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Desert Ecstasy
Kismet.
Exquisitely beautiful, Lady Christa Horton was a helpless prisoner in an exotic land, destined for white slavery in the bey's harem until fate left her at the mercy of quite a different master.
They called him the Desert Hawk, for he rose from the burning sands like a bird of prey to swoop down on his enemies. Dark and ruthless, he took what he wanted... and he wanted Christa.
Sweeping her into the desert dawn, he stripped away her defenses, seduced her yearning body, and convinced her beyond all doubt that destiny itself had willed their searing love.
Exquisitely beautiful, Lady Christa Horton was a helpless prisoner in an exotic land, destined for white slavery in the bey's harem until fate left her at the mercy of quite a different master.
They called him the Desert Hawk, for he rose from the burning sands like a bird of prey to swoop down on his enemies. Dark and ruthless, he took what he wanted... and he wanted Christa.
Sweeping her into the desert dawn, he stripped away her defenses, seduced her yearning body, and convinced her beyond all doubt that destiny itself had willed their searing love.
438 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
8 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Connie Mason
140 books534 followersConnie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 10, 2016
A wonderful romantic read. Really enjoyed this book
December 26, 2018
The premise of this book is kismet. The heir to the Duke of Marlborough sees Christa at a ball and falls instantly in love with her. Now, he is also the bey of some desert kingdom and who cares which one, really? The fact that he's the Duke of Marlborough is already obviously historically impossible, so we're rolling with it.
Anyway, they meet in the garden maze (of course) and then somehow end up on the same boat that is attacked by pirates. Villainy ensues and our lovers are torn apart, brought together, torn apart and then brought together repeatedly.
The high points: the sex is sexy and the hero is HOT. Bad points: Sooooo predictable.
Anyway, they meet in the garden maze (of course) and then somehow end up on the same boat that is attacked by pirates. Villainy ensues and our lovers are torn apart, brought together, torn apart and then brought together repeatedly.
The high points: the sex is sexy and the hero is HOT. Bad points: Sooooo predictable.
October 21, 2011
A fun read. I have to say I like the heroine's methods of avoiding rape by a couple villains.
One small nit to pick, though. I wish Mason had been a bit more thorough with historical research. Shipboard weddings, far as I can find, didn't happen in those days, and probably wouldn't have been recognized as legal. Meh. No big. And maybe she found some historical info I've missed.
One small nit to pick, though. I wish Mason had been a bit more thorough with historical research. Shipboard weddings, far as I can find, didn't happen in those days, and probably wouldn't have been recognized as legal. Meh. No big. And maybe she found some historical info I've missed.
February 9, 2025
Decisamente i romance con pirati berberi e vita da harem non sono la mia tazza di 🍵.
Mi sembrano un po’ tutti uguali, con la giovane protagonista che sfugge sempre a sguardi lascivi e violenze durante e dopo la cattura, poi che diviene l’oggetto del desiderio del padrone cattivo dell’harem, ma grazie a trucchetti elementari, resta inviolata, e che, poi, ovviamente viene salvata dall’eroe buono che rinuncia a qualsiasi concubina per lei (seeee).
Questo romanzone rientra nel genere, ma aggiunge addirittura un elemento in più, poiché il protagonista, oltre a essere figlio favorito del bey, è anche erede di un duca inglese (nonostante sia illegittimo, nato da madre inglese mai sposata e padre berbero).
Insomma, non credo che al tempo sarebbe stato manco considerato papabile in linea di successione per il ducato, ma la Mason non aggiunge note storiche o spiegazioni, quindi non lo sapremo mai.
E, ovviamente, Mark/Ahmed ha preso le cose positive da entrambe le civiltà, ma è illuminato e progressista su tutto.
Salvo aver scaricato un'amante cinque minuti prima e decidere che la dolce e virginale Christa (sì, vabbè) sarà la "sua" donna per sempre cinque minuti dopo.
Non l'ho sopportato dall'inizio e gli artifizi utilizzati per far superare a lei centinaia di pagine incolume, al di là di ogni coerenza, mi hanno fatto alzare di continuo gli occhi al cielo.
