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Sinful Desert Nights #1
The Sultan's Choice
Chosen as the Sultan's bride, Samia has no option but to go ahead with the marriage. And, as the new husband slowly peels away her bejewelled wedding finery, despite her best intentions she finds her inhibitions swept away.
Sadiq is surprised by his new bride's passionate nature! He chose her as a shy, biddable wife who will not make any demands on his time. Now he finds Samia to be anything but ... Instead she's determined, demanding - and defiant
Sadiq is surprised by his new bride's passionate nature! He chose her as a shy, biddable wife who will not make any demands on his time. Now he finds Samia to be anything but ... Instead she's determined, demanding - and defiant
187 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2011
89 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Abby Green
979 books603 followersAbby Green spent her teens reading Mills & Boon romances. She then spent many years working in the Film and TV industry as an Assistant Director. One day while standing outside an actor's trailer in the rain, she thought: "there has to be more than this". So she sent off a partial to Mills & Boon. After numerous rewrites, they accepted her first book and an author was born.
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
She lives in Dublin, Ireland and you can find out more here www.abby-green.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 9, 2017
I really like this author but I am so not in love with Sheikh's stories lately.
The sheikh is always this hard, cold-hearted guy and all that "habib" thing drives me up the wall. And they all seem to be dealing with all the intrigues and politics in their small little kingdoms....wait a minute....not to forget that the stories of sheikh romances seem to have a little bit of European veneer!!!!
Give me a Greek or Italian hero anytime!!!!!
The sheikh is always this hard, cold-hearted guy and all that "habib" thing drives me up the wall. And they all seem to be dealing with all the intrigues and politics in their small little kingdoms....wait a minute....not to forget that the stories of sheikh romances seem to have a little bit of European veneer!!!!
I did however like the two characters in this story and the storyline as well. Just wished that the heroine would have a bit more backbone!!!!
Give me a Greek or Italian hero anytime!!!!!
August 1, 2011
I don't typically love Abby Green's books as her heroes tend to be unlikable, but I really enjoyed this book. Both Sadiq and Samia were likable characters with their own emotional scars and both afraid to love. Sadiq arranges a marriage of convenience with a suitably unexciting, nondescript, meek and royal wife. He wants a bland wife who will blend into the background and make no demands on his emotions so that his life will be ordered, smoothly calm, controlled and unemotional. Little does he know that the apparently nondescript and mousy Samia will cause passion and turbulent emotions to rise in him- the very opposite of what he so carefully planned through their seemingly business-like arrangement.
Abby Green's writing is evocative and pulls us into the characters' experience of being gripped by inexplicable and unwanted emotions and a sense of connection with one another, their utter confusion, frustration and anger in the process, their inner struggles and soul searching, wonderment and finally their ultimate surrender to love. I really felt involved in each of the steps each character, and especially Sadiq, undergoes in this journey. I liked how the characters each evolve, mature, heal and blossom while going through this discovery process. Ms. Green does a good job of showing Sadiq and Samia's soul-deep connection beyond the mere physical, with the physical aspect of their relationship merely being a fumbled means to understand, express and ultimately admit their emotional connection where their fear and confusion precluded them from doing so otherwise.
Palpable emotions and connection with evocative writing make this an enjoyable and emotional read. This book does not have the in-your-face over-the-top drama that you will find in some of the books in this line, but I found this book to be more satisfying and enjoyable in its more understated and more complex and elegant tone, a bit like drinking velvet-smooth oak-aged whisky after a stream of tequila shots.
Abby Green's writing is evocative and pulls us into the characters' experience of being gripped by inexplicable and unwanted emotions and a sense of connection with one another, their utter confusion, frustration and anger in the process, their inner struggles and soul searching, wonderment and finally their ultimate surrender to love. I really felt involved in each of the steps each character, and especially Sadiq, undergoes in this journey. I liked how the characters each evolve, mature, heal and blossom while going through this discovery process. Ms. Green does a good job of showing Sadiq and Samia's soul-deep connection beyond the mere physical, with the physical aspect of their relationship merely being a fumbled means to understand, express and ultimately admit their emotional connection where their fear and confusion precluded them from doing so otherwise.
Palpable emotions and connection with evocative writing make this an enjoyable and emotional read. This book does not have the in-your-face over-the-top drama that you will find in some of the books in this line, but I found this book to be more satisfying and enjoyable in its more understated and more complex and elegant tone, a bit like drinking velvet-smooth oak-aged whisky after a stream of tequila shots.
