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Pride of Zohayd #1
Domar A Un Jeque
Estaba decidido a poseer la El jeque Shaheen Aal Shalaan se fijó en ella en una fiesta y enseguida decidió que sería suya. Tras intercambiar unas cuantas palabras, Shaheen tuvo a la misteriosa mujer en su cama, donde ella despertó las pasiones que se había estado negando durante tanto tiempo. Entonces, el jeque descubrió la verdadera identidad de su amante. Era Johara, su amiga de la infancia, ahora convertida en una mujer bellísima sin la que no podía vivir. Sin embargo, su puesto en la casa real de Zohayd exigía un matrimonio de Estado. Pero ¿cómo iba a darle la espalda a la mujer que esperaba un hijo suyo?
He'd noticed her across a crowded room, and in that instant Sheikh Shaheen Aal Shalaan wanted her. With just a few words, Shaheen had his mystery woman in his bed, where she awakened passions he'd long denied.
He'd noticed her across a crowded room, and in that instant Sheikh Shaheen Aal Shalaan wanted her. With just a few words, Shaheen had his mystery woman in his bed, where she awakened passions he'd long denied.
Then the sheikh discovered his lover's true identity. She was Johara, his childhood friend, now fully blossomed into a vision he could not do without. But his lineage demanded he take a wife of the throne's choosing. Anything else would have catastrophic results. Yet how could he turn away from the woman who carried his baby?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
28 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gates
505 books495 followersI am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of 45 books in different genres including Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, Medical Action Thrillers and Paranormal Romance. My upcoming works will also veer into fantasy.
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 20, 2012
If you like to read stories where people are kind and loving to each other (or why else would you read love stories :) then I know you'll LOVE this novel. There's still enough conflict in the story for those who like this element in their reading material, but just not from the two main characters (the man and woman whom the love story is about). The drama surrounding them brings them closer and enriches the novel - providing tender as well as passionate romance. And this is why we read these romance novels, am I right ladies (and gentlemen)?!?
October 12, 2010
If you want to read a story of true love, belief, and enduring passion - this is the one for you. Shaheen prince of Zohayd sees a woman across a crowded room and all though of duty and arranged marriages fly from his thoughts as he sees the woman who completes him - his heart, his soul mate his everything. Johara has loved him since she was a child and lived in the royal palace where her father was the keeper of the royal jewels and wanted to see Shaheen once more before he marries for poilitical reasons but that is not to be. Passion is immediate and the love scenes are both intense and gentle and totally beliveable. When the chance comes for the Big Misunderstanding Olivia Gates goes against the normal and doesn't take it! Our hero believes in our heroine to the last drop of his blood. He will do anything for her - one of my favourite lines is ''He took her from gravity as he wished to from everything that caused her worry' How romantic! Can't wait for the stories of the other brothers Herres and Amjad!
October 12, 2010
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.... Prince Shaheen Aal Shalaan not afraid to show is loved for Johara Nazaryan. From beginning to end this book is wonderful. It gives you the insight from the mans point of view. I liked that about this book. He wasn't afraid to enter into this love for her. Keep writing these wonderful books Ms. Gates. Looking forward to the others.
February 19, 2016
If you are looking for a love story then this is the one for you. Another reviewer (MelissaB) said that Ms Gates' words were flowery and I cannot disagree as they certainly are!
Normally I would have disliked this story because it was so sickly sweet but I actually found that I loved it. There was very little romance involved as the H/h declared their love for each other almost from the start. There was a little angst when the h disappeared and the H was looking for her but that really was contained over a few pages.
It was what I class as a 'fluffy' romance which I usually steer clear of. I read Harlequins because I like the angst, the fighting, the revenge, the heartbreak and in the end the HEA but Ms Gates is excellent in her craft and makes you want to carry on reading - I even went on to read the other 2 in the trilogy.
I would happily recommend this to anyone who loves Harlequins and likes sweet romance.
