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Pride of Zohayd #3
Como Tocar Um Sheik
A redenção de um sheik
Ninguém consegue burlar as defesas do sheik Amjad Aal Shalaan. Ninguém. Mas quando a princesa Maram apareceu no baile de gala de Amjad no lugar do pai dela, destruindo os planos dele de recuperar o que fora roubado de sua família, Amjad ficou furioso... e aproveitou-se de uma estranha tempestade de areia para torná-la sua amante e prisioneira. Salva por um homem que sempre amou a distância, Maram percebeu que tinha a chance de fazer Amjad vê-la como uma mulher. Sua mulher. Mas ambos não estavam preparados para o resultado de seus desejos…
Ninguém consegue burlar as defesas do sheik Amjad Aal Shalaan. Ninguém. Mas quando a princesa Maram apareceu no baile de gala de Amjad no lugar do pai dela, destruindo os planos dele de recuperar o que fora roubado de sua família, Amjad ficou furioso... e aproveitou-se de uma estranha tempestade de areia para torná-la sua amante e prisioneira. Salva por um homem que sempre amou a distância, Maram percebeu que tinha a chance de fazer Amjad vê-la como uma mulher. Sua mulher. Mas ambos não estavam preparados para o resultado de seus desejos…
183 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
32 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gates
507 books495 followersI am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of 45 books in different genres including Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, Medical Action Thrillers and Paranormal Romance. My upcoming works will also veer into fantasy.
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.
I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!
My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!
Happy reading everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 28, 2012
It's official. Amjad is the most fun hero I've ever read. He's so thoroughly and delightfully snarky, every word out of his mouth had me giggling. And he found his match in Maram. Their 'verbal duels' as the author called them were the best I've ever read. And when it came to the sex scenes, oh my! Those were some of the hottest, most emotional smut I've enjoyed. The bargaining they did across the bed before he finally succumbed and 'devoured' her, was one for the records.
I loved the two previous books in the Zohayd trilogy, but the highlights in those for me were when Amjad made an appearance. Have I mentioned the guy is FUN? Damaged and cynical as hell and off-limits and pure unadulterated fun with it all. As Maram said, the ultimate yum. Oh, I so wished he was the hero of a continuing series, so I'd have more of his snarky yumminess. All I can hope now is that I get glimpses of him again in the coming trilogy of his half-brothers.
Amjad (and Maram and the rest of To Touch a Sheikh) are a blast! I've re-read him twice already, and will do so again and again I'm sure.
I loved the two previous books in the Zohayd trilogy, but the highlights in those for me were when Amjad made an appearance. Have I mentioned the guy is FUN? Damaged and cynical as hell and off-limits and pure unadulterated fun with it all. As Maram said, the ultimate yum. Oh, I so wished he was the hero of a continuing series, so I'd have more of his snarky yumminess. All I can hope now is that I get glimpses of him again in the coming trilogy of his half-brothers.
Amjad (and Maram and the rest of To Touch a Sheikh) are a blast! I've re-read him twice already, and will do so again and again I'm sure.
August 3, 2011
Perfect Conclusion to a Captivating Series
From the moment Prince Amjad was met in previous books of the Pride of Zohayd series, his story was one I highly anticipated. His past is exceedingly heartrending, and I wanted him to find someone who could break through the impenetrable wall he has erected around his emotions. The woman whom Olivia Gates brings into his life is someone who is just as stubborn as he when it comes to giving up on a goal, and their scenes are frequently packed with quick-witted comebacks to delight the reader time and again.
The treachery of someone very close to Prince Amjad Aal Shalaan caused him to become extremely distrustful of others, and he keeps those around him at bay with curt words to avoid prospective emotional entanglements, especially when it comes to women. While he has become a master at evading others, there is one female who is determined to not only get closer to him but also make him realize his true potential. Princess Maram Aal Waaked lives nearby and although her father was invited to a special event in his country, she goes instead and hopes to achieve her objective during the visit. What she does not know is Amjad believes her father is behind the loss of his family’s prized jewels, and he already had a plan to retrieve them. While her arrival will change his strategy, he still thinks there is a way to regain possession of the stolen item if he involves her. When a sudden sandstorm makes them seek shelter together, Amjad and Maram discover there are many hidden truths to be learned while their unspoken passions continue to mount.
Olivia Gates makes the feelings of her characters seem genuinely realistic in TO TOUCH A SHEIKH. There are moments of amusement when Amjad and Maram exchange sharply clever comments, and seeing who would deliver the last taunt was always enjoyable. Then there are the times when either or even both of them are pouring out their innermost feelings to the other, and these scenes are particularly affecting because of the sincerity fueling their fervent responses. Ms. Gates skillfully lets the reader experience every sentiment felt by her romantic couple, as doubts are all too real and passionate touches heat their skin. This author has always written her stories in such a way as to let me know exactly how her characters are feeling during each second they are featured, and she expertly reveals their every thought during any scene in the book. Whether it is the main couple or a secondary character, the reader will repeatedly get a sense of what is going on in their minds plus hearts. The moments when Amjad and Maram express their desire for the other is not only beautifully conveyed but proves just how much they care, even if they do not say the actual words. The ongoing unknowns in the Pride of Zohayd series add an element of mystery to the story, and several disclosures near the end are definitely unexpected. Since this is the final book in a constantly compelling series, I hope Ms. Gates creates future Sheikh stories to enthrall readers. I certainly found her colorful descriptions of the desert locale to be fascinating, and I want to revisit this enchanting setting. TO TOUCH A SHEIKH is an imaginative tale of seduction, passion and revelations.
From the moment Prince Amjad was met in previous books of the Pride of Zohayd series, his story was one I highly anticipated. His past is exceedingly heartrending, and I wanted him to find someone who could break through the impenetrable wall he has erected around his emotions. The woman whom Olivia Gates brings into his life is someone who is just as stubborn as he when it comes to giving up on a goal, and their scenes are frequently packed with quick-witted comebacks to delight the reader time and again.
