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Шейх
Принцеса Зара е отраснала като воин, яздещ неотстъпно до баща си по време на битките срещу вероломните араби, нападнали страната им… И когато по време на едно внезапно нападение е пленена от шейх Джамал, тя не отстъпва пред неговите желания. Предлага му сделка — вместо веднага да я вземе за своя наложница, нека шейхът се опита да спечели любовта й в срок от четири седмици. Ако не успее — да й върне свободата… Зара е сигурна в победата си — нима може да подари сърцето си на своя враг?! Но…
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
51 people are currently reading
773 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 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 5, 2013
Soooo... This was my last Connie Mason try, 2 is too much. To give you guys the reasons:
-the writing is so flowery it gave me a headache and diabetes;
-there are a few gigantic plot holes, one of them: how did the dude inherit an Earldom when his mom was the hires and his dad was Arab[not the earl]
-the characters were... better we don't mention them.
How I felt while reading the book:
-the writing is so flowery it gave me a headache and diabetes;
-there are a few gigantic plot holes, one of them: how did the dude inherit an Earldom when his mom was the hires and his dad was Arab[not the earl]
-the characters were... better we don't mention them.
How I felt while reading the book:
May 15, 2015
By order of the sultan, Sheik Jamal is sent to stop the raids of the Berbers on trade caravans. During the battle the chief of the tribe is able to escape but his daughter, Zara, is captured. (Zara's fiancé is also killed but that's not important. Mason heroines waste absolutely no time mourning the dead.) Zara's superpowers reside within her breasts. Her nipples are referenced at least thirty times in this book. That's a lot of nipple.
There are plenty of sex scenes (bathing scenes are a close second) to pad out a book that has very little story to it. Jamal captures Zara. She escapes. Jamal captures Zara. She escapes. The sultan captures Jamal. He escapes. The ending drags on. I escape.
There are plenty of sex scenes (bathing scenes are a close second) to pad out a book that has very little story to it. Jamal captures Zara. She escapes. Jamal captures Zara. She escapes. The sultan captures Jamal. He escapes. The ending drags on. I escape.
January 28, 2022
Dany - per RFS
.
Care Fenici, ogni tanto mi chiedo se io abbia il radar per le fregature e di sicuro ho un po’ di sfiga. Il romanzo in questione è una riedizione del 2006, la trama è intrigante ma fin troppo sviluppata dimenticando alcuni dettagli per strada, o meglio, nel deserto. Presumo che l’ambientazione storica sia attorno al 1800 ma non ne sono certa, la mia è pura e semplice speculazione. La storia tocca temi importanti come il rapimento e vendita di giovani donne, purtroppo la visione è sempre maschile e, per i tempi che corrono oggi, fin troppo sessista per me.
Andiamo al sodo. Lo sceicco Jamal è ricco, bello e un abile stratega. Figlio di due mondi: marocchino il padre e inglese la madre – abbiate pietà di me ma qui ho storto parecchio il naso. La madre, a suo tempo, venne catturata e sedotta dal padre di Jamal, e alla morte del compagno tornò a Londra, come niente fosse, rientrando in seno alla famiglia nobile del Conte di Lanford. Tutto viene visto in modo normale, il che a quei tempi lo era; ma se mi dite che una donna era felice e appagata da una situazione simile, vi rido in faccia!
Tornando a Jamal – vi ricordo che è descritto come un dio in terra in quanto a bellezza – dopo essere tornato dall’Inghilterra con un ricco bottino a seguito di depredazioni di velieri spagnoli, viene convocato dal sultano per rintracciare e uccidere un capo berbero che attacca le carovane. Lo sceicco non riesce nell’intento di uccidere l’uomo, ma cattura la figlia, la principessa Zara.
Zara è una ragazza indomita, bella ma più che altro una guerriera, o almeno così viene descritta. Per me, invece, sembrava più una ragazzetta viziata priva di qualsiasi arguzia o almeno senso pratico. Sta di fatto che per salvarla dai piani crudeli del sultano, Jamal ne fa la sua schiava portandola nella sua oasi chiamata Paradiso. Sorvolando sul nome privo di qualsiasi fantasia, la ragazza è un’esca perfetta per attirare la sua gente e allo stesso tempo un valido passatempo da assaporare. Figuriamoci se la giovane accetta, anzi fa di tutto per irretire il “padrone”, che, però, non vuole costringerla a giacere con lui. Le cose cambieranno una volta catturato il padre di lei.