Come sempre sono gusti.
Mi sembrano un po’ tutti uguali, con la giovane protagonista che sfugge sempre a sguardi lascivi e violenze durante e dopo la cattura, poi che diviene l’oggetto del desiderio del padrone cattivo dell’harem, ma grazie a trucchetti elementari, resta inviolata, e che, poi, ovviamente viene salvata dall’eroe buono che rinuncia a qualsiasi concubina per lei (seeee).
Questo romanzone rientra nel genere, ma aggiunge addirittura un elemento in più, poiché il protagonista, oltre a essere figlio favorito del bey, è anche erede di un duca inglese (nonostante sia illegittimo, nato da madre inglese mai sposata e padre berbero).
Insomma, non credo che al tempo sarebbe stato manco considerato papabile in linea di successione per il ducato, ma la Mason non aggiunge note storiche o spiegazioni, quindi non lo sapremo mai.
E, ovviamente, Mark/Ahmed ha preso le cose positive da entrambe le civiltà, ma è illuminato e progressista su tutto.
Salvo aver scaricato un'amante cinque minuti prima e decidere che la dolce e virginale Christa (sì, vabbè) sarà la "sua" donna per sempre cinque minuti dopo.
Non l'ho sopportato dall'inizio e gli artifizi utilizzati per far superare a lei centinaia di pagine incolume, al di là di ogni coerenza, mi hanno fatto alzare di continuo gli occhi al cielo.
Come sempre sono gusti.
January 7, 2024
What drew me to this book was the promise of a unique setting. The story takes place in the Barbery states and follows a couple (Christa and Mark/Ahmed) through various misadventures. To my disappointment, much of the story is centered around England, so much so that even Mark/Ahmed takes on a predominantly English role most of the story. The first 2/3rds of the book are focused around sailing to the aforementioned region or in various locals.
Overall I felt like the story had a very "western" view of the North African states. Everything is described as "exotic" or "barbaric" and I felt like the author did very little to try and paint an image that hinted at any positivity. For every positive that is given to the unique setting there is usually a follow up of negativity. England and "western" culture is constantly held in higher regard which I found sort of frustrating and leant to the setting being more or less an exotic local to set a historical romance story in. I did still enjoy what time was spent in the region of Algeria, it was just disappointing by the 2/3rds mark it was gone and done.
As a romance story this is a "love at first sight" one. The romance is very light though as the couple is constantly being separated and fate, or kismet as it is so often called, keeps pushing them back together. To make things a bit worse their encounters lack any real romantic vibes and instead usually just end with love making. That's not an issue in my book but I would have liked a little more depth, like why do these characters love each other so much beyond physical attraction.
By the final 100 pages I was a bit bored with the constant theme of kismet. Circumstances pushing them apart while fate kept trying to push them together got exhausting, so much so that the final chapter includes these elements. I suppose it has something to do with Connie Masion being the wife of a serviceman (as stated in her bio in the back of the book) and I do sympathize with that, it just felt very over done by the end of a 400+ page story.
The last thing I'll mention is that this book was published in 1988 so it does have a number of antiquated views which may no longer hit well with more modern readers.
Overall I felt like the story had a very "western" view of the North African states. Everything is described as "exotic" or "barbaric" and I felt like the author did very little to try and paint an image that hinted at any positivity. For every positive that is given to the unique setting there is usually a follow up of negativity. England and "western" culture is constantly held in higher regard which I found sort of frustrating and leant to the setting being more or less an exotic local to set a historical romance story in. I did still enjoy what time was spent in the region of Algeria, it was just disappointing by the 2/3rds mark it was gone and done.
As a romance story this is a "love at first sight" one. The romance is very light though as the couple is constantly being separated and fate, or kismet as it is so often called, keeps pushing them back together. To make things a bit worse their encounters lack any real romantic vibes and instead usually just end with love making. That's not an issue in my book but I would have liked a little more depth, like why do these characters love each other so much beyond physical attraction.
