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Sheikhs of Al Sounam #1
Taken by the Sheikh
Abducted. Seduced. Purring. Laurel de Courcey is captured by terrorists, chained up in a disgusting bunker, and ransomed for a video demand which is shown world-wide. Ooops - wrong hostage! Who'd expect a shy Kiwi nanny to be worth anything? Laurel's soon tied up in Sheikh Rafiq's bed instead, because he rescues her and appoints himself her personal bodyguard. Very personal. But she has good reason to distrust men. Imprisoned in his old royal hunting lodge deep in the desert 'for her own protection', Laurel rebels. Spectacular fireworks, dangerous escape attempts, and an impossible love affair follow.
Warning: contains one red-hot Sheikh with a wicked tongue and unlimited stamina.
Warning: contains one red-hot Sheikh with a wicked tongue and unlimited stamina.
ebook
First published January 7, 2012
216 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Kris Pearson
55 books147 followersKris writes sizzling contemporary romance, pure and simple. Well, maybe not that pure! They're sexy stories about couples who fall in love, and into bed along the way, just like real people do.
The Scarlet Bay series about the billionaire Wynn family consists of Summer Sparks, Summer Secrets, and Summer Spice.
Her South & Sexy books are set in her capital city of Wellington so she can make use of the beautiful harbor in the plots.
Her Heartlands series follows the girls who live deep in the New Zealand countryside.
Her all-time bestseller is 'Taken By The Sheikh', and there's 'Desired By The Sheikh' too.
She's now writing the Merry Summerfield cozy mysteries - lots of cats and dogs and amateur sleuthing. The first title is Murder in the Aisle, followed by Xmas Marks the Spot, Murder! they Meowed, and Body! they Barked.
For good measure, she's cloned herself! You'll now find some of her books in new, much sweeter editions under the author name of Kerri Peach.
Kris/Kerri is an advertising copywriter and a decor specialist, and the author of 'The Boat Builder's Bed', of which more than two million were downloaded free. Giving away this taste of her work kick-started sales of all her other novels.
Five of her novels are available in Spanish. There's a Spanish version of her website http://www.krispearson.com - click the flags at the top right of it to change languages.
The Scarlet Bay series about the billionaire Wynn family consists of Summer Sparks, Summer Secrets, and Summer Spice.
Her South & Sexy books are set in her capital city of Wellington so she can make use of the beautiful harbor in the plots.
Her Heartlands series follows the girls who live deep in the New Zealand countryside.
Her all-time bestseller is 'Taken By The Sheikh', and there's 'Desired By The Sheikh' too.
She's now writing the Merry Summerfield cozy mysteries - lots of cats and dogs and amateur sleuthing. The first title is Murder in the Aisle, followed by Xmas Marks the Spot, Murder! they Meowed, and Body! they Barked.
For good measure, she's cloned herself! You'll now find some of her books in new, much sweeter editions under the author name of Kerri Peach.
Kris/Kerri is an advertising copywriter and a decor specialist, and the author of 'The Boat Builder's Bed', of which more than two million were downloaded free. Giving away this taste of her work kick-started sales of all her other novels.
Five of her novels are available in Spanish. There's a Spanish version of her website http://www.krispearson.com - click the flags at the top right of it to change languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 20, 2018
Me tentaron con esta novela ya que el argumento “no es el típico de las novelas de Jeques de Harlequín” –me dijeron. Y sí, es cierto. Pero tampoco es mucho más, a pesar que se le podría haber sacado mucho jugo a una historia que tiene de todo un poco, pero no se profundiza en ninguno de esos “todos”. Incluso, mientras leía, yo misma iba pensando en giros y subtramas que le hubieran dado mucho suspenso e intriga pero, por el contrario, todo transcurre muy lineal y con un desenlace que se sospecha a leguas.
Afortunadamente no nos encontramos con un Síndrome de Estocolmo ya que, en realidad, Rafiq es un infiltrado en el grupo terrorista que secuestra a Laurel y al ver por donde iría la situación, maquina un engaño para liberarla y que, a la vez, él no sea descubierto. Pero sí nos daremos un tremendo cabezazo con un insta-love de esos épicos (sólo dos días), que la verdad no es muy creíble.
Un 2,5 sería una valoración más acertada, pero también reconozco que el argumento de la novela es original, que está bien escrita, atrapa, entretiene y se lee en un suspiro, así que van 3 estrellitas.
Afortunadamente no nos encontramos con un Síndrome de Estocolmo ya que, en realidad, Rafiq es un infiltrado en el grupo terrorista que secuestra a Laurel y al ver por donde iría la situación, maquina un engaño para liberarla y que, a la vez, él no sea descubierto. Pero sí nos daremos un tremendo cabezazo con un insta-love de esos épicos (sólo dos días), que la verdad no es muy creíble.
Un 2,5 sería una valoración más acertada, pero también reconozco que el argumento de la novela es original, que está bien escrita, atrapa, entretiene y se lee en un suspiro, así que van 3 estrellitas.
January 9, 2015
RESEÑA y CRÍTICA completa en el blog... http://adictabooks.blogspot.com.es/20...
Nos encontramos con una historia de amor internacional donde ella tiene una cultura muy diferente a la de él. Aunque además nos topamos con que él pertenece a la familia real de “Al Sounam”.
En esta novela nos encontramos con conspiraciones, perdidas, cambios de escenografía, pasión, desconfianza, amistad y cordialidad, protocolo, realidad y fantasía… Una gran mezcla de emociones que culminan con una historia de amor divertida, pasional, refrescante y llorosa jaja.
El final es muy emotivo que coloca la guinda a una novela poco prometedora para mí, por el tema del jeque pero que al leerla me ha cambiado totalmente mi forma de pensar en estos personajes.
Nos encontramos con una historia de amor internacional donde ella tiene una cultura muy diferente a la de él. Aunque además nos topamos con que él pertenece a la familia real de “Al Sounam”.
En esta novela nos encontramos con conspiraciones, perdidas, cambios de escenografía, pasión, desconfianza, amistad y cordialidad, protocolo, realidad y fantasía… Una gran mezcla de emociones que culminan con una historia de amor divertida, pasional, refrescante y llorosa jaja.
El final es muy emotivo que coloca la guinda a una novela poco prometedora para mí, por el tema del jeque pero que al leerla me ha cambiado totalmente mi forma de pensar en estos personajes.
April 29, 2013
Happy ending! Whooop!
Laurel is kidnapped. They think she's an American girl but she's not. The abducted her, tied her and recorded her. But it turns out one of the kidnapper are not who she think he is. He's a sheikh!
Fariq is enchanted by Laurel's fierceness. He has to protect her from those animals. What will happen next?
Simple story with pleasant Hero. Fariq's so tender towards Laurel and that's unusual compare to any other Sheikh story I've read. But I like him. Laurel is one sweet girl. Despite her awful past, she change Rafiq's heart and I think that's nice.
Very good to read and definitely worth your time. Way to go, Miss Pearson! :)
Laurel is kidnapped. They think she's an American girl but she's not. The abducted her, tied her and recorded her. But it turns out one of the kidnapper are not who she think he is. He's a sheikh!
Fariq is enchanted by Laurel's fierceness. He has to protect her from those animals. What will happen next?
Simple story with pleasant Hero. Fariq's so tender towards Laurel and that's unusual compare to any other Sheikh story I've read. But I like him. Laurel is one sweet girl. Despite her awful past, she change Rafiq's heart and I think that's nice.
Very good to read and definitely worth your time. Way to go, Miss Pearson! :)
September 19, 2012
Fantastic story! My first time ever reading about a'Sheikh' and i loved every second of it, it wont be the last time either. I loved that some of the story, how ever little was based in New Zealand, its not often i find something based in my home country, it made me feel proud to be a Kiwi. ;)
I have to thank the author 'Kris Pearson' for the honor of reading her romance novel. Thank you so much for the copy you sent me, you words, though written, transported me deep with in the adventure. You have such talent and i look forwards to reading more of your work.
I have to thank the author 'Kris Pearson' for the honor of reading her romance novel. Thank you so much for the copy you sent me, you words, though written, transported me deep with in the adventure. You have such talent and i look forwards to reading more of your work.
September 16, 2015
Classic Sheikh Read
There is nothing like reading a romantic Sheikh book.
