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Heirs to the Throne of Kyr #1
Gambling with the Crown
This sheikh plays to win!
The crown of Kyr holds no appeal for pleasure-seeking Sheikh Kadir al-Hassan – his memories of the kingdom are as dark as a desert’s night. But neither will he shirk his duty… Instead, Kadir returns home with a bride so unsuitable no one will want him to be king!
Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir’s high-octane life, and the most invisible – until she’s promoted to royal bride!
Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more… Now he must decide what’s really at stake in his royal game – his desert duty, or Emily!
Discover more at
www.millsandboon.co.uk/lynnrayeharris
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
43 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Raye Harris
349 books2,962 followersLynn Raye Harris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sizzling military romantic suspense novels and contemporary romance novels. She lives in Alabama with her husband (former military), her cat, and her American Saddlebred horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 19, 2014
Another disappointing sheik stories…I think I am going to give sheik heroes a miss!!!!!
I totally disliked Prince Kadir – what an awful guy…..there was nothing about him I liked. So his father wants him to become the next ruler of his country instead of his older brother…..Kadir is a playboy and is quite happy with his hedonistic lifestyle but to keep his father happy, gets his assistant to agree to be his temporary wife.
And Emily agrees. I couldn’t believe it. The way he treats her – talk about abusing your workers…she opens his bedroom curtains, makes his coffee, gets rid of the women he doesn’t want………why would she ever want to marry someone like him.
Maybe book 2 will be different.....though I am not sure if I will read it.
The Kyr rulers so far have been pretty awful...
I totally disliked Prince Kadir – what an awful guy…..there was nothing about him I liked. So his father wants him to become the next ruler of his country instead of his older brother…..Kadir is a playboy and is quite happy with his hedonistic lifestyle but to keep his father happy, gets his assistant to agree to be his temporary wife.
And Emily agrees. I couldn’t believe it. The way he treats her – talk about abusing your workers…she opens his bedroom curtains, makes his coffee, gets rid of the women he doesn’t want………why would she ever want to marry someone like him.
Maybe book 2 will be different.....though I am not sure if I will read it.
The Kyr rulers so far have been pretty awful...
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
This was a nice story.
This was a nice story.
March 26, 2014
Kadir is the second son of the king of Kyr so never expected to take the throne but was in danger of being forced into that situation due to a rift between his father and brother. Worried that his ailing father would nominate him he started hatching a plan but was called back to Kyr as his father is unfortunately dying. Kadir’s plan is to make the Advisory Council believe that he is an unsuitable candidate and the best way to do that is taking a wife who was not from his country. The best person for the job was his secretary Emily, she is sensible and staid and will not cling to him and would know that the marriage would not be forever, but only until it had served its purpose!
Emily is not just a secretary, she has basically run and organised Kadir’s life for the last four years and knows only too well how much of a playboy he is. Over the period of working for him Emily has constantly bumped into various women leaving early in the morning as she goes in to wake him up and give him his morning coffee. She only agrees to this preposterous idea because she needs the money he offers to pay off her sick father’s medical bills, after all, Kadir wouldn’t be interested in her and she certainly isn’t interested in him….Isn’t she?!
This was a story of the classic rich sheikh, who is not only an alpha male he is a playboy who is used to throwing his money around and getting his own way. Whilst the heroine who is an ordinary looking woman hiding a killer figure and stunning legs under drab looking baggy clothes. Yes we have had this style of story told in many ways and many times over the years but what makes it different is the writer. Ms Harris knows how to tell a good story, making it seem different from all its predecessors and I am looking forward to reading about Rashid who is Kadir’s brother in Carrying the Sheikh's Heir
If you like Harlequins and you like your sheikhs (as I do!) then you need to add this to your wish-list.
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via Netgalley
Emily is not just a secretary, she has basically run and organised Kadir’s life for the last four years and knows only too well how much of a playboy he is. Over the period of working for him Emily has constantly bumped into various women leaving early in the morning as she goes in to wake him up and give him his morning coffee. She only agrees to this preposterous idea because she needs the money he offers to pay off her sick father’s medical bills, after all, Kadir wouldn’t be interested in her and she certainly isn’t interested in him….Isn’t she?!
This was a story of the classic rich sheikh, who is not only an alpha male he is a playboy who is used to throwing his money around and getting his own way. Whilst the heroine who is an ordinary looking woman hiding a killer figure and stunning legs under drab looking baggy clothes. Yes we have had this style of story told in many ways and many times over the years but what makes it different is the writer. Ms Harris knows how to tell a good story, making it seem different from all its predecessors and I am looking forward to reading about Rashid who is Kadir’s brother in Carrying the Sheikh's Heir
If you like Harlequins and you like your sheikhs (as I do!) then you need to add this to your wish-list.
ARC courtesy of Harlequin via Netgalley
May 12, 2014
Gambling With the Crown by Lynn Raye Harris is a 2014 Harlequin Presents Publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK BLURB:
Mills & Boon Sexy series delivers what you love in contemporary romance - glamour and scandal in exotic locations…
This Sheikh plays to win!
The crown of Kyr holds no appeal for pleasure-seeking Sheikh Kadir al-Hassan—his memories of the kingdom are as dark as a desert's night. But neither will he shirk his duty…. Instead, Kadir returns home with a bride so unsuitable, no one will want him to be king!
Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir's high-octane life, and the most invisible—until she's promoted to royal bride! Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more….
Now Kadir must decide what's really at stake in his royal game—his desert duty, or Emily!
I have read Lynn's HOT series but I have not read her Harlequin novels , so when the opportunity to review this book for Lynn opend up I jumped on it. I will be honest and say I don't read a lot of Harlequin Presents novels and I never really understood the fascination with Sheikhs. But, when I started reading this one I couldn't put it down. I mean I was really sucked into this story. Kadir was so full of himself and had an air of entitlement about him which I felt was probably authentic since he was raised as a prince. It was also realistic to believe he was not all that interested in being the King. It's not until he makes Emily an offer she can't refuse that he actually sees Emily as a person and not an employee. Once Emily became a bride the relationship with Kadir naturally changed and the two really struggled with how to adjust to that. For Emily the money would change her life and give her freedom to be with her father more. Her attraction to Kadir was always simmering under the surface but she saw how he treated women and used them and had no desire to end up like one of them. But, Kadir realizes how shallow and empty his life has been when he sees how real Emily is. She doesn't kiss up to him or expect anything from him in an emotional sense. In fact, her attitude towards him is really kind of bad. Kadir is astonished by her perceptions of him. It takes awhile for Kadir to finally realize he actually wants this marriage to be a real one, but will it be too late to convince Emily?
I enjoyed this book and had only one small complaint. I wish that Emily would have been just a little warmer. Sometimes she was so bent on protecting her heart she came off sounding judgmental and a little cold. She never did actually tell Kadir she loved him. It was almost like her pride wouldn't allow her to admit the depth of her feelings for him. The small acknowledgement she did give him seemed to be given grudgingly. So, even though I know the couple will get their happy ever after, I felt that it would be awhile before Emily really got on the same page with Kadir. Other than that I recommend this book to all contemporary romance lovers. I see this is a new series and I have already added the second book into my TBR. This one gets 4 stars.
BOOK BLURB:
Mills & Boon Sexy series delivers what you love in contemporary romance - glamour and scandal in exotic locations…
This Sheikh plays to win!
The crown of Kyr holds no appeal for pleasure-seeking Sheikh Kadir al-Hassan—his memories of the kingdom are as dark as a desert's night. But neither will he shirk his duty…. Instead, Kadir returns home with a bride so unsuitable, no one will want him to be king!
Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir's high-octane life, and the most invisible—until she's promoted to royal bride! Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more….
Now Kadir must decide what's really at stake in his royal game—his desert duty, or Emily!
I have read Lynn's HOT series but I have not read her Harlequin novels , so when the opportunity to review this book for Lynn opend up I jumped on it. I will be honest and say I don't read a lot of Harlequin Presents novels and I never really understood the fascination with Sheikhs. But, when I started reading this one I couldn't put it down. I mean I was really sucked into this story. Kadir was so full of himself and had an air of entitlement about him which I felt was probably authentic since he was raised as a prince. It was also realistic to believe he was not all that interested in being the King. It's not until he makes Emily an offer she can't refuse that he actually sees Emily as a person and not an employee. Once Emily became a bride the relationship with Kadir naturally changed and the two really struggled with how to adjust to that. For Emily the money would change her life and give her freedom to be with her father more. Her attraction to Kadir was always simmering under the surface but she saw how he treated women and used them and had no desire to end up like one of them. But, Kadir realizes how shallow and empty his life has been when he sees how real Emily is. She doesn't kiss up to him or expect anything from him in an emotional sense. In fact, her attitude towards him is really kind of bad. Kadir is astonished by her perceptions of him. It takes awhile for Kadir to finally realize he actually wants this marriage to be a real one, but will it be too late to convince Emily?
I enjoyed this book and had only one small complaint. I wish that Emily would have been just a little warmer. Sometimes she was so bent on protecting her heart she came off sounding judgmental and a little cold. She never did actually tell Kadir she loved him. It was almost like her pride wouldn't allow her to admit the depth of her feelings for him. The small acknowledgement she did give him seemed to be given grudgingly. So, even though I know the couple will get their happy ever after, I felt that it would be awhile before Emily really got on the same page with Kadir. Other than that I recommend this book to all contemporary romance lovers. I see this is a new series and I have already added the second book into my TBR. This one gets 4 stars.
September 22, 2018
I'm never buying another book from this author. She should never write sheikh books. Second time I found racist themes through her Arab background characters.
Gave this a second chance but yet again I stopped reading three quarters of the way in due to the author's racist and insulting descriptions of the Arab culture. I've traveled extensively and have lived and worked in a few different places throughout the Middle East. Her descriptions reek of arrogance and a complete lack of real understanding ( I’m guessing she’s based her descriptions on the propaganda she’s seen rather than any reality). This book and this author really shit me. Never again.
Gave this a second chance but yet again I stopped reading three quarters of the way in due to the author's racist and insulting descriptions of the Arab culture. I've traveled extensively and have lived and worked in a few different places throughout the Middle East. Her descriptions reek of arrogance and a complete lack of real understanding ( I’m guessing she’s based her descriptions on the propaganda she’s seen rather than any reality). This book and this author really shit me. Never again.
April 12, 2015
I can't believe I am giving one star to a book by Lynn Raye Harris but this one was awful. I like my Harlequin Presents heroines virginal and my heroes alpha. This book had neither. Oh also this is supposed to be a love story but heroine NEVER tells our hero she loves him! I was like WTF did I just read?!
April 20, 2014
Can an indispensable personal assistant tame the wandering soul of the reluctant heir to the throne of Kyr? Emily has lived in the shadow of her boss, Kadir, the charming and devilishly handsome playboy sheikh. Cleaning up his sexual dalliances by escorting his “dates” out of the bedroom and onto the streets was only part of her job description. Running his calendar, arranging his meals, etc., while being invisible, was all in a day’s work. But when Kadir is desperate to displease his dying father so he will not be crowned the new leader, Emily may have taken on more than even her job description can bear. Kadir needs an unsuitable wife and Emily seems the perfect choice. A deal is struck and they marry, in name only, no strings attached, until that first electrifying kiss solidifying their marriage.
