Why have heterosexual women responded so strongly to this particular homosexual story? The Captive Prince books are indulgent and fun and pacy and raunchy, but also cleverly and artfully constructed. Few books are as unabashedly erotic – not only in the sex scenes but in myriad aspects of the culture depicted – yet also demonstrate a consummate skill for world-building. Pacat balances plot and titillation impeccably, demonstrating a preternatural ability to engage with the reader’s desires.