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To Defy a Sheikh
The cost of defiance
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
11 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,161 books2,995 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 24, 2016
Princess Samarah Al-Azem is waiting to assassinate Sheikh Ferran Bashar inside his palace bedchamber. She has a cloth soaked in chloroform in her hand and a knife in her robe. When Ferran, ruler of Khadra appears, Samarah looks in his eyes and hesitates, and then they fight. Ferran wins. He wants to know who sent her to kill him and why. He discovers that she is Princess Samarah, who is believed to be dead for the past sixteen years. Ferran last saw Samarah when he was in his teens and she was a child of six. Their two families were friends of neighboring countries but after Samarah’s father discovered that his wife (Samarah’s mother) was having an affair with Ferran’s father he killed him (Ferran witnessed this), which then caused discord between the two countries. Samarah believes Ferran gave the orders for her father’s execution and she blames him for ruining her and her mother’s lives. (They had to leave their country, her mother eventually died, Samarah had to live on the streets.) He gives Samarah a choice, imprisonment for attempting to assassinate him, or marriage. He realizes he should marry and produce heirs. And marrying Samarah would be good for both of their countries and heal the rift between them. After a night in the palace dungeon Samarah agrees to the marriage. Maybe she can still carry out her plans. But as she gets to know Ferran she sees that they were both hurt by their tragic pasts.
Samarah was a good heroine. She was sweet, strong, and spirited. She was a good fighter and she trained in a martial arts studio in the past. Ferran had some tough competition when they did get into fights! I felt bad for her. She had a hard life, sleeping in doorways, living on the streets, poor and hungry, while her mother went slowly mad.
Ferran was a strong and compassionate hero. He understood what Samarah went through. The past has been haunting him his whole life. He was also celibate for sixteen years---ever since he witnessed firsthand, at the palace, what sex and passion could do to their parents, and what followed, he avoided getting involved with anyone from that point on. He wanted to be a good ruler.
This was a very enjoyable read. It was sometimes sad, but uplifting by the end. After all the pain they both went through it was nice seeing Samarah and Ferran finally getting their “happy ever after”.
Samarah was a good heroine. She was sweet, strong, and spirited. She was a good fighter and she trained in a martial arts studio in the past. Ferran had some tough competition when they did get into fights! I felt bad for her. She had a hard life, sleeping in doorways, living on the streets, poor and hungry, while her mother went slowly mad.
Ferran was a strong and compassionate hero. He understood what Samarah went through. The past has been haunting him his whole life. He was also celibate for sixteen years---ever since he witnessed firsthand, at the palace, what sex and passion could do to their parents, and what followed, he avoided getting involved with anyone from that point on. He wanted to be a good ruler.
This was a very enjoyable read. It was sometimes sad, but uplifting by the end. After all the pain they both went through it was nice seeing Samarah and Ferran finally getting their “happy ever after”.
October 6, 2014
Heroine is an ex Princess and our hero Ferran is the Sheikh who killed her father when she was only a little girl. Now 16 years later Samarah has become a warrior princess, a strong and beautiful woman who wants revenge for losing her family and her home. She attacks Sheikh Ferran tries to kill him but she fails. He demands marriage to unite their nations or else imprisonment in a cell. Samarah has no choice. She accepts to marry him but soon she discovers how wrong she was about him, Ferran's sad past and his reasons for killing her father.
She falls for him hard but Ferran is a broken man, haunted and tortured by guilt for killing Samarah's father. Little did he know, it would be Samarah's love for him that would save him and heal him.
Maisey Yates is one of my favorite HP authors. My only problem with her is that she writes too feisty obnoxious heroines and she doesn't write good epilogues. I'm glad this time she proved me wrong. Heroine is strong but she is also innocent, vulnerable, compassionate and sensitive. I loved how she stuck to her guns and stayed true to herself, she fought for Ferran's love and affection - and her happily ever after ending. Epilogue was exactly what I wanted seeing them happy together with a cute baby boy in their arms.
