What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal Brides #9
For Duty's Sake
Angele has longed for her betrothal to Crown Prince Zahir to be consummated within wedlock. She naively hoped her promised husband would wait for her, as she would himbut compromising paparazzi photos have dashed those youthful dreams
.
She cannot become Zahir's wife out of duty and endure a loveless union; she must let him go free but on one condition. Without taking Angele's hand in marriage, will the proud sheikh agree to give her the wedding night she has long dreamed of?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
63 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
607 books1,567 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 25, 2017
I don't read too many Harlequin romance novels, but every once in awhile the mood strikes. I was in such a mood when I decided to pick this one up. 'For Duty's Sake' did not disappoint. It was exactly what I needed to put a smile on my face.
The story centers on Angele, a young lady expected to marry the Crown Prince Zahir. Raised in the United States, Angele has become accustomed to living independently. However, she saves herself for the man that she will one day wed.
In fact, Angele looks forward to being Zahir's wife, even if the arrangement between their families was made when she was merely a girl. She has loved him from a distance, only interacting with him briefly on the rare social events that bring their families together. Zahir is an honorable man and she is anxiously waiting for the day when he will make their engagement official.
However, as the years pass without a proposal from Zahir, Angele begins to realize that he may not feel the same for her. More than anything, she does not want to live in a loveless marriage. She has experienced the disappointment and heartbreak of her parents' marriage, as a result of her father's philandering ways. She refuses to end up like her mother, tied to a man that flaunts his numerous affairs.
That is one of the primary reasons why she finds Zahir so attractive. He is known for his integrity and convictions. Angele could not imagine that Zahir would ever be the kind of man to dishonor his wife with adulterous affairs.
When Angele receives a package with photos of Zahir and a beautiful German actress, she is shocked. It is clear that the two know each other intimately. More upsetting, is the realization that he has never once looked at her the way that he is looking at the other woman.
Not wanting to create a scandal, Angele pays the price that the blackmailer demands. Regardless of her anger, she does not want Zahir and his family to suffer the effects of the scandal that would surely follow if the photos were made public. Her heart is broken and her dreams shattered.
Angele knows that she cannot marry Zahir now. Although they were never officially engaged, the agreement between their families had been in place for years and it was mutually understood that they would marry. She is resolved to break the contract, but she is unwilling to let go of her dream entirely.
After spending years fantasizing about making love to Zahir, Angele knows that her life will lead her elsewhere. She is determined to set him free, refusing to trap him in an unhappy arranged marriage. She requests just one night with Zahir, so she can experience what she had denied herself for so many years.
After a very passionate night together, Angele plans to leave Zahir behind. He, on the other hand, has other plans. Zahir has no intention of letting Angele go. What she viewed as a beautiful parting gift, he assumed would be the first of many nights between him and his soon-to-be wife.
Like most Harlequin romances, this book moved pretty quickly and everything tied up nicely at the end. It was a short, satisfying read. Despite the fast-pace of the story, I felt a strong connection to the characters and the storyline. It was predictable, but I loved it anyway. This was just the type of straightforward, feel-good romance that I needed.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
The story centers on Angele, a young lady expected to marry the Crown Prince Zahir. Raised in the United States, Angele has become accustomed to living independently. However, she saves herself for the man that she will one day wed.
In fact, Angele looks forward to being Zahir's wife, even if the arrangement between their families was made when she was merely a girl. She has loved him from a distance, only interacting with him briefly on the rare social events that bring their families together. Zahir is an honorable man and she is anxiously waiting for the day when he will make their engagement official.
However, as the years pass without a proposal from Zahir, Angele begins to realize that he may not feel the same for her. More than anything, she does not want to live in a loveless marriage. She has experienced the disappointment and heartbreak of her parents' marriage, as a result of her father's philandering ways. She refuses to end up like her mother, tied to a man that flaunts his numerous affairs.
That is one of the primary reasons why she finds Zahir so attractive. He is known for his integrity and convictions. Angele could not imagine that Zahir would ever be the kind of man to dishonor his wife with adulterous affairs.
When Angele receives a package with photos of Zahir and a beautiful German actress, she is shocked. It is clear that the two know each other intimately. More upsetting, is the realization that he has never once looked at her the way that he is looking at the other woman.
Not wanting to create a scandal, Angele pays the price that the blackmailer demands. Regardless of her anger, she does not want Zahir and his family to suffer the effects of the scandal that would surely follow if the photos were made public. Her heart is broken and her dreams shattered.
Angele knows that she cannot marry Zahir now. Although they were never officially engaged, the agreement between their families had been in place for years and it was mutually understood that they would marry. She is resolved to break the contract, but she is unwilling to let go of her dream entirely.
After spending years fantasizing about making love to Zahir, Angele knows that her life will lead her elsewhere. She is determined to set him free, refusing to trap him in an unhappy arranged marriage. She requests just one night with Zahir, so she can experience what she had denied herself for so many years.
After a very passionate night together, Angele plans to leave Zahir behind. He, on the other hand, has other plans. Zahir has no intention of letting Angele go. What she viewed as a beautiful parting gift, he assumed would be the first of many nights between him and his soon-to-be wife.
Like most Harlequin romances, this book moved pretty quickly and everything tied up nicely at the end. It was a short, satisfying read. Despite the fast-pace of the story, I felt a strong connection to the characters and the storyline. It was predictable, but I loved it anyway. This was just the type of straightforward, feel-good romance that I needed.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
July 12, 2017
An all time favourite, one that I've read half a dozen times. Angele, the h, is a woman after my heart.
August 27, 2019
Liked this book for most parts but the ending could have been so much better.
**.With spoilers**And that epilogue is kinda lame and serves no purpose - instead of putting away the spectre of the blackmail pictures, the epilogue brings the pictures right back in.
I have no issues with either mc.
I buy the claim that the H didn’t really cheat. An engagement contract drawn up when she’s 13 and he’s 24! How can it be realistically expected that the guy will remain celibate till the wedding? So he thinks himself in love with one of his long term lovers - he’s human. He does end it and intends to marry the h ultimately.
Yes, he doesn’t push for the wedding but then neither does anyone else in either family. As I see a typical arranged marriage, it's the families that decide when it's time to move along things and put out formal announcements and decide the wedding date, and not up to the engaged couple unless they have fallen in love and push for a wedding date. He continues seeing her as a child and treats her with respect and formality. Consciously or otherwise, he keeps a distance. So he’s enjoying his freedom while she’s pining away. And as that’s the crux of the story and the angst creator, I’m not fussing.
I like the h - she’s strong and calm. To be in love with someone who doesn’t return your feelings but knows about yours and probably pities you? That sounds terrible. But she’s open and unapologetic about it and doesn’t let him take advantage of her feelings and that makes her admirable imo. She walks away from the engagement (much against his wishes) when she realizes that he’d probably never love her and she didn’t want a marriage like her parents where her father serially cheated and shamed her mother. But not before she gets a 'wedding night' out of him - enough of the virginity!
She gives in - gracefully- only when she realizes she’s pregnant. So the engagement is back on. He does a correct but emotionless wooing and she’s equally cool in her response.
I liked the story till here.
The problem thereon? He remains distant and unemotional. He leaves the development or even the (reluctant) revelation of his feelings too late. He should have been writhing and frothing with his feelings to make me happy but he’s one 'cool shake'.
The ending is botched up with too long a conversation with the ow and then she’s not diminished effectively or satisfyingly. Even when she tells the h that 'he was always yours'. Dramatic but huh? Lady, did he ever get that memo?
And did he just call the ow Aziz? Now? In front of the h? And the h feels so special every time he calls her that! In a sarcastic way or not but I think the author slipped here.
And the h’s abiding love and understanding begins to grate now. Guys, some fireworks are okay. Few measly tears won't do.
I won't even begin on the cultural bloopers.
Could have been a 4 but is a 3.15* overall.
**.With spoilers**And that epilogue is kinda lame and serves no purpose - instead of putting away the spectre of the blackmail pictures, the epilogue brings the pictures right back in.
I have no issues with either mc.
I buy the claim that the H didn’t really cheat. An engagement contract drawn up when she’s 13 and he’s 24! How can it be realistically expected that the guy will remain celibate till the wedding? So he thinks himself in love with one of his long term lovers - he’s human. He does end it and intends to marry the h ultimately.
Yes, he doesn’t push for the wedding but then neither does anyone else in either family. As I see a typical arranged marriage, it's the families that decide when it's time to move along things and put out formal announcements and decide the wedding date, and not up to the engaged couple unless they have fallen in love and push for a wedding date. He continues seeing her as a child and treats her with respect and formality. Consciously or otherwise, he keeps a distance. So he’s enjoying his freedom while she’s pining away. And as that’s the crux of the story and the angst creator, I’m not fussing.
I like the h - she’s strong and calm. To be in love with someone who doesn’t return your feelings but knows about yours and probably pities you? That sounds terrible. But she’s open and unapologetic about it and doesn’t let him take advantage of her feelings and that makes her admirable imo. She walks away from the engagement (much against his wishes) when she realizes that he’d probably never love her and she didn’t want a marriage like her parents where her father serially cheated and shamed her mother. But not before she gets a 'wedding night' out of him - enough of the virginity!
She gives in - gracefully- only when she realizes she’s pregnant. So the engagement is back on. He does a correct but emotionless wooing and she’s equally cool in her response.
I liked the story till here.
The problem thereon? He remains distant and unemotional. He leaves the development or even the (reluctant) revelation of his feelings too late. He should have been writhing and frothing with his feelings to make me happy but he’s one 'cool shake'.
The ending is botched up with too long a conversation with the ow and then she’s not diminished effectively or satisfyingly. Even when she tells the h that 'he was always yours'. Dramatic but huh? Lady, did he ever get that memo?
And did he just call the ow Aziz? Now? In front of the h? And the h feels so special every time he calls her that! In a sarcastic way or not but I think the author slipped here.
And the h’s abiding love and understanding begins to grate now. Guys, some fireworks are okay. Few measly tears won't do.
I won't even begin on the cultural bloopers.
Could have been a 4 but is a 3.15* overall.
May 31, 2011
Angele and Zahir were promised to be married from the time she was 13. At 18 she decided she was an adult and tried to kiss Zahir, but he didn't want anything to do with her while she was still a kid. At 23, her world is shattered. Zahir's picture was printed in a gossip rag with his mistress Elsa. Angele always thought he was such an honorable man and was waiting for her. Add to that, a mass of pictures showed up for her showing him with Elsa, he's happy and the time frame is years. The pictures were blackmail and Angele agreed to pay it.
A few years before she'd found out that her father was a serial cheater, and that's why her parents didn't live together. She was shattered and moved out and refused to have any contact with her father. When that happened she decided she would never live her mother's life. Married to a man who cheated on her but staying together because of duty. So now she knows how Zahir is, she's decided to break the not real engagement. Zahir can be happy and marry who he wants to, not the person he was forced to marry.
Zahir is an anti-emotional dip. He lies a lot by telling half truths. There's no love in him for Angele, merely an ability to trust her with all his secrets. He has a secret sexual tendency to like tying his women up during sex. He's never been able to do it before because as Crown Prince, he couldn't have any scandal attached to his name. But Angele will never tell anyone. That's what he sees in her.
I was really impressed with Angele. She loved Zahir even though she didn't know anything really about him. But she wanted him to be happy and she tried her best to make sure he got it. Meanwhile she stuck up for herself. Unfortunately after she swears off Zahir, and he does nothing truly caring to get her back, she winds up pregnant and now has to marry him.
The two are together for duty's sake, just like the title says, and she'll convince herself that he loves her, and he'll be happy that she does everything he wants. He's got a woman who he trusts to never tell his secrets, and she can delude herself into thinking that he really loves her. And the book ends.
The writing style was good, I usually love most Lucy Monroe books. But this was a mess. I needed something to believe in with this book and I didn't get that.
Every time I try to read this book again I just find more and more things that point to the lack of love.
A few years before she'd found out that her father was a serial cheater, and that's why her parents didn't live together. She was shattered and moved out and refused to have any contact with her father. When that happened she decided she would never live her mother's life. Married to a man who cheated on her but staying together because of duty. So now she knows how Zahir is, she's decided to break the not real engagement. Zahir can be happy and marry who he wants to, not the person he was forced to marry.
Zahir is an anti-emotional dip. He lies a lot by telling half truths. There's no love in him for Angele, merely an ability to trust her with all his secrets. He has a secret sexual tendency to like tying his women up during sex. He's never been able to do it before because as Crown Prince, he couldn't have any scandal attached to his name. But Angele will never tell anyone. That's what he sees in her.
I was really impressed with Angele. She loved Zahir even though she didn't know anything really about him. But she wanted him to be happy and she tried her best to make sure he got it. Meanwhile she stuck up for herself. Unfortunately after she swears off Zahir, and he does nothing truly caring to get her back, she winds up pregnant and now has to marry him.
The two are together for duty's sake, just like the title says, and she'll convince herself that he loves her, and he'll be happy that she does everything he wants. He's got a woman who he trusts to never tell his secrets, and she can delude herself into thinking that he really loves her. And the book ends.
The writing style was good, I usually love most Lucy Monroe books. But this was a mess. I needed something to believe in with this book and I didn't get that.
Every time I try to read this book again I just find more and more things that point to the lack of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2018
Hero was a pig. I hated him and I couldn't get over it. I felt the h's pain when she found out. It was awful.
February 3, 2022
It all basically boils down to this: do I believe that the H really loves the h? Not so much. He was a cold fish, and no matter how much the h is supposedly a grownup, I was embarrassed, and I mean really EMBARRASSED for her for the pathetic mental gymnastics she did to convince herself that the H had loved her all along.
avoid
February 6, 2017Doesn't matter if it's a royal contract, if you are engaged, for gods sake stay celibate!
August 27, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
========================
==>Reread 2019, August 20
==>Re-read 2016, march 16
==> Read 2012, september 11 (paperback)
========================
==>Reread 2019, August 20
==>Re-read 2016, march 16
==> Read 2012, september 11 (paperback)
But that had been before today, when she’d received a packet of pictures of Zahir in the mail.
The next photo showed Zahir kissing the same busty blonde, though this time she was wearing a tiny bikini as they lounged beside a private pool.
Zahir did not think this woman was a child. No, Elsa Bosch was everything a man was looking for in a lover. Extravagantly beautiful, voluptuous, experienced. Angele winced at her own assessment, knowing she was none of those things.
She’d been waiting ten years. Ten years. A decade in which she’d never dated, not even attending her high-school prom because she’d considered herself taken. She’d had male friends in college, but none that she’d allowed to see her as anything but a study-buddy.
Unlike her own father, Zahir had been discreet in his relationship with Elsa Bosch. But the fact was: he’d had one.
These photos showed a great deal of skin, but even more passion. And happiness. Zahir’s happiness.
“I will not lie. Our association was measured in years, not days.”
To watch Zahir find joy in the arms of other women as her father had done over and over again? Angele wasn’t about to go that route.
He had foolishly allowed his emotions to get involved. So, when he’d discovered he was not her only lover, he had been hurt. And he was still angry with himself for being that vulnerable.
“You are telling me…that you loved her.”
“It does not matter. Ms. Bosch and I are finished.” “But you loved her, didn’t you?” “That is not something I’m ever going to discuss with you.”
Of course, Elsa would not have been untouched when Zahir began seeing her; his former mistress would have had liaisons with other men.
“And I am not the one regretting that choice.” “You would be if Elsa hadn’t slept around. You’d be wishing you could marry her right now.”
“I misjudged the character of two important women in my life.”
“There was a time when you were nothing but pleased to be my intended.” “It’s going to sound trite, but I grew up.”
Angele saw no evidence that Zahir’s feelings toward her had grown romantically. She didn’t consider his courtship in that light. It was a politically expedient tactic that might be working, but wasn’t fooling her where it counted.
May 3, 2011
For Duty's Sake was a well done HP. We finally get Zahir the Crown Prince story.
Angele and Zahir have been arranged to be married by royal contract since she was 13 but Zahir has never made any move to formalize it or even get engaged. Angele grew up in USA, because her mother could no longer handle her husband's philandering. Angele when she learnt the truth decided that she didn't want to live a life like her mother's so when she receives a letter with pictures of Zahir with another woman she decided to do just that.
She goes to Amir and Grace's(previous book) wedding but refuses to become a part of it and she point-blank tells Zahir that she knows of his past relationship and even when he says its over, she tells him that she doesn't want him compelled by duty to marry him and asks him for a wedding night. Zahir in his arrogance believes that Angele being a virgin is just afraid whether they would be compatible and once he proves it will let go off that idea. But Angele sticks to her guns and makes a quick exit to US(defying everyone). Zahir is livid really. I liked Angele, she loved Zahir since she was a teenager and she did try and let him go.
Zahir was arrogant and raised to be a king. He never had the luxury of choice and he never promised Angele anything, in his mind she was that 13 year old and that young 18 year old later, to try anything with her would have been wrong so what he did was not really wrong. The book was a nice Monroe.
And I liked her for laying down conditions of marriage.
Enjoyable.
Angele and Zahir have been arranged to be married by royal contract since she was 13 but Zahir has never made any move to formalize it or even get engaged. Angele grew up in USA, because her mother could no longer handle her husband's philandering. Angele when she learnt the truth decided that she didn't want to live a life like her mother's so when she receives a letter with pictures of Zahir with another woman she decided to do just that.
She goes to Amir and Grace's(previous book) wedding but refuses to become a part of it and she point-blank tells Zahir that she knows of his past relationship and even when he says its over, she tells him that she doesn't want him compelled by duty to marry him and asks him for a wedding night. Zahir in his arrogance believes that Angele being a virgin is just afraid whether they would be compatible and once he proves it will let go off that idea. But Angele sticks to her guns and makes a quick exit to US(defying everyone). Zahir is livid really. I liked Angele, she loved Zahir since she was a teenager and she did try and let him go.
Zahir was arrogant and raised to be a king. He never had the luxury of choice and he never promised Angele anything, in his mind she was that 13 year old and that young 18 year old later, to try anything with her would have been wrong so what he did was not really wrong. The book was a nice Monroe.
And I liked her for laying down conditions of marriage.
Enjoyable.
May 18, 2013
Flat flat flat FLAT!
i couldn't see the hero's love toward the heroine. Not his behavior, not his affection, not his words, well nothing. nope. nada.
and the fact that the heroine had to spell it for the hero that he'd been in love with her like forever (and transfer the feeling for Elsa - what the h*ll??!! anyone can believe that?? I'm NOT) he's just like "oh..you're right. okay i love you, if you believe so". it couldn't help either that all the time our heroine had to be the one who's playing the feeling.
what about her assurance too?
"When he yelled out Aziz when he climaxed, she knew she really was his beloved."
uh oh..correct me if i'm wrong but he called ELSA aziz when he tricked her (you met them at the dining room, you besotted fool).
"I'm not saying it's Hank, Aziz." (i forget the exact words)
i have to say when i first read this author i was impressed, but then it's going down hill.
hope i can find better ones, soon.
i couldn't see the hero's love toward the heroine. Not his behavior, not his affection, not his words, well nothing. nope. nada.
and the fact that the heroine had to spell it for the hero that he'd been in love with her like forever (and transfer the feeling for Elsa - what the h*ll??!! anyone can believe that?? I'm NOT) he's just like "oh..you're right. okay i love you, if you believe so". it couldn't help either that all the time our heroine had to be the one who's playing the feeling.
what about her assurance too?
"When he yelled out Aziz when he climaxed, she knew she really was his beloved."
uh oh..correct me if i'm wrong but he called ELSA aziz when he tricked her (you met them at the dining room, you besotted fool).
"I'm not saying it's Hank, Aziz." (i forget the exact words)
i have to say when i first read this author i was impressed, but then it's going down hill.
hope i can find better ones, soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2016
Not up to Lucy Monroe's usual standards.
Several unresolved issues: the heroine's parents' relationship for one as well as a pretty abrupt ending.
Nice twist where the heroine actually admits she loves the H while still maintaining her dignity. She did the same with One Night Heir to better affect.
Several unresolved issues: the heroine's parents' relationship for one as well as a pretty abrupt ending.
Nice twist where the heroine actually admits she loves the H while still maintaining her dignity. She did the same with One Night Heir to better affect.
November 22, 2023
Reread… I like this one, with a but… original review still works
Not so sure about this one, everything he does feels like it’s for duty’s sake. It feels like he’s going through the motions to get her back, not because he’s in love, but because it’s what’s expected.
Not so sure about this one, everything he does feels like it’s for duty’s sake. It feels like he’s going through the motions to get her back, not because he’s in love, but because it’s what’s expected.
May 26, 2011
This is a story of Sheikh Zahir and his would be wife Angele,their marriage was arranged when Angele was 13 years and Zahir was 24 years,it is an understanding between 2 royal families that this marriage would take place and Zahir signed the contract
Angele is a very strong girl who lived in happiness then someone sent her a package containing photographs of his father and one of his current mistress which shatters her world,she used to idealise her father he was her hero but then when she saw the pics she was devastated she thought someone wanted her to be unhappy that is why that person sent it but when she confronts her mother she does'nt denies and then she comes to know the truth of her parents marriage,her mother says she loves her father very much then Angele questions how can she stay with him when she knows about all his affairs she says "I won't shame his family n my family by divorce"thus Angele decides that day itself though she loves her father but she cannot forgive him for this and she will never ever be her mother,she slowly develops feelings for Zahir and hero worships him but then again it is shattered when she recieves another packs with pics of his would be husband and his lover Elsa,whoever sent is asking money for it orelse many more such pics will be sent in press,Angele is really devastated and decides she will pay the blackmailer but also decides she will not go ahead with the marriage but she will have her wedding night
Zahir is one man who never expresses his emotions,his face is always blank,no one can figure out what's going on inside his head,he is in love with Elsa but then he comes across her betrayal and is devastated and decides never to again let his emotions involve,he is determined to marry Angele and when she says she will not marry him he thinks she is doubting whether there will be passion or not in this loveless marriage so he also agrees to give her the wedding night but from here itself starts the complications
Angele is one strong headed character,liked the way she sticked to her decisions and she always knows what she wants,she is devastated that Zahir loves this Elsa but still she decides to give him his freedom so he can have his chance to find true happiness,and all her plans are from that POV only,really liked about Angele was Zahir is man of few words but she observes his expressions and comes to know what are his emotions
Zahir what to say i was confused with this man one time he says he is a man of his words and his intrigity and pride are most important things to him so when he signed that contract he will go ahead with it but i wanna ask when he was in relation with Elsa where was this intrigity,he is committed to Angele naa then in a way he cheated on her but when Angele asks him the same question he says our engagement is not officially announced (so i wanna ask it makes allright )
I was confused with Zahir's morals and decisions,he never ever showed any though or feeling which will lead us to think he now loves Angele,till the end i was not confident he loves Angele,the bantering between these 2 were good,though the love scenes lacked passion and i felt it lacked something else also
Good read,but i did'nt enjoyed it
Angele is a very strong girl who lived in happiness then someone sent her a package containing photographs of his father and one of his current mistress which shatters her world,she used to idealise her father he was her hero but then when she saw the pics she was devastated she thought someone wanted her to be unhappy that is why that person sent it but when she confronts her mother she does'nt denies and then she comes to know the truth of her parents marriage,her mother says she loves her father very much then Angele questions how can she stay with him when she knows about all his affairs she says "I won't shame his family n my family by divorce"thus Angele decides that day itself though she loves her father but she cannot forgive him for this and she will never ever be her mother,she slowly develops feelings for Zahir and hero worships him but then again it is shattered when she recieves another packs with pics of his would be husband and his lover Elsa,whoever sent is asking money for it orelse many more such pics will be sent in press,Angele is really devastated and decides she will pay the blackmailer but also decides she will not go ahead with the marriage but she will have her wedding night
Zahir is one man who never expresses his emotions,his face is always blank,no one can figure out what's going on inside his head,he is in love with Elsa but then he comes across her betrayal and is devastated and decides never to again let his emotions involve,he is determined to marry Angele and when she says she will not marry him he thinks she is doubting whether there will be passion or not in this loveless marriage so he also agrees to give her the wedding night but from here itself starts the complications
Angele is one strong headed character,liked the way she sticked to her decisions and she always knows what she wants,she is devastated that Zahir loves this Elsa but still she decides to give him his freedom so he can have his chance to find true happiness,and all her plans are from that POV only,really liked about Angele was Zahir is man of few words but she observes his expressions and comes to know what are his emotions
Zahir what to say i was confused with this man one time he says he is a man of his words and his intrigity and pride are most important things to him so when he signed that contract he will go ahead with it but i wanna ask when he was in relation with Elsa where was this intrigity,he is committed to Angele naa then in a way he cheated on her but when Angele asks him the same question he says our engagement is not officially announced (so i wanna ask it makes allright )
I was confused with Zahir's morals and decisions,he never ever showed any though or feeling which will lead us to think he now loves Angele,till the end i was not confident he loves Angele,the bantering between these 2 were good,though the love scenes lacked passion and i felt it lacked something else also
Good read,but i did'nt enjoyed it
April 30, 2013
Cute story but the chemistry was not there, the hero was one dimensional and the writing not good enough for a Lucy Monroe book.
January 28, 2012
This HP is made up of and Idiot Female Lead (I refuse to call such people heroines) who is the way she is because of her sorry excuse for parents.
- Her dad is the idiot "prince" who thinks with not-his-head, and thinks that his wife's refusal to bear another child is reason enough for him to go whoring with half the opposites sex on the face of this Earth. It is interesting that this dude never once caught an STD.
- Her mom is the idiotic,vapid model who thinks "but I love him" is reason enough to let her husband
a. continue with his foolishness(seriously! STDs!)
b. stay 'married' to him, but live in a different country so she is not 'shamed' by his behavior.
Now you are not to surprised our IFL is an idiot who is TSTL, nah?
This IFL thinks because she has been betrothed to the IML since she was 13 (now she's 23) and he hasn't announced a formal engagement, she's an old maid. Mebbe if she...say...went to school or did almost anything else with her life, she wouldn't be spouting such drivel.
She also has the nerve to be talking to people about moving their ideas into the 21st century when her parents are medieval train wrecks and she herself is stuck in the regency era (see above for examples).
With a person like this as one of the main characters, are you going to enjoy the story?
- Her dad is the idiot "prince" who thinks with not-his-head, and thinks that his wife's refusal to bear another child is reason enough for him to go whoring with half the opposites sex on the face of this Earth. It is interesting that this dude never once caught an STD.
- Her mom is the idiotic,vapid model who thinks "but I love him" is reason enough to let her husband
a. continue with his foolishness(seriously! STDs!)
b. stay 'married' to him, but live in a different country so she is not 'shamed' by his behavior.
Now you are not to surprised our IFL is an idiot who is TSTL, nah?
This IFL thinks because she has been betrothed to the IML since she was 13 (now she's 23) and he hasn't announced a formal engagement, she's an old maid. Mebbe if she...say...went to school or did almost anything else with her life, she wouldn't be spouting such drivel.
She also has the nerve to be talking to people about moving their ideas into the 21st century when her parents are medieval train wrecks and she herself is stuck in the regency era (see above for examples).
With a person like this as one of the main characters, are you going to enjoy the story?
March 1, 2012
It was blah, the ending was so lame.
October 29, 2018
Enjoyed this one!
September 27, 2017
No está mal escrito pero no quiero ni empezar a entender los procesos mentales de los dos protagonistas porque temo por la salud de mis neuronas, la virgen qué cosa más wtf.
May 13, 2018
Zahir the heartless Sheikh and Angele his forgotten betrothed.
Well, that was a surprise. I did not expect to enjoy this one so much, but it was hard to put down!
It starts as your usual harlequin pap;
young girl enamoured with older uber wealthy hottie
marriage arranged for all the wrong reasons
evil OW
time wasted
... you know the drill.
But the further I got into it the more the characters veered from their expected paths.
The OW isn't a total cardboard cut out bitch.
The h isn't a totally naive idiot (although you can still check off the virgin box on harlequin requirements list).
The H's actions speak louder than the words he never says, and despite the OW he isn't a manho.
So they were betrothed when she was 13 and he was 24. Ten years later she is wondering when the hell he is going take the next step, and it isn't looking promising anymore. He won't kiss her and she gets a blackmail package with pictures of him and Elsa, a German starlet. So he wasn't looking forward to their marriage??? Well, sh*t! All this time she'd wasted pining for the guy. But she's not mad. Sad, sure. Determined to distance herself, Hell yeah!
Zahir finally notices her when she decides to give up waiting for him. The book starts with him thinking of her as a duty. He's an honourable guy and will do what's expected of him and be faithful. He's even intrigued a bit by her strength of character. But he's not a guy to let himself lose control because of a woman... (I guess he wasn't thinking of Angele when he defined his self control!)
Angele is determined to marry for love and Zahir is determined that she marry him. But neither character are fools and circumstances conspire to help bring them together.
I liked Zahir. He's kind of a cold uptight guy. Very formal but passionate when it comes to Angele. She's hurt by his affair with Elsa while she waited virginally for him to make their engagement announcement. Does he grovel well? Not really. But ...
I felt like Angele brought out his emotions as no other woman could. She wasn't prone to being a weak nit wit and owned her actions. Though the story starts with the revelation of his secret affair with Elsa, Angele is undeniably his entire focus from about a 3rd into the story. No insta this or that but a more believable fall from his aloof pedistal.
safety is pretty good... for a harlequin ; )
Well, that was a surprise. I did not expect to enjoy this one so much, but it was hard to put down!
It starts as your usual harlequin pap;
young girl enamoured with older uber wealthy hottie
marriage arranged for all the wrong reasons
evil OW
time wasted
... you know the drill.
But the further I got into it the more the characters veered from their expected paths.
The OW isn't a total cardboard cut out bitch.
The h isn't a totally naive idiot (although you can still check off the virgin box on harlequin requirements list).
The H's actions speak louder than the words he never says, and despite the OW he isn't a manho.
So they were betrothed when she was 13 and he was 24. Ten years later she is wondering when the hell he is going take the next step, and it isn't looking promising anymore. He won't kiss her and she gets a blackmail package with pictures of him and Elsa, a German starlet. So he wasn't looking forward to their marriage??? Well, sh*t! All this time she'd wasted pining for the guy. But she's not mad. Sad, sure. Determined to distance herself, Hell yeah!
Zahir finally notices her when she decides to give up waiting for him. The book starts with him thinking of her as a duty. He's an honourable guy and will do what's expected of him and be faithful. He's even intrigued a bit by her strength of character. But he's not a guy to let himself lose control because of a woman... (I guess he wasn't thinking of Angele when he defined his self control!)
Angele is determined to marry for love and Zahir is determined that she marry him. But neither character are fools and circumstances conspire to help bring them together.
I liked Zahir. He's kind of a cold uptight guy. Very formal but passionate when it comes to Angele. She's hurt by his affair with Elsa while she waited virginally for him to make their engagement announcement. Does he grovel well? Not really. But ...
I felt like Angele brought out his emotions as no other woman could. She wasn't prone to being a weak nit wit and owned her actions. Though the story starts with the revelation of his secret affair with Elsa, Angele is undeniably his entire focus from about a 3rd into the story. No insta this or that but a more believable fall from his aloof pedistal.
safety is pretty good... for a harlequin ; )
January 11, 2013
I'll give it two stars due to the writing, but for better lack of word, I didn't feel the "chemistry" between the couple. How the relationship changed all began with an event that really didn't feel like the two had that "hot-ness" that should be between a couple. That said, I just couldn't get into the couple after that.
I will say this: I DID like the heroine. She is an intelligent woman who knows her own mind. I just wished that her hero was someone else.
I will say this: I DID like the heroine. She is an intelligent woman who knows her own mind. I just wished that her hero was someone else.
September 1, 2018
For Duty’s Sake is typical of Lucy Monroe’s sheiky/royal romance recipe: a dignified heroine wracked by a one-sided love for a duty-bound hero who believes his obligations to the crown rob him of the freedom to love where he will...add a negative exemplum parental figure and stir. I like these books for the heroines’ composure and the general decency of the heroes, who usually offer marital fidelity and respect and orgasms in place of the love they are doomed never to experience. But this particular outing frustrates me because I can’t construct a satisfactory timeline for the hero’s relationship with the OW.
When Angele was 13 and Zahir was 24, their parents arranged a marriage contract. She grew up idolizing her future husband, while he spent ten years avoiding making their agreement an official engagement, first because she was too young and later because he was having a love affair (emphasis on love) with a German skinflick actress. Angele learns of the affair when a blackmailer sends her compromising photographs of the couple. Her heart breaks because nobody wants to see their almost-fiance snogging another woman but -- even worse -- Zahir looks happy and relaxed with the OW. She can feel his love and affection for the OW rolling off the photos.
And the hero calls the OW “aziz” in that final confrontation. *headdesk*
When Angele was 13 and Zahir was 24, their parents arranged a marriage contract. She grew up idolizing her future husband, while he spent ten years avoiding making their agreement an official engagement, first because she was too young and later because he was having a love affair (emphasis on love) with a German skinflick actress. Angele learns of the affair when a blackmailer sends her compromising photographs of the couple. Her heart breaks because nobody wants to see their almost-fiance snogging another woman but -- even worse -- Zahir looks happy and relaxed with the OW. She can feel his love and affection for the OW rolling off the photos.
And the hero calls the OW “aziz” in that final confrontation. *headdesk*
August 7, 2014
A very enjoyable read. Lots of smoldering passion & an unclaimed engagement long denied leads our heroine to decide that the prince has never looked so as happy as with his secret girlfriend, that there must be love. So she decides to break their unofficial engagement as there is no love on his side but first she wants a night of passion. She tells him all this but of course him being an alpha male & knowing she loves him, he believes she will still be there in the morning......Shocking!!!! She really means it & sticks to her guns until a surprise rears it's head. Was a wonderful treat to read about a tough woman who says "no" & doesn't allow herself to be charmed even though she loves him. Wish she could of held out a little longer as I would loved to have him grovel a little more. But overall a well written entertaining read.
September 20, 2012
I read this novel prior but for some reason did not review it. I thought this novel was pretty good. I loved the heroine and her bravery, perhaps her foolishness as well. I really connected with her and the whole attitude she presented in the novel. The hero was a douche for a long time in my opinion but things changed as the novel progressed. By the end I still was impressed and though it was a good read.
April 10, 2025
Possibly 3 stars, for some originality to the story... maybe.
Preeti did a fantastic review of this! Summed up a lot of my perceptions.
I’m posting my additional thoughts about this old book now mainly to air the frustration about having re-read this story.
The H, Zafir, featured in the prior story in the series, Hired: The Sheikh’s Secretary Mistress, and he came off as an interesting character, insightful and with a sense of humor. Apparently, he didn’t bring those characteristics with him to this one.
It’s annoying when a story has potential and poor editing didn’t solve the problems in it. For example, several pages with doctors talking about her morning sickness, instead of pages showing positive growth in the MC’s romance.
The truly annoying thing in reflection is the realization that nothing in this romance was a result of his actions. His arranged marriage counterpart, the h, Angele, did everything. She pursued their first real conversation, their first (and subsequent) romantic encounter, etc. His so-called ‘public wooing’ never involved actual contact with her! Even his “I love you” came from her cornering him by saying “I think you love me.” I don’t believe any of it. Had she not relentlessly worked for forward motion, the marriage written about in 2011 still wouldn’t have taken place. (BTW, him having sex with her didn’t impress me as romantic... he didn’t pursue her or instigate anything, she did.)
A few other issues. He was in love with an OW, a relationship that apparently began when his intended was 21 years old, aka a legal adult. He ignored his future bride to spend years with someone else, and the future bride received pictorial proof of him happily smiling and intimate with her over a lengthy period. I’m hard-pressed to recall if he ever smiled at the h. The OW turned out to be a cheater, or they’d probably still be together. Nothing in the book changed the view that he was a lot happier in his relationship with her.
Then at end, he calls the OW “Aziz” in front of his bride-to-be... whom he also calls “Aziz”... WTH? That shouldn’t have gotten through editing, unless we’re supposed to know he still considers the OW his beloved, or women are interchangeable to him? Unreal.
Finally, not using condoms was stupid and a flaw in the actions/logic for both of them. Having them fail would’ve been better for the same needed plot point... unless she really was trying to trap him.
The Epilogue could’ve saved some of these issues, but it didn’t. I’d say they did marry for duty’s sake, and don’t buy their HEA at all.
Total missed opportunity.
Preeti did a fantastic review of this! Summed up a lot of my perceptions.
I’m posting my additional thoughts about this old book now mainly to air the frustration about having re-read this story.
