AustLit

'King Xavier of Maynet doesn't believe in love: he's had enough experience to know it can't be trusted. But he does believe in duty and knows he'll choose a wife as tradition dictates. However, when his late brother's widow joins him on a month-long royal tour of Maynet he develops feelings for her deeper than anything he's ever known or believed possible, and he finds himself spending more time thinking about her than any prospective bride.

'Princess Katerina won't ever risk her heart again after the humiliation of her marriage. Instead, she's dedicating her life to the betterment of her beloved adopted country, Maynet. Yet she finds herself attracted to Xavier in a way that threatens all her careful plans, and the more time they spend together the stronger their connection gets.

'As time runs out for Xavier to choose a wife, will he realise what he feels for Katerina is love and that she's more important than any tradition? Can Katerina trust herself and her feelings for Xavier and demand what she truly deserves, someone who loves her?' (Publication summary)