A great Sheikh story and a keeper.
She falls for him hard but Ferran is a broken man, haunted and tortured by guilt for killing Samarah's father. Little did he know, it would be Samarah's love for him that would save him and heal him.
Maisey Yates is one of my favorite HP authors. My only problem with her is that she writes too feisty obnoxious heroines and she doesn't write good epilogues. I'm glad this time she proved me wrong. Heroine is strong but she is also innocent, vulnerable, compassionate and sensitive. I loved how she stuck to her guns and stayed true to herself, she fought for Ferran's love and affection - and her happily ever after ending. Epilogue was exactly what I wanted seeing them happy together with a cute baby boy in their arms.
A great Sheikh story and a keeper.
i-might-read
September 20, 2016Personal note: 16 years apart Wow that is just way too long
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2020
There is not much to not like about this book but it not really a "modern" romance. Take away the cars and the western suits and this tale could be straight out of Arabian Nights.
There are assassins, murder love and revenge all making for a pretty unique plot.
The h is wanting revenge on her fathers death at the hands of the H and lies in wait in his chambers to stick a knife in him. I'm rather impressed, this h can fight and genuinely kick the ass of the H in fair fight. Unfortunately her hesitation gives him an advantage and alas her assassination plot comes to nothing.
H and h knew each other as kids but her mum having sexy times with his dad set off a chain of events that ruined a nation and caused the deaths of the H's parents at the hands of her dad. He takes revenge and kills her dad with a blade in the back and after that feels he cannot trust himself and forsakes all passion (he was 15 at time)
The h when she returns to her own kingdom with her mum is left with a land in turmoil and revolutionaries overthrow the monarchy and she is believed dead. (in reality she was smuggled out of the palace but left to fend for herself for age 6)
She trains to be a complete ass kicking ninja up to present day so she can get revenge. H offers to marry her instead to restore her royalty and what was lost to her even though she will never rule her own land. He has guilt for believing she was dead because of him and tries to make it up to her. He is really quite nice despite his aversion to passion. Our h cracks his shell in the end after a wedding day argument and all is well for these 2.
The Story is complete and utter nonsense and really wouldn't have lost anything for being set anytime in the past. Enjoyable fluff.
There are assassins, murder love and revenge all making for a pretty unique plot.
The h is wanting revenge on her fathers death at the hands of the H and lies in wait in his chambers to stick a knife in him. I'm rather impressed, this h can fight and genuinely kick the ass of the H in fair fight. Unfortunately her hesitation gives him an advantage and alas her assassination plot comes to nothing.
H and h knew each other as kids but her mum having sexy times with his dad set off a chain of events that ruined a nation and caused the deaths of the H's parents at the hands of her dad. He takes revenge and kills her dad with a blade in the back and after that feels he cannot trust himself and forsakes all passion (he was 15 at time)
The h when she returns to her own kingdom with her mum is left with a land in turmoil and revolutionaries overthrow the monarchy and she is believed dead. (in reality she was smuggled out of the palace but left to fend for herself for age 6)
She trains to be a complete ass kicking ninja up to present day so she can get revenge. H offers to marry her instead to restore her royalty and what was lost to her even though she will never rule her own land. He has guilt for believing she was dead because of him and tries to make it up to her. He is really quite nice despite his aversion to passion. Our h cracks his shell in the end after a wedding day argument and all is well for these 2.
The Story is complete and utter nonsense and really wouldn't have lost anything for being set anytime in the past. Enjoyable fluff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2015
To Defy a Sheikh by Maisey Yates is clearly no ordinary sheikh story as can be easily determined by the blurb. Apart from the fact that the heroine is an assassin, there were many things which does not categorize this story in the ordinary Sheikh romance trope. I loved this one for its unconventionality and superb character development.
