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Billionaires at the Altar #3
The Sheikh Crowns His Virgin
From innocent in distress…
To convenient princess
To escape her overprotective family, sweet-natured Zoe Mardas heads to the desert kingdom of Maraban for an adventure. But she’s kidnapped on arrival! Zoe is saved by mysterious and devastatingly handsome Raj—the nation’s exiled prince. The attraction between them is instant—and fiery like the desert sun! Yet her rescue comes with a to save them both from a political scandal, Zoe must become Raj’s virgin bride…
Turn the page and step into the sheikh’s desert kingdom…
To convenient princess
To escape her overprotective family, sweet-natured Zoe Mardas heads to the desert kingdom of Maraban for an adventure. But she’s kidnapped on arrival! Zoe is saved by mysterious and devastatingly handsome Raj—the nation’s exiled prince. The attraction between them is instant—and fiery like the desert sun! Yet her rescue comes with a to save them both from a political scandal, Zoe must become Raj’s virgin bride…
Turn the page and step into the sheikh’s desert kingdom…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
243 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,778 books1,452 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 4, 2019
The final novel in Lynne Graham's trilogy for 2019:
An introverted, beautiful, sweet and petite heroine who's the youngest and the nicest of the three Mardas sisters;
A sexy, strong, silent type of H, who's kind, understanding and brooding but not overbearing;
A steamy, slow burn marriage of convenience love story.
Zoe and Prince Faraj ( referred to as Raj in the novel ) are thrown together in the most shocking circumstances and forced into a marriage of mutual convenience. Our heroine had gone to Maraban to marry the H's elderly uncle Hakem; a platonic/business marriage that was supposed to last for just a few months.
But King Tahir, the H's father, had other plans: he decided that Zoe would make a better daughter in law to his only, estranged son. The wily old kind, who had exiled the H ( the Crown Prince ) 8 years ago, arranged for Zoe to be kidnapped and spirited away to the desert - right where the H would be sent to rescue her !
This is the heroine, Zoe:
This is the H, Raj:
Both MC's have sad backstories:
The heroine had suffered a traumatic physical ( not sexual ) assault at the age of 12, at the hands of a gang of evil, lecherous teenaged boys. The boys' had planned on a ritual gang rape of the adolescent Zoe, but only after they had beaten her badly. Fortunately for the heroine, the police had rescued her before she could be raped.
Zoe's normal emotional development had been stunted as a result of this attack. She spent the intervening years suffering from cycles of PTSD and anxiety attacks, which were often exacerbated when she was in the company of strange men. As a result of this, the heroine's experience with men was almost nil.
Raj's personal history was not as traumatic. He'd merely experienced a loss of faith in women at the tender age of 20, after his first love Nabila had cheated on him. The H's betrayal had been doubly compounded by the fact that he'd been exiled by his father, after refusing to marry a girl the old man had chosen. He'd defied his father to propose to Nabila and then turned up at her dorm room to find her having sex with another man !
Their marriage of convenience was supposed to be platonic because of the heroine's fear of sexual intimacy. At first, Raj was determined to stick to the agreement. He knew that Zoe had experienced some type of trauma and was the perfect gentleman, committed to keeping her at arm's length:
But this is HPlandia - the land of sexual healing, where an enchanted penis can succeed where skilled psychiatrists have failed. And, the poor H didn't have to suffer through too many cold showers because the heroine's own libido started to act up and she was only too willing to consummate their marriage.
There was no major angst in this story, but Lynne Graham upped the drama factor by including a very conniving and manipulative OW: the hero's first love, Nabila. This oversexed harpy planted seeds of mistrust in Zoe's mind and then schemed with a photo-journalist to create a fake sex scandal that would break up the MC's marriage and ( hopefully ) send the H back into her evil arms.
At that point, I started to wonder if the OW was working for CNN, because she was so skilled at putting out fake news. Raj was tipped off by a reporter and managed to escape her first trap. He rejected her, telling her rather cuttingly, that he only wanted his wife:
‘I’m not asking for marriage this time around,’ Nabila crooned behind him. ‘I would be your mistress…your every secret fantasy.’
‘My wife is my every secret fantasy,’ Raj countered drily as he strode out.
Unfortunately, he wasn't lucky the second time and the slutty hagbitch ambushed him at a luncheon meeting, grabbing him just in time for her paid paparazzo to pop out and take the photograph ! The most disappointing part of this novel, for me, was the lack of comeuppance for this nasty tramp. She just faded into the mists of HPlandia.
But, since I'm feeling kinda vindictive, I figure I'll post my own personal wish and say that this is what I think the heroine should've told her:
One of the highlights of this novel was the revelation, in the epilogue, that Raj became grandfather Stam's favourite grandson-in-law. It had so hilarious, in the previous 2 books, that Stam Fotakis had really loathed the heroes from The Greek Claims His Shock Heir and The Italian Demands His Heirs because of the way those men had broken his two granddaughters' hearts.
I think the old man deserved to finally get a grandson-in-law who was a good and upstanding guy from the very beginning. More importantly, the fragile and adorable Zoe, who had suffered so much in her young life, deserved only the sweetest, kindest and most understanding of men. This was such a tender and loving tale, about the healing power of love. There was so much more I could've added, but I'm extremely busy these days and don't have time for the usual detailed reviews.
In the epilogue, the MC's are parents to a one year old son and are expecting another baby. LG also provided some entertaining cameo appearances by the heroines of the first two novels. Raj and Zoe are my favourite couple in this trilogy, Zoe is my favourite heroine but Raffaele ( the sexy donkey douchebag H from The Italian Demands His Heirs ) ends up being my favourite H. I really wished it could've been Raj, because he's the nicest guy. But, Raffaele won out in the end because I think he's the sexiest - in terms of physical appearance.