There are the most intense, powerful, passionate lovers.
In this book I like that there was a build up and then in the end I was bracing myself for what the end would be like and wasn't disappointed.
The story line kept me gripped to the very end.
It was just a natural development of how a passionate relationship with a typical Sheikh would develop.
There is nothing like reading a romantic Sheikh book.
There are the most intense, powerful, passionate lovers.
In this book I like that there was a build up and then in the end I was bracing myself for what the end would be like and wasn't disappointed.
The story line kept me gripped to the very end.
It was just a natural development of how a passionate relationship with a typical Sheikh would develop.
July 16, 2023
2.5
15 -Un libro de un autor(a) de las islas del Pacífico.
New Zealand
15 -Un libro de un autor(a) de las islas del Pacífico.
New Zealand
September 26, 2025
September 2025
3.5 stars
A Simple & Sexy Contemporary Romance
I found this in my KU recommendations and decided to give it a try. I didn't know anything about it, except for the title. After DNF-ing a number of books, I was a bit desperate. It turned out to be a fun, easy-to-read fantasy with little depth and few details. Thankfully, it worked for me, and I enjoyed the romance, which reminded me of old movies and felt very romantic.
Regarding the sex scenes, they were sexy without being crude or overly explicit. There were enough details to understand what was happening, but the scenes weren't dragged out and didn't overshadow the main plot. They're exactly to my current tastes.
Once again, we have a blonde, blue-eyed heroine with no family, friends, or love interests. She has a sad past and little happiness. Being mistaken for the wrong woman and getting kidnapped ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her, as she finds the love of her life. The story is like a fairytale, with attraction leading quickly to sex and love. The few problems are easily resolved. Still, it was entertaining, held my interest, and had a satisfying ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read that required no skimming.
♥︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵♥︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵♥
🛑 Plot Summary with Spoilers: 🛑
Laurel (23), is a nanny for an American diplomatic family who are vacationing in Kalal, a small seaside resort. Mistaken for the diplomat's daughter, she's kidnapped. She's feisty and fights her captors, who video her to demand the release of seven terrorists.
Laurel's Sad Story: Her mother died when she was five, and she was placed in foster care. She endured a traumatic experience with a foster family, where she was locked up and assaulted by the son. Since then, she’s feared men and being confined.
Rafiq (28), one of the kidnappers, helps her escape. He makes it look like she knocked him out, and sends her to his family's hunting lodge. He turns out to be the son of the late Sheikh, survivor of a terrorist attack eleven years ago that killed his family. His uncle became king in his place while he recovered, trained in special services, and now works undercover to take down terrorist cell groups.
Laurel must stay at the lodge and be presumed dead for her safety, while he finishes his current job. During that time, they grow closer, sharing several sensual scenes. Laurel starts out outspoken and demanding but soon becomes more sensible and cooperative.
Feeling like there's no safety or freedom for Laurel, Rafiq decides to send her away. Meanwhile, her grandfather recognizes her from the hostage video, recalling his daughter Deborah who left home at eighteen. He travels to Al Sounam to bring Laurel home, and though happy to meet him, she's heartbroken to leave Rafiq.
Laurel and her grandfather return to his horse stud in New Zealand. While she loves it there, she deeply misses Rafiq. She treasures an expensive gold case with a note from him she finds in her suitcase. Months later, Rafiq reappears after finishing his undercover work, and giving the throne to his uncle. After the MCs have a happy reunion, Rafiq becomes part owner of Trinity Stud and the couple get married. In the final scene, a year later, their son is born. HEA.
3.5 stars
A Simple & Sexy Contemporary Romance
I found this in my KU recommendations and decided to give it a try. I didn't know anything about it, except for the title. After DNF-ing a number of books, I was a bit desperate. It turned out to be a fun, easy-to-read fantasy with little depth and few details. Thankfully, it worked for me, and I enjoyed the romance, which reminded me of old movies and felt very romantic.
Regarding the sex scenes, they were sexy without being crude or overly explicit. There were enough details to understand what was happening, but the scenes weren't dragged out and didn't overshadow the main plot. They're exactly to my current tastes.
Once again, we have a blonde, blue-eyed heroine with no family, friends, or love interests. She has a sad past and little happiness. Being mistaken for the wrong woman and getting kidnapped ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her, as she finds the love of her life. The story is like a fairytale, with attraction leading quickly to sex and love. The few problems are easily resolved. Still, it was entertaining, held my interest, and had a satisfying ending.
Overall, an enjoyable read that required no skimming.
♥︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵♥︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵♥
🛑 Plot Summary with Spoilers: 🛑
Laurel (23), is a nanny for an American diplomatic family who are vacationing in Kalal, a small seaside resort. Mistaken for the diplomat's daughter, she's kidnapped. She's feisty and fights her captors, who video her to demand the release of seven terrorists.
Laurel's Sad Story: Her mother died when she was five, and she was placed in foster care. She endured a traumatic experience with a foster family, where she was locked up and assaulted by the son. Since then, she’s feared men and being confined.
Rafiq (28), one of the kidnappers, helps her escape. He makes it look like she knocked him out, and sends her to his family's hunting lodge. He turns out to be the son of the late Sheikh, survivor of a terrorist attack eleven years ago that killed his family. His uncle became king in his place while he recovered, trained in special services, and now works undercover to take down terrorist cell groups.
Laurel must stay at the lodge and be presumed dead for her safety, while he finishes his current job. During that time, they grow closer, sharing several sensual scenes. Laurel starts out outspoken and demanding but soon becomes more sensible and cooperative.
Feeling like there's no safety or freedom for Laurel, Rafiq decides to send her away. Meanwhile, her grandfather recognizes her from the hostage video, recalling his daughter Deborah who left home at eighteen. He travels to Al Sounam to bring Laurel home, and though happy to meet him, she's heartbroken to leave Rafiq.
Laurel and her grandfather return to his horse stud in New Zealand. While she loves it there, she deeply misses Rafiq. She treasures an expensive gold case with a note from him she finds in her suitcase. Months later, Rafiq reappears after finishing his undercover work, and giving the throne to his uncle. After the MCs have a happy reunion, Rafiq becomes part owner of Trinity Stud and the couple get married. In the final scene, a year later, their son is born. HEA.
August 31, 2020
Laurel was captured by mistake by the sheikh who was undercover as a terrorist. Once he realized they had the wrong person he was able to get her away from the other terrorists who planned to cause her brutal harm. He took her to his home to keep her safe. During their time together they developed feelings for each other. But the sheikh knew he couldn't keep her safe. She returned home with her grandfather. The sheikh longed for her so bad he gave up the thorn to be with her.
If there was a 4.5 rating that us how i would've rated this book.
Laurel's character was immature. I envisioned her stomping her feet like a kid to get what she wanted regardless of the danger.
If there was a 4.5 rating that us how i would've rated this book.
Laurel's character was immature. I envisioned her stomping her feet like a kid to get what she wanted regardless of the danger.
September 9, 2025
Trusting love
Stories like this are why I read romance! Misunderstanding, miscommunication and some covert shenanigans keep the story moving and our interest peaked, and then of course unquenchable love!
Stories like this are why I read romance! Misunderstanding, miscommunication and some covert shenanigans keep the story moving and our interest peaked, and then of course unquenchable love!
March 18, 2018
Interesting story with HEA believe it or not
Read
January 23, 2020Awesome. Totally wicked and wonderful. Nice to be able to read something that isn't negative even if it's not a real story. So thoroughly enjoyed my escapism.
February 23, 2022
Very enjoyable. Different to most sheikh books.
July 10, 2022
good east beach read
East read, enjoyable good for a plane ride by the pool or on the beach while you enjoy your holiday
East read, enjoyable good for a plane ride by the pool or on the beach while you enjoy your holiday
November 28, 2023
Not taken!
Okay, read. Not a page turned or stay up late to finish. In fact took me awhile to get into and finish.
Okay, read. Not a page turned or stay up late to finish. In fact took me awhile to get into and finish.
Read
September 8, 2025FREE today (September 8, 2025) on Amazon
September 12, 2025
Great Read!!
I really loved reading “ Taken by the Sheik “ By Kris Pearson”.
This book is full of Suspense , Kidnapping, Romance!