The treachery of someone very close to Prince Amjad Aal Shalaan caused him to become extremely distrustful of others, and he keeps those around him at bay with curt words to avoid prospective emotional entanglements, especially when it comes to women. While he has become a master at evading others, there is one female who is determined to not only get closer to him but also make him realize his true potential. Princess Maram Aal Waaked lives nearby and although her father was invited to a special event in his country, she goes instead and hopes to achieve her objective during the visit. What she does not know is Amjad believes her father is behind the loss of his family’s prized jewels, and he already had a plan to retrieve them. While her arrival will change his strategy, he still thinks there is a way to regain possession of the stolen item if he involves her. When a sudden sandstorm makes them seek shelter together, Amjad and Maram discover there are many hidden truths to be learned while their unspoken passions continue to mount.
Olivia Gates makes the feelings of her characters seem genuinely realistic in TO TOUCH A SHEIKH. There are moments of amusement when Amjad and Maram exchange sharply clever comments, and seeing who would deliver the last taunt was always enjoyable. Then there are the times when either or even both of them are pouring out their innermost feelings to the other, and these scenes are particularly affecting because of the sincerity fueling their fervent responses. Ms. Gates skillfully lets the reader experience every sentiment felt by her romantic couple, as doubts are all too real and passionate touches heat their skin. This author has always written her stories in such a way as to let me know exactly how her characters are feeling during each second they are featured, and she expertly reveals their every thought during any scene in the book. Whether it is the main couple or a secondary character, the reader will repeatedly get a sense of what is going on in their minds plus hearts. The moments when Amjad and Maram express their desire for the other is not only beautifully conveyed but proves just how much they care, even if they do not say the actual words. The ongoing unknowns in the Pride of Zohayd series add an element of mystery to the story, and several disclosures near the end are definitely unexpected. Since this is the final book in a constantly compelling series, I hope Ms. Gates creates future Sheikh stories to enthrall readers. I certainly found her colorful descriptions of the desert locale to be fascinating, and I want to revisit this enchanting setting. TO TOUCH A SHEIKH is an imaginative tale of seduction, passion and revelations.
June 22, 2011
In To Touch a Sheikh we finally get Amjad's story, the man everyone calls the Mad Prince ever since his wife tried to kill him and almost succeeded. Amjad doesn't trust anyone, is snarky and disbelieving and has been working on who stole the jewels of Zohayd.
Maram is the daughter of the man involved in the conspiracy and a pain in Amjad's butt. She is the only one who doesn't seem scared of him, and instead delights in verbally sparring with him and tempts Amjad. Maram is someone who sees the best in people, despite having a mother who used to tell her she was a mistake and a father who used her as a political tool. She sees through Amjad and adores him. She knows how to get through to him and when they are stranded together in a sandstorm she gets the perfect opportunity.
Amjad is keeping Maram captive unknown to her, not that he plans to harm her, he just wants to force her father's hand and during the days they spend together she drives him crazy. He doesn't want to believe her when she tells him the truth about her parents, the men in her life but he does and then he finally gives in.
Olivia Gates does awesome love scenes, tension and drama and this book is no less.
Amjad falls for her and then Maram gets to know the truth. If someone should learn how to grovel they should read Gates books and I love how strong the heroine's become after loving the hero unconditionally, they make them pay. For Amjad seeing Maram's goodness of seeing the world removed was painful, and a reminder that he may have lost her.
I loved the banter between these two, the way the put a spin on royal titles and life was fun. A very good end to the series.
Courtesy netgalley
Maram is the daughter of the man involved in the conspiracy and a pain in Amjad's butt. She is the only one who doesn't seem scared of him, and instead delights in verbally sparring with him and tempts Amjad. Maram is someone who sees the best in people, despite having a mother who used to tell her she was a mistake and a father who used her as a political tool. She sees through Amjad and adores him. She knows how to get through to him and when they are stranded together in a sandstorm she gets the perfect opportunity.
Amjad is keeping Maram captive unknown to her, not that he plans to harm her, he just wants to force her father's hand and during the days they spend together she drives him crazy. He doesn't want to believe her when she tells him the truth about her parents, the men in her life but he does and then he finally gives in.
Olivia Gates does awesome love scenes, tension and drama and this book is no less.
Amjad falls for her and then Maram gets to know the truth. If someone should learn how to grovel they should read Gates books and I love how strong the heroine's become after loving the hero unconditionally, they make them pay. For Amjad seeing Maram's goodness of seeing the world removed was painful, and a reminder that he may have lost her.
I loved the banter between these two, the way the put a spin on royal titles and life was fun. A very good end to the series.
Courtesy netgalley
June 12, 2011
A wonderful end to the 'Pride of Zohayd' trilogy tells the story of Amjad, the oldest of the Aaal Shalaan brothers and arguably the most interesting! A wicked betrayal has left Amjad deeply wounded and unable or perhaps unwilling to feel. His heart is so frozen in ice it seems no longer to exist and it would take someone very special and tenacious to attempt melting this dangerous, ruthless man. Maram, princess of a neighbouring emirate, has been in love with Amjad for years and decides she is the one to make this man feel again, so she decided to attend a race in her father's stead and puts her plan into action. An ongoing intrigue concerning the royal jewels of Zohayd means that Amjad kidnaps Maram and takes her to his retreat in the desert where he has to face his greatest fear - that of learning to feel again. Betrayal, longing, desire, sacrifice some deeply sensual romance and most important, the redemptive power of love are just some of the themes running through this wonderful novel. There are scenes between Amjad and Maram which are truly funny when he realises that there is someone in the world who does not fear him and gives as good as she gets. There are also sensual, beautiful love scenes which scorch off the page as well as times when the reader will cry at the depth of emotions laid bare by actions taken by the protagonists and others around them. If you love a story where you feel everything along with the hero and heroine then you will love this novel as much as I did. I was almost afraid when I started to read this that it would not live up to my expectations but it surpassed them. Please, please read this.