Safety:No cheating, no OM and a wannabe OW. The H had never had slept with the OW even when they were involved years ago and he wasn't attracted to her when they met again.
Point of Interest: I found it strange that the H's nickname is "Raj". As far as I know, Raj is a Hindu Indian name. There are many Hindus in my country and I know quite a few Hindu men who go by this name. I also asked my Hindu neighbour and she verified that the name is Hindu. But, when I checked out the name "Faraj", which is the H's full name, I discovered that it's an Islamic name. I guess Lynne G probably didn't know that her contraction of the name to "Raj" would place it in an entirely different religious group. LOL.
An introverted, beautiful, sweet and petite heroine who's the youngest and the nicest of the three Mardas sisters;
A sexy, strong, silent type of H, who's kind, understanding and brooding but not overbearing;
A steamy, slow burn marriage of convenience love story.
Zoe and Prince Faraj ( referred to as Raj in the novel ) are thrown together in the most shocking circumstances and forced into a marriage of mutual convenience. Our heroine had gone to Maraban to marry the H's elderly uncle Hakem; a platonic/business marriage that was supposed to last for just a few months.
But King Tahir, the H's father, had other plans: he decided that Zoe would make a better daughter in law to his only, estranged son. The wily old kind, who had exiled the H ( the Crown Prince ) 8 years ago, arranged for Zoe to be kidnapped and spirited away to the desert - right where the H would be sent to rescue her !
This is the heroine, Zoe:
This is the H, Raj:
Both MC's have sad backstories:
The heroine had suffered a traumatic physical ( not sexual ) assault at the age of 12, at the hands of a gang of evil, lecherous teenaged boys. The boys' had planned on a ritual gang rape of the adolescent Zoe, but only after they had beaten her badly. Fortunately for the heroine, the police had rescued her before she could be raped.
Zoe's normal emotional development had been stunted as a result of this attack. She spent the intervening years suffering from cycles of PTSD and anxiety attacks, which were often exacerbated when she was in the company of strange men. As a result of this, the heroine's experience with men was almost nil.
Raj's personal history was not as traumatic. He'd merely experienced a loss of faith in women at the tender age of 20, after his first love Nabila had cheated on him. The H's betrayal had been doubly compounded by the fact that he'd been exiled by his father, after refusing to marry a girl the old man had chosen. He'd defied his father to propose to Nabila and then turned up at her dorm room to find her having sex with another man !
Their marriage of convenience was supposed to be platonic because of the heroine's fear of sexual intimacy. At first, Raj was determined to stick to the agreement. He knew that Zoe had experienced some type of trauma and was the perfect gentleman, committed to keeping her at arm's length:
But this is HPlandia - the land of sexual healing, where an enchanted penis can succeed where skilled psychiatrists have failed. And, the poor H didn't have to suffer through too many cold showers because the heroine's own libido started to act up and she was only too willing to consummate their marriage.
There was no major angst in this story, but Lynne Graham upped the drama factor by including a very conniving and manipulative OW: the hero's first love, Nabila. This oversexed harpy planted seeds of mistrust in Zoe's mind and then schemed with a photo-journalist to create a fake sex scandal that would break up the MC's marriage and ( hopefully ) send the H back into her evil arms.
At that point, I started to wonder if the OW was working for CNN, because she was so skilled at putting out fake news. Raj was tipped off by a reporter and managed to escape her first trap. He rejected her, telling her rather cuttingly, that he only wanted his wife:
‘I’m not asking for marriage this time around,’ Nabila crooned behind him. ‘I would be your mistress…your every secret fantasy.’
‘My wife is my every secret fantasy,’ Raj countered drily as he strode out.
Unfortunately, he wasn't lucky the second time and the slutty hagbitch ambushed him at a luncheon meeting, grabbing him just in time for her paid paparazzo to pop out and take the photograph ! The most disappointing part of this novel, for me, was the lack of comeuppance for this nasty tramp. She just faded into the mists of HPlandia.
But, since I'm feeling kinda vindictive, I figure I'll post my own personal wish and say that this is what I think the heroine should've told her:
One of the highlights of this novel was the revelation, in the epilogue, that Raj became grandfather Stam's favourite grandson-in-law. It had so hilarious, in the previous 2 books, that Stam Fotakis had really loathed the heroes from The Greek Claims His Shock Heir and The Italian Demands His Heirs because of the way those men had broken his two granddaughters' hearts.
I think the old man deserved to finally get a grandson-in-law who was a good and upstanding guy from the very beginning. More importantly, the fragile and adorable Zoe, who had suffered so much in her young life, deserved only the sweetest, kindest and most understanding of men. This was such a tender and loving tale, about the healing power of love. There was so much more I could've added, but I'm extremely busy these days and don't have time for the usual detailed reviews.
In the epilogue, the MC's are parents to a one year old son and are expecting another baby. LG also provided some entertaining cameo appearances by the heroines of the first two novels. Raj and Zoe are my favourite couple in this trilogy, Zoe is my favourite heroine but Raffaele ( the sexy donkey douchebag H from The Italian Demands His Heirs ) ends up being my favourite H. I really wished it could've been Raj, because he's the nicest guy. But, Raffaele won out in the end because I think he's the sexiest - in terms of physical appearance.
Safety:No cheating, no OM and a wannabe OW. The H had never had slept with the OW even when they were involved years ago and he wasn't attracted to her when they met again.
Point of Interest: I found it strange that the H's nickname is "Raj". As far as I know, Raj is a Hindu Indian name. There are many Hindus in my country and I know quite a few Hindu men who go by this name. I also asked my Hindu neighbour and she verified that the name is Hindu. But, when I checked out the name "Faraj", which is the H's full name, I discovered that it's an Islamic name. I guess Lynne G probably didn't know that her contraction of the name to "Raj" would place it in an entirely different religious group. LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
This was really sweet with a perfectly matched couple.