The H, Zafir, featured in the prior story in the series, Hired: The Sheikh’s Secretary Mistress, and he came off as an interesting character, insightful and with a sense of humor. Apparently, he didn’t bring those characteristics with him to this one.
It’s annoying when a story has potential and poor editing didn’t solve the problems in it. For example, several pages with doctors talking about her morning sickness, instead of pages showing positive growth in the MC’s romance.
The truly annoying thing in reflection is the realization that nothing in this romance was a result of his actions. His arranged marriage counterpart, the h, Angele, did everything. She pursued their first real conversation, their first (and subsequent) romantic encounter, etc. His so-called ‘public wooing’ never involved actual contact with her! Even his “I love you” came from her cornering him by saying “I think you love me.” I don’t believe any of it. Had she not relentlessly worked for forward motion, the marriage written about in 2011 still wouldn’t have taken place. (BTW, him having sex with her didn’t impress me as romantic... he didn’t pursue her or instigate anything, she did.)
A few other issues. He was in love with an OW, a relationship that apparently began when his intended was 21 years old, aka a legal adult. He ignored his future bride to spend years with someone else, and the future bride received pictorial proof of him happily smiling and intimate with her over a lengthy period. I’m hard-pressed to recall if he ever smiled at the h. The OW turned out to be a cheater, or they’d probably still be together. Nothing in the book changed the view that he was a lot happier in his relationship with her.
Then at end, he calls the OW “Aziz” in front of his bride-to-be... whom he also calls “Aziz”... WTH? That shouldn’t have gotten through editing, unless we’re supposed to know he still considers the OW his beloved, or women are interchangeable to him? Unreal.
Finally, not using condoms was stupid and a flaw in the actions/logic for both of them. Having them fail would’ve been better for the same needed plot point... unless she really was trying to trap him.
The Epilogue could’ve saved some of these issues, but it didn’t. I’d say they did marry for duty’s sake, and don’t buy their HEA at all.
Total missed opportunity.
April 15, 2020
If I had an offer to rewrite any HP I swear I would choose For Duty’s Sake – an insensitive, uncaring jerk of a hero and a heroine who starts off so strong and then just folds like a pack of cards.
If I could make only one change it would be to remove the pregnancy angle. It’s what weakens her. He comes chasing only to assuage his ego and the pregnancy made it easier for him. I would like to make it play out when he had no hold over her. It would take a few years maybe before he got her back – on her terms.
If I could make only one change it would be to remove the pregnancy angle. It’s what weakens her. He comes chasing only to assuage his ego and the pregnancy made it easier for him. I would like to make it play out when he had no hold over her. It would take a few years maybe before he got her back – on her terms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2017
Lucy Monroe definitely surprised me with the H's kinky bedroom behavior. I admired the h for not wanting to repeat the mistakes of her parents, despite loving the H. Not one of my favorite Lucy Monroe books but it wasn't a bad read if you are bored and wanting to read a decent book.
March 14, 2012
ok, but not one of the better sheikh reads.
August 13, 2020
This story was a surprise. I had just finished a HP romance that was less than interesting and did not have high hopes for this story. However, the h was a total surprise! She was remarkable. Mature, strong and independent. The H still needed some time to develop. He was emotionally suppressed and too arrogant and egocentric to be an honest part of a lasting relationship, in my opinion. He did attempt to court the h once she had broken off the engagement, but his efforts were without feeling and were insincere. To his amazement, she rejected his efforts.
She only agreed to the marriage once she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, this h was no doormat and agreed only with conditions.
I wish there had been a more detailed epilogue as it seemed that the h was truly what would save the H from a life of loneliness and emptiness. The OW was really a non-issue and seemed to distract from the story.
She only agreed to the marriage once she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, this h was no doormat and agreed only with conditions.
I wish there had been a more detailed epilogue as it seemed that the h was truly what would save the H from a life of loneliness and emptiness. The OW was really a non-issue and seemed to distract from the story.
January 3, 2021
My rating: 3 stars.
What I liked: Besides the sleeping with Zahir(H), I did like Angele(h). I liked how she stood up to him and was willing to do what she had to do for her baby.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Angele decided she wanted her wedding night with Zahir (but not the wedding) especially after knowing he was with ow (I guess I just don’t see how you would want that especially if she believes he is in happy with the ow). She says she is doing it to let him go but how is that letting him go.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: H and h are betrothal to be married (their fathers arranged a marriage between the both of them when they were young). The H is with ow and h is sent pictures of them together. Also, h’s father was unfaithful to her mother.
Final thoughts: This was not my first time reading Lucy Monroe (she actually wrote one of my favorite books Moon Awaking) and I will definitely read more of her books. Unfortunately, this book was just ok for me :(
What I liked: Besides the sleeping with Zahir(H), I did like Angele(h). I liked how she stood up to him and was willing to do what she had to do for her baby.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Angele decided she wanted her wedding night with Zahir (but not the wedding) especially after knowing he was with ow (I guess I just don’t see how you would want that especially if she believes he is in happy with the ow). She says she is doing it to let him go but how is that letting him go.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: H and h are betrothal to be married (their fathers arranged a marriage between the both of them when they were young). The H is with ow and h is sent pictures of them together. Also, h’s father was unfaithful to her mother.
Final thoughts: This was not my first time reading Lucy Monroe (she actually wrote one of my favorite books Moon Awaking) and I will definitely read more of her books. Unfortunately, this book was just ok for me :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews