I do enjoy the escapism of the Terramates stories, each one although based on the same theme manages to be different, in this one we have:-
Perri Coren, who wants to finally be happy, loved and cherished after she manages to leave behind an abusive relationship. Perri signed up with TerraMates to find her perfect match with an alien husband hoping she can make a new start. She is matched with Prince Rasulus Valorum, but unfortunately, it was not Rasulus who had enrolled in Terramates it was his brother, the King, who thought it would be amusing to surprise him with a bride! Hence Perri takes on the three-month journey to the planet Arietus to meet her new husband Rasulus.
When Perri’s journey ends she is met and taken, she thinks, to Rasulus instead she is taken to a darkened room where it appears an orgy is taking place. She turns to leave, but a man comes toward her and starts pulling at her clothes to see what she looks like – she is shocked and reacts by slapping him, unfortunately for her, that man was King Crucis the instigator of this ‘surprise’ and a terrible man.
Rasulus returns to the palace but first, he messes his hair and clothing and for some reason pretends to be drunk (ths action is explained later) he is exhausted and just wants to go to his bed. Crucis tells him to come and see his new ‘present’ but when he goes to his brother’s rooms, Crucis has a bruise on his cheek and there is an Earth woman chained to a pillar. He knows how cruel Crucis is and wants to protect her but if he tried to help her his brother would hurt her more so he makes crude remarks about her instead. He can’t help but see the fury and hurt in her eyes as he starts to lead her away from Crucis and the courtiers. He wants to tell her not to resist him that he’s not like his brother but can’t say anything because he would be overheard so squeezes her hand twice, she seems to understand the situation and relaxes slightly but before they can leave Crucis tells him this is his bride and he cannot rid himself of her later. A marriage ceremony where she is claimed as his forever takes place before then they can leave.
Perri never knows what to expect, Rasulus puts up a front before everyone he pretends to be a drunken womanizer whenever anyone else is near, he is crude and rough but when they are alone he is gentle and kind – which behavior reflects his true personality? What is truly going on here? Is she safe, or has she entered into a nightmare situation with no escape?
This was an interesting storyline because Perri and Rasulus do have a connection in spite of their beginnings and over time Perri becomes stronger and is ready to deal with whatever was going on with her Prince.
As with all Terramates stories, the connection and the chemistry between the pair are hot and steamy and in this case when they work together…….
I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift and I am voluntarily writing this review.