I missed the typical alpha LG hero though.They start off as major jerks,and were so clueless ,but when they fell for their heroines,they fell hard!
I missed the typical alpha LG hero though.They start off as major jerks,and were so clueless ,but when they fell for their heroines,they fell hard!
July 17, 2019
Super sweet story with two likable leads. The H/h respect each other and communicate successfully. They solve problems as they come up and they don't let things fester. Even the "black moment" is resolved within a day due to the hero's tenacity.
All of this is odd because HPs are not known for #relationshipgoals.
Thankfully, the h's shrewish sister and an OW (who has been in stasis for 8 years) add enough drama to qualify this as an HP.
Read this one when you need a more optimistic view of romance than an HP usually provides. Ivy has a more detailed review if you're interested.
All of this is odd because HPs are not known for #relationshipgoals.
Thankfully, the h's shrewish sister and an OW (who has been in stasis for 8 years) add enough drama to qualify this as an HP.
Read this one when you need a more optimistic view of romance than an HP usually provides. Ivy has a more detailed review if you're interested.
June 3, 2019
I'm finding that this month of HP's to be an average read for me so far.
This was cute and I liked the Hero and heroine. But I just wasn't that interested in their story and seemed they were lacking chemistry. Could just be me and just not in the right frame of mind.
This was cute and I liked the Hero and heroine. But I just wasn't that interested in their story and seemed they were lacking chemistry. Could just be me and just not in the right frame of mind.
May 13, 2019
I really liked it. Zoe and Raj are a cute and hot couple. I love the marriage of convenience trope so I was excited to read this and I can say Lynne Graham delivered once again. Adorable heroine, sexy hero, evil other woman who tries to steal our heroine's man but he rejects her and a sweet epilogue make this a must read.
May 26, 2019
"The Sheikh Crowns His Virgin" is the story of Zoe and Raj.
Honestly, one of the best LG books I've read.
Confident yet innocent heroine, honest and caring hero, hot lovemaking, minimal miscommunications, witty banter, blooming love and a sweet HEA make this a fabulous read! Both h and H were likable, and I could not help but root for them.
Safe
5/5
Honestly, one of the best LG books I've read.
Confident yet innocent heroine, honest and caring hero, hot lovemaking, minimal miscommunications, witty banter, blooming love and a sweet HEA make this a fabulous read! Both h and H were likable, and I could not help but root for them.
Safe
5/5
February 11, 2022
How I adored this story!!
Finished it in one sitting. The plot, protagonists, twists, passion- I enjoyed it all.
At times I felt the heroine was naive. Hero was simply perfect! And such a sweet epilogue.
Safe and recommended.
Finished it in one sitting. The plot, protagonists, twists, passion- I enjoyed it all.
At times I felt the heroine was naive. Hero was simply perfect! And such a sweet epilogue.
Safe and recommended.
November 19, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read this year and I read it frequently. The main characters were fantastic and their love story sublime and full of a deep abiding love. Best book of the 3-book series.
May 6, 2019
They both were politically correct so there were no angst and it was boring for me.
May 16, 2019
3.5 stars
So much better than the previous 2 books
Likable characters and a good epilogue .
So much better than the previous 2 books
Likable characters and a good epilogue .
August 5, 2019
4,5 Estrellas
Zoe es la única de las tres hermanas Mardas que queda soltera. Debido a un ataque sufrido en su infancia es una joven muy tímida e insegura.
Su abuelo le concierta un matrimonio temporal con un príncipe de Maraban mucho mayor que ella. Pero las cosas se complican y entra en escena el joven príncipe heredero desterrado.
Me ha gustado mucho la historia de amor de Zoe y Raj. Tenemos un enamoramiento a fuego lento, obligaciones familiares y conspiraciones. El libro engancha un montón y se lee en un suspiro.
Esta ha sido la entrega que más me ha gustado de las tres. Los personajes son estupendos y su romance resulta muy creíble. Es por libros como este por los que Lynne Graham es una de mis autoras favoritas.
Zoe es la única de las tres hermanas Mardas que queda soltera. Debido a un ataque sufrido en su infancia es una joven muy tímida e insegura.
Su abuelo le concierta un matrimonio temporal con un príncipe de Maraban mucho mayor que ella. Pero las cosas se complican y entra en escena el joven príncipe heredero desterrado.
Me ha gustado mucho la historia de amor de Zoe y Raj. Tenemos un enamoramiento a fuego lento, obligaciones familiares y conspiraciones. El libro engancha un montón y se lee en un suspiro.
Esta ha sido la entrega que más me ha gustado de las tres. Los personajes son estupendos y su romance resulta muy creíble. Es por libros como este por los que Lynne Graham es una de mis autoras favoritas.
June 11, 2019
3.5 stars
LG has always been an auto-read for me, but have to say although I liked the book, I wasn't wowed by it even though both main characters were likable people.
Raj was a very nice guy --too nice in fact-- & honest about everything from the start to Zoe even about his bad affair with a two-timer; didn't keep things to himself & brood over it like most HP heroes do. He was also clear he wanted to marry her so his exile would end and he could return to his kingdom as Crown Prince, yet didn't force her into it. He leaned more toward the beta male than alpha.
Zoe was also nice although few times I found it difficult to understand her & had to suspend believe because it was HPland. Despite her traumatic near rape experience when she was twelve that made her avoid men & sex, she agreed to a marriage to a man as old as her grandfather without seeing him or knowing anything about him except that she was told she'd be treated as the man's daughter till the short time they were married.
Likewise, she was very comfortable with Raj from the start --of course attraction played a big part in it. It was Raj who worried about them having no option but to share the bed as he'd promised her no sex on her request; she, on the other hand, would dismiss it lightly saying they were adults, asking him didn't he trust her. But then, when she saw the news clipping of Raj holding hands with the OW, all her trust vanished and instead of confronting him with it, took off with her sisters to her grandfather's home in Greece.
I take it was pregnancy hormones acting up and LG trying to create angst, which fell flat for me because Raj, instead of taking offence at her lack of trust in him even though he'd always treated her nicely, rushed to Greece to explain what really happened, struggling to get past Zoe's grandfather and two older sisters in order to meet his upset wife.
One character in the book that grated on my nerves was Zoe's older sister Vivi. I found her worse than the OW. Being over-protective and worrying about younger sister who's had a bad experience in the past is understandable, but I felt she was utterly rude and bad-mannered. More like a shrew. I have no interest in reading her story.
One thing that thoroughly amused me was Raj's obsession with the fainting couch and mental images of Zoe on it that triggered off ever since she'd mentioned it.
The book ends with a very sweet epilogue.
Overall a nice, average read.
LG has always been an auto-read for me, but have to say although I liked the book, I wasn't wowed by it even though both main characters were likable people.
Raj was a very nice guy --too nice in fact-- & honest about everything from the start to Zoe even about his bad affair with a two-timer; didn't keep things to himself & brood over it like most HP heroes do. He was also clear he wanted to marry her so his exile would end and he could return to his kingdom as Crown Prince, yet didn't force her into it. He leaned more toward the beta male than alpha.
Zoe was also nice although few times I found it difficult to understand her & had to suspend believe because it was HPland. Despite her traumatic near rape experience when she was twelve that made her avoid men & sex, she agreed to a marriage to a man as old as her grandfather without seeing him or knowing anything about him except that she was told she'd be treated as the man's daughter till the short time they were married.
Likewise, she was very comfortable with Raj from the start --of course attraction played a big part in it. It was Raj who worried about them having no option but to share the bed as he'd promised her no sex on her request; she, on the other hand, would dismiss it lightly saying they were adults, asking him didn't he trust her. But then, when she saw the news clipping of Raj holding hands with the OW, all her trust vanished and instead of confronting him with it, took off with her sisters to her grandfather's home in Greece.
I take it was pregnancy hormones acting up and LG trying to create angst, which fell flat for me because Raj, instead of taking offence at her lack of trust in him even though he'd always treated her nicely, rushed to Greece to explain what really happened, struggling to get past Zoe's grandfather and two older sisters in order to meet his upset wife.
One character in the book that grated on my nerves was Zoe's older sister Vivi. I found her worse than the OW. Being over-protective and worrying about younger sister who's had a bad experience in the past is understandable, but I felt she was utterly rude and bad-mannered. More like a shrew. I have no interest in reading her story.
One thing that thoroughly amused me was Raj's obsession with the fainting couch and mental images of Zoe on it that triggered off ever since she'd mentioned it.
The book ends with a very sweet epilogue.
Overall a nice, average read.
June 5, 2019
Great MOC story, but pretty angst free despite the background of the MCs.
August 10, 2020
Ivy H wrote an excellent review so just a few thoughts...
I *really* disliked the sister Vivi (from book #2) and also didn’t care much for sister Winnie (from book #1) in this book (#3). They came off as interfering, extremely insensitive, and more than a little blind to anyone else’s feelings. They may have been motivated by a need to be protective but they were hurtful and rude. Their unkind reaction to her pregnancy is just one example. Their appearances in this book were a detriment to the story, which is odd for a series.
Raj and Zoe were great together and you were rooting for them to realize they belonged together forever. I liked that Raj tried to be proactive against the wannabe OW; he knew his wife was his priority.
I *really* disliked the sister Vivi (from book #2) and also didn’t care much for sister Winnie (from book #1) in this book (#3). They came off as interfering, extremely insensitive, and more than a little blind to anyone else’s feelings. They may have been motivated by a need to be protective but they were hurtful and rude. Their unkind reaction to her pregnancy is just one example. Their appearances in this book were a detriment to the story, which is odd for a series.
Raj and Zoe were great together and you were rooting for them to realize they belonged together forever. I liked that Raj tried to be proactive against the wannabe OW; he knew his wife was his priority.
September 13, 2019
For some reason, very very boring.
There was a nasty ex who could have truly thrown a wrench in things, but her scheme wasn’t developed enough and in the end she gets away with her attempt anyway... once again no comeuppance...so unsatisfying.
Couple were sweet together but that’s just about it.
There was a nasty ex who could have truly thrown a wrench in things, but her scheme wasn’t developed enough and in the end she gets away with her attempt anyway... once again no comeuppance...so unsatisfying.
Couple were sweet together but that’s just about it.
June 15, 2019
4.5 stars
Major plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
I started backwards with this trilogy and decided to read the last book in the series first because out of the three of them this one intrigued me the most with the premise and synopsis on the back cover.
And it didn’t disappoint with the story starting off with an immediate bang with Zoe having just coming to the country of Maraban for a political marriage with a much older man only she got kidnapped in order to put a kabash on that marriage. I was immediately in the action and instantly intrigued as I expected to be with the kidnap plot. What I was expecting was the motivations behind the kidnapping were really an intricate plot in order to get Raj, who was the exile prince, back into the country and be the one to marry Zoe himself so that he could be the heir of the kingdom. That was very interesting. Very diabolical by Raj’s father, and was just a nice little twist to the story that I was expecting.
Of coarse Raj being the good man that he was came back to the country, intending to save Zoe from the kidnapping, having figure out his father was behind it in the first place and knew it wasn’t right to submit an innocent woman to those political maneuvers, however he didn’t know that his father had set the only thing up so he would return and become his heir.
The way that Raj and Zoe met was very unique and interesting. Zoe was terrified, as you can imagine, over being kidnapped and brought back some unpleasant memories of time when she was young girl nearly gang raped by some boys. So having that in her mind along with the kidnapping caused her to have a severe panic attack that she hadn’t seen in years. Raj immediately recognized the signs, having had panic attacks of his own over the abuse he faced in his military school and immediacy understood her and knew what he could do to help her. So, he talked her through it and being her complete support as she experienced that attack and never left her side, cementing a bond and understanding between them that was really nice and sweet to see. There was that connection between them that went beyond the physical.
Once the panic attack receded then sparks really flew between them. Zoe gave him some guff and fought back for the first time ever knowing she was safe with him. She gave it to him good. It was the first time that she experienced desire before and realized that she could in fact feel sexual attraction towards a man even after the trauma she faced in her young life. He made her feel safe and secure even in this strange country and was her savior during her kidnapping ordeal, but there was that attraction that was there.
They both agreed that they would enter an in name only type of marriage with Zoe stating that she didn’t want to be intimate, believing that she wouldn’t be able to after her experience, and Raj agreed. This perfectly with his father’s plans as well as his plans to come back home so he had no problem agreeing with her terms.
I loved the description of the wedding even though it wasn’t a big fan fare and was really just a slip of paper they signed, I could still see myself there with the description of her dress and the tent and the desert and so on and so on. It wasn’t a big lavish affair nor was it an intimate one, but it felt like a very poignant moment in the story for both of them as they entered into their marriage agreement.
One of the sexiest scenes in the book was the scene where Raj had to help Zoe off with her dress with tons of buttons and layers to her wedding dress that she just couldn’t take off by herself. It was a very sensual tease especially for Raj, who was very attracted to Zoe and his desire kept increasing and increasing with every button he let loose. I could feel his heart pounding. His temperature rising. His breath uneven as he exposed more and more skin and it became difficult for him to resist touching her, but being a man of his word he didn’t touch even if the wanted to. Zoe felt it too to a degree, but she had no idea how difficult or how turned on Raj was getting. She had no clue. It was a scene full of anticipation and tension as it did racked up their desires for one another while knowing the agreement was in place that they wouldn’t touch each other. There was a bit of a forbidden feeling there that just made it all the more juicer. It was such an amazing scene between them and was one of my favorites in the entire book.
What was great about the story was after their wedding night and the pacing that lead to the development of their relationship. Even though they were hot for each other, I was happy that they didn’t jump into bed right away and just let the tension build and grow over the course of the story. Every moment they spent together increased their desire and more than that there connection to one another. There were quite of scenes where they let down their guard for each other and showed each other their past hurts, which lead to a lot of understanding and sympathy between them. They understood each other better than anyone else had in their life having experienced similar type of things in different circumstances. They soothed each other. They comforted each other the more time they spent with each other. They just wanted to be their and support the other while going through their issues. I really loved that they had that understanding between them. I loved their connection as it continued to grow and develop over time. I liked that they were starting to care about each other and want to take care and be protective of the other. It was a really good foundation that they had.
While their emotional connection grew so did the sexual tension. It just built and built until they couldn’t contain it anymore and they needed each other on a physical level as well as an emotional one. Their first time scene was very hot and sexy and brought out the closeness between them to another level. It was also very interesting to see how much trust that Zoe put into Raj in that moment after the tragedy that happened when she was 12. That took immense courage and strength of her and spoke to how much she did trust Raj to be her first. He could have been the only one really because no one understood her or her pain like he did. Plus he was the first man to stir desire into her and made her want him on every level possible. When they made love for the first time, it was very satisfying after all the sexual tension that had built up in the book. It was a really great scene between them and showed off that they were it for each other. They never ever experienced anything like that before and never would be of the special connection that he had. And that connection just grew and grew throughout the course of the book and never stopped.
I really loved Zoe and Raj as a couple. There were many reasons for that with some listed above, but I think I loved the understanding and support that they had for one another the most. They both talked about things that they never had talked with another person about. I loved the fact that they were so similar to one another and because of that it was easy to see them develop that trust and bond with one another that later lead to love. I loved all the sweet and tender moments they had together throughout the book. They spent a lot of time getting to know one another and develop that closeness between them that just bonded them more and more. They fit together beautifully. They were truly soulmates and it was so amazing to see.
I also loved Zoe and Raj as individuals. Raj was a sweetheart and was a man with a heart of gold. He truly was a hero and he was hero for Zoe in so many ways, yet at the same time he was vulnerable and his own pain that he dealt with his whole life and never really talked about until he met Zoe. He trusted her with his secrets just like she trust him with hers. He was really protector of her and showed in so many ways that he cared and later loved her. He was very thoughtful, giving her gifts that would help make her life easier in the palace. He was just so adorable with her. It didn’t hurt that he was a pretty sexy guy that was very drool worthy. It was no wonder that Zoe was so attracted to Raj because he was hot. Hot. Hot. I loved him. He was such an amazing her hero.
As for Zoe, I loved her as well. She showed such strength throughout the entire book. She wanted to step out of the comfort zone of her family and wanted to step out on her own and make a life for herself, which was why she agreed to the political marriage in the first place. She wanted to explore the world without her family watching her like a hawk expecting her break down like she had in the past. She major trauma from the incident with those boys, and it was hard to be intimate with guys, which was very understandable. She never thought she was fall in love or have any type of relationship with a guy ever, but that changed when she met Raj, who was a protector without hovering and preventing her from like her family did. He realized she had been thorough something and treated accordingly, but not in a way where it was like she was glass and would break. She was safe with him. I loved seeing her open to him and show him her mental scars as she revealed what happened to her, and she did the same thing for him and be his sounding board. Zoe had quite the spirit to her and was a little feisty but only could do that with the safety net that Raj provided her. I loved how she bantered with him and sparked with him throughout the book. I loved seeing her fall in love with him.
Overall this was a really amazing romance between two traumatized people that came together due to unusual circumstances, but turned out to be the best thing for the both of them. The pacing in their story was really good and showed off their closeness that developed over the course of time. They got to know each other. They understood each other that no one else ever did. It lead to a very smooth transition from friends to being madly in love with each other. They wanted each other. They needed each other. Without each other they would have never healed or learned to fall in love. There was a very good balance of sensual and sexy scenes to sweet and tender ones. They were so supportive of each other and so understanding that it was really beautiful. I loved it. I could go on and on about it. There were a couple things in there that bother me like the ex and Vivi, Zoe’s sister, but for the most part that took a backseat to the amazing of this love story of Raj and Zoe. They were just amazing together and I was so happy they got their happily ever after together.
I will be rereading this one again in the future and I will probably due so multiple times because it was that that good.
Highly recommend for Lynne Graham fans and people who love beautiful stories of healing and love.
Major plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
I started backwards with this trilogy and decided to read the last book in the series first because out of the three of them this one intrigued me the most with the premise and synopsis on the back cover.
And it didn’t disappoint with the story starting off with an immediate bang with Zoe having just coming to the country of Maraban for a political marriage with a much older man only she got kidnapped in order to put a kabash on that marriage. I was immediately in the action and instantly intrigued as I expected to be with the kidnap plot. What I was expecting was the motivations behind the kidnapping were really an intricate plot in order to get Raj, who was the exile prince, back into the country and be the one to marry Zoe himself so that he could be the heir of the kingdom. That was very interesting. Very diabolical by Raj’s father, and was just a nice little twist to the story that I was expecting.
Of coarse Raj being the good man that he was came back to the country, intending to save Zoe from the kidnapping, having figure out his father was behind it in the first place and knew it wasn’t right to submit an innocent woman to those political maneuvers, however he didn’t know that his father had set the only thing up so he would return and become his heir.
The way that Raj and Zoe met was very unique and interesting. Zoe was terrified, as you can imagine, over being kidnapped and brought back some unpleasant memories of time when she was young girl nearly gang raped by some boys. So having that in her mind along with the kidnapping caused her to have a severe panic attack that she hadn’t seen in years. Raj immediately recognized the signs, having had panic attacks of his own over the abuse he faced in his military school and immediacy understood her and knew what he could do to help her. So, he talked her through it and being her complete support as she experienced that attack and never left her side, cementing a bond and understanding between them that was really nice and sweet to see. There was that connection between them that went beyond the physical.
Once the panic attack receded then sparks really flew between them. Zoe gave him some guff and fought back for the first time ever knowing she was safe with him. She gave it to him good. It was the first time that she experienced desire before and realized that she could in fact feel sexual attraction towards a man even after the trauma she faced in her young life. He made her feel safe and secure even in this strange country and was her savior during her kidnapping ordeal, but there was that attraction that was there.
They both agreed that they would enter an in name only type of marriage with Zoe stating that she didn’t want to be intimate, believing that she wouldn’t be able to after her experience, and Raj agreed. This perfectly with his father’s plans as well as his plans to come back home so he had no problem agreeing with her terms.
I loved the description of the wedding even though it wasn’t a big fan fare and was really just a slip of paper they signed, I could still see myself there with the description of her dress and the tent and the desert and so on and so on. It wasn’t a big lavish affair nor was it an intimate one, but it felt like a very poignant moment in the story for both of them as they entered into their marriage agreement.
One of the sexiest scenes in the book was the scene where Raj had to help Zoe off with her dress with tons of buttons and layers to her wedding dress that she just couldn’t take off by herself. It was a very sensual tease especially for Raj, who was very attracted to Zoe and his desire kept increasing and increasing with every button he let loose. I could feel his heart pounding. His temperature rising. His breath uneven as he exposed more and more skin and it became difficult for him to resist touching her, but being a man of his word he didn’t touch even if the wanted to. Zoe felt it too to a degree, but she had no idea how difficult or how turned on Raj was getting. She had no clue. It was a scene full of anticipation and tension as it did racked up their desires for one another while knowing the agreement was in place that they wouldn’t touch each other. There was a bit of a forbidden feeling there that just made it all the more juicer. It was such an amazing scene between them and was one of my favorites in the entire book.
What was great about the story was after their wedding night and the pacing that lead to the development of their relationship. Even though they were hot for each other, I was happy that they didn’t jump into bed right away and just let the tension build and grow over the course of the story. Every moment they spent together increased their desire and more than that there connection to one another. There were quite of scenes where they let down their guard for each other and showed each other their past hurts, which lead to a lot of understanding and sympathy between them. They understood each other better than anyone else had in their life having experienced similar type of things in different circumstances. They soothed each other. They comforted each other the more time they spent with each other. They just wanted to be their and support the other while going through their issues. I really loved that they had that understanding between them. I loved their connection as it continued to grow and develop over time. I liked that they were starting to care about each other and want to take care and be protective of the other. It was a really good foundation that they had.
While their emotional connection grew so did the sexual tension. It just built and built until they couldn’t contain it anymore and they needed each other on a physical level as well as an emotional one. Their first time scene was very hot and sexy and brought out the closeness between them to another level. It was also very interesting to see how much trust that Zoe put into Raj in that moment after the tragedy that happened when she was 12. That took immense courage and strength of her and spoke to how much she did trust Raj to be her first. He could have been the only one really because no one understood her or her pain like he did. Plus he was the first man to stir desire into her and made her want him on every level possible. When they made love for the first time, it was very satisfying after all the sexual tension that had built up in the book. It was a really great scene between them and showed off that they were it for each other. They never ever experienced anything like that before and never would be of the special connection that he had. And that connection just grew and grew throughout the course of the book and never stopped.
