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Rivals to the Crown of Kadar #2
Commanded by the Sheikh
"I can't let the public know my bride is missing. I need someone else. You."
To protect his throne, Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs someone trustworthy to temporarily impersonate his missing fiancée. So the legendary lothario of Europe demands that his housekeeper, Olivia Ellis, fulfill the role!
Olivia thought Kadar was the perfect place to hide, but the sheikh's command leaves her open to global scrutiny. Even that would be easier to bear than his intense silver gaze! As ruthless as his desert ancestry, Aziz crashes through her reluctance, and Olivia soon finds herself playing his queen in public…and his lover in bed!
To protect his throne, Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs someone trustworthy to temporarily impersonate his missing fiancée. So the legendary lothario of Europe demands that his housekeeper, Olivia Ellis, fulfill the role!
Olivia thought Kadar was the perfect place to hide, but the sheikh's command leaves her open to global scrutiny. Even that would be easier to bear than his intense silver gaze! As ruthless as his desert ancestry, Aziz crashes through her reluctance, and Olivia soon finds herself playing his queen in public…and his lover in bed!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
57 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
888 books1,714 followersKate 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 27, 2018
"Commanded by the Sheikh" is the story of Olivia and Aziz.
The story of this book runs parallel to book 1. We know that Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs to get married to claim the throne of Kadar, and that his bride has been kidnapped by his estranged stepbrother Khalil. As time runs out, he decides to coerce his loyal housekeeper from Paris to act as his stand wife, pretending to be her.
With minimal resistance, she agrees, and then the story just goes as expected.
I had so many issues with this book. Multiple plot points were introduced but never resolved. The hero was a tomcat who slept with multiple women while the heroine lived in his home for 6 years. Why was there not even a tiny bit of attraction then? How could the heroine give in so easily to such a callous man, especially because of her past? .
The confrontation between Aziz and Khalil was underwhelming and rushed. Suddenly everything was resolved, we had a confession and a weird sort of HEA. They never explained how the countrymen reacted to the deceit.
Also, I dont care about the heroine's virginity. But a hero being extremely uncaring about his sexual adventures makes me fear for the heroine's cooch. Get him checked woman.
This seemed like an afterthought and was very half baked.
Disappointed.
Unsafe
1.5/5
The story of this book runs parallel to book 1. We know that Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs to get married to claim the throne of Kadar, and that his bride has been kidnapped by his estranged stepbrother Khalil. As time runs out, he decides to coerce his loyal housekeeper from Paris to act as his stand wife, pretending to be her.
With minimal resistance, she agrees, and then the story just goes as expected.
I had so many issues with this book. Multiple plot points were introduced but never resolved. The hero was a tomcat who slept with multiple women while the heroine lived in his home for 6 years. Why was there not even a tiny bit of attraction then? How could the heroine give in so easily to such a callous man, especially because of her past? .
The confrontation between Aziz and Khalil was underwhelming and rushed. Suddenly everything was resolved, we had a confession and a weird sort of HEA. They never explained how the countrymen reacted to the deceit.
Also, I dont care about the heroine's virginity. But a hero being extremely uncaring about his sexual adventures makes me fear for the heroine's cooch. Get him checked woman.
This seemed like an afterthought and was very half baked.
Disappointed.
Unsafe
1.5/5
April 12, 2015
Not a fan of non virginal heroines and beta Sheikh heroes.
December 6, 2020
At first glance, this story has a heroine who is buttoned-up, staid, efficient, not prone to laughter, joy, or much in the way of human interaction. It also boasts a hero who is charming, successful, gorgeous, a real catch, and who has slept his way through most of the women in Europe. Sounds familiar, right? Those particular character tropes can be found in countless titles in this genre.
What saves - and elevates - this story is the character development. Yes, both the H and h initially appear to be cliches, but it's very quickly revealed that there is more beneath the surface. Both of them have undergone what can only be described as a serious of intense emotional traumas and rejections in their lives; traumas that have informed how they live their lives as adults, how they navigate the world, and why both have vowed to never allow love of any kind to enter their lives again. All of that information is delivered by passages that recount, by turns, the in-depth inner musings and turmoil of both characters. I'd say that that device is the most successful with Aziz. It's all too rare that we're given real, substantive insight into a H, but in this case, Ms. Hewitt really delves into how this man thinks, how he feels, and why he acts as he does. It's pretty much impossible to read this and not feel immense sympathy for him, as well as for Olivia, once her own past is revealed.
