Under the Sheik's Protection

by C.J. Miller

A sexy sheik finds forbidden love in C.J. Miller's tale of international intrigue

After an uncharacteristic night of passion, event coordinator Sarah Parker learns her mystery lover is Sheik Saafir, her new client—and the target of an assassination plot. But the darkly handsome royal has an appeal the sensible Sarah can't ignore, even when she's caught in the cross fire.

Honor bound, Saafir has agreed to an arranged marriage to unite the feuding factions in his country…and then he kisses the surprising American. Now, dodging bullets is nowhere near as dangerous as the attraction that puts his sense of duty at war with his heart. But can he walk away from Sarah even to save his life…and hers?

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

C.J. Miller is the author of 20 contemporary romances, including the Ocean Sands Series.

She lives in Maryland and can often be found with a book in her hand or writing one on her computer.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Sheik’s Protection is a romantic suspense by C.J. Miller. This is one of the books about Qamsar and its leaders.
Sarah Parker just received her divorce papers. Finally her marriage with Alec was over and she could begin anew. Everyone involved knew that Alec was to have no contact with her and that she was finished enabling him. He was now in a rehab selected by his brother Owen and his twin sister Evelyn. They would now be responsible for him, although Sarah planned to help pay for his program. Wanting to celebrate her birthday, her friends Krista and Molly invited her to have a drink. While there, she saw a very handsome man and walked up to meet him. She fully intended to have a fling with him for her birthday. Little did she know he was the emir of Qamsar. Would one night be enough? Would Alec stay out of her life?
Sheik Saafir is in town for a trade negotiations meeting. He hopes to sell the oil in his land to America so he could start making inroads into rebuilding the infrastructure of his country. He knows when he returns home, he will face an engagement and marriage to Aliana Faris whom he has never met. While in the bar, he meets Sarah and knowing she has no idea who he is, he invites her back to his hotel. He is intrigued by her and likes the fact that she likes him for who he really is, not just an emir.
However, the trade negotiations are destined to be interrupted by Rabah Wasam and the far-leaning Conservatives. They want the negotiations to stop and for Saafir to step down as emir. In addition, Rabah has a personal grudge against Saafir. Attack after attack, how does Rabah know where they are? Will Rabah win? Will the trade negotiations go through?

[ryan]

DNF at 29%

really, i was actually enjoying this book. it isn't them, it's me - i started this book and then a few days later my life changed in every aspect and i've been having a hard time getting back to reading this. i have the desire but right now, i can't think about this book without thinking about the very Not So Great life event that happened, so i will pick this up at a different point in time, but not right now...

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes an obligation is the reason a person takes a certain action, even when there is another path they actually want to follow. Since the hero was born into a family that rules a desert Middle Eastern country and he is its new emir, he is duty-bound to follow the rules of Qamsar. Yet when a chance encounter has him meeting a woman whom he cannot forget, his mind and heart become embattled in a constant war of decisive choices. UNDER THE SHEIK’S PROTECTION has complex predicaments plus challenging emotional issues, and C.J. Miller cleverly interweaves devious schemes with heartfelt desires to create an engrossing story of suspense.

Though it became his duty to lead Qamsar because of his birth, Sheik Saafir bin Jassim Al Sharani is willing to do whatever he can to aid his country and get its people to stand behind him. Some individuals living there do not want him to rule, and they are taking drastic measures to ensure he never does. One way to help bring peace between the different parties is to marry a woman whose connections will draw the diverse groups closer, even if he does not know her at all. The time has almost come for Saafir to finalize who will be his wife, but currently his concentration is on the forthcoming negotiations for a possible oil deal with America.

When Sarah Parker went to a local bar with friends, she was celebrating two important events and is ready to begin a new stage in her life. Her career as an event planner is also looking up, especially since a huge new contract will be starting soon. Sarah initiates a conversation with a man in the bar and then spends the night with him. Although she had thought the evening would just be a treasured memory to recall later, she is shocked to discover her fling was with the man for whom she has been arranging numerous upcoming activities. When it looks like Sarah’s life is in danger because of her association with Saafir, he knows spending any more personal time together is unwise. Yet there is no way he will let her fend for herself if there is the slightest chance she could be harmed because of him.

A particularly believable premise and notable characters make UNDER THE SHEIK’S PROTECTION totally captivating. The nonstop danger is often heart-pounding as the reader waits to see how an outcome will ultimately end up affecting Sarah or Saafir. A number of situations involve threats from sources that are unanticipated, but this does not diminish the risks to either of their lives. Political discontent is very widespread in today’s world, and C.J. Miller makes the turmoil taking place in Qamsar come across as realistic. How each person reacts to the same incident is portrayed with genuine responses which are always earnestly conveyed with plenty of intense feelings.

The relationship between Saafir and Sarah is filled with countless complications, and none of the solutions seem very promising for their connection to last. They experience a wide variety of sentiments throughout the story, and I got a sense of their feelings at all times because of the skilled writing of Ms. Miller. The strong bond between Saafir and Sarah makes it difficult for either to be the one to end what they share, and I became completely caught up in what these two likable characters would finally choose. Both try to be straightforward when it relates to their opinions plus feelings, and their honesty increased my respect for them. The passion between them is certainly steamy, and neither holds back when expressing their fervent desire. C.J. Miller makes her latest suspenseful story one that will not be easily forgotten. UNDER THE SHEIK’S PROTECTION has riveting action and emotion-packed scenarios.

CataRomance review - 4.5 Stars

[Harlequin Books]

" Well thought out and laden with conflict, tension and incredible intrigue, this story is one stellar read" (RT Book Reviews). 4 1/2 stars

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great action and romance

[Roni O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was a shift from my typical leisure reading genre, but I must admit I truly enjoyed the read. Suspenseful and exciting, it keeps the reader connected. Highly recommended!