build up at all.
As I struggled to read, I kept asking myself: Why? Why finish if it's only going to be a 1?
And then I came to this:
While he crushed the life from Sahirah, his other hand stroked himself, until her gasps for breath merged with his own gasps of pleasure. Ecstasy built within him until the pressure was almost too much to bear. The moment he came, he growled loudly, pumping his hand while seed overflowed onto Sahirah's face and hair.
He stood gazing down at his wife and triumph lit within him. She was lifeless. He was finally free of her. Perhaps now, his god would see fit to bring back his oasis. (pg 159)
I read that, blinked, and then read it again. In my head I was thinking: Okay, did I seriously just read that he choaked her as he came in her face? SERIOUSLY? And the fact is, it's not necessary.
This is from the POV of the bad guy. It's his first scene, actually. HALFWAY through the book.
Sigh. WHY?
I kept reading for another 30 pages after this. Because I thought: It surely will get better. I didn't. If I'm thinking that much while I read, it's not a good sign.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
I struggled with this book from the start. The writing lacked both polish and voice. It was flat and telly. The other half of the problem was the pacing was off. There was nothing at all suspenseful. No build up at all.
As I struggled to read, I kept asking myself: Why? Why finish if it's only going to be a 1?
And then I came to this:
While he crushed the life from Sahirah, his other hand stroked himself, until her gasps for breath merged with his own gasps of pleasure. Ecstasy built within him until the pressure was almost too much to bear. The moment he came, he growled loudly, pumping his hand while seed overflowed onto Sahirah's face and hair.
He stood gazing down at his wife and triumph lit within him. She was lifeless. He was finally free of her. Perhaps now, his god would see fit to bring back his oasis. (pg 159)
I read that, blinked, and then read it again. In my head I was thinking: Okay, did I seriously just read that he choaked her as he came in her face? SERIOUSLY? And the fact is, it's not necessary.
This is from the POV of the bad guy. It's his first scene, actually. HALFWAY through the book.
Sigh. WHY?
I kept reading for another 30 pages after this. Because I thought: It surely will get better. I didn't. If I'm thinking that much while I read, it's not a good sign.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
November 30, 2022
This was surprisingly angst/ drama free. There were a couple of scenes that were embarrassing for the h but nothing like I thought it would be..I'm kinda disappointed
July 23, 2019
Some books confuse me because I just don't know what rating to give they're such a mixed bag. In the end I decided that just because I liked the angsty scenes where the H is forever reminding the h she's not The one isn't reason enough to like this overall. The h was so clearly 2nd choice that no matter if it's passed off as the God's greater plan, h's are gullible as we know, I could never believe it. Once we get over the hump of the relationship, the plot line didn't do much for me. Villian, kidnapping, the gods...it was all meh.
November 24, 2022
3.5 stars
February 28, 2011
Their union was one of expectation, duty, and responsibility not forged from the bonds of love.
Since the death of Karis, it has taken years for the Spider to collect Amani as his bride. He made sure to explain what was expected of her before their nuptials, so there was no mistaking the son-bearing yet loveless life she would lead. Amani knew going in to the arrangement what she would never receive from the Spider, but she secretly held a spark of hope for it anyway. After repeated marriage rejections from both princes and commoners alike, she feels dejected, defeated, and self-conscious, so this may be her last chance, but at what price? As the emotional rollercoaster takes it’s toll on Amani, Ziyad feels guilty and confused over the effect Amani seems to have on him. He can’t deny the physical attraction, but can he break away from the pain and death of his past and open his heart for the woman who can bring love and life to his future?
I couldn't help but fall in love with Ziyad from his earliest appearance in a previous book to this series. Likewise with Amani, but I really felt for her character more in this story because while she has everything she’s ever dreamt of having her circumstance with the Spider is still so tragic. Her respect and admiration for him is unquestionable and it was hard to see the Spider somewhat detached and unfeeling toward her. Of course, the mixed signals he was sending her due to his own confused and denied feelings didn’t help either. Amazingly enough, Amani still manages to restore some of her self-confidence while conversing with others and during intimate moments with the Spider. Amani’s quiet grace and dignity mixed with a somewhat defiant attitude really appealed to me.
Much of the story is centered on our leading couple with an emotionally intense yet appropriately fast pace. When the story moves back to the overall series plotline, it’s done brilliantly with shocking turn of event results and a little teaser into the Jackal Prince’s future. I am impatiently awaiting the next installment to this fabulous series and encourage every reader of romance to give it a try. To better understand the overall storyline, I fully recommend starting with The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1), and if that’s not enough encouragement just take a look at all of the delicious covers there are to choose from. You’ll think you’ve found and read your favorite until Ms. Goings writes the next one.
Review also posted @ The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews:
http://thepaganandthepenbookreviews.b...
Since the death of Karis, it has taken years for the Spider to collect Amani as his bride. He made sure to explain what was expected of her before their nuptials, so there was no mistaking the son-bearing yet loveless life she would lead. Amani knew going in to the arrangement what she would never receive from the Spider, but she secretly held a spark of hope for it anyway. After repeated marriage rejections from both princes and commoners alike, she feels dejected, defeated, and self-conscious, so this may be her last chance, but at what price? As the emotional rollercoaster takes it’s toll on Amani, Ziyad feels guilty and confused over the effect Amani seems to have on him. He can’t deny the physical attraction, but can he break away from the pain and death of his past and open his heart for the woman who can bring love and life to his future?
I couldn't help but fall in love with Ziyad from his earliest appearance in a previous book to this series. Likewise with Amani, but I really felt for her character more in this story because while she has everything she’s ever dreamt of having her circumstance with the Spider is still so tragic. Her respect and admiration for him is unquestionable and it was hard to see the Spider somewhat detached and unfeeling toward her. Of course, the mixed signals he was sending her due to his own confused and denied feelings didn’t help either. Amazingly enough, Amani still manages to restore some of her self-confidence while conversing with others and during intimate moments with the Spider. Amani’s quiet grace and dignity mixed with a somewhat defiant attitude really appealed to me.
Much of the story is centered on our leading couple with an emotionally intense yet appropriately fast pace. When the story moves back to the overall series plotline, it’s done brilliantly with shocking turn of event results and a little teaser into the Jackal Prince’s future. I am impatiently awaiting the next installment to this fabulous series and encourage every reader of romance to give it a try. To better understand the overall storyline, I fully recommend starting with The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1), and if that’s not enough encouragement just take a look at all of the delicious covers there are to choose from. You’ll think you’ve found and read your favorite until Ms. Goings writes the next one.
Review also posted @ The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews:
http://thepaganandthepenbookreviews.b...
January 19, 2015
The Spider Prince told the story of Amani and Ziyad, two people married for political reason. Ziyad was the prince of the Spider clan and the steward of the Spider’s God. He was previously married to Amani’s friend, Karis, who died in a raid. Ziyad didn’t believe that he could possibly love anyone else other than his dead Spider Princess. Even after his marriage to Amani, he declared that she was only his wife and not the Spider Princess. This led to complication and confusion not only to his people and Amani but to himself as well. Since Amani was not a royalty, she was basically ranked among the servant. While she tried to act her part, Ziyad’s behavior towards her made her confuse. There were plenty of sexy times between them which was hot, to say the least. He treated her gently, kindly, and wanted her around him all the times, but Amani not-a-princess-only-a-wife position limited her usefulness in the clan to her only duty—Ziyad’s wife—which pretty much meant breeding cow. Naturally, no one was happy about that.
Things turned worst for the couple when the Falcon Prince, Khalil, and his Princess/Wife, Zara, came to the oasis for a visit. Once Khalil found out about the way Ziyad treated Amani, he went mad which led to Ziyad denouncing Amani in front of both the Spider and Falcon clan, which meant he had divorced her. To cut matter short, Amani disappeared along with the Falcon clan and Ziyad was left to face his people who were angry at him. The story was action-filled starting from the separation. The villains appeared and Ziyad along with the other princes did their best to protect their people. The subtle use of magic in the story was done nicely. We even got an epic opening for the next novel between The Jackal Prince and his future Princess, Yasmin. The world of Jikkar was fascinating and I, for one, will definitely read the other books in the series.
Things turned worst for the couple when the Falcon Prince, Khalil, and his Princess/Wife, Zara, came to the oasis for a visit. Once Khalil found out about the way Ziyad treated Amani, he went mad which led to Ziyad denouncing Amani in front of both the Spider and Falcon clan, which meant he had divorced her. To cut matter short, Amani disappeared along with the Falcon clan and Ziyad was left to face his people who were angry at him. The story was action-filled starting from the separation. The villains appeared and Ziyad along with the other princes did their best to protect their people. The subtle use of magic in the story was done nicely. We even got an epic opening for the next novel between The Jackal Prince and his future Princess, Yasmin. The world of Jikkar was fascinating and I, for one, will definitely read the other books in the series.
January 19, 2013
Have loved reading this series.
Wasn't sure I would like to read the story of duty and not love.
The spider prince buried his heart with his dead wife and child.
So his second wife would bear his sons, would have his protection, but never his heart.
I thought this was a hard story to read, it made me cry several times.
But the story was well written, and got very involved.
And very happy that the spider prince and princess got to live happily ever after.
Wasn't sure I would like to read the story of duty and not love.
The spider prince buried his heart with his dead wife and child.
So his second wife would bear his sons, would have his protection, but never his heart.
I thought this was a hard story to read, it made me cry several times.
But the story was well written, and got very involved.
And very happy that the spider prince and princess got to live happily ever after.
April 23, 2011
I think this is the best one out of the series. All the books have been great and I have enjoyed all them. I think there is one more prince to find his princess. Maybe the author will find others to write about in this world she built.
May 4, 2023
This book started off so heartbreaking for the heroine. She felt so unwanted by everyone especially the hero. The hero was a complete dick for the first half of the book. I did eventually end of liking him by the end of the book.
July 4, 2023
I hate sappy overly generous heroines with righteous sacrificial lamb syndrome whose best friend married her crush then go on to have sappy simping talks with the same husband about the dead bestfriend aka ex-wife as if they're kindred souls reconnecting with a mutual love. It's betrayal. Cringe. No. Call me petty. But if my bestfriend goes on to marry my crush who was also flirting with me before seeing my bestfriend and marrying her instead of me despite giving me false hopes, I would stay MIIILLLESSS away from these people.
And if by chance I have to marry that same man in the future after the said bestfriend dies, I won't be having heart-to-heart talks about that bestfriend/ex-wife with the husband like reminiscing her memories when the husband has clearly stated that he will always love that ex-wife and you are only his breeder. Doormat much.
The author tries very hard to put that ex wife on a golden pedestal by mentioning that she asked for the h's "permission" before marrying the H. And she was touched by it. Umm what? If that bestfriend is SOOO nice, she should have never been involved with the H in the first place knowing her friend the heroine is already in love with him. Doesn't make sense if she asks for "permission". It only makes it worse and the h a more tried and tested worn our doormat.
At one point she also says she wished he married her first so that she would have been the one to die and the H would have been with the bestfriend now. Lol WHAT? This h takes the award of best walk-over doormat.
Just No. Should have skipped this book.
And if by chance I have to marry that same man in the future after the said bestfriend dies, I won't be having heart-to-heart talks about that bestfriend/ex-wife with the husband like reminiscing her memories when the husband has clearly stated that he will always love that ex-wife and you are only his breeder. Doormat much.
The author tries very hard to put that ex wife on a golden pedestal by mentioning that she asked for the h's "permission" before marrying the H. And she was touched by it. Umm what? If that bestfriend is SOOO nice, she should have never been involved with the H in the first place knowing her friend the heroine is already in love with him. Doesn't make sense if she asks for "permission". It only makes it worse and the h a more tried and tested worn our doormat.
At one point she also says she wished he married her first so that she would have been the one to die and the H would have been with the bestfriend now. Lol WHAT? This h takes the award of best walk-over doormat.
Just No. Should have skipped this book.
July 12, 2020
2 stars
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Oh how I wish I wasn't writing this right now. I was so excited about this book. The description stole my breath away and I was sold. I read this in a few hours too. It started off great. I actually almost cried a few moments in the beginning. However, the turning point comes when we are shortly introduced to the characters who are responsible for the death of his wife. In my opinion, the book goes down heel from there. It could be because I stayed up all night reading, but it became too predictable and cheesy for me to take seriously anymore. At one point, I think I even rolled my eyes. Also, where is the trigger warning for this story? I am absolutely appalled this book didn't come with a warning. Overall, I had high hopes for this book, but I ended up disappointed in the end.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Oh how I wish I wasn't writing this right now. I was so excited about this book. The description stole my breath away and I was sold. I read this in a few hours too. It started off great. I actually almost cried a few moments in the beginning. However, the turning point comes when we are shortly introduced to the characters who are responsible for the death of his wife. In my opinion, the book goes down heel from there. It could be because I stayed up all night reading, but it became too predictable and cheesy for me to take seriously anymore. At one point, I think I even rolled my eyes. Also, where is the trigger warning for this story? I am absolutely appalled this book didn't come with a warning. Overall, I had high hopes for this book, but I ended up disappointed in the end.
December 31, 2022
I don't know why I didn't enjoy this story, but I didn't. Not only that, but I also had a hard time pushing through until the ending. The sex descriptions and the way this couple talked during sex was off putting as well. I was really expecting more angst, but I didn't really feel anything. Even though Amani's position as Ziyad's wife made her feel like she was pretty much a brood mare with the same class status as the help rather than the princess status she should have had, I didn't really feel bad for her or her situation. The divorce scene was the only good highlight of this story, So bummed. I usually love the "Hero Loves His Dead Wife more than his New Wife" trope, but I just didn't feel anything in this story. At all.
August 25, 2023
This could've been so good
But it read more like a draft that was blindly published without a beta reader or editor
The idea was solid
But a good idea cant thrive when it's alone
There was zero world building
Magic is just thrown at the reader without bothering to explain
The angst of an arranged marriage is missing
They only take a day to start talking as if they were good friends
Heroine with no self-respect
And the annoying trope of having her love him with no reason at all
Dialogues read as if this was set in modern times
With the lot of them talking as if they were in a Riverdale episode
Specially the smut dialogues
Those were extra cringey
Even more so considering this is supposed to be a society where girls are virgins when they marry and know very little
And we readers are supposed to like all of this? Cmon
Have some respect for your audience
But it read more like a draft that was blindly published without a beta reader or editor
The idea was solid
But a good idea cant thrive when it's alone
There was zero world building
Magic is just thrown at the reader without bothering to explain
The angst of an arranged marriage is missing
They only take a day to start talking as if they were good friends
Heroine with no self-respect
And the annoying trope of having her love him with no reason at all
Dialogues read as if this was set in modern times
With the lot of them talking as if they were in a Riverdale episode
Specially the smut dialogues
Those were extra cringey
Even more so considering this is supposed to be a society where girls are virgins when they marry and know very little
And we readers are supposed to like all of this? Cmon
Have some respect for your audience
September 9, 2024
no offence to ziyad but zara put in more legwork in his relationship with amani than he ever did 😭
amani is a better person than i am bc why is she so mature abt how he picked karis over her again and again.
but fr i didn’t feel like his love for karis overshadowed his love for amani but more like it was an out of sight out of mind thing ? idk but he definitely did love and appreciate amani by the end of the book
lowkey reminded me of the wrath and the dawn which is one of my favourite duologies so half a star more for that
amani is a better person than i am bc why is she so mature abt how he picked karis over her again and again.
but fr i didn’t feel like his love for karis overshadowed his love for amani but more like it was an out of sight out of mind thing ? idk but he definitely did love and appreciate amani by the end of the book
lowkey reminded me of the wrath and the dawn which is one of my favourite duologies so half a star more for that
December 24, 2022
Loved every aspect of the story till the 60% mark. The unrequited love, wallflower trope and how he hurted her every time, goddd, i cried buckets of tears. The grovel was not quite upto the mark but ok. After everything was sorted between the couple, the storyline of continued with "who killed the first wife?" and unfortunately it was boring💀
May 4, 2024
I needed more angst and drama but overall it was a short read that I read straight through and was adequately entertained. The sainted dead wife trope is not really for me, but this isn’t really serve up much angst.
November 27, 2018
Lovely book to read
Read
September 5, 2024Oldier read
July 27, 2012
A real tear-jerker for the first half of the book. I do agree that the end has a bit too much Deus ex machina but it's good enough for me since I was there for the romance and it was still within acceptable limits. A quick, enjoyable read. Take your tea and prepare your seats, ladies, this will keep you occupied for the better half of a rainy day.
October 29, 2022
Perfect Angst!
I loved the set up of the book! This is the first book i have read of the series but I was able to understand it well enough!
My favorite part of the book was how mature the FMC was about the other woman! It was a good transition with plenty of juicy angst for the MMC to realize his love. <3
I loved the set up of the book! This is the first book i have read of the series but I was able to understand it well enough!
My favorite part of the book was how mature the FMC was about the other woman! It was a good transition with plenty of juicy angst for the MMC to realize his love. <3
February 13, 2023
The spider Prince
I really liked this one, he could have done a bit more groveling as he was really an ass, but I've never found the perfect grovel yet.
I really liked this one, he could have done a bit more groveling as he was really an ass, but I've never found the perfect grovel yet.
April 21, 2013
could have been a bit more emotional to be a 5 star;)
November 10, 2013
This was a DNF.
August 21, 2018
huh. Look at that! Not as bad as I thought it would be! :D
I actually read this for a challenge and the blurb made me sigh in resignation that this is going to be so,so bad.
Now that I have read it - it is still pretty bad, but I would like to point out that I didn't add it to my "dnf", "no,just no" or "wish I never touched this" shelf, so - score!
At the beginning I thought the hero is a cruel, inconsiderate D-bag and the heroine is a true masochistic martyr. Go team pathetic & miserable!
Then the hero did "the big plot twist"
And then the villain was introduced! What a way to bring new blood (literally :D ) in this story! It was so positively revolting! #LoveIt (You totally got the 3rd star for the villain)
Well and then it was all spoiled by some sappy and mushy stuff. And that totally unnecessary scene in physician's tent. That was a no no. The hero is still a D-bag and should have suffered more (shame on you heroine for giving in so easily), but overall it was readable. Maybe I will gather the will to read some other books in a series :D
I actually read this for a challenge and the blurb made me sigh in resignation that this is going to be so,so bad.
Now that I have read it - it is still pretty bad, but I would like to point out that I didn't add it to my "dnf", "no,just no" or "wish I never touched this" shelf, so - score!
At the beginning I thought the hero is a cruel, inconsiderate D-bag and the heroine is a true masochistic martyr. Go team pathetic & miserable!
Then the hero did "the big plot twist"
And then the villain was introduced! What a way to bring new blood (literally :D ) in this story! It was so positively revolting! #LoveIt (You totally got the 3rd star for the villain)
Well and then it was all spoiled by some sappy and mushy stuff. And that totally unnecessary scene in physician's tent. That was a no no. The hero is still a D-bag and should have suffered more (shame on you heroine for giving in so easily), but overall it was readable. Maybe I will gather the will to read some other books in a series :D
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