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Zaysh the crown prince

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Zaysh was never meant to rule. Sent to the Princes’ School against his will, exiled from his freedom and his desires, he returns home after three years only to discover that his brother has married into a powerful kingdom and gained the upper hand in the race for the throne.

The solution standing before him seems to be a marriage with a princess of even greater political weight. Before surrendering to this new duty, Zaysh plans one final week of unrestrained freedom—a sex-filled escape before everything changes. What he doesn’t expect is the woman who bangs on his hotel room door and demands he stop having sex.

Ayoka knows heartbreak all too well. Betrayed and humiliated, she flees to Maputo in search of peace and anonymity… only to get caught up with a stranger who turns out to be anything but ordinary. Their meeting is chaotic. Their chemistry is instant and electric.

When duty draws them back into each other’s orbit under masks and royal titles, a fake marriage becomes the perfect solution—for the throne, for appearances, and for the past they both want to escape. As emotions rise and old wounds resurface, the hardest rules to follow are the ones they set

No touching. No kissing. And absolutely no falling in love.

And they’re both about to break every one of them.


For mature audiences only.

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2025

378 people are currently reading
228 people want to read

About the author

Mary C. KIM

10 books53 followers

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5 stars
211 (64%)
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81 (24%)
3 stars
28 (8%)
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8 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Neek Brown.
100 reviews14 followers
June 18, 2025
A special thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Zaysh The Crown Prince" is a captivating tale that masterfully intertwines the beloved fake marriage trope with heartfelt character development, the dynamic enemies-to-lovers arc, and an irresistible romantic tension. The story kicks off with Ayoka and Uche entering into a contrived union, but what starts as mere pretense quickly spirals into a complex, emotionally charged connection that feels anything but fake.

Ayoka’s struggle to resist her growing attraction to Uche is both palpable and relatable. She’s fiercely independent, determined not to lose herself in the charade, yet every stolen glance and accidental touch chips away at her resolve. Their initial animosity adds an electrifying edge to their interactions, as Ayoka and Uche’s clashing personalities and conflicting goals create the perfect storm of tension and chemistry. This enemies-to-lovers dynamic enhances the depth of their relationship, making every moment of vulnerability between them even more impactful.

Uche, on the other hand, plunges headfirst into his feelings. His transformation from a seemingly aloof crown prince to a man profoundly altered by love is both heartwarming and compelling. The depth of his emotions and the tenderness he develops for Ayoka showcase how profoundly she impacts him, reshaping his priorities and worldview. Watching their mutual disdain evolve into admiration and ultimately love is a testament to the story’s rich emotional arc.

The cliffhanger at the end is nothing short of breathtaking. It left me on the edge of my seat, heart racing, and desperate for more. The stakes are higher than ever, and the unresolved tension between Ayoka and Uche promises even more drama, passion, and emotional growth in the next installment.

I am beyond excited for Book 2. The anticipation is real, and I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds!
Profile Image for Carissa G.
231 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2025
The storyline of this book captured my attention right away! I loved the royal families. This was my first book by Mary Kim, and I enjoyed her writing style!

Initially, I thought the book was going one way when the main characters met on vacation! I definitely didn’t see the twist and turns that happened after. I didn’t expect them to fall so fast for each other given the initial back and forth!

I wasn’t fond of Zaysh background in the beginning. But I grew to love his character!

Ayoka drove me crazy! Absolutely crazy! Her back and forth and not knowing what she wanted! And saying one thing and meaning another thing! I was in complete agreement with her brothers - she was A LOT and very indecisive! She was very immature acting!

And the cliffhanger at the end 😡😡😡 this bothered me because we went the whole book and Ayoka was still playing around with that man like she wasn’t feeling the same way he was! She didn’t let him kiss her until 98.5% of the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Crimson.
619 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2025
What!!!!!

Y'all!!!! This book is so daggum good. When I say I couldn't put this book down is an understatement. It didn't even take me a full day. Y'all just read the damn book.
Profile Image for Tazja Lewis.
409 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2025
This was different for me but I enjoyed it. I loved how my girl flipped the script on Zay when he tried to bully her into sleeping with him😂.
Profile Image for Ayanna  S.
248 reviews21 followers
May 29, 2025
arc review


6 stars !; I absolutely devoured this book up it was so funny and so intense , you could feel the chemistry, the passion between the FMC and MMC I need part two stat pls lmao
Profile Image for Koris_library.
8 reviews
May 27, 2025
I would definitely give this a 4/5 stars and the spice at 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5!!!! Sooo cute and sooo sexy ahh and THE MMC sooo fine and hot!! I need a man like zaysh FOR REALLL!! I did get to read this book early but my rating is 100% unbiased and yeah I recommend it very much!!!
20 reviews
June 22, 2025
Hard read.

I didn't like the easy the pov told the same situations with the same conversations. It really felt like filler. Having to move to a key for translations was too much. There were a few typos where words were misplaced but English isn't the author's first language so take that into consideration.
As much as I hate to admit this... I am curious to see what happens next but I probably won't read book 2.
Profile Image for Blessing Reads.
44 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2025
Zaysh: The Crown Prince Book 1– This book is a gripping slow slow-burn romance that follows Zaysh, a crown prince forced into a royal life he never wanted. After being sent to prince school without his consent and against his will, he returns home only to face pressures from his mother to marry for the throne or follow his heart of not wanting the throne.

Ayoka, a strong-willed, no-nonsense, independent woman he meets under awkward circumstances on a trip and later proposes a fake marriage to.
What starts as a lie quickly gets complicated with tension, chemistry, and unexpected feelings.
Does their relationship or marriage that started with a lie spirals into something more and real?
What would their fate be together and would they have a happy ending?

Ayoka’s back and forth drove me wild in the best way, she’s fierce, and doesn’t fold easily. Zaysh isn’t your typical good guy at first, but his growth and character development into a protective, passionate man was so satisfying and compelling to read.

The Nigerian royal setting, the infusion of African culture had me hooked and I must say I applaud the Author, because for a well detailed book and cultural depth like this despite being French was so captivating. And the humor (Mama Ife is something else!) her character had me laughing out loud 😂 it added so much flavor and laughter to the book.

Though the romance is slow, the tension builds up beautifully and that cliffhanger? Very brutal I must say😂 it left me craving more and I can’t wait to finally see where those tensions and yearning takes Zaysh and Ayoka to🤭

I’m hooked and already looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for The Urban Book Nook.
368 reviews
June 13, 2025
Whewww chile! I had the pleasure of reading Zaysh: The Crown Prince early and babyyy… this book was everything I didn’t know I needed! Zaysh? THAT MAN. Tall, tatted, seductive, intentional… just my kind of alpha

This slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance was full of tension that oozed off the pages. The chemistry between Zaysh and Ayoka was off the charts, and their energy together? UNMATCHED.

Now let’s talk Ayoka. Sis… was in her own way a lot! I was this close to jumping in the book and shaking some sense into her. But at the end of the day, their love story was beautiful and messy in the best way — like a modern-day fairytale with spice, laughs, and drama.

Ayoka’s family? Scene stealers! That garden scene? LOADED. That cliffhanger? DISRESPECTFUL. I was hooked from start to finish and I’m already counting down to Book 2.

If you love grown & sexy vibes, a spicy slow burn, and a prince that oozes BDE, Zaysh is a must-read. Mary C. Kim really did her thing with this one!

📖 Release Date: 06/16/2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for MOmo.
194 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2025
A Sensual read and reminds me of nollywood

The author definitely warned us in the preface that this book will be filled with angst, yearning desire, and longing, and Mary Kim did not lie. This was such an interesting read. It was a passionate read as well. I really enjoyed how the characters were Wolver into the story. I also liked the passion. The tension between the two of them. There were some aspects that needed deLulu, but all the same. I enjoyed just reading how these two people when are getting their feelings for the female protagonist it was so interesting to see how she constantly was battling with her stubbornness and our undeniable passion for our husband. Another thing is the dynamics and the complexity between the relationship like and the connections of you know different people like it definitely gave that Nollywood vibe where you could never see some things coming you would guess and all of the boats it was like they were those little placeholders in the story that made you feel something is definitely going to happen later on so this was a fun read
Profile Image for NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula.
295 reviews11 followers
June 2, 2025
Thank you so much Mary C. KIM for the ARC!

OMG y’all… this book was GOODT!! I had the best time reading it! Zaysh and Ayoka? Whew—those two had no idea how perfect they were for each other, but once it clicked? BABYYY, it clicked. Their energy was so good, I couldn’t stop smiling (and fanning myself)!

It was cute, it was hilarious, it was spicyyyyyy, and it gave grown & sexy from start to finish. The vibes? Immaculate.

Now let’s talk about Zaysh real quick—because HELLO?! BDE all day. He had the charm, the confidence, the softness too? Yeah… book bae behavior confirmed.

And listen... I need to know what went down in that garden between you-know-who. Because whew, the way that scene was loaded with wthelly and mystery? Don’t leave me hanging like that!!

Also, Ayoka’s mom, sister and brother? Hilarious. Total scene-stealers. I was laughing out loud every time they showed up.

The slow burn was EVERYTHING. The translations wonderful touch. The overall tension between Zaysh and Ayoka had me hanging on every scene—and just when I thought I was catching my breath... BOOM. That cliffhanger snatched it right back!

Such a fun, fiery, can't-put-it-down read—I devoured it, and I already can’t wait for book 2! But until the enjoy this one! Release date 06/16/2025
Profile Image for Brianna.
40 reviews
June 23, 2025
First off let me say thank you Mary for trusting me to read this early!! I can’t pick just one moment. Even though English is not Mary’s first language, you can tell she took the time to translate it. I’m excited to continue following along with the story. Ayoka is a stubborn woman and doesn’t think a man like Zaysh will never reach her level. Zaysh is a carefree, tall and tatted man who loves getting under Ayoka skin. They both rattled each other’s world so much they end up in a marriage of convenience. And even though this is about Zaysh and Ayoka, the supporting characters help tie it all together. Mama Ife is a trip 😂

Here’s a few lines I loved:

I’d rather chew glass than call him handsome.

And the entire time, I was falling for her all over again, like a fool who didn’t learn the first time.

Now I'm starting to get why Ayoka's so damn impossible to figure out. This crazy shit runs in their blood!

"Drop that nickname. I'm a one-woman man now."
Profile Image for BookishhTori.
673 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2025
Steamy, Sinful, and Impossible to Put Downl

This was a steamy romance I never saw coming—one that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. Zaysh is pure BDE with a splash of bad boy royalty, the kind of man who commands every space he’s in. It takes the right woman to make a man raise his standards, and Ayoka didn’t just raise them—she set the bar.

They’re polar opposites, but fate clearly had plans. Chuka’s character is intriguing, and I definitely want to know more about him. That contract Ayoka signed? Driving me crazy because I know there’s something in the fine print that’s gonna flip everything.

Zaysh isn’t just going to love Ayoka—he’s going to break her down like a fraction until she’s his completely. The way their tension simmers? My Kindle almost caught fire.

Mary C. Kim gave me spice, intensity, and sexual allure with just the right amount of emotional pull. On to part 2.
Profile Image for Breana.
126 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2025
ARC Review
"What matters most in a relations isn't who a woman gave her heart to first. It's who she'll keep it for the rest of her life. That's the place you have to fight for."

Thank you Mary C. Kim for the advanced copy of Zaysh I enjoyed getting to know him and Ayoka!!! At the beginning of the book the author tells you this is a slow burn, BELIEVE HER!!! This book burned in the best way possible. The connection and tension between Zaysh and Ayoka was dripping off the pages and had me hooked from beginning to end. Ayoka is very much insufferable like her brother says but you come to like her eventually. Zaysh is the player of all players and he doesn't want to be king, but his mother has other plans. & let's not forget Mama Ife, because she had me dying every time she showed up!!! I can't wait for the second book to see what happens with our favorite royals.
Profile Image for Denae.
131 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2025
Thank you so much to Mary C.Kim for the ARC! This is my first read by her and it didn’t disappoint. First off our MMC is fine! I loved his confidence, his aura, everything! Initially very early on, he was getting on my nerves bc he was so “p”focused, but I was happy to see the growth in his character. The FMC irked me a bit with her indecisiveness but baby the chemistry between them was undeniable. I loved the slow burn, the tension, the angst! If you’re looking for a fun read- this is it! This book has wit, humor, and also real emotions as well. The cliffhanger?! 😅😅 I’m definitely interested in part 2 because I’d love to see where Ayoko and Zaysh story goes!

Tropes/themes
Fake marriage
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Angsty/tension
Royal family
Fiercely independent FMC

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Brandy  Smith.
105 reviews12 followers
June 6, 2025
If you like slow burns then this is the book for you. The emotional pull wanting them to give in to each other was definitely spicy. Although I’m not a huge fan of slow burns this book was pretty good. Mama Ife was my favorite. I need her to teach my girl a few lessons immediately. Zaysh and Ayoka have this love/hate relationship but can’t deny the love they feel for each other. In the end Zaysh won and I’m so happy for him he gave what he was supposed to give. BDE all day. I also liked Kayin with his care free attitude. Kenneth gave fuck boy even tho my boy Kayin was a manwhore he was hilarious. You never know when your past will catch up to you or when Cupid decides to hit you with that arrow. In the end love conquers all.
Profile Image for Youneek_reads (Shaneeka F.).
84 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2025
I was hooked on this book from the very first page. Zaysh himself is an irresistible blend of brooding prince and secret romantic, forced into a royal role he never wanted. When he meets Ayoka—strong, guarded, and unexpectedly real—I was cheering for their chemistry to ignite. The fake‑marriage trope is pushed to delicious extremes: one wild week of freedom quickly turns into something deeper. The pacing is electric, the tension steamy, and the emotional stakes feel authentic. I loved how Zaysh’s royal armor starts to crack as he falls for Ayoka, and how she carefully rebuilds trust. And just when I thought I was catching my breath, that cliffhanger hit—leaving me desperate for the next book. It’s a messy, intense ride where the ‘no love’ rules are made to be broken.
7 reviews
October 2, 2025
Yeah ...No

This was the most frustrating and aggravating book, I think, I have ever read in my life!!! The author's note said this was a slow burn, but damn!!! I almost DNF'd this read so many times, but I felt like after I was over 50% through it, I was too invested and owed it to myself to see it through. Akoye grated every nerve I had. Uche, had the patience of a simp, and I really hate simps, because chile please, ain't no way.....I feel so tried ...... Um, yeah, book 2 is a HARD NO for me. There is no way I can do this again with book 2. I gave 3 stars because the story was pretty good, but it was dragged thru the hills and the valley of the shadow of death before it landed and by then, it was over and I was thoroughly disappointed.
Profile Image for Raee.reads.
14 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2025
ARC Review: It was such a pleasure reading about Zaysh and Ayoka. The way these characters meet is hilarious and the tension immediately starts there lol…when I say this book is a slow burn I truly mean slow burn to the point I was screaming “just do it already”. Ayoka kind of pisses me off with how she acts throughout the book. Like I get having the pressure from family and not wanting to be judged but Ayoka let the fear of being judged consume her. Zaysh def has BDE and I love how he eventually stopped putting on a front about his feelings. Mama Ife had me cracking up every time she spoke..that lady kept it and had Ayoka wishing she could disappear lol. I can’t wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Jas Walker.
37 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2025
I received Zaysh the Crown Prince as an ARC, and let me tell you—it was such a good read! Listen, I’m not usually the biggest fan of a slow burn, but this one? It slow burns so good. I kept yelling for them to just give in already, but my girl Ayoka was holding out as long as she could. The banter between Ayo and Zaysh? Top tier.

I need book 2 like, today, because I already know things are about to get spicy.

If you love:

Forbidden romance

Fake dating

He falls first

Revenge plots

Enemies to lovers


Then this book is definitely for you.
Overall, it was a wonderful read and I seriously can’t wait for the second book to drop!
Profile Image for unapologeticreader_marie.
70 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2025
Ayoka flee to Maputo because of a horrible betrayal for a peace of mind. You’re expecting a peaceful night, that is until you hear your neighbors getting busy, I mean super loud with it. You're pissed, so you decide to to pay them a visit and ask them to tone it down in the middle of getting it on. Eventually they cross paths again and he’s nothing short of your regular. He’s a know lover boy but Ayoka changes all that. I love a good fake marriage turns lovers romance. This book was intense, and had me on edge! I hope we get a book 2 soon because I need to know how this ending in book 1 went(winks) like seriously Ayoka started pissing me off knowing she wanted to give in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tang “Lovie” Taylor.
87 reviews
June 25, 2025
ARC Review

🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾. 5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you crave romance that’s both passionate and emotionally rich, with a strong Black love narrative and royal backdrop, Zaysh: The Crown Prince delivers. Zaysh and Ayoka’s heat (🥵), and heart make it a memorable addition to my top slow-burn reads.. I’m so ready for book 2… Ate this book up..

Zaysh, a reluctant heir who spent years at an elite Princes’ School, returns home jaded and yearning for autonomy.

Ayoka, scarred by betrayal, seeks refuge in Maputo only to collide with Zaysh in an electrifying, no‑strings encounter.

#slowburn

#high‑stakes

#fake marriages and

#regal drama
Profile Image for Lo Shaw.
117 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
Slow burn; Intense Sexual chemistry

This was a good read with black royalty, intense chemistry, enemies to lovers, and he fell first. Zaysh the eldest illegitimate son of the current prince has to get married and he was like hell naw until he met Ayoka for the 2nd time unknowingly. They hated each other but the chemistry between them after the masquerade ball was inevitable. I was rooting for them even tho Zaysh came across as an AH. This was a good read. Can’t wait til part 2.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,984 reviews13 followers
August 28, 2025
Was hesitant but so glad I took a chance!

Uche and Ayoka met while he was on a trip to sow his wild oats before he takes a wife. He is shocked when he discovers she's his wild friend Kalin's sister. Things progress rather quickly and they eventually end up engaged and then married. Some hidden secrets prevent her from taking it there with him, but things heat up and lines are about to be crossed! It was so funny he never knew his best friend was a prince as was he and that he craved his sister! Can't wait to see what happens next! Great read!
Profile Image for Tia Morgan.
165 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2025
Zaysh The Crown Prince" is such a fun read! It takes the classic fake marriage trope and spins it into a heartfelt story about Ayoka and Uche, who start off in a fake relationship but end up developing real feelings. Ayoka's struggle to deal with her growing attraction to Uche feels super relatable; she’s fiercely independent but can't help but feel drawn to him. Their rocky start adds a nice mix of tension and chemistry. And that cliffhanger? Wow! I’m on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 reviews
June 20, 2025
More Please

I normally give a star rating but not leave a written review. This is a first for me. I loved this read by Author Mary C. Kim. Loved!!!!!!!!!!🥰 I can’t wait for part 2. I hope that this review inspires/encourages the author to release more of work to her English speaking audience. You definitely have a new fan!!!
13 reviews
June 20, 2025
I am absolutely loved this book. I need Part 2 now!! Zaysh was such a fine MMC who as soon as he laid eyes on Ayoka, that was the only woman he wanted to have and did everything in his power to prove that.I loved Ayoka’s character because she knew herself self-worth and she didn’t make it easy for Zaysh AT ALL, this was truly a slow burn.
Profile Image for Ieshia P..
Author 1 book1 follower
June 21, 2025
🔥🔥

Zaysh was a different types of story and I loved it. Akoka is a women who has been hurt but she also smart and stubborn. When she runs into Zaysh on one of his escapades. They both get something they didn’t expect….. The other being stuck on each others mind. This was so good and showed some of the customs and culture in Africa with the Igbo people!! I need part 2!!
2 reviews
June 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of this captivating romance between Zaysh and Ayoka—and wow, what a story. The sibling rivalry, the fake marriage, and the slow-burn tension between Prince Zaysh and Ayoka had me hooked from the very first page. Mary C. KIM absolutely nailed it. And that cliffhanger? Jaw-dropping. I need the next book now.
Profile Image for Tonya Terry.
117 reviews
July 6, 2025
Truly enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for part two. Loved the struggle the princess had with her morals. She really did hold out and fought the good fight.

This was a slow burn but the antics was funny. Her best friends mom kept me in stitches she held nothing back. Kept it real. Sexual expert and didn’t mind sharing her knowledge.

I loved the ball it was exquisite and a great idea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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