I really loved Zoe and Raj as a couple. There were many reasons for that with some listed above, but I think I loved the understanding and support that they had for one another the most. They both talked about things that they never had talked with another person about. I loved the fact that they were so similar to one another and because of that it was easy to see them develop that trust and bond with one another that later lead to love. I loved all the sweet and tender moments they had together throughout the book. They spent a lot of time getting to know one another and develop that closeness between them that just bonded them more and more. They fit together beautifully. They were truly soulmates and it was so amazing to see.
I also loved Zoe and Raj as individuals. Raj was a sweetheart and was a man with a heart of gold. He truly was a hero and he was hero for Zoe in so many ways, yet at the same time he was vulnerable and his own pain that he dealt with his whole life and never really talked about until he met Zoe. He trusted her with his secrets just like she trust him with hers. He was really protector of her and showed in so many ways that he cared and later loved her. He was very thoughtful, giving her gifts that would help make her life easier in the palace. He was just so adorable with her. It didn’t hurt that he was a pretty sexy guy that was very drool worthy. It was no wonder that Zoe was so attracted to Raj because he was hot. Hot. Hot. I loved him. He was such an amazing her hero.
As for Zoe, I loved her as well. She showed such strength throughout the entire book. She wanted to step out of the comfort zone of her family and wanted to step out on her own and make a life for herself, which was why she agreed to the political marriage in the first place. She wanted to explore the world without her family watching her like a hawk expecting her break down like she had in the past. She major trauma from the incident with those boys, and it was hard to be intimate with guys, which was very understandable. She never thought she was fall in love or have any type of relationship with a guy ever, but that changed when she met Raj, who was a protector without hovering and preventing her from like her family did. He realized she had been thorough something and treated accordingly, but not in a way where it was like she was glass and would break. She was safe with him. I loved seeing her open to him and show him her mental scars as she revealed what happened to her, and she did the same thing for him and be his sounding board. Zoe had quite the spirit to her and was a little feisty but only could do that with the safety net that Raj provided her. I loved how she bantered with him and sparked with him throughout the book. I loved seeing her fall in love with him.
Overall this was a really amazing romance between two traumatized people that came together due to unusual circumstances, but turned out to be the best thing for the both of them. The pacing in their story was really good and showed off their closeness that developed over the course of time. They got to know each other. They understood each other that no one else ever did. It lead to a very smooth transition from friends to being madly in love with each other. They wanted each other. They needed each other. Without each other they would have never healed or learned to fall in love. There was a very good balance of sensual and sexy scenes to sweet and tender ones. They were so supportive of each other and so understanding that it was really beautiful. I loved it. I could go on and on about it. There were a couple things in there that bother me like the ex and Vivi, Zoe’s sister, but for the most part that took a backseat to the amazing of this love story of Raj and Zoe. They were just amazing together and I was so happy they got their happily ever after together.
I will be rereading this one again in the future and I will probably due so multiple times because it was that that good.
Highly recommend for Lynne Graham fans and people who love beautiful stories of healing and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
The final book in the Billionaires at the Alter trilogy was a lovely read.
I adored Zoe and Raj. Both having had traumatic experiences in childhood that left them less than trusting of the opposite sex. Them they met each other, the sparks flew and a marriage of convenience is proposed.
Before you known it, a marriage that was supposed to be based on friendship with no sex involved, had become a hot, sexy, shagfest!
Then the ex-girlfriend shows up and tries to throw a spammer into the works. Her character was such a basic outline that it was easy to dismiss her as not being a real threat.
I enjoyed the book. It was a lovely, lazy afternoon read.
I adored Zoe and Raj. Both having had traumatic experiences in childhood that left them less than trusting of the opposite sex. Them they met each other, the sparks flew and a marriage of convenience is proposed.
Before you known it, a marriage that was supposed to be based on friendship with no sex involved, had become a hot, sexy, shagfest!
Then the ex-girlfriend shows up and tries to throw a spammer into the works. Her character was such a basic outline that it was easy to dismiss her as not being a real threat.
I enjoyed the book. It was a lovely, lazy afternoon read.
August 22, 2019
So meh.
This was a pleasant story of two nice people falling in love. Wonderful in real life, not so good in an HP. This is not why I read these books. I want drama and angst! Asshatery and groveling! There was literally NO conflict.
I think I’ll go browsing back in my vintage stock of HPs.
This was a pleasant story of two nice people falling in love. Wonderful in real life, not so good in an HP. This is not why I read these books. I want drama and angst! Asshatery and groveling! There was literally NO conflict.
I think I’ll go browsing back in my vintage stock of HPs.
November 21, 2019
This could have been loads better ... just seemed to be a bit boring and long winded at times even though the story moved faster ...
But its LG - a mediocre offering from her is better than other authors best efforts ...
But its LG - a mediocre offering from her is better than other authors best efforts ...
December 22, 2023
Truth be told I’ve never been able to get past the page where the hero appears in the beginning. At any rate. The first chapter. Tried to read it several several times.
He is impossibly called Raj which is not an Arabic name I think. The rest of it was also so impossible that I dumped this book after a few pages.
He is impossibly called Raj which is not an Arabic name I think. The rest of it was also so impossible that I dumped this book after a few pages.
August 17, 2019
REally enjoyable read in the Billionaires at the Altar series. I liked the storyline and unfolding romance between the 2 main characters. Not normally a fan of middle eastern storylines but this surprised me.
May 18, 2019
I really liked the third book in the Billionaires at the Altar series. We get to see Zoe become quite the defensive one when given the chance to shine on her own. Suffering from panic attacks after an horrific attack when she was young her family was always suffocating her! She realizes that she needs to do things on her own and decides to help her grandfather by moving to Maraban and fulfill a marriage agreement. She is saved Raj after a kidnapping and things quickly change!
May 21, 2019
Really enjoyable, romantic, passionate read, well worth a look.
December 9, 2023
Sweet characters and nice story, very un-Lynne Graham hero, not arrogant, rude or obnoxious.
May 13, 2019
Review to follow...
October 31, 2021
Zoe menerima tawaran kakeknya untuk menikah dengan Pangeran dari Maraban. Bagi Zoe ini adalah jalan untuk keluar dari keluarganya yang selalu mengkhawatirkan dirinya. Zoe tahu pernikahan yang akan dijalaninya hanya sementara.
Raj telah lama meninggalkan kerajaan Maraban karena diusir oleh ayahnya. Sekarang seorang wanita membutuhkan bantuannya. Wanita itu akan dinikahkan dengan pamannya yang ingin mengkudeta raja. Yang Raj tidak duga, penculikan Zoe yang didalangi oleh raja sendiri untuk mencegah pernikahan dengan adik sang raja, ternyata dimaksudkan untuk dirinya. Raja akan menerimanya kembali ke Maraban dengan syarat dia menikah dengan Zoe.
Baik Raj dan Zoe akhirnya sepakat menikah agar Raj bisa kembali ke kampung halamannya. Pernikahan sementara mereka ini lebih sulit dijalani karena keduanya saling tertarik satu sama lain. Hingga akhirnya mereka tidak dapat menahan diri dan kembali sepakat menjalani pernikahan mereka dalam hubungan platonik. Tapi ketika Zoe mendapati dirinya hamil, dia menjadi ragu, apalagi Raj pernah berkata kehamilan adalah bencana bagi pernikahan sementara mereka.
Berlatar negara kecil di mediteranian, kisah Raj dan Zoe berangkat dari masa lalu yang kelam bagi keduanya. Tapi keduanya kemudian saling menyembuhkan dan menguatkan. Hanya saja perlu perpisahan untuk membuat keduanya menyadari cinta di antara mereka. Well... bacaan ringan ini lumayan lah.
Raj telah lama meninggalkan kerajaan Maraban karena diusir oleh ayahnya. Sekarang seorang wanita membutuhkan bantuannya. Wanita itu akan dinikahkan dengan pamannya yang ingin mengkudeta raja. Yang Raj tidak duga, penculikan Zoe yang didalangi oleh raja sendiri untuk mencegah pernikahan dengan adik sang raja, ternyata dimaksudkan untuk dirinya. Raja akan menerimanya kembali ke Maraban dengan syarat dia menikah dengan Zoe.
Baik Raj dan Zoe akhirnya sepakat menikah agar Raj bisa kembali ke kampung halamannya. Pernikahan sementara mereka ini lebih sulit dijalani karena keduanya saling tertarik satu sama lain. Hingga akhirnya mereka tidak dapat menahan diri dan kembali sepakat menjalani pernikahan mereka dalam hubungan platonik. Tapi ketika Zoe mendapati dirinya hamil, dia menjadi ragu, apalagi Raj pernah berkata kehamilan adalah bencana bagi pernikahan sementara mereka.
Berlatar negara kecil di mediteranian, kisah Raj dan Zoe berangkat dari masa lalu yang kelam bagi keduanya. Tapi keduanya kemudian saling menyembuhkan dan menguatkan. Hanya saja perlu perpisahan untuk membuat keduanya menyadari cinta di antara mereka. Well... bacaan ringan ini lumayan lah.
October 19, 2019
Bk 3 [From innocent in distress…To convenient princess. To escape her overprotective family, sweet-natured (daycare teacher) Zoe Mardas heads to the desert kingdom of Maraban, the country of her grandmother’s birth, for an adventure. But she’s kidnapped on arrival! The King is trying to keep his brother from marrying her and taking the kingdom from its rightful heir, his son. Zoe is saved by mysterious and devastatingly handsome Raj—the nation’s (exiled crown prince). The attraction between them is instant—and fiery like the desert sun! Yet her rescue comes with a price: to unite his kingdom and help her overcome her aversion to men since her near rape at age 12. His first love tries to force them both into a political scandal. Surprisingly Zoe enjoys become Raj’s virgin bride…]
Really liked unique start
Really liked unique start
May 14, 2020
I have read the other two sisters winnie and vivi..i read some negatives reviews on this and did not want to read but luckily i decided to read it all the same..and guess what i LOVED IT..so sweet Zoe becoming bold instead of shy timid girl...she really bloom and my god i love this couple..so perfect ..really give his book a try ..fans of LG.
P.s anyone know of LG BOOK ..where story is hero return to ex mistress heroine name sophie or sophia ..so he return to exmistress when ink just dried on his divoice paper..but heroine slam shut door on his face..and guess what ? She have secret baby .
And she did not forgive hero for leaving her and marry someone else..
Anyone ? Know which book it is?
P.s anyone know of LG BOOK ..where story is hero return to ex mistress heroine name sophie or sophia ..so he return to exmistress when ink just dried on his divoice paper..but heroine slam shut door on his face..and guess what ? She have secret baby .
And she did not forgive hero for leaving her and marry someone else..
Anyone ? Know which book it is?
August 20, 2019
This is the 3rd book in a series about sisters whose grandfather has found them. He decides that he will pay off their foster parents' mortgage if they do what he wants them to. Zoe is the last one of the three and she didn't have to really do anything. She goes to the country of her grandmother's birth, but is kidnapped when she arrives. Raj had been exiled by his father the King of this country. Raj is called by his cousin regarding what has happened because he unexpectedly has a package that is not what he bargained for. Raj arrives in the country and plans on taking her back with him, but he has played into his father's hands. Enjoy the read.
July 25, 2019
Este fue el último libro de la saga Billionaires at the Altar, una serie para nada memorable. Me da pena puntuar con tan poco a una autora como Lynne Graham, pero estos tres libros fueron uno peor que el otro. Espero que su próximo release repunte con uno de esos títulos tan Lynne que nos dejaban suspirando.
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