Normally I would have disliked this story because it was so sickly sweet but I actually found that I loved it. There was very little romance involved as the H/h declared their love for each other almost from the start. There was a little angst when the h disappeared and the H was looking for her but that really was contained over a few pages.
It was what I class as a 'fluffy' romance which I usually steer clear of. I read Harlequins because I like the angst, the fighting, the revenge, the heartbreak and in the end the HEA but Ms Gates is excellent in her craft and makes you want to carry on reading - I even went on to read the other 2 in the trilogy.
I would happily recommend this to anyone who loves Harlequins and likes sweet romance.
January 31, 2012
5 plus stars. A perfect love story filled with passion, beauty, trust and sacrifice. Writing is incredibly passionate, detailed and vivid. Brava. Cannot recommend highly enough!
April 8, 2011
I really, really liked this one! There was no massive misunderstanding, they were clearly in love from the first, and were totally confident in the other's love, but there was still conflict and problems. Loved it!
February 10, 2012
After reading To Tame A Sheikh, I had an epiphany.
I've been reading 'romance' for longer than I care to admit, and most of the time, I feel like I'm chasing a mirage. I'm reading those books 'for' the romance. But what I usually get is two people who're at each others' throats for most of the book, who spend most of the story prisoner to their fears or insecurities or prejudices...etc. etc. and treating their 'love' interest accordingly.
The epiphany was that for someone who's been reading romance regularly, I'm rarely reading about 'love'.
But this book was about just that. Love. LOVE.
The hero and heroine first met when she was six and he was fourteen. the first time her eyes fell on him was when he'd just saved her life. Then he became her best friend for the next eight years. She didn't only love him, she believed in him, would sacrifice anything for him, starting with her own heart and happiness.
When they meet again when she's grown up and his eyes don't recognize her, his heart does. He just resumes loving her as if he'd never stopped. because he never had. Then things do wrong and every evidence is against her. In any other book that would have been the cue for doubts and angst to poison the hero's mind. But for Shaheen, it wasn't even an option for him to doubt her. How could he doubt the soul that had long bonded with his?
It's that unwavering love, that incredible depth of trust and delight those two had in each other, that reminded me what's been missing from so, so many so-called romance books. The LOVE. Seeing it on every page, not only in a usually rushed ending, with the promise of that kind of love that To Tame A Sheikh displayed so wonderfully, AFTER the book ends, in a so-called happily ever after we have to imagine?
So in To Tame A Sheikh you spend a whole book luxuriating in that love, in a hero who's treating the heroine with absolute cherishing and trust. And for me, it was an amazing experience.
For those who love conflict and angst, those were there by the ton, just not between them. With everything against them, far better problems that those of Romeo and Juliet, the heartache and desperation was palpable as it seemed certain they would be torn apart. Until they both sacrifice their all for the other. And that's the only way they end up beating the impossible odds.
At last, this is a book about LOVE. If you like to read about that, about how a hero who's alpha, regal and powerful to the max can truly love, then this is the book for you.
I've read all of Olivia Gates' books since reading this one. And all her heroes end up with the same sort of total love for their heroines. But if you'd like to read more stories about how the two characters 'love' each other all the way through the book, I recommend the fabulous 'The Sheikh Surgeon's Proposal' and 'Billionaire, M.D.'
I've been reading 'romance' for longer than I care to admit, and most of the time, I feel like I'm chasing a mirage. I'm reading those books 'for' the romance. But what I usually get is two people who're at each others' throats for most of the book, who spend most of the story prisoner to their fears or insecurities or prejudices...etc. etc. and treating their 'love' interest accordingly.
The epiphany was that for someone who's been reading romance regularly, I'm rarely reading about 'love'.
But this book was about just that. Love. LOVE.
The hero and heroine first met when she was six and he was fourteen. the first time her eyes fell on him was when he'd just saved her life. Then he became her best friend for the next eight years. She didn't only love him, she believed in him, would sacrifice anything for him, starting with her own heart and happiness.
When they meet again when she's grown up and his eyes don't recognize her, his heart does. He just resumes loving her as if he'd never stopped. because he never had. Then things do wrong and every evidence is against her. In any other book that would have been the cue for doubts and angst to poison the hero's mind. But for Shaheen, it wasn't even an option for him to doubt her. How could he doubt the soul that had long bonded with his?
It's that unwavering love, that incredible depth of trust and delight those two had in each other, that reminded me what's been missing from so, so many so-called romance books. The LOVE. Seeing it on every page, not only in a usually rushed ending, with the promise of that kind of love that To Tame A Sheikh displayed so wonderfully, AFTER the book ends, in a so-called happily ever after we have to imagine?
So in To Tame A Sheikh you spend a whole book luxuriating in that love, in a hero who's treating the heroine with absolute cherishing and trust. And for me, it was an amazing experience.
For those who love conflict and angst, those were there by the ton, just not between them. With everything against them, far better problems that those of Romeo and Juliet, the heartache and desperation was palpable as it seemed certain they would be torn apart. Until they both sacrifice their all for the other. And that's the only way they end up beating the impossible odds.
At last, this is a book about LOVE. If you like to read about that, about how a hero who's alpha, regal and powerful to the max can truly love, then this is the book for you.
I've read all of Olivia Gates' books since reading this one. And all her heroes end up with the same sort of total love for their heroines. But if you'd like to read more stories about how the two characters 'love' each other all the way through the book, I recommend the fabulous 'The Sheikh Surgeon's Proposal' and 'Billionaire, M.D.'
February 11, 2012
Wow. Just when I think Olivia Gates has written the best book she could, she writes another one that's just as good AND different from those that came before it. She never repeats herself. And I love the intensity of the passion and romance in her writing.
Shaheen and Johara share a love like no other. I loved their Romeo-and-Juliet-like dilemma, but I bought their love much more than I did Romeo's and Juliet's. Those were two adults with loads of reasons to be that much in love. And the sacrifices they offer for each other aren't for theatrics and maneuvring but for real. And their happily ever after is so hard and well earned.
Loved this book, love Olivia Gates's writing. I once read another reviewer saying she'd find her grocery list engrossing reading, and I agree. Another winner and keeper.
Shaheen and Johara share a love like no other. I loved their Romeo-and-Juliet-like dilemma, but I bought their love much more than I did Romeo's and Juliet's. Those were two adults with loads of reasons to be that much in love. And the sacrifices they offer for each other aren't for theatrics and maneuvring but for real. And their happily ever after is so hard and well earned.
Loved this book, love Olivia Gates's writing. I once read another reviewer saying she'd find her grocery list engrossing reading, and I agree. Another winner and keeper.
December 20, 2010
great romance! can read over and over again.
February 6, 2017
Olivia Gates is the Sheikh romance writer extradonairre. This is a good one, but for some reason doesn't hold the stratospheric level of angst, heart-wrenching love that some of her others do.
In this one, we have pretty much a beta hero with alpha tendencies and the heroine who has loved him forever. Forever being when he saved her as a child and he was a teenager. Too bad he's bound to be the Sheikh although he's the middle of five brothers, and she is a mere peon. Her father is/was the jeweler to the kingdom so they merely live on the fringe of the Sheikh's world.
Years later she sees the H at a party and it's Insta-everything. She leaves with him. He doesn't know who she is but is attracted to her. She's a virgin and is gone the next morning as in a martyr moment leaves she he can become the Sheikh he's meant to be. He'll have to marry one of the daughters of the tribes to keep the peace. Olivia Gates loves her martyrs, male and female.
He sees her at the palace and rushes her back to bed basically, under cover as no one can know. He's honorable and wants to marry her, but she's such Mary Sue Martyr she tries to keep him off.
Sideplot about the jewels to the kingdom being replaced with fakes is okay, but the kicker is the eldest brother, Amjad (his name I remember) who is so horrible, so damaged, so cruel, and such a horse's ass, he has to have a great story in To Touch a Sheikh.
Anyhoo, we have another OTT wedding where the bride is dressed somewhat like this below minus the 250 carat yellow diamond necklace. Kinds of makes the western virginal white dresses B-O-R-I-N-G!
Characters from her other novels pop up which is kind of confusing. I mean they aren't any Tom, Dicks or Harry's here.
P.S.
Upon reading the wedding night, I'm going to revise that he is an alpha hero with a hint of beta. I don't know, but it is racy!
In this one, we have pretty much a beta hero with alpha tendencies and the heroine who has loved him forever. Forever being when he saved her as a child and he was a teenager. Too bad he's bound to be the Sheikh although he's the middle of five brothers, and she is a mere peon. Her father is/was the jeweler to the kingdom so they merely live on the fringe of the Sheikh's world.
Years later she sees the H at a party and it's Insta-everything. She leaves with him. He doesn't know who she is but is attracted to her. She's a virgin and is gone the next morning as in a martyr moment leaves she he can become the Sheikh he's meant to be. He'll have to marry one of the daughters of the tribes to keep the peace. Olivia Gates loves her martyrs, male and female.
He sees her at the palace and rushes her back to bed basically, under cover as no one can know. He's honorable and wants to marry her, but she's such Mary Sue Martyr she tries to keep him off.
Sideplot about the jewels to the kingdom being replaced with fakes is okay, but the kicker is the eldest brother, Amjad (his name I remember) who is so horrible, so damaged, so cruel, and such a horse's ass, he has to have a great story in To Touch a Sheikh.
Anyhoo, we have another OTT wedding where the bride is dressed somewhat like this below minus the 250 carat yellow diamond necklace. Kinds of makes the western virginal white dresses B-O-R-I-N-G!
Characters from her other novels pop up which is kind of confusing. I mean they aren't any Tom, Dicks or Harry's here.
P.S.
Upon reading the wedding night, I'm going to revise that he is an alpha hero with a hint of beta. I don't know, but it is racy!
February 1, 2012
Liked this book, you could feel the heat between Shaheen and Johara from the first meeting. They both face problems before they can finally be together and the wedding description is wonderful, you can see the wonderful colors and the great jewels. Sets up the next two books in the series to finish the quest that begins in this book.
July 11, 2017
"To Tame A Sheikh" is the story of Johara and Shaheen.
Johara is the royal jeweler Berj's daughter and has always loved prince Shaheen, even since he rescued her as a child.
When she goes to glimpse at him one last time before his engagement ball, he is drawn to her like a moth, and not recognizing her, he and "Gemma" share an unforgettable night after which she disappears.
Returning back to his kingdom he realizes it's none other than Johara, and then devotes his time making her his.
This book was like a breath of fresh air! An utterly devoted hero who believes in his heroine even when all evidences are against her, worships her literally, a strong heroine, hot smokin sex- I couldn't believe I was reading a Silhouette romance. Absolutely loved it.
I loved Aliyah and Kamal (would look for their story), Harres is someone to watch for but it's totally the witty Amjad who steals the show.
The story would have been perfect, if only the author didn't mix Arab and Indian cultures so much (I know as an Indian living in Middle East)- the discrepancies were a little annoying but other than that a lovely read.
Not safe by definition
4/5
Johara is the royal jeweler Berj's daughter and has always loved prince Shaheen, even since he rescued her as a child.
When she goes to glimpse at him one last time before his engagement ball, he is drawn to her like a moth, and not recognizing her, he and "Gemma" share an unforgettable night after which she disappears.
Returning back to his kingdom he realizes it's none other than Johara, and then devotes his time making her his.
This book was like a breath of fresh air! An utterly devoted hero who believes in his heroine even when all evidences are against her, worships her literally, a strong heroine, hot smokin sex- I couldn't believe I was reading a Silhouette romance. Absolutely loved it.
