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Claimed by the Sheikh
Banished!
Princess Amber's arranged marriage to Prince Kazim Al-Amed of Barazbin was a dream come truefor her, at least! But then their wedding night went spectacularly wrong, and a furious Kazim banished Amber from his kingdom and his life.
Hunted!
Now, with his country in turmoil, Kazim must prove his ability to rule and provide an heir for his people. But to do so he'll need to track down his princess.
Claimed!
Amber has always threatened Kazim's tightly held control. Yet if he is to save his nationand his marriage he must finally make the ultimate claim on his wife!
Princess Amber's arranged marriage to Prince Kazim Al-Amed of Barazbin was a dream come truefor her, at least! But then their wedding night went spectacularly wrong, and a furious Kazim banished Amber from his kingdom and his life.
Hunted!
Now, with his country in turmoil, Kazim must prove his ability to rule and provide an heir for his people. But to do so he'll need to track down his princess.
Claimed!
Amber has always threatened Kazim's tightly held control. Yet if he is to save his nationand his marriage he must finally make the ultimate claim on his wife!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 16, 2015
49 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Thomas
251 books132 followersI grew up in the Midlands, but when I moved to Wales, over twenty years ago, I found a place to finally put down roots. I married into a farming family and embarked on a massive learning curve which also saw me learning Welsh when my two children were small.
Writing is something I have always wanted to do and I can still remember the thrill of one of my short stories being held up as an example to the class when I was about nine. It wasn’t until my own children were in school that I seriously started to pursue my dream. I joined a local writing group which met every Monday afternoon and being with like-minded people was the boost I needed.
Reading romance had always been my first love, and just about every short story I wrote was romance, so I decided to write my first book. During that process I also attended my first weekend writing course with Kate Walker and joined the RNA’s fabulous New Writers’ Scheme. A short time later I joined Romance Writers of Australia and learnt a lot from entering their competitions. I sought out courses and you can imagine my joy when I discovered Sharon Kendrick’s course in beautiful Tuscany.
Behind the Scandalous Façade, my So You Think You Can Write entry, is my thirteenth book and although only eight have those magic words ‘the end’ written on them the others are definitely part of the learning process I have enjoyed over the last six years.
I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
Writing is something I have always wanted to do and I can still remember the thrill of one of my short stories being held up as an example to the class when I was about nine. It wasn’t until my own children were in school that I seriously started to pursue my dream. I joined a local writing group which met every Monday afternoon and being with like-minded people was the boost I needed.
Reading romance had always been my first love, and just about every short story I wrote was romance, so I decided to write my first book. During that process I also attended my first weekend writing course with Kate Walker and joined the RNA’s fabulous New Writers’ Scheme. A short time later I joined Romance Writers of Australia and learnt a lot from entering their competitions. I sought out courses and you can imagine my joy when I discovered Sharon Kendrick’s course in beautiful Tuscany.
Behind the Scandalous Façade, my So You Think You Can Write entry, is my thirteenth book and although only eight have those magic words ‘the end’ written on them the others are definitely part of the learning process I have enjoyed over the last six years.
I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 7, 2022
The h and H marry due to Sheikhy family/kingdom MOC dynamics. The H brutally rejects h on the wedding night after hearing some nasty h is a tart gossip via the desert jungle drums. The h's family totally rejects her because she has 'shamed' them and the h ends up waitressing in a Parisian strip club.
Then the H needs an heir, so it is off to blackmail the h we go.
More harsh words, treacherous body syndrome moments and unicorn grooming license revocations ensue as the H and h return to his desert kingdom to deal with her family causing rebellion and the H's side trying to exile the h permanently.
Finally these two realize they're emoting in an HPlandia adventure and need to have that HEA moment at page 181, so all's well that ends well for the HEA and heir apparent win.
Then the H needs an heir, so it is off to blackmail the h we go.
More harsh words, treacherous body syndrome moments and unicorn grooming license revocations ensue as the H and h return to his desert kingdom to deal with her family causing rebellion and the H's side trying to exile the h permanently.
Finally these two realize they're emoting in an HPlandia adventure and need to have that HEA moment at page 181, so all's well that ends well for the HEA and heir apparent win.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 3, 2015I am not going to rate this because if I did it'd be one star, however that isn't a reflection on the author so much as this particular subset of the genre. I understand that this is Harlequin's best selling line so they don't have much impetus to evolve. However even within the narrow editorial constraints of these category stories, there should be room to modernize beyond including more heat than was allowed in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The hero in this story, as is all to common in this line, is barely a hero at all. He makes a ridiculous judgement based on rumor without allowing his bride to defend herself and then banishes her. Almost a year later he comes to find her and bring her back because, well, suffice to say it's the same old same old.
She comes back and he learns he was wrong in his assumptions because to nobody's (except the hero) surprise, she's an untouched pure bride.
Okay.
You'd think the hero would apologize sincerely but of course not, they rarely do. The heroine is the typical doormat and forgives way too easily.
Isn't it time to move this genre past this? Independent authors are trying to do so while keeping the framework of the arrogant guy making wrong assumptions but then they veer off the path and force the heroes to grow and repent and become worthy of the heroine.
Though, I suppose in a sense, this hero is worthy of his heroine because she doesn't ask for better.
The hero in this story, as is all to common in this line, is barely a hero at all. He makes a ridiculous judgement based on rumor without allowing his bride to defend herself and then banishes her. Almost a year later he comes to find her and bring her back because, well, suffice to say it's the same old same old.
She comes back and he learns he was wrong in his assumptions because to nobody's (except the hero) surprise, she's an untouched pure bride.
Okay.
You'd think the hero would apologize sincerely but of course not, they rarely do. The heroine is the typical doormat and forgives way too easily.
Isn't it time to move this genre past this? Independent authors are trying to do so while keeping the framework of the arrogant guy making wrong assumptions but then they veer off the path and force the heroes to grow and repent and become worthy of the heroine.
Though, I suppose in a sense, this hero is worthy of his heroine because she doesn't ask for better.
January 3, 2015
*2.5 stars*
SERIOUSLY???!! Kasim HARDLY grovelled AT ALL and all was forgiven by Amber????!!!! I wanna smack BOTH of them, SO HARD right now....
SERIOUSLY???!! Kasim HARDLY grovelled AT ALL and all was forgiven by Amber????!!!! I wanna smack BOTH of them, SO HARD right now....
February 9, 2015
Very enjoyable read. First book by this author, won't be the last.
Amber and Kazim are both bound by duty, to their families and their respective countries. But rumours and other intrigue within both royal houses come between them and their love seems impossible. Add to that a tortured sheikh and you have a wonderful story.
Amber and Kazim are both bound by duty, to their families and their respective countries. But rumours and other intrigue within both royal houses come between them and their love seems impossible. Add to that a tortured sheikh and you have a wonderful story.
January 29, 2018
2.5 stars
January 5, 2015
This book had all the things I want from a HP, a virginal sweet heroine, a very alpha cruel hero and I still couldn't feel the chemistry. Author's writing didn't draw me in :(
August 11, 2018
Novelita mal escrita, con personajes ambos por demás de idiotas en una historia de desentendidos trillada como la put* madre. Devuélvanme mi dinero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2015
I feel mean when I give 1 stars but what am I to do when I read something that disappoints me so. I fell for the blurb, couldn't help but be intrigued about a wedding night breakup. The stuff of true angst. Believe me when I say the blurb was the best part of this book. The prologue, which seemed to be in much need of a re-write because while the wedding night premise was sound, the rest of that scene and book was just farcical.
The thing with these romances is that there is a fine line between fantasy and realism. The good ones in my view are fantasy finely threaded together with reality, so you buy into the unfolding story with your heart. The other end of the spectrum is something like this where it was just hard work to read it. Every aspect from the characters, their emotional triggers to to...well the whole plot really was, dare I say it again, farcical.
The thing with these romances is that there is a fine line between fantasy and realism. The good ones in my view are fantasy finely threaded together with reality, so you buy into the unfolding story with your heart. The other end of the spectrum is something like this where it was just hard work to read it. Every aspect from the characters, their emotional triggers to to...well the whole plot really was, dare I say it again, farcical.
January 2, 2015
2 stars
November 3, 2017
Angsty
This book was very angsty. When he rejected her you could feel her pain. It was tangible all through the story. He was not a Very nice person and some of the stuff he said and did were unforgivable. But she did anyway. She loved the idea of him before they even met and then she kept loving him even when he was unlovable. I cried near the end. She was so strong but it was painful to read about the second rejection and his callousness. Silly stupid misunderstandings and I didn't think there could be an HEA but of course there was because in HPland every one rides off into the sunset together. I just kept hoping he would fall off. Still gave it 4 stars because of the h and there was no cheating.
This book was very angsty. When he rejected her you could feel her pain. It was tangible all through the story. He was not a Very nice person and some of the stuff he said and did were unforgivable. But she did anyway. She loved the idea of him before they even met and then she kept loving him even when he was unlovable. I cried near the end. She was so strong but it was painful to read about the second rejection and his callousness. Silly stupid misunderstandings and I didn't think there could be an HEA but of course there was because in HPland every one rides off into the sunset together. I just kept hoping he would fall off. Still gave it 4 stars because of the h and there was no cheating.
January 28, 2015
This one is really good both Amber and Kazim have been through so much in their lives and when on their wedding night Kazim sends Amber away her heart is broken and then 10 months later he walks back into it making demands can she ever get him to really open up and believe in love. This journey to a HEA will have you turning the pages it has everything that a romance reader wants in it and I highly recommend it.
January 23, 2015
I like the concept, marriage of convenience/heroine loves the hero first, but the execution was underwhelming. Maybe if the hero had been more devious and the chemistry more palpable and the writing style more enthralling the rating would have been higher.
So disappointed this new HP author didn't wow me with Claimed by the Sheikh.
So disappointed this new HP author didn't wow me with Claimed by the Sheikh.
February 3, 2015
Claimed by the Sheikh was a wonderful story by Rachael. Out of duty they were to marry and did. Amber and Kazim, which was doomed before it began. Rumours, bad advice, misunderstandings and past issues had them married and Amber sent home by the man she had fallen in love with, untouched. In Paris, spurred by her family she was making it on her own, barely, then Kazim turned up and told her she was going back to the country she had been thrown out of in disgrace and shame. She was determined not to go back, stood up against him but circumstances changed that. Her hand was forced to go with him but he forgot to tell her one little thing. It was for good and an heir was needed for his country and duty. She stands up to him, refused to do his bidding yet wasn't immune to his touch, his passion and the man he was. A prince of the desert. She was a princess of duty. She only want one thing from him the one he won't give, his love. Lies, betrayal, mistrust once again came into play. A great story that I did enjoy. My first book by Rachael.
February 6, 2015
He was arrogant and she naive
Forced into a marriage on convenience he did not want, Kazim feared he may turn into a bully and extinguish the spark of life in his wife. For her, he turned on her and scared her away making her believe he was disgusted with her.
Amber, a princess by birth and marriage, when asked to leave by her husband and have her family disown her turns destitute and starts working in a club in Paris to earn her bread.
To come together when blackmailed was not what she wanted. Specially when one thing she craved above all else, her husband's love, remained as elusive as ever.
Kazim on the other hand neither trusts his emotions nor lets anyone close, emotionally.
This is the story of coming out of a web of deceit and lies woven by others in which Kazim and Amber are caught. A lot of drama, as life is.
Forced into a marriage on convenience he did not want, Kazim feared he may turn into a bully and extinguish the spark of life in his wife. For her, he turned on her and scared her away making her believe he was disgusted with her.
Amber, a princess by birth and marriage, when asked to leave by her husband and have her family disown her turns destitute and starts working in a club in Paris to earn her bread.
To come together when blackmailed was not what she wanted. Specially when one thing she craved above all else, her husband's love, remained as elusive as ever.
Kazim on the other hand neither trusts his emotions nor lets anyone close, emotionally.
This is the story of coming out of a web of deceit and lies woven by others in which Kazim and Amber are caught. A lot of drama, as life is.
December 3, 2020
THE REAL RATING IS NEGATIVE 1000
Mills & Boon-O-Meter : NEGATIVE 1000
- I really hate that Kazim guy
- Amber JUST CAN'T STAND UP FOR HERSELF. Like, there's being brought up in a regressive culture and therefore being brainwashed, and then this level of empty-headedness
- She became a waitress at a strip club lmao
- DNF because while we all love angst and misunderstanding, this one defied all levels of common sense to the point that it became soooooooo frustrating
- KAZIM IS AN ASSHOLE
Mills & Boon-O-Meter : NEGATIVE 1000
- I really hate that Kazim guy
- Amber JUST CAN'T STAND UP FOR HERSELF. Like, there's being brought up in a regressive culture and therefore being brainwashed, and then this level of empty-headedness
- She became a waitress at a strip club lmao
- DNF because while we all love angst and misunderstanding, this one defied all levels of common sense to the point that it became soooooooo frustrating
- KAZIM IS AN ASSHOLE
January 17, 2015
A sensational love story about duty, second chances, redemption and of course burning passion that keeps the pages turning! A quick steamy read. One I suggest to all romance lovers.
February 13, 2015
This was the first book that I read from Rachael Thomas, and I have to say that I was really looking forward to reading a new author in the Harlequin Presents line, always up for that and the new voice and flavor that can be brought to this line. From reading the back synopsis, I was really forward to it because the setup sounding really interesting and intriguing with some lovely angst romance going on with a roller coaster emotional ride thrown in that I look forward to in the romance. And I was just ready for a good emotional, angst read, and I couldn't wait to read this book by this brand new author.
But to Voldermort from the Harry Potter , I found myself disappointed, and not mildly disappointed I was very disappointed and let down by this book. It was nothing I was expecting nor anything that I wanting nor enjoying, I am sorry to say, hence my such a low score of this book. I rarely rate two stars in my reviews unless it was so unbearable and a slog to get through, and this one was definitely that. This book just didn't resonate with me at all, and I didn't like it that much. In fact I couldn't wait until it was finally over. I just couldn't with at all. I even listed reason why I didn't like this book on a note card, I'm going to state them here and go into little bit of detail but not much just want to highlight why I didn't enjoy this book so much.
note: I apologize if this review is all over the place but going by my notes that I scribbled down.
First off all, and probably the most important reason I didn't like the story, was that I disliked both of the characters. I couldn't connect with either one them. I couldn't stand them at times, and even questioned their decision making processes along the way especially Amber, who I just thought was crazy. Now do I expect my characters to be perfect when reading their stories? No. I expect them to be imperfect that is what makes them intriguing as well as more human like they really are real people life. Their flaws make them interesting and just makes them more well rounded people. I don't want perfect character just human ones. But these characters just bored on annoying for me and I couldn't stand them at all. Their flaws didn't make them three dimensional that just made them seem dumb and not able to make up their mind what they wanted or were accepting so little that they would accept anything they got from the other person. (I'm talking about you Amber). Yes, she did stand up to him and didn't take his guff and even hid the hurt by using anger, and he did as well, but it just didn't come cross well and came off more as unlikable than anything. It just seemed in order to hide their feelings they had to one up the other and tried to do it in the cruelest way possible, and that wasn't cool. Also the fact that he barely apologized or grovel until the ninth hour wasn't that appealing either (discuss more of that later). Just I didn't get them. Didn't understand them at times. Didn't like them therefore I couldn't really root for them or their love story. They were just very flat characters for me and I didn't connect with them at all.
With the love story aspect of the entire novel, I was severely disappointed because I didn't think these two had any business being together. Granted that was the premise of this story of two people marrying because their families arranged it to bring two dynasties together usually that what makes the story interesting, adding that bit of conflict, but in this case I think it was very much true that they didn't fit together or should have been together unless in a name in only marriage to appease their parents, but even that would have been unsatisfactory since this romance novel but more practical. To me, the chemistry was very stilted and didn't feel real. I was told that they were attracted to each with words corresponding to it that their bodies felt that pull to one another, but actually feeling that and feeling the tension and the heat coming off them. Not so much. I just feel that drugging pull or the agony they felt by not being together or just panting to get into bed with one another. Instead I just words on a page, but that was all. Not that gripping chemistry and passion that would weld them together and help them along the way until they discovered that there was more behind their chemistry than just the physical, but emotional as well. Again didn't feel it at all. And I wasn't dying for them to get together, I was like okay they went to bed so what. It was wasn't a lot of sparking tension that made the story exciting.
Kind of on a related line, I felt there was really no build up or angst in their emotional story, or, again, at least one I didn't feel, and there could have been. There was so much potential with him having rejected her on their wedding night and basically telling her that she could go back to her family and lived her life like she always did and not have to worry about him, and she was devastated by that news because she loved him and wanted him badly ever since she first learned of their engagement. She even went to set about seducing him (in order to show she wasn't experienced and not a virgin like her mother claimed he wouldn't like) and then when he rejected her like she did it devastated her and hurt her. That would have been the central conflict there as well as her raw emotions in reaction to their wedding night, and though it was (almost too much so. Go into that later), it still felt very contrived and not so much emotional. I wanted my heart to ripped out that she was hurting and doing everything in her power not give into him so he wouldn't hurt. Also playing on her insecure and diminished self-confidence because of that, and just that yearning she has for him. It was there in words but not feelings, and felt superficial at best especially when she kept giving into him over and over again then it felt like she just ignored that fact he hurt her and humiliated her and just gave into him because he touched her with intent. There was no angst there, at all or rawness of emotions displayed at all when there couldn't have been and upped the tension and intensity in the story and the roller coaster of emotions going on. That's what I want.
And kind to relate to the point above, she was too forgiving of him and just kind of was putty in his hands as soon as he touched her. She had no backbone when it came to her desire for him, and there in by let him get away with a lot without an apology or a chance to grovel, which he should have done and not just at the end to prove his "love" for her. She just took his crap just so she could be in his arms again. I get that she loved him and wanted to be with him in anyway possible, but there's thing about being forgiving and allowing a guy to get away with murder, and Amber allowed him the latter all just so she could have him close her, which in my view made her a wimp. Now this isn't an uncommon theme in Harlequin Presents, but in this one it just not come across in a favorable light, or least for me. It just came off as desperate and almost demeaning, and just wimpy like I said. She just accepted too much from him without him giving anything in return, and that was just wrong on so many levels. And honestly for all her talking about how she hated to be hurt and humiliated by him, she certainly invited alot on herself because she allowed him to treat her appallingly that just screamed "Hurt me and humiliate me like you did before and I'll keep on accepting it because I love you and I still want you in my arms no matter what." That was her entire perspective through the entire book even though she claimed it wasn't and using her anger to back up that claim, but guess what not so successful. Can you tell I didn't like the character?
Another point I didn't like was the fact that the only time he was affectionate or touched her was a prelude to sex, and that was it. And that does happen in Presents book especially in the beginning with the guy wanting to keep his emotional distance and only allowing closeness through the physical, and it kind of adds an interesting element to it, but here not so much. Once he decided to listen to his body and give it what it was craving then he set about to seducing her and touching her to ensure his seduction. Now granted he didn't want to have passion and desire, which would lead to emotions, in his marriage so he avoided it at all cost by not touching her, but even still I just didn't like the fact that was the only time he touched her especially after they became physically intimate. I would have liked to see him hug her or hold hand as he comforted her once he found out her family disowned or anything like that after that had that intimacy. Okay, he was trying to deny his physical pull to her, but still that it just felt like all he was in for was the sex and nothing more. It felt more about lust than anything else for him for most the book until maybe the last few pages, but that didn't feel genuine either. And he wasn't really that kind to her and even rejected her again after they did have sex, and he was very unkind to her. I just wanted see a little tenderness from him to show that he had feelings for her that were beyond the bedroom, but instead he treated her like a piece a meat and to be used for his own pleasure only. He even used her own desire for him against her by convincing her to sleep him, and that just felt really sleazy and wrong.
Speaking of the sex scenes in the book, I found them to be unsatisfying on many levels. There was kind of this build up, though not successfully or done in an exciting way that had a spark to it, to the moment when they finally gave into one another and went to bed for the first time. She was a virgin, which he came to realize after the act, which was okay and again not unusual for a Presents, and then tried to make up for it later on, which again not unusual. The problem that I had with it was how the scene was handle for a few reasons. One it didn't very realistic, not in the tiniest bit, I get this is a romance and is a fantasy, but this just felt so contrived and so unrealistic, which made it really unsexy.
Secondly the encountered was rushed, I get that the author was going for this building up between them all this time and then they had to give into their passions or they would explode kind of theme, which didn't work in my opinion. So they just wanted to hurry up and get their clothes and do the deed and release them from this sexual tension that was supposedly built up between them and relieve them of this high desire for another. So they were down to a quickie, getting only necessary pieces at the way before they connected. I've read books like that and it is usually hot and steamy and as the reader you are as ready for it as they are and you could feel the temperature rise in the room and smoke come off the pages, making it one hot and passionate read that leaves you gasping for air as soon as you finish reading the scene. This wasn't one of those scenes instead it just felt like a rush, where I didn't know what the heck was going on or what they were doing. Obviously they were sex, but other than that there wasn't too much. One minute they were going at it the next the scene was over and onto the next one. What? In fact, I didn't even know if they full had sex or if they had finished at all until the following page because the way it was written I couldn't tell. It was like a moment that was it. Really? After that. Very unsatisfactory.
And my last complaint with the first love scene, which kind of went with the unbelievably of it was the fact that she experienced totally ecstasy from that encounter. Now love scenes aren't realistic, and they aren't supposed by they are supposed pure fantasy, which is the big draw and big interest for romance reader that takes them away from reality a bit, and there are supposed be these great passionate scenes filled with ecstasy for all that participate, and though unrealistic makes them fun, entertaining, and engrossing to see play out, which is the point of them. But in this one just was so over the top and so unrealistic that it made it feel unbelievable as well as scratching my head as I was reading it. Also the thoughts "Yeah, right" came into my mind. Why do I say this, and what is my gripe with the unbelievably of the scene? One she was a virgin that first time, and there was no mention of pain at all. At least in other books, there's at least some mention about that either twinge or they flinch the first time or something to denote their status as a virgin and her untried body, but there was none here, making it really unrealistically especially when it was stated that he thrust into her very hard like a bull in a china shop and didn't give any leeway. And the way it was described in the book, it sounded like it would have hurt a virgin, no question, but none was stated about that fact, and not only that but during entire time that the scene was going on she was in a constant state of ecstasy from his body playing hers so expertly even though he barely had to touch her. One swipe of his finger and she went off like firecrackers. Really? How did that happen? Okay, maybe Mr. Kazim was a sex god, but even still it just made it all the more unrealistic and just made me as the reader feel very cheated. It wasn't hot or sexy or exciting even just a couple of bodies moving against each other then immediately achieving ecstasy. Again it was just a bunch of words on page and I didn't feel the passion or the desire that they had for one another. That longing that finally got released from its tightly bound hold. I want to feel more during those scenes and I didn't. It was just a bunch of actions strung together with every single one of the love scenes. And though he "made" up for his quickness the first time by exploring her body thoroughly the second time, there was nothing behind it, I thought, feelings wise and it just wasn't really sexy. Again just a bunch of actions strung together. So that was very disappointing, I thought this might have been a strength of the book especially they way they kept denying themselves what they wanted, but alas that wasn't the case.
Kind of spoke to this above, I didn't feel like he was in love with her. I thought was in lust with her and wanted her in his bed but as for the softer emotions not so much. Or maybe it was the fact that he came to them at the last minute that kind of felt disingenuous and just felt really like a last ditch effort to end the story. But I just never thought he was in love with her. I couldn't feel those emotions pouring off of him. Maybe in time, but not where he was at this point in the book. His declaration of love just felt very rushed and too quick.
Another thing I wasn't a fan of was the repeating throughout most of the book and kept going on and on and hammering the point to death. I was sick of the word "duty" and "rejection" by the end because those words just said way too much. It felt like hundred times those words were spoken. And thought they were living in the past way too much with that wedding night incident. I get was traumatic incident for her, but she just beats a dead horse to death, and kept saying that she didn't want his rejection and couldn't take it yet she gave into him anyway then rehashed again after the love scene. It was just not good. It was broken record and I was sick of and bored of it.
Going along with that, since there was so much repeating going on, I hate to skim a majority of the book just so I felt like I was getting so new material or new spark instead of the same rehash over and over. I wouldn't gotten through this book if I didn't skim. I needed to skim. I was compelled to otherwise I was never going to finish this book. And even though skimmed, I didn't feel like I missed anything because so repeating was going on, and I just couldn't stand it.
Emotional this was an unsatisfying story, and I didn't really feel any emotions between the two except desire, even that I didn't really feel either. Yes, I was told that she loved him and I might have seen examples of that as well, but I didn't feel it. My heart didn't pound along with hers. This story felt like an emotional desert with the lack of showing/making the reader feel it to lack of raw emotions going on. There was potential there, but it wasn't delved into where the characters would have had to dug deep into their psyches to deliver a powerful emotional punch instead it just felt very flat. With me as the reader having a reaction of "so what?" It was just very lackluster.
As was the conflict, emotional or otherwise. There wasn't a feeling of a lot at stake even though it was told to me as a reader. I didn't feel that punch or gutted by any part of this book. It just was flat and dull and just left an unsatisfying taste in my mouth. It wasn't much of a conflict or it didn't seem like it because they had sex anyway without caring about the consequences just caring about their lust for one another. And the conflict with them not being together wasn't much either and was kind of glossed over way too easily. Yes, obstacles were thrown in their way but they were easily ditched aside and thrown away and not made a big deal to add to the emotional intensity of the story. Instead the problem seemed to be dealt with in the next couple of pages with nothing really drawn out or worked upon to show that the conflict was getting resolved or handled. Problem one solved on to problem two. Nothing was really in depth I thought.
I wanted more exploration of their issues (both past and present)of why they were the way there were and how it effected their lives and how they dealt with each other. I wanted that depth and rawness, but just didn't get that here. It felt very surface level to me. I was told things, but not shown them therefore I didn't feel them. I wanted more.
Now this was a very harsh review, and I understand that, I don't like doing that especially for a new author so I might take a less critical eye than I would for an establish author, but this one I just couldn't save. There nothing really compelling about it for me. It felt contrived. Not real. Not emotional enough, and the characters weren't my favorite. I was connecting with any of it between the story, the characters, the emotions nor the love scenes. Usually I enjoy one aspect of a story, but this one not so much, and it was a shame because I was so looking forward to this book and premise that it provided me. It had the potential to really be an angst and emotional ride. He could spent the book wooing her and trying to win her back but he doesn't because she made easy for him to get her to fall in bed with him. She only gave token protest and that was about it. There could have been so much more to this story and wasn't. Just with the angle with him needing an heir and that was why he needed her back, and would have to make love to her in order to accomplish that then when she found out she could've been hurt and closed herself off from him then he would have to show that he wanted her for her not just to produce an heir, but she forgave him easily and it was brushed aside. Now with that concept there could have been lots of angst and deep seated conflict but the author missed the opportunity there. But here were so many ways to go to make it a deeper story emotional as well as conflict wise to create that angst story I like. That rawness, and provide me with more feeling instead of being told this.
Now I won't write Rachael Thomas author as an author yet, she is still relatively new, but I need more from the story that I got here. Otherwise this author will not be a good match for me.
But to Voldermort from the Harry Potter , I found myself disappointed, and not mildly disappointed I was very disappointed and let down by this book. It was nothing I was expecting nor anything that I wanting nor enjoying, I am sorry to say, hence my such a low score of this book. I rarely rate two stars in my reviews unless it was so unbearable and a slog to get through, and this one was definitely that. This book just didn't resonate with me at all, and I didn't like it that much. In fact I couldn't wait until it was finally over. I just couldn't with at all. I even listed reason why I didn't like this book on a note card, I'm going to state them here and go into little bit of detail but not much just want to highlight why I didn't enjoy this book so much.
note: I apologize if this review is all over the place but going by my notes that I scribbled down.
First off all, and probably the most important reason I didn't like the story, was that I disliked both of the characters. I couldn't connect with either one them. I couldn't stand them at times, and even questioned their decision making processes along the way especially Amber, who I just thought was crazy. Now do I expect my characters to be perfect when reading their stories? No. I expect them to be imperfect that is what makes them intriguing as well as more human like they really are real people life. Their flaws make them interesting and just makes them more well rounded people. I don't want perfect character just human ones. But these characters just bored on annoying for me and I couldn't stand them at all. Their flaws didn't make them three dimensional that just made them seem dumb and not able to make up their mind what they wanted or were accepting so little that they would accept anything they got from the other person. (I'm talking about you Amber). Yes, she did stand up to him and didn't take his guff and even hid the hurt by using anger, and he did as well, but it just didn't come cross well and came off more as unlikable than anything. It just seemed in order to hide their feelings they had to one up the other and tried to do it in the cruelest way possible, and that wasn't cool. Also the fact that he barely apologized or grovel until the ninth hour wasn't that appealing either (discuss more of that later). Just I didn't get them. Didn't understand them at times. Didn't like them therefore I couldn't really root for them or their love story. They were just very flat characters for me and I didn't connect with them at all.
With the love story aspect of the entire novel, I was severely disappointed because I didn't think these two had any business being together. Granted that was the premise of this story of two people marrying because their families arranged it to bring two dynasties together usually that what makes the story interesting, adding that bit of conflict, but in this case I think it was very much true that they didn't fit together or should have been together unless in a name in only marriage to appease their parents, but even that would have been unsatisfactory since this romance novel but more practical. To me, the chemistry was very stilted and didn't feel real. I was told that they were attracted to each with words corresponding to it that their bodies felt that pull to one another, but actually feeling that and feeling the tension and the heat coming off them. Not so much. I just feel that drugging pull or the agony they felt by not being together or just panting to get into bed with one another. Instead I just words on a page, but that was all. Not that gripping chemistry and passion that would weld them together and help them along the way until they discovered that there was more behind their chemistry than just the physical, but emotional as well. Again didn't feel it at all. And I wasn't dying for them to get together, I was like okay they went to bed so what. It was wasn't a lot of sparking tension that made the story exciting.
Kind of on a related line, I felt there was really no build up or angst in their emotional story, or, again, at least one I didn't feel, and there could have been. There was so much potential with him having rejected her on their wedding night and basically telling her that she could go back to her family and lived her life like she always did and not have to worry about him, and she was devastated by that news because she loved him and wanted him badly ever since she first learned of their engagement. She even went to set about seducing him (in order to show she wasn't experienced and not a virgin like her mother claimed he wouldn't like) and then when he rejected her like she did it devastated her and hurt her. That would have been the central conflict there as well as her raw emotions in reaction to their wedding night, and though it was (almost too much so. Go into that later), it still felt very contrived and not so much emotional. I wanted my heart to ripped out that she was hurting and doing everything in her power not give into him so he wouldn't hurt. Also playing on her insecure and diminished self-confidence because of that, and just that yearning she has for him. It was there in words but not feelings, and felt superficial at best especially when she kept giving into him over and over again then it felt like she just ignored that fact he hurt her and humiliated her and just gave into him because he touched her with intent. There was no angst there, at all or rawness of emotions displayed at all when there couldn't have been and upped the tension and intensity in the story and the roller coaster of emotions going on. That's what I want.
And kind to relate to the point above, she was too forgiving of him and just kind of was putty in his hands as soon as he touched her. She had no backbone when it came to her desire for him, and there in by let him get away with a lot without an apology or a chance to grovel, which he should have done and not just at the end to prove his "love" for her. She just took his crap just so she could be in his arms again. I get that she loved him and wanted to be with him in anyway possible, but there's thing about being forgiving and allowing a guy to get away with murder, and Amber allowed him the latter all just so she could have him close her, which in my view made her a wimp. Now this isn't an uncommon theme in Harlequin Presents, but in this one it just not come across in a favorable light, or least for me. It just came off as desperate and almost demeaning, and just wimpy like I said. She just accepted too much from him without him giving anything in return, and that was just wrong on so many levels. And honestly for all her talking about how she hated to be hurt and humiliated by him, she certainly invited alot on herself because she allowed him to treat her appallingly that just screamed "Hurt me and humiliate me like you did before and I'll keep on accepting it because I love you and I still want you in my arms no matter what." That was her entire perspective through the entire book even though she claimed it wasn't and using her anger to back up that claim, but guess what not so successful. Can you tell I didn't like the character?
Another point I didn't like was the fact that the only time he was affectionate or touched her was a prelude to sex, and that was it. And that does happen in Presents book especially in the beginning with the guy wanting to keep his emotional distance and only allowing closeness through the physical, and it kind of adds an interesting element to it, but here not so much. Once he decided to listen to his body and give it what it was craving then he set about to seducing her and touching her to ensure his seduction. Now granted he didn't want to have passion and desire, which would lead to emotions, in his marriage so he avoided it at all cost by not touching her, but even still I just didn't like the fact that was the only time he touched her especially after they became physically intimate. I would have liked to see him hug her or hold hand as he comforted her once he found out her family disowned or anything like that after that had that intimacy. Okay, he was trying to deny his physical pull to her, but still that it just felt like all he was in for was the sex and nothing more. It felt more about lust than anything else for him for most the book until maybe the last few pages, but that didn't feel genuine either. And he wasn't really that kind to her and even rejected her again after they did have sex, and he was very unkind to her. I just wanted see a little tenderness from him to show that he had feelings for her that were beyond the bedroom, but instead he treated her like a piece a meat and to be used for his own pleasure only. He even used her own desire for him against her by convincing her to sleep him, and that just felt really sleazy and wrong.
Speaking of the sex scenes in the book, I found them to be unsatisfying on many levels. There was kind of this build up, though not successfully or done in an exciting way that had a spark to it, to the moment when they finally gave into one another and went to bed for the first time. She was a virgin, which he came to realize after the act, which was okay and again not unusual for a Presents, and then tried to make up for it later on, which again not unusual. The problem that I had with it was how the scene was handle for a few reasons. One it didn't very realistic, not in the tiniest bit, I get this is a romance and is a fantasy, but this just felt so contrived and so unrealistic, which made it really unsexy.
Secondly the encountered was rushed, I get that the author was going for this building up between them all this time and then they had to give into their passions or they would explode kind of theme, which didn't work in my opinion. So they just wanted to hurry up and get their clothes and do the deed and release them from this sexual tension that was supposedly built up between them and relieve them of this high desire for another. So they were down to a quickie, getting only necessary pieces at the way before they connected. I've read books like that and it is usually hot and steamy and as the reader you are as ready for it as they are and you could feel the temperature rise in the room and smoke come off the pages, making it one hot and passionate read that leaves you gasping for air as soon as you finish reading the scene. This wasn't one of those scenes instead it just felt like a rush, where I didn't know what the heck was going on or what they were doing. Obviously they were sex, but other than that there wasn't too much. One minute they were going at it the next the scene was over and onto the next one. What? In fact, I didn't even know if they full had sex or if they had finished at all until the following page because the way it was written I couldn't tell. It was like a moment that was it. Really? After that. Very unsatisfactory.
And my last complaint with the first love scene, which kind of went with the unbelievably of it was the fact that she experienced totally ecstasy from that encounter. Now love scenes aren't realistic, and they aren't supposed by they are supposed pure fantasy, which is the big draw and big interest for romance reader that takes them away from reality a bit, and there are supposed be these great passionate scenes filled with ecstasy for all that participate, and though unrealistic makes them fun, entertaining, and engrossing to see play out, which is the point of them. But in this one just was so over the top and so unrealistic that it made it feel unbelievable as well as scratching my head as I was reading it. Also the thoughts "Yeah, right" came into my mind. Why do I say this, and what is my gripe with the unbelievably of the scene? One she was a virgin that first time, and there was no mention of pain at all. At least in other books, there's at least some mention about that either twinge or they flinch the first time or something to denote their status as a virgin and her untried body, but there was none here, making it really unrealistically especially when it was stated that he thrust into her very hard like a bull in a china shop and didn't give any leeway. And the way it was described in the book, it sounded like it would have hurt a virgin, no question, but none was stated about that fact, and not only that but during entire time that the scene was going on she was in a constant state of ecstasy from his body playing hers so expertly even though he barely had to touch her. One swipe of his finger and she went off like firecrackers. Really? How did that happen? Okay, maybe Mr. Kazim was a sex god, but even still it just made it all the more unrealistic and just made me as the reader feel very cheated. It wasn't hot or sexy or exciting even just a couple of bodies moving against each other then immediately achieving ecstasy. Again it was just a bunch of words on page and I didn't feel the passion or the desire that they had for one another. That longing that finally got released from its tightly bound hold. I want to feel more during those scenes and I didn't. It was just a bunch of actions strung together with every single one of the love scenes. And though he "made" up for his quickness the first time by exploring her body thoroughly the second time, there was nothing behind it, I thought, feelings wise and it just wasn't really sexy. Again just a bunch of actions strung together. So that was very disappointing, I thought this might have been a strength of the book especially they way they kept denying themselves what they wanted, but alas that wasn't the case.
Kind of spoke to this above, I didn't feel like he was in love with her. I thought was in lust with her and wanted her in his bed but as for the softer emotions not so much. Or maybe it was the fact that he came to them at the last minute that kind of felt disingenuous and just felt really like a last ditch effort to end the story. But I just never thought he was in love with her. I couldn't feel those emotions pouring off of him. Maybe in time, but not where he was at this point in the book. His declaration of love just felt very rushed and too quick.
Another thing I wasn't a fan of was the repeating throughout most of the book and kept going on and on and hammering the point to death. I was sick of the word "duty" and "rejection" by the end because those words just said way too much. It felt like hundred times those words were spoken. And thought they were living in the past way too much with that wedding night incident. I get was traumatic incident for her, but she just beats a dead horse to death, and kept saying that she didn't want his rejection and couldn't take it yet she gave into him anyway then rehashed again after the love scene. It was just not good. It was broken record and I was sick of and bored of it.
Going along with that, since there was so much repeating going on, I hate to skim a majority of the book just so I felt like I was getting so new material or new spark instead of the same rehash over and over. I wouldn't gotten through this book if I didn't skim. I needed to skim. I was compelled to otherwise I was never going to finish this book. And even though skimmed, I didn't feel like I missed anything because so repeating was going on, and I just couldn't stand it.
Emotional this was an unsatisfying story, and I didn't really feel any emotions between the two except desire, even that I didn't really feel either. Yes, I was told that she loved him and I might have seen examples of that as well, but I didn't feel it. My heart didn't pound along with hers. This story felt like an emotional desert with the lack of showing/making the reader feel it to lack of raw emotions going on. There was potential there, but it wasn't delved into where the characters would have had to dug deep into their psyches to deliver a powerful emotional punch instead it just felt very flat. With me as the reader having a reaction of "so what?" It was just very lackluster.
As was the conflict, emotional or otherwise. There wasn't a feeling of a lot at stake even though it was told to me as a reader. I didn't feel that punch or gutted by any part of this book. It just was flat and dull and just left an unsatisfying taste in my mouth. It wasn't much of a conflict or it didn't seem like it because they had sex anyway without caring about the consequences just caring about their lust for one another. And the conflict with them not being together wasn't much either and was kind of glossed over way too easily. Yes, obstacles were thrown in their way but they were easily ditched aside and thrown away and not made a big deal to add to the emotional intensity of the story. Instead the problem seemed to be dealt with in the next couple of pages with nothing really drawn out or worked upon to show that the conflict was getting resolved or handled. Problem one solved on to problem two. Nothing was really in depth I thought.
I wanted more exploration of their issues (both past and present)of why they were the way there were and how it effected their lives and how they dealt with each other. I wanted that depth and rawness, but just didn't get that here. It felt very surface level to me. I was told things, but not shown them therefore I didn't feel them. I wanted more.
Now this was a very harsh review, and I understand that, I don't like doing that especially for a new author so I might take a less critical eye than I would for an establish author, but this one I just couldn't save. There nothing really compelling about it for me. It felt contrived. Not real. Not emotional enough, and the characters weren't my favorite. I was connecting with any of it between the story, the characters, the emotions nor the love scenes. Usually I enjoy one aspect of a story, but this one not so much, and it was a shame because I was so looking forward to this book and premise that it provided me. It had the potential to really be an angst and emotional ride. He could spent the book wooing her and trying to win her back but he doesn't because she made easy for him to get her to fall in bed with him. She only gave token protest and that was about it. There could have been so much more to this story and wasn't. Just with the angle with him needing an heir and that was why he needed her back, and would have to make love to her in order to accomplish that then when she found out she could've been hurt and closed herself off from him then he would have to show that he wanted her for her not just to produce an heir, but she forgave him easily and it was brushed aside. Now with that concept there could have been lots of angst and deep seated conflict but the author missed the opportunity there. But here were so many ways to go to make it a deeper story emotional as well as conflict wise to create that angst story I like. That rawness, and provide me with more feeling instead of being told this.
Now I won't write Rachael Thomas author as an author yet, she is still relatively new, but I need more from the story that I got here. Otherwise this author will not be a good match for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
I understand the genre is that the guy is rich and or royal and overly stern and commanding, and there is a misunderstanding. However, this book missed because the hero is actively dishonorable, and cruel to children.
He is the sheikh or prince or something and marries a woman from another family. She decides he is hot and lovable, but some person off canvas told him she had sex at a boarding school so he rejects her and sends her away. Doesn't ask, or have some professional look into it, no background check before wedding...
Anyway, she gets disowned and leaves to paris and is working as a witness at a club, and he needs her back a year later for some royal stuff that makes no sense. He shows up, and she tells him to stop bothering her, because he really is a bad person, so HE THREATENS THE SAFETY of a small child to force her to be his puppet.
Obviously later he finds out she was a virgin, but as a royal he cannot apologize or anything. Then she finds out he was a lying scum all along because he meant to get her preggers, have the baby, and then expel her and keep the child. Then he throws her out anyway because it came out she was a waitress.
Then for no reason he follows her and is all "But I love you so much." There is an 18 month later epilogue, but I simply do not believe it. He lies, and hurts children, is stupid, and cruel.
He is the sheikh or prince or something and marries a woman from another family. She decides he is hot and lovable, but some person off canvas told him she had sex at a boarding school so he rejects her and sends her away. Doesn't ask, or have some professional look into it, no background check before wedding...
Anyway, she gets disowned and leaves to paris and is working as a witness at a club, and he needs her back a year later for some royal stuff that makes no sense. He shows up, and she tells him to stop bothering her, because he really is a bad person, so HE THREATENS THE SAFETY of a small child to force her to be his puppet.
Obviously later he finds out she was a virgin, but as a royal he cannot apologize or anything. Then she finds out he was a lying scum all along because he meant to get her preggers, have the baby, and then expel her and keep the child. Then he throws her out anyway because it came out she was a waitress.
Then for no reason he follows her and is all "But I love you so much." There is an 18 month later epilogue, but I simply do not believe it. He lies, and hurts children, is stupid, and cruel.
August 24, 2017
2.5 Stars.
This book was a disappointment. Too many lies and not enough trust. No real romance here.
This book was a disappointment. Too many lies and not enough trust. No real romance here.
August 26, 2020
Kazim didn't want to marry, but did for duty. Amber fell in love at first sight.
April 10, 2022
An ok story. A lot of misunderstandings and lies that needed to be fixed.
February 13, 2015
An arranged marriage to Prince Kazim - Al- Amed of Brazbin is a dream come true for Princess Amber, but then the wedding night comes and it all goes spectacularly wrong and a highly furious Kazim banished Amber from his kingdom and his life.
But now the country is in turmoil and Kazim must prove to his people that he has the ability to rule and provide an heir for his people, to do this he has to track down his princess first! But find her he will, but will she fall at his feet and forgive him allowing him to stake the ultimate claim on his wife, of will she be the one sending him away?
From the first time I read this author's work I was amazed and just how much clarity she pours into her work, nothing is left the imagination. Think about when you watch a tv show and it abruptly stops and moves on to a next scene, am always left thinking " Okay was that over?" , and sadly this happens in books all the time. But not with this author she lays it all out and wows the reader in the process with remarkable romance.
I adored Kazim 's sexy fierce power struggle and Amber was totally wow , she wants to fight it all but deep down there is still the powerful love she has for her prince and it overpowers all those thoughts of sending him away, fabulous stuff!
An amazing read about trust and forgiveness. Highly recommended for all readers who love a hotter than the desert sun read with loads of sweet romance.
5/5 star review
" Banished from his life, haunted by the past , willing to be claimed "
But now the country is in turmoil and Kazim must prove to his people that he has the ability to rule and provide an heir for his people, to do this he has to track down his princess first! But find her he will, but will she fall at his feet and forgive him allowing him to stake the ultimate claim on his wife, of will she be the one sending him away?
From the first time I read this author's work I was amazed and just how much clarity she pours into her work, nothing is left the imagination. Think about when you watch a tv show and it abruptly stops and moves on to a next scene, am always left thinking " Okay was that over?" , and sadly this happens in books all the time. But not with this author she lays it all out and wows the reader in the process with remarkable romance.
I adored Kazim 's sexy fierce power struggle and Amber was totally wow , she wants to fight it all but deep down there is still the powerful love she has for her prince and it overpowers all those thoughts of sending him away, fabulous stuff!
An amazing read about trust and forgiveness. Highly recommended for all readers who love a hotter than the desert sun read with loads of sweet romance.
5/5 star review
" Banished from his life, haunted by the past , willing to be claimed "
March 2, 2015
A desert storm is brewing, there is trouble ahead. Kazim and Amber are much like the desert storm brewing. Trouble swirls relentlessly as Kazim goes in search of his missing bride, his missing rejected bride, his missing, rejected, abandoned and heartbroken bride! Turned away on the night of their wedding and then subjected to more humiliation when her family turns their back on her for shaming them, the last person in the Parisian club Amber waitresses at is her husband, Kazim.
Kazim is duty bound and he needs to fulfill his duty and return back home with Amber, trouble is brewing, the rebels are attacking, the nomads are restless, the beloved people are stirring so with promises to provide much needed medical assistance to a little boy, Amber reluctantly agree's to return home.
A wonderfully thrilling and passionate story which I read on a beautiful Monday afternoon in the sun. I loved the intensity and the deepness of Kazim, I loved Amber's heart on her shoulders and how she wasn't afraid to stand up when needed. Beautiful locations included Paris, their home, the desert. I really wanted to throw Amber's father to the lions and given her mother a real good telling off, just an example of some emotions Rachael has made me feel.
A fantastic story I'd recommend to all Sheikh lovers!
Kazim is duty bound and he needs to fulfill his duty and return back home with Amber, trouble is brewing, the rebels are attacking, the nomads are restless, the beloved people are stirring so with promises to provide much needed medical assistance to a little boy, Amber reluctantly agree's to return home.
A wonderfully thrilling and passionate story which I read on a beautiful Monday afternoon in the sun. I loved the intensity and the deepness of Kazim, I loved Amber's heart on her shoulders and how she wasn't afraid to stand up when needed. Beautiful locations included Paris, their home, the desert. I really wanted to throw Amber's father to the lions and given her mother a real good telling off, just an example of some emotions Rachael has made me feel.
A fantastic story I'd recommend to all Sheikh lovers!
January 1, 2016
CLAIMED BY THE SHEIKH by author Rachael Thomas is a February 2015 release by Harlequin Presents.
Princess Amber was working as a waitress in a strip club in Paris after her family disowned her. Her family turned her away when her husband of one day, Prince Kazim banished her. He had done his duty by marrying her so it all ended now, didn’t it?
Wrong. Now he needed Amber to provide an heir for him. But would Amber agree to Kazim’s demands? Would she leave Paris and her independence to go with Kazim?
CLAIMED BY THE SHEIKH is a powerful story of reunion, misunderstanding in relationships and redemption. It is also of hope and second chances. Author Rachael Thomas brought out tender emotion, sizzling sensuality and uplifting romance in Claimed By The Sheikh.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Princess Amber was working as a waitress in a strip club in Paris after her family disowned her. Her family turned her away when her husband of one day, Prince Kazim banished her. He had done his duty by marrying her so it all ended now, didn’t it?
Wrong. Now he needed Amber to provide an heir for him. But would Amber agree to Kazim’s demands? Would she leave Paris and her independence to go with Kazim?
CLAIMED BY THE SHEIKH is a powerful story of reunion, misunderstanding in relationships and redemption. It is also of hope and second chances. Author Rachael Thomas brought out tender emotion, sizzling sensuality and uplifting romance in Claimed By The Sheikh.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
February 14, 2015
"Claimed by the Sheikh" by Rachael Thomas was one of those books that I wasn't sure I would like but I have to say that I really did like it. As a reader you do have to read it from start to finish. If you give up on it you won't get the whole story.
It is an arranged marriage between Prince Kazim - Al- Amed of Brazbin and Princess Amber. To Amber it is a dream come true, but then her wedding night she pretends to be someone she isn't (experienced) and this infuriates Kazim who banishes Amber from his life. Fast forward to about a year later and Kazim finds Amber working in a strip club, not as a stripper but as a waitress, and he needs her to come home to give him an heir.
Like I mentioned earlier.....you need to keep reading and find that Kazim should learn to trust and to deal with his feelings.
It is an arranged marriage between Prince Kazim - Al- Amed of Brazbin and Princess Amber. To Amber it is a dream come true, but then her wedding night she pretends to be someone she isn't (experienced) and this infuriates Kazim who banishes Amber from his life. Fast forward to about a year later and Kazim finds Amber working in a strip club, not as a stripper but as a waitress, and he needs her to come home to give him an heir.
Like I mentioned earlier.....you need to keep reading and find that Kazim should learn to trust and to deal with his feelings.
March 20, 2016
Princess Amber was raised to know that she would be in an arranged marriage. So when she goes to marry Prince Kazim Al-Amed she finds she has fallen in love with him on first site. On their wedding night she tries to act sexy which seems to put off Kazim. Kazim is upset that he is being force to marry and at the wedding he has been told that he new wife is not innocent. So on their wedding night he tells her that he won't sleep with her and that she is to leave and go on with her life. They will pretend this never happen and goes forth as they did. Amber is devastated. . We move to 10 months later where Kazim is looking for her because his father is ill and Kazim needs to start taking over but his people doesn't seem to think he is a good leader since he couldn't keep his wife. Kazim find Amber working in London at a sleazy dance hall as a waitress. .
August 11, 2019
Where do I start with this one?
The H was a miserable, grumpy, blackmailing bully for 99.9% of the book
The h was a jelly spined wuss who thinks with her lady parts for 100% of the book.
Both sets of parents need to sort themselves out (though I do secretly admire the h dads revenge but not his banishment of her, as long as no one died)
I really, really loathe weak heroines who cave constantly to bullying males who swear they don't do love but want to have their cake and eat it.
I am not a fan of people who have crappy parents turning the other cheek and playing happy families when grandkids arrive leopards don't change their spots H & h's. If your dad was a brute who physically harmed you do you really want him near your kid?
The H was a miserable, grumpy, blackmailing bully for 99.9% of the book
The h was a jelly spined wuss who thinks with her lady parts for 100% of the book.
Both sets of parents need to sort themselves out (though I do secretly admire the h dads revenge but not his banishment of her, as long as no one died)
I really, really loathe weak heroines who cave constantly to bullying males who swear they don't do love but want to have their cake and eat it.
I am not a fan of people who have crappy parents turning the other cheek and playing happy families when grandkids arrive leopards don't change their spots H & h's. If your dad was a brute who physically harmed you do you really want him near your kid?
January 26, 2015
Princess Amber's arranged Marriage to Sheikh Kazim lasts one night. He banishes her and in turn her family disown her. She makes ends meet by working in a strip club in Paris and befriends someone with an ill child. Prince Kazim must produce an heir so he finds Amber and forces her back to her home. This is a second chance romance with a women who is willing to go back under her terms this time. There is tender emotions and they realize all the misunderstanding that took place the first time. Soon he realizes that all is not what it seems and they start to rebuilt their relationship. A story of redemption and deep hidden love.
June 4, 2021
Banished!
Princess Amber's arranged marriage to Prince Kazim Al-Amed of Barazbin was a dream come true—for her, at least! But then their wedding night went spectacularly wrong, and a furious Kazim banished Amber from his kingdom and his life.
Hunted!
Now, with his country in turmoil, Kazim must prove his ability to rule and provide an heir for his people. But to do so he'll need to track down his princess.
Claimed!
Amber has always threatened Kazim's tightly held control. Yet if he is to save his nation—and
Princess Amber's arranged marriage to Prince Kazim Al-Amed of Barazbin was a dream come true—for her, at least! But then their wedding night went spectacularly wrong, and a furious Kazim banished Amber from his kingdom and his life.
Hunted!
Now, with his country in turmoil, Kazim must prove his ability to rule and provide an heir for his people. But to do so he'll need to track down his princess.
Claimed!
Amber has always threatened Kazim's tightly held control. Yet if he is to save his nation—and
March 11, 2016
Waste of reading time. Annoying H, annoying h, unconvincing premise. Starting with the h's name "Amber"? Really? Princess Amber? whose English-born mother so totally embraced the desert lifestyle that she named her desert sheikh's female offspring "Amber"? and then continuing with "I'll go back with you to help my one and only friend in the whole wide world and her baby". It's just one downhill ho-hum boring tale from then. Next!
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