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The Sheikh's Last Mistress
Promoted to Princess! Destiny Richards knows she is playing with fire when she accepts charismatic Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari's job offer, but it seems like a fair price to pay to start her life over again. Until the temperature reaches the boiling point and Destiny finds herself spending one out-of-this-world night with the sheikh! When powerful Zafir seduces English rose Destiny, he never anticipates she'll hold the title of his Last Mistress. But their scorching affair has shocking repercussions. Now, before their nine months are up, Zafir must convince Destiny to make their arrangement more permanent!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
39 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Thomas
252 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 3, 2016
the plot was not that interesting i couldn't get into it.
May 2, 2016
Underwhelming storytelling. Underwhelming romance.
The only positives- I like the sheikh trope; I liked the heroine. Sadly liking them wasn't enough to make the book compelling enough to read.
The only positives- I like the sheikh trope; I liked the heroine. Sadly liking them wasn't enough to make the book compelling enough to read.
March 22, 2018
Él se siente atraído desde un primer momento por ella, sin embargo siente tanta culpa que de no ser que ella queda embarazada, él no la vería más en su vida.
Me gusta el conflicto antes de que los personajes concreten, pero acá todo se da demasiado fácil y la heroína es muy tonta. El héroe me enfermó con su cantaleta de: "pero mirá que es un toco y me voy, porque necesito una mujer del desierto para casarme con eia". Veinte páginas después, sin mucha elaboración, hay un descuido justo en fecha de ovulación (?) y tadan, casorio y sos el amor de mi vida.
Horribla.
Me gusta el conflicto antes de que los personajes concreten, pero acá todo se da demasiado fácil y la heroína es muy tonta. El héroe me enfermó con su cantaleta de: "pero mirá que es un toco y me voy, porque necesito una mujer del desierto para casarme con eia". Veinte páginas después, sin mucha elaboración, hay un descuido justo en fecha de ovulación (?) y tadan, casorio y sos el amor de mi vida.
Horribla.
May 22, 2016
It wasn't bad but I didn't feel that all encompassing attraction to the characters and who they were. I found the author barely touched their story. However there was some good points too. 2.5 stars.
June 27, 2016
Just an average romance.
Heroine's attitude put me right off.
She was too defiant and uncooperative, and kept too many secrets instead of being honest,
Though a virgin, she surely didn't conduct herself as one.
Always thought ill of hero, and tortured the hero indirectly because her actions were misinterpreted by hero.
She lacked sense in many aspects, like taking the horse into the desert, without an escort.
As for the pregnancy, I cannot bear the fact she did not want the child, because of some health issue conclusion she jumped onto.
I think it was the hero that kept me on.
He was pleasant, warm, and love in the name of duty!
Heroine's attitude put me right off.
She was too defiant and uncooperative, and kept too many secrets instead of being honest,
Though a virgin, she surely didn't conduct herself as one.
Always thought ill of hero, and tortured the hero indirectly because her actions were misinterpreted by hero.
She lacked sense in many aspects, like taking the horse into the desert, without an escort.
As for the pregnancy, I cannot bear the fact she did not want the child, because of some health issue conclusion she jumped onto.
I think it was the hero that kept me on.
He was pleasant, warm, and love in the name of duty!
October 22, 2016
Destiny Loved working with horses. She was known as being the Best in her field. At times people knew Destiny was their last hope, for she worked with troubled, or traumatized horsed. Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari knew that if Destiny couldn't help, that he may have to lose Hope for the horse he loved so much. His stallion was traumatized the night his sister died.
Destiny lived with her step mother, and father that didn't treat her very well. She wanted to move away, but didn't have the means to escape just yet. She was mad when her step mother hired Destiny to work with the Sheikh's horse. She softened just a bit when she found out she was the last hope for the horse. She would use this job to prepare her for a fresh start.
Neither Destiny nor Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari expected the sizzling hot Chemistry that they felt for one another. Sweet book. I loved the way Destiny stood up for herself, and had a back bone. This story also had heart touching emotions, that pulled you in.
May 21, 2018
2.5 Stars
The h was scrappy. After being under the thumb of her uncaring, controlling father and step-mother for years, she grabbed at her chance of freedom once it was presented to her.
The H was a typical alpha male in the HP universe. He decided that the attraction between he and the h was too strong to ignore and disregarded his country’s rules by taking the h’s virginity. He felt justified because he told her in advance it was only for one night. Then he changed the rules.
The “one night that was much more” turned into an oops! I’m having a baby. The h was terrified she had a medical condition that her mother had that led to her death. She went into deep panic mode and instead of explaining the situation, there was over the top hysterics.
These two would have a hard time in the real world. They are both too idealistic. There were so many moments during the book that I had to just shake my head and make myself move on. But I persevered and finished. Yay me!
The h was scrappy. After being under the thumb of her uncaring, controlling father and step-mother for years, she grabbed at her chance of freedom once it was presented to her.
The H was a typical alpha male in the HP universe. He decided that the attraction between he and the h was too strong to ignore and disregarded his country’s rules by taking the h’s virginity. He felt justified because he told her in advance it was only for one night. Then he changed the rules.
The “one night that was much more” turned into an oops! I’m having a baby. The h was terrified she had a medical condition that her mother had that led to her death. She went into deep panic mode and instead of explaining the situation, there was over the top hysterics.
These two would have a hard time in the real world. They are both too idealistic. There were so many moments during the book that I had to just shake my head and make myself move on. But I persevered and finished. Yay me!
April 6, 2016
Destiny Richards has the ability to calm horses so she gains the title of "Horse Whisperer". Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari has a horse Majeed that ever since the sheikhs sister was killed while on him has not been well . If she can't help the horse it will have to be put down. Not knowing the person asking for her help is the Sheikh himself she names and exorbitant price, which of course he will pay. This is the beginning of a wonderful story with a magnificent description of the desert and thrown in is some intrigue ,and of course lots of passion. The two are both strong willed people but love has a way of using that strength to lower the guards they put around their heart. You will sigh when Zafir says she is his "Destiny". Such a lovely passionate story that I wanted it to go on and on. Rachael Thomas has written a book that I would give more than 5 stars to. Fantastic book.
April 5, 2016
The Sheikh’s Last Mistress - Destiny Richards accepts Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari’s job offer as a horse whisperer and hence she travels to Kezoban. Working for Zafir and seeing him constantly awakens a fierce storm of attraction between them. And as one thing leads to another, they are faced with the consequences of their passion where they must think not of themselves but that of the life they created together. My verdict is: The Sheikh’s Last Mistress by Rachael Thomas is angsty, intense and overwhelmingly dramatic. The thought-provoking story-line will either have you loving or hating the characters and the stories they have to tell.
4 Stars
May 6, 2016
THE SHEIKH’S LAST MISTRESS by author Rachael Thomas is a May 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series.
Destiny Richards takes the job offered by Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari not knowing where it would lead her. But spending a night of passion with him was definitely not on the cards. Yet their scorching chemistry led them to it.
And then there are consequences. Would Destiny agree to what Zafir proposes?
THE SHEIKH’S LAST MISTRESS is a sensational romance filled with sensual scenes amid heart-breaking emotions. Author Rachael Thomas, once again astounds her readers by this sizzling tale.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Destiny Richards takes the job offered by Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari not knowing where it would lead her. But spending a night of passion with him was definitely not on the cards. Yet their scorching chemistry led them to it.
And then there are consequences. Would Destiny agree to what Zafir proposes?
THE SHEIKH’S LAST MISTRESS is a sensational romance filled with sensual scenes amid heart-breaking emotions. Author Rachael Thomas, once again astounds her readers by this sizzling tale.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
September 9, 2022
A nice read
This was a good book. The h was a very beautiful, sweet and kind person who everyone called the horse whisperer. The H came to meet her because he needed her help with his stallion who had shut down emotionally. The chemistry between the two was off the charts which led to an unexpected pregnancy. The pair had bad communication, she didn’t tell him about her possible health issue and he didn’t tell her about his guilt over his sister’s death. The ending was short. Overall, a decent book.
This was a good book. The h was a very beautiful, sweet and kind person who everyone called the horse whisperer. The H came to meet her because he needed her help with his stallion who had shut down emotionally. The chemistry between the two was off the charts which led to an unexpected pregnancy. The pair had bad communication, she didn’t tell him about her possible health issue and he didn’t tell her about his guilt over his sister’s death. The ending was short. Overall, a decent book.
February 12, 2018
This book was okay. Both hero and heroine were incredibly damaged by their pasts, with good reason. There was decent chemistry. But there was something off about the pacing of the story. It dragged in places for me. Ultimately, it was a good way to spend a few hours, but nothing spectacular.
August 26, 2017
Love to read this type of book. Entertaining and easy to read. Recommended.
August 1, 2018
Just perfect. If you are looking for a quick romance read then you should definitely pick this up.
May 6, 2019
Boring characters and storyline
December 9, 2022
2☆
What happened to the horse?
What happened to the horse?
June 1, 2023
Great read
Gets your attention from the first page and keeps it until the last. You might find yourself staying up late to see what happens next.
Gets your attention from the first page and keeps it until the last. You might find yourself staying up late to see what happens next.
April 14, 2016
The Sheikh's Last Mistress by Rachael Thomas
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari finds the riding school nestled in the countryside beyond London and walks up to see a woman with a horse. He through her mother (step mother) had hired Destiny Richards to work with his prized Arabian Stallion named Majeed. The step mother had assumed that this man was sent from the Sheikh and not the Sheikh himself. He did not correct her.
This stallion had been involved in a tragic accident which had claimed Sheikh's sister (Tabinah) life.
Destiny is to travel to Kezoban and at first rejected the task that had been agreed between the Sheikh and Destiny's step mother. The length of time for the job was a 2 month term. Destiny's step mother used her gift with horses to monetarily profit her. Other than that she had no use for Destiny and as result Destiny wanted to be free of her. Could she use this opportunity to be totally free and start her life over?
Destiny rearranged the payment to be given to her, travel expenses and hopefully enough to start a new life. She also asked that she sees and meets the stallion first. Zafir almost told her who he was when he said that his private jet would take her to see the horse.
After Destiny arrives the sparks still fly between her and Zafir. They go for a morning ride and Destiny finally says she wants him. They spend one night together and he is stunned to find that she is a virgin.
Rachael Thomas tells the story of a girl giving the gift of her virginity to someone she trusts and loves. The story of the Sheikh so distraught over how his sister died that he feels he cannot have a life with anyone other than the chosen bride by his aides. Also how a rare blood disease is the reason her mother died giving birth to Destiny and that she has no idea if she has inherited it from her mother or not. She was never tested since she was not interested in love, marriage, or children. Rachael Thomas also paints the picture through words of what the desert and Kezoban and the culture of Kezoban is like and also of the beautiful horses there.
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari finds the riding school nestled in the countryside beyond London and walks up to see a woman with a horse. He through her mother (step mother) had hired Destiny Richards to work with his prized Arabian Stallion named Majeed. The step mother had assumed that this man was sent from the Sheikh and not the Sheikh himself. He did not correct her.
This stallion had been involved in a tragic accident which had claimed Sheikh's sister (Tabinah) life.
Destiny is to travel to Kezoban and at first rejected the task that had been agreed between the Sheikh and Destiny's step mother. The length of time for the job was a 2 month term. Destiny's step mother used her gift with horses to monetarily profit her. Other than that she had no use for Destiny and as result Destiny wanted to be free of her. Could she use this opportunity to be totally free and start her life over?
Destiny rearranged the payment to be given to her, travel expenses and hopefully enough to start a new life. She also asked that she sees and meets the stallion first. Zafir almost told her who he was when he said that his private jet would take her to see the horse.
After Destiny arrives the sparks still fly between her and Zafir. They go for a morning ride and Destiny finally says she wants him. They spend one night together and he is stunned to find that she is a virgin.
Rachael Thomas tells the story of a girl giving the gift of her virginity to someone she trusts and loves. The story of the Sheikh so distraught over how his sister died that he feels he cannot have a life with anyone other than the chosen bride by his aides. Also how a rare blood disease is the reason her mother died giving birth to Destiny and that she has no idea if she has inherited it from her mother or not. She was never tested since she was not interested in love, marriage, or children. Rachael Thomas also paints the picture through words of what the desert and Kezoban and the culture of Kezoban is like and also of the beautiful horses there.
April 18, 2016
Destiny Richards a horse whisperer and an innocent young woman who is doing her best to get away from a father and step mother who are domineering and controlling she has a secret that she keeps very close to her there will be no marriage and no children for Destiny she has protected her younger sister and she is now away from the family living in London and now maybe Destiny's chance for freedom, if she is strong enough to convince the gorgeous man that has arrived to convince her to go to his country of Kezoban and work with the Sheikh and his horse, will this be what Destiny needs.
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari has arrived in England to find the much talked about horse whisper Destiny Richards it is the last hope he has of saving his beloved horse after a terrible accident that lost him is only sister. Zafir is a man of duty and honour and when he is mistaken for an aide to the Sheikh by Destiny he plays a long he is so drawn to this woman like never before and when she drives a hard bargain for her to go to Kazoban he agrees and here starts a sensual journey for them both.
This is a story of an innocent with secrets that force her to make decisions about her future and a duty and honour bound man who is drawn to Destiny like no other woman, their journey is filled with the ebb and flow of should I should I not Destiny has no idea where these feelings are coming from only that she needs this man for a short affair but when there are consequences the domineering man steps in and Destiny is torn this is what she has been trying to get away from and she is so scared she must open up about her close held secret but true love might take a bit to feel but when they do the sky lights up with a million stars, I highly recommend this story if you love Sheikhs and deserts with strong and loving characters I really enjoyed this one.
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari has arrived in England to find the much talked about horse whisper Destiny Richards it is the last hope he has of saving his beloved horse after a terrible accident that lost him is only sister. Zafir is a man of duty and honour and when he is mistaken for an aide to the Sheikh by Destiny he plays a long he is so drawn to this woman like never before and when she drives a hard bargain for her to go to Kazoban he agrees and here starts a sensual journey for them both.
This is a story of an innocent with secrets that force her to make decisions about her future and a duty and honour bound man who is drawn to Destiny like no other woman, their journey is filled with the ebb and flow of should I should I not Destiny has no idea where these feelings are coming from only that she needs this man for a short affair but when there are consequences the domineering man steps in and Destiny is torn this is what she has been trying to get away from and she is so scared she must open up about her close held secret but true love might take a bit to feel but when they do the sky lights up with a million stars, I highly recommend this story if you love Sheikhs and deserts with strong and loving characters I really enjoyed this one.
March 1, 2016
Destiny Richards is known for her "horse whispering" skills and she comes to the attention of Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari. Zafir thinks Destiny is his last hope to help his horse who is traumatised by a tragic event. Destiny is reluctant on one hand to leave what she knows and travel to far away lands but desperate to escape her awful step mother and controlling father she blazenly hikes the price up with who she thinks is the Sheikh's assistant. Desperation and intrigue makes Zafir agree.
With Zafir's beautiful desert home as the backdrop of this wonderful tale, I found myself swept away with the story. Zafir is bound by strict rules of conduct and Destiny is mixed with the need to get away and the magnetic pull she has to Zafir and to explore what they are both feeling. Letting their guards drop at night, far away from both of their duties they fall in love, but if life was as easy as that this magical story would be over.
The Sheikh's Last Misteress is full of intrigue, drama, passion, a tragic but understandable back story which I thought was quite unique, I loved how Destiny had quite the unique job and I loved the battle of wills Zafir had between himself and protocol.
Thank you Rachael for another wonderfully crafted story.
With Zafir's beautiful desert home as the backdrop of this wonderful tale, I found myself swept away with the story. Zafir is bound by strict rules of conduct and Destiny is mixed with the need to get away and the magnetic pull she has to Zafir and to explore what they are both feeling. Letting their guards drop at night, far away from both of their duties they fall in love, but if life was as easy as that this magical story would be over.
The Sheikh's Last Misteress is full of intrigue, drama, passion, a tragic but understandable back story which I thought was quite unique, I loved how Destiny had quite the unique job and I loved the battle of wills Zafir had between himself and protocol.
Thank you Rachael for another wonderfully crafted story.
April 20, 2016
A 4.5 in my estimation.
A last fling for him that leads to a happily ever after with the heroine living her worst nightmare that is eventually turned into the most beautiful dream.
To be perfectly honest, I loved how Destiny was before she met Zafir. One look at the man and she loses it but where heart rules you have not much choice. And Zafir of course was an egotistical arrogant jerk to begin with. Just because you rule a country does not mean you have dominion over everyone who walks the Earth!
But in a story what matters most how the character is further developed and that Rachel knows down pat.
Loved how the characters evolved throughout the story. The way they got to know themselves better based on interactions with each other was a treat and the deference to a culture is really awe inspiring.
A fabulous job.
A last fling for him that leads to a happily ever after with the heroine living her worst nightmare that is eventually turned into the most beautiful dream.
To be perfectly honest, I loved how Destiny was before she met Zafir. One look at the man and she loses it but where heart rules you have not much choice. And Zafir of course was an egotistical arrogant jerk to begin with. Just because you rule a country does not mean you have dominion over everyone who walks the Earth!
But in a story what matters most how the character is further developed and that Rachel knows down pat.
Loved how the characters evolved throughout the story. The way they got to know themselves better based on interactions with each other was a treat and the deference to a culture is really awe inspiring.
A fabulous job.
April 12, 2016
A commoner and a sheikh share a sensual affair with each thinking the other is cold and indifferent to the feelings flaring up between them. They have each had their share of heartache, and I enjoyed seeing them attempt to overcome it with each other.
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari has a job offer for Destiny Richards, and he's willing to meet her demands to get her to accept.
Destiny Richards is desperate to get out from under the controlling figures in her life, so when the sheikh offers her a way to pave the way to a future on her own, she decides to take it.
What neither of them count on, is the heated attraction between them anytime the other is near. They agree to one night of passion before they part ways ... but destiny really has struck when consequences unfold!
Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari has a job offer for Destiny Richards, and he's willing to meet her demands to get her to accept.
Destiny Richards is desperate to get out from under the controlling figures in her life, so when the sheikh offers her a way to pave the way to a future on her own, she decides to take it.
What neither of them count on, is the heated attraction between them anytime the other is near. They agree to one night of passion before they part ways ... but destiny really has struck when consequences unfold!
April 18, 2016
"The Sheikh's Last Mistress" by Rachael Thomas is a read alone book, and it was classic romance at its best. Destiny Richards has a way with horses. Sheikh Zahir Al Asmari needs help with getting one of his horses to leave the stables after an incident that took the life of Zahir's sister. Zahir comes to meet Destiny and pawns himself off as an aide to the Sheikh. Destiny is doing her best to get out the her family relationship because it's not a happy one. When the two get together sparks will fly.
May 28, 2016
Destiny has a wish, to be loved. Can she trust Zafir to guide her into an affair with a definite end? Will he become her everything? Can Zafir put his own fears to rest and open his heart to love. There's nothing like a Harlequin.
April 8, 2016
it wasn't interesting and Zafir + Destiny are boring and lame. meeh the book is lame.
July 1, 2016
This book was really a fun read. She trains horses and accepts an offer that may get her into hot water or it might give her what she has wanted for a long time. This was an infield hit!
Want to read
October 31, 20192.5 stars. I kept reading this boring book hoping that there would be something more. Too much misunderstandings and lack of communication.
hq-to-read
March 13, 2018Promoted to Princess!
Destiny Richards knows she is playing with fire when she accepts charismatic Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari's job offer, but it seems like a fair price to pay to start her life over again. Until the temperature reaches the boiling point and Destiny finds herself spending one out-of-this-world night with the sheikh!
When powerful Zafir seduces English rose Destiny, he never anticipates she'll hold the title of his Last Mistress. But their scorching affair has shocking repercussions. Now, before their nine months are up, Zafir must convince Destiny to make their arrangement more permanent
Destiny Richards knows she is playing with fire when she accepts charismatic Sheikh Zafir Al Asmari's job offer, but it seems like a fair price to pay to start her life over again. Until the temperature reaches the boiling point and Destiny finds herself spending one out-of-this-world night with the sheikh!
When powerful Zafir seduces English rose Destiny, he never anticipates she'll hold the title of his Last Mistress. But their scorching affair has shocking repercussions. Now, before their nine months are up, Zafir must convince Destiny to make their arrangement more permanent
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews