The Tiger Prince Book

3.75 stars

Thoughts can be unhealthy when you assume you know the truth.

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Deliciously dangerous, Ruel MacLaren had but one goal: to become rich. He learned some valuable lessons in Australia, California and Africa before traveling to India. He knew Lady Luck was on his side; it was just a matter of time.

With exquisite good looks, women loved his attention. No matter where his adventures took him, he never had a problem with the fairer sex. That is, until he met the practical and unassuming Jane Barnaby. Like him, she was a survivor.

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J A N E: A simple but not-commonly used name made up of four letters. In many ways her name matched her personality. She was strong, sensible and not afraid to say no when the need arose. Ruel was fascinated with her.

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Initially, Ruel came across as an unashamed but happy anti-hero. His older half-brother Ian, the Earl of Glenclaren, had finally found him after a long search. Now that their father was dead, he wanted Ruel to return home to Scotland but his brother's hardy response was the word NO.

Opposites in both appearances and personalities, Ian understood that his brother was battling his own personal demons but he believed his beloved country manor would heal him. He had no intention of leaving until Ruel changed his mind. Ian would just bide his time.

In the meantime, Ruel and Jane first met when they were locked in a room at a brothel. Even though Ruel would have loved for something physical to happen, he became aware very soon that Jane's thoughts were about escaping not only their prison but him. And the more often she said goodbye, the nearer he wanted to be with her.

The chase was on.

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Ruel and Jane were deep, complex and wonderfully played. Their romance felt both gritty and strikingly sensual. Ruel was bewitched.

The long and the short of this romance? It was 505 pages of not-so-large font. It covered several years with the (hated) misunderstanding. The chemistry was awesome at times, bordering on the erotic side. Ruel was scrumptious one moment and a cad later on. I had some issues with this. Jane? Why, Jane, why, is all I will say. Some reviewers mentioned this was a bodice-ripper. IMHO, it was not. Tension? Yes. A misunderstanding that caused unneeded angst? Of course. And all of those secondary characters with their secondary problems and their secondary solutions? Yes. Needless-to-say, there was a lot going on.

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For those of you that love exotic settings, some steaminess and can handle the length of the story, Iris Johansen's tale of soul-mates, **GOLD** and the island of Cinnidar was actually pretty good.