January 28, 2012
Olivia Gates, author of the Pride of Zohayd series for Harlequin Desire certainly outdid herself in this the third installment! Her three Princes of the desert are hotter than the sands they live on!
Amjad, the oldest and by rights, Crowned "Mad", Prince of Zohayd has a very personal reason to swear off the female species! Admonishing his two younger brothers, calling them idiots for falling into the spider's web, Amjad soon finds himself entangled in a web of desire all his own with no hope to be saved. Charged with the task of recovering the property most coveted, Amjad must modify his current plan when Mother Nature steps in, but he is up to the challenge or so he thinks. Princess Maram has a reputation and plan of her own the target is within her grasp, finds she could not have wished it any better if she planned it herself. An intellectual and sensual battle of equals of which each is determined to win, rages on along with the storm surrounding them. Amjad and Maram, through truth and deception as vulnerabilities come crashing down, can the ultimate goal each of these two determined individuals are fighting for be obtained? Moreover, at what cost to themselves will it be? A definite must read!
Amjad, the oldest and by rights, Crowned "Mad", Prince of Zohayd has a very personal reason to swear off the female species! Admonishing his two younger brothers, calling them idiots for falling into the spider's web, Amjad soon finds himself entangled in a web of desire all his own with no hope to be saved. Charged with the task of recovering the property most coveted, Amjad must modify his current plan when Mother Nature steps in, but he is up to the challenge or so he thinks. Princess Maram has a reputation and plan of her own the target is within her grasp, finds she could not have wished it any better if she planned it herself. An intellectual and sensual battle of equals of which each is determined to win, rages on along with the storm surrounding them. Amjad and Maram, through truth and deception as vulnerabilities come crashing down, can the ultimate goal each of these two determined individuals are fighting for be obtained? Moreover, at what cost to themselves will it be? A definite must read!
November 6, 2011
I loved this, the final part of the Zohayd trilogy. It was full of banter, angst, love, fighting, heartache and eventually the HEA.
August 18, 2011
again Olivia Gates rocks u are oustanding as always u keep me hooked to the last word..... u never disappoint me.thank u .....
August 3, 2011
You know, usually I'm not a sheikh type of girl. I tend to lean more toward the fangs and fur persuasion. Yet, there is a definite hotness factor to this book that I found fascinating. It also helps that one of my favorite random plot devices (next to amnesiac vampires) is when two people get caught in a snowstorm. Now, being that this book takes place in the desert, there wasn't a snowstorm to be seen. However, deserts make their own magic in the form of SANDSTORMS!
Now Amjad knows how to bring the heat. If you know what I mean. Once he breaks down his barriers he's all lusty and energizer bunny like. Rumor has it that the boy can go all night. *nods* Maram has some sass. Some serious, serious sass. The girl can sling verbal zingers with the best of them. I like that. It's always fun when you get a female character that doesn't fold when the guys get snarky. And Amjad is snarky.
No, this isn't my usual type of book. At all. But I liked it. It was fast-paced, sexy and the main characters had enough fire to keep one another warm in the coldest snowstorm. I have no idea how I can translate that thought into a sandstorm metaphor so I'm just going to leave that one to your imagination.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Now Amjad knows how to bring the heat. If you know what I mean. Once he breaks down his barriers he's all lusty and energizer bunny like. Rumor has it that the boy can go all night. *nods* Maram has some sass. Some serious, serious sass. The girl can sling verbal zingers with the best of them. I like that. It's always fun when you get a female character that doesn't fold when the guys get snarky. And Amjad is snarky.
No, this isn't my usual type of book. At all. But I liked it. It was fast-paced, sexy and the main characters had enough fire to keep one another warm in the coldest snowstorm. I have no idea how I can translate that thought into a sandstorm metaphor so I'm just going to leave that one to your imagination.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 24, 2011
Maram Aal Waaked is in the middle of the deseret to watch a horse race put on by Amjad Aal Shalaan. Her father Prince Aal Waaked was invited but because of health reasons could not come. Also Maram has been trying to get his attention for four years since she first met him.
Amjad does not trust women his first wife came to him not a virgin and he forgave her since he was not one either. Then he forgave her that she was pregnant by someone else but he would not forgive her for putting arsnic in everything to kill him.
Amjad found out that Maram father was behind the theft of the royal jewels of Zohayd. With out the jewels to show his people on the annual ceremony. His family will loose the thrown and tear his people into apart.
Amjad had planned to kidnap Prince Aal Waaked till he gave the jewels back. Decided to just take Maram instead.
Maram had no idea she was kidnapped at all. Maram thought that They were got in sand storm and hid out at his place. Too busy falling in love with Amjad.
Their is a lot of flirting and calling each other names. Amjad is opening up to her.
I liked it skipped a few love scenes. I was given this ebook in exchange for review.
Amjad does not trust women his first wife came to him not a virgin and he forgave her since he was not one either. Then he forgave her that she was pregnant by someone else but he would not forgive her for putting arsnic in everything to kill him.
Amjad found out that Maram father was behind the theft of the royal jewels of Zohayd. With out the jewels to show his people on the annual ceremony. His family will loose the thrown and tear his people into apart.
Amjad had planned to kidnap Prince Aal Waaked till he gave the jewels back. Decided to just take Maram instead.
Maram had no idea she was kidnapped at all. Maram thought that They were got in sand storm and hid out at his place. Too busy falling in love with Amjad.
Their is a lot of flirting and calling each other names. Amjad is opening up to her.
I liked it skipped a few love scenes. I was given this ebook in exchange for review.
February 5, 2012
I loved Amjad the moment I read his first line! If you like verbal sparring, as well as physical passion, you love this couple. This book is fabulous!
August 13, 2011
I have to admit that Harres and Talia's story spoiled me. I don't think anything could.. That being said, I loved Amjad's and Maram's story. I couldn't see how Amjad's could be redeemed, he was such an ass in the other books. But she did it! I enjoyed the story, especially after Amjad's succumbed. I felt horrible for Marjam when she discovered Amjad's plan. Great resolution!!! Read and enjoy!
January 30, 2012
The Desire line at Harlequin is considered powerful, passionate and provocative and this book embodies all three. Because the hero’s (Amjad) wife tried to kill him slowly using poison, so he was very cynical. He was even considered by some as mad. But the heroine wasn’t intimated by him. I really like a strong heroine in the books. Gone are the days where the heroine waits for the hero to save her. This book contained a lot of sarcastic humour and I found this book highly amusing. I always look forward to an Olivia Gates book.
July 16, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: August 8, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Desire
Author’s Website: http://www.oliviagates.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Pride of Zohayd Trilogy
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Hot
Prince Amjad Al Shalaan once entered into a political marriage for the sake of his country. He graciously forgave the fact that his bride did not come to him a virgin as custom dictated — after all, he’d chosen her from a list of suitable candidates only a few weeks before the wedding, and since he was not a virgin himself, it seemed hypocritical to punish her for her missing virginity. He even forgave her when she turned out to be carrying the child of another man. What he couldn’t forgive, however, was her almost successful plot with her lover to murder him.
Ever since, Amjad has been tainted by a bad reputation — that of a Mad Sheikh, because he is completely untouchable. Women vie for a place in his bed, but he turns away everyone — even to the point that detractors have begun to speculate about his sexual orientation. His celibacy has become a thing of legend, but even that does not come close to the rumors of his paranoia…
Princess Maram has her own bad reputation. Having been forced into a political marriage to a man she viewed as her uncle, she flouted traditional mourning and almost immediately married a young, rich playboy, whom she promptly divorced after he was disowned from his family. Having grown up in America, she has little patience for the pomp and circumstance (and restrictions) placed on a princess from her country, though her patriotism does run deep.
She is also incredibly attracted to Prince Amjad from the neighboring kingdom of Zohyad. Intrigued rather than repulsed by both his reputation and his aloof personality, she has fancied herself in love with him from the start.
The two constantly trade barbs, but underneath it all is a simmering attraction.
Amjad intended to take Maram’s father hostage in order to force him to return the property that he has stolen from Amjad’s kingdom. When the king instead send Maram in his place, Amjad is forced to alter his plans, and intends to use the princess as his unknowing hostage instead. Maram sees the freak sandstorm that traps her with Amjad in a secluded villa as a blessing in disguise. Knowing that she need only tempt him to act on the sizzling attraction between them, she is brutally honest with Amjad about both her feelings for him and her desire. Soon they are both swept away by their passions, but when the storm passes, and Maram realizes that Amjad has been using her, will her love for him stand, or will his betrayal be the final straw?
I absolutely loved the first half of this book! The incredible betrayal at the beginning, the verbal sparring between Amjad and Maram, the tension built by Maram’s secret kidnapping and the intimacy created by their forced isolation was absolutely delicious. While I enjoyed the book in its entirety, there was something about the second half that simply didn’t appeal to me as much. Perhaps it was the tantric sex angle, or the fact that while they supposedly hiked and whatnot it seemed that all they did was bed each other, but there was just something missing once they began to sleep together. While Amjad’s ulterior motives for being with Maram created a delicious amount of angst, I really felt as though her feelings were a bit extreme. Granted, she’d fully given herself to him while he maintained his prior aloofness, but for love to turn to hate so quickly seemed a bit out of character for Maram.
In the end though, it was still a very enjoyable read. The back and forth sparring between the two made this book worth reading alone, because Maram is not your typical milquetoast virgin who lets the hero walk all over her. Instead, she’s a strong, modern woman, who knows what she wants and boldly goes after it, all the while nurturing a vulnerable heart.
Recommended for fans of modern heroines with a healthy dose of sarcasm, untouchable heroes who find themselves ensnared, and an angsty downfall of both hero and heroine, topped with a beautiful Grand Gesture and a very satisfying HEA.
4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: August 8, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Desire
Author’s Website: http://www.oliviagates.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Pride of Zohayd Trilogy
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Hot
Prince Amjad Al Shalaan once entered into a political marriage for the sake of his country. He graciously forgave the fact that his bride did not come to him a virgin as custom dictated — after all, he’d chosen her from a list of suitable candidates only a few weeks before the wedding, and since he was not a virgin himself, it seemed hypocritical to punish her for her missing virginity. He even forgave her when she turned out to be carrying the child of another man. What he couldn’t forgive, however, was her almost successful plot with her lover to murder him.
Ever since, Amjad has been tainted by a bad reputation — that of a Mad Sheikh, because he is completely untouchable. Women vie for a place in his bed, but he turns away everyone — even to the point that detractors have begun to speculate about his sexual orientation. His celibacy has become a thing of legend, but even that does not come close to the rumors of his paranoia…
Princess Maram has her own bad reputation. Having been forced into a political marriage to a man she viewed as her uncle, she flouted traditional mourning and almost immediately married a young, rich playboy, whom she promptly divorced after he was disowned from his family. Having grown up in America, she has little patience for the pomp and circumstance (and restrictions) placed on a princess from her country, though her patriotism does run deep.
She is also incredibly attracted to Prince Amjad from the neighboring kingdom of Zohyad. Intrigued rather than repulsed by both his reputation and his aloof personality, she has fancied herself in love with him from the start.
The two constantly trade barbs, but underneath it all is a simmering attraction.
Amjad intended to take Maram’s father hostage in order to force him to return the property that he has stolen from Amjad’s kingdom. When the king instead send Maram in his place, Amjad is forced to alter his plans, and intends to use the princess as his unknowing hostage instead. Maram sees the freak sandstorm that traps her with Amjad in a secluded villa as a blessing in disguise. Knowing that she need only tempt him to act on the sizzling attraction between them, she is brutally honest with Amjad about both her feelings for him and her desire. Soon they are both swept away by their passions, but when the storm passes, and Maram realizes that Amjad has been using her, will her love for him stand, or will his betrayal be the final straw?
I absolutely loved the first half of this book! The incredible betrayal at the beginning, the verbal sparring between Amjad and Maram, the tension built by Maram’s secret kidnapping and the intimacy created by their forced isolation was absolutely delicious. While I enjoyed the book in its entirety, there was something about the second half that simply didn’t appeal to me as much. Perhaps it was the tantric sex angle, or the fact that while they supposedly hiked and whatnot it seemed that all they did was bed each other, but there was just something missing once they began to sleep together. While Amjad’s ulterior motives for being with Maram created a delicious amount of angst, I really felt as though her feelings were a bit extreme. Granted, she’d fully given herself to him while he maintained his prior aloofness, but for love to turn to hate so quickly seemed a bit out of character for Maram.
In the end though, it was still a very enjoyable read. The back and forth sparring between the two made this book worth reading alone, because Maram is not your typical milquetoast virgin who lets the hero walk all over her. Instead, she’s a strong, modern woman, who knows what she wants and boldly goes after it, all the while nurturing a vulnerable heart.
Recommended for fans of modern heroines with a healthy dose of sarcasm, untouchable heroes who find themselves ensnared, and an angsty downfall of both hero and heroine, topped with a beautiful Grand Gesture and a very satisfying HEA.
4/5 Stars
February 15, 2012
I just read that this book won Cataromance's Reviewers' Choice Award and is nominated for RT Book Reviews', too! I came back to read all the reviews and add an amendment to mine, congratulating the author for writing such books as this that seem to be unanimously loved. And I discovered I never wrote a review! How COULD I? I loved, loved, LOVED Amjad and Maram and TO TOUCH A SHEIKH! The 'verbal duels', the 'kidnapping' during the sandstorm, hiding away from its wrath for days and Maram's persistence in breaking down the glaciers around Amjad's heart. And most of all, I adored his struggle not to succumb. Cause once he did Whoa, baby, watch out! Amjad and Maram do nothing except to the limit and that's what their passion and sacrifice for each other were.
I also loved how their roles were reversed after she discovered the truth (grab a kleenex box because the black moments will have you sobbing!) But how it didn't spiral into the usual melodrama, how our strong, level-headed heroine remained that after her heart was broken. Amjad's grand gestures in the end to win her back positively melted me!!!
I also loved the appearance of all the other brother, Shaheen and Harres, but especially Haidar (Amjad's half-brother) who's THANKFULLY the hero of the first book in Gates's coming trilogy DESERT KNIGHTS. I've looked it up and his book's title is THE SHEIKH'S REDEMPTION!
I CAN'T wait!
Congrats again, Ms. Gates, for a deserved win, and please, keep on writing those witty, irresistible and gooey centered alpha males of yours! I am one fan who will keep on reading anything at all you'll write!
I also loved how their roles were reversed after she discovered the truth (grab a kleenex box because the black moments will have you sobbing!) But how it didn't spiral into the usual melodrama, how our strong, level-headed heroine remained that after her heart was broken. Amjad's grand gestures in the end to win her back positively melted me!!!
I also loved the appearance of all the other brother, Shaheen and Harres, but especially Haidar (Amjad's half-brother) who's THANKFULLY the hero of the first book in Gates's coming trilogy DESERT KNIGHTS. I've looked it up and his book's title is THE SHEIKH'S REDEMPTION!
I CAN'T wait!
Congrats again, Ms. Gates, for a deserved win, and please, keep on writing those witty, irresistible and gooey centered alpha males of yours! I am one fan who will keep on reading anything at all you'll write!
February 15, 2012
I've just read the author announcing this book won one reviewers choice award and is nominated for another. And that's the least this stupendous book deserves. I read Pride of Zohayd trilogy in sequence and thought nothing could possibly top the first two books. But this books tops everything I've read in a long, loooong while. In fact, I don't remember when I've ever had more fun or felt more involved in a love story before.
Amjad and Maram are unbelievable together. I've never read two more witty people or laugh-out-lout repartee. And they do everything with the same enthusiasm and expertise—making love, setting the page on fire and breaking the readers' hearts!
I can't recommend this book highly enough and hats off to the reviewers who recognized its true worth.
Amjad and Maram are unbelievable together. I've never read two more witty people or laugh-out-lout repartee. And they do everything with the same enthusiasm and expertise—making love, setting the page on fire and breaking the readers' hearts!
I can't recommend this book highly enough and hats off to the reviewers who recognized its true worth.
February 16, 2012
I don't remember when I last read a book with such cleverly written dialogue, or incredible construction of story. This book felt like a sonata, the three movements so well integrated, flowing from one to another, building up to a crescendo of emotion.
The first movement was that incredible tug of war when Amjad 'kidnaps' Maram in her father's stead. Believing he was only saving her from a sandstorm and that she got the chance of a lifetime to be secluded with him in his desert hideaway to work on melting his barriers and proving to this icy, suspicious as a cat, caustically sarcastic if fun as hell hunk that he could trust her, cause she's the only one for him, of course.
The second movement is when she finally succeeds. The sensual and mental negotiations before he does across that bed is easily the most emotionally charged I've ever read. The give and take and pull and push is amazing. You can *really* believe when he finally takes her that he's making love to her with six years' worth of pent up passion, and when their bodies join in ecstasy, it is an expression of their emotion, and they're *really* making love.
The third motion comes when she discovers how things started, that it had been a plan all along to get back the Pride of Zohayd jewels his royal family needs to stay in power. After the explosively emotional scene when their positions in the love affair is reversed, with her being the one who has no trust and he the one seeking to convince her of his sincerity, everything just keeps building to a totally satisfying resolution that ties every loose end. Even the epilogue is part of that fantastic resolution that leaves us in no doubt about their happily ever after, and shows us all the characters we've come to love from other books in theirs. It also reassures us that though Amjad has surrendered to her forever, he's still our Crown Prince of Snark! :-)
Fantastic characters and love story and overall plot for the whole Pride of Zohayd trilogy and terrific writing to do them all justice and them some! More, more!
The first movement was that incredible tug of war when Amjad 'kidnaps' Maram in her father's stead. Believing he was only saving her from a sandstorm and that she got the chance of a lifetime to be secluded with him in his desert hideaway to work on melting his barriers and proving to this icy, suspicious as a cat, caustically sarcastic if fun as hell hunk that he could trust her, cause she's the only one for him, of course.
The second movement is when she finally succeeds. The sensual and mental negotiations before he does across that bed is easily the most emotionally charged I've ever read. The give and take and pull and push is amazing. You can *really* believe when he finally takes her that he's making love to her with six years' worth of pent up passion, and when their bodies join in ecstasy, it is an expression of their emotion, and they're *really* making love.
The third motion comes when she discovers how things started, that it had been a plan all along to get back the Pride of Zohayd jewels his royal family needs to stay in power. After the explosively emotional scene when their positions in the love affair is reversed, with her being the one who has no trust and he the one seeking to convince her of his sincerity, everything just keeps building to a totally satisfying resolution that ties every loose end. Even the epilogue is part of that fantastic resolution that leaves us in no doubt about their happily ever after, and shows us all the characters we've come to love from other books in theirs. It also reassures us that though Amjad has surrendered to her forever, he's still our Crown Prince of Snark! :-)
Fantastic characters and love story and overall plot for the whole Pride of Zohayd trilogy and terrific writing to do them all justice and them some! More, more!
February 17, 2012
An AMAZING read, from the first line in the prologue to the last one in the epilogue. I seldom read books that I can't put down, but this is one of those. Amjad and Maram took me on a rollercoaster of wit and emotion and passion I wouldn't have been able to break away even if I wanted to, and I certainly didn't want to. I wanted to keep on reading as I giggled, held my breath, and shed tears.
I can't even pick a favorite scene. Is it the emotionally charged prologue where you feel Amjad's pain and betrayal, and his transformation into the Mad Prince we came to adore throughout the Pride of Zohayd trilogy? Or is it this first meeting with Maram and their verbal duel? Or is it when he kidnaps her under the cover of the sandstorm (not that she knew, she thought he was rescuing her!) and what followed with them being couped up in his hideaway in the middle of the desert where she turns the tables on him and takes him prisoner of her love? Then comes the love scenes when he finally gives in to her pursuit. Then the tables are turned again and he becomes the pursuer when she finds out the truth. Then comes the scene with Haidar (and I can't wait for HIS book, The Sheikh's Redemption!!) Then wraps it all up is the epilogue where we revisit all the loved characters from the trilogy and see their happily ever afters for ourselves not only assume they had them!
TO TOUCH A SHEIKH is a fantastic book and a fitting end for the wonderful Pride of Zohayd trilogy (and I just heard it won an award and nominated for another which really is what reminded me I owe this book and the great author a review to say how much I enjoyed it and how many times I've reread it)
I can't even pick a favorite scene. Is it the emotionally charged prologue where you feel Amjad's pain and betrayal, and his transformation into the Mad Prince we came to adore throughout the Pride of Zohayd trilogy? Or is it this first meeting with Maram and their verbal duel? Or is it when he kidnaps her under the cover of the sandstorm (not that she knew, she thought he was rescuing her!) and what followed with them being couped up in his hideaway in the middle of the desert where she turns the tables on him and takes him prisoner of her love? Then comes the love scenes when he finally gives in to her pursuit. Then the tables are turned again and he becomes the pursuer when she finds out the truth. Then comes the scene with Haidar (and I can't wait for HIS book, The Sheikh's Redemption!!) Then wraps it all up is the epilogue where we revisit all the loved characters from the trilogy and see their happily ever afters for ourselves not only assume they had them!
TO TOUCH A SHEIKH is a fantastic book and a fitting end for the wonderful Pride of Zohayd trilogy (and I just heard it won an award and nominated for another which really is what reminded me I owe this book and the great author a review to say how much I enjoyed it and how many times I've reread it)
February 17, 2012
Really fantastic book that has everything, quick-witted banter, smoking hot love scenes, exotic setting, secrets, angst, palace intrigue and a hero to die for who does some 'mad' things for the love of his heroine. Captivating from the first line and engrossing to the last word. A keeper!
February 20, 2012
Five stars times two!
Yes, I think this book deserves ten stars! Just when I think Olivia Gates has just written her best book, she gives me better. And I daresay To Touch a Sheikh is her best book to date. Amjad is the most damaged, snarky, luscious hero she's ever written (OK, so Damian De Luna from her Calista St. James series remains my favorite but Amjad is a close second) and she gives him the perfect heroine in Maram. The sheer chemistry between those two is explosive. The way they switch roles midway through the book was pure genius. I love this book from the prologue to the epilogue without slowing down, heart pounding as I turned the pages. Really fantastic writing and incredible characters and setting that come to vivid life. Amazing!
Yes, I think this book deserves ten stars! Just when I think Olivia Gates has just written her best book, she gives me better. And I daresay To Touch a Sheikh is her best book to date. Amjad is the most damaged, snarky, luscious hero she's ever written (OK, so Damian De Luna from her Calista St. James series remains my favorite but Amjad is a close second) and she gives him the perfect heroine in Maram. The sheer chemistry between those two is explosive. The way they switch roles midway through the book was pure genius. I love this book from the prologue to the epilogue without slowing down, heart pounding as I turned the pages. Really fantastic writing and incredible characters and setting that come to vivid life. Amazing!
July 19, 2011
3.5 Stars
I am a sucker for a Sheikh. Don’t ask me why, because my favourite romance genre is usually paranormal, but Sheikhs always seem to do it for me. I like to believe in a past life I was devoured by one of the ruggedly sexy patriarchs and his memory has remained in the back of my thoughts as time goes by....but that’s just between me and you because I have an inkling my hubby wouldn’t appreciate it.
Anyway, To Touch A Sheikh, was another of those steamy, sexy indulgences that I have come to need every now and again.
Prince Amjad was everything I needed him to be, strong, confident, sexy as hell with enough emotional baggage to make him into a feisty, interesting character.
Princess Maram was also a joy to read. Usually I insert ‘Jodie’ into all of my heroine positions, enjoying being a part of the romance instead to reading about someone else shagging all the hotties, but this time I couldn’t. Maram was way out of my league. The dialogue between both of these highly intelligent characters was enough to make me itch to grab a dictionary. However, it did fit in nicely to the story, it showed without mentioning directly how smart a prince and princess need to be – and in effect how lacking my brain cells seem to be.
This romance sizzled in all the right places and had a great mix of emotion. I enjoyed falling in love with Amjad and look forward to falling in love with his brothers in Olivia’s other books.
I am a sucker for a Sheikh. Don’t ask me why, because my favourite romance genre is usually paranormal, but Sheikhs always seem to do it for me. I like to believe in a past life I was devoured by one of the ruggedly sexy patriarchs and his memory has remained in the back of my thoughts as time goes by....but that’s just between me and you because I have an inkling my hubby wouldn’t appreciate it.
Anyway, To Touch A Sheikh, was another of those steamy, sexy indulgences that I have come to need every now and again.
Prince Amjad was everything I needed him to be, strong, confident, sexy as hell with enough emotional baggage to make him into a feisty, interesting character.
Princess Maram was also a joy to read. Usually I insert ‘Jodie’ into all of my heroine positions, enjoying being a part of the romance instead to reading about someone else shagging all the hotties, but this time I couldn’t. Maram was way out of my league. The dialogue between both of these highly intelligent characters was enough to make me itch to grab a dictionary. However, it did fit in nicely to the story, it showed without mentioning directly how smart a prince and princess need to be – and in effect how lacking my brain cells seem to be.
This romance sizzled in all the right places and had a great mix of emotion. I enjoyed falling in love with Amjad and look forward to falling in love with his brothers in Olivia’s other books.
July 13, 2017
"To Touch a Sheikh" is the story of Amjad and Maram.
What happens when two passionate people who're obsessed with each other get stranded in a sandstorm? Meteor explosion!
Witty banter, laugh out loud nicknames, super passionate and hot lovemaking forms the gist of the story- how a badly burnt by love couple, who's always had eyes for one another finally give into their attraction and find their HEA.
I adored the angst and the groveling in the last 3/4th, and it totally added to the charm of the book.
I had found this book at the top of the "best sheikh book" listopia, and while it's not the all time best, it certainly would be on the top.
Amazing epilogue.
Really enjoyed it.
Safe
4.75/5
What happens when two passionate people who're obsessed with each other get stranded in a sandstorm? Meteor explosion!
Witty banter, laugh out loud nicknames, super passionate and hot lovemaking forms the gist of the story- how a badly burnt by love couple, who's always had eyes for one another finally give into their attraction and find their HEA.
I adored the angst and the groveling in the last 3/4th, and it totally added to the charm of the book.
I had found this book at the top of the "best sheikh book" listopia, and while it's not the all time best, it certainly would be on the top.
Amazing epilogue.
Really enjoyed it.
Safe
4.75/5
March 2, 2012
This has got to be the best Olivia Gates book I've read. Or maybe it's Amjad the hero who makes me partial to this book. He's the BEST hero I've ever read. He is so snarky he made me laugh out loud with every word, and even thought. I loved him!! And Maram was the only woman who could stand up to him, open his sealed heart and melt the iceberg around him. And then their roles reversed and it was a rollecoaster to the end. Explosive ending to an incredible trilogy!
March 3, 2012
From the moment Maram walks up to Amjad thinking she was attending his annual race in the desert and they exchanged that hilarious first exchange, I knew I was in for a ride! The fun of the Prince of Snark and his princess didn't let up for the first chapters as she works on the Mad Prince to break through the ice around his heart. And once she does it's amazingly passionate. I loved the way the tables turn on Amjad and how he becomes the pursuer in the second half of the book, when he realizes he loves Maram and she's broken through all the way to his heart, and he might have broken hers. Loved seeing Harres and Shaheen from the other two books in the pride of Zohayd trilogy. A wonderful ending for a wonderful series.
October 4, 2012
Oh My Goodness! I loooooved this story. The third part of the trilogy , this book was INCREDIBLE!
Amjad, the hero, is HOT HOT HOT ! Totally impenetrable, he is vulnerable only to the woman he loves.
Maram, the heroine, is FABULOUS! Relentless in her pursuit of the one man she' s ever loved, she gives as good as she gets in the verbal sparring arena.
The love scenes were scorching , and I do mean scorching hot. The intensity of emotions had me sitting on edge to find out what will happen next and how all this will get sorted out.
A great read !
Amjad, the hero, is HOT HOT HOT ! Totally impenetrable, he is vulnerable only to the woman he loves.
Maram, the heroine, is FABULOUS! Relentless in her pursuit of the one man she' s ever loved, she gives as good as she gets in the verbal sparring arena.
The love scenes were scorching , and I do mean scorching hot. The intensity of emotions had me sitting on edge to find out what will happen next and how all this will get sorted out.
A great read !
September 13, 2012
When I said his younger brothers were hot, Amjad is simply white-hot, searing, blinding.