Ferran and Samarah are both weighed down by their kingdoms complicated past history and connection. They both have been badly affected by the same and strangely their pasts are somewhat interconnected. Samarah had a tough personality and was quite hardened by her circumstances and is not easily understood. I loved that both of the characters had an individual personality which was not overshadowed by their romance. I dont want to say any more about the characters because to understand them, their backstory needs to be understood. The beginning was a little difficult to enjoy but as the story progressed, it was difficult not to get hooked to the passionate romance.
Ferran and Samarah are both weighed down by their kingdoms complicated past history and connection. They both have been badly affected by the same and strangely their pasts are somewhat interconnected. Samarah had a tough personality and was quite hardened by her circumstances and is not easily understood. I loved that both of the characters had an individual personality which was not overshadowed by their romance. I dont want to say any more about the characters because to understand them, their backstory needs to be understood. The beginning was a little difficult to enjoy but as the story progressed, it was difficult not to get hooked to the passionate romance.
February 6, 2022
Another fabulous read from Maisey Yates. Interesting plotting and great character development. I loved the way the the heroine was strong and powerful and literally pushed the hero into their happy ever after. Both of them had angst and tragedy in their past and had dealt with it in different ways. Maisey writes so well that she draws you in from the beginning (in this instance the attempted assassination) right the way through to a,delightful epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2018
When times call for a quick read I occasionally turn to a Mills & Boon book. To Defy a Sheikh by Maisey Yates is my first ever sheikh story. I loved the hilarious banter between the two central characters but unfortunately sheikh stories and sheikh’s are not my cup of tea and the storyline seemed just a little silly to me.
*Book ‘Y’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
*Book ‘Y’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
November 20, 2020
Protagonistas: Samarah & Ferran
Profesiones: Principe & Princesa
Pais: Inventado
Profesiones: Principe & Princesa
Pais: Inventado
June 13, 2015
I love Yates’ writing style. She never fails to drawn me in. This simultaneously unique and genre-specific storyline did keep my attention throughout. She develops the storyline and settings beautifully, allowing readers to picture each and every aspect of it.
Although the characters in this novel were quite well developed, the way in which Yates developed them made it difficult for me to really connect with and care about them. At times I felt as if I were caught up in a will-they-won’t- they situation while at others I was attempting to unravel the relationship between the main characters. Their personal vendettas and pigheadedness (for lack of a better word) makes them stand out, and stand apart, from the rest of us. The dialogue between the characters was quite natural and had an easy and realistic flow to it. It was very well done.
This was a very well written and original novel. As much as I enjoyed Yates’ writing style, I had trouble connecting with the characters.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Although the characters in this novel were quite well developed, the way in which Yates developed them made it difficult for me to really connect with and care about them. At times I felt as if I were caught up in a will-they-won’t- they situation while at others I was attempting to unravel the relationship between the main characters. Their personal vendettas and pigheadedness (for lack of a better word) makes them stand out, and stand apart, from the rest of us. The dialogue between the characters was quite natural and had an easy and realistic flow to it. It was very well done.
This was a very well written and original novel. As much as I enjoyed Yates’ writing style, I had trouble connecting with the characters.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
The Yates magic is back! I was a little leery of reading this sheikh romance because the last one by Yates was a long slog. But not this one - it starts with the heroine attempting to assassinate the hero. Very much an enemies-to-lovers trope. Their back stories was deeply ugly, but that ugliness does bond them to each at first. You can see the evolution of character as both individuals and as a couple, and you really feel the HEA is deserved. Samarah (heroine) was such a bad ass. She understands that her "innocence" is in physical nature only; her life on the streets gave her quite an education that is completely opposite from the typical virgins in the Presents line. I had to break down this square; "Secret" pertains to Samarah's parentage and re-entry into public life, billionaire because the dude is sheikh.
August 18, 2014
Ms. Yates has written what might be a perfect sheikh book. The hero is wonderfully tortured and the heroine is a kick-ass smart mouth. It's as if Buffy were dropped into the desert and stayed to fall in love. I enjoyed this story immensely!
November 29, 2017
Bu yazar romantik komedi yazsın bence.Bayıldım,net! Yahu ikili arasındaki diyaloglar o kadar güzeldi ki... <3
October 29, 2014
**Originally posted on Bookish Wanderlove.**
★★★!
Opening Lines
Majority of the stars for To Defy a Sheikh come from the fact that I read this in one sitting. I was curious to see what Ferran was hiding and how Samarah would react, and when they would finally realize that they were in love with each other. I did really enjoy the development between Ferran and Samarah. There were some pretty intense scenes between Ferran and Samarah that had me fanning myself,
What kept To Defy a Sheikh from getting 5 stars?
The constant back and forth with Samarah coming to terms with her feelings and the situation with Ferran. Towards the start of the book it made sense for Samarah to be conflicted and not know if she can trust Ferran and what her attraction to him means. She's new to all this and has been surviving on her own for awhile now. But after awhile it got tiring and annoying and just wasn't applicable anymore. It was a constant back and forth that could have been written better.
Another reason, Ferran admits to something that he did, something that Samarah should know before they get married. I loved Ferran for being honest about this, sure he didn't tell her right away but he did tell her eventually. Her response? Sex. I'm sorry, WHAT!? This was completely unrealistic in so many ways. Sex should be the last thing on her mind with the information that Ferran shared and it made me strongly dislike Samarah's character and Maisey Yates' use of sex to divert the issue.
Lastly, Samarah's need for revenge. It took WAY too long for her to realize that she was no better than her father by seeking revenge. Her hardness made it impossible for me to connect with her character. Overall, To Defy a Sheikh was an okay read that just didn't really work for me. It had some intense scenes with an obvious display of chemistry between Ferran and Samarah, but that was about it. I recommend this to those that like romance novels.
★★★!
Opening Lines
"Sheikh Ferran Bashar, ruler of Khadra, would not survive the night. He didn't know it yet, but it was true."
Majority of the stars for To Defy a Sheikh come from the fact that I read this in one sitting. I was curious to see what Ferran was hiding and how Samarah would react, and when they would finally realize that they were in love with each other. I did really enjoy the development between Ferran and Samarah. There were some pretty intense scenes between Ferran and Samarah that had me fanning myself,
What kept To Defy a Sheikh from getting 5 stars?
The constant back and forth with Samarah coming to terms with her feelings and the situation with Ferran. Towards the start of the book it made sense for Samarah to be conflicted and not know if she can trust Ferran and what her attraction to him means. She's new to all this and has been surviving on her own for awhile now. But after awhile it got tiring and annoying and just wasn't applicable anymore. It was a constant back and forth that could have been written better.
Another reason, Ferran admits to something that he did, something that Samarah should know before they get married. I loved Ferran for being honest about this, sure he didn't tell her right away but he did tell her eventually. Her response? Sex. I'm sorry, WHAT!? This was completely unrealistic in so many ways. Sex should be the last thing on her mind with the information that Ferran shared and it made me strongly dislike Samarah's character and Maisey Yates' use of sex to divert the issue.
Lastly, Samarah's need for revenge. It took WAY too long for her to realize that she was no better than her father by seeking revenge. Her hardness made it impossible for me to connect with her character. Overall, To Defy a Sheikh was an okay read that just didn't really work for me. It had some intense scenes with an obvious display of chemistry between Ferran and Samarah, but that was about it. I recommend this to those that like romance novels.
October 29, 2014
First up - it's Maisey Yates. That, for me, is pretty much an auto-read issue. Add in the fact that it's a sheikh story AND it's a revenge story...revenge of the WOMAN...and I'm allll in.
