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Desert Rogues #13
The Sheik and the Bought Bride
It was bad enough being hauled out of bed by palace guards. Now Victoria McCallan had just offered to pay off her father's gambling debts—with herself as the prize! So the palace secretary was shocked when sexy Prince Kateb made her a counteroffer....
When Kateb whisked Victoria off to the desert to be his mistress for six months, the widowed ruler had no intention of falling in love. But the outspoken Texas transplant was soon tempting him to change his royal ways. Duty decreed the El Deharia sheik should wed a proper mate, but Kateb's heart was telling him something else: to claim Victoria as his woman—now and forever.
When Kateb whisked Victoria off to the desert to be his mistress for six months, the widowed ruler had no intention of falling in love. But the outspoken Texas transplant was soon tempting him to change his royal ways. Duty decreed the El Deharia sheik should wed a proper mate, but Kateb's heart was telling him something else: to claim Victoria as his woman—now and forever.
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
102 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 2, 2009
This one started out a little off for me when the heroine came off as a bit shallow and ditzy, but she started to become funny and endearing to me after a little while.
The story was pretty normal for a Mallery Sheikh tale. One thing I did enjoy was that the love scenes were hot and both characters were not ashamed of the passion they had together. The heroine was strong and not afraid to tell Mr. Sheikhy Pants off when he deserved it. For once a Harlequin heroine rightly tells the hero that is also his fault that a condom wasn't used.
This is a decent Sheikh Harlequin with nicely drawn characters and some funny parts when the heroine opens her mouth. It wasn't as good as some of the others in the series but it is still good.
The story was pretty normal for a Mallery Sheikh tale. One thing I did enjoy was that the love scenes were hot and both characters were not ashamed of the passion they had together. The heroine was strong and not afraid to tell Mr. Sheikhy Pants off when he deserved it. For once a Harlequin heroine rightly tells the hero that is also his fault that a condom wasn't used.
This is a decent Sheikh Harlequin with nicely drawn characters and some funny parts when the heroine opens her mouth. It wasn't as good as some of the others in the series but it is still good.
March 26, 2011
I had no idea Susan Mallery wrote a sheik series. Probably because they are one of my least favorite types of stories. However, I do occasionally take a chance on one. At least I know I already like SM's books so it's not too much of a chance. This one was nice. Victoria was well written, spunky with a good heart and a good back story. Kateb was brooding and unwilling to chance his heart again after his first wife died, but he can't resist her. The ending was just a bit hokey but I'll not be too demanding here. There were some pretty love words when Kateb finally gives in to his feelings.
I may just have to try the others in the series.
I offer you all that I have, all that I am. I will love you with my last breath. You outshine the sun. You are my world. Stay with me, marry me. Love me.
I may just have to try the others in the series.
November 28, 2016
Wonderful read!
So we met Victoria in the last book, secretory of Nadim; who kept trying to entice him into a marriage for security.
In this book, the gambling dbag father ends up selling Victoria to Kateb, Nadims brother.
He proposes she be his mistress and that's how the story begins.
I loved Victoria. Initially she came out as shallow, but later turned out to be the funniest heroine in this series, full of sarcasm, sass and strength. I absolutely adored her.
Widower Kateb was a typical HQN judgy hero and did his part.
Enjoyed this book will with laughs and angst.
And an epilogue! Woooo!!
Safe read
4.5/5
So we met Victoria in the last book, secretory of Nadim; who kept trying to entice him into a marriage for security.
In this book, the gambling dbag father ends up selling Victoria to Kateb, Nadims brother.
He proposes she be his mistress and that's how the story begins.
I loved Victoria. Initially she came out as shallow, but later turned out to be the funniest heroine in this series, full of sarcasm, sass and strength. I absolutely adored her.
Widower Kateb was a typical HQN judgy hero and did his part.
Enjoyed this book will with laughs and angst.
And an epilogue! Woooo!!
Safe read
4.5/5
December 1, 2016
==>Re-read December 1, 2016
==>Read February 8, 2012
“Because I will never love you and I will never seek love. We’ll never be together. You’re the last woman I would ever marry. It is over. Done.”
==>Read February 8, 2012
“Because I will never love you and I will never seek love. We’ll never be together. You’re the last woman I would ever marry. It is over. Done.”
June 29, 2011
I realized that I had already read the book half-way through.
