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Rivals to the Crown of Kadar #1

Captured by the Sheikh

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"I took your bride. I'll take your throne. Because both are mine by right." 

Banishment and shame has turned Sheikh Khalil al Bakir into a man determined to reclaim the crown of Kadar from his rival. Khalil's campaign begins by kidnapping his enemy's bride-to-be. She's a means to an end, so why is he so inflamed at the thought of her in anyone's bed but his own? 

Queen Elena Karras of Thallia was prepared for a cold, mutually convenient marriage. Instead she is carried off into the sands, where the virgin queen soon discovers an unexpected desire for her sinfully sexy captor that leaves her craving more….

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

45 people are currently reading
506 people want to read

About the author

Kate Hewitt

876 books1,701 followers
Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

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5 stars
63 (23%)
4 stars
63 (23%)
3 stars
97 (36%)
2 stars
29 (10%)
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12 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,106 reviews626 followers
October 22, 2018
"Captured by the Sheikh" is the story of Elena and Khalil.

The book begins when our hero Sheikh Khalil al Bakir kidnaps the heroine just as she's about to marry Aziz, his rival to the throne of Kadar. Khalil knows he is the rightful owner of the crown, and sets out to stop the marriage that could take it away from him, as it brings two strong kingdoms together.

Initially rebellious and eager to escape, Elena knows the marriage would bring the much needed stability to her kingdom as her nemesis plot to unseat her due to her gender. But spending time with Khalil enlightens her towards the harsh truths about his past, forcing her to re-evaluate her feelings towards the marriage convenience.

Soon they engage in a passionate ONS, but as Aziz ends up getting married to his maid and secrets about Khalil's past are revealed, we can only ask the question..Can their relationship survive such tumultuous waters?

Sweet, low angst romance with a yearning beta hero, a strong heroine, some beautiful lovemaking followed by a happy ending. There wasnt much drama and couple admitted their feelings without any preamble, as well as confessed on minimal coercion.

Didn't have the oomph or good reread factor, so rounding the rating to lower denominator for once.
Safe
3.5/5
Profile Image for willaful.
1,155 reviews363 followers
August 18, 2014

(reviewed from an e-arc provided by NetGalley)

The young Queen Elena of Thallia, whose position in the throne is a precarious one, has made a very deliberate engagement with Sheikh Aziz of Kadar. Both desperately need the added stability that a judicious marriage will bring to their rule. But that's exactly what Aziz's half-brother Khalil doesn't want; instead of being taken to her fiancé, Elena finds herself a prisoner in the desert. And though she dutifully tries to escape, as time goes on, she finds herself wanting to less and less.

This has a quieter tone than you might expect from a "kidnapped by the sheikh romance," although not in a bad way. Elena and Khalil have a lot in common: along with the shared burden of responsibility towards their people, they've both had lonely lives and suffered major betrayals from people they loved. The bond between them grows naturally from their shared experiences and makes them sympathetic -- especially Elena, who is valiant in her efforts to be a good queen.

Tears pricked under her lids and she blinked them back furiously. She wasn't a little girl, to cry over a cut knee. She was a woman, a woman who'd had to prove she possessed the power and strength of a man for four endless, stormy years. It couldn't end now like this...

I enjoyed the first half of this book, which has action and danger in Elena's escape efforts, and then a bittersweet quality as the attraction between Elena and Khalil grows. I didn't like the second half quite as much; I was exasperated by how long it took the two of them to see the obvious answer to their mutual problem, and then found Khalil's shilly-shallying about his feelings to be kind of tiresome. But the end goes in an interesting direction, nicely setting up Aziz's story.
Profile Image for RomLibrary.
5,789 reviews
August 22, 2020
I took your bride. I'll take your throne. Because both are mine by right."

Banishment and shame has turned Sheikh Khalil al Bakir into a man determined to reclaim the crown of Kadar from his rival. Khalil's campaign begins by kidnapping his enemy's bride-to-be. She's a means to an end, so why is he so inflamed at the thought of her in anyone's bed but his own?

Queen Elena Karras of Thallia was prepared for a cold, mutually convenient marriage. Instead she is carried off into the sands, where the virgin queen soon discovers an unexpected desire for her sinfully sexy captor that leaves her craving more
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews78 followers
August 9, 2014
" I took your bride. I 'll take your throne. Because both are mine by right."

Those are the words spoken by Sheikh Khalil al Bakir, the banishment and shame has turned him into man determined to reclaim the crown of Kadar from his rival. He starts by kidnapping his enemy's bride-to-be. She's a means to an end, so why he get's all inflamed at the thought of her in anyone else's bed but his own is a mystery he simply does not know how to solve, nor does have the time, he has a thrown to take over.

Queen Elena Karras of Thallia is prepared for a cold, mutually convenient marriage but instead she's carried off into the desert sand, where the virgin queen soon discovers an unexpected desire for her sinfully delicious captor, and leaves her craving for more and she get's it but when the game ends will Khalil walk away and leave her broken hearted or will he see himself through her eyes?

This was a truly beautiful read of how two people learn to fight the battles of life together. I loved the fiery passion that Khalil has, but sadly his passion for the throne is overshadowed with the thoughts of revenge and of course this made him the type of hero you can only have luke warm feelings for, but it is only for a certain period on the book , because as all fans of Harlequin Presents books know, there is always something or someone that will turn the person around.

And that person was Elena, beautiful, smart and always seeing the side of a person they attempt to hide from the world. I loved Elena to bits! The author took me on a truly remarkable journey of how one man finds himself willing to fight for what he believes is his, and the one woman who let's him finally see the truth shine out from the revenge-darkness that his mind has become.

I am taking away a message of life has it's way of guiding us on the wrong path, but it's in order to find the right one. The trick of course is to not miss the right turnoff to take whilst on that wrong path, because the road up ahead might not bring along another turnoff to the road where the your calling is waiting for you.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of a excellent, deeply emotional Sheikh romance. Kate Hewitt is simply one of the most remarkable author 's of all time and with each book her writing just get's better and better!

5/5 star review
" To win the game all he has to do is see himself through her eyes"
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,160 reviews558 followers
August 2, 2014
I loved loved the virginal super sweet heroine but unfortunately hero was too cheesy and soft and nice! As a result there was zero angst and weak chemistry.
Profile Image for Jan.
78 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2014
What a wonderful, delightful book by Kate Hewitt. Loved it from the first page. Queen Elena arrived in Kadar to marry the Sheikh to save two crowns. His and hers. A marriage of convenience. Only one flaw in that plan she was whisked away by another into the desert to stop the marriage because he was the true ruler of Kadar. In his eyes. Two people had learned not to trust, that love was a weakness. At a young age, they both had been ripped apart emotionally by circumstances. Khalil banished and shamed at such a tender age only had one mission to take back what was his. The crown of Kadar as their rightful ruler, yet started to fall for this young Queen, who was strong, determined to save her own crown from those within who wanted her gone. This is a story of learning to trust, rely on each other and how love was a strength, teaching each other that support and belief in each other can see one through so much and come out the other side a better person and the future isn't always what you think it is. It was an amazing journey. Elena finally learned to let go and feel, because for so long she had to show no weakness, had to be strong, couldn't have a life outside of her royal life of duty. Can't wait to read the second book - Commanded by the Sheikh.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,829 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2014
Queen Elena have subject herself to a marriage of convenience to Sheikh Aziz of Kadar only to have whisked off by Sheikh Khalil. Khalil feels that he is the rightful heir to the throne and he will do all its takes to make sure to stop Sheikh Aziz from the throne including kidnapping his fiancée. Though Elena is kept at the dessert, she was surprise that Khalil have provides the necessity for her and she have all the comfort of a home. During their isolation in the middle of nowhere, they begin to discover about each other and the last thing that they expects it to have feelings for each other.

It is a well written with a gripping storyline set among the remote, hot desert of Kadar. Both main characters of the story are likable with both Elena and Khalil have put their people on priority over their own needs. It may sound unbelievable but this is what they willing to sacrifice for their people. Overall, it is an enjoyable read for me.
Profile Image for Reads by Starburst.
321 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2014
Captured by the Sheikh by Kate Hewitt is a well written romance around the kidnapping trope. The forbidden romance between Khalil and Elena is enjoyable due to the amazing chemistry they share. This is one of the few romances where both the hero and heroine are similar in their nature and have so much in common. They both are different in their own way but are not polar opposite as it generally happens in romance.Read More
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,063 reviews166 followers
August 10, 2014
What a refreshingly different kind of story. I loved it...right up until the end. Oh how my heart broke for Khalil. His was a bittersweet end even though he got a beautiful blessing in Elena. How devastating to find out that everything he believed was a lie. Still, I cannot help but hope for some greater reward to befall these two people who lost so very much. I am glad they found each other. I got my happily ever after, but I want more for them. And as for Aziz, his story intrigues me. Bring it on!

Rating: 4.5
Recommend: Yes

ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan in Perthshire.
2,210 reviews116 followers
October 17, 2019
I found this to be a really nice story with engaging characters who worked their way through all of their difficulties and helped each other after a lifetime of loneliness. I really like Khalil and Elena and although it took him in particular a long time to give in to the idea of loving Elena - it was an understandable reluctance. I disliked the ending - not the fact that he discovered he actually had no claim but that we were not given an insight into how he and Elena would creat a new life on Thalia which would have given him back a goal and an identity as well the happiness he deserved with Elena (and a family). I found that really disappointing so have given 3 stars instead of 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,197 reviews
November 8, 2018
The aunts secret came too close to the end of the story, also her focus on only happy things was annoying made her a shallow character about life and her denability about her nephews life mission n how her secret would affect him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
900 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2021
Fast paced story starting with Queen Elena being kidnapped by sheikh Khalil. The story ends with them being married and finding love.
Profile Image for TashNz.
729 reviews21 followers
September 1, 2014
I love dramatic and exciting beginnings and with an opening such as "Something's Wrong" I was
captured - just like Elena! Queen of Thallia! Expecting to meet her fiancee, Elena is instead
whisked away by Sheikh Khalil al Bakir, not before a dramatic attempt at escape which ends with
both rolling around on the desert runway.

Khalil intends to hold Elena captive for four days - long enough to stop her from marrying her fiancee
which will also stop Elena's fiancee being crowned ruling Sheikh. Khalil believes heart and soul he
is the rightful ruler and kidnapping Elena is part of his plan to become the ruling Sheikh. Khalil
doesnt realise Elena has her reasons for marrying Aziz, and desperate to remain queen of her people
Elena attempts to be rescued. It's impossible though and although she's young, Elena has a wise
head on her shoulders. Proving to Elena Khalil is not some barbaric warlord is a mission in
itself. It also surprises Elena, she's been kidnapped and held in the neverending desert but has
all the comforts of home. During their time together the last thing Khalil expects is to have
feelings for Elena... he doesnt have the time or inclination to trust, the last 25 years have been
leading him up to the day he retains the crown, the day is almost here but being in confined
living space in the beautiful desert Elena and Khalil grow closer and closer with Elena questioning
herself.

Khalil was one of the best Sheikhs I'd read. He was dark and dangerous, strong and fearless,
dashingly sexy, full of pride and very passionate about his people and his reasons for being
ruling Sheikh. Although raised American, he's at home in the desert and had grown into a
respected leader of his mothers people. Elena brings out a charming and witty side of himself
and Khalil is worried about these feelings he's developing.


Elena was every inch the queen, a young queen but with a wise head. She thought before she acted,
she showed grace of a queen and the tenacity of a warrior. Her plan was always to escape
but she tried to plan well given she was in the desert and death was around every corner. Expecting
barbaric treatment Elena was surprised when she was treated as a queen and with respect. Elena is at
odds with her heart when she realises Khalil is almost the first friend she has ever had in her
sheltered life. Her giving heart and compassionate soul recognises Khalil as a man of pride.

Elena and Khalil hadfantastic conversations which I well enjoyed. They were witty and throughly
enjoyable. I loved their banter and their serious moments and their indepth discussions on war.


Captured by the Sheikh is an exceptionally exciting and gripping story. Khalil's race to the crown had me on the
edge of my seat. I had breathless moments, for example, when Elena looking up to find Khalil pointing a gun at her and
shooting... My heart litterally stopped while I turned the page! Beautiful writing with magical
descriptive words flowed from the pen of Kate Hewitt. Khalil and Elena's back-stories were told with
heart and compassion. The emotions evoked were heartfelt and I didnt want to reach the end. Kate
masterfully played with Khalil and Elena, attraction was early on in the peace but she made them
wait in such a way that as a reader you almost held your breath wondering if this was it? Is this
the moment they stop wondering what if...

I find it hard to elaborate on certain things because it will give the story away, but since I've
had the book, I have read it twice and it will be read many times in the future.
A Kate Hewitt masterpiece! I can not wait for Aziz's story, I'm very interested in reading his
point of view and discovering why he does what he does in Khalil's story.
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
September 4, 2014
Title: Captured by the Sheikh

Series: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar Book #1

Author: Kate Hewitt

Genre: Romance

Thoughts: Who could resist picking up this book after reading that quote from the blurb? Kidnapping Elena is crucial to Khalil's plan to reclaim his throne, and he just has to hold her long enough to prevent her marriage to his rival - his stepbrother. Unfortunately, Elena has her own reasons for her marriage of convenience, and Khalil's efforts to reclaim his throne might cost her hers. But the longer they remain in close quarters, the stronger the desire between them grows. When the time comes for them to go their separate ways, will Khalil be able to let her go?

While this may be a storyline that has run rampant (particularly in some of the Harlequin lines), this one is definitely worth a read. I loved the characters, and the author manages to throw in a few twists and turns that makes this one really stand out from the masses. I figured I knew exactly how this story was going to end, but the author managed to surprise me. While it did have a HEA (Happily Ever After) - of course! - I was upset that I few things went totally different than I thought. I don't want to give the storyline away, or take away enjoyment for other readers, so I'll just say that I wanted to read more about how things work out in the future. Things are kind of turned topsy-turvy and my sympathies were definitely with the characters. My first reaction on finishing the book was to look for the next book in this series, so I will say that Captured by the Sheikh is a fitting title in more ways than one - readers are 'captured' and captivated from the very first page.

Rate: B+

**The next book in the series, Commanded by the Sheikh, is due out Oct. 1, 2014**
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Alejandra Ospina.
201 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2019
Es una historia de amor sencilla, corta y muy fácil de leer.
Contamos con dos personajes muy similares por lo cual logran entenderse en una situación poco común y muy rápido.
Como ya he dicho la historia es corta, esperaba un poco más, así tal vez me conectaba con los personajes. Pero es entretenida, perfecta para pasar una tarde leyendo .

Si lo tuyo son las novelas rosa cortas este libro es para ti.

Aleri
16 reviews
September 8, 2014


Determined to save her throne, Queen Elena Karras of Thallia is braced for a marriage of convenience with Sheikh Aziz al Bakir of Kadar as she disembarks from her royal jet. She is met by a disturbingly handsome stranger who whisks her away, not to the palace but to a desert camp. She has been kidnapped and all her plans are in ruin. She must escape in order to fulfill her father's dying wish for her to lead the people of Thallia. But the longer she is in the company of her captor, the more she wishes she could remain in his arms.

At last, Sheikh Khalil al Bakir has put his plans to claim his rightful place as leader of Kadar into motion. Aziz must marry within four days or lose his claim to the throne so Khalil has kidnapped his bride-to-be and will soon seize the crown. However, Queen Elena has proven to be more enticing than Khalil expected, will he be able to let her go when the time comes?

Set among the remote, hot, desert sands of Kadar, CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH by bestselling author Kate Hewitt is exotic in local, characters and story. Elena is not a weak simpering victim but a strong self-possessed monarch dedicated to her people. Khalil is also loyal and determined to do what is best for his people, even if it means kidnapping Elena. Brilliant writer Kate Hewitt, captures her readers from the first frantic “Something's wrong...” and keeps them engrossed and committed to every word until the surprise revelation at the end. A gorgeous sheikh, sumptuous surroundings and a passionate romance, what more could you want for an enjoyable escape?





Profile Image for Nas Dean.
835 reviews38 followers
September 2, 2014
CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH by author Kate Hewitt is a Harlequin Presents release for September 2014.

Sheikh Khalil al Bakir was determined to get back his rightful place as the king of Kadar. He plotted and kidnapped Elena Karas, Queen of Thallia, who was the bride-to-be of his enemy. But Elena brought out feelings in Khalil and they forged a friendship which soon turned to passion as the chemistry between them sizzled.

Could Elena now marry her groom-to-be and go into a staid passionless marriage? After all she was prepared for the marriage of convenience but she was a different person now. Could she go back to the person she was before the kidnapping? And was Khalil ready to make her his Queen?

CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH is a sizzling tale of unexpected passions. I loved the action packed, fast-paced story with all the shimmering emotions. Author Kate Hewitt will once again hook her readers with her mesmerizing story telling. I’m looking forward to the jilted grooms story now in COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH.

Recommended for all lovers of romance.
Profile Image for Camy.
Author 63 books534 followers
December 19, 2014
Really entertaining story! I love Sheikh romances so this was right up my alley. Hero was strong, dedicated to his people, but not so inhuman that I couldn't like him. Heroine was strong and regal, shaped by the conflict in her country's council and the death of her parents, and she was very easy to like. There were times she was a little bit too emotional, but on a whole she was a very worthwhile heroine, someone to root for. The attraction between them was very sexy but not lewd, and I can see how and why they fell in love even though it happened in a very short amount of time. The ending might have been a little cliche, but it was set up very well with clues throughout the story and it was, on a whole, a very satisfying ending to the book. I really enjoyed this story a lot. Harlequin Presents readers, especially sheikh romance lovers, will be sure to like this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for providing a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bec.
367 reviews21 followers
October 21, 2014
Captured by the Sheikh (Rivals to the Crown of Kadar #1) by Kate Hewitt

Book Summary
Published by - Harlequin
Release Date - 19th August 2014
Pages - 192
My Rating - 3 Stars

Review
I love Kate Hewitt's writing style and her creativity in taking something that has been done before and making it original and something that is completely her own. I have read many books from the desert and yet every time I pick up one of Kate's books I'm surprised that it isn't just same old, same old. This book is a great, quick and believable read in an out there situation. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for iamGamz.
1,549 reviews51 followers
February 17, 2015
I wasn't sure about this book. A queen gets kidnapped on her way to her wedding. The kidnapper claims to be the rightful heir to the throne of Kadar and not Queen Elena's finance.

The kidnapper, Khalil takes Queen Elena into the desert an holds her there until the date for her wedding has passed. During that time, Elena and Khalil have to fight against their attraction for each other.

It's all pretty standard until the end! Ms. Hewitt threw in a lovely twist, that I certainly did not see coming! It was an "ohmahgawd!!!" moment. And then she spoiled it with the excess of gushiness between Elena and Khalil at the end. But overall, it was a decent read. It wasn't a great story but enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lia Christo.
462 reviews
March 24, 2015
In Heart Captured, we have the story of an embittered and vengeful Khalil Sheikh, which was usurped their rights. And that to achieve his revenge will spare no effort, and will not have scruples who can hurt along the way.
Elena is a determined woman and that was created knowing exactly what to expect from your life. For the fate or not their lives will collide, and not everything that learned cease preparations for the feelings that will awaken between the two.

A story full of twists, several surprising situations, and with a completely different ending than expected. The author managed to leave me on and connected to their characters, and as I finished this story, embarked immediately on the next.
Profile Image for Su.
122 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2020
Although it was nicely symmetrical, I didn't really buy it, it just seemed a little too pat, a little too neat to believe. The whole tension point with the almost-marriage also went right over my head as unbelievable. A pity, I really enjoyed Elena and Kalil, their backgrounds and how they worked together. Perhaps if they had had more time in the desert alone together rather than focussing on politics so much it would have been more fun.
Profile Image for Bubblegum.
51 reviews16 followers
September 1, 2014
i really enjoyed reading this book. i didnt expect that twist in the end of the book. i especially liked how their sudden friendship grew into a relationship of love and trust.

there are two sides to every story... i would love to read Aziz's side of things; Rivals to the Crown of Kadar 02 - Commanded by the Sheikh. i cant wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Rgreader.
734 reviews54 followers
August 4, 2014
Very underwhelming. Something missing. Couldn't connect with the story. Didn't feel the chemistry. Gave up at almost half point.

The positive, I did like the heroine. The prose was well done just not compelling.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
Read
January 12, 2016
"Austere desert beauty sets the stage for Hewitt’s poignant tale of loss, revenge and redemption. The genuine synergetic contact with the Bedouins inspires, and the love scenes are passionately sincere" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar
Profile Image for Katherine.
54 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2014
I love a good sheikh story, but this one didn't quite do it for me. I guess I like a little more angst between the characters. The sheikh was a little too nice for my taste.
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,352 reviews47 followers
October 2, 2014
Loved this book - it kept me reading until the end.

Great fantasy and steamy romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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