I had uber-high expectations and Ms. Yates, as always, did not let me down. Samarah is a princess who's lived her entire life in hiding because her entire family (save her and her mother) were slaughtered by rebels after Ferran had her father executed for sleeping with his mother (he actually witnessed it). She hates him for this and so, having worked her way into a situation where she can get close to him, and having been tutored in martial arts by a kindly man as she was in hiding (no, as it's presented, I actually had no trouble believing in how/why she was trained to fight...it really works in the story), she tries to kill him. She of course fails and strangely Ferran offers her a choice: prison or become his sheikha. Weird, but again, it's a Harlequin Presents book and Ms. Yates' talents work to make it believable.
Ferran - very closed off man who carries a heavy weight on his shoulders for past deeds. In Samarah, he finds a way to at least partially alleviate some of his issues. It's not so much a case of her marrying him will redeem him, more he's as always trying to carry out his duty.
It's very difficult to summarize this novel because there's so much packed into the category length story.
I loved the setting. Ferran's tale about how his ancestors came to rule the country, along with the tribes that still inhabit parts of the kingdom without being citizens of the kingdom were great. I loved watching Samarah grow beyond the angry, hate-filled woman she is at the beginning into realizing the choices she was making. These two really did help each other heal from the wounds inflicted both by themselves and by the world around them.
Without a doubt, I recommend this and hope everyone will give it a chance, even if you traditionally turn your nose up at the sheikh trope. This one's worth your time!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had uber-high expectations and Ms. Yates, as always, did not let me down. Samarah is a princess who's lived her entire life in hiding because her entire family (save her and her mother) were slaughtered by rebels after Ferran had her father executed for sleeping with his mother (he actually witnessed it). She hates him for this and so, having worked her way into a situation where she can get close to him, and having been tutored in martial arts by a kindly man as she was in hiding (no, as it's presented, I actually had no trouble believing in how/why she was trained to fight...it really works in the story), she tries to kill him. She of course fails and strangely Ferran offers her a choice: prison or become his sheikha. Weird, but again, it's a Harlequin Presents book and Ms. Yates' talents work to make it believable.
Ferran - very closed off man who carries a heavy weight on his shoulders for past deeds. In Samarah, he finds a way to at least partially alleviate some of his issues. It's not so much a case of her marrying him will redeem him, more he's as always trying to carry out his duty.
It's very difficult to summarize this novel because there's so much packed into the category length story.
I loved the setting. Ferran's tale about how his ancestors came to rule the country, along with the tribes that still inhabit parts of the kingdom without being citizens of the kingdom were great. I loved watching Samarah grow beyond the angry, hate-filled woman she is at the beginning into realizing the choices she was making. These two really did help each other heal from the wounds inflicted both by themselves and by the world around them.
Without a doubt, I recommend this and hope everyone will give it a chance, even if you traditionally turn your nose up at the sheikh trope. This one's worth your time!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2014
TO DEFY A SHEIKH by author Maisey Yates is a November 2014 release by Harlequin Presents.
Sheikh Ferran Bashar, ruler of Khadra, fought back when he found an assassin in his room. She came to kill him but he overpowered her and had her in captivity. Then he found out she was none other than Sheikha Samarah Al-Azem of Jahar, a neighbouring sheikhdom. He offered her a place in the dungeon for the assassination attempt or to marry him and be his sheikha.
Samarah had burnt with revenge all her life and had trained to kill just so she could get her revenge on Ferran. Would she take his ultimatum and marry him to kill him? Could Ferran trust her now not to kill him any chance she got?
TO DEFY A SHEIKH is a fast, thrilling story. I loved the tension and the drama, the intrigue and the suspense in this story. Author Maisey Yates realistically brought to life a hero who denies himself passion and love just so he could keep in control. And a heroine who wanted revenge above all else, yet finding out the whole truth changed her.
All readers of romance would love this story.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Sheikh Ferran Bashar, ruler of Khadra, fought back when he found an assassin in his room. She came to kill him but he overpowered her and had her in captivity. Then he found out she was none other than Sheikha Samarah Al-Azem of Jahar, a neighbouring sheikhdom. He offered her a place in the dungeon for the assassination attempt or to marry him and be his sheikha.
Samarah had burnt with revenge all her life and had trained to kill just so she could get her revenge on Ferran. Would she take his ultimatum and marry him to kill him? Could Ferran trust her now not to kill him any chance she got?
TO DEFY A SHEIKH is a fast, thrilling story. I loved the tension and the drama, the intrigue and the suspense in this story. Author Maisey Yates realistically brought to life a hero who denies himself passion and love just so he could keep in control. And a heroine who wanted revenge above all else, yet finding out the whole truth changed her.
All readers of romance would love this story.
4.5 out of 5 stars
April 4, 2015
Samarah attack Sheikh Ferran because he kills her father when she was only a little girl. Obviously, her attempt failed and as a compromise, he demand marriage in exchange of imprisonment to reunite both their nation. Realising that there are other other ways, she reluctantly agreed and as the story progressed, she start to realized just how she was about him and she begin to understand the circumstance leading to the killing of her father. This has also make her begin to love him but Ferran is a broken man and he thought that he is incapable of love.
This is a love story between two persons who are bought being burden by their past history and connection and being weighed down by their responsibility to their nation. I like both Samarah and Ferran for their individuality uniqueness that has to work past their history which somehow seems to be interconnected. In their course of recovery, both of them has help to heal their wound from the past. Overall, it is a sweet romance for me with well developed plot and strong main characters
This is a love story between two persons who are bought being burden by their past history and connection and being weighed down by their responsibility to their nation. I like both Samarah and Ferran for their individuality uniqueness that has to work past their history which somehow seems to be interconnected. In their course of recovery, both of them has help to heal their wound from the past. Overall, it is a sweet romance for me with well developed plot and strong main characters
June 8, 2021
The cost of defiance
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
October 25, 2014
5 SUPER GOLDEN STARS!!!
I loved the strong heroine/hero combo. This book was like a one-two punch of the romance variety.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
Hard copy or Digital copy: Hard copy
NETGALLEY e-ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE
I loved the strong heroine/hero combo. This book was like a one-two punch of the romance variety.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
Hard copy or Digital copy: Hard copy
NETGALLEY e-ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE
November 12, 2014
Story of redemption and love
I enjoyed watching these characters heal from horrible tragedy and find love and forgiveness in each other. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed watching these characters heal from horrible tragedy and find love and forgiveness in each other. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 19, 2016
It was very sad tell the end but it was amazing
August 25, 2021
I liked the story. Samarah and Ferran had tragic early years. They each led different lives. When they reunited there were several feelings going through them that they didn't understand or know how to handle. The ending could have been a bit longer.
July 3, 2017
Two broken people finding their happily ever after with each other.
February 20, 2020
Otra vez me quedé esperando más. Me gustan las historias de jeques pero más cuando son de dos culturas diferentes los protagonistas o sea él oriental y ella occidental
June 5, 2021
Started off pretty well, but I got bogged down in all the internal thinking, thinking, thinking!
February 5, 2020
I really enjoyed in some parts, but for me it sours the experience when the author talks about onanism (or like Bela Frances did in one novel, toys!). For me it makes the story and characters base vs. passion. Just my preference, but for those like me, I'm giving a heads up. Nothing more frustrating and depressing than selecting and getting involved in a story then having a writer introduce something you trusted them not to. We pay for these books, I feel that we have a right to know if they're going to add something unexpected like that. Whatever our likes, when they do, it feels a bit like fraud when we wouldn't have bought if we knew. This the importance of reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2014
The cost of defiance.
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
This is the best book I've read written by Maisey Yates, in her stories set in the fascinating world of the sheikhs.
Certainly the one with the most interesting and compelling characters.
Ferran is one of those characters who affect with their charms: beautiful but deadly like a wild and untamed creature, confident and dominant, loyal and courageous.
And then there is Samarah ... a woman who I found amazing, she survived through a terrible childhood: a fairy-tale Princess, who has found herself to live on the streets, in the midst of perils of all sorts and has managed to survive all this thanks her new purpose: revenge against Ferran, the man who deprived her of everything.
She became the perfect killer, invisible to everyone and ready to hit the enemy.
Clever, cunning and beautiful. But strong enough to be able to go further and do not become a slave of the hatred and of the past, and she can see the reality with all its facets and then she decide to move on.
A beautiful book, in which I was involved and passionate during its reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the book.
Rating: 4 stars
TITLE: To Defy a Sheikh
AUTHOR: Maisey Yates
PUBLISHER: Harlequin
Questo è il più bel libro che ho letto scritto da Maisey Yates, nelle sue storie ambientate nell'affascinante mondo degli sceicchi.
Senz'altro quello con i protagonisti più interessanti e convincenti.
Ferran è uno di quei personaggi che colpiscono per il loro fascino: bello, ma letale come una creatura selvaggia e indomabile, sicuro di sé e dominante, leale e coraggioso.
E poi c'è Samarah... una donna che ho trovato spettacolare, ha vissuto un'infanzia terribile: da principessa delle favole, si è ritrovata a vivere per le strade, in mezzo a pericoli di ogni sorta ed è riuscita a sopravvivere a tutto questo ponendosi un obiettivo superiore: la sua vendetta contro Ferran, l'uomo che l'ha privata di tutto.
Si trasforma nella killer perfetta, invisibile agli occhi di tutti e pronta a colpire il suo nemico.
Intelligente, astuta e bellissima. Ma così forte da riuscire ad andare oltre e non diventare schiava dell'odio e del passato, e vedere la realtà con tutte le sue sfaccettature e per poi decidere di andare avanti.
Un bel libro, che mi ha coinvolto e appassionato durante la sua lettura.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Harlequin per il libro.
VOTO: 4 stelle
Princess Samarah Al-Azem knows you cannot rush revenge. Having bided her time, she's finally ready to bring down Ferran, her kingdom's enemy and the man who took everything from her. In the still of night, she lies in wait in his bedchamber….
It isn't the first time Sheikh Ferran has found himself at the edge of an assassin's blade…but never has it been wielded by such a beautiful assailant. Soon he has her at his mercy—something he's wanted for years!
Now Samarah must decide: imprisonment in a cell…or in diamond shackles as his wife.
This is the best book I've read written by Maisey Yates, in her stories set in the fascinating world of the sheikhs.
Certainly the one with the most interesting and compelling characters.
Ferran is one of those characters who affect with their charms: beautiful but deadly like a wild and untamed creature, confident and dominant, loyal and courageous.
And then there is Samarah ... a woman who I found amazing, she survived through a terrible childhood: a fairy-tale Princess, who has found herself to live on the streets, in the midst of perils of all sorts and has managed to survive all this thanks her new purpose: revenge against Ferran, the man who deprived her of everything.
She became the perfect killer, invisible to everyone and ready to hit the enemy.
Clever, cunning and beautiful. But strong enough to be able to go further and do not become a slave of the hatred and of the past, and she can see the reality with all its facets and then she decide to move on.
A beautiful book, in which I was involved and passionate during its reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the book.
Rating: 4 stars
TITLE: To Defy a Sheikh
AUTHOR: Maisey Yates
PUBLISHER: Harlequin
Questo è il più bel libro che ho letto scritto da Maisey Yates, nelle sue storie ambientate nell'affascinante mondo degli sceicchi.
Senz'altro quello con i protagonisti più interessanti e convincenti.
Ferran è uno di quei personaggi che colpiscono per il loro fascino: bello, ma letale come una creatura selvaggia e indomabile, sicuro di sé e dominante, leale e coraggioso.
E poi c'è Samarah... una donna che ho trovato spettacolare, ha vissuto un'infanzia terribile: da principessa delle favole, si è ritrovata a vivere per le strade, in mezzo a pericoli di ogni sorta ed è riuscita a sopravvivere a tutto questo ponendosi un obiettivo superiore: la sua vendetta contro Ferran, l'uomo che l'ha privata di tutto.
Si trasforma nella killer perfetta, invisibile agli occhi di tutti e pronta a colpire il suo nemico.
Intelligente, astuta e bellissima. Ma così forte da riuscire ad andare oltre e non diventare schiava dell'odio e del passato, e vedere la realtà con tutte le sue sfaccettature e per poi decidere di andare avanti.
Un bel libro, che mi ha coinvolto e appassionato durante la sua lettura.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Harlequin per il libro.
VOTO: 4 stelle
November 17, 2014
The story was a bit of fairytale, but with a few twists here and there. We got to see a girl that really suffered after seeing her family go through hell. Her father was murdered and her mother years later left her all alone and vanished, so the only thing she could do was get revenge. I was so there with her and completely understood her reasons.
We could really only see her side in the first place, but after getting to know better the story from Ferran, things were not so perfect and Samarah was the only one without a hand in the craziness. I got to say Ferran was a bit of a tyrant, but a really sexy one and their moments in the rain was super hot.
So I liked the different nuances to this story and the fact that not everything was what it seemed.
We could really only see her side in the first place, but after getting to know better the story from Ferran, things were not so perfect and Samarah was the only one without a hand in the craziness. I got to say Ferran was a bit of a tyrant, but a really sexy one and their moments in the rain was super hot.
So I liked the different nuances to this story and the fact that not everything was what it seemed.
February 28, 2015
Yates is one of my most beloved HP authors, but TO DEFY A SHEIKH, wasn't the wondrous reading I've come to expect. It certainly had a marvelous opening: with a spitting, fighting, revenge-bent heroine and humbled but powerful hero. The atoning hero and slowly softening heroine was the trajectory of this novel; unfortunately, this also meant that as their over-the-top personalities were tamed by Yates' narrative, I lost heart in my reading. If you'd like to read all my thoughts on this novel, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2015...
I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2015...
I received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
October 2, 2014
To Defy a Sheikh was an ok read. Not a fan of the heroine seeking revenge trope. It made this heroine too hard. I like a softer heroine.
What I liked- the prose. It was compelling. The hero. He was ice and lethal. I liked the damaged history of the hero and heroine but wish it hadn't made the heroine so hard.
What I didn't like- the heroine wasn't very likeable. She was hardened by the need to exact revenge. That made it hard for me to really care for her tho I understood what darkness drove her.
An ok read that could have a great read had the heroine been softer.
What I liked- the prose. It was compelling. The hero. He was ice and lethal. I liked the damaged history of the hero and heroine but wish it hadn't made the heroine so hard.
What I didn't like- the heroine wasn't very likeable. She was hardened by the need to exact revenge. That made it hard for me to really care for her tho I understood what darkness drove her.
An ok read that could have a great read had the heroine been softer.
June 2, 2016
I'm almost speechless. Almost.
One of the most passionate and fulfilling stories I've read. I absolutely enjoyed this one from beginning to end. Samarah and Ferran endured so much tragedy in the past that it left them broken as individuals. A family tragedy turned them into enemies. The hatred they felt for each other simmered through out the years. To know the rest, you'll have to read the story yourself. But I guarantee it, you won't regret it.
One of the most passionate and fulfilling stories I've read. I absolutely enjoyed this one from beginning to end. Samarah and Ferran endured so much tragedy in the past that it left them broken as individuals. A family tragedy turned them into enemies. The hatred they felt for each other simmered through out the years. To know the rest, you'll have to read the story yourself. But I guarantee it, you won't regret it.
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