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Desert Rogues #9
The Sheik & The Bride Who Said No
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PALACE HAD ALWAYS INTRIGUED HER...
Including the incredibly handsome crown prince himself. There was no denying that Murat was a man of mystery, power and many talents. But for a husband, Daphne Snowden wanted more. Sure, future "queen" sounded lovely, but she wanted someone who saw her as more than a woman to bear the next heir to the throne. Someone who respected her. Someone who loved her.
Still, there was that niggling burning desire and unfinished business between them...And though time had changed him, it had not erased her interest in the only man she ever loved. But obey his demands and marry him? Never!
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1994
About the author
Susan Mallery
865 books15.7k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 1, 2025
Nice read . Second chance romance.
Prince Murat wants a wife. And the only person fitting the role is his ex fiancée Daphne.
Prince Murat wants a wife. And the only person fitting the role is his ex fiancée Daphne.
November 21, 2016
A very good read!
Firstly, I don't understand all the disdain towards this book and Murad.
Does he coerce Daphne's niece into a marriage?
No! His father does. But I got the feeling he did it to get Daphne back into his land, and hence into his arms. And other things revealed later.
Was he overbearing?
Yes. But way less than his brothers. The "I AM THE KING" trope would have been annoying if repeated all the time.
Was he unfair about the virginity thing?
I don't think so. I mean, Asian men have this obsession with that piece of cervix-gateway-to-heaven-but-is-actually-a-rudiment-piece-of-flesh-hymen; but since he moved on- it was NOT unfair that she did too. And they don't dwell much on it.
Was marrying her wrong?
Nah Im fond of kidnapped brides and otherwise, she wouldn't have given him a chance.
I was #teammurad until 3/4th of the book, when I became #teamdaphne. Then I was #TeamFFSPLEASECOMMUNICATE because them making assumptions gave me a heady headache. Wow these books DO have a lot of thoughtless words thrown around. But then again, thats Silhouette books for ya!
Well written story with good sex scenes.
Unsafe
3.75/5
Firstly, I don't understand all the disdain towards this book and Murad.
Does he coerce Daphne's niece into a marriage?
No! His father does. But I got the feeling he did it to get Daphne back into his land, and hence into his arms. And other things revealed later.
Was he overbearing?
Yes. But way less than his brothers. The "I AM THE KING" trope would have been annoying if repeated all the time.
Was he unfair about the virginity thing?
I don't think so. I mean, Asian men have this obsession with that piece of cervix-gateway-to-heaven-but-is-actually-a-rudiment-piece-of-flesh-hymen; but since he moved on- it was NOT unfair that she did too. And they don't dwell much on it.
Was marrying her wrong?
Nah Im fond of kidnapped brides and otherwise, she wouldn't have given him a chance.
I was #teammurad until 3/4th of the book, when I became #teamdaphne. Then I was #TeamFFSPLEASECOMMUNICATE because them making assumptions gave me a heady headache. Wow these books DO have a lot of thoughtless words thrown around. But then again, thats Silhouette books for ya!
Well written story with good sex scenes.
Unsafe
3.75/5
February 4, 2013
Not my favorite book in this series. Murat needed a serious neck smack. He kidnapped, keep stranded and even married a woman with an head injury. He seriously has issues with being the crown prince and having everything on his way.
I liked Daphne and completely understand her reasons to leave on the first place. Okay, she loved him, but also tried to move on. She had a normal life with a very dysfunctional family bugging her about choices, still she always made everything right, until her niece accepted a wedding with Murat and Daphne had to return and show him things would be different this time.
I liked when Murat finally realized he needed Daphne in his life and how much she actually meant for him. But he deserved to suffer a lot more.
I liked Daphne and completely understand her reasons to leave on the first place. Okay, she loved him, but also tried to move on. She had a normal life with a very dysfunctional family bugging her about choices, still she always made everything right, until her niece accepted a wedding with Murat and Daphne had to return and show him things would be different this time.
I liked when Murat finally realized he needed Daphne in his life and how much she actually meant for him. But he deserved to suffer a lot more.
February 1, 2017
Daphne walked out on Crown Prince Murat 3 weeks before their wedding 10 years ago. Since that time, no one is allowed to speak her name... until Murat contracts to marry Daphne's young, naive niece and Daphne is determined to prevent the marriage.
Prince Murat declares that someone from the family will marry him and takes Daphne prisoner.
Many twists & turns, misunderstandings and a prince who is *way* too used to getting his own way.
Prince Murat declares that someone from the family will marry him and takes Daphne prisoner.
Many twists & turns, misunderstandings and a prince who is *way* too used to getting his own way.
August 27, 2012
This prince gets a lesson on what a girl or women in this case, wants. It was filled with humor and fun. Good read.
April 21, 2018
I know when I read this series as a teenager, I wanted to smack Murat into next week and that sentiment has not changed. There are all kinds of wrong here and the book doesn't really leave you with warm fuzzies. More a concern that Daphne has permanent Stockholm Syndrome and everyone is OK with that...
[except Billie who does offer to fly her out if she wants. Billie remains the smartest of the bunch.]
[except Billie who does offer to fly her out if she wants. Billie remains the smartest of the bunch.]
July 12, 2022
Murat, Bahania's crown prince, was engaged some ten years ago and was left at the altar. Humiliated, angry and hurt, he issued an order to the effect that the woman's name was never to be mentioned again.
Ten years later, the king feels that the crown prince must marry and start producing heirs. To that effect, the king sets his sights on a young woman barely eighteen years old. The only problem is that the young woman is the ex-fiancee's niece. When Daphne, the ex, finds out about the situation, she drops everything and rushes to accompany her niece and find the reason behind her niece's acceptance of the proposal. After a heart to heart with her niece who was brainwashed by her power and prestige hungry family the niece realizes that she knows nothing about the role that she will be called to play. As she starts to freak out, Daphne offers to have her niece returned to the U.S. and, she will meet with Murat, herself, to settle the matter.
The author with her special gift, succeeds in creating a story with a pompous prince, a clueless teenager, a prestige oriented family, a down to earth royal family , a kind meddling King and, humour filled situations doubled with twists and turns that make this book a page-turner with a rating of 5 Stars.
Ten years later, the king feels that the crown prince must marry and start producing heirs. To that effect, the king sets his sights on a young woman barely eighteen years old. The only problem is that the young woman is the ex-fiancee's niece. When Daphne, the ex, finds out about the situation, she drops everything and rushes to accompany her niece and find the reason behind her niece's acceptance of the proposal. After a heart to heart with her niece who was brainwashed by her power and prestige hungry family the niece realizes that she knows nothing about the role that she will be called to play. As she starts to freak out, Daphne offers to have her niece returned to the U.S. and, she will meet with Murat, herself, to settle the matter.
The author with her special gift, succeeds in creating a story with a pompous prince, a clueless teenager, a prestige oriented family, a down to earth royal family , a kind meddling King and, humour filled situations doubled with twists and turns that make this book a page-turner with a rating of 5 Stars.
July 29, 2017
I like it when Murat finally sees it from Daphne's point of view. He finally realises his mistake. Many males fail to admit that they are wrong due to their pride/ego.
Daphne is also the kind of woman I like, someone who can stand up to someone and hold on to their beliefs so matter how much the other party believes they are right.
Daphne is also the kind of woman I like, someone who can stand up to someone and hold on to their beliefs so matter how much the other party believes they are right.
May 29, 2017
It was heartwarming. Although, I would say, the sheikh was egoist, doesn't want to confess first. Duh. The man's pride.
May 27, 2018
Cute story. Short but cute
March 6, 2021
Interesting read.... I love all of Susan Mallery's Desert Rogues series...
February 6, 2022
Pure escapism in a story that has no sense of reality but enjoyable all the same.