As the culmination to the three-part mini-series, I was filled with trepidation since the reader was given a glimpse into Amjad's character in the previous books. He was shown as cold, calculating, and ruthless. Which is understandable given his history. But I read on, and discovered that this was as good, if not the best, as the rest of the mini-series. Well-written and with a few choice words, funny at times. It was interesting to read a novella that had contemporary subjects in it, like the mention of a certain song. It made the experience somehow a little more realistic, so to speak. ^_^
In this book, the readers are given a treat. We are shown the other side of his personality, his flaws, his very person. That, and the intensity of his passion. Maram was perfect for him, too. Tailor-made. They were both..."extremists"...when it comes to love, so much that the ensuing conflict, and resolution, was every bit appropriate (for lack of a better word).
Recommended read. :)
As the culmination to the three-part mini-series, I was filled with trepidation since the reader was given a glimpse into Amjad's character in the previous books. He was shown as cold, calculating, and ruthless. Which is understandable given his history. But I read on, and discovered that this was as good, if not the best, as the rest of the mini-series. Well-written and with a few choice words, funny at times. It was interesting to read a novella that had contemporary subjects in it, like the mention of a certain song. It made the experience somehow a little more realistic, so to speak. ^_^
In this book, the readers are given a treat. We are shown the other side of his personality, his flaws, his very person. That, and the intensity of his passion. Maram was perfect for him, too. Tailor-made. They were both..."extremists"...when it comes to love, so much that the ensuing conflict, and resolution, was every bit appropriate (for lack of a better word).
Recommended read. :)
March 5, 2012
To Touch a Sheikh is an incredible ending to an incredible series, Pride of Zohayd. Amjad was my favorite hero in the series (maybe even ever!) from the moment he made his appearance in his younger brother's book, To Tame A Sheikh! But I kept wondering throughout the seires, what woman can possibly stand up to this towering iceberg of brutal wit?
Enter Maram Aal Waaked, his perfect woman and the one determined to have this impossible man no matter what it takes or how long it does.
I loved their verbal battles, the way they came close, and when the truth came out, my heart squeezed for both of them as it seemed everything was ruined. I loved the twists in the end, and who the culprit behind the who Pride of Zohayd jewels conspiracy was. All in all, a perfect story starring two intriguing sympathetic protagonists who finally find their match in the other, and a forever love. NOT to be missed!
Enter Maram Aal Waaked, his perfect woman and the one determined to have this impossible man no matter what it takes or how long it does.
I loved their verbal battles, the way they came close, and when the truth came out, my heart squeezed for both of them as it seemed everything was ruined. I loved the twists in the end, and who the culprit behind the who Pride of Zohayd jewels conspiracy was. All in all, a perfect story starring two intriguing sympathetic protagonists who finally find their match in the other, and a forever love. NOT to be missed!
April 1, 2012
Wow. And I DO mean WOW!!!! This took my breath away from start to finish! Amjad is just irresistible with all of his snark and scars. And boy, when this crown prince fell, he fell ALL the way, and it was as exhilarating to see him so deeply in love as much as it was to watch him resist falling in the first place. Maram was his perfect match and it made this such a powerful, balanced romance. I am really out of descriptions to describe how much I loved this book and how perfect it was from all angles. An amazing ending to an amazing trilogy!
April 6, 2012
Amjad and Maram supplanted even Kamal and Aliyah as my most favorite Olivia Gates hero and heroine. The resolution to the Pride of Zohayd mystery in this intricate, exhilarating love story was just genius! I only hope we get to see Amjad and Maram again in more stories, or at least guest starring in the upcoming Desert Knights trilogy!
May 2, 2012
Amjad Aal Shalaan aka The Mad Prince was everything and more that I hope he would be from his brothers' book, To Tame & To Tempt a Sheikh! OMG. How hot and snarky and delicious he is. And how buried in ice his heart is, and what it takes for the indomitable Maram to thaw it. And then once he's thawed—look out. He becomes an inferno! And then the table turns and he has to have offered the best struggle ever to regain his lover's trust. I loved how she wouldn't fall into his arms again as she was dying to, made him struggle to win her back. And boy, did he make the most staggering sacrifices ever to do so!
I loved Amjad and Maram together, and their verbal interaction and battles was the best and most entertaining and often laugh out loud I've ever read.
This book surpassed my expectation and was a spectacular end to the FABULOUS Pride of Zohayd trilogy.
Now I hear there are a new trilogy, starring the half-brothers Haidar and Jalal and a nemesis of theirs in DESERT KNIGHTS. And I for one, can't wait!!!!!
I loved Amjad and Maram together, and their verbal interaction and battles was the best and most entertaining and often laugh out loud I've ever read.
This book surpassed my expectation and was a spectacular end to the FABULOUS Pride of Zohayd trilogy.
Now I hear there are a new trilogy, starring the half-brothers Haidar and Jalal and a nemesis of theirs in DESERT KNIGHTS. And I for one, can't wait!!!!!
October 12, 2012
Amjad! Ooooh, Amjad! The HOTTEST, SNARKIEST alpha male to walk the literary world! Love, love, LOVE him and every word that exited his luscious lips! Now I want a whole ongoing series starring him and his incomparable heroine, Maram!
This was a roller coaster ride of fun and passion and heart break and it left me giddy with delight and upheaval. Poor Olivia Gates. I wonder how she feels after she completes a project with such depth and intensity of emotion? I could imagine since it drained me and left me in a delicious stupor savoring the delight that is AMJAD! Now on to re-read this book for the third time! :-)
This was a roller coaster ride of fun and passion and heart break and it left me giddy with delight and upheaval. Poor Olivia Gates. I wonder how she feels after she completes a project with such depth and intensity of emotion? I could imagine since it drained me and left me in a delicious stupor savoring the delight that is AMJAD! Now on to re-read this book for the third time! :-)
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