December 24, 2016
I m not a great fan of Sheikh love stories, but I loved this one.Beautiful, emotional , alluring and daring. What peeved me was the consumption of Alcohol, it didn't coincide with Sheikh at all. Nonetheless great read!
April 11, 2012
This one is on my keeper shelf!!!!!!!!
This is an excellent example of how powerful a category romance can be in the hands of a talented author like Abby Green. The chemistry that exists between Sadiq and Samia is exciting. I was enchanted by how their relationship developed and how they fought to protect themselves against the growing need for one another. I truly liked that Abby stepped out of her traditional mold with the Hero. He was powerful and arrogant, but yet he was kind and tender. He was brutally scarred from his parents tumultuous relationship and his own early experience with love, but it wasn't crippling or debilitating. I absolutely loved how he would "flank" Samia to give her the courage she needed to be on public display. I loved that Samia had spirit in spite of the traditional way she was raised and the abuse she was subjected to by her stepmother. I loved the powerful and realistic "big misunderstanding" and how it was standing in the way of a happy ending.
A tremendous, fabulous read from Abby Green..................what a talented writer.
This is an excellent example of how powerful a category romance can be in the hands of a talented author like Abby Green. The chemistry that exists between Sadiq and Samia is exciting. I was enchanted by how their relationship developed and how they fought to protect themselves against the growing need for one another. I truly liked that Abby stepped out of her traditional mold with the Hero. He was powerful and arrogant, but yet he was kind and tender. He was brutally scarred from his parents tumultuous relationship and his own early experience with love, but it wasn't crippling or debilitating. I absolutely loved how he would "flank" Samia to give her the courage she needed to be on public display. I loved that Samia had spirit in spite of the traditional way she was raised and the abuse she was subjected to by her stepmother. I loved the powerful and realistic "big misunderstanding" and how it was standing in the way of a happy ending.
A tremendous, fabulous read from Abby Green..................what a talented writer.
August 16, 2011
I am not a big fan of the sheikhy lurve story but I do like AG. This one was okay, both the H and h had their issues but there was minimal drama and angst, more shy librarian h trying to fit in with manly Alpha H's world and getting some backbone while she is at it. She wasn't too juvenile and he wasn't too jerky. I do kinda wish that being introverted did not automatically make you a weak doormat in HPlandia but this book isn't too focused on the h feelings of incompetence and she does grow. The H gets off his He-man act fairly early on and you believe the relationship. All in all not bad and I would have liked it better if I actually liked sheikh stories but at least I did not have to go have a cookie in consolation.
January 29, 2013
I don't actually like sheikh stories but I thought I'd read this cause it's an Abby Green book and I think she is a very talented author. So I knew I would love this and I did. Even though it's kind of a slow burn it was engaging and the chemistry between Sadiq and Samia was explosive. I especially liked the hero's final proclamation of love, it was so sweet, honest and deep I got goosebumps!
June 16, 2020
Interesting arranged marriage between an emotionally shut-down Sultan hero and a shy, insecure librarian heroine.
It's interesting because as the H/h get to know one another, they learn about themselves. The heroine had an evil stepmother who undermined her confidence and hero had an evil father who physically abused his family and caused the hero to retreat into himself.
The H/h have great sex skills, but not-so-great communication skills. For example, when the hero tries to woo heroine with a desert tent seduction, it backfires because she is suspicious he's done this with all his women. (And to be fair, if she's read any HPs featuring a desert setting - this seems to the standard operating procedure.) Luckily, the hero gets his gal with an office in the palace, an onsite daycare for the workers, and a pregnancy for an HEA.
It's interesting because as the H/h get to know one another, they learn about themselves. The heroine had an evil stepmother who undermined her confidence and hero had an evil father who physically abused his family and caused the hero to retreat into himself.
The H/h have great sex skills, but not-so-great communication skills. For example, when the hero tries to woo heroine with a desert tent seduction, it backfires because she is suspicious he's done this with all his women. (And to be fair, if she's read any HPs featuring a desert setting - this seems to the standard operating procedure.) Luckily, the hero gets his gal with an office in the palace, an onsite daycare for the workers, and a pregnancy for an HEA.
February 4, 2018
3.75 stars
It was a nice book about two individuals coming to a mutual agreement to marry for the peace and betterment of their two neighbouring countries. With both being damaged by their unhappy childhoods they were happy with a partnership kind of marriage and had no romantic expectations from their spouse.
The start was a bit slow with all the shopping and grooming of Samia in preparation to be queen and for the wedding. Took me a little while to sink into the book, but it got intense with the wedding and honeymoon. Then, things gets a bit angsty when both realize that they are seeking the other's attention and are doing stuff to please the other, especially at the honeymoon when Sadiq in his sudden desire to please Samia arranges a romantic setting in the desert and she, overwhelmed by his grand gestures and afraid he would notice she was falling him, questions him about his reason for seducing her causing him to feel exposed, after all he'd only married her because he wanted a wife who wouldn't distract him. He retreats and after few days when he sees she's unhappy, he offers her a divorce if she wanted to leave the marriage even though he didn't want her to leave. It doesn't occur to him that she was unhappy because he'd pulled away from her. Nevertheless, a new development stems the end of the marriage and both are relieved and happy.
Both Sadiq and Samia were very likeable and made a nice pair. Overall, the book was a nice and pleasant read.
It was a nice book about two individuals coming to a mutual agreement to marry for the peace and betterment of their two neighbouring countries. With both being damaged by their unhappy childhoods they were happy with a partnership kind of marriage and had no romantic expectations from their spouse.
The start was a bit slow with all the shopping and grooming of Samia in preparation to be queen and for the wedding. Took me a little while to sink into the book, but it got intense with the wedding and honeymoon. Then, things gets a bit angsty when both realize that they are seeking the other's attention and are doing stuff to please the other, especially at the honeymoon when Sadiq in his sudden desire to please Samia arranges a romantic setting in the desert and she, overwhelmed by his grand gestures and afraid he would notice she was falling him, questions him about his reason for seducing her causing him to feel exposed, after all he'd only married her because he wanted a wife who wouldn't distract him. He retreats and after few days when he sees she's unhappy, he offers her a divorce if she wanted to leave the marriage even though he didn't want her to leave. It doesn't occur to him that she was unhappy because he'd pulled away from her. Nevertheless, a new development stems the end of the marriage and both are relieved and happy.
Both Sadiq and Samia were very likeable and made a nice pair. Overall, the book was a nice and pleasant read.
December 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Sadiq and Samia are both afraid to love because of their respective childhood experiences. Samia is the first to come to her senses and after keeping his emotions so well hidden, Sadiq finally does the same.
Sadiq is looking for a suitable bride, someone who has been schooled in their ways and has a royal heritage. He believes Princess Samia is the perfect candidate. She will do just fine. She is meek and mild and will easily blend into the background of his life. However, what he gets in Samia is surprise after surprise until he doesn't know which end is up any more. The final chapter when both H and h finally declare their love for each other is fantastic! I couldn't wait for their happily ever after. I really like both characters in this book.
Sadiq is looking for a suitable bride, someone who has been schooled in their ways and has a royal heritage. He believes Princess Samia is the perfect candidate. She will do just fine. She is meek and mild and will easily blend into the background of his life. However, what he gets in Samia is surprise after surprise until he doesn't know which end is up any more. The final chapter when both H and h finally declare their love for each other is fantastic! I couldn't wait for their happily ever after. I really like both characters in this book.
April 10, 2012
I enjoyed this latest book by Abby Green quite a bit.Both H/h come from damaged backgrounds and experiences and I loved the buildup to their HEA.What started out as a MOC,beacame a wonderful story of two people who overcame their personal fears and doubts and learned to love each other.The h's brother 's story looks intriguing and can not wait to read.
July 30, 2017
"The Sultans Choice" is the story of Sadiq and Samia, and has a plot of arranged marriage.
Sadiq the ruler of his country chooses the shy and demure Samia as his wife, because she fits the role well and he wants alliance with her kingdom.
Initially resisting, as Sadiq pursues her- she gives in and they get married.
Now I really loved the heroine- she was timid yet she found her strength, and spoke up for her rights even when she was hurt and didn't have words. My peeve actually was the hero- I get the whole bad pasts bla blah I don't want the h to fall for me blah blah- but he knew how sweet and kind she was and he deliberately set out to hurt her many at times. Even when he didn't want to say those mean things, he did just because he was "afraid of his feelings".
Overall, loved the h and loved her spirit. Was not a fan of the H.
The ending was lackluster:
Not safe by definition
3/5
Sadiq the ruler of his country chooses the shy and demure Samia as his wife, because she fits the role well and he wants alliance with her kingdom.
Initially resisting, as Sadiq pursues her- she gives in and they get married.
Now I really loved the heroine- she was timid yet she found her strength, and spoke up for her rights even when she was hurt and didn't have words. My peeve actually was the hero- I get the whole bad pasts bla blah I don't want the h to fall for me blah blah- but he knew how sweet and kind she was and he deliberately set out to hurt her many at times. Even when he didn't want to say those mean things, he did just because he was "afraid of his feelings".
Overall, loved the h and loved her spirit. Was not a fan of the H.
The ending was lackluster:
Not safe by definition
3/5
August 15, 2016
This is what happens when you forgot the great book you were reading back in your hotel room and are forced to choose between the two English-language novels on offer at the beachside restaurant where you are having a sunset drink. The other novel was "50 Shades of Grey." What can I say: the sultan made his choice, I made mine. Now I'm worrying that I actually picked the slightly greater of two evils.
March 13, 2024
I've become a great fan of Abby Green and this book is a clear example of why I like her. She takes tired old tropes and creates something new. I liked her characters here. The H/h are both interesting and their relationship was emotionally engaging.
February 23, 2014
4.5 stars
Definitely a must read for Sheikh romance lovers out there!
I mean, it's Abby Green, you expect nothing but the best and best is what she gave in The Sultan's Choice
The tale is about an arrogant playboy prince, Sadiq who proposes a marriage of convenience to plain-Jane-wallflower princess, Samia.
His goal was to take a conservative, boring wife so he wouldn't have to worry about compromising his role as ruler. Boy, he was in for a surprise! Inside those boxy-suits was a fiery, sensual woman that aroused the strongest emotions in Sadiq. Add in hurtful scars of the past, you get the brilliancy of Sultan's Choice.
I would have to say, out of all of Sheikh romances, I really liked this one. It was sensual but it was also sweet and just ... right. There wasn't as much angst and if it wasn't for the alternating POV, the readers would seriously think it was a case of one-sided lust developing to love scenario.
It was different because the process in which Samia was revealed was stunning. It was clearly evident that the lead did not go gaga over her and at first did not find her appealing PHYSICALLY yet still wouldn't stop thinking about her (we all know why *wink*). So, as a sucker for romance, I ATE this up. Annnnd, when the male lead DID see her as a woman *fans herself* SO. SIZZLING.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy that plain-heroine getting the over-the-top-handsome playboy. Then, he slowly peels the layers (albeit Sadiq is VERY appreciative of Samia's figure) of the heroine'a character (vice-versa) BUT in that subtle manner where their love-making is explosive but afterwards he is so cold because he can't seem to come in terms with his emotions.
Like I said, it's hard to describe but their love story was very ... right. Like it was a good read that left you with a satisfied feeling. Every question was answered. I usually opt angst but this story had its own passionate, kind-of-possessive lover type in that, again; subtle & sweet manner!
Definitely a must read for Sheikh romance lovers out there!
I mean, it's Abby Green, you expect nothing but the best and best is what she gave in The Sultan's Choice
The tale is about an arrogant playboy prince, Sadiq who proposes a marriage of convenience to plain-Jane-wallflower princess, Samia.
His goal was to take a conservative, boring wife so he wouldn't have to worry about compromising his role as ruler. Boy, he was in for a surprise! Inside those boxy-suits was a fiery, sensual woman that aroused the strongest emotions in Sadiq. Add in hurtful scars of the past, you get the brilliancy of Sultan's Choice.
I would have to say, out of all of Sheikh romances, I really liked this one. It was sensual but it was also sweet and just ... right. There wasn't as much angst and if it wasn't for the alternating POV, the readers would seriously think it was a case of one-sided lust developing to love scenario.
It was different because the process in which Samia was revealed was stunning. It was clearly evident that the lead did not go gaga over her and at first did not find her appealing PHYSICALLY yet still wouldn't stop thinking about her (we all know why *wink*). So, as a sucker for romance, I ATE this up. Annnnd, when the male lead DID see her as a woman *fans herself* SO. SIZZLING.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy that plain-heroine getting the over-the-top-handsome playboy. Then, he slowly peels the layers (albeit Sadiq is VERY appreciative of Samia's figure) of the heroine'a character (vice-versa) BUT in that subtle manner where their love-making is explosive but afterwards he is so cold because he can't seem to come in terms with his emotions.
Like I said, it's hard to describe but their love story was very ... right. Like it was a good read that left you with a satisfied feeling. Every question was answered. I usually opt angst but this story had its own passionate, kind-of-possessive lover type in that, again; subtle & sweet manner!
February 14, 2015
I really liked this one. Both characters were very likable although both had some scars and some flaws. But that only made them more human :)
I think that's good when both hero and heroine have some issues that need healing, that they are not perfect, that they can behave irrationally and stupid, although not TSTL. :)
I liked how Sadiq was fighting his romantic urges and all his small gestures towards Samia. And how insecure and fragile she was but still was putting on her brave mask to face the world for his sake. And it was fun to read how much of a cave man Sadiq really was inside.
As always the biggest problem of romance characters still is lack of communication :)
I think that's good when both hero and heroine have some issues that need healing, that they are not perfect, that they can behave irrationally and stupid, although not TSTL. :)
I liked how Sadiq was fighting his romantic urges and all his small gestures towards Samia. And how insecure and fragile she was but still was putting on her brave mask to face the world for his sake. And it was fun to read how much of a cave man Sadiq really was inside.
As always the biggest problem of romance characters still is lack of communication :)
July 24, 2011
Really enjoyed this book. Good story about Sadiq and Samia who try not to become emotionally attached as they enter an arranged marriage. But you know they do? Can't wait for Samia's brother's story by Abby which is out in December 2011.
August 17, 2020
Boring. Nothing exciting happens.
January 17, 2019
The things I do for challenges... Never again...
February 22, 2018
I liked this book a lot. The Hero and heroine are from fictional Middle East nations, and they arrange to have a marriage of convenience between their two royal families. I liked particularly how their unexpected chemistry flared between them. They were both inexplicably attracted to each other. I also liked how they slowly got to know each other and how the Hero gave confidence to the shy heroine. Of course near the end there is a bit of angst because their feelings for each other are changing and the Hero refuses to acknowledge that he has fallen in love with his bride.
August 26, 2012
I've always enjoyed Ms Green's writing, and this was no exception... The chemistry between Sadiq and Samia was fabulous and melty...there was the requisite shy/awkward/insecure heroine that I could vibe with. And I could actually understand Sadiq's attitude and motivations, so his behavior didn't get on my nerves. All makes a Presents success! ;)
May 10, 2017
2.5 stars
At first I didn't like the H much so I was reading for the h. But somehow I ended up disliking less the H and liking less the h.
Maybe it's just me that hate when H and h start hurting each other to save face but expect the other to declare his/her love >.<
But had interesting moments so it wasn't that bad.
At first I didn't like the H much so I was reading for the h. But somehow I ended up disliking less the H and liking less the h.
Maybe it's just me that hate when H and h start hurting each other to save face but expect the other to declare his/her love >.<
But had interesting moments so it wasn't that bad.
April 9, 2012
This was a good, basic read. I'm not usually the hugest fan of sheik stories, though I like the modern ones more than the older ones. This never got really exciting, and stories where the hero doesn't know he's in love until the end aren't my favorites, but it was still a fairly enjoyable read.
August 21, 2014
A marriage of convenience turns into so much more when Samia and Sadiq get to know each other, but can they express their feelings to each other or are they doomed to misinterpret everything?
Quick read, contemporary romance, angst and smutty fluff.
Quick read, contemporary romance, angst and smutty fluff.
March 18, 2012
shy princess in MOC with arrogant sheihk who thinks she is too boring to engage his interest for long but he's prepared to marry her for the good of his country.
November 11, 2012
best book i read so far. love it !
June 8, 2013
It was slow but a well written story that actually let the characters develop at their own place and time. I really enjoyed reading it and I would read similar ones as well.
July 27, 2014
Good quick read liked both characters. Nice strong alpha male!! I like the heroine found her strength
October 23, 2014
The title attracted me so I gave this novel a try and to be honest I didnt like it at all. The writer with my respect was not successful in describing Arabic life . In some how I felt it offensive .
December 10, 2014
nice for a cozy night time quick reading
March 3, 2015
I think the book was OK. I would liked to feel more chemistry between the H and the h, but it is a readable story. 3.9 stars :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews