Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Under The Arabian Sky
SERIES: Love Abroad
AUTHOR: Robin Knight
PUBLISHER: Squid INQ Press
LENGTH: 161 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2023
BLURB:
Find Love Abroad Under the Arabian Sky…
Arthur Somersby is an expert in sand. Working as an arenologist at Oxford University, it’s Arthur’s job to gather research and data on the movement and molecular structure of sand, blending geology, chemistry and biology into one specialty science. But while Arthur’s colleagues conduct their work around the globe — from the Sahara to the Kalahari and beyond — a tragedy in Arthur’s past prevents him from wanting to leave the safety of his office.
That is until one of his colleagues goes missing, presumed dead, and Arthur is called upon to take his place in the distant Arab nation of Oman.
It is there upon the shipless oceans of sand that Arthur meets falcon veterinarian Tariq Hassan. And while the desert heat ignites an instant spark between the two men, a clash of cultures could mean their Arabian love affair is over before it’s even begun.
Can two strangers from opposite worlds overcome the Middle East’s tightly-held religious beliefs and find a way to love one another? Can a connection be made between the science of sand and the spirituality of the desert? Will Arthur’s past and centuries-old traditions keep two souls apart, or will Arthur and Tariq find their happily-ever-after… Under the Arabian Sky?
Under the Arabian Sky is a 40k-word MM romance that will transport you to the deserts of Arabia from the comfort of your favorite reading chair. It can be read as part of the Love Abroad collection or as a stand-alone romance.
REVIEW:
Arthur is Oxford University’s office-based expert in sand. When a field colleague in Oman goes missing, Arthur is called upon to replace him. Given the East’s LGBTQ record, Arthur has reservations – then again, it’s been so long that he’s been with a man; Arthur believed he was only gay by definition. Far out of his comfort zone, Arthur’s first impressions are overwhelming. Then he crashes into Falcon Vet, Tariq, who properly introduces Arthur to Oman. Arthur is captivated by the serenity and beauty of many things – including Tariq. However, can sand divide or heal the rift where East meets West?
Under The Arabian Sky is part of the Love Abroad series that comprises standalone stories written by various authors with a similar theme. I encountered a lovely atmospheric tale that made me think. However, I had a couple of issues that I will explain shortly.
The story is told in the first person from Arthur’s sole viewpoint. Worldbuilding is detailed in some areas and overviewed in others. The good old British stiff upper lip sarcastically on display was crackin’. Also, I got a lovely sense of Oman’s culture and endured heat. Religion isn’t shied away from discussing the difference between what is written and its interpretation. The way Tariq sees sand as a sensual force of nature was beautiful to read. There were also some one-liners on life reflection that I will take away with me and try to live by.
For good reasons (that the story will reveal), Arthur has shut himself away in his Oxford office until he is given no choice but to travel to Oman. Far out of his comfort zone, alone and with little to no control over his situation, Arthur initially comes over as a dick of an Englishman. In actuality, he is simply scared, questioning things with answers coming in a language he doesn’t understand. A lovely touch was that Arthur occasionally saw ghosts from his past – this aspect was emotional, so I needed a few tissues to hand.
Tariq is a lovely human being. He has an affinity with birds and sand. When he familiarizes Arthur with camels and the landscape, he demonstrates that sand is more than science – it is almost a religious experience. They also discuss the cultural differences between the East and West, encountering various people along the way. The intimate moments between Arthur and Tariq were delightful.
Now then – to the issues I had. Arthur was in Oman with work, so for me, there was no need to rush a life-changing romance into what was effectively a city break. Given the circumstances of Arthur’s relocation, it was as if his predecessor’s work was of the utmost importance, and Arthur was the only one within X radius that could cover. Yet, this aspect is almost a sideline. To a degree, I get it since romance is the main feature. But it still needs to be more than organizing a few papers. Nor should it be easy to find a replacement. The series concept is Love Abroad – not love abroad quicker than an Olympic hundred meters. My other gripe is sex in the sand. On paper, it’s as sexy as hell, but in reality – nope. Hell, that stuff gets everywhere, even with ground coverings. And if you can’t get to a shower straight after…ooh, the consequences.
There is a lot to like in this story – hence the four-heart rating, but it had the potential for full marks. The protagonists are superb, and I loved the camels, the atmospherics, and the imagery. But, for me, the timeline suited a fated mates’ scenario rather than love abroad.
RATING: 
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