I loved Aliyah and Kamal (would look for their story), Harres is someone to watch for but it's totally the witty Amjad who steals the show.
The story would have been perfect, if only the author didn't mix Arab and Indian cultures so much (I know as an Indian living in Middle East)- the discrepancies were a little annoying but other than that a lovely read.
Not safe by definition
4/5
February 15, 2012
Incredible story about two people who loved each other forever when everything is against them and how they triumph over all obstacles by believing in each other and sacrificing everything for one another. I've read it three times already and can't get enough of how much those two love each other. Really amazing love story!
March 29, 2025
2.5 🌟
It's an old harlequin love story about a sheikh and the girl he grew up with.
Like all Harlequin books, this one is a bit wishy washy with a flowery and poetic prose.
The MMC is set to have a marriage of convenience as per his princely status even though he is not the heir. But the law dictates to merge tribes through a political marriage of convenience.
The MFC met the MMC when she was 6 years old. He was her first and only unrequited love. Her dad was the Royal family's jeweler. And her brother was the MMC's best friend, as the MFC started showing signs of great beauty, the brother warned the MMC not to take advantage of his sister because a love like theirs can never be approved. So the MMC pushes them away and the MFC leaves the country with her mother.
Years later, the MMC is set to marry, his friend throws him a bachelor's party in NY. The MFC, having become one of the most successful jewelery designers, she attends the party to have one last look and hopefully closure with the MMC.
He sees her, he wants her and he takes her. Simple as that. However, he does not recognise her given that she was only 14 years old when he last saw her and now she is 26.
Her love for him has never died and thus she allows him to bed her. She gets pregnant. She disappears. He's upset because he felt a connection. Insta lust. Insta infatuation.
Months later, she still has a flat belly 🙄
Again he sees her. He wants her. He's shocked when her identity is revealed. He more than ever is adamant on being with her.
Against all odds, all laws, all duties, he keeps her 😂
Problem solved.
The story was really promising but the execution was terrible.
There is a side plot that is ongoing in Books 2 and 3 but I've had more than my share of Harlequin romance for now.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
63) "MMC is a Sheikh"
Squares Count: 41
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃🔴┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
It's an old harlequin love story about a sheikh and the girl he grew up with.
Like all Harlequin books, this one is a bit wishy washy with a flowery and poetic prose.
The MMC is set to have a marriage of convenience as per his princely status even though he is not the heir. But the law dictates to merge tribes through a political marriage of convenience.
The MFC met the MMC when she was 6 years old. He was her first and only unrequited love. Her dad was the Royal family's jeweler. And her brother was the MMC's best friend, as the MFC started showing signs of great beauty, the brother warned the MMC not to take advantage of his sister because a love like theirs can never be approved. So the MMC pushes them away and the MFC leaves the country with her mother.
Years later, the MMC is set to marry, his friend throws him a bachelor's party in NY. The MFC, having become one of the most successful jewelery designers, she attends the party to have one last look and hopefully closure with the MMC.
He sees her, he wants her and he takes her. Simple as that. However, he does not recognise her given that she was only 14 years old when he last saw her and now she is 26.
Her love for him has never died and thus she allows him to bed her. She gets pregnant. She disappears. He's upset because he felt a connection. Insta lust. Insta infatuation.
Months later, she still has a flat belly 🙄
Again he sees her. He wants her. He's shocked when her identity is revealed. He more than ever is adamant on being with her.
Against all odds, all laws, all duties, he keeps her 😂
Problem solved.
The story was really promising but the execution was terrible.
There is a side plot that is ongoing in Books 2 and 3 but I've had more than my share of Harlequin romance for now.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
63) "MMC is a Sheikh"
Squares Count: 41
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃🔴┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
August 30, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this story. The hero, Shaheen, is absolutely fabulous in his total and absolute love and trust for his one and only love, Johara.
