Iris Johansen, Tiger Prince

Tiger Prince

Iris Johansen

Dell, Mar 2007

ISBN: 0553590391

Jane Barnaby and her guardian Patrick Reilly are on the Indian subcontinent constructing a railroad. When goldsmith John Kartauk angers the son of the maharaja Prince Abdar, Jane hides him. Abdar is outraged that he has not had the opportunity to display his displeasure with John; he cuts a deal with the MacClarens, Scottish half-brothers, Ian and Ruel, to find John. The MacClaren siblings believe that if they locate the also vanished Jane, they will have John too.

Roguish Ruel sees he can make a better deal by helping Jane get John to safety beyond the reach of the maharaja and consequently his son. The escape attempt fails miserably, leading to a horrific mishap. Ruel holds Jane culpable for the failure and vows to avenge the catastrophe by sexually humiliating the woman he loves.

This is a reprint of an early 1990s romantic thriller that brings to life late-nineteenth-century India through mostly the eyes of Jane, but somewhat through the male support cast. However, the deep look at the environs is a two-edged sword as the background at times overwhelms the plot. Still, in spite of not being among Iris Johansen's top works, fans of the author will enjoy watching the escapades of the lead duet, a likable pairing of distrusting souls in love and hate while wondering which emotion will conquer the other.

Harriet Klausner