Vi ho incuriosito? C’è da dire che il romanzo si fa interessante quando parla degli usi e costumi del popolo arabo, soprattutto degli harem, anche se non posso non chiedermi come una persona intelligente, quale è Jamal, si sia potuta attorniare di tre concubine oche stupide come poche. Sta di fatto che i rituali del tè, i bagni, le piscine e anche la depilazione non guastano alla lettura… ma finisce qui, il resto è assurdo, per non parlare della rocambolesca fuga in Inghilterra, entrando di botto in un Regency che non mi aspettavo affatto. Personalmente ho trovato divertente e intrigante il personaggio maschile, anche se il suo modo di chiamare Zara “mia piccola Virago” mi urtava parecchio. Detto questo vi auguro buona lettura, ma vi consiglio di puntare altrove il vostro interesse.
.
Care Fenici, ogni tanto mi chiedo se io abbia il radar per le fregature e di sicuro ho un po’ di sfiga. Il romanzo in questione è una riedizione del 2006, la trama è intrigante ma fin troppo sviluppata dimenticando alcuni dettagli per strada, o meglio, nel deserto. Presumo che l’ambientazione storica sia attorno al 1800 ma non ne sono certa, la mia è pura e semplice speculazione. La storia tocca temi importanti come il rapimento e vendita di giovani donne, purtroppo la visione è sempre maschile e, per i tempi che corrono oggi, fin troppo sessista per me.
Andiamo al sodo. Lo sceicco Jamal è ricco, bello e un abile stratega. Figlio di due mondi: marocchino il padre e inglese la madre – abbiate pietà di me ma qui ho storto parecchio il naso. La madre, a suo tempo, venne catturata e sedotta dal padre di Jamal, e alla morte del compagno tornò a Londra, come niente fosse, rientrando in seno alla famiglia nobile del Conte di Lanford. Tutto viene visto in modo normale, il che a quei tempi lo era; ma se mi dite che una donna era felice e appagata da una situazione simile, vi rido in faccia!
Tornando a Jamal – vi ricordo che è descritto come un dio in terra in quanto a bellezza – dopo essere tornato dall’Inghilterra con un ricco bottino a seguito di depredazioni di velieri spagnoli, viene convocato dal sultano per rintracciare e uccidere un capo berbero che attacca le carovane. Lo sceicco non riesce nell’intento di uccidere l’uomo, ma cattura la figlia, la principessa Zara.
Zara è una ragazza indomita, bella ma più che altro una guerriera, o almeno così viene descritta. Per me, invece, sembrava più una ragazzetta viziata priva di qualsiasi arguzia o almeno senso pratico. Sta di fatto che per salvarla dai piani crudeli del sultano, Jamal ne fa la sua schiava portandola nella sua oasi chiamata Paradiso. Sorvolando sul nome privo di qualsiasi fantasia, la ragazza è un’esca perfetta per attirare la sua gente e allo stesso tempo un valido passatempo da assaporare. Figuriamoci se la giovane accetta, anzi fa di tutto per irretire il “padrone”, che, però, non vuole costringerla a giacere con lui. Le cose cambieranno una volta catturato il padre di lei.
Vi ho incuriosito? C’è da dire che il romanzo si fa interessante quando parla degli usi e costumi del popolo arabo, soprattutto degli harem, anche se non posso non chiedermi come una persona intelligente, quale è Jamal, si sia potuta attorniare di tre concubine oche stupide come poche. Sta di fatto che i rituali del tè, i bagni, le piscine e anche la depilazione non guastano alla lettura… ma finisce qui, il resto è assurdo, per non parlare della rocambolesca fuga in Inghilterra, entrando di botto in un Regency che non mi aspettavo affatto. Personalmente ho trovato divertente e intrigante il personaggio maschile, anche se il suo modo di chiamare Zara “mia piccola Virago” mi urtava parecchio. Detto questo vi auguro buona lettura, ma vi consiglio di puntare altrove il vostro interesse.
April 23, 2014
Rating: 2.5
Disclaimer: Snark and gifs
I can't stop laughing at the cover. He looks like a dark featured Fabio.
I kept thinking where is the safe word, with all this talk of submission.
It also seems like every guy in this novel is hung like a horse. LOL
I'm sitting here watching the curser blink, but this book pretty much is what I imagine contain enough eroticism and exoticism and wish fulfillment that you would expect from Connie Mason, and the title/cover alone.
Disclaimer: Snark and gifs
I can't stop laughing at the cover. He looks like a dark featured Fabio.
I kept thinking where is the safe word, with all this talk of submission.
It also seems like every guy in this novel is hung like a horse. LOL
I'm sitting here watching the curser blink, but this book pretty much is what I imagine contain enough eroticism and exoticism and wish fulfillment that you would expect from Connie Mason, and the title/cover alone.
August 8, 2020
This is my first book from this author. I try reading it but the first chapter shows me that the author is care less about racism or she is racist. She uses the N-word in the first chapter. I’m not saying she’s racist because of the first chapter.
You know what I’m gonna give this book a try because I don’t want to give my opinion based on one chapter.
You know what I’m gonna give this book a try because I don’t want to give my opinion based on one chapter.
December 12, 2021
Di solito riesco quasi sempre a trovare qualcosa di buono nei recuperi di romanzi con un ventennio sulle spalle, tipo che da allora i gusti delle lettrici e lo stile narrativo sono cambiati, ecc., ma francamente per questo dovrei davvero fare uno sforzo notevole.
Già di per sé la storia è assurda: uno sceicco è incaricato di eliminare la minaccia di una tribù berbera che assalta le carovane, ma nel farlo imprigiona la figlia del capo e i suoi ormoni vanno prontamente in corto circuito, per cui è tutto un "donna, ti piegherò al mio volere", "sei una schiava, farai ciò che dico".
Il canovaccio è semplicemente irritante 😣, con scene di soprusi e machismo di lui: per carità, è una prigioniera e la violenza avrebbe anche potuto apparire realistica, ma al solito lui "convince" le donne a piegarsi solo con il tocco sapiente delle dita nei punti giusti e lei è tutta un uggiolare al nemico.
A questo si aggiunge la banalità dei dialoghi e un appellativo ("mia dolce virago") ripetuto circa 150 volte. Ma si può sentire "dolce virago", detto da uno sceicco a una sua schiava, nel 1673?
E poi si lavano, in continuazione. Passano le giornate a passarsi la schiuma e a profumarsi: un tocco di civiltà, e anche qui potrebbe starci, ma il fare il bagnetto alla schiava diventa in alcuni capitoli il picco di vivacità della trama, quindi la pazienza di chi legge viene messa a dura prova.
Tuttavia è il resto del contesto storico che mi ha fatto decidere per un no totale: passi che il sultano riceva lo sceicco (un altro maschio, dunque) attorniato dalle donne del suo harem, tutte ben visibili e stese languide sui cuscinoni (forse solo in qualche film di serie B ricordiamo simili rievocazioni); ma quando salta fuori che i titoli nobiliari inglesi vengono tranquillamente tramandati per linea materna e anche da chi è nato da matrimonio non cristiano (e perciò neppure riconosciuto dalla legge...)
Insomma, più che uno storico, un fantasy.
Consigliato a chi amava quel certo tipo di romanzoni Mille & una notte e "caro sceicco, fai di me la tua favorita".
Già di per sé la storia è assurda: uno sceicco è incaricato di eliminare la minaccia di una tribù berbera che assalta le carovane, ma nel farlo imprigiona la figlia del capo e i suoi ormoni vanno prontamente in corto circuito, per cui è tutto un "donna, ti piegherò al mio volere", "sei una schiava, farai ciò che dico".
Il canovaccio è semplicemente irritante 😣, con scene di soprusi e machismo di lui: per carità, è una prigioniera e la violenza avrebbe anche potuto apparire realistica, ma al solito lui "convince" le donne a piegarsi solo con il tocco sapiente delle dita nei punti giusti e lei è tutta un uggiolare al nemico.
A questo si aggiunge la banalità dei dialoghi e un appellativo ("mia dolce virago") ripetuto circa 150 volte. Ma si può sentire "dolce virago", detto da uno sceicco a una sua schiava, nel 1673?
E poi si lavano, in continuazione. Passano le giornate a passarsi la schiuma e a profumarsi: un tocco di civiltà, e anche qui potrebbe starci, ma il fare il bagnetto alla schiava diventa in alcuni capitoli il picco di vivacità della trama, quindi la pazienza di chi legge viene messa a dura prova.
Tuttavia è il resto del contesto storico che mi ha fatto decidere per un no totale: passi che il sultano riceva lo sceicco (un altro maschio, dunque) attorniato dalle donne del suo harem, tutte ben visibili e stese languide sui cuscinoni (forse solo in qualche film di serie B ricordiamo simili rievocazioni); ma quando salta fuori che i titoli nobiliari inglesi vengono tranquillamente tramandati per linea materna e anche da chi è nato da matrimonio non cristiano (e perciò neppure riconosciuto dalla legge...)
Insomma, più che uno storico, un fantasy.
Consigliato a chi amava quel certo tipo di romanzoni Mille & una notte e "caro sceicco, fai di me la tua favorita".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2011
I love this book as soon as I started this book I could not put it down. The description she used was wonderful, it has everything to deceit, to fights and a chase to find his love and great Connie Mason love scenes. This was a good an entertaining book...
If you like Connie Mason you'll love this book I don't know about a first timer they always try to leave a bad review when reading a Connie Mason novel for the first time
If you like Connie Mason you'll love this book I don't know about a first timer they always try to leave a bad review when reading a Connie Mason novel for the first time
November 8, 2011
Holy silver balls batman! Sheik Jamal sure loves to use them. This book wasn't very descriptive or engaging. I was tempted to start skimming through the paragraphs around page 400, but those silver balls kept me going to the end.
September 28, 2022
Connie really brought the drama for the sake of drama in this one. the ending did feel a bit rushed on this one. I always get the feeling the Connie gets bored with writing a story for the main characters but still wants to complete the story beats she has in her head.
I don't have a problem with the formula of Connie's stories. It is what it is. But, the ending of this one is not it and felt like an entirely different book.
the first half of this book gets 4 stars and the last third of the book gets 2.
-Spoilers beyond this point! -
ALSO, the fact that this book is inspired by the authors trip to Morocco and ends with the the main character being rescued and taken safely to England and away form the only world she's ever known is funny.
the Big Strong Man secretly being a lord in England as well as a prominent land owner in Morocco is also very funny. Connie does almost the exact same thing in Tempt the Devil. I'm curious what other books she's has written have the same plot point
I don't have a problem with the formula of Connie's stories. It is what it is. But, the ending of this one is not it and felt like an entirely different book.
the first half of this book gets 4 stars and the last third of the book gets 2.
-Spoilers beyond this point! -
ALSO, the fact that this book is inspired by the authors trip to Morocco and ends with the the main character being rescued and taken safely to England and away form the only world she's ever known is funny.
the Big Strong Man secretly being a lord in England as well as a prominent land owner in Morocco is also very funny. Connie does almost the exact same thing in Tempt the Devil. I'm curious what other books she's has written have the same plot point
October 22, 2017
3 e mezzo!
May 25, 2012
Morocco, 1673
Good story. Was odd knowing that had this been real times the Sultan would not have put up with the Sheiks mistakes. Bt hey, it's fantasy romance. I had almost forgot how intense CM's romance scenes could be, lol. There was just a bit too much for me, but hey still nice. And makes you curious about those silver balls. As I heard on another review, Holy silver balls Batman! LOL. Just about as hot as the pearl necklace scene in All Night With A Rogue by Alexandra Hawkins. While I don't think women should be hit, she was very lucky as much as she tried his patience. And she was just a bit too headstrong, got old after awhile. She was very deceitful most of the time and it was annoying. All in all, I would read it!
Good story. Was odd knowing that had this been real times the Sultan would not have put up with the Sheiks mistakes. Bt hey, it's fantasy romance. I had almost forgot how intense CM's romance scenes could be, lol. There was just a bit too much for me, but hey still nice. And makes you curious about those silver balls. As I heard on another review, Holy silver balls Batman! LOL. Just about as hot as the pearl necklace scene in All Night With A Rogue by Alexandra Hawkins. While I don't think women should be hit, she was very lucky as much as she tried his patience. And she was just a bit too headstrong, got old after awhile. She was very deceitful most of the time and it was annoying. All in all, I would read it!
June 22, 2021
Di questa autrice avevo già letto lo storico “pirata” ed era un lavoro insolito, molto ben argomentato e mi ricordo di aver dato uno giudizio simile alle quattro stelle assolutamente meritate.
Questo parte da livelli molto più alti con dei punti di forza :1) nei personaggi 2)nelle ambientazioni3) nei dialoghi 4)nelle scene sensuali 5) dinamiche… purtroppo un solo punto debole che però mi farà scendere vertiginosamente il giudizio finale. Ma andiamo per ordine.
Lei Zara principessa berbera, bellissima una vera e propria guerriera, coraggiosa e fiera. Suo padre Yousseff saccheggia le milizie e le carovane che trasportano i tesori del perfido Sultano Moulay Ishmail, ridistribuisce i tesori fra la sua gente che è stata defraudata, dallo stesso sultano delle terre e delle ricchezze. Lei cavalca fieramente al suo fianco. Jamal abd Thabit è lo sceicco. Ci viene presentato mentre scende dalla sua nave pirata (Non so se è possibile ma lo do per buono ) È andato in Inghilterra a trovare sua madre quindi è subito chiaro che comunque è un mezzosangue. Ha ereditato il suo titolo da suo padre, ha abbracciato le sue usanze è devoto ad Allah e ha scelto una vita araba in tutto per tutto: ha ben tre concubine che lo aspettano. Il sultano però lo mette subito sulle tracce di Yousseff ,È stanco delle continue scorribande e vuole che lui gli metta un freno.
Qui avviene il fatidico incontro con lei ,scambiata sulle prime per un uomo, ma quasi immediatamente notata da lui come la cosa più bella e più attraente mai vista prima.
“Aveva la pelle chiara e perfetta di un neonato. Le sopracciglia erano color miele e arcuate; le labbra troppo piene e voluttuose per essere maschili. Il mento delicato sotto gli zigomi alti e scolpiti. Jamal notò una ciocca di capelli biondi sfuggita da sotto il turbante ed ebbe il forte sospetto che quel berbero non fosse chi voleva far credere. Jamal intuì che sotto quella tunica blu si nascondesse il corpo di una donna.
(…) Jamal aveva bisogno di convincersi che i suoi occhi non lo stessero traendo in inganno. Infilò un mano sotto la tunica chiudendola intorno a un seno morbido e libero, esplorando con le dita le dimensioni e la forma. Sorridendo lo strinse piano, notando che gli riempiva alla perfezione la mano.”
Lei è una creatura fantastica. Sin dall’inizio si capisce il suo caratterino indomito .
«Toglimi le mani di dosso, assassino!», sibilò fra i denti.(…) «Demonio! Figlio di un asino! Sterco di cammello! Sayed non meritava di morire così!»
Anche quando dopo varie vicissitudini lei diventerà sua schiava non sarà mai domata, mai genuflessa . Lei è una principessa berbera, si considera suo pari.
«No, fermatevi! Rimandatemi nelle stalle, ma non approfittate di me a questo modo!» Jamal si bloccò. Sembrava infuriato. «Non sto approfittando di te. Voglio darti piacere. Ci daremo piacere a vicenda.» «Non è quello che voglio. Le donne berbere sono libere di scegliere i loro amanti. Siamo uguali agli uomini.»
La caratterizzazione di lui e altrettanto efficace e deliziosa. Ha una raffinatezza sottile, seducente, erotica… ma mai volgare.
Era uscito nella notte tempestata di stelle, attirato dall’oggetto delle sue fantasie erotiche, il corpo nudo di lei era una statua d’oro sotto la brillante luce lunare.
(…) Era una dea, creata da Allah per tentare il più pio degli uomini, e Allah sapeva che lui non aveva mai aspirato a diventare un uomo pio.
Oltre alla caratterizzazione squisita , la storia si muove in maniera assolutamente avvincente come un film d’avventura ambientato in un oriente descritto in maniera minuziosa, nei meccanismi della storia, i dialoghi e i personaggi secondari sono sempre efficaci e in caracter.
Nella fase finale si pone una scelta dolorosa da parte di entrambi i protagonisti che da un tocco di reale e struggente alla storia.
Spoiler
Le fasi dell’ avvincente narrazione li porta a fuggire dal Marocco, c’è un finale concitato e molto emotivo. E davvero se il racconto terminasse qui sfumando tutto quello che sarà la loro futura vita a Londra dove li attende la madre di lui già menzionata più volte probabilmente avrei dato cinque stelle a una storia impeccabile, con tutto al posto giusto. Ma qua inizia il punto debole del libro.
Si comprende che lui da parte di madre ha ereditato il titolo di conte dal nonno ( moooolto raro ma plausibile) poi c’è quello che spero sia un errore di traduzione “ sono Conte prima ero solo marchese” … insomma semmai è il contrario, E comunque non mi risulta che venga dato il titolo di cortesia a un nipote , di discendenza femminile poi… però diciamo che la prendiamo per buona anche questa .
La scrittrice decide dimostrare la loro seconda vita e il loro approdare a Londra. Questa parte viene liquidata ,a differenza del resto del libro in maniera troppo frettolosa e superficiale. Insomma andava fatta una scelta: ma se decidi di descrivere l’introduzione di un personaggio come lei,berbera fino al midollo che diventa la moglie di un conte non puoi liquidarlo in 200 pagine digitali!