This is a beautiful story with all the intensity I've come to expect from Olivia Gates.
This is a beautiful story with all the intensity I've come to expect from Olivia Gates.
Read
December 23, 2014Miniseries: Pride of Zohayd
RT's Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Silhouette Desire of 2010
RT's Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Silhouette Desire of 2010
February 7, 2012
I loved this book from the first page! This is the first book of the Pride of Zohayd series. There are three books in the series, starting from the younger brother, Shaheen, to the oldest of the brothers. When I was done reading To Tame a Sheikh, I found myself scouring Olivia Gates' past work--that's how much I loved this book.
The first time Shaheen and Johara meet, our hero falls hard and fast. So what's a red-blooded male to do? Pursue. Relentlessly. Though, to her credit, Johara barely resists because she's been in love with the hero all her life. Johara and Shaheen were childhood friends. Given the instantaneous attraction, the natural progression of course was the bedroom. The sex scenes in this book were, in a word "wowza". I often have a problem with scenes that are set up like one night stands but Olivia handles this quite well, mainly because she describes the emotions as strongly as the sex scenes. We know that a lifetime of love is driving Johara, and from the outset Shaheen feels a strong emotional connection to her, even though he does not recognize her. So there was not the usual "ick" factor I get from scenes like this.
Olivia created a world here that was full of texture and well-written characters. I think Shaheen is a good study of how a hero so consumed by love can still appear as a strong, alpha male. He was vulnerable to the heroine, which made him more desirable as a hero but he was never a sappy, nor weak.
My only quibble about the book, and its hardly a quibble was Johara. Olivia writes strong, independent women, and although Johara was a successful woman, I wished she had demanded more of what was due to her, rather than pushing Shaheen to do his duty, and being the self-sacrificing female. Though, one can argue that Johara was a product of the world Olivia created where duty is still paramount to personal happiness. If that's the case, Johara's actions are expected and understandable.
I also like the way she set-up the entire trilogy without it taking over the book. Most of the time, with series like this I almost feel "obligated" to follow the next series (ok, more like curious) but with this series, I actually looked forward to reading the next books.
Although I enjoyed the story, it was really Olivia's writing style that drew me in. She has such a unique, strong voice. Her prose flows evenly, reaching out to the reader. Her writing style reminds me of Eloisa James--smart, and well-written. I've read a few more of Olivia's books since this one but this is my favorite because I can't resist a hero who is openly, madly in love with the heroine.
www.chick-reads.com
The first time Shaheen and Johara meet, our hero falls hard and fast. So what's a red-blooded male to do? Pursue. Relentlessly. Though, to her credit, Johara barely resists because she's been in love with the hero all her life. Johara and Shaheen were childhood friends. Given the instantaneous attraction, the natural progression of course was the bedroom. The sex scenes in this book were, in a word "wowza". I often have a problem with scenes that are set up like one night stands but Olivia handles this quite well, mainly because she describes the emotions as strongly as the sex scenes. We know that a lifetime of love is driving Johara, and from the outset Shaheen feels a strong emotional connection to her, even though he does not recognize her. So there was not the usual "ick" factor I get from scenes like this.
Olivia created a world here that was full of texture and well-written characters. I think Shaheen is a good study of how a hero so consumed by love can still appear as a strong, alpha male. He was vulnerable to the heroine, which made him more desirable as a hero but he was never a sappy, nor weak.
My only quibble about the book, and its hardly a quibble was Johara. Olivia writes strong, independent women, and although Johara was a successful woman, I wished she had demanded more of what was due to her, rather than pushing Shaheen to do his duty, and being the self-sacrificing female. Though, one can argue that Johara was a product of the world Olivia created where duty is still paramount to personal happiness. If that's the case, Johara's actions are expected and understandable.
I also like the way she set-up the entire trilogy without it taking over the book. Most of the time, with series like this I almost feel "obligated" to follow the next series (ok, more like curious) but with this series, I actually looked forward to reading the next books.
Although I enjoyed the story, it was really Olivia's writing style that drew me in. She has such a unique, strong voice. Her prose flows evenly, reaching out to the reader. Her writing style reminds me of Eloisa James--smart, and well-written. I've read a few more of Olivia's books since this one but this is my favorite because I can't resist a hero who is openly, madly in love with the heroine.
www.chick-reads.com
November 1, 2010
Wow, this author writes very flowery descriptions about how this couple knows they are intensely in love after one glance and exist on a higher plane where they just "know" what the other one feels. The love scenes were kind of strange, they were sort of non-descriptive but sounded a bit painful instead of pleasureful (he "slams" into her - ouch).
The romance wasn't all that exciting because of the supposed instant love for him and she supposedly loved him since she was 6 (squicky). That doesn't make for a lot of tension especially with all of the "our love is on a higher plane" talk they have. There are some side issues thrown in that were supposed to add tension. His older brother came off as an annoying immature bastard and I think the author was going for "tortured soul".
So this book was okay but the flowery writing and lack of tension between the leads reduced my liking of the story.
The romance wasn't all that exciting because of the supposed instant love for him and she supposedly loved him since she was 6 (squicky). That doesn't make for a lot of tension especially with all of the "our love is on a higher plane" talk they have. There are some side issues thrown in that were supposed to add tension. His older brother came off as an annoying immature bastard and I think the author was going for "tortured soul".
So this book was okay but the flowery writing and lack of tension between the leads reduced my liking of the story.
March 14, 2012
What can you say about a book where the hero loves and believes in his true love almost from the first moment? Olivia Gates takes her lovers, Shaheen and Johara, and places their romance in a situation where things like a sense of duty and external influences threaten to tear them apart. In a genre where misunderstanding and angst between the protagonists is the usual way to drive the conflict this book came as a pleasant surprise. There was plenty of tension and anxiety but the relationship between Hero and Heroine remained a shining light throughout. Olivia writes great prose and brings out emotions that engage and sex scenes that sizzle. I listened to this book on audio on my kindle while driving and became so involved I continued to listen once I arrived home against my usual practice.
February 20, 2012
Five stars plus!
This book should be a template for all love stories where the hero and heroine truly LOVE each other all through and never doubt each other. Conflicts come hard and fast from all around them, trying to tear them apart, but that only makes their love stronger, makes their happily ever after that much more deserved when they sacrifice everything for each other. To Tame A Sheikh (wonder where THAT title came from!)is an incredibly powerful love story with some of the amazing writing Olivia Gates is famous for with her signature emotional, erotic and exotic magic.
This book should be a template for all love stories where the hero and heroine truly LOVE each other all through and never doubt each other. Conflicts come hard and fast from all around them, trying to tear them apart, but that only makes their love stronger, makes their happily ever after that much more deserved when they sacrifice everything for each other. To Tame A Sheikh (wonder where THAT title came from!)is an incredibly powerful love story with some of the amazing writing Olivia Gates is famous for with her signature emotional, erotic and exotic magic.
March 2, 2012
I didn't think anything can top the Throne of Judar series in passion and emotion, but To Tame A Sheikh did just that. Shaheen and Johara's love is one for the legends, one far better than Romeo and Juliet, and they deal with their impossible situation far better. I loved how they loved each other so totally, how he believed in her and never mistrusted her for a moment. That's a real alpha hero. A fantastic beginnign for the Pride of Zohayd trilogy and deserves mroe than five stars.
February 17, 2012
The most romantic and passionate book I've ever read about two people who love and trust each other totally. Such a treat to read all that love and exotic details. Highly recommended!
February 23, 2012
I gulped down To Tame A Sheikh in one sitting, wouldn't even get up to eat until I finished it. Shaheen has such pure unwavering love for Johara it was so refreshing to read about an alpha hero who remained alpha without being a suspicious testosterone addled jerk. I loved the details of Zohayd, the Pride of Zohayd jewelry, and my GOD I loved AMJAD! It's a good thing I didn't read this book when it first came out or I would have gone made waiting for Amjad's book which came months after. This way, I inhaled this book, moved to the second book (which was equally fantastic, in a different way) and then licked Amjad's book clean the very next day. Olivia Gates has become my new reading addiction!
March 3, 2012
Really moving and descriptive story about two people who were meant to be together. The hero specifically is an amazing man. We always get how the heroine loved only one man and remained faithful no matter what. But in this book the hero, Shaheen, is the same and more. He never doubted his love or the heroine and was ready to sacrifice anything for her.
March 5, 2012
To Tame A Sheikh was a fantastic first installment in the Pride of Zohayd sheikh series (even though each book can be enjoyed separately with no problems) I loved how Shaheen loved Johara, how he never suspected her and was ready to sacrifice everything he was for her and to be with her.
Zohayd itself was a fantasy land came to life, and the author made me wish it existed so I can at least go visit it. The plot revolving around the conspiracy and the Pride of Zohayd jewels was inventive and mysterious and I couldn't wait to see how she'd resolve it, and who the conspirators would be.
I can't recommend To Tame A Sheikh highly enough for those who love powerful, hunky alpha males who don't have one ounce of jerk in them! :-)
Zohayd itself was a fantasy land came to life, and the author made me wish it existed so I can at least go visit it. The plot revolving around the conspiracy and the Pride of Zohayd jewels was inventive and mysterious and I couldn't wait to see how she'd resolve it, and who the conspirators would be.
I can't recommend To Tame A Sheikh highly enough for those who love powerful, hunky alpha males who don't have one ounce of jerk in them! :-)
May 2, 2012
This is how love stories should be, and this is how they should be written! Only Olivia Gates can capture that level of emotional and physical passion and make us feel its every breathless thrill right along with her protagonists. Shaheen and Johara's love jumped right off the page and into my heart! And at last, an alpha male sheikh who doesn't jump to moronic conclusions about the woman he loves, and believes in her with his every breath. As for his brothers, oh my. Amjad in particular takes 'aggravatingly irresistible' to a whole new height! I can't wait for his story, the last in the trilogy. My hat's off once again to Ms. Gates for a totally fabulous book, in plot, characters and writing!
October 12, 2012
Incredible. Passionate. Poignant. A love story so powerful and sweet and erotic it had my heart pounding with the strength of the hero and heroine's emotions from the first line to the last. And a very, very refreshing alpha male who is truly one, and who never wavers in his love and trust of his beloved.
To Tame a Sheikh is a truly magnificent entry into the Pride of Zohayd trilogy and another testament to a master in her craft. Olivia Gates never ceases to amaze me and always delivers more than I expect.
To Tame a Sheikh is a truly magnificent entry into the Pride of Zohayd trilogy and another testament to a master in her craft. Olivia Gates never ceases to amaze me and always delivers more than I expect.
April 1, 2012
I love, love, LOVE Shaheen and how much he loved and trusted Johara! He's the man every woman dreams of loving, and having him love her. Add that to the scorching hot (emotionally and erotically) love scenes, the incredible exotic world of Zohayd that Olivia Gates paints with her Master brush, and you have another mega winner!
August 19, 2012
This was my first time of reading something written by Olivia but I can guarantee it won't be my last. I sat down and started to read, 6hrs later I came back to the present. I loved this book!!!!! The hero Harres is the epitome of female fantasies, and wouldn't it be great if there was one in the real world eh! Looking forward to getting the other two books in the series A.S.A.P.
March 10, 2012
Fantastic start to the Pride of Zohayd trilogy and another spell-binding, exotic and passionate sheikh book by Olivia Gates. I can't get enough fo her writing in any genre, and one of my favorites of hers are her sheikhs!
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