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Empire of the Sands #2
Beholden to the Throne
Outspoken nanny Amy Bannester seems to forget that servitude and silence should go hand in hand. But Sheikh Emir can think of more pleasurable uses for her luscious mouth....
Despite their all-consuming passion, the rules governing the desert kingdom of Alzan make it impossible for her to wear his crown. He lost his first wife as she gave birth to his precious twin daughters, but Emir must have a male heir for his lineage to continue - and it's the one thing that Amy can't give him....
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
75 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,411 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 16, 2017
Heroine was engaged to be married but after an accident she becomes infertile and her fiance breaks things off. Sheikh Emir lost his wife after she gave birth to twin girls. Amy becomes their nanny and she loves the girls as her own children. Emir and Amy fall in love but how can she be his queen when she is unable to give him an heir? Emir follows his heart and makes Amy his queen despite her inability to have children but they get a really sweet HEA because Amy is pregnant and they are having a baby boy. Sweet characters, very emotional book, loved the epilogue!
February 10, 2017
A WOW! read.
So emotional and just plain heartbreaking!
A love tale full of tragedy and learning to move on. This sad tale keeps you on pins and needles hoping for that happy ending. This was a great series to read.
Poor Emir so loved his late wife that he is not able to deal with her death and thus can't bear seeing his twin daughters.....they bring back his painful reminder so it is better not to. He is in a emotional deep freeze just running the kingdom. He does love his girls and want the best for them which includes their loving nanny, Amy. He just doesn't know how to deal with all these painful emotions and guilt.
Feisty English nanny, Amy can't bear to see his heartache and his emotional detachment from his girls but how to get him to see the errors of his ways without getting booted out of the kingdom? Caring for the twins brings her both pain (a reminder of what she can't have) and joy (they are sweet kids). Trying to get the sexy father to spend time with his kids brings her closer to Emir......and of course they fall in love. But will her tragic secret doom their new found happiness? Can Amy really have it all?
This was such a well written heartbreaking love story and so worth the tears to read. What a gem!
So emotional and just plain heartbreaking!
A love tale full of tragedy and learning to move on. This sad tale keeps you on pins and needles hoping for that happy ending. This was a great series to read.
Poor Emir so loved his late wife that he is not able to deal with her death and thus can't bear seeing his twin daughters.....they bring back his painful reminder so it is better not to. He is in a emotional deep freeze just running the kingdom. He does love his girls and want the best for them which includes their loving nanny, Amy. He just doesn't know how to deal with all these painful emotions and guilt.
Feisty English nanny, Amy can't bear to see his heartache and his emotional detachment from his girls but how to get him to see the errors of his ways without getting booted out of the kingdom? Caring for the twins brings her both pain (a reminder of what she can't have) and joy (they are sweet kids). Trying to get the sexy father to spend time with his kids brings her closer to Emir......and of course they fall in love. But will her tragic secret doom their new found happiness? Can Amy really have it all?
This was such a well written heartbreaking love story and so worth the tears to read. What a gem!
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February 1, 2018DNF
It's me not you. Sorry.
I'm sure it's a really good story about healing and the lot but I can't.
I'm not fan of MCs that were married before unless I can hate the ex...
But as far as I could read this dead ex was heroine material but was cheated by CM.
Plus I'm not comfortable the story takes place so soon after the H's wife dies, and his might or might not have noticed the heroine while his wife was alive. I'm not saying he was inappropriate or anything, I just don't like the situation.
It's me not you. Sorry.
I'm sure it's a really good story about healing and the lot but I can't.
I'm not fan of MCs that were married before unless I can hate the ex...
But as far as I could read this dead ex was heroine material but was cheated by CM.
Plus I'm not comfortable the story takes place so soon after the H's wife dies, and his might or might not have noticed the heroine while his wife was alive. I'm not saying he was inappropriate or anything, I just don't like the situation.
July 21, 2017
2.5 Stars.
I liked Amy. She is strong. But I can't say same about Emir. But I adored his twins.
It was ok but I have lots of issues about the traditions the authors try to show.
I liked Amy. She is strong. But I can't say same about Emir. But I adored his twins.
It was ok but I have lots of issues about the traditions the authors try to show.
July 8, 2013
This book was sampled at the end of the last book I read by Carol Marinelli. And after reading the sample, I had to buy it! Again, biased reader here, but I loved it. I don't say that about all the Presents I read. This one was so emotional and tragic! My only complaint is that I wished it was longer and we got more of the characters' falling in love with each other. Still, I loved it! Carol is so talented.
October 10, 2025
3.5 stars
Whenever I pick Harlequin books, I know that only select authors' styles will suit me (with no guarantee that the story will be good) e.g. Lynne Graham, Sara Craven, Julia James, Michelle Reid etc, while I also know that other authors' styles have never been able to satisfy me. CM falls in the second category. I have sampled many of her books before, but no, it was no go.
Now, this book it was different. The writing style is still lacking for me, but I liked the storyline: a sheikh torn between his duty to his country and his happiness. I loved that Emir was a noble hero instead of the usual HP playboy with an asshole persona. Sure he was cold at times, arrogant (a king!) and forbidding but he had good reasons for that. I was less enchanted with the heroine, Amy - a bit too sappy and cringey.
But all in all, the original plot remained the strong point of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2013
I didn't find this novel too exciting. In fact I found it heartbreaking at the best points. I think because in my mind the way the King treated his twins was child abuse to me. Whether or not he had issues because his first wife died shouldn't matter, he shouldn't of been ignoring his children and not properly caring about their well being. I didn't really like this novel.
May 20, 2018
this heroine cries alot 😥
March 16, 2013
A strong sheikh book about the everlasting struggle between love and traditions, between the king's decisions and the ways of old. All enveloped in a heart wrenchingly sadness after the death of the queen giving birth to twin girls, the detachment of the king and the feistiness of the english nanny who loves the girls as her own children, the children she can never have. And according to traditions, that makes her the most unsuitable queen. Now it's up to the king to break with tradition and to follow his heart.
March 15, 2024
This is one of my favourite “Sheikh” romances. I really loved the main female character. Her strength, her grace as well as her no nonsense attitude towards her boss, who she felt was doing a disservice to his children and even though he is a king, she does not hold back her thoughts or opinions.
The children in the book were adorable.
Reading books about different cultures is always interesting and I always finish the books thinking I would not do well having to be subservient to others thought to be my “betters”.
All in all this is a good edition to your library, to escape for a little while. A future reread for sure!
The children in the book were adorable.
Reading books about different cultures is always interesting and I always finish the books thinking I would not do well having to be subservient to others thought to be my “betters”.
All in all this is a good edition to your library, to escape for a little while. A future reread for sure!
August 18, 2022
Quick Summary: An impossible and unstoppable love
My Review: Beholden to the Throne was a beautiful story about a king and a nanny who fall in love. Their romance was a slow build, as the situation associated with their connection came with a heartbreaking loss. Once they admitted to and surrendered to the love and passion they had for one another, an inevitable joining came into being. From the moment they chose to be united, a new destiny unfolded.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
#Goodreadsrecommendation
My Review: Beholden to the Throne was a beautiful story about a king and a nanny who fall in love. Their romance was a slow build, as the situation associated with their connection came with a heartbreaking loss. Once they admitted to and surrendered to the love and passion they had for one another, an inevitable joining came into being. From the moment they chose to be united, a new destiny unfolded.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
#Goodreadsrecommendation
April 14, 2021
Enjoyable.
September 13, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book! Both Amy and Emir are very likable characters. I loved Amy and the twin's connection. And my heart broke for Emir and his twins. This book was so heartbreakingly good! Ms. Carol Marinelli has a beautiful way with words and storytelling to make me feel all the things these characters were going through as if I were with them and experiencing the same thing.
Overall, Beholden to the Throne was an enjoyable romance loaded with sweet, tender, sexy, and plenty of angst.
September 20, 2019
Protagonistas: Amy & Emir
Profesiones: Niñera & Jeque
Paises: País Inventado & Londres
Profesiones: Niñera & Jeque
Paises: País Inventado & Londres
February 18, 2013
Beholden To The Throne by Carol Marinelli is a beautiful romance story about tradition versus love.
Amy Bannester was hired by the Queen Hanna as a nanny for the twin princesses before they were to be born. She was to help raise the girls not to raise them herself. But after the Queen’s death shortly after the birth of Clemira and Nakia, Amy has been the only parental figure they see. Now she must find a way to make Sheik Emir see the error of his ways.
Sheik Emir has a lot to deal with. His children’s first birthday is approaching and that means they have to go with the Bedouins into the desert.Read More...
Amy Bannester was hired by the Queen Hanna as a nanny for the twin princesses before they were to be born. She was to help raise the girls not to raise them herself. But after the Queen’s death shortly after the birth of Clemira and Nakia, Amy has been the only parental figure they see. Now she must find a way to make Sheik Emir see the error of his ways.
Sheik Emir has a lot to deal with. His children’s first birthday is approaching and that means they have to go with the Bedouins into the desert.Read More...
October 8, 2013
Bu ayki High Life serisinden çıkmış olan Arzu kıvılcımını çok severek okudum.Çok duygusal hikaye idi.Eşini yeni kaybetmiş çaresiz bir babanın dramı üstelik br an önce evlenip erkek varis edinmesi gerekiyordu..Emir'in tüm sorunu bu değildi tabii ki..
Geçirdiği kazadan sonra bir daha çocuk sahibi olamayacak genç ve güzel bir kadının hikayesi vardı..Emir'in bir yaşındaki ikizlerinin dadılığını yapıyordu.Onları öz çocukları gibi seviyordu ..Emir'in çocukları ile ilgilenmediği fazla geleneksel davrandığı fikrinde idi..
İşte o yüzden işten kovalanmayı göze alarak onunla konuşur..Fakat bu konuşmadan aralarında oluşan ani çekim işin içinde değildi..Amy'ye göre aralarındaki birden başlayan ilişkinin geleceği olmayacaktı..
Severek okudum..Şeyhli hikayeleri pek sevmediğim halde...
Geçirdiği kazadan sonra bir daha çocuk sahibi olamayacak genç ve güzel bir kadının hikayesi vardı..Emir'in bir yaşındaki ikizlerinin dadılığını yapıyordu.Onları öz çocukları gibi seviyordu ..Emir'in çocukları ile ilgilenmediği fazla geleneksel davrandığı fikrinde idi..
İşte o yüzden işten kovalanmayı göze alarak onunla konuşur..Fakat bu konuşmadan aralarında oluşan ani çekim işin içinde değildi..Amy'ye göre aralarındaki birden başlayan ilişkinin geleceği olmayacaktı..
Severek okudum..Şeyhli hikayeleri pek sevmediğim halde...
February 23, 2014
Pretty good read. A good ending and good characters. Although this book had a lot of anguish and some back-and-forthing it was pretty good. There was a little humor, some smiles, plenty of emotions and tough choices, and ok characters. The characters seemed strong but not really full of action until the end. I don't think I would read this again but it was ok/good to read and a great ending and future for the lands.
April 24, 2013
It was an okay novel, at least it was better than the one before in the series, and in some parts; it was believable.
It was a little fast, and I felt somethings need a better explanations. But still better than Banished to the harem, which was totally awful.
It was a little fast, and I felt somethings need a better explanations. But still better than Banished to the harem, which was totally awful.
September 23, 2016
3 Stars.
Not a bad story, but the romance developed pretty quickly. One second they are avoiding one another & not really talking, the next they are in love. Meh.
Not a bad story, but the romance developed pretty quickly. One second they are avoiding one another & not really talking, the next they are in love. Meh.
December 22, 2018
The whole kingdom issues are incredibly flimsy and seemed contrived to push the plot, which is annoying and little else in the story make up for those flaws.
February 6, 2022
lam so in love with the book
July 4, 2018
The angst comes from Emir's heartbreak over losing his beloved wife almost a year ago, being powerless and subjected to the traditions of his ancient country, duty to the people, promises to first his father, then his dead wife, loving Amy but seemingly unable to marry her...Amy's supposed infertility and thus inability to marry Emir added to the anguish. The poor motherless twins being deemed less worthy because they were girls and couldn't rule by law added to the whole mess.
It took a wise and brave Emir to come to his decision.
I am glad things turned out well for both countries, and who knows the prediction might come true,but in mysterious ways nobody expected. Clemira + Tariq = Alzanirz again?
Some people found it tricky for a hero to have had a dead wife in the story; as in if the first wife had not died he'd be in HEA with her so our heroine was second best. But based on little things said, it seemed love had come after marriage for Emir and Hannah. She was a chosen bride. Whereas Emir had fallen in love with Amy and chose to go against tradition to marry her. If that's not true love I don't know what is.
It sucks that a lovely woman like Hannah had to die, but .i think overall it worked out well. It was made pretty clear that Emir and Amy were platonic when Hannah was still alive, otherwise it'd have been really icky! As it was, Emir felt guilty he'd started an affair with Amy before Hannah had been dead a year. I cannot imagine his grief and the tremendous amount of pressure he'd been under.
Rakhal. I thought in his book he had decided not to be cruel and did not send the pink sapphires as baby gifts. But her we learnt that he'd had them delivered to Emir on the morning sheikha Queen Hannah had died. How much more cruel could it get? Not that Rakhal could predict her death, but he had to know Hannah waas in bad shape and this taunting gift should never have been given. I was so happy to see Emir flinging them back to Rakhal!
It took a wise and brave Emir to come to his decision.
I am glad things turned out well for both countries, and who knows the prediction might come true,but in mysterious ways nobody expected. Clemira + Tariq = Alzanirz again?
Some people found it tricky for a hero to have had a dead wife in the story; as in if the first wife had not died he'd be in HEA with her so our heroine was second best. But based on little things said, it seemed love had come after marriage for Emir and Hannah. She was a chosen bride. Whereas Emir had fallen in love with Amy and chose to go against tradition to marry her. If that's not true love I don't know what is.
It sucks that a lovely woman like Hannah had to die, but .i think overall it worked out well. It was made pretty clear that Emir and Amy were platonic when Hannah was still alive, otherwise it'd have been really icky! As it was, Emir felt guilty he'd started an affair with Amy before Hannah had been dead a year. I cannot imagine his grief and the tremendous amount of pressure he'd been under.
Rakhal. I thought in his book he had decided not to be cruel and did not send the pink sapphires as baby gifts. But her we learnt that he'd had them delivered to Emir on the morning sheikha Queen Hannah had died. How much more cruel could it get? Not that Rakhal could predict her death, but he had to know Hannah waas in bad shape and this taunting gift should never have been given. I was so happy to see Emir flinging them back to Rakhal!
November 22, 2020
Okay this started out good and I was really into it and then it suddenly got very strange. It started out as a kind of enemies to lovers thing but then the writing just fell apart. It's like it just devolved. Amy cries TOO much, Emir suddenly didn't make any sense. The sex scenes weren't really that great. And the writing was confusing as all hell. 2 Stars simply because I liked the beginning, thought the ending was sweet, and because it was a fun short read.
July 22, 2017
I liked this story a lot although it was pretty obvious what the finale would be when heroine toldabout her inability to have children. Nevertheless it's a good story even though men are pretty much straight from cave nevermind their helicopters, jets and other modern toys. I'm glad they sort things out between themselves.
June 29, 2019
The ending was just a little too perfect, but it was otherwise enjoyable.
March 9, 2021
Στη σκιά του θρόνου - Carol Marinelli , Χρυσά, 1636
March 19, 2022
Fun and Daring
July 24, 2022
Florid writing, the obstacles were not psychological, and the Sultan was kind of a dick.
June 20, 2023
Excellent
I love these old books and this one was well written. King, children and a queen that passed away and a nanny. Great love story. Enjoy
I love these old books and this one was well written. King, children and a queen that passed away and a nanny. Great love story. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews