Carrying the King’s Pride by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

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Description:
One last New York night with Sofia Ramirez is all Prince Nikandros Constantinides allowed himself before returning to Akathinia, after a dreadful accident took his brother’s life. But before the royal rebel is crowned, Nik discovers that he didn’t leave Sofia behind alone! 

In a baby’s heartbeat, Nik turns Sofia’s world upside down and whisks her away to his Mediterranean kingdom. Dissolving a politically perfect engagement is not what Nik—or his country—had in mind, but this proud prince will do whatever it takes to legitimize his new rule…with a wife and child!

Review:

Carrying the King’s Pride begins with Sofia Ramirez attending a swanky party with some of New York City’s elite. And, she knows “he” will be there, Prince Nikandros Constantinides. Even though she has enjoyed her time with the Prince, she knows his m.o. He is a kind of love them and leave them kind of guy. The moment he senses that a woman is becoming too attached, he cuts and runs. Unfortunately for Sofia, she finds herself becoming attached and decides to be the one to end their affair. Of course, they see each other at the party and Nik invites her to his penthouse, where she tells him that she is ready to end their affair. Nik is a little taken aback that she is taking the lead on ending it. He is not used to being the one being let go, after all. They decide to make love one last time, but little did either of them know how much that decision would change their lives. Forever.

After Sofia has left, Nik finds himself wondering why he cannot seem to stop thinking about her and the fact that she initiated the break up. But those thoughts are short-lived as he receives news that his brother has been killed in an accident back home in Akathinia. Even though he and his brother were not close, he knows that the death will devastate his family, especially his father, as his brother was the one who would become King once the time came. Nik had always been more about making money for their monarchy, but with the unexpected death of his brother, he would have other endeavors that he would have to dive in to: becoming King of Akathinia.

Once Nik arrives home, things start to happen quickly. Not only has he lost his brother but the ruler of a neighboring island country has set his sights on Akathinia’s riches and war looms. Nik is also to be married to a woman that will be politically beneficial, but when he finds out that Sofia is pregnant with his heir, all bets are off. He heads back to New York City to confront Sofia and pretty much cons her into going back to Akathinia with him. Once he confronts her about trapping him with this pregnancy, he tells her that they will marry and she will be his Queen. Sofia is devastated that he thinks she got pregnant intentionally, and vows that she will not marry him until he believes her. With so much on Nik’s plate, and Sofia being adamant that she didn’t get pregnant on purpose, he immerses himself into the political machinations of his country as he tries to be the man he feels he needs to be for the good of his family. But, once he sees that Sofia may actually be more of an ally than an adversary, they embark on trying to make things work. Work for themselves, Akathinia and most of all, for their baby. Will Nik be able to be the man Sofia needs him to be? Will he ever be able to believe that she didn’t trap him? Will Sofia ever be able to get through to him? Well, my friends, you will have to read to find out. And, what a read it is.

Jennifer Hayward has once again written a story that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. Sofia and Nik are both wonderfully written characters. Sofia is strong, independent and bound and determined to make things work out the way they are supposed to. Nik is strong, pig-headed and ultimately very vulnerable. Once you find out a little of his back story and his feelings of never having been good enough, your heart will break for him. Sofia was the perfect person to finally make him see reason and see himself as worthy. Of course, there are bumps along the way, but their journey together will melt your heart. I absolutely loved the political nature of this book. It is not over wrought with politics, but it does play a big part in the story. As I read it, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the fictitious Akathinia and Monaco. If you’re looking for a quick read that is sweet and sexy with a little intrigue thrown in, this one is definitely for you. If you’ve not read Jennifer Hayward before, you are seriously missing out. She has very quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading her beautiful stories for years to come. Well done, Jennifer Hayward! Very, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author