The plot has been covered well by other reviewers, so I'll just say that while the storyline of a trusted female employee masquerading as the significant other of her gorgeous, worldly boss has been done many times before, it is the fact that we're able to understand both characters' thought processes as Ms. Hewitt develops them with a deft touch and a lot of heart, that enables readers to really root for them as they begin to understand one another; relate to one another on a deeply sincere, human level; and eventually - against their oft-stated intentions - begin to open their hearts to one another.
The story is also peppered with some great chemistry & a bit of heat, banter, and a heroine who is smart, strong, stands up for herself, and isn't bowled over by the man she describes more than once as being akin to Michelangelo's David. Now, though I mentioned the chemistry and heat, I can't say that this is a scorching read, by any means, but I'd say that's not the point of the story anyway. We're meant to see these two people come to terms with their pasts as they embrace their future together (I know it sounds corny, but it's true) and that's exactly what we get.
This is a deeply emotional story featuring two main characters about whom it's very easy to care, and for whom readers will root. It's a real love story about people who have been deeply hurt and emotionally scarred, yet find something real, deep, romantic, and wholly unexpected with one another. I definitely recommend this book.
What saves - and elevates - this story is the character development. Yes, both the H and h initially appear to be cliches, but it's very quickly revealed that there is more beneath the surface. Both of them have undergone what can only be described as a serious of intense emotional traumas and rejections in their lives; traumas that have informed how they live their lives as adults, how they navigate the world, and why both have vowed to never allow love of any kind to enter their lives again. All of that information is delivered by passages that recount, by turns, the in-depth inner musings and turmoil of both characters. I'd say that that device is the most successful with Aziz. It's all too rare that we're given real, substantive insight into a H, but in this case, Ms. Hewitt really delves into how this man thinks, how he feels, and why he acts as he does. It's pretty much impossible to read this and not feel immense sympathy for him, as well as for Olivia, once her own past is revealed.
The plot has been covered well by other reviewers, so I'll just say that while the storyline of a trusted female employee masquerading as the significant other of her gorgeous, worldly boss has been done many times before, it is the fact that we're able to understand both characters' thought processes as Ms. Hewitt develops them with a deft touch and a lot of heart, that enables readers to really root for them as they begin to understand one another; relate to one another on a deeply sincere, human level; and eventually - against their oft-stated intentions - begin to open their hearts to one another.
The story is also peppered with some great chemistry & a bit of heat, banter, and a heroine who is smart, strong, stands up for herself, and isn't bowled over by the man she describes more than once as being akin to Michelangelo's David. Now, though I mentioned the chemistry and heat, I can't say that this is a scorching read, by any means, but I'd say that's not the point of the story anyway. We're meant to see these two people come to terms with their pasts as they embrace their future together (I know it sounds corny, but it's true) and that's exactly what we get.
This is a deeply emotional story featuring two main characters about whom it's very easy to care, and for whom readers will root. It's a real love story about people who have been deeply hurt and emotionally scarred, yet find something real, deep, romantic, and wholly unexpected with one another. I definitely recommend this book.
September 16, 2014
COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH by USA Today Bestselling author, Kate Hewitt is October 2014 release by Harlequin Presents.
Sheik Aziz al Bakhir asked his housekeeper Olivia Ellis to masquerade as his fiancée since she had been kidnapped by the rebels.
Though with misgivings, Olivia agreed. She had agreed to appear on the balcony for a few minutes in front of the whole kingdom, not kissing him though, did she? So why did she feel all tingly with a rush of passion when Aziz’s lips touched hers?
Did Aziz feel the same chemistry? But what would happen when the real fiancée would be found? Would Olivia still be needed as a stand-in?
COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH is a fast-paced thrilling romance. It is full of intrigue and sparkles with sensuality and mesmerizing emotion. Author Kate Hewitt keeps her readers enthralled and glued to the story till the last page with her master storytelling.
Read
January 12, 2016"Edgy emotion fills the pages of this narrative. Olivia and the sheikh are the consummate couple whose candor, humility and vulnerability shine through" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars)
Miniseries: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar
Miniseries: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar
October 17, 2019
I really loved this one. Two very captivating and fascinating characters finding love in the midst of incredibly difficult circumstances. As the second book in the set, I had already read the story of Khalil and Elena and I really enjoyed the different perspective of this book. Aziz and Olivia were a lovely match. In both of these books, I enjoyed the dialogue between hero and heroine and I loved the way both parties back story was revealed. Well constructed and beautifully delineated plot. Sensitive and emotive and really satisfying. I particularly enjoyed the fact that we got to,see Aziz and Khalil meet and start to establish a relationship. Their misunderstanding of what the other had gone through was very touching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
I enjoyed Olivia and Aziz's story. Fast paced, romantic and a happy ever after.
January 3, 2015
If Aziz doesn't marry with the 6 weeks deadline the next Sheikh who will wear the Crown of Kadar is going to be voted in by a referendum. Aziz's rival for the crown is Sheikh Khalil from Captured by the Sheikh.
A few days out from his marriage Aziz's intended is kidnapped. With Queen Elena missing Aziz desperately needs a stand-in to impersonate Elena to his people, to keep them calm and to protect his throne while his people desperately search for Elena. Aziz flies his housekeeper from his Paris residence and begs for her assistance.
Olivia is content with her solitary life in Paris. She rarely sees Aziz and when she does it's usually after she's fed his latest conquest coffee the morning after and gently sent them on their way. Wanting to support Aziz's bid for the throne, Olivia tentatively agrees to make an appearance on the balcony which unfortunately evolves into public appearances and then most shockingly - marriage.
Commanded by the Sheikh is almost the opposite of Captured by the Sheikh. Captured by the Sheikh is fast and furious and passionate set mainly in the wilds of the desert that is Khalil's home while Commanded by the Sheikh is a beautiful and loving story set in the luxurious palace and surrounds that is Aziz's home.
Misunderstandings are rife yet they're magically mixed in with the emotion Kate Hewitt is famous for evoking in her readers. Beautiful descriptions flow with emotional moments that make your heart beat and the tears well. After reading Captured by the Sheikh I thought Aziz would be a right ass and was looking forward to see how he could be redeemed. I was wrong, Kate Hewitt has written Aziz as a proud man and has provided him a level headed, caring and genuine woman in Oliva.
Commanded by the Sheikh flows beautifully, it's full of emotion and steadily builds to the eventual meeting between Aziz and Khalil. Aziz quickly realises the beauty that makes Olivia, both inside and out. He knows she's keeping secrets and gently coaxes her worries out of her. He knows he has feelings but like any proud man, he's wary about putting his heart on his shoulder. Olivia fights her feelings. She doesn't want to be another notch on Aziz's belt. Olivia doesn't want to give her heart when she still feels crushed from the loss she's suffered and only a fool thinks a housekeeper can replace the beautiful Queen Elena, she'll only be cast aside when Elena is found... right???
Kate Hewitt's Commanded by the Sheikh is book two in the miniseries Rivals to the Crown of Kadar. It can be read as a standalone however I highly recommend reading Book 1 first because then you can understand Aziz's drive and need to get married, a direct order from his father's will.
I am so honored to receive an ARC from Kate for my honest opinion. And I can honestly say I loved Commanded by the Sheikh and would recommend it for anyone who loves Sheikhs, beautifully written love stories in true Harlequin Presents style and anyone who loves connected books.
A few days out from his marriage Aziz's intended is kidnapped. With Queen Elena missing Aziz desperately needs a stand-in to impersonate Elena to his people, to keep them calm and to protect his throne while his people desperately search for Elena. Aziz flies his housekeeper from his Paris residence and begs for her assistance.
Olivia is content with her solitary life in Paris. She rarely sees Aziz and when she does it's usually after she's fed his latest conquest coffee the morning after and gently sent them on their way. Wanting to support Aziz's bid for the throne, Olivia tentatively agrees to make an appearance on the balcony which unfortunately evolves into public appearances and then most shockingly - marriage.
Commanded by the Sheikh is almost the opposite of Captured by the Sheikh. Captured by the Sheikh is fast and furious and passionate set mainly in the wilds of the desert that is Khalil's home while Commanded by the Sheikh is a beautiful and loving story set in the luxurious palace and surrounds that is Aziz's home.
Misunderstandings are rife yet they're magically mixed in with the emotion Kate Hewitt is famous for evoking in her readers. Beautiful descriptions flow with emotional moments that make your heart beat and the tears well. After reading Captured by the Sheikh I thought Aziz would be a right ass and was looking forward to see how he could be redeemed. I was wrong, Kate Hewitt has written Aziz as a proud man and has provided him a level headed, caring and genuine woman in Oliva.
Commanded by the Sheikh flows beautifully, it's full of emotion and steadily builds to the eventual meeting between Aziz and Khalil. Aziz quickly realises the beauty that makes Olivia, both inside and out. He knows she's keeping secrets and gently coaxes her worries out of her. He knows he has feelings but like any proud man, he's wary about putting his heart on his shoulder. Olivia fights her feelings. She doesn't want to be another notch on Aziz's belt. Olivia doesn't want to give her heart when she still feels crushed from the loss she's suffered and only a fool thinks a housekeeper can replace the beautiful Queen Elena, she'll only be cast aside when Elena is found... right???
Kate Hewitt's Commanded by the Sheikh is book two in the miniseries Rivals to the Crown of Kadar. It can be read as a standalone however I highly recommend reading Book 1 first because then you can understand Aziz's drive and need to get married, a direct order from his father's will.
I am so honored to receive an ARC from Kate for my honest opinion. And I can honestly say I loved Commanded by the Sheikh and would recommend it for anyone who loves Sheikhs, beautifully written love stories in true Harlequin Presents style and anyone who loves connected books.
October 28, 2014
Commanded by the Sheikh is a story of two people who are both afraid to love. Two people who have gone their whole lives trying to be accepted by the ones they loved but were not loved by.
Aziz the heir to the throne has a very limited amount of time to marry according to his fathers will. He is engaged to a woman who has disappeared with Azizs' resented half brother. Aziz has a very limited amount of time to find his bride or his country is a stake.
There are only days left and Aziz has still not found his wife-to-be. Aziz had a life in Paris where he had a housekeeper that he had never really got to know, but by the end he surely wished he did.
Olivia, the housekeeper is someone that Aziz feels he can trust, though he knows very little about her. Aziz is at the last days of finding his bride so Olivia has to do one of the biggest favors for him, she has to pretend to be Elena, his lost bride.
As Olivia and Aziz begin to know each other, they begin to fall in love secretly. Olivia is desperate for Aziz to feel the same way she does, and little does she know he actually does.
Olivia quickly finds herself not only pretending to be his bride in public but also his lover. In the end Aziz and Olivia love eachother so much that they just can't hold it back anymore.
Azizs' half brother, a man he does not know well finally confronts him and admits he has married Elena, which makes it much easier for Aziz to confess his love to Olivia.
Though Olivia and Aziz are both very reluctant to fall in love they do in ways they never thought they good love again. All in all a pretty good read!
Aziz the heir to the throne has a very limited amount of time to marry according to his fathers will. He is engaged to a woman who has disappeared with Azizs' resented half brother. Aziz has a very limited amount of time to find his bride or his country is a stake.
There are only days left and Aziz has still not found his wife-to-be. Aziz had a life in Paris where he had a housekeeper that he had never really got to know, but by the end he surely wished he did.
Olivia, the housekeeper is someone that Aziz feels he can trust, though he knows very little about her. Aziz is at the last days of finding his bride so Olivia has to do one of the biggest favors for him, she has to pretend to be Elena, his lost bride.
As Olivia and Aziz begin to know each other, they begin to fall in love secretly. Olivia is desperate for Aziz to feel the same way she does, and little does she know he actually does.
Olivia quickly finds herself not only pretending to be his bride in public but also his lover. In the end Aziz and Olivia love eachother so much that they just can't hold it back anymore.
Azizs' half brother, a man he does not know well finally confronts him and admits he has married Elena, which makes it much easier for Aziz to confess his love to Olivia.
Though Olivia and Aziz are both very reluctant to fall in love they do in ways they never thought they good love again. All in all a pretty good read!
February 17, 2015
After reading Kahlil's story in Captured by the Sheikh I went into Commanded by the Sheikh ready to dislike Aziz.
However Kate Hewitt wrote such a great backstory for Aziz, I couldn't help but feel badly for him. Aziz's childhood, like Kahlil's, was one of unhappiness and pain. While Kahlil's pain was mostly physical for a few years, Aziz's was emotional for a much longer time and just as damaging.
After having his chosen bride stolen by Kahlil, in desperation, Aziz brings his housekeeper, Olivia, in from Paris to pretend to be her. It worked so well that when that when he was unable to find Elena, Aziz has to convince Olivia to marry him.
It was a good story. My heart went out to Olivia and the decision she was forced to make by her parents.
Kate Hewitt also resolved the story lines of both book quite nicely. If only real world conflicts could be so easily resolved.
However Kate Hewitt wrote such a great backstory for Aziz, I couldn't help but feel badly for him. Aziz's childhood, like Kahlil's, was one of unhappiness and pain. While Kahlil's pain was mostly physical for a few years, Aziz's was emotional for a much longer time and just as damaging.
After having his chosen bride stolen by Kahlil, in desperation, Aziz brings his housekeeper, Olivia, in from Paris to pretend to be her. It worked so well that when that when he was unable to find Elena, Aziz has to convince Olivia to marry him.
It was a good story. My heart went out to Olivia and the decision she was forced to make by her parents.
Kate Hewitt also resolved the story lines of both book quite nicely. If only real world conflicts could be so easily resolved.
March 24, 2015
Aziz and Olivia are two characters that carry within them the hurt of not being loved and fully accepted by those they trusted. By having his fiancee kidnapped by his half-brother Khalil, the previous book, Aziz is seen in desperation to find another bride, because if you can not get married within a specified period, will lose his throne, and just to his rival his half brother.
From this decision, they will try to fit the new situation. Olivia soon finds himself in love with Aziz, but fear not met him. Still is slowly giving way and beyond to pretend to be his bride in public eventually becomes his lover in the dead of night.
A delightful story to spend some nice time.
From this decision, they will try to fit the new situation. Olivia soon finds himself in love with Aziz, but fear not met him. Still is slowly giving way and beyond to pretend to be his bride in public eventually becomes his lover in the dead of night.
A delightful story to spend some nice time.
December 23, 2016
This is the first Harlequin romance I've ever read, and I enjoyed it. It's a fast read, mostly dialogue, with one steamy love scene and several steamy kisses. The subject matter is love, emotion, and relationship. It was set in an Arab country on the Gulf, familiar to me, though it was an imaginary country. It was written according to a formula, but an entertaining version of that formula. Not great literature, but an enjoyable read.
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar
Miniseries: Rivals to the Crown of Kadar
May 26, 2015
I lost track of the time reading it...thanks Kate Hewitt .....I loved reading your stories....will continue with CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH......
August 6, 2015
Part 2 just a sexy and fun as part 1. Wish there was more in the series but I now have a new Author to look into
own-but-wont-read-or-wallbanger
March 13, 2018I can't let the public know my bride is missing. I need someone else. You."
To protect his throne, Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs someone trustworthy to temporarily impersonate his missing fiancée. So the legendary lothario of Europe demands that his housekeeper, Olivia Ellis, fulfill the role!
Olivia thought Kadar was the perfect place to hide, but the sheikh's command leaves her open to global scrutiny. Even that would be easier to bear than his intense silver gaze! As ruthless as his desert ancestry, Aziz crashes through her reluctance, and Olivia soon finds herself playing his queen in public…and his lover in bed!
To protect his throne, Sheikh Aziz al Bakhir needs someone trustworthy to temporarily impersonate his missing fiancée. So the legendary lothario of Europe demands that his housekeeper, Olivia Ellis, fulfill the role!
Olivia thought Kadar was the perfect place to hide, but the sheikh's command leaves her open to global scrutiny. Even that would be easier to bear than his intense silver gaze! As ruthless as his desert ancestry, Aziz crashes through her reluctance, and Olivia soon finds herself playing his queen in public…and his lover in bed!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews