The Once And Future Prince

The first book in the Castaldini Crown trilogy is brimming with conflicting emotions and palpable sexual tension between two dynamically determined characters. Olivia Gates has her own unique way of portraying her main characters and any situations which arise, and her talent shines in this powerfully depicted story. THE ONCE AND FUTURE PRINCE has a two-fold plot, but the focus on numerous emotional issues is what truly draws the reader into this intensely passionate romance.

Since the current king of Castaldini is very ill, his successor must be selected soon. According to the strict laws of this Mediterranean island, the new king must be chosen by merit, not because of bloodline. However, for the first time in 800 years, there is no clear-cut favorite to be the next ruler. There are three men who could possibly be asked, but each one has at least one major criterion which makes them ineligible according to Castaldini law. Of these three, a former prince and ambassador for the country seems to be the best choice, although his viewpoints lead to him being banished from his homeland plus losing all his titles. Now it is up to Phoebe Alexander to convince Leandro D'Agostino of how much his country needs him once again and persuade him to become the crown prince.

After Leandro was forced to leave Castaldini eight years ago, he became a successful businessman yet never forgot the woman with whom he was having an undisclosed affair and left behind. Even though they met once afterward, Phoebe declined his offer to stay with him and they never spoke again, leaving only hurtful feelings and a constant pining. When they meet again after years apart, they are both secretly stunned by how their desire for the other is even more potent than before. After Phoebe pleads the case for him returning to Castaldini and becoming the next king, Leandro states she must agree to his terms if he is to go back with her, stipulations which will have them working very closely together.

Stories by Olivia Gates always include stirring emotions and superbly described details, all entwining to create compellingly told romances. Ms. Gates begins a new series for the Silhouette Desire line, and the premise behind the books is brought to life in a striking way in the initial installment. There are several concerns which must be sorted out, and the author takes the hero and heroine through many challenging circumstances before they can ever find true happiness in their lives. From the instant Leandro and Phoebe are met, one realizes they will be facing countless obstacles, many personal and some more professional, yet each dilemma will touch them profoundly and often cause much soul-searching before they can respond with an honest answer. Both of them are quick-witted plus spirited, and this sometimes causes them to let their emotions dictate any reactions instead of their minds. These scenes are powerful in both dialogue and responses, as their sincere inner and often unspoken feelings come through loud and clear. The fiery and almost overwhelming desire between these two is exceedingly apparent, sometimes through an action or word, and other times only a look or touch will convey their actual thoughts. When they let themselves fully express their longing for each other, the moment is explosive yet also filled with genuineness. Ms. Gates also has a way of describing any setting in the story with factual realness, and this lets the reader get an accurate sense of what the characters are experiencing. I am highly anticipating the next book in the series after this engrossing start. A moving and complex love story, THE ONCE AND FUTURE PRINCE will keep your attention on every enthralling page.