Book excerpt: A missing sultan returns, determined to claim his kingdom—and his bride—in this scorching-hot royal romance. Kidnapped decades ago, Azim al Bahjat stuns the Kingdom of Alazar with his sudden return. To secure his position, the ruthless royal must marry the woman who had once been his intended bride. Even if the sheltered yet beguiling Johara Behwar resists, Azim is determined to have his kingdom—and her! Though her every instinct is to run, Johara is secretly thrilled by the flashes of heat beneath Azim’s icy exterior. And Azim will not be denied. As he shows his virgin bride how intoxicating their wedding night could be, Johara soon finds herself enticed to surrender to the sultan!