By the final 100 pages I was a bit bored with the constant theme of kismet. Circumstances pushing them apart while fate kept trying to push them together got exhausting, so much so that the final chapter includes these elements. I suppose it has something to do with Connie Masion being the wife of a serviceman (as stated in her bio in the back of the book) and I do sympathize with that, it just felt very over done by the end of a 400+ page story.
The last thing I'll mention is that this book was published in 1988 so it does have a number of antiquated views which may no longer hit well with more modern readers.
April 20, 2008
This is one of Ms. Mason's earliest books and I didn't care for it. The characters were annoying, the story line bothered me, and good sex doesn't mean love. I didn't care for the harem theme, either. This was set in Constantine, but is also on sea, England, etc. Mark was also Desert Hawk and on a vendetta to gain back is throne...
September 8, 2025
I started picking up vintage romance books because I disposed of mine (I don’t know why) and realized this is the third book in the past six months that I had read many many years ago. It is a desert romance and I had forgotten how much I love these types of books. It also reminded me of my first Johanna Lindsey book (Captive Bride) which is also a five star read. A little bit of everything is in this book and I was there for every scene. It is crazy train. Even though I know it is a romance I still had a few moments when I didn’t know if the love story would be wrecked or if Christa and Mark/Ahmed could make it. Gripping.
July 18, 2023
"Desert Ecstasy" by Connie Mason is a historical romance novel in the Middle East. The romance is the two main characters, Zara and Jamal, and is focused on kismet (destiny). Their first attraction is strong and evolves into a deep emotional connection throughout the book. The book is full of adventure and action, and different happenings that keep you on edge. The battles between the tribes are exciting, and the descriptions of the Middle Eastern landscape are vivid and immersive.
June 24, 2024
This one was good, though I could have done without one of the secondary characters being raped by multiple men, one would have been horrible enough!
I liked the MC, though the H was a bit dense at times where the OW was concerned. There were two OM, both equally crappy, each in their own way.
If you're a true romantic, then you'll be happy to know that, along with the H and h, two other couples get their HEA.
I liked the MC, though the H was a bit dense at times where the OW was concerned. There were two OM, both equally crappy, each in their own way.
If you're a true romantic, then you'll be happy to know that, along with the H and h, two other couples get their HEA.
February 27, 2025
Due protagonisti ben caratterizzati per una trama dove non mancano avvincenti colpi di scena, incognite e segreti da svelare. Il racconto è intrigante, scorrevole e appassionante. Le descrizioni ambientali sono accurate e coinvolgenti e perfettamente calate nell’atmosfera magica che aleggia attorno ai protagonisti. I dialoghi risultano sciolti e ben impostati e danno tanta vitalità a tutto il racconto. Lo stile narrativo è fluido, la lettura è scorrevole.
July 24, 2025
I liked this one, especially since it didn't go over-the-top like so many of Ms. Mason's storylines tend to do. It did get a bit frustrating, the way the H and were continually separated, but it was necessary for the story.
You get the OM and OW, both selfish and conniving and should have been a couple, they'd deserve each other. There are also two secondary couples that keep the story even mor entertaining.
Worth reading!
You get the OM and OW, both selfish and conniving and should have been a couple, they'd deserve each other. There are also two secondary couples that keep the story even mor entertaining.
Worth reading!
August 2, 2024
Relatively good read. An Arabian knights type of storyline. He is a prince, future ruler and also heir to a dukedom while she is a diplomate's daughter. Obstacles forever keep them apart put fate always brings them back together.
September 7, 2012
I came by this 80s copy - sheiks, pirates (uh oh), kingdoms, revenge, murder, lust - I had to read every review and spoiler to make sure I didn't inadvertently read another one of those dastardly rape filled bodice rippers.
A good read I enjoyed the h & h's loyalty and devotion to each other.
1988/438 pages/BMI
A good read I enjoyed the h & h's loyalty and devotion to each other.
1988/438 pages/BMI
April 18, 2015
i grew weary of all the times christa and mark wud get separated! however, this was a marvelous read! connie kept me on my toes ! i was always wondering what wud happen next! i especially loved dat christa was not harmed/raped. it cud have been sheer hell for her but connie saved her though it was not always logical. i also loved dat mark renounced his arabian heritage in the end as it showed dat it was really christa which counted the most and he was willing to give his heritage up to be wid the woman he loved, to give her the respect she deserved as his wife. as in his arab world, christa cud only ever be his concubine, she wud not be accepted as his wife. add to dat, i was very disgusted by the way they treated women der and was glad christa wud not be returning to dat piece of shit country!
July 5, 2013
ho sempre adorato la Mason,ma credo che questo sia il libro che meno mi è piaciuto. probabilmente perchè le storie in cui sono presenti gli harem arabi non mi sono mai piaciute: l'idea continuamente rimarcata della donna solo come oggetto di sfoghi maschili mi irrita e ancora di più leggere di donne confinate tra quelle 4 mura felici di questa condizione di inferiorità, subordinazione e di ignoranza. so che quelle realtà ci sono state per molto tempo in quella parte del mondo,ma questo non mi vieta di mal sopportarle! lo stile della Mason resta sempre molto fluido e scorrevole...la trama forse è un pò troppo contorta...
May 20, 2013
Tis is the 4th time I've read this book! Absolutly AMAZING
October 23, 2017
YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS STORY? ITS COVER. FOR ALL THE DRAMATIC ANGST THAT MASON IS FAMOUS FOR...THIS ONE FELL SHORT AND DRAGGED OUT.
OUR HERO is a Duke in England, yet a Prince in the Desert, depending on which title he wishes to take yet he inherited both due to his dual parental background. His mother was a British slave, captured and gifted to the Sheikh who in turn fell in love with his concubine and made his son his heir. Mark or Ahmed is driven by revenge throughout this entire story and it gets a bit long winded when he has already fallen in love with the heroine but had too many other obstacles to overcome, most which were more annoying than useful. As a character, I don't find him particularly worthy because while he claims to love the heroine, he is quick to judge her. So technically there was no trust. He just struck me as overbearingly arrogant sometimes, it just irked.
OUR HEROINE is a beautiful blonde, who has no shortage of suitors. When she met Mark, it was love at first sight for her. And after a little tete a tete in the garden, their lives were intertwined forever. When she departed England on a ship bound for Tunis, she is surprised that a mystery passenger on board was indeed Ahmed. As they consummate their relationship because the hero was such a pig most of the time....they were constantly thwarted by his old mistress....who proved as annoying as most of Mason's evil mistresses. I didn't envy what our heroine had to go through, becoming a captive of sorts because of her relationship with Ahmed and he was sort of warring with his brother....
OVERALL this was okay, nothing to get you sighing or tied up in knots about. The characters were pretty Mason Cardboard Cut Outs.
OUR HERO is a Duke in England, yet a Prince in the Desert, depending on which title he wishes to take yet he inherited both due to his dual parental background. His mother was a British slave, captured and gifted to the Sheikh who in turn fell in love with his concubine and made his son his heir. Mark or Ahmed is driven by revenge throughout this entire story and it gets a bit long winded when he has already fallen in love with the heroine but had too many other obstacles to overcome, most which were more annoying than useful. As a character, I don't find him particularly worthy because while he claims to love the heroine, he is quick to judge her. So technically there was no trust. He just struck me as overbearingly arrogant sometimes, it just irked.
OUR HEROINE is a beautiful blonde, who has no shortage of suitors. When she met Mark, it was love at first sight for her. And after a little tete a tete in the garden, their lives were intertwined forever. When she departed England on a ship bound for Tunis, she is surprised that a mystery passenger on board was indeed Ahmed. As they consummate their relationship because the hero was such a pig most of the time....they were constantly thwarted by his old mistress....who proved as annoying as most of Mason's evil mistresses. I didn't envy what our heroine had to go through, becoming a captive of sorts because of her relationship with Ahmed and he was sort of warring with his brother....
OVERALL this was okay, nothing to get you sighing or tied up in knots about. The characters were pretty Mason Cardboard Cut Outs.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews