The Warrior’s Princess Prize

Very good book. This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the different setting of this one, in the Alhambra area of Andalusia, Spain, during its Moorish time. The descriptions of places, people, and objects were vivid and added to the realism of the story.

Princess Zorahaida is a captive in her own home, thanks to her abusive sultan father. The restrictions have gotten worse since her two sisters’ runaway marriages, and Zorahaida has all but given up any hope of marrying. She is intelligent and good-hearted and has earned the love and respect of the palace staff. With their help, she escapes as often as possible to help at a nearby infirmary. She also does what she can to protect the people around her from her father’s erratic and cruel behavior.

Jasim came to the Alhambra to participate in the Sultan’s tournament. Years earlier, his father had angered the Sultan, who expressed his rage by ending trade with the town. Jasim hopes to win the tournament and speak with the Sultan about repairing the trade agreements. Instead, through a series of unexpected events, Jasim wins Zorahaida as a bride.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Zorahaida and Jasim. His request for her as a bride was an impulsive action. After seeing her only twice, something about her called to him. Zorahaida had only seen him once before the tournament, and that was very brief, but something draws her to him. Jasim is a kind and honorable man, and I loved the way he made sure Zorahaida wasn’t being forced. It was a sweet scene, as well as one that showed the sparks that were already there between them. The days and nights after the wedding let them get to know each other, but there is trouble looming. Zorahaida knows her father well and fears what he may do. When her fears come to pass, she uses trickery to get them away, but it drives a wedge between her and Jasim.

I hurt for Jasim because Zorahaida’s actions made him wonder if he could trust her. It also hurt him that she hadn’t trusted him to handle her father. I ached for Zorahaida because she wants her marriage to work, and she knows that she has made it more difficult. There is still hope, however, as they spend time getting to know each other on the journey to Jasim’s home. Despite his anger at her actions, Jasim is deeply impressed by the thoroughness of her planning and her reception along the way. Their feelings for each other grow, but Zorahaida doesn’t want to say anything if she doesn’t know how he feels. Meanwhile, Jasim knows his feelings for her are changing, but he doesn’t recognize them as love. I wanted to shake Zorahaida a little later, as she doesn’t seem to have learned her lesson about disregarding Jasim’s wishes.

Their troubles with Zorahaida’s father aren’t over yet. The story picks up in intensity when her father’s men kidnap Zorahaida. I was on the edge of my seat as she ended up back under his control. Jasim’s fear for Zorahaida, and a little advice from his brother, clarified his feelings and increased his determination to rescue her. There were some exciting twists to the kidnapping that kept me glued to the pages to see how it would turn out. I loved seeing Zorahaida and Jasim finally share their feelings and look to the future together. There was also a surprise for Zorahaida at the end.