Kateb is a man deeply wounded by the death of his beloved first wife. Not only that, but he met a lot of women who only wanted him for his money, so he's leery of them. So when Victoria's father gambles her he's convinced she has an ulterior motive ("She must be a gold-digger!"). So he really doesn't want to be attracted to her, and even worse to care for her. I like the way he respects her intellect. He listens to her ideas and opinions.
Victoria only wants to be safe. Her childhood was bad with her mother working hard to put the food on the table and her father coming along and taking all the money. She is a woman who will stand for what she believes, who will fight for those less fortunate. If only she could fight a little harder for her own happiness.
All in all I liked the book, but there were some stuff that bothered me. Kateb's reaction to Victoria's proclamation of love for one thing. The rather dramatic events at the end of the book were a bit too much. And all that mopping of Victoria's got a little old.
Rating:
3 stars.
Kateb is a man deeply wounded by the death of his beloved first wife. Not only that, but he met a lot of women who only wanted him for his money, so he's leery of them. So when Victoria's father gambles her he's convinced she has an ulterior motive ("She must be a gold-digger!"). So he really doesn't want to be attracted to her, and even worse to care for her. I like the way he respects her intellect. He listens to her ideas and opinions.
Victoria only wants to be safe. Her childhood was bad with her mother working hard to put the food on the table and her father coming along and taking all the money. She is a woman who will stand for what she believes, who will fight for those less fortunate. If only she could fight a little harder for her own happiness.
All in all I liked the book, but there were some stuff that bothered me. Kateb's reaction to Victoria's proclamation of love for one thing. The rather dramatic events at the end of the book were a bit too much. And all that mopping of Victoria's got a little old.
Rating:
3 stars.
July 7, 2013
Victoria McCallan was asleep in her bed, minding her own business when she was awaken by guards and told she was summoned by Prince Kateb. Her father had just offered to pay his gambling debts--with herself as the prize! So the palace secretary was shocked when sexy Prince Kateb made her a counteroffer....to be his mistress for six months. But the outspoken Texas transplant was soon tempting him to change his royal ways. Duty decreed the El Deharia sheik should wed a proper mate, but Kateb's heart was telling him something else: to claim Victoria as his woman--now and forever.
This was the last book in the "Desert Rogue" series. I loved them all. I can see myself rereading
them in a few years. 5 star.
This was the last book in the "Desert Rogue" series. I loved them all. I can see myself rereading
them in a few years. 5 star.
May 28, 2011
I really hesitated to read this one. I've never read a Sheik book, and it just sounded so unbelievable. But, I love Susan Mallery, and had to give it a try. I now have to admit I'm SO glad I read it! As much as I was turned off by the Prince in The Marcelli Princess, I was turned on by the Sheik! He was something else. (insert dreamy sigh here) I enjoyed the story, too. A perfect escape, and quite the aphrodisiac! :)
November 19, 2016
I didn't much like Victoria in the previous book, but this explains so much! To save her father from a El Deharia prison after he is caught cheating at cards, Victoria offers herself as mistress to desert sheik Prince Kateb for 6 months. Kateb thinks the worst of her, but is still drawn to her.
I loved how strong Victoria was, despite her background, despite the hurt she always carries with her. Kateb, not so much.
I loved how strong Victoria was, despite her background, despite the hurt she always carries with her. Kateb, not so much.
December 17, 2016
This one didn't find my fancy really either. Well it was well written and the drama was ecstatic, it felt bland to me because of the lack of emotional connections I was feeling. Unfortunately this happens from time to time and it makes all us goodreads users happy we can vote and review our own opinions to our hearts desire without causing any damage towards the author or novel itself.
Read
March 1, 2018Miniseries: Desert Rogues
January 4, 2023
Victoria es fuerte y tiene un gran corazón. Ambos, ella y Kateb, están decididos a no volver a amar pero el destino tiene otros planes...
February 2, 2018
Let's hear it for strong women. Victoria had a really messed up background but it didn't stop her from blazing a trail so bright it hurt to see it.
Kateb was an interesting mix of honor and stubbornness as well as a man afraid to open his heart, especially because of the tragedies of his past.
The back and forth banter, sexual tension, and clash of traditions vs present political changes made for a nice read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I'd love to read a continuation story about these two.
Kateb was an interesting mix of honor and stubbornness as well as a man afraid to open his heart, especially because of the tragedies of his past.
The back and forth banter, sexual tension, and clash of traditions vs present political changes made for a nice read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I'd love to read a continuation story about these two.
March 31, 2023
The book has really good smut but apart from that it gives us a glimpse of the cultre of the Arab world . The slow turn over of events and the way they fell in love with each other and not just because of the s*x but also their respect for each other and the morals they lived by. The happy ending is not just for the couple but their community too.
March 26, 2017
Awesome ending. So recommend this series to those who love romance.
August 4, 2017
Like especially near the end when Victoria offers herself as sacrifice & Kateb finally realising his love for her.
May 31, 2018
This series is good but the titles are very disappointing- for the most part there are engagements but NO brides. This book however, ended with a bride instead of a fiancé
February 17, 2020
nice for a quick read....ending a bit dramatic though.....a fight to death and the heroine offering herself for sacrifice....?!? :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
My favourite of the series. I cried in many places, many times it was due to laughing so hard, not because it was sad.
Susan Mallery never disappoints.
Susan Mallery never disappoints.
July 13, 2012
Victoria McCallan promised her mother on her deathbed that she would look out for her irresponsible father. When dear old dad tries to cheat Prince Kateb of El Deharia at poker, she offers herself to him to keep her dad out of prison. Kateb doesn't trust Victoria, but he respects her vow to her mother enough to agree that she become his mistress in exchange for her father's freedom. Despite his misgivings about her character, he is powerfully attracted to her. As a widower, he has promised himself that he will never love again. Victoria has no intention of falling in love either - she saw how it destroyed her mother. Explosive chemistry and extraordinary circumstances conspire against them.
This might be my favorite book in the series. Victoria is borderline Too Good To Be True, but I'm not as annoyed by that as I perhaps should be. She's just too likable for me to begrudge her anything. It was nice to see a little shout-out to Princess Dora of El Bahar, but Kateb's sister-in-law Princess Kayleen could have been a resource in the "educating women" issue.
This book gave me the unusual experience of laughing and crying at the same time. The special traditions of the desert village made some interesting plot points. Some of it was absolutely ridiculous, but I've found that Susan Mallery can get away with things that annoy me in other authors.
This might be my favorite book in the series. Victoria is borderline Too Good To Be True, but I'm not as annoyed by that as I perhaps should be. She's just too likable for me to begrudge her anything. It was nice to see a little shout-out to Princess Dora of El Bahar, but Kateb's sister-in-law Princess Kayleen could have been a resource in the "educating women" issue.
This book gave me the unusual experience of laughing and crying at the same time. The special traditions of the desert village made some interesting plot points. Some of it was absolutely ridiculous, but I've found that Susan Mallery can get away with things that annoy me in other authors.
February 19, 2013
I liked Victoria form the previous book and she didn’t disappoint me in this one. She’s still fun and very forward, nothing is left behind with her, but did not appreciate the reasons why she ended up in the desert on the first place.
Prince Kateb sounded like a wounded guy since the first time I saw him. But to use Victoria the way he did, was very wrong. She’s just a nice girl, looking for the future, nothing wrong with that and he didn’t knew her reasons, so in the end she’s not bad, just a little lost after everything she’s been through.
I feel like something is missing at the end of this series. I’ve met several princes and Kingdoms, but I wanted the last book to show how things would be in a few years and everybody happy.
Prince Kateb sounded like a wounded guy since the first time I saw him. But to use Victoria the way he did, was very wrong. She’s just a nice girl, looking for the future, nothing wrong with that and he didn’t knew her reasons, so in the end she’s not bad, just a little lost after everything she’s been through.
I feel like something is missing at the end of this series. I’ve met several princes and Kingdoms, but I wanted the last book to show how things would be in a few years and everybody happy.
April 13, 2015
love both the Prince & Victoria..
Prince Kateb is full of maleness, gentle, total PRINCE yet incredibly stupid and in denial
but i have a soft spot for a stupid hero in a romance novel.. it's ok to be stupid & in denial in the beginning as long as realization comes at the end of the book
that's what i look in every romance story i love to read
Victoria a tough heroine. smart, positive, brave, full of kindness to everyone. eventough she had a hateful childhood and even more hateful father
oh, i shed so many tears while reading this
don't know why,, it's just the life Victoria live is so sad. and her kindness for the poor kids she feels like looked into the past of her was breaking my heart
Prince Kateb is full of maleness, gentle, total PRINCE yet incredibly stupid and in denial
but i have a soft spot for a stupid hero in a romance novel.. it's ok to be stupid & in denial in the beginning as long as realization comes at the end of the book
that's what i look in every romance story i love to read
Victoria a tough heroine. smart, positive, brave, full of kindness to everyone. eventough she had a hateful childhood and even more hateful father
oh, i shed so many tears while reading this
don't know why,, it's just the life Victoria live is so sad. and her kindness for the poor kids she feels like looked into the past of her was breaking my heart
February 12, 2015
So this was a 2 and a half star read.
We get a Sheik that is a total loner and a lost quasi-friendless secretary who get stuck together in the desert and fall in love. The pregnancy scare is a really decent reason to keep them together for a whole month so that they can get to know each other. I liked Victoria McCallan. She had it tough as a child, but had a really loving mother to make up for all the difficulties which is probably why she is going to be a great mother in the future as well as making it possible for her to identify love when it finally happens for her.
The rest of the story was common. Eh.
210 pages with an added chapter from another Harlequin novel.
2 and half stars
We get a Sheik that is a total loner and a lost quasi-friendless secretary who get stuck together in the desert and fall in love. The pregnancy scare is a really decent reason to keep them together for a whole month so that they can get to know each other. I liked Victoria McCallan. She had it tough as a child, but had a really loving mother to make up for all the difficulties which is probably why she is going to be a great mother in the future as well as making it possible for her to identify love when it finally happens for her.
The rest of the story was common. Eh.
210 pages with an added chapter from another Harlequin novel.
2 and half stars
March 8, 2024
This is a fun, fast, flirty read. Victoria and Kateb are both strong personalities, both fighting their attraction for the other, and both trying desperately to be the honorable people they feel they should be. And yet they are both already so much better than they realize. But they help each other see the best in themselves. I enjoy the romance of the exotic desert prince who would accept a mistress as a means to pay her father's debt. Neither wants to be in this situation and yet neither sees another way out without looking weak. I love watching Victoria stand up to Kateb (as no one else ever has or will) and watching her temper get the better of her.
May 27, 2020
The conversational give and take between the two protagonists was funny and fast, if a bit "modern" for my taste, which will date it in the future. Although the plot was slightly contrived, it made a delightful "what if" situation and gave Victoria lots of scope for her "fix it" personality, always a way to my heart. Kateb and Victoria both had stirred my interest in a previous book in the series, so I was glad that their story was not disappointing as so many are when you are looking forward to them. It helped re-reading all the Sheik books more or less in order.
April 26, 2012
The last book if the series. At least the last one I see listed here. I loved it. Truly. And if Miss Mallery decides to write more of the Desert Rouges series, I would be deffo buying one for me.
End verdict for the entire series: They were very addictive for me. I enjoyed them emmensly and I think these Sheik books has become my guilty pleasure.
I will continue to read other works by Susan Mallery to see if it's the series that will remain my guilty pleasure or her writing.
End verdict for the entire series: They were very addictive for me. I enjoyed them emmensly and I think these Sheik books has become my guilty pleasure.
I will continue to read other works by Susan Mallery to see if it's the series that will remain my guilty pleasure or her writing.
August 19, 2016
I definitely feel like this author has gotten better over time! Victoria, who I adored on the previous novel, really shines in this one. I was hoping she wouldn't end up with Nadim, and I'm glad she didn't. Kateb is great in that he's a bit different from the other princes and seems more ready to acknowledge his feelings. The plot is...okay, I guess.
Small nitpick: are palaces just dotting the landscape in this universe? Really sounds like it, by the look of things.
Small nitpick: are palaces just dotting the landscape in this universe? Really sounds like it, by the look of things.
January 8, 2010
A great read just loved reading it.Victoria does not like her dad at all yet she does what she does for her mother. So when Kateb has her for a mistress things between them start to heat up real fast. She does prove her love by risking her life for Kateb.
June 21, 2011
I have read this books a few times before. There really isn't much substance to the story. However, it is a good book to read on the beach, or if you want to read something but just can't get into anything.
July 9, 2011
I really loved the dialogue in this book. It's super funny and fits the characters. I finished the book in a single day, because the simplicity of the plot is very comforting. This is the perfect book if you just want to relax and not want to read something that will make you overthink.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews