Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Healing His Heart
SERIES: Kingdom Of Corazon #2
AUTHOR: Ann Marie James
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 167 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 18, 2023
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The heart needs what the heart needs…
Ryan had two dreams growing up—first, for his childhood crush, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Corazón, to realize they were meant to be together and, second, to become a doctor and serve the country he loved. The prince had obliterated Ryan’s hope for the first by making sure he knew his feelings were definitely not returned, so Ryan put all of his energy into becoming the best doctor the Kingdom of Corazón would ever have. Ten years later, he was ready to return after completing his schooling and residency in the US.
Crown Prince Sebastian always knew he was bi but didn’t think he could be with a man because he was the crown prince. After his parents walked in on him in a compromising position in college, he had been very happy to discover he was wrong. However, he’d never met anyone who he felt would be his forever until the Midsummer’s Ball brought danger and a very grown-up Ryan Klein with it. But after the ball is over and the apparent instigators caught, someone is still gunning for the royal family. It’s the worst time to start a relationship, but the prince isn’t willing to risk someone else stepping in and stealing Ryan’s affections.
It’s tough to date when a drug cartel is trying to take over the country, especially when they are trying to kidnap or kill Ryan. The question is, will this bring them closer together or tear them apart?
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of bullying and attempted kidnapping. It is best read as book two in a series.
REVIEW:
As the poster child for a late bloomer, Ryan returns to the Palace on the island of Corazon for the first time in ten years. On his last encounter with Prince Sebastian, Ryan had confessed his crush and been rejected. This time, the prince’s reaction was amusing – Ryan surmised it was… interest.
The series’ first book, The Way To A Man’s Heart, came out in June 2021. So before reading Healing His Heart, it is worth doing a recap. What follows is a sweet tale worth reading, but it is one whose main protagonists are overshadowed by the supporting cast.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Ryan and Sebastian. Much of the scene setting was done in book one, and as this tale also begins at the Palace Midsummer Ball, much of the focus is on the relationship rather than the surroundings. I enjoyed the straightforward way this story was written. Lengthy foreplay is not in the repertoire – hugs, sarcasm, short periods of angst, and sex are. Although I think this story slightly suffers from, a term that I call, sequelitis, the impact isn’t as significant due to book one.
Ryan has crushed on Crown Prince Sebastian for a lifetime. Both are good men. Once mutual attraction is established, their relationship moves at lightning speed – even more so once the royal juggernaut gets involved. And quite rightly, this causes some friction between the young doctor and his prince. It might also cause some raised eyebrows amongst readers who may consider the speed of events too quick to be realistic.
The extended cast is packed with strong characters. Christian, from book one, was a commanding delight to read. Ryan’s best friend, Emma, is an energetic force of nature with a super supportive husband. As for the royal family, they are a homey bunch, unafraid of kissing in public and showing the world what love, and support are. While their recent royal history isn’t all fun and roses, that is dealt with in book one. However, corresponding residual elements affect the plot in book two.
Many storylines for this book are wrapped up, though some remain – presumably to have further legs in the next book of the series. Given that there was over eighteen months between the first and second installments, I worry that too much time will pass before the next book, and more recaps will be needed.
In short, I enjoyed the story, but for it to blow me away, I needed more drawn-out grit. My heart was just changing rate when all was done.
RATING: 
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