I Really Loved reading this!!
I really loved reading “ Taken by the Sheik “ By Kris Pearson”.
This book is full of Suspense , Kidnapping, Romance!
I Really Loved reading this!!
August 5, 2019
This book has it all!
It may begin as terrifying and rough, but from the second Rafiq pulls Lauren's body against him in the back of the van he knows she is his. His to protect, his to seduce.....and his to love, even if this means sending her away from him to protect her - after a little fun and a lot of steamy, hot sex! He will do whatever he can to protect her from those he is working with, those who want to torment her, share her and destroy her - even if that means sacrificing his own life and happiness to do it.
Laurel is a sexy, feisty, angry woman, especially when she is ripped from her life and thrown into the back of a van. She may have grown up in the foster system and graduated from the school of hard knocks, but she is completely innocent when it comes to love, passion and sex. She is completely thrown by the instant feelings she has for Rafiq and who better to teach her than this dark, brooding, gorgeous man who has protected her from the hideous acts she could see in the eyes of her kidnappers.
Even with the kidnapping I found this book deceivingly sweet and loving, but don't be fooled it is still steaming hot, sexy and dirty - a great read!
It may begin as terrifying and rough, but from the second Rafiq pulls Lauren's body against him in the back of the van he knows she is his. His to protect, his to seduce.....and his to love, even if this means sending her away from him to protect her - after a little fun and a lot of steamy, hot sex! He will do whatever he can to protect her from those he is working with, those who want to torment her, share her and destroy her - even if that means sacrificing his own life and happiness to do it.
Laurel is a sexy, feisty, angry woman, especially when she is ripped from her life and thrown into the back of a van. She may have grown up in the foster system and graduated from the school of hard knocks, but she is completely innocent when it comes to love, passion and sex. She is completely thrown by the instant feelings she has for Rafiq and who better to teach her than this dark, brooding, gorgeous man who has protected her from the hideous acts she could see in the eyes of her kidnappers.
Even with the kidnapping I found this book deceivingly sweet and loving, but don't be fooled it is still steaming hot, sexy and dirty - a great read!
November 21, 2016
No thanks...
Stacy from book 2 wasn't always the sharpest tack in the box but I can't imagine him ever being the pig the Rafiq is... He just "saved" from rasping,murdering terrorists and gave pretty rough treatment and yet all he can think about is when he can F her.... Eeeeewwwwww, and as ditzy as Stacy felt at times ( I mean Akil is a wealthy sheikh who has a personal relationship w/the royal family and lives in the palace and even says he grew up there playing w/cousins and she is totally surprised he's the prince ? Not that bright) but ditzy as Stacy was I still think she me smarter than Laurel turned on by the jerk on second and mouthing off to him the next.....I mean how fast can Stockholm syndrome set in ? Coz Laurel was drooling over this guy way too fast,couldn't stand either,he truly was a pig and she was an idiot... Could not finish hated everything ;( how could book two be soo good when this is soo awful... Soo much for hoping bad reviews were wrong ;(
Stacy from book 2 wasn't always the sharpest tack in the box but I can't imagine him ever being the pig the Rafiq is... He just "saved" from rasping,murdering terrorists and gave pretty rough treatment and yet all he can think about is when he can F her.... Eeeeewwwwww, and as ditzy as Stacy felt at times ( I mean Akil is a wealthy sheikh who has a personal relationship w/the royal family and lives in the palace and even says he grew up there playing w/cousins and she is totally surprised he's the prince ? Not that bright) but ditzy as Stacy was I still think she me smarter than Laurel turned on by the jerk on second and mouthing off to him the next.....I mean how fast can Stockholm syndrome set in ? Coz Laurel was drooling over this guy way too fast,couldn't stand either,he truly was a pig and she was an idiot... Could not finish hated everything ;( how could book two be soo good when this is soo awful... Soo much for hoping bad reviews were wrong ;(
May 1, 2016
nTaken by the Sheikh:Sheikh,s Kidnapped Romance by Kris Pesrson
Great Sheikh book loved every moment of it Great story author was awesome she was kidnapped by mistake but he got tide of the bad guys and set her free sent her to his house keep her there feel in love with her told her he was a king working undercover had to keep her safe her grandfather seen her picture on tv came to rescue her the Sheikh got in touch sent her away three months later he go e up everything and comes after her and they marry there is a lot good stuff I'eaving out you need to read the book it'd great you will bbc.co e sorry if you don't enjoy Margie
Great Sheikh book loved every moment of it Great story author was awesome she was kidnapped by mistake but he got tide of the bad guys and set her free sent her to his house keep her there feel in love with her told her he was a king working undercover had to keep her safe her grandfather seen her picture on tv came to rescue her the Sheikh got in touch sent her away three months later he go e up everything and comes after her and they marry there is a lot good stuff I'eaving out you need to read the book it'd great you will bbc.co e sorry if you don't enjoy Margie
May 8, 2016
I was totally captivated by this story of kidnap and passion. The characters were strong, bound by a sense of duty and honour.Thrusted into a frightening hostage situation Lynsey and her abductor Rafiq find themselves in an Oasis hideaway discovering deep-boned secrets about one another unifying them together so unexpectedly and so deeply for such a concentrated period of time. As always Kris has produced a story full of romance, feelings and addictively brilliant that you can't help but keep reading to completion.
December 29, 2016
Different direction for a kidnap romance.
The story was well written and was very plausible. I liked the characters which is important in liking a book. If you hate or even dislike a main character, you're not going to like the story. This was a full length book but not overlong. I liked this HEA it gave more than the standard and they lived happily ever after. I will read more by this author. I highly recommend this book as a great read. I have always had a soft spot for Sheikh stories. SQ
The story was well written and was very plausible. I liked the characters which is important in liking a book. If you hate or even dislike a main character, you're not going to like the story. This was a full length book but not overlong. I liked this HEA it gave more than the standard and they lived happily ever after. I will read more by this author. I highly recommend this book as a great read. I have always had a soft spot for Sheikh stories. SQ
November 11, 2012
This book started off so well but took a turn for the worse. The hero is great in the beginning but turned into a harasser. Despite her background of sexual abuse , the author deemed it appropriate for the hero to now engage in such behaviour and the heroine (who is a but ditzy to begin with) apparently somewhat enjoys it DESPITE what she's been through!! Had difficulty getting through this one.
August 15, 2022
It was a nice book, I liked the characters. I would have preferred it had some dark twists because the beginning of the book was pretty dark, but for the rest of it, it was like any Harlequin book about a Sheikh. Another positive about the book was that the interactions between the characters felt natural.
December 30, 2014
Once you get over the heroine's (in my opinion) unrealistic response to a terrifying abduction and put your 'women's fantasy' head on, this novel really delivers. Very well set and with great simmering seductions, this story unfolds with pace and palpable sexual tension, but I think my favourite part had to be the little joking warning at the start. Genius!
August 10, 2012
It was just okay for me. I found it boring and it certainly wasn't passionately done. Everything seemed emotionless to me and I couldn't feel differently no matter how I tried to. I certainly wouldn't read it again. At most it was 1.5 stars, so I gave it a 2.
July 15, 2016
Oh my
This book was a great delicious read. It has a fine stud all mystery and sexy as hell. Let me say this, I couldn't, put it down till I finish. Can't wait to read another book by this author.
This book was a great delicious read. It has a fine stud all mystery and sexy as hell. Let me say this, I couldn't, put it down till I finish. Can't wait to read another book by this author.
December 30, 2016
Applause! Very unusual, xclnt plot line:)
I gave this 5 stars because it was not at all what I expected. Well written, twisty, tense, tender and beautiful settings I could picture in my mind. My first read of this author but now want more and see if she's "spot on" again.
I gave this 5 stars because it was not at all what I expected. Well written, twisty, tense, tender and beautiful settings I could picture in my mind. My first read of this author but now want more and see if she's "spot on" again.
February 3, 2012
It was....ok. Didn't love it, didn't hate it.
May 1, 2012
Weird. Completely unrealistic orientalist fantasy. But free. One of the top 20 FREE kindle books.
August 14, 2012
Look, I have a thing for Eastern men, ok? I blame Bollywood. So of course I had to read this, and it was okay. I got my fix and it wasn't terrible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews