The Sheikh's Princess Bride

Desert Vows #2

by Annie West

Wanted: royal bride and mother

For Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sharath, one miserable marriage was enough. With a kingdom to rule, he has no time—or wish—to find a bride, but his children need a mother.

Could Princess Samira of Jazeer be the answer? Samira has sampled passion, and it left a bad taste. With the knowledge she can't have the children she's always wanted, Samira steps into Tariq's ready-made family. Her only condition? No sex!

Samira thought royal duties and her love for Tariq's children would fill the hole in her heart, but a craving is building that only the sheikh's touch can cure…

Genres: Harlequin Presents, Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 17, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!

You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com

I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.

Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of non virginal heroines when I read a Harlequin Presents.

[Reads by Starburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sheikh’s Princess Bride by Annie West was a well written marriage of convenience with the right amount of passion and emotion.

Samira is a strong, independent heroine whose first lover has left her bitter about love and sex. I liked her and thought she was very brave because of the decisions she made. Tariq is a sexy sheikh who had a very emotionless upbringing which makes him think he is incapable of love. He was an awesome father and cared a lot for Samira in his own sweet way.

The story progresses smoothly and the romance appears very natural. There was no unnecessary dragging and I was hooked from the start to end.The epilogue sums everything up nicely.

Overall, The Sheikh’s Princess Bride by Annie West is a treat for everyone who loves marriage of conveniences and happily ever afters.

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SHEIKH’S PRINCESS BRIDE by author Annie West is a Harlequin Presents series release for April 2015.

Sheikh Tariq was a widower with twin baby sons. Princess Samira of the neighboring kingdom was done with love and passion. After an accident she couldn’t conceive, so she proposed marriage to Tariq in the hopes that she could get a ready-made family.

She wanted a no-love, no-sex kind of marriage, would Tariq agree to it? What would happen when Samira finds out the secret Tariq harbors? And then Samira has a secret of her own, she married Tariq for his sons, but she gets more than she bargained for.

We met Samira in Annie West’s The Sheikh’s Harem Bride and she was a broken girl hiding from the media. It was a pleasure to find Samira’s rise to the top in this story. She was at the pinnacle of her career but would she find love? Read THE SHEIKH’S PRINCESS BRIDE and find out how author Annie West wove this tale in a mesmerizing romance. I read this story in one sitting, so I can guarantee all readers of romance would be hooked from the first page till the last and then keep on thinking about Samira and Tariq and their family!

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

[❤SanaReads❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think It should be "Wanted: royal bride and mother" but instead "Wanted: King with children". Because this is what we have in here. Samira did the proposal , took the first step to Tariq's bedroom and was the one to ask him for sex when he stopped sharing her bed. I like my Heroines to be brave and honest but Samira is going too far with her honesty and courage. Not that I didn't love the story; It's one of the best books I've read to Annie West but I love it when the hero can't resist the temptation.
Miracles after miscarriages happen and reading about such hopes warms the heart since I personally suffered from a miscarriage and have to live with the scars...
Annie West is definitely joining my favorite authors list :)

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was a little disappointed with this book. Not that it was bad or boring or anything like that, but I feel it could've been a little more. More intense. More edgy. More romance. Just more that Annie West is usually known for, and what I love about her. Just this one I didn't love. I liked it, though.

It's a shame because I was really looking forward to this story especially after reading number 1 of this duet and hearing the story of Samira. Because the character of Samira really interested me especially with her past. And I really enjoyed her in this book as well because as well as her having a vulnerable side, she had a fiery side too. I liked how it was her that proposed marriage to Tariq as a marriage of convenience/ business arrangement instead of the other way around. It was a nice twist on a familiar theme. I liked her moxie in the beginning. She went after what she wanted, which was a family. It was great.

And I understand why she was reluctant to get sexual intimate with Tariq because of her past. And at first she was set in her conviction of avoiding that and even stated that as part of the deal before they married so all the cards were on the table. What I didn't like was how pushy he came off. Not that he forced her to do anything but just came off in unfavorable light, to me. Secondly I thought she would give him more push back and stand her ground more than she did. I thought she gave into him way too quickly and easily especially when he made it clear that it was only sex and how cavalier he was about the situation. I didn't like that so much. I wanted to see a little emotion from him or something before they did the deed. Something more needed to happen before that.

The love scenes were kind of quick and rushed for my liking, but they were very passionate and full of heat to them, which I liked. And the famous Annie West up against the wall scene was there too. She really likes those scenes. They scenes again were very physical and based less on the emotional though there was a sense closeness there, which was good. Again I just wanted more.

What I really liked about this book was the fact that they had a back story together. He was her brother's best friend. She had crush on him on the way falling in love with him while he was beginning to notice her as a women at the age of 17 and wanted her with a passion that he ran for fear of doing something about his want. So the foundation for them was there. I wished that was explored on an emotional level instead of just being in the background. I think that would have given the story more if an edge and intensity that was needed. Again I wish more was done here. I think I would have felt it more if it was included.

Also with Tariq I felt he was unbelievable. When he believed she was in love with him, which he didn't want, he backed away and became emotionally distant even though she was pregnant. Resulting in her feeling alone and not want able when her body changed. She felt used as you can imagine and caused all kinds of hurt and conflict between them. But what got me and annoyed me with him was he was so outraged when she did it to him. Really? He started it. She just did it to protect herself. So that annoyed me. And I really didn't like him because of his attitude. He had his issues don't get wrong, but he didn't come off as sympathetic.

But overall it was a readable story. I liked it. I wasn't bored and could get through it pretty quickly. There's nothing that I absolutely hate but there were things I didn't like as mentioned above but nothing so bad that I detested it. I just there needed to be more in emotional content which would have added intensity to the story. It needed that extra oomph to make me love the story. It. could've been really good if this was done I believe. But it was good.

This book didn't take away my love of Annie West books and look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the ultimate queen's of romance, Annie West, has once again shaken me to the very core of my soul with a stunning story of married for convenience but desperately in love with each other.

The read tells of Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sharath, on his slate he already has one miserable marriage, and does not need another repeat, his children however need a mother.

Princess Samira of Jazeer has had her share of love and passion, but it left a bitter aftertaste and she certainly does not need any further misery, the knowledge that she cannot have the children she always wanted, it's enough heartache to last her a lifetime.

Then she sees Tariq's children and her motherly instincts kick in. The deal of a lifetime is struck and it's the perfect tie-the-knot with a bow arrangement.

Tariq's children get the mother they need, and Samira can play mommy all day long. There is just one condition, Samira will only marry Tariq if there is to be no sex. Should not be too hard for Samira who does not like sex and for Tariq who is able to control everything in life including his darkest desires. But their overwhelming attraction to each other has other ideas ! But as they say with a past there is always resistance and when the bedroom doors close at night these two fight demons that seem stronger than their passion.

The character of Tariq was a very deep and emotional one, very well developed by the author. His feelings of being incapable of love were heartbreaking and very overwhelming to deal with, I wanted to say something or do something to show him that he is definitely more than capable of love. Of course I could not but I for darn sure tried really hard , yes that's right I shouted out at him and got quite the number of looks from those around me. His kind and tender nature towards his children really melted my heart and was more than enough prove that he is indeed very capable of loving, but of course it is a whole other game of love when it comes to Samira. Through this character the author showed that there is always love hidden somewhere deep inside everyone, even the hardest dead inside criminals have a little something hidden, it just takes the right person to let it shine.

The character of Samira was fabulous, strong willed, independent, and willing to take a risk, afraid the risk would fail her once again but willing non the less, which to me always shows a person as having more courage than they think they do, always interesting to read about. And her asking Tariq to marry her instead of the usual he asks her, loved the twist , it was really fun and fresh new way of getting my attention. Samira's ruined reputation did get to her, but only on that " I let the tears fall when the world is not looking" level, this made her very realistic and I think there are many female readers that will be able to really deeply connect with her, as did I. Through this character the author showed that life has a way of knocking you down so hard that you feel you will never be able to get back up, but there is always an opportunity that will come along that will give you the courage you never knew you had, to get up , take a risk and in the end walk away as a winner.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads that is filled with deep emotion, fabulous sexual tension, remarkable characters, a deep heartfelt journey of love and self discovery and passion so scorching hot the desert sands have never seen anything like it!

5/5 star review
" She's the Princess mother in name that she's always wanted to be, but can he convince her to be the Princess Bride in his bed at night?"

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sheikh’s Princess Bride is the second in Annie West’s Desert Vows series, following The Sultan’s Harem Bride. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Somehow I forgot or didn’t realize that this was a sequel, so imagine my delight when it dawned on me that I would be spending a little more time with Jacqui and Asim (who are of course living happily ever after) and now in this book get a closer look at Samira. It’s a wonder she survived the terrible childhood she and Asim had. And then when she gave her heart and love and body to a man who professed to love her, he treated her shabbily and left her shattered and determined never to risk love again. Jacqui and Asim helped her to get back on her feet, but I wanted to know if she was really doing as well as it seemed at the end of The Sultan’s Harem Bride. And the answer is no, she’s not.

As for Tariq, no time is wasted making you see how stunningly charismatic he is and to want to know him better. When I read of his slow smile with a sexy groove down one cheek I had an OMG moment. His long, quick strike that made her think of her dressmaker’s shears cutting through rich velvet put the perfect picture in my mind. He was raised to be a king, taught that love has no place. But he is very haunted by his first wife’s death.

Tariq and Asim were boyhood friends in neighboring kingdoms, and little sister Samira was right there. So Samira knows him and feels - and hopes - she can trust him to give her the peace and the family she craves – but under her conditions. The electricity starts crackling between them right away, but you aren’t sure just what is behind it and if it will be good or bad for their future. She is a princess so knows how to be a queen, she loves and wants children so she will be a wonderful mother, but the wife part, not so sure about that.

This is just a joyous story to read. It’s oh so sexy but oh so sweet at the same time. Tariq and Samira are both so honorable and trying so hard to care for and honor the other, but to protect themselves from their pasts as well. They are each certain they know what the other is thinking and wants, and therefore become almost frozen in their attempts to do the right thing.

From the reader’s perspective what Tariq and Samira should do seems simple and obvious, but to them it’s not, and that’s the charm of it.

This was a great read and I strongly recommend it. In fact, you should read all of Annie West’s books, but especially this one. Once you start it will be too good to put down. And when I looked at the back of the book and saw “Category – Passion” I thought no kidding.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Sheikh’s Princess Bride, Annie West once again proves she’s the queen of romance. All of her books are written with such attention to detail and astonishing character development that they envelop you and you become completely engrossed in the story right from the beginning. Annie’s writing has a delicious fluency that keeps me turning the pages without regard to the passage of time until I reach the end.

We met Princess Samira of Jazeer in Annie West’s The Sheikh’s Harem Bride from the Desert Vows duo where she was a broken woman hiding from the media. This is her turn to stop hovering in the shadows after her devastating experience with her previous lover and shine.

Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sarath, is a good friend of Samira’s brother - Sultan Asim of Jazeer and has known Samira since she was a child. Attraction between the two was always there but the timing had not been right. Now, Samira’s fashion design label has become a success professionally but Samira longs for a family – someone to belong to. By chance she reconnects with Tariq who is now a widower with twin small sons who need a mother. Samira believes she is unable to have children of her own so she proposes to Tariq that she marries him on one condition – it’s to be a marriage in name only!

This is a beautiful journey from the arid deserts of Al- Sarath to the glamour of Paris. Samira is captivated with Tariq’s sons, Risay and Adil and the more time she spends with Tariq, the deeper their relationship grows into something beautiful and complimenting. There are some misunderstandings and an extraordinary surprise that has the relationship teetering but Annie West expertly weaves her magic to bring this marriage of convenience to its happily ever after.

Samira and Tariq's story was absolutely beautiful. Their slow burning romance left me enchanted and content. The Sheikh’s Princess Bride has fantastic writing, a distinctive and romantic storyline, and an emotional pull that kept me hooked from page one.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Sheikh's Princess Bride" by Annie West is the continuing story from the 'Desert Vows' series. It is a book that can be read either as part of the series or as a stand alone. I was given this book early for an honest review.

This story is between Princess Samira of Jazeer and Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sharath. Samira was getting over the bad publicity of an affair gone wrong. Because of the affair she was told that she would not be able to conceive a child. When she saw Tariq's boys her motherly instincts kicked in. Tariq's first wife died he didn't plan on marrying again. Samira made Tariq an offer he couldn't refuse. She wanted to marry him and be a mother to his children, but their marriage would be a marriage of convenience.

Like most well laid plans things don't go quite the way they intended. Tariq found that he had such strong feelings for Samira, even more than what he felt for his 1st wife. A surprise comes forward that could come between their growing feeling for each other.

It was an easy read, and very easy to follow.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic story emotional and so very sensual as Samira and Tariq journey to a beautiful HEA that has both of them fearing love but when they realize how much they do love each other it is such a joy, this story grabbed me from the first page and I savoured every word wanting to get to the finish but not wanting it to end either you will be smiling throughout I highly recommend this one :)

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was fine, but I don't do miraculous pregnancies.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheikh Tariq didn't expect love to come his way. Certainly not after the unemotional way he was raised and his unhappy marriage. But he needed a mother for his boys so Princess Samira's suggestion of a marriage of convenience could be the answer to his problem.

Princess Samira was brave to approach Sheikh Tariq with her idea of a marriage of convenience. Since she wanted children but couldn't have them and he needed a mother for his boys, it seemed like a good idea to her. He would get a mother and she would get children. If only he would agree.

Learning the secrets of this pair added intrigue to this story. Princess Samira loved the children dearly. The hands-off, marriage of convenience didn't work out the way they planned.

I was happy to have won a copy of The Sheikh's Princess Bride and recommend it to romance fans who like a HEA.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

won this book from annie west who mailed paperback all that way across the world just for me!

she lost a baby and was told she could never have another. his wife died leaving him twin boys. they knew each other when they were young. she offered to be his wife in name only and help raise his boys. but they always secretly cared for each other. he agreed and they married. but he wanted her to be his real wife. and she really loved him too

then she found out she was having a baby. he stayed away from her bed, not wanting to endanger her. but she thought he did not love her

after their daughter was born, they each thought the other didnt love them, but they finally spoke and found out they both loved each other. they adopted another baby

[Margit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating high. Mainly to counter the negative reviews saying something like "I don't like non-virgin heroines in my Harlequin Presents books".
I have a bigger problem with heroines whose only previous experience with sex was bad, while the hero is basically a Casanova... It shows a double standard and a very annoying trope.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Princess Romance. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. This is not for the under 18 readers because of the sexual content. This story pulled me in pretty fast and kept me reading until the late hours of night. They did have communication troubles but the ending was great.

[Yuliana Kivel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read

I really liked this story because of the fact that it was to the point and short. A quick story on that can be finished in one night is a good book to me. I love their love story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book...not everyone can be a virgin.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved reading about this couple who marry, yield to intimacy yet decide not to love each other due to their pasts

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another royal romance story. Failed with previous marriages, they met and found the true love.

[Anna Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about second chances was a good read. Full of true emotions, it was fast paced and left me completely satisfied as I finished the book.
A wonderful book from Ms West!

[Laiba M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 it was really good. It was better than most of my recent reads. However, the ending was a little anti climactic. Up till 50% ot was okay then it went down hill

[iamrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gotten to the point where if the author is Annie West, I buy. She does not disappoint me.

Hero is the sheikh who is a widow and has twin boys. Heroine is the sister to a king. Hero and h's brother were/are friends and H use to spend time at h's home when they are kids/teens. h had a crush on him and her heart broke when H married. h is infertile and her deepest wish is to have children. So she approaches the King for a MOC (with no sex) so she can be the mother to the kiddos. h is not a virgin and has had a failed love affair.

I loved watching h heal and for H to learn to love again.

[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

[Diana Tidlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was evidently a little slow on the uptake and somehow managed to miss Annie West's April release The Sheikh's Princess Bride. I'm not sure how it happened but it did. But thankfully that situation has been rectified and I got my hands on it and devoured it yesterday!And as per usual when it comes to Annie West, I completely fell in love with it and her such wonderfully well written characters... and fell in love with Annie West all over again!
The Sheikhs Princess Bride was a little different for me coming from Ms. West in that I was able to fully appreciate how well rounded an author she really was. Not just in writing English/ American characters that you fall in love with but with Foreign characters of different nationalities as well. (She reminded me of one of my favorite authors Jane Porter in her style and ability while reading this romance. And anyone who knows me knows that I have loved Jane Porter forever and now Jane has some serious competition in Annie West. So if you like Jane's writing and style you will most definitely love Annie West if you haven't had the good fortune to read her before. !) I loved the way the author brought the readers into the real life and customs of the way people in other countries live and breathe
I really liked Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sharath's sense of honor and nobility in moving away so as not to be tempted by his best friends seventeen year old kid sister. ( especially because we know living in the US most men wouldn't have that kind of honor). His honor didn't end there but continued with his arranged marriage and death of his wife. So he was definitely worthy of being called a true romantic hero whether he realized it or not.
For a woman who's life had taken a tragic turn Princess Samira still managed to hold her head up high and deal with what life had thrown her way with a touch of class and dignity that I as a mother wouldn't have been able to do if life had managed to make me miscarry and have kids. (Motherhood was the one thing in life I had always wanted and thank god was able to achieve) Loved how she knew what she wanted and was willing to go after it but marrying her brothers friend to have the ready made family she had always wanted. It was sweet to see her with his kids and treat them like her own right from the start. (all kids should have that kind of love in their lives from step-parents and I think that's part of why I related so well to this and rooted so strongly for them to have the perfect fairy tale happy ending. I was a step child but never in all my 42 years being dads step daughter ever felt like it... I know I'm his favorite even with his biological children and my siblings know it too.... I'm dads favorite! plus my kids were step children who my husband adopted.) This romance was not just about a man and a woman but about the children as well. If My heart hadn't already melted with the steamy heat tat Tariq and Samira exuded it most certainly did the moment Tariq's little boy called her mama!
Definitely a heart felt romance on all levels and one I'm extremely happy I was able to read and enjoy immensely .
Thanks Annie West for once again delivering a keeper for me and bringing some tears to my eyes... Gonna have to remember to keep tissues handy when reading her books from now on.... cause even when your not expecting it somehow, someway she manages to make you feel and send some tears down your face anyway!

[Les Romantiques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Author

The Sheikh’s princess bride is the second and last volume of Desert vows series by Annie West. I read and loved the first one, The Sultan’s harem bride (review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).

The Sheikh’s princess bride takes place four years after the end of the first volume. The book tells Samira’s story, Asim’s sister. In The Sultan’s harem bride, Samira was an important secondary character. She just was going through a painful and public romantic break-up. A public one, because she’s a Princess and her lover is a famous actor. The young woman was hiding in her brother’s palace. In the end of the book, Samira was starting to take over the reins of her life.

In the Sheikh’s princess bride, she is now a famous stylist and she works for rich people. But she doesn’t trust herself anymore when men are concerned. Asim and Samira’s parents had a particular relationship, and Samira is afraid to be like them.

The story starts in a charity auction in Paris. It also ends in Paris. LOL Meanwhile, our heroes are in Tariq’s land and palace.

Tariq and Samira already know each other. They were very close when they were young, then from one day to the next, Tariq never came back, to the great displeasure of our heroine. The reader learns quickly that he was attracted by her and that he chose to break off all ties. What he didn’t know then, is that Samira also had a crush on him. In fact, the book is full of those kinds of little misunderstandings that our heroes will have to overcome before their happy end.

I might say that the book is composed of two parts : first, the heroine proposes to our hero, then comes a twist even I didn’t expect, and at last comes the second part. I didn’t like very much the second part. I found that there was too much lack of communication between our heroes and I was so frustrated, especially for our heroine who didn’t know which way to turn anymore.
Fortunately, the past shared by Tariq and Samira was important enough that the reader was aware of their feelings. And their thoughts helped me to understand what it really was going on.

I loved Samira. I think she’s one of my favorite heroines. Because she knows what she wants and never hesitates to confess her desires, even if she can be rejected. I also loved that she can hide her feelings when necessary, especially when she is surrounded by stranger people.

As for our hero, I liked him a lot. But as he is the one behind the lack of communication, I often wanted to shake him. And I liked his open-mindedness.

The end of the book is very beautiful, and so are their declarations of love. We don’t doubt their happy end. And Tariq’s children are adorable, and I love that in a romance novel. 

To conclude, this second volume was excellent and I recommend the series to those of you who love Sheikh romance novels.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a free paperback copy of "The Sheikh's Princess Bride" by Australian author Annie West. I had read an excerpt and was already in love with the book long before it reached me through the mail. And what a wonderful read it proved to be!

Tariq is one of the hottest heroes I’ve recently stumbled upon, and I’m sure he’ll haunt my dreams for quite a while. He makes for a perfect modern-day ruler with just the right mix of regal bearing, fierce determination, power, and charisma. He practically oozes confidence without seeming cocky. At first he might come across as a bit cold and harsh, but we soon learn that the hard shell holds a soft core, and that he has his reasons for behaving how he does. It was absolutely fascinating to learn about his past, to witness his development and changes, and to fall head over heels in love with him.

Samira fascinated me just as much, and not all heroines manage to do that. I loved her hidden and not-so-hidden strength, her streak of stubbornness, and her intelligence. The way she handled Tariq’s children was heart-warming, and every single step she took made a lot of sense to me. Big kudos to the author for portraying her as a beauty with brains, and for making her so authentic and credible. She made a perfect match for Tariq, and I laughed and cried along with her.

Annie West has chosen to present the story from the point of view of both protagonists, and I think that’s the perfect choice. It made many things much clearer while at the same time intensifying the conflict and keeping me on my toes. Sometimes the book read like a movie playing out in my head, and I love it when that happens. The sensual scenes were really steamy but also very tasteful.

I had first heard about 'Sheikh romances' a couple of years ago and immediately thought that’d be my cup of tea. A dozen downloads later, though, I was bitterly disappointed. Many of the romance novels were more lust than love and more "macho alpha male makes helpless heroine swoon" than a real story with a plot. I don’t mean to go on a criticizing spree here, but I can honestly say that this book has reinstalled my faith in the genre. Now I’ll need to grab myself a copy of "The Sheikh's Harem Bride" because apparently Samira makes her first appearance in it – and because I’m definitely hooked on Annie West’s books now!

[TashNz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a joy to read because Annie West’s stories are jam packed with detail, not just a story but an epic journey that keeps building and building and pulling you in with each word.

Princess Samira, sister to Sultan Asim of Jazeer from the Sultan’s Harem Bride is instantly captured by two little twin boys she sees from a distance; the twins are so excited to see their father. Longingly wishing for a family of her own, which she can never have, Samira wistfully watches on. Snapping her back to reality with a short sharp shock when the father turns, Samira realises she’s been watching Sheikh Tariq, her brother’s best friend and someone she hasn’t seen for 12 years.

Widowed Tariq is well known for not wishing to look for a replacement Queen. Pushed on by the desperation and hope in her blood, Samira proposes they marry, after all it will solve everyone’s problems; neither of them are looking for love, Tariq’s country need a Queen he can rely on (even if she is tainted) and the twins need a loving mother… Thinking Samira’s idea is RIDICULOUS Tariq rejects it, but with a bit more discussion and thinking about it further; they marry.

A thoroughly satisfying and deeply moving story which as I said earlier was such a joy to read; the book is so richly filled with stunning characters, scenery, lots of beautiful dialogue and interaction, the two main characters are people you enjoy reading about and their story is so capturing I really, really wished for their happy ever after. The inclusion of the twins added to the story and it was also lovely to revisit Asim and Jacqui.

The Sheikh’s Princess Bride was 110% rewarding as a reader!

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sarath is a powerful ruler and an honorable man. He loves his boys and knows they need a woman in their life. Samira asks him to marry her so that she can take care of his toddlers, he's shocked. He always cared for this alluring woman. He can't believe that she wants a marriage of convenience. Where will this arrangement take them? I loved the heated sexual tension between Tariq and Samira. She's a feisty woman who has vowed never to give her heart to an uncaring man. She knows the pain of betrayal. The Sheikh doesn't want to commit to a woman when he can't give her his heart. He feels guilt that he never loved Jasmin. Not in the way he cares for Samira. The attraction between these two is very sensual. The lush desert kingdom and the witty dialogue create a perfect setting for this passionate romance. I loved this story. It appealed to my heart and mind. Annie West wrote a love story that was filled with well written characters that drew me in. When I finished reading The Sheikh's Princess Bride, I was happy that these lovers were together.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie West always writes fantastic stories. So that having been said its no surprise that "The Sheikh's Princess bride" is an amazing story that will give a romance reader everything they went and then more. Sheikh Tariq is a widower and father of two . Samira is a princess and a fashion designer with a love for children she sadly cannot have. When she sees Tariq for the first time it is to see an exceedingly handsome confident man stop all to pick up his sons as they approach him. The love she sees in his eyes for them is all she needs to decide she wants to be part of his family. She approaches with an idea, she know she will never touch his heart as his late wife did but maybe she can have his children to love. I would give this more than 5 stars if possible its Annie West at her best as always but just a pinch more to make it incredible. Loved it

[shms · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the surface this ticked all the boxes, a glamorous sexy slick setup but on reading its empty promises. It just didn't deliver.

A 'soiled' princess and a widower who are both not looking for romance. It seemed so forced. From the childhood connection to their respective hangups. The infertility as plot device was unwieldy, quickly abandoned so as to be incongruous. I know series romances are formulaic,that's why I read them, but I still enjoy subtlety in how that's handled. I don't like to see the dots being joined up in an almost forced manner.

Maybe its not fair to just level that at this book as nearly all recently published harlequin presents, that I have read, seem to be that. I'm picking up the older harlequins, they seem to have a little more emotive depth to them.