Stiamo parlando di etichetta, stiamo parlando anche soltanto del vestire, camminare e mangiare, parlare… tutto che cambia da zero a 100 incontrovertibilmente! E mentre è giustificabile (anche se non mi soddisfa appieno) la nonchalance con cui lui, abituato a frequentare Londra si cala nelle sue nuove vesti, poco risulta credibile e accettabile lei. Anche le dinamiche con la madre di lui rispetto a quanto di bello è stato visto prima, risulta banale e poco consistente.
Insomma quella carta di pepe che ha rovinato un’ottima minestra!
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 anche se comunque vale la pena di leggerlo se vi dimenticate del loro sbarco a Londra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
Awful
I do not know where to start! This book is so bad it's comical! I could write paragraph after paragraph as to the absurd content and dialogue, but it dawned on me that this book is not about the plot or dialogue at all.....it's strictly a rated R books describing sexual acts to arouse the reader period! It is erotic and vividly describes various sexual positions and situations. So if you're looking for content do not expect a historically accurate fiction romance! The dialogue is ridiculous.. made me laugh. Reminds me if a dirty cartoon! I pass on recommendation here.
I do not know where to start! This book is so bad it's comical! I could write paragraph after paragraph as to the absurd content and dialogue, but it dawned on me that this book is not about the plot or dialogue at all.....it's strictly a rated R books describing sexual acts to arouse the reader period! It is erotic and vividly describes various sexual positions and situations. So if you're looking for content do not expect a historically accurate fiction romance! The dialogue is ridiculous.. made me laugh. Reminds me if a dirty cartoon! I pass on recommendation here.
July 7, 2010
3-1/2 stars. Very hot romance that travels across the desert and into England. He's very sexual but feels betrayed by her. Good twists. This really drew me in and I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2011
Sheik was my very first Connie Mason book. It was what started it all.(Being my addiction to Romance).The story is good and the love scenes are wonderful.
December 8, 2012
A little fast paced near the end but, all in all, a good book. It gives the reader a bit of Islamic culture mixed in with Connie Mason's usual romance, drama, and adventure.
June 29, 2013
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a Sheik.
May 27, 2020
CONNIE MASON WRITES ONE OF THE LONGEST ROMANCES AND I DECIDED TO GIVE SHEIK A TRY SINCE I'VE BEEN ON A READING SPREE WITH THIS AUTHOR.
JAMAL is like C.M's typical heroes but he's not an ass, in fact he's totally love-struck, a complete opposite of some of the shittiest heroes this author has ever written. And trust me, that feeling is absolutely refreshing even if it comes off cheesy, or some moments you just want to roll your eyes. Jamal is of half British, half Arabic descent - his mother being the English. After returning from a trip in London, he's summoned by the Sultan to stop the Berber Blue Men who are raiding the Sultan's caravan goods. Unlike normal men, Jamal's an intelligent men and he lays a trap for the enemy and ends up catching the Berber's Princess instead, a veritable beauty and wildcat who makes his blood run hot. The moment he laid eyes on Zara, he's a goner and becomes overwhelmed first by lust before becoming a protective caveman.
While some aspects of the story can be 'UNREALISTIC' and 'DREAMY' and totally bullshit in real life...hey, this IS a guilty pleasure read for the fun of it, so don't judge it too much. It's a fantasy.
ZARA is the type of woman I can appreciate. I love how she fights back and well she's a very proud woman, the perfect partner for Jamal who needs to control everything. Maybe sometimes she can be ruled by emotions, but since she's a woman of that time, I'm just going to shut one eye. When she's been captured after her betrothed is slain, she shows no remorse and no respect for the Sultan, earning herself an execution. Luckily, Jamal already taken by her jumps in to save her and offers to tame her. Jamal's going to have his hands full, especially when trouble follows wherever she goes. I'm not very certain of Zara's love though. This story was more saturated with LUST since it's a harem style story but I guess it's enough for me.
OVERALL the emotional content is a bit questionable but I still enjoyed this because it's a fantasy fiction. LOL. Honestly, I'm not even sure how real woman would react to men like Jamal...maybe in the 21st century he's going to be an alpha male like 5o Shades Christian? Who knows.
JAMAL is like C.M's typical heroes but he's not an ass, in fact he's totally love-struck, a complete opposite of some of the shittiest heroes this author has ever written. And trust me, that feeling is absolutely refreshing even if it comes off cheesy, or some moments you just want to roll your eyes. Jamal is of half British, half Arabic descent - his mother being the English. After returning from a trip in London, he's summoned by the Sultan to stop the Berber Blue Men who are raiding the Sultan's caravan goods. Unlike normal men, Jamal's an intelligent men and he lays a trap for the enemy and ends up catching the Berber's Princess instead, a veritable beauty and wildcat who makes his blood run hot. The moment he laid eyes on Zara, he's a goner and becomes overwhelmed first by lust before becoming a protective caveman.
While some aspects of the story can be 'UNREALISTIC' and 'DREAMY' and totally bullshit in real life...hey, this IS a guilty pleasure read for the fun of it, so don't judge it too much. It's a fantasy.
ZARA is the type of woman I can appreciate. I love how she fights back and well she's a very proud woman, the perfect partner for Jamal who needs to control everything. Maybe sometimes she can be ruled by emotions, but since she's a woman of that time, I'm just going to shut one eye. When she's been captured after her betrothed is slain, she shows no remorse and no respect for the Sultan, earning herself an execution. Luckily, Jamal already taken by her jumps in to save her and offers to tame her. Jamal's going to have his hands full, especially when trouble follows wherever she goes. I'm not very certain of Zara's love though. This story was more saturated with LUST since it's a harem style story but I guess it's enough for me.
OVERALL the emotional content is a bit questionable but I still enjoyed this because it's a fantasy fiction. LOL. Honestly, I'm not even sure how real woman would react to men like Jamal...maybe in the 21st century he's going to be an alpha male like 5o Shades Christian? Who knows.
October 9, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars (for nostalgia, romance, and escapism)
📍Genre: Historical Romance | Desert Romance | Adventure
📚Setting: Morocco
💋Tropes: Captive romance, enemies-to-lovers, desert prince, strong-willed heroine
Connie Mason’s Sheik is vintage historical romance at its most dramatic: a desert-set, warrior-heroine story that’s equal parts sweep and stumble. Princess Zara, raised by her father as a warrior fighting against those the tribe calls “the Arabs who stole their land,” is a fierce, proud protagonist. When she’s captured during a raid by Sheik Jamal Abd Thabbit, the book becomes a tense study in power, pride, and slow-burning desire as Zara resists Jamal’s wishes and slowly realises her resistance is harder than she anticipated.
Why it works: Mason writes atmosphere beautifully. The Moroccan backdrop feels tangible — the tents, the heat, the politics of honour — and Zara’s warrior upbringing gives the romance an unusual, satisfying spark. Jamal is portrayed as a complicated leader: harsh in some moments, unexpectedly tender in others. For readers who love sweep, conflict, and old-school romance tropes, the book delivers the escapism and emotional stakes you want.
Why it’s complicated: by modern standards the novel includes problematic elements — captivity, precarious consent, and an us-vs-them framing of cultural conflict that leans into orientalist fantasy. These are not excuses, but context: Sheik reads like a product of its era. If you’re looking for romance with politically correct dialogue or nuanced cultural portrayal, approach carefully.
Verdict: A nostalgic, re-readable desert romance. Read it for Zara’s fierce voice and the atmospheric sweep; read it critically and you’ll have an interesting conversation with the book’s flaws.
Content/trigger notes: contains capture/forced proximity, violence, and power-imbalance themes.
📍Genre: Historical Romance | Desert Romance | Adventure
📚Setting: Morocco
💋Tropes: Captive romance, enemies-to-lovers, desert prince, strong-willed heroine
Connie Mason’s Sheik is vintage historical romance at its most dramatic: a desert-set, warrior-heroine story that’s equal parts sweep and stumble. Princess Zara, raised by her father as a warrior fighting against those the tribe calls “the Arabs who stole their land,” is a fierce, proud protagonist. When she’s captured during a raid by Sheik Jamal Abd Thabbit, the book becomes a tense study in power, pride, and slow-burning desire as Zara resists Jamal’s wishes and slowly realises her resistance is harder than she anticipated.
Why it works: Mason writes atmosphere beautifully. The Moroccan backdrop feels tangible — the tents, the heat, the politics of honour — and Zara’s warrior upbringing gives the romance an unusual, satisfying spark. Jamal is portrayed as a complicated leader: harsh in some moments, unexpectedly tender in others. For readers who love sweep, conflict, and old-school romance tropes, the book delivers the escapism and emotional stakes you want.
Why it’s complicated: by modern standards the novel includes problematic elements — captivity, precarious consent, and an us-vs-them framing of cultural conflict that leans into orientalist fantasy. These are not excuses, but context: Sheik reads like a product of its era. If you’re looking for romance with politically correct dialogue or nuanced cultural portrayal, approach carefully.
Verdict: A nostalgic, re-readable desert romance. Read it for Zara’s fierce voice and the atmospheric sweep; read it critically and you’ll have an interesting conversation with the book’s flaws.
Content/trigger notes: contains capture/forced proximity, violence, and power-imbalance themes.
March 25, 2019
Sheik Jamal is summoned by the sultan of Morocco to capture Youseff the berber sheep herder who is raiding his caravans. Instead Jamal captured youseff's daughter, Zara. From the time he laid eyes on her he is smitten. Zara is the enemy and he will have to get rid of her sooner or later but before that he just needs to taste one sample of her body.
Zara is the berber princess. She is fierce, wild, tempestuous and a warrior. She will be no man's slave. But spending time with Jamal in his palace and harem is wrecking with her mind. Jamal is her enemy and she must escape him. This sets off a series of events unlike anything any of them is prepared for.
My God, this book is soooooo good!!! The exotic location of Morocco, the Moroccan language, Islamic way of life, harem, palace, desert and the oases everything is refreshing. I just couldn't get enough. This is my first connie Mason book and oh boy she did not disappoint. Zara is a strong heroine, Jamal is a fearsome sheik. Their love and romance detailed so vividly. Especially the sex. All the ways to give pleasure and receive pleasure. Connie wrote and captured the Moroccan customs and lifestyle perfectly. My only regret is that I did not read this book sooner.
Zara is the berber princess. She is fierce, wild, tempestuous and a warrior. She will be no man's slave. But spending time with Jamal in his palace and harem is wrecking with her mind. Jamal is her enemy and she must escape him. This sets off a series of events unlike anything any of them is prepared for.
My God, this book is soooooo good!!! The exotic location of Morocco, the Moroccan language, Islamic way of life, harem, palace, desert and the oases everything is refreshing. I just couldn't get enough. This is my first connie Mason book and oh boy she did not disappoint. Zara is a strong heroine, Jamal is a fearsome sheik. Their love and romance detailed so vividly. Especially the sex. All the ways to give pleasure and receive pleasure. Connie wrote and captured the Moroccan customs and lifestyle perfectly. My only regret is that I did not read this book sooner.
July 9, 2023
"Sheik" by Connie Mason is a romance novel that tells the story of Princess Zara, a warrior who is captured by Sheik Jamal Abd Thabit and must choose between her loyalty to her people and her growing attraction to the sheik.
I love this book as soon as I started it I could not put it down. The descriptions used were wonderful, I mentally traveled to Morocco! It has everything to deceit, to fights and a chase to find love and great sensual love scenes. This story was such an entertaining book... If you like Connie Mason you'll have to check out this book!
I love this book as soon as I started it I could not put it down. The descriptions used were wonderful, I mentally traveled to Morocco! It has everything to deceit, to fights and a chase to find love and great sensual love scenes. This story was such an entertaining book... If you like Connie Mason you'll have to check out this book!
April 18, 2020
Sheik!
This was my first Connie Mason book and I was not disappointed. This book had me on the edge of my seat with every page. Love was truly tested here but was depicted in a way that truly helps us see that love does conquer all! I was going though so many emotions as if I was apart of the story. I could smell the scents, taste the food...I felt like I was in Morocco. I have visited the country before but never like this! I read the book in two days.
This was my first Connie Mason book and I was not disappointed. This book had me on the edge of my seat with every page. Love was truly tested here but was depicted in a way that truly helps us see that love does conquer all! I was going though so many emotions as if I was apart of the story. I could smell the scents, taste the food...I felt like I was in Morocco. I have visited the country before but never like this! I read the book in two days.
October 29, 2017
Romanzo appassionante,romantico, avvincente e pieno vicende avventurose. I personaggi meravigliosi. Lettura scorrevole. Consiglio di leggere
January 6, 2019
Sheik
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
August 8, 2019
The book is superb
November 23, 2019
DNF at 50%
Not much happand. The writing/plot felt somewhat juvenile
Not much happand. The writing/plot felt somewhat juvenile
dnf
March 21, 2020I gave this book about 20 pages and then decided i couldn’t handle it. I’m going to keep it though because it is amazing to look at. Very old school and kind of racist.
July 28, 2021
This book is lovely
June 23, 2022
It was an alright read, though too often were interesting character moments bogged down by the spicy scenes.
June 25, 2024
Great read. Lots of action and lovely hot scenes. It's worth the read
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