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Evermore #5
The Sheikh's Inherited Bride
“You are King,” she said, sitting into Addan’s chair now, collapsing into it, taking in a shaking breath.
“Yes,” he crossed his arms over his chest, “I will inherit Addan’s throne, and all that entails.”
She swallowed, his promotion one she knew he didn’t wish for, one she knew he didn’t take any joy in.
“Your highness,” she said, deferentially, standing uneasily. She couldn’t work out how she wanted to be. “I’d like to be alone now.”
He didn’t answer, his eyes holding hers for a moment before she spun and moved to the door. But before she could open it, his voice arrested her.
“You are part of that, Sophie.”
She turned to face him. “Part of what?”
“When he died, I inherited all that was his. Including you.” He said the words with a hint of disgust. With coldness and disdain.
A frisson of alarm jolted her spine. “I don’t… understand.” Tears streamed down her cheeks and she dashed at them; more came to take their place.
“This palace, the title, the country, his duties. All of it. And also, your betrothal to Addan, on his death, passed to me.”
An unexpected death propels Malik to the top of the line of succession. He inherits everything: the birthright to rule the prosperous Arabian kingdom, the wealth of their family, the power of their blood... and the late Sheikh's bride-to-be!
Innocent Sophie had agreed to the marriage because she adored her intended groom. He was safe, kind, gentle... but his brother Malik is the exact opposite! Raw virility and power, masculine strength and with a cool disdain for her, she should want to run a mile from this marriage! She should want to turn her back on her promise, her duties, and the kingdom she's fallen completely in love with.
But though she doesn't like Malik, one look from the man she must now marry fills her body with a heat she can't deny - particularly when an heir is urgently required!
Book five in The Evermore Series is a romance about loss, jealousy and the importance of reaching for what you want with both hands - even when you're terrified of what you might lose.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2019
488 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Clare Connelly
517 books406 followersFor all things Clare Connelly, please see www.clareconnelly.co.uk, the official home of Clare Connelly on the web.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2019
Angsty Passionate love story
I actually loved this book. The Hero was a jerk yes but I understood his actions totally. I felt his hesitation in living her. He didn't want to be second place. He wanted her to love him and only him. He also felt like he was betraying his brother by loving her and my heart broke for both of them. It was just sad. But wow was it passionate. Omg you could feel their lust in the love scenes. Very well done and romantic too. I felt their spark and it was not raunchy or crude. Very well done.
One of my biggest regrets is that Addan, the brother didn't live. He sounded so amazing and intriguing. The heroine was very lucky to have two men love her so unconditionally and in so different ways. I was afraid at one point that the author was going to make him have secrets, like a secret lover, or being gay or something but she let him stay a hero. From the moment I read how when he was 12 and she was 8 and he bandaged her finger, I fell in love with him. He just sounded so awesome. And frankly the hero was just a womanizing loser. I almost didn't read it. But when this book ended I felt it in my heart. I grieved for the dead brother, I loved the strong amazing heroine, I hated the hero and then I loved him too. The ending was so cathartic with the birth and I don't want to spoil it. It was just wonderful to me.
Lately I have been liking some unusual books and I don't know why. And this one was different too. But I loved it. I had stopped reading this author because her heroes aren't always heroes, if you get my drift. They are cheaters, or manhos, etc, and this hero started out like that too. There was a period of one year between the prologue, the brothers death, and the first chapter, the marriage, and it never mentions if he was celibate or not. It's never mentioned. But he did think later how he couldn't be celibate and would have to take a lover once she concieved. He immediately realized he couldn't because she was his sheika and he sergeant anyone else now that he had her, but it made me think he wasn't alone for that year but it's not spelt out. There is no OW drama. Just the dead fiancee angst. And it was sad.
The book ends around The 60-65% Mark and there is a bonus book but I did not read that. This is one author I can't read blind, without spoilers. I need warnings on cheating for her. But I may pick up some recent ones and give her another chance. This one was good..
I actually loved this book. The Hero was a jerk yes but I understood his actions totally. I felt his hesitation in living her. He didn't want to be second place. He wanted her to love him and only him. He also felt like he was betraying his brother by loving her and my heart broke for both of them. It was just sad. But wow was it passionate. Omg you could feel their lust in the love scenes. Very well done and romantic too. I felt their spark and it was not raunchy or crude. Very well done.
One of my biggest regrets is that Addan, the brother didn't live. He sounded so amazing and intriguing. The heroine was very lucky to have two men love her so unconditionally and in so different ways. I was afraid at one point that the author was going to make him have secrets, like a secret lover, or being gay or something but she let him stay a hero. From the moment I read how when he was 12 and she was 8 and he bandaged her finger, I fell in love with him. He just sounded so awesome. And frankly the hero was just a womanizing loser. I almost didn't read it. But when this book ended I felt it in my heart. I grieved for the dead brother, I loved the strong amazing heroine, I hated the hero and then I loved him too. The ending was so cathartic with the birth and I don't want to spoil it. It was just wonderful to me.
Lately I have been liking some unusual books and I don't know why. And this one was different too. But I loved it. I had stopped reading this author because her heroes aren't always heroes, if you get my drift. They are cheaters, or manhos, etc, and this hero started out like that too. There was a period of one year between the prologue, the brothers death, and the first chapter, the marriage, and it never mentions if he was celibate or not. It's never mentioned. But he did think later how he couldn't be celibate and would have to take a lover once she concieved. He immediately realized he couldn't because she was his sheika and he sergeant anyone else now that he had her, but it made me think he wasn't alone for that year but it's not spelt out. There is no OW drama. Just the dead fiancee angst. And it was sad.
The book ends around The 60-65% Mark and there is a bonus book but I did not read that. This is one author I can't read blind, without spoilers. I need warnings on cheating for her. But I may pick up some recent ones and give her another chance. This one was good..
February 23, 2019
I have only 2 comments about this book:
1. This book made me appreciate boogenhagen’s shelf : “Hero needs an urgent skilleting! “
2. I’ve cried my heart out to the end of the book so I decided to forgive CC about her incompetence in the middle.
1. This book made me appreciate boogenhagen’s shelf : “Hero needs an urgent skilleting! “
2. I’ve cried my heart out to the end of the book so I decided to forgive CC about her incompetence in the middle.
February 16, 2019
3.5 stars ⭐️
It was deliciously angst read. Heroine was so strong and I loved and admired her for fighting for their marriage. I loved the plot and the twist that came in the last. This author is one of my favorite so I love her writing style.
But hero, even though he was an alpha and I love them with long hair, in my eyes he lacked severely. Though I can’t say what. I was fed up with his misplaced guilt after a while. I wasn’t also pleased with his past playboy life.
And dear author, nobody ( I hope nobody) wants to read if hero loves se* or he had so many women, never had to restrain himself or after se* he always feels wonderful and most importantly ‘I’ didn’t want to know he sometimes has twosomes and how they like to prepare him blah blah.
Quite honestly I was traumatized. But thank god this monologue was in the beginning and after that there haven’t been anything similar. Infact his sole focus was heroine. This was the reason I didn’t give it full stars also it didn’t leave me with the warm, content feeling. I needed bloody epilogue too.
Recommended.
It was deliciously angst read. Heroine was so strong and I loved and admired her for fighting for their marriage. I loved the plot and the twist that came in the last. This author is one of my favorite so I love her writing style.
But hero, even though he was an alpha and I love them with long hair, in my eyes he lacked severely. Though I can’t say what. I was fed up with his misplaced guilt after a while. I wasn’t also pleased with his past playboy life.
And dear author, nobody ( I hope nobody) wants to read if hero loves se* or he had so many women, never had to restrain himself or after se* he always feels wonderful and most importantly ‘I’ didn’t want to know he sometimes has twosomes and how they like to prepare him blah blah.
Quite honestly I was traumatized. But thank god this monologue was in the beginning and after that there haven’t been anything similar. Infact his sole focus was heroine. This was the reason I didn’t give it full stars also it didn’t leave me with the warm, content feeling. I needed bloody epilogue too.
Recommended.
May 22, 2022
While this was a good read, I did have some issues with this one mainly the heroine whining over her dead fiancee who also happens to be the hero's brother.Normally I don't like the "keeping it in the family" type romances but I have been on a CC binge lately and this did look kinda sorta promising.
The hero was all angst that he had taken the place of the heroine's dead fiancee ,his beloved brother,but he couldn't control his lusty urges for the heroine,and neither could she for him,her now husband.They literally had the hottest sex scenes that I have read from this author so far.
There was drama,angst,hot sex ,and oodles of unrequited feelings here.Heroine had a near death experience and was put in an induced coma after the birth of their twins.Hero at bedside and commanded to medical personnel to save his wife or else.
When she awakens from her coma and sees her twin daughters,they note that one looks like the Mother,and the other twin looks like the dead fiancee though they never had sex when they were engaged.Heroine likens the relationship as the very best of friends and he will always hold a place in her heart.The twins were also born on the birthday of the dead ex.
Really,I could have done without that tidbit of information and see why the hero felt he could not take the place of the paragon dead ex.
The hero was all angst that he had taken the place of the heroine's dead fiancee ,his beloved brother,but he couldn't control his lusty urges for the heroine,and neither could she for him,her now husband.They literally had the hottest sex scenes that I have read from this author so far.
There was drama,angst,hot sex ,and oodles of unrequited feelings here.Heroine had a near death experience and was put in an induced coma after the birth of their twins.Hero at bedside and commanded to medical personnel to save his wife or else.
When she awakens from her coma and sees her twin daughters,they note that one looks like the Mother,and the other twin looks like the dead fiancee though they never had sex when they were engaged.Heroine likens the relationship as the very best of friends and he will always hold a place in her heart.The twins were also born on the birthday of the dead ex.
Really,I could have done without that tidbit of information and see why the hero felt he could not take the place of the paragon dead ex.
February 14, 2019
Wow wow wow , loved everything the MC's ,the story , the ending and what ending! I was in tears 😔 I thought she ....😶 no iam not saying anything! Go read it girls 😉
September 28, 2020
Really, really sexy...Lawd!
June 19, 2020
3.5 Angsty Stars
This is a unique and angsty read that flips the “second best” badge to the H. Sophia has been betrothed to Addan for years when he’s suddenly killed, and her betrothal is moved to the next king, his younger brother Malik. (the playboy prince) A year later they marry, and immediately get to work on making an heir. They are both likeable enough, but Malik REALLY struggles with moving on with his dead brother’s love, which I understand. Sophia is strong and brave, and fights for what she wants. This one is LOADED with guilt, longing, desire, love, and I was sympathetic to both MC’s POV’s.
The pacing was slow at times, and the MC’s spun their wheels in the mud for a while before it’d get going again. At times I wanted to shake them both… “Stop talking about Addan all the time Sophie!!” There’s TONS of sexytime w/ loads of thrusting and climaxing.
Bottom Line- This was my favorite of the bundle, and the ending was a gut-wrenching angst fest, but the path to get there was slow moving at times. This made the difference for me of being 3.5 instead of a solid 4. I wish there’d been an epilogue; I wanted a little more from the couple.
This is a unique and angsty read that flips the “second best” badge to the H. Sophia has been betrothed to Addan for years when he’s suddenly killed, and her betrothal is moved to the next king, his younger brother Malik. (the playboy prince) A year later they marry, and immediately get to work on making an heir. They are both likeable enough, but Malik REALLY struggles with moving on with his dead brother’s love, which I understand. Sophia is strong and brave, and fights for what she wants. This one is LOADED with guilt, longing, desire, love, and I was sympathetic to both MC’s POV’s.
The pacing was slow at times, and the MC’s spun their wheels in the mud for a while before it’d get going again. At times I wanted to shake them both… “Stop talking about Addan all the time Sophie!!” There’s TONS of sexytime w/ loads of thrusting and climaxing.
Bottom Line- This was my favorite of the bundle, and the ending was a gut-wrenching angst fest, but the path to get there was slow moving at times. This made the difference for me of being 3.5 instead of a solid 4. I wish there’d been an epilogue; I wanted a little more from the couple.
September 30, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this one!
February 16, 2019
I was leaning towards 3.5 stars but decided to hold off ...
H and h marry when her fiancee, H's older brother, dies and H becomes King of his country. H's father became h's guardian when her father passed away; he was her god-child and really adores her. The fiancee is h's best friend and she adores him; but she doesn't love him the way a woman is supposed to love her husband or lover ...
They go ahead with the marriage but there is a lot of guilt on H's part; survivor's guilt as his brother has died and he has always secretly wanted the h even though she professes to dislike her
I found h to be much more braver than H but he is really very tortured
The story is very intense and engrossing. However, I feel this could have gone a bit better because the ending was very, very abrupt.
At one point H and h are living separate lives, then she is going through a difficult labour and then, all of a sudden, everything is resolved. They have twin children but ... the babies are not even named! Very abrupt ending ...
All in all, a good book but the ending seemed rushed ...
H and h marry when her fiancee, H's older brother, dies and H becomes King of his country. H's father became h's guardian when her father passed away; he was her god-child and really adores her. The fiancee is h's best friend and she adores him; but she doesn't love him the way a woman is supposed to love her husband or lover ...
They go ahead with the marriage but there is a lot of guilt on H's part; survivor's guilt as his brother has died and he has always secretly wanted the h even though she professes to dislike her
I found h to be much more braver than H but he is really very tortured
The story is very intense and engrossing. However, I feel this could have gone a bit better because the ending was very, very abrupt.
At one point H and h are living separate lives, then she is going through a difficult labour and then, all of a sudden, everything is resolved. They have twin children but ... the babies are not even named! Very abrupt ending ...
All in all, a good book but the ending seemed rushed ...
March 4, 2021
An unexpected death propels Malik to the top of the line of succession. He inherits everything: the birthright to rule the prosperous Arabian kingdom, the wealth of their family, the power of their blood... and the late Sheikh's bride-to-be!
Innocent Sophie had agreed to the marriage because she adored her intended groom. He was safe, kind, gentle... but his brother Malik is the exact opposite! Raw virility and power, masculine strength and with a cool disdain for her, she should want to run a mile from this marriage! She should want to turn her back on her promise, her duties, and the kingdom she's fallen completely in love with.
But though she doesn't like Malik, one look from the man she must now marry fills her body with a heat she can't deny - particularly when an heir is urgently required!
Innocent Sophie had agreed to the marriage because she adored her intended groom. He was safe, kind, gentle... but his brother Malik is the exact opposite! Raw virility and power, masculine strength and with a cool disdain for her, she should want to run a mile from this marriage! She should want to turn her back on her promise, her duties, and the kingdom she's fallen completely in love with.
But though she doesn't like Malik, one look from the man she must now marry fills her body with a heat she can't deny - particularly when an heir is urgently required!
May 21, 2019
Lots and lots of sex. Lots. And some angst. I don’t care for sheikh romances I think.
Don’t understand much of how (American) h came to be here and why had decided or been promised to be a female sheikh.
Don’t understand much of how (American) h came to be here and why had decided or been promised to be a female sheikh.
July 15, 2021
Awful
This novel is all over the place. Characters change their minds without rhyme or reason. Manipulation for the sake of page count comes clearly through.
This novel is all over the place. Characters change their minds without rhyme or reason. Manipulation for the sake of page count comes clearly through.
August 25, 2019
This story had me hooked from the first page. Oh, the angst! Lots of scenes in this book made me so sad. The late fiance of the heroine, who is also the hero's brother, featured alot throughout the story and I felt grief that this great man's life was cut short too early. The heroine's memories of hm were so poignant and so touching. Even though the hero was cold, I could understand why he felt the way he did. Beautifully told story that made me feel so many emotions. Loved it.
January 30, 2019
Sophie is to marry Addan and is on her way be his Queen. Problem is Addan is killed in an accident and on her arrival she finds she must marry his brother Malik. Emotions between them have been conflicting at best but for the sake of the kingdom and need for an heir marry him she will. Don't think that is the end of it because Ms. Connelly is the master of story telling you will find your self so wrapped up in this book that is part of the Evermore series. Every emotion you can think of you will feel in this wonderful story. All I can say is Wow I absolutely loved it and didn't want to put it down till the end. She is an incredible author I would give it more than 5 stars and it is a keeper.
January 31, 2019
The Sheikh's Inherited Bride
When his brother died he became the new rules of his country. He inherited all, that included his brothers bride. The one woman who he did not want. But since she had signed her life to becoming his country's Sheikha he had to marry her. Their s was not a harmonious union. He only wanted her obedience in all matters. He was not interested in her thoughts. He was not his brother. Will this marriage be able to survive the years? Will either accept that he is not his brothers replacement but in his own right the one that not only the country but she needs? Will love blossom in this desert country. Or will it dry out and either away? Forever lost.
When his brother died he became the new rules of his country. He inherited all, that included his brothers bride. The one woman who he did not want. But since she had signed her life to becoming his country's Sheikha he had to marry her. Their s was not a harmonious union. He only wanted her obedience in all matters. He was not interested in her thoughts. He was not his brother. Will this marriage be able to survive the years? Will either accept that he is not his brothers replacement but in his own right the one that not only the country but she needs? Will love blossom in this desert country. Or will it dry out and either away? Forever lost.
January 11, 2020
I cried so much for Sophia’s tender heart. But I could’t agree with Malik’s action. He broke her heart again and again with his so-called righteous philosophy. He just wanted to enjoy the sex they had in fear of the guiltiness he felt towards his dead brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
Angsty!
Super angsty. Definitely hits the spot if you are looking for one where the H hurst the h and she shuts down. At least the first book.
This book is misleading, says 300 pages but the book only runs just over half, the rest is another book entirely. Both are good, angsty reads but also short ones and when you choose books AND consider page counts in that choice it’s disappointing.
Super angsty. Definitely hits the spot if you are looking for one where the H hurst the h and she shuts down. At least the first book.
This book is misleading, says 300 pages but the book only runs just over half, the rest is another book entirely. Both are good, angsty reads but also short ones and when you choose books AND consider page counts in that choice it’s disappointing.
February 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
When his brother died he became the new ruler of his country, and in doing so inherits all that was to be his brother's, including his bride to be. The tension between the main characters was clear as was the chemistry.
Overall, an enjoyable light read. Reminds me of the mills and boon books I use to read. There were some moments of good emotional intensity in this.
When his brother died he became the new ruler of his country, and in doing so inherits all that was to be his brother's, including his bride to be. The tension between the main characters was clear as was the chemistry.
Overall, an enjoyable light read. Reminds me of the mills and boon books I use to read. There were some moments of good emotional intensity in this.
February 15, 2025
Other than sex, she chases him the whole book and they don't even talk. They have 1 conversation about politics, and the rest of the time all they talk is how he doesn't want her. The author tried to make her a fighter, but what she was was a masochist. Who's going to put themselves out there over and over again just to get rejected? This is one of my least favorite tropes.
February 5, 2019
The Unknown
A bittersweet love shared but kept hidden. Duty and honor before love. Malik and Sophia are bound by tradition through a horrible accident. Duty bound. But can they allow a flicker to smoulder or will they both burn?
A bittersweet love shared but kept hidden. Duty and honor before love. Malik and Sophia are bound by tradition through a horrible accident. Duty bound. But can they allow a flicker to smoulder or will they both burn?
April 12, 2019
Loved the story
The characters and the storyline were complex and entertaining. The emotions and struggles were heartfelt and richly described, it brought the reader on the journey.
The characters and the storyline were complex and entertaining. The emotions and struggles were heartfelt and richly described, it brought the reader on the journey.
June 15, 2019
Blinded to love.
What a scorching hot romance. Malik was ridiculous. It took Sophia's near death to bring him back to her. The love scenes between Malik and Sophia were stimulating.
What a scorching hot romance. Malik was ridiculous. It took Sophia's near death to bring him back to her. The love scenes between Malik and Sophia were stimulating.
June 30, 2020
Wonderful book.... After ages I feel as though I got my hands on something worth reading....
The plot is predictable but done it in an organic way with right amount of confusion and feelings thrown it....
It's worth your time of a quick read..
The plot is predictable but done it in an organic way with right amount of confusion and feelings thrown it....
It's worth your time of a quick read..
August 14, 2023
Wow
This was an amazing story. This author pulled at my heart strings and had my heart pounding.
The second story in this book was just as good.
Narration in the first was amazing.
This was an amazing story. This author pulled at my heart strings and had my heart pounding.
The second story in this book was just as good.
Narration in the first was amazing.
February 5, 2019
Sweet
This was such a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their connection. I hope to read more from this author soon
This was such a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their connection. I hope to read more from this author soon
April 30, 2019
GOSH another thrust and I fall asleep. Is there a story somewhere between all those bedsheets?
March 26, 2019
The sheiks inherited bride
Fantastic read could not put it down till I finished it. It kept you guessing would she have gone through with the Marriage to the guy who died and be happy!!
Fantastic read could not put it down till I finished it. It kept you guessing would she have gone through with the Marriage to the guy who died and be happy!!
May 8, 2019
The story is wow...with Malik being the emotional fool....
May 28, 2019
4 stars
Both the H and h were amazing. It was a nice and quick read. Quite angst-y and emotional.
Both the H and h were amazing. It was a nice and quick read. Quite angst-y and emotional.
August 4, 2020
Wasn't terrible, but wouldn't recommend. This is basically the first book in the series, but re-done and revamped. Not a fan and will not be finishing the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews