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Desert Kings #.5
Veronica: Stranded with the Sheikh
Shy architect Veronica Baxter finds herself on a jet with dangerously charming Zadir Al Kilanjar, heir to the throne of Ubar. When their plane crashes in the deserted Empty Quarter, they search for a way to escape—and discover each other.
68 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2014
174 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lewis
447 books123 followersJennifer Lewis is the USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages.
"I’ve been making up stories since the day I was born. I always loved to draw as well as write and as a child I drew graphic novellas featuring penniless but plucky Cinderella heroines. My love of daydreaming earned me the nickname “Dozy Duck” in Kindergarten, and I still consider staring into space to be a constructive activity.
I was born in Manhattan but my family moved to London when I was six months old, toting me along in a cat basket. I grew up as a Brit and traveled extensively in Europe during my only-slightly-misspent formative years.
I came back to the States to earn a bachelor’s degree in Semiotics from Brown University and begin a journey into the world of trans-Atlantic accents that I have still not fully emerged from. On graduation I returned to New York, where I learned to explain Semiotics on job interviews (“It’s the study of signs and systems of meaning!”) and to apply my knowledge in a very enjoyable career at a television museum.
While organizing exhibits on subjects ranging from Elvis Presley to Monty Python, I began to experiment with writing my own stories. It was quite a revelation to discover that the tales I’d been dreaming up forever could actually be turned into books. After a couple of detours--my son and my daughter--I focused all my creative energy on writing and my first book came out from Silhouette Desire in 2007.
I live in South Florida with my family, which includes an adorable greyhound and four horses.
Check out the Pinterest boards I've made for some of my books here: http://www.pinterest.com/jenlewisauthor/
Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennif...
"I’ve been making up stories since the day I was born. I always loved to draw as well as write and as a child I drew graphic novellas featuring penniless but plucky Cinderella heroines. My love of daydreaming earned me the nickname “Dozy Duck” in Kindergarten, and I still consider staring into space to be a constructive activity.
I was born in Manhattan but my family moved to London when I was six months old, toting me along in a cat basket. I grew up as a Brit and traveled extensively in Europe during my only-slightly-misspent formative years.
I came back to the States to earn a bachelor’s degree in Semiotics from Brown University and begin a journey into the world of trans-Atlantic accents that I have still not fully emerged from. On graduation I returned to New York, where I learned to explain Semiotics on job interviews (“It’s the study of signs and systems of meaning!”) and to apply my knowledge in a very enjoyable career at a television museum.
While organizing exhibits on subjects ranging from Elvis Presley to Monty Python, I began to experiment with writing my own stories. It was quite a revelation to discover that the tales I’d been dreaming up forever could actually be turned into books. After a couple of detours--my son and my daughter--I focused all my creative energy on writing and my first book came out from Silhouette Desire in 2007.
I live in South Florida with my family, which includes an adorable greyhound and four horses.
Check out the Pinterest boards I've made for some of my books here: http://www.pinterest.com/jenlewisauthor/
Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennif...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 27, 2016
this was a really cute story. i initially picked it up to fulfill a challenge but was pleasantly surprised at enjoying it. i rated it a 3 because i thought it could've been hotter. granted this was a quickie so i was happy to see veronica and zadir's story continue later in the series which i immediately added and read.
November 25, 2015
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Although the author had a good idea for a story it didn't pan out like she probably hoped it would. Instead of being exciting or thrilling it came out rather stupid and silly. Supposedly the male and female lead are heading to the wedding of one of the male lead's best friends when they discover that their plane is not on course for their destination. Upon inspection, they discover that the pilot is missing and it turns out that the pilot deliberately was trying to send them to an early death in a plane crash. They manage to land the plane just as the fuel is running out and come to a comfortable stop. The story goes on as they try to find a way to signal someone to come rescue them. The problem with this is that everything is too easy for them. Wires for the signaling radio that should have been cut were merely disconnected and there was still a battery or generator on board that gave them the power to call for help. They do this easily enough once they finally wise up and push the clearly marked distress button. During the one night they are out there, they have sex and pretty much commit to loving each other and getting married. Now I'm all about love at first sight (or hinting at love at first sight) but this is ridiculous. Don't you want to get to know this person you're committing to? And at the end of this short story it seems as if the story is completely ended right there. It doesn't seem like it can really go on at all. I just wouldn't read anything more by this author based on this story.
Although the author had a good idea for a story it didn't pan out like she probably hoped it would. Instead of being exciting or thrilling it came out rather stupid and silly. Supposedly the male and female lead are heading to the wedding of one of the male lead's best friends when they discover that their plane is not on course for their destination. Upon inspection, they discover that the pilot is missing and it turns out that the pilot deliberately was trying to send them to an early death in a plane crash. They manage to land the plane just as the fuel is running out and come to a comfortable stop. The story goes on as they try to find a way to signal someone to come rescue them. The problem with this is that everything is too easy for them. Wires for the signaling radio that should have been cut were merely disconnected and there was still a battery or generator on board that gave them the power to call for help. They do this easily enough once they finally wise up and push the clearly marked distress button. During the one night they are out there, they have sex and pretty much commit to loving each other and getting married. Now I'm all about love at first sight (or hinting at love at first sight) but this is ridiculous. Don't you want to get to know this person you're committing to? And at the end of this short story it seems as if the story is completely ended right there. It doesn't seem like it can really go on at all. I just wouldn't read anything more by this author based on this story.
May 30, 2017
I got this one as a freebie a while back and looked forward to a modern desert survival romance introduction. Yes, I do say intro because this is a prequel story and meant to set things up for the series, introduce a pair of the characters and the beginning of their romance.
It did the job of getting me hooked on the story, the characters, and the author's writing so I'll definitely be coming back for more from the series.
It did the job of getting me hooked on the story, the characters, and the author's writing so I'll definitely be coming back for more from the series.
August 25, 2014
Good but short, can't wait to read part 2.
August 11, 2014
I wish it was longer.
September 29, 2015
Quick read and prequel to Desert Kings.
Sharing a flight together turns out to be a bad decision for Veronica when the plan crashes. Will they survive, and how to resist this gorgeous man?
Sharing a flight together turns out to be a bad decision for Veronica when the plan crashes. Will they survive, and how to resist this gorgeous man?
January 13, 2024
Stranded with the Sheikh : Veronica (Desert Kings)
This book starts out with the pilot jumping out of the cockpit window midair .Leaving two complete strangers to navigate a private plane to land safely in the middle of nowhere without no good or water and no communication for help. How would they survive?
This book starts out with the pilot jumping out of the cockpit window midair .Leaving two complete strangers to navigate a private plane to land safely in the middle of nowhere without no good or water and no communication for help. How would they survive?
March 20, 2020
Glimpse of a story
So if you like wading through several stories to get your conclusion this book is for you. Three stars represent the promise of a romantic mystery. Cliffhangers are just a disappointment...
So if you like wading through several stories to get your conclusion this book is for you. Three stars represent the promise of a romantic mystery. Cliffhangers are just a disappointment...
February 12, 2017
Stranded
This was a short, but good read. Just enough story to get you hooked.
Now on to the book in the series.
This was a short, but good read. Just enough story to get you hooked.
Now on to the book in the series.
December 26, 2017
Good read
Good read but was not hot turning page. Love the story and happily ever after kind of story. Good story
Good read but was not hot turning page. Love the story and happily ever after kind of story. Good story
May 14, 2018
Interesting start to a story. This novella was short and sweet.
August 1, 2020
Too short
This would have been a knock out of the park if it weren't so short. Whoever, seems like it would be a great book.
This would have been a knock out of the park if it weren't so short. Whoever, seems like it would be a great book.
June 3, 2021
Getting to read about the plane wreck and the sexual tension between the two characters was really interesting, I found myself wishing us a little longer.
May 30, 2022
Love it, although was short.
I could easily follow the story.
I could easily follow the story.
January 25, 2017
dumb....really really dumb
January 16, 2015
The start to a very interesting and exciting series I believe.
This is the prequel to the "Desert Kings" series, in this story we are introduced to Veronica and Zadir we meet them on a plane heading to a wedding. For Veronica the groom may be a possible client, she is an architect and for Zadir he is the best man in his friend's wedding.
Zadir and his siblings are now about to take the Throne of Ubar, their father died and from a brief glimpse none of his sons liked him at all. Their father will states they are to succeed him and reluctantly Zadir has to fulfill his duties. Veronica has a similar story, her father has married multiple times and believes swinging money all of the place solves everything and her mother is a pill popping depressed woman who gave her all to a man only for him to leave her. These two very different people who are of different races and countries seemingly come together under very distressful and a dangerous situation. As Zadir and his brothers are preparing to not only take the Throne but to bring their very backwards country (their father insisted on living in) and bring it in to the 21st century, there is a whole lot of work to be done which will include bringing in several outside forces to get things done. But not everybody is excited about the brothers coming in and changing everything around. Someone has tried to kill Zadir by abandoning the private jet him and Veronica were on now the clock has begin ticking to catch those who will try to bring down the new kings to the Ubar throne.
This is a novella about 70 pages and the author which I feel did a good job in bringing a quick story to wet your appetite. The two characters Veronica and Zadir are given enough air time to want to know more about them and their full story is now available "Desert Kings Book 2: Zadir: Bought for the Sheikh" and Book 1 is "Desert Kings Book 1: Osman: Rescued by the Sheikh".
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
This is the prequel to the "Desert Kings" series, in this story we are introduced to Veronica and Zadir we meet them on a plane heading to a wedding. For Veronica the groom may be a possible client, she is an architect and for Zadir he is the best man in his friend's wedding.
Zadir and his siblings are now about to take the Throne of Ubar, their father died and from a brief glimpse none of his sons liked him at all. Their father will states they are to succeed him and reluctantly Zadir has to fulfill his duties. Veronica has a similar story, her father has married multiple times and believes swinging money all of the place solves everything and her mother is a pill popping depressed woman who gave her all to a man only for him to leave her. These two very different people who are of different races and countries seemingly come together under very distressful and a dangerous situation. As Zadir and his brothers are preparing to not only take the Throne but to bring their very backwards country (their father insisted on living in) and bring it in to the 21st century, there is a whole lot of work to be done which will include bringing in several outside forces to get things done. But not everybody is excited about the brothers coming in and changing everything around. Someone has tried to kill Zadir by abandoning the private jet him and Veronica were on now the clock has begin ticking to catch those who will try to bring down the new kings to the Ubar throne.
This is a novella about 70 pages and the author which I feel did a good job in bringing a quick story to wet your appetite. The two characters Veronica and Zadir are given enough air time to want to know more about them and their full story is now available "Desert Kings Book 2: Zadir: Bought for the Sheikh" and Book 1 is "Desert Kings Book 1: Osman: Rescued by the Sheikh".
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
November 24, 2014
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did find this book a really quick, easy read. I felt it worked quite well as an introduction to the series and it was quite an intriguing plot.
The front cover of this book is fairly good, but considering the guy's supposed to be a Sheikh, the cover art of him doesn't really show that. Still, the cover and the blurb of the book are both really appealing.
I did think this book was a bit too short. The attraction wasn't too bad; I get fairly used to instant attraction in romance and I liked the fact that it didn't come across as instant love.
I was a bit unsure about why the two characters were travelling together. I didn't think that was fully explained to my satisfaction.
It was good that the author had the characters able to survive on their own and that they worked together. I do think the chivalry was somewhat lacking in the book, though. I did like the fact that I got to learn more about the characters' backgrounds as they talked... like their family lives, for instance.
I did notice a couple of errors in this book, including a half-formed line that didn't seem to have any relevance to the storyline. I do think this story could have benefited from being expanded a bit.
It would be nice to see more of the characters and the world. This worked as a good introduction to the series, but not so much as a romance that felt like it had moved on from the initial attraction.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did find this book a really quick, easy read. I felt it worked quite well as an introduction to the series and it was quite an intriguing plot.
The front cover of this book is fairly good, but considering the guy's supposed to be a Sheikh, the cover art of him doesn't really show that. Still, the cover and the blurb of the book are both really appealing.
I did think this book was a bit too short. The attraction wasn't too bad; I get fairly used to instant attraction in romance and I liked the fact that it didn't come across as instant love.
I was a bit unsure about why the two characters were travelling together. I didn't think that was fully explained to my satisfaction.
It was good that the author had the characters able to survive on their own and that they worked together. I do think the chivalry was somewhat lacking in the book, though. I did like the fact that I got to learn more about the characters' backgrounds as they talked... like their family lives, for instance.
I did notice a couple of errors in this book, including a half-formed line that didn't seem to have any relevance to the storyline. I do think this story could have benefited from being expanded a bit.
It would be nice to see more of the characters and the world. This worked as a good introduction to the series, but not so much as a romance that felt like it had moved on from the initial attraction.
September 11, 2014
I cannot say that I cared for this story very much. It sounded interesting initially, and it certainly got my attention with the interracial approach. (As a reader, I love it when an author isn't afraid to take a challenge like that and make it work.) As a short, however, it was too unbelievable to have a good flow, in my opinion. The attraction between the two characters did not seem mutual at the beginning. Before I knew it, they were hot and heavy. I understood that they were in a desperate situation with little hope of a rescue, but still. I just could not buy the whole let me refresh you with these towelettes and then we can "refresh" each other sexually bit.
Also, as trivial as this sounds, some of the smaller injections the author made about dry skin being spritzed and then wiped down with alcohol-based wipes, limited water bottles and the rationing thereof, and a king hiding while a woman placed herself in harm's way did not jive for me. All I could think of was eczema, conserving water wisely, and strength of character & noble pride.
While I did rate this book with a low rating, I still feel like it had some potential. Maybe the full length book will offer more information and plug in some of the holes. I would hope so because seeing an interracial mix like this would totally rock.
Also, as trivial as this sounds, some of the smaller injections the author made about dry skin being spritzed and then wiped down with alcohol-based wipes, limited water bottles and the rationing thereof, and a king hiding while a woman placed herself in harm's way did not jive for me. All I could think of was eczema, conserving water wisely, and strength of character & noble pride.
While I did rate this book with a low rating, I still feel like it had some potential. Maybe the full length book will offer more information and plug in some of the holes. I would hope so because seeing an interracial mix like this would totally rock.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2014
I like Sheikh romances but this one was a little far fetched. I didn't believe the romance between the Hero & Heroine. The Hero & Heroine both seemed to suffer from TSTL syndrome. In this case the hero more than the heroine.
I didn't find certain aspects of the set up believable - a prince, one of the rulers is allowed to travel without a bodyguard, travelling in an area with notoriously bad mobile phone service and does not have a satellite phone? And nobody is going to be tracking him. Really? I can imagine that for the average citizen but a member of the ruling family - not in this universe. It would have been more beliveable if there was a team of bodyguards but one of them had been turned or whatever.
Another thing that toubled me was how the characters sounded an Eton educated prince should not sound the same as an americna architect.
This is a really short book - less than 40 pages. Not worth more than 99c but even then I would only recommend looking at this if it was free. It is one of those dreaded serial books where you end up paying through the nose to get a full book and complete story. Not recommended.
I didn't find certain aspects of the set up believable - a prince, one of the rulers is allowed to travel without a bodyguard, travelling in an area with notoriously bad mobile phone service and does not have a satellite phone? And nobody is going to be tracking him. Really? I can imagine that for the average citizen but a member of the ruling family - not in this universe. It would have been more beliveable if there was a team of bodyguards but one of them had been turned or whatever.
Another thing that toubled me was how the characters sounded an Eton educated prince should not sound the same as an americna architect.
This is a really short book - less than 40 pages. Not worth more than 99c but even then I would only recommend looking at this if it was free. It is one of those dreaded serial books where you end up paying through the nose to get a full book and complete story. Not recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2015
This is simply a short story that didn't come out to be much interesting as i was expecting it to be. It was rather slow-paced and lacking complete insight of author's mind into characters: their mutual understanding and attraction. It was as if the characters simply rushed for the physical desires without having a boiling urge to know each other.
Secondly, i strongly negotiate the character of Arabs pencilled by the author. I don't know why she didn't researched on this first i.e. they don't rush after physical relationship so easily. Even if they are willing, they have some religious boundaries. Anyways, i hope she has written same thing in the whole series so i am not going after it.
I wish her good research for future writings.
Secondly, i strongly negotiate the character of Arabs pencilled by the author. I don't know why she didn't researched on this first i.e. they don't rush after physical relationship so easily. Even if they are willing, they have some religious boundaries. Anyways, i hope she has written same thing in the whole series so i am not going after it.
I wish her good research for future writings.
December 28, 2016
Jennifer Lewis – Desert Kings –
Stranded with the Sheikh – Book 1
The first book in the series is a novella that introduces the 3 brothers, Osman, Zadir and Amahd Al Kilanjar. Their estranged father has died and divided the kingdom into 3 equal parts and each son would rule their respective land.
We also find out that someone is trying to kill the sons with the plane that Zadir and Mackenzie Malone. When they crashed into the desert, Mac and Zadir are working to find a way to be rescued. But of course, they are very attracted to each other. Mac fights it, but Zadir goes with it.
A good introduction to a new series.
Stranded with the Sheikh – Book 1
The first book in the series is a novella that introduces the 3 brothers, Osman, Zadir and Amahd Al Kilanjar. Their estranged father has died and divided the kingdom into 3 equal parts and each son would rule their respective land.
We also find out that someone is trying to kill the sons with the plane that Zadir and Mackenzie Malone. When they crashed into the desert, Mac and Zadir are working to find a way to be rescued. But of course, they are very attracted to each other. Mac fights it, but Zadir goes with it.
A good introduction to a new series.
September 19, 2014
This is a short story, an introduction to the series.
Based on this book, I would read more of the series. It's a pretty typical romance...
The book description on Amazon pretty much says it all:
Shy architect Veronica Baxter finds herself on a jet with dangerously charming Zadir Al Kilanjar, heir to the throne of Ubar. When their plane crashes in the deserted Empty Quarter, they search for a way to escape—and discover each other.
Overall, very fast read, writing is good, plot is stereotypical, but quite steamy.
Based on this book, I would read more of the series. It's a pretty typical romance...
The book description on Amazon pretty much says it all:
Shy architect Veronica Baxter finds herself on a jet with dangerously charming Zadir Al Kilanjar, heir to the throne of Ubar. When their plane crashes in the deserted Empty Quarter, they search for a way to escape—and discover each other.
Overall, very fast read, writing is good, plot is stereotypical, but quite steamy.
November 1, 2014
Just Okay
I can say I love some short stories. This is a book in on a cliffhanger. However the next book does not mention anything about this story finishing out. It is a series of four books so each brother has a different store some assuming all these were in a cliffhanger will not be reading the rest of the series
I can say I love some short stories. This is a book in on a cliffhanger. However the next book does not mention anything about this story finishing out. It is a series of four books so each brother has a different store some assuming all these were in a cliffhanger will not be reading the rest of the series
February 6, 2016
The wholepoint of book 0.5 is to get you intrested enough to start off the series. Who's trying to kill the brothers? Will Ronnie+Zadir get their happy ever after?
What I hated, implied smut. Sorry, but no happy smut scenes with the sheikh in this. Just implied, meaning there is a sex scene, but it is 0% descriptive, sorry smut lovers.
Not sure whether I'll continue with the series.
What I hated, implied smut. Sorry, but no happy smut scenes with the sheikh in this. Just implied, meaning there is a sex scene, but it is 0% descriptive, sorry smut lovers.
Not sure whether I'll continue with the series.
February 26, 2016
Copy courtesy of Netgalley
Very short. Not much story here. Not enough time to build anything. The are stranded- sleep together- get rescued - the end. This is just a teaser. There is another full story about this couple. I want to know more so I would read the other stories in the series.
Very short. Not much story here. Not enough time to build anything. The are stranded- sleep together- get rescued - the end. This is just a teaser. There is another full story about this couple. I want to know more so I would read the other stories in the series.
October 20, 2014
This has the makings of a great story, but fell flat. The dialogue between the two characters was dry. It gives a good outline of romance, stranded, killers and unknowns but it just wasn't developed well.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
February 10, 2015
Zadir and Veronica are flying to Bahrain when they experience unexpected plane trouble. Passion flares with the desert heat as they wait to be rescued. This is one of the Desert Kings series and well worth reading. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
November 16, 2014
This is the book which got me started on Jennifer Lewis. Interesting and can't wait to read the rest of this series.
December 18, 2014
My first time!
This is the first piece of work by Ms Lewis that I have read. Very interesting!! I can't wait to read more.
This is the first piece of work by Ms Lewis that I have read. Very interesting!! I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews