The Solstice Prince

Realms of Love series, Book 1

By: SJ Himes

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Rescued from slavers, healer novice Jaime Buchanan finds himself alone and free in Pyrderi, a kingdom of magic, mythical creatures, and a culture as open and kind as his homeland was cruel and close-minded. Despite his rescue, Jaime is not left without scars, both mental and physical.

Traumatized by his experience and hiding his gift, Jaime struggles to earn his place in the kitchens of Angharad Palace, the heart of Taliesin City. His former life as a student of the healing arts leaves him at a disadvantage in the kitchens, and his damaged state is becoming more apparent by the day.

One day, when necessity and fate intervene, Jaime meets someone unexpected - Prince Maxim, youngest son of the Pyrderian King, a sword master and a devastatingly kind man. Unaccustomed to powerful people with compassion and heart, Jaime flees. A cascade of events reveals Jaime's hidden talents of healing, and he finds himself not in chains, but at the beginning of a new life. This swift change of fortune opens Jaime up to new possibilities, including a smitten prince who cautiously courts Jaime, easing him away from his fears and reminding him that compassion and love can make him strong.

The winter solstice is quickly approaching, and Prince Maxim shows Jaime the enjoyment and excitement to be found in a land that embraces the ice and cold, and the mysteries of all things magical. He learns to see the man under the royal mantle, and Maxim is more than even Jaime suspected. The winter solstice is nigh when tragedy strikes, and Jaime learns that his past of grief and sorrow can be a pillar of strength for his solstice prince. If there is one thing that Jaime believes above all else, it is in the healing power of love. Contains mature themes.

©2017 SJ Himes (P)2018 Tantor

Lovely story with awesome narration

I loved this book and was so excited it was going to be an audio. Even more excited when I saw one of my favorite narrators was going to be doing it. I don't have a lot of narrators I love, I'm very picky, but there's something about Joel Leslie that I just love.
The Solstice Prince is a sweet, fluffy romance that will tug on all your lovey dovey heart strings. If you're looking for a book that is sweet and loving then this is one for you. Jaime and Prince Maxim are so cute together.
Joel Leslie brings them to life and I won't be able to reread this book without hearing his crisp, formal accent that is so perfect for Maxim.
I cannot wait for the next book in the Realms of Love series and hope that Joel Leslie keeps narrating the books.

The cutest book ever!

Their are so many depressing books that have male romance. it was actually refreshing not to read one that was full of self hating gays.

Dreams Come True

This book was a sweet love story between a charming prince and a shy healer with a wonderful hurt/comfort theme. Prince Maxim’s courtship of Jaime, the traumatized healer, was beautiful and gentle. Jaime was working on healing himself and growing into the person he was meant to be. Prince Maxim provided loving support while Jaime was on his healing journey. It was quite clear that both characters were incredibly smitten with each other, and watching their relationship develop was heartwarming.

Narration: Joel Leslie did a spectacular job bringing this story to life. I loved his performance.

Overall Rating: 3.75 Stars. It was a lovely story with lovely writing, and lovely characters. It was light on plot, but that’s okay, because the main focus was watching the blossoming relationship between the main characters.

Light and Sweet

A very enjoyable, fast, and cozy little Christmas story. Almost no angst! Perfect for a break from real life.

Sweet, low-angst fantasy book

Story: 4.5 Stars!!!
Narration: 5 Stars!!!
Overall: 4.75 Stars!

The Solstice Prince is a very low-angst fantasy book, with some hurt/comfort elements, but overall, it was a sweet, enjoyable read/listen.

Both Jaime and Prince Maxim were very likable, adorable characters and it was lovely seeing Maxim court Jaime after pretty much falling in love with him at first sight. Maxim was very patient and determined to show Jaime how much he meant to him, despite the difference in their social status and Jaime was very willing to be swept off his feet.

As always, Joel Leslie did a fantastic job with the narration. He doesn't just narrate a book, he performs it and that comes across when you're listening to his voice. It took me about a chapter to get used to the characters' accents, but other than that, Joel did justice to all the characters and brought them to life for me. I have to admit that my favorite was his voice for Maxim, though. *swoons* It was perfect for the prince.

Be it if you decide to read it or listen to it, I think you'll find Jaime and Maxim's story very romantic and entertaining and I have no trouble recommending it!