August 14, 2020
No sé si actúa por amor, tozudez o venganza, pero es un modo bastante extraño de demostrar su preocupación y su afecto...
June 27, 2012
Ten years ago, Daphne Snowden broke her engagement to Crown Prince Murat of Bahania three weeks before their wedding without a word of explanation. King Hassan has decided that it is time for his last single child to marry and has tapped Daphne's beloved neice Brittany for the job. While Daphne was willing to incur royal wrath and the rejection of her family to avoid becoming Murat's bride and future queen, she is willing to do anything to spare Brittany the same fate. Murat insists that he will marry a Snowden, whether it's Brittany or Daphne.
Murat was enraged and humiliated by Daphne's defection, and forbid that her name be spoken. The unexpected opportunity to conquer her is irresistable. Once he overcomes her defiance, Murat is certain that Daphne will make a good queen, a great mother and a pleasing wife. Once he is victorious over her, he is certain his life can return to normal. But Daphne left 10 years ago because she did not want a marriage without love, and that fact has not changed.
Murat and Daphne make such an interesting pair. I enjoy their reparte and the way that they understand each other (except when it comes to their relationship). I would think Cleo would be more sympathetic to Daphne than she comes across, but maybe she has been happily married for too long to remember. The plot device for Murat's epiphany was clever, but so much about the end of the book felt awkward to me. I really liked both of the characters, and I was happy that they found their HEA, but overall it was a bit disjointed for me.
Murat was enraged and humiliated by Daphne's defection, and forbid that her name be spoken. The unexpected opportunity to conquer her is irresistable. Once he overcomes her defiance, Murat is certain that Daphne will make a good queen, a great mother and a pleasing wife. Once he is victorious over her, he is certain his life can return to normal. But Daphne left 10 years ago because she did not want a marriage without love, and that fact has not changed.
Murat and Daphne make such an interesting pair. I enjoy their reparte and the way that they understand each other (except when it comes to their relationship). I would think Cleo would be more sympathetic to Daphne than she comes across, but maybe she has been happily married for too long to remember. The plot device for Murat's epiphany was clever, but so much about the end of the book felt awkward to me. I really liked both of the characters, and I was happy that they found their HEA, but overall it was a bit disjointed for me.
February 18, 2017
So loved this story. Can't wait to read the next book.
June 27, 2013
Including the incredibly handsome crown prince himself. There was no denying that Murat was a man of mystery, power and many talents. But for a husband, Daphne Snowden wanted more. Sure, future "queen" sounded lovely, but she wanted someone who saw her as more than a woman to bear the next heir to the throne. Someone who respected her. Someone who loved her.
Still, there was that niggling burning desire and unfinished business between them. And though time had changed him, it had not erased her interest in the only man she ever loved. But obey his demands and marry him? Never!
A very unique story line. Not just this book, but the whole series. It seems in a lifetime of looking for a woman to marry, all the prince's wanted someone who didn't love them for their title, nor their money and power. But then, the reason the said women wouldn't marry them is because they didn't want the title, the power, nor the money. They were all looking for love. Daphne was no different. She however, was to be the future Queen. Which made it more cumbersome. A lifetime of a
King that didn't love his Queen? Not gonna happen. i gave this a 5 star.
Still, there was that niggling burning desire and unfinished business between them. And though time had changed him, it had not erased her interest in the only man she ever loved. But obey his demands and marry him? Never!
A very unique story line. Not just this book, but the whole series. It seems in a lifetime of looking for a woman to marry, all the prince's wanted someone who didn't love them for their title, nor their money and power. But then, the reason the said women wouldn't marry them is because they didn't want the title, the power, nor the money. They were all looking for love. Daphne was no different. She however, was to be the future Queen. Which made it more cumbersome. A lifetime of a
King that didn't love his Queen? Not gonna happen. i gave this a 5 star.
May 24, 2020
The ninth in this series, this one is pretty typical with the arrogant prince (Murat) unwilling to recognize love while the American bride, Daphne Snowden, refuses to stay without love. Sound familiar? It has some redeeming value, however. The petition scene in the desert is one, a good portrayal of cultural differences between American and mid-East values. The book would have been better with a scene between Daphne and her parents, sister, and niece in order to present some closure there. Instead, all family contact was via phone, which was restrictive. Also, a bit repetitive on the "No" issue.
September 20, 2011
He was Crown Prince Murat of Bahania, and she was a mere woman. Her will could not withstand that pressure of his.
Arrogant, egotistical, pretentious and 100% sexy royal male.
I love this series.
Prince Murat was hugely arrogant at times....probably 80% of the time, but his arrogance was endearing.
"I command you to be healed," he murmured, his face close to hers, his breath stirring her hair. "I am Crown Prince Murat, and I command that you open your eyes and speak to me right now."
Oh, so arrogant, but equally sweet and sexy. I loved him immediately and thought Daphne was a great match.
Arrogant, egotistical, pretentious and 100% sexy royal male.
I love this series.
Prince Murat was hugely arrogant at times....probably 80% of the time, but his arrogance was endearing.
"I command you to be healed," he murmured, his face close to hers, his breath stirring her hair. "I am Crown Prince Murat, and I command that you open your eyes and speak to me right now."
Oh, so arrogant, but equally sweet and sexy. I loved him immediately and thought Daphne was a great match.
September 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. It has the best of what Mallery offers--a strong, intelligent heroine who will fight for what is right and demand the love and respect she deserves in her partner, and a strong, intelligent alpha male who needs to learn how to offer that love and respect and recognize that it is not a weakness to admit such feelings. Of course there is the usual slapdash of humor and tears thrown into the mix. And Mallery also works in a surprise twist or two to keep the reader truly engaged. I liked that she didn't use a big event/epiphany to bring them together, but rather a gradual growth or change in the relationship that made it all the more believable.
June 9, 2014
Ugh - Murat is completely unlikeable. I wanted Daphne to get some self-respect. I can handle an arrogant sheikh, but Murat was just an ass. I think a little more begging for forgiveness would have been better in this story. I loved how she summed up their relationship in explaining why she wouldn't do a magazine interview. However, when finding out her niece was involved, I would have had some stronger things to say. This book made me want to rant and scream at the characters!
January 1, 2008
My good friend and I spent many an evening discussing romance novels and what attracts a person to read them. She decided to do a nationwide search for the best title, and gave me this as a birthday present. Wow. I feel like I've crossed over. I am no longer a person who has never read a romance "novel".
August 17, 2016
I don't like books where the woman develops Stockholm Syndrome. That's exactly what happens here, when Murat the crown prince locks Daphne up and marries her when she's unconscious. Creepy much? Doesn't matter how nice he is to her otherwise, the sheer premise is unforgivable. It's not sexy, and it certainly doesn't make for good reading.
March 5, 2016
Ten years ago she’d been too innocent and out of her element to be much more than intimidated by the obvious sexual experience of the man. Now she found herself wanting to sign up for a weekend seminar on the subject.
July 16, 2008
Pretty decent as romance novels go.
April 29, 2009
It's typical Desert Rouges Series..Arrogant Prince, feisty woman, etc2..It's a good read, though it's gonna get a bit boring if the same theme keeps repeating..
October 16, 2009
I thought Murat was a real idiot throughout the whole book pretty much and then he finally saw the light as they say. Great book.
August 21, 2012
Murat, the prince who is the most hard really softened in this book.. But he sure met his match in Daphne!!
April 23, 2012
2 stars
review
review
March 22, 2015
Loved it!!!!!
I really enjoyed this book. Such a great read. I was so.engrossed it took me less than two hours to finish. Great job
I really enjoyed this book. Such a great read. I was so.engrossed it took me less than two hours to finish. Great job
November 13, 2015
nice story and a good series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews