THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT by Caitlin Crews is Book three in Harlequin's Forbidden series. Although it is part of a series, I think THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT works as a stand-alone book as well. This is not your average "desert prince" fantasy. THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT is like the film Taken meets 50 Shades of Grey. There are serious themes in THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT and there is an intensity and volatility that permeates the story. The two main characters -- Nora Grant and Prince Zair al Ruyi -- have a complicated relationship. I like that there is a history between them right from the beginning of the story. Having such a complex relationship makes for a richer and more interesting story.

Although THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT is told using third- person narration, I think that fits the story. Not knowing the innermost thoughts of the two main characters adds to the overall feeling of danger and uncertainty. Zair and Nora's relationship is provocative and highly erotic. Although Zair constantly points out how sheltered Nora's life has been, I'm amazed at the risks she is willing to take and the courage she exhibits in trying to find and help her friend. I think one of the strengths of THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT is the complexity of the two main characters and their flaws. Zair is a dominant alpha male, but he is acting as a champion just as much as Nora is, but he's going about it in a different way.

THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT is full of intrigue, suspense, and dark passions. THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and romances with a lot of intensity between the hero and heroine. The villains in this story are truly evil and I rooted for their downfall while reading along. In addition to the struggle of good versus evil, I think THE BILLIONAIRE'S INNOCENT shows the resiliency of the human spirit. I look forward to the next book by Caitlin Crews.

Book Summary

For Logan Black, Jaiven Rodriguez and Zair al Ruyi, New York is spread out before them like the Garden of Eden…and no one knows the sweet taste of forbidden fruit better than America's most ruthless billionaires!

Jaded, cynical, with a darkness that threatens to consume them whole, they think they've seen it all. But temptation has something new in store for each of them…

When Nora Grant decided she wanted to make something of her life, she didn't realize it would lead straight to Prince Zair al Ruyi. Beneath his polished royalty, Zair has warrior's blood running through his veins, and he's found his next conquest! No matter how innocent Nora is, she can't resist the touch of this royal billionaire.