For such an intelligent woman, Emily finds she is in over her head, because Kadir is no longer her boss, he is her husband and she is loath to be another broken hearted notch on his belt. Kadir finds he is becoming vulnerable to this woman and she is softening his callous attitude. He is even confessing things he had done in the past, things he has never told anyone, things he is ashamed of now and that have put further distance between himself and his dysfunctional family.
Will these two pull off their ruse or will they find themselves trapped by emotions they cannot admit?
Gambling with the Crown by Lynn Rae Harris is a light read, full of that romantic tension that has the reader daydreaming of what they would do, swooning over the sensual energy and completely frustrated with what is so clearly evident to everyone but Kadir and Emily. Ms. Harris focused on these two imperfect characters while adding some heat under the frying pan they have jumped in to. Another Harlequin romance for that escape from reality we all need sometimes!
Publication Date: May 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373132416
Genre: Adult Light Romance
Number of pages: 192
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For such an intelligent woman, Emily finds she is in over her head, because Kadir is no longer her boss, he is her husband and she is loath to be another broken hearted notch on his belt. Kadir finds he is becoming vulnerable to this woman and she is softening his callous attitude. He is even confessing things he had done in the past, things he has never told anyone, things he is ashamed of now and that have put further distance between himself and his dysfunctional family.
Will these two pull off their ruse or will they find themselves trapped by emotions they cannot admit?
Gambling with the Crown by Lynn Rae Harris is a light read, full of that romantic tension that has the reader daydreaming of what they would do, swooning over the sensual energy and completely frustrated with what is so clearly evident to everyone but Kadir and Emily. Ms. Harris focused on these two imperfect characters while adding some heat under the frying pan they have jumped in to. Another Harlequin romance for that escape from reality we all need sometimes!
Publication Date: May 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373132416
Genre: Adult Light Romance
Number of pages: 192
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
November 2, 2018
This guy put the whore in man-whore. I'm sorry but I couldn't finish it. It was troubling how his assistant had watched all these women come and go for four years. I thought he was a sickening jerk and simply couldn't bare to finish it. I was so disappointed because I loved book two in this series and had looked so forward to this one.
I can't recommend this book.
I can't recommend this book.
May 18, 2014
For Emily life is as full of excitement as can be, she have every woman's dream job. Assistant to Sheikh Kadir,she does exactly as he says whenever he says it, notes, coffee, meetings , buying gifts for his countess lovers, he requests and she does. Okay so I lied it's so not the dream job of any woman but working for a hot looking Sheikh counts.
But Emily's life is quickly turned upside down when Kadir makes the request of a life time by suggesting she marries him in order to help him get rid of being King to a kingdom he never ever wanted and will never want.
Once the leaders sees his not so suited wife they will give the thrown to his brother and he can divorce Emily and go back to being the womanizing player he has always been. But when their union is sealed with a scorching hot kiss Kadir craves more and soon he needs to chose between playing or being played.
If you are reluctant to read books about Sheikh's as I use to be I will tell you that when you need a perfect Sheikh read and you see the name Lynn Raye Harris you are definitely in for an exquisite read. She is one of those author's that when you see her books you automatically buy not even checking the back.
So of course I could not get my hands on a copy of Gambling with the crown quick enough. The read was all kinds of super perfection.
I loved, loved the chemistry between Kadir and Emily, the heat, the passion and the intense buildup to romance taking form. Kadir and Emily were both well written in that stunning make me swoon and dream about being the heroine way that Lynn Raye Harris does so very well.
The read was emotional and sensual, kind, sweet and a perfect example of a good afternoon romance read. Through the characters I learned that we all think we know what in life it is we need or want but when it's staring us in the face it's the time when we are most blinded. Open your heart to the voices trying to tell you when you've reached that sweet spot instead of ignoring it and carrying on as per usual.
5 star review
" He gambles with the crown, she gambles with her heart"
But Emily's life is quickly turned upside down when Kadir makes the request of a life time by suggesting she marries him in order to help him get rid of being King to a kingdom he never ever wanted and will never want.
Once the leaders sees his not so suited wife they will give the thrown to his brother and he can divorce Emily and go back to being the womanizing player he has always been. But when their union is sealed with a scorching hot kiss Kadir craves more and soon he needs to chose between playing or being played.
If you are reluctant to read books about Sheikh's as I use to be I will tell you that when you need a perfect Sheikh read and you see the name Lynn Raye Harris you are definitely in for an exquisite read. She is one of those author's that when you see her books you automatically buy not even checking the back.
So of course I could not get my hands on a copy of Gambling with the crown quick enough. The read was all kinds of super perfection.
I loved, loved the chemistry between Kadir and Emily, the heat, the passion and the intense buildup to romance taking form. Kadir and Emily were both well written in that stunning make me swoon and dream about being the heroine way that Lynn Raye Harris does so very well.
The read was emotional and sensual, kind, sweet and a perfect example of a good afternoon romance read. Through the characters I learned that we all think we know what in life it is we need or want but when it's staring us in the face it's the time when we are most blinded. Open your heart to the voices trying to tell you when you've reached that sweet spot instead of ignoring it and carrying on as per usual.
5 star review
" He gambles with the crown, she gambles with her heart"
May 26, 2014
Couldn't concentrate. maybe the worst ive read so far. blured thru the whole thing w/o the any interest. at least horrible writing gets some reaction but this nada. maybe its time to switch genre. here i comw HF
July 17, 2014
Here's the thing about this book, it captured me very quickly and it held me. I had picked up three different books to read. I was in a funk. I was needing a book that could clear that funk and make me happy. This one did that.
I so love pretending books. Any time you can get two people who are attracted to each other to pretend they are together in front of others, it always ends up as sexy fun. This one did an awesome job of that.
Kadir has a successful business and is a billionaire in his own right. The gorgeous catch will not be caught though. He's a player with a new girl in his bed on a regular basis. He, also, happens to be the Prince of Kyr, a middle-east country. When his father calls and says his death is near and he should come home, he's not pleased. His relationship to his father has never been good and he doesn't want to be the next king. His older brother should have that right. Beside, he enjoys his life as it is. So he decides to bring a very unsuitable wife (an American) home to convince the council that he should not be the brother chosen to replace his father.
Emily is that unsuitable wife. She's played his personal assistant for the last four years. But she's hidden behind loose professional suits and hair twists. When her chocolate colored hair is released and sexy clothes replace her suits, Kadir may release he's in trouble. Because these two are attracted to each other. Better yet, they know each other well. They are friends of a sort. And when the boss/employee relationship is set aside and the blunt conversations begins, all kinds of sparks fly.
They try to resist. But they are drawn to each other because of the relationship they already had and because of this unleashed attraction.
And it's so fun. I blasted through this book in nothing flat. It improved my mood and just made me happy and satisfied. It was just want I needed.
Anyone who enjoys a pretending kind of story will want to pick this one up. It's great romance and I completely enjoyed it. You know I want the brothers story now, right. I so do. Yes this one definitely deserves 5 stars!
I so love pretending books. Any time you can get two people who are attracted to each other to pretend they are together in front of others, it always ends up as sexy fun. This one did an awesome job of that.
Kadir has a successful business and is a billionaire in his own right. The gorgeous catch will not be caught though. He's a player with a new girl in his bed on a regular basis. He, also, happens to be the Prince of Kyr, a middle-east country. When his father calls and says his death is near and he should come home, he's not pleased. His relationship to his father has never been good and he doesn't want to be the next king. His older brother should have that right. Beside, he enjoys his life as it is. So he decides to bring a very unsuitable wife (an American) home to convince the council that he should not be the brother chosen to replace his father.
Emily is that unsuitable wife. She's played his personal assistant for the last four years. But she's hidden behind loose professional suits and hair twists. When her chocolate colored hair is released and sexy clothes replace her suits, Kadir may release he's in trouble. Because these two are attracted to each other. Better yet, they know each other well. They are friends of a sort. And when the boss/employee relationship is set aside and the blunt conversations begins, all kinds of sparks fly.
They try to resist. But they are drawn to each other because of the relationship they already had and because of this unleashed attraction.
And it's so fun. I blasted through this book in nothing flat. It improved my mood and just made me happy and satisfied. It was just want I needed.
Anyone who enjoys a pretending kind of story will want to pick this one up. It's great romance and I completely enjoyed it. You know I want the brothers story now, right. I so do. Yes this one definitely deserves 5 stars!
June 3, 2021
The crown of Kyr holds no appeal for pleasure-seeking Sheikh Kadir al-Hassan—his memories of the kingdom are as dark as a desert's night. But neither will he shirk his duty…. Instead, Kadir returns home with a bride so unsuitable, no one will want him to be king!
Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir's high-octane life, and the most invisible—until she's promoted to royal bride! Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more….
Now Kadir must decide what's really at stake in his royal game—his desert duty, or Emily!
Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir's high-octane life, and the most invisible—until she's promoted to royal bride! Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more….
Now Kadir must decide what's really at stake in his royal game—his desert duty, or Emily!
April 29, 2014
3.5 stars
This book was not bad, but it not what I was expecting either. I was just expecting so much more when I read the back synopsis. I thought there would be a lot more sexual tension and angst and all that jazz, but for me there just wasn't enough of it. I was expecting more raw energy and more raw emotion than I was getting, which caused it for me not to like this book so much, which was a shame because it had so much potential from the synopsis.
The premise was good and had been done in other Presents before not that I mind because I like Presents formulas which is the reason I read so many of them, but I just thought the emotion and the angst could have been enacted better. I wanted to feel more essential and feel it in my bones not being told it where it felt a tad unrealistic and unbelievable. Though I do have to say that the ending did get better emotionally where I actually felt it.
The story began with Emily being Kadir's PA for four years, and she did everything for him between his business life and his personal life. She even escorted his lovers out of his room when his night of fun was over and he was done with the woman. So she had seen it all and was disgusted by his playboy ways, but she didn't utter a word because she liked the job and the money he paid her, but most of all, even though in the beginning she didn't want to admit and just label him as a typical playboy who would break any woman's heart even her if she got involved with him, the reason she stayed was because she liked him and cared about him. She was even jealous of his lovers, though she never admitted that until later on in the book, and she always found him very attractive, and couldn't stop staring at him. He was the first guy she desired in a long time and she wanted, but she vowed to keep her distance from him and not be one of those women who fell in love with him.
Anyway Kadir's father, the king, was dying and ordered both of his sons back to their homeland with the issue hanging over them about him choosing his successor to the throne. Now despite Kadir's brother being the oldest, he wasn't the ideal choice of their father because he considered Kadir his favorite son as favorite as he could be because Kadir's father was cruel and cold man and never really loved his sons like he should have. Kadir, who never wanted to be king in the first place had to come up with a plan so he wouldn't be chosen as the next king. Kadir was willing to do anything. Even marry an unsuitable woman in order to show his country that he was not in his right mind since he wasn't choosing a Kyrian woman to be his wife.
This was where Emily came in, and he asked her to be his wife because since she was an American she would be seen as a unsuitable wife for him. And the journey began there once Emily agreed to his proposition and would treat it as a job not a relationship with the playboy prince. Now I have to say that this was where it should have gotten good with the conflict between her dealing with his whole playboy image as well as dealing with her attraction/slash feelings him and just see her struggling to make this decision of whether to marry him or not. But I was disappointed to say that she didn't put up much of a fight and pretty much said yes to his propostion right away. Granted yes she was doing it for money for her father and his medical bills as well as Kadir because she really did care about him even if she didn't want to admit it, but still I would have like to see more of an internal conflict and the struggle that she was going through at the time. I wanted to see more of her emotional struggle. Now there was a struggle within her, but it was kind of wishy washy and I wasn't believing she was having as hard of a time with it. It was like more she was trying to convince herself that she was struggle than she actually was if that makes any sense to you. I wanted to feel and I just didn't. I just wanted more of the angst associated with all she was going through as well as dealing with her attraction to him.
Speaking of sexual attraction/tension, I wasn't feeling that either. Yes, it was told that they both wanted each other and were dying for a piece of each other, but I didn't feel it. Again it felt flat. I didn't feel the tension oozing from the pages and just that raw emotion associated with it, but it just wasn't there. Also I think another thing that bothered me was that Kadir pretty much changed his tune at the drop of a hat especially after her makeover, which I get men are visual creatures and all but I would like to see that attraction to the heroine before the makeover happens then it becomes amplified with it, which makes the hero practically drooling and panting after the heroine. There might have been a slight attraction on Kadir's part before the makeover when they got married, but for me that just felt trivial and not real and kind of a throw away. Again wasn't feeling his feelings or attraction during that time and then he seemed to go from 0 to 60, and it was almost too quick and too unbelievable for me.
I kind of wished to since this was a boss and secretary type relationship that there would have been this kind of tension between them all along and they were fighting their attraction for years and years and finally exploded and they gave into their passions. I love those kinds of stories. Plus there would be history between the characters where emotions were built upon as well as the sexual tension in the air that was denied for many years. The whole boss and secretary thing where they are close and have kind become friends over the years, but don't want to screw up what they had or they don't know how attracted they are to one another and they finally gave in. I love those types stories and it just adds an edge to them as well as angst and just raw emotions.
But this book was not anywhere like that. In fact he just saw her as his sensible PA and practically thought her invisible while he banged a bunch of beautiful woman for the years that she had been employeed by him and Emily saw it all while her feelings went a little deeper than his did. In fact he had no romantic feelings for her at all until they were put into the situation of their marriage and then it kind of felt that he had feelings for her just because she was there and his wife and it was convenient for him. Or just because he wanted to laid either or. But it didn't feel real then with the quick change of heart he had it felt even more unreal. Then with whole makeover thing just didn't make me happy at all.
In fact the whole romance I just didn't really like until slightly towards the end when the raw emotions were coming into play. But for me there was no relationship building or development there and just felt like they fell into a relationship because they were just there and handy and convenient especially on his part. I felt no emotions coming off of him aside he wanted her in his bed, and I don't like that especially when he knew her for all those years and now he suddenly wanted. No, even though he said he wanted her the entire time near the end, but I don't know about that either. Just I wasn't into their relationship and again didn't feel the emotions instead I was just told them and expected to believe that was what they were exactly feeling at the time and that they were actually heading for this relationship. Again not a lot of angst or tension or not as much as I would have liked where I would have been more into the story and their story that I actually believe it. Again potential was there to make this an angst story especially with her emotions flying all over the place as well as dealing with the playboy image, but I just didn't get that. I want angst! and I didn't get that. I just wanted to feel that love and passion and just all those raw emotions that's what makes a good love story in my view.
The love scenes were hot, I will admit that, and by that time the book and the story was getting better in the last third of the book, and I enjoyed reading them. They were a highlight, and that was where I felt the emotion starting to come into play and felt that it was more than physical. They had been denying their attraction to each other for the whole book and to finally give into their passions just made it that much more sweeter and hotter. That's where I felt the emotions coming from both of them.
With that being said, I don't know I believe that Kadir was in love with Emily. I believed she was in love with him, but maybe not the other way around. Again think it was too quick on his part much like he admitted he was attracted to her after her makeover. Just it didn't feel realistic. It was like he had the revelation that he loved her out of the blue. Now I could more get behind the idea that he realized her cared about her and missed her, but not that he loved her. That just didn't feel right to me. Though the way he did reveal his feelings to her was sweet and touching and I did like seeing that scene and I liked how they came together in the end, but I was still a little unsure about his feelings for her since it happened so quickly and I didn't feel he was there quite yet. So I was a bit disappointed with that.
Also I think a lot more could have came into play that would have added to the conflict as well as the angst in the story. Number one Kadir's ex Lenore could have come into it and caused trouble for the couple or did something that caused Emily to keep Kadir at arm's length. But aside from the beginning, she didn't come into play when she could have so easily. She was in the beginning and that was it, and it was kind of what was the point of her being in the story. His lover could have been nameless face and not introduced at all because when she was introduced I thought she would come more into play then she did. Also I could have seen Lenore play on Emily's insecurities of her not being Kadir's usually type beautiful and skinny while Emily considered herself anything but and just plain normal. Two, I think Emily had the issue of being as shallow as her mother and leaving the man she loved, and even though she said she got over it once he revealed his love for her, again it was almost two quick and two easily dealt with. She struggled with this issue all of her life so for it to be tied up in a couple pages didn't seem right. Also I wish she told Kadir earlier on in the book about her history and her mother so he would know what issues were going on. He barely got to know her on a personal level while she got to know him more on personal as the book progressed. So I think that was another reason I didn't like the whole love story aspect there was no really getting to know each other and dealing with her issues. His were taken care of and kind of addressed. Hers not so much. Three I wish there was a bit more with the father and just his interaction with Kadir and possibly his disapproval of Emily being Kadir's wife, which was what Kadir was counting on, and just the tension that could have ensued there. But it wasn't there. Again more potential that wasn't utilized in my opinion.
I will say that I did like seeing the interaction between Kadir and his brother and just all the issues between them and just how that was dealt with. It was kind of endearing to see them together and again was another highlight of the story for me. I just really liked seeing them together and I am curious to read Rashid's story which comes out in a couple of months. He has some demons he definitely has to deal with like the hatred of his father.
Like I said Kadir's issues were dealt with more than Emily's, and I liked to see when both hero and heroine conquer their demons throughout the book and this change was brought forth because of love or falling love. That's what I like seeing in a love story as well besides the love and emotions and passions and just how love changes them for the better and makes them stronger as people as well as a couple. Love being this strong force. But again in this story I didn't feel that because one I didn't believe they were madly in love and two I didn't think she dealt with her demons until it the end and then it was kind of brushed off like it was no big deal when for the longest time for her it was.
This book was just very surface and didn't go as deep and emotional as I would have liked. Was this worst book I have read? No. There were definitely highlights to the story that had bright spots here and there, but the entire story didn't shine. At least for me, which is a shame since I was so looking forward to reading this book and just expected so much more than I got. Maybe that was my problem was my expectations were two high and then when I didn't those expectation met then I was disappointed and didn't love the book as much as I thought I would. I think I was expecting the emotions and passion to be there right away since they had a history and had known each other for four years and I believed that this sexual tension was building up over the years until it finally exploded and hit me. Also like I said I was expecting it to be more angst because of this supposed denied sexual attraction which would have lead to heightened emotions and feelings between the two. I just get the emotional payoff that I was expecting.
But again even though I am saying all these things that can be construed as negative, I will say that it wasn't a bad book. It quick read and the last third of the book was definitely worth getting to because that's when it got good and those raw emotions were there.
I have definitely have read worse books than this. Some even being Presents. So again this wasn't horrible book, but it just didn't turn out to be what I was expecting which has colored my view and resulted in this review. I'm sure there are others that will love this book while I just liked it. I'm still going to read Lynn Raye Harris's books in the future especially Rashid story and just hope that I can keep my expectations down so that it won't color my judgment to the story like it did this one.
This book was not bad, but it not what I was expecting either. I was just expecting so much more when I read the back synopsis. I thought there would be a lot more sexual tension and angst and all that jazz, but for me there just wasn't enough of it. I was expecting more raw energy and more raw emotion than I was getting, which caused it for me not to like this book so much, which was a shame because it had so much potential from the synopsis.
The premise was good and had been done in other Presents before not that I mind because I like Presents formulas which is the reason I read so many of them, but I just thought the emotion and the angst could have been enacted better. I wanted to feel more essential and feel it in my bones not being told it where it felt a tad unrealistic and unbelievable. Though I do have to say that the ending did get better emotionally where I actually felt it.
The story began with Emily being Kadir's PA for four years, and she did everything for him between his business life and his personal life. She even escorted his lovers out of his room when his night of fun was over and he was done with the woman. So she had seen it all and was disgusted by his playboy ways, but she didn't utter a word because she liked the job and the money he paid her, but most of all, even though in the beginning she didn't want to admit and just label him as a typical playboy who would break any woman's heart even her if she got involved with him, the reason she stayed was because she liked him and cared about him. She was even jealous of his lovers, though she never admitted that until later on in the book, and she always found him very attractive, and couldn't stop staring at him. He was the first guy she desired in a long time and she wanted, but she vowed to keep her distance from him and not be one of those women who fell in love with him.
Anyway Kadir's father, the king, was dying and ordered both of his sons back to their homeland with the issue hanging over them about him choosing his successor to the throne. Now despite Kadir's brother being the oldest, he wasn't the ideal choice of their father because he considered Kadir his favorite son as favorite as he could be because Kadir's father was cruel and cold man and never really loved his sons like he should have. Kadir, who never wanted to be king in the first place had to come up with a plan so he wouldn't be chosen as the next king. Kadir was willing to do anything. Even marry an unsuitable woman in order to show his country that he was not in his right mind since he wasn't choosing a Kyrian woman to be his wife.
This was where Emily came in, and he asked her to be his wife because since she was an American she would be seen as a unsuitable wife for him. And the journey began there once Emily agreed to his proposition and would treat it as a job not a relationship with the playboy prince. Now I have to say that this was where it should have gotten good with the conflict between her dealing with his whole playboy image as well as dealing with her attraction/slash feelings him and just see her struggling to make this decision of whether to marry him or not. But I was disappointed to say that she didn't put up much of a fight and pretty much said yes to his propostion right away. Granted yes she was doing it for money for her father and his medical bills as well as Kadir because she really did care about him even if she didn't want to admit it, but still I would have like to see more of an internal conflict and the struggle that she was going through at the time. I wanted to see more of her emotional struggle. Now there was a struggle within her, but it was kind of wishy washy and I wasn't believing she was having as hard of a time with it. It was like more she was trying to convince herself that she was struggle than she actually was if that makes any sense to you. I wanted to feel and I just didn't. I just wanted more of the angst associated with all she was going through as well as dealing with her attraction to him.
Speaking of sexual attraction/tension, I wasn't feeling that either. Yes, it was told that they both wanted each other and were dying for a piece of each other, but I didn't feel it. Again it felt flat. I didn't feel the tension oozing from the pages and just that raw emotion associated with it, but it just wasn't there. Also I think another thing that bothered me was that Kadir pretty much changed his tune at the drop of a hat especially after her makeover, which I get men are visual creatures and all but I would like to see that attraction to the heroine before the makeover happens then it becomes amplified with it, which makes the hero practically drooling and panting after the heroine. There might have been a slight attraction on Kadir's part before the makeover when they got married, but for me that just felt trivial and not real and kind of a throw away. Again wasn't feeling his feelings or attraction during that time and then he seemed to go from 0 to 60, and it was almost too quick and too unbelievable for me.
I kind of wished to since this was a boss and secretary type relationship that there would have been this kind of tension between them all along and they were fighting their attraction for years and years and finally exploded and they gave into their passions. I love those kinds of stories. Plus there would be history between the characters where emotions were built upon as well as the sexual tension in the air that was denied for many years. The whole boss and secretary thing where they are close and have kind become friends over the years, but don't want to screw up what they had or they don't know how attracted they are to one another and they finally gave in. I love those types stories and it just adds an edge to them as well as angst and just raw emotions.
But this book was not anywhere like that. In fact he just saw her as his sensible PA and practically thought her invisible while he banged a bunch of beautiful woman for the years that she had been employeed by him and Emily saw it all while her feelings went a little deeper than his did. In fact he had no romantic feelings for her at all until they were put into the situation of their marriage and then it kind of felt that he had feelings for her just because she was there and his wife and it was convenient for him. Or just because he wanted to laid either or. But it didn't feel real then with the quick change of heart he had it felt even more unreal. Then with whole makeover thing just didn't make me happy at all.
In fact the whole romance I just didn't really like until slightly towards the end when the raw emotions were coming into play. But for me there was no relationship building or development there and just felt like they fell into a relationship because they were just there and handy and convenient especially on his part. I felt no emotions coming off of him aside he wanted her in his bed, and I don't like that especially when he knew her for all those years and now he suddenly wanted. No, even though he said he wanted her the entire time near the end, but I don't know about that either. Just I wasn't into their relationship and again didn't feel the emotions instead I was just told them and expected to believe that was what they were exactly feeling at the time and that they were actually heading for this relationship. Again not a lot of angst or tension or not as much as I would have liked where I would have been more into the story and their story that I actually believe it. Again potential was there to make this an angst story especially with her emotions flying all over the place as well as dealing with the playboy image, but I just didn't get that. I want angst! and I didn't get that. I just wanted to feel that love and passion and just all those raw emotions that's what makes a good love story in my view.
The love scenes were hot, I will admit that, and by that time the book and the story was getting better in the last third of the book, and I enjoyed reading them. They were a highlight, and that was where I felt the emotion starting to come into play and felt that it was more than physical. They had been denying their attraction to each other for the whole book and to finally give into their passions just made it that much more sweeter and hotter. That's where I felt the emotions coming from both of them.
With that being said, I don't know I believe that Kadir was in love with Emily. I believed she was in love with him, but maybe not the other way around. Again think it was too quick on his part much like he admitted he was attracted to her after her makeover. Just it didn't feel realistic. It was like he had the revelation that he loved her out of the blue. Now I could more get behind the idea that he realized her cared about her and missed her, but not that he loved her. That just didn't feel right to me. Though the way he did reveal his feelings to her was sweet and touching and I did like seeing that scene and I liked how they came together in the end, but I was still a little unsure about his feelings for her since it happened so quickly and I didn't feel he was there quite yet. So I was a bit disappointed with that.
Also I think a lot more could have came into play that would have added to the conflict as well as the angst in the story. Number one Kadir's ex Lenore could have come into it and caused trouble for the couple or did something that caused Emily to keep Kadir at arm's length. But aside from the beginning, she didn't come into play when she could have so easily. She was in the beginning and that was it, and it was kind of what was the point of her being in the story. His lover could have been nameless face and not introduced at all because when she was introduced I thought she would come more into play then she did. Also I could have seen Lenore play on Emily's insecurities of her not being Kadir's usually type beautiful and skinny while Emily considered herself anything but and just plain normal. Two, I think Emily had the issue of being as shallow as her mother and leaving the man she loved, and even though she said she got over it once he revealed his love for her, again it was almost two quick and two easily dealt with. She struggled with this issue all of her life so for it to be tied up in a couple pages didn't seem right. Also I wish she told Kadir earlier on in the book about her history and her mother so he would know what issues were going on. He barely got to know her on a personal level while she got to know him more on personal as the book progressed. So I think that was another reason I didn't like the whole love story aspect there was no really getting to know each other and dealing with her issues. His were taken care of and kind of addressed. Hers not so much. Three I wish there was a bit more with the father and just his interaction with Kadir and possibly his disapproval of Emily being Kadir's wife, which was what Kadir was counting on, and just the tension that could have ensued there. But it wasn't there. Again more potential that wasn't utilized in my opinion.
I will say that I did like seeing the interaction between Kadir and his brother and just all the issues between them and just how that was dealt with. It was kind of endearing to see them together and again was another highlight of the story for me. I just really liked seeing them together and I am curious to read Rashid's story which comes out in a couple of months. He has some demons he definitely has to deal with like the hatred of his father.
Like I said Kadir's issues were dealt with more than Emily's, and I liked to see when both hero and heroine conquer their demons throughout the book and this change was brought forth because of love or falling love. That's what I like seeing in a love story as well besides the love and emotions and passions and just how love changes them for the better and makes them stronger as people as well as a couple. Love being this strong force. But again in this story I didn't feel that because one I didn't believe they were madly in love and two I didn't think she dealt with her demons until it the end and then it was kind of brushed off like it was no big deal when for the longest time for her it was.
This book was just very surface and didn't go as deep and emotional as I would have liked. Was this worst book I have read? No. There were definitely highlights to the story that had bright spots here and there, but the entire story didn't shine. At least for me, which is a shame since I was so looking forward to reading this book and just expected so much more than I got. Maybe that was my problem was my expectations were two high and then when I didn't those expectation met then I was disappointed and didn't love the book as much as I thought I would. I think I was expecting the emotions and passion to be there right away since they had a history and had known each other for four years and I believed that this sexual tension was building up over the years until it finally exploded and hit me. Also like I said I was expecting it to be more angst because of this supposed denied sexual attraction which would have lead to heightened emotions and feelings between the two. I just get the emotional payoff that I was expecting.
But again even though I am saying all these things that can be construed as negative, I will say that it wasn't a bad book. It quick read and the last third of the book was definitely worth getting to because that's when it got good and those raw emotions were there.
I have definitely have read worse books than this. Some even being Presents. So again this wasn't horrible book, but it just didn't turn out to be what I was expecting which has colored my view and resulted in this review. I'm sure there are others that will love this book while I just liked it. I'm still going to read Lynn Raye Harris's books in the future especially Rashid story and just hope that I can keep my expectations down so that it won't color my judgment to the story like it did this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
I'd label Gambling with the Crown as a fairly tail, but at the same time it's believable! It's not the usual I associate with, written by Lynn Raye Harris, but it's just as gripping a storyline! I enjoyed Emily's spunk as well as her attention to detail! Kadir was a well rounded person, but I liked best the parts of him that only Emily knew. This was a delightful story to interject into my TBR list.
September 10, 2018
This was so nice to read, and everything is so fast passed and happening practically on top of one another, that it was practically impossible to put down when need be.
I suggest not reading this right before bed.
The 2 main characters are actually quite wonderful (first time I haven’t had anything bad to say about a male lead), but Emily, omg she has a bit of sass and a temper to match! And oh boy does she let er—Sheikh Kadir have it! After 4 yrs. of not being able to speak her mind, she let’s him know what she really thinks of him, and he.just.eats.it.up! Honestly the chemistry was off the charts, the sexy times were really great, and this was my first Harlequin read ever. So well done Harlequin, because of this author, I might start reading your branch of books.
Oh and I have to be honest that this author has my attention, and I shall be keeping an eye out for her works from now on. Not to mention that I recognized the model/actor on the cover of this book as Nick Bateman who starred in the Passionflix movie The Matchmaker’s Playbook, which if you know nothing about Passionflix, know this at least: it’s a site where the romance books we love are brought to movie form by women, for women, so please check it out! And that’s all I have for this book, read it, fall in love with the author’s writing and her characters, and look up Passionflix!
I suggest not reading this right before bed.
The 2 main characters are actually quite wonderful (first time I haven’t had anything bad to say about a male lead), but Emily, omg she has a bit of sass and a temper to match! And oh boy does she let er—Sheikh Kadir have it! After 4 yrs. of not being able to speak her mind, she let’s him know what she really thinks of him, and he.just.eats.it.up! Honestly the chemistry was off the charts, the sexy times were really great, and this was my first Harlequin read ever. So well done Harlequin, because of this author, I might start reading your branch of books.
Oh and I have to be honest that this author has my attention, and I shall be keeping an eye out for her works from now on. Not to mention that I recognized the model/actor on the cover of this book as Nick Bateman who starred in the Passionflix movie The Matchmaker’s Playbook, which if you know nothing about Passionflix, know this at least: it’s a site where the romance books we love are brought to movie form by women, for women, so please check it out! And that’s all I have for this book, read it, fall in love with the author’s writing and her characters, and look up Passionflix!
November 29, 2018
I loved this book and was hooked from the first page. Prince Rashid was definitely a player, but now he needs help from his personal assistant Emily. He trusts her, but is he falling for her? She’s to be his “pretend wife”. Oh my, they are so HOT together, and I did cry at one point. How can he let her go? Will he have to be the King? I highly recommend this book.
June 24, 2020
Great book! In general, I like everything related to the subject of gambling. Ever since I started gambling myself, I have become very interested in it. Now I mostly visit this site that deals with online casino evaluation. Here you can also find a lot of information about bonuses and games without a first deposit.
April 26, 2018
A Sparkling Gem
Lynn Raye Harris seems to have the magic touch with every story she crafts. Desert royalty and a strong woman seem to proliferate her tales of romantic intrigue. I've loved every page she's written.
Lynn Raye Harris seems to have the magic touch with every story she crafts. Desert royalty and a strong woman seem to proliferate her tales of romantic intrigue. I've loved every page she's written.
March 10, 2019
I haven't read a Harlequin Presents in years, but was going through the author's book list and thought I'd take a gander. Quick, easy, and sexy read. I'll have to get book 2 to see how the brother fares.
July 1, 2017
Ehhhh...there's the bones of something good here, but it never really gets beyond "it could be good" to "it's actually good" because there's just not enough space to resolve the issues brought up.
July 15, 2014
I am such a fan of Lynn Raye Harris writing. I love her wittiness, her passion and her desire to make you feel you've read a great story! As I had the opportunity to receive this novel and the follow up book to this series for an honest review. I had gotten a great glimpse of Kadir and Emily, in Rashid and Sharidan story (Carrying the Sheikh's Heir) which I had read first.
As I started to read Kadir's story, I stopped because I was impressed with Lynn's concept. It's a good concept! Marry someone your father will disapprove of and your off the hook of receiving the crown. You see, Kadir was the youngest son of the two and favored by the King. However, Rashid should have been the one to receive the crown, not Kadir and Kadir felt that his brother was more fitting to be king! The older brother in most royal families, normally receives the throne. Though Lynn, chose to have it where the King picked the next successor based on his favorite! Which makes a GREAT concept!
You start off the book, with seeing Kadir in his element of a playboy. His PA Emily had been dealing with a four year routine, even though there are things that bother her, she is true to her job and keeps her mouth quiet. Emily is the most uptight, controlled woman you would ever meet. Emily would be that housekeeper that know all the secretes and keeps the ship, ship shape and running. That's why Kadir keeps her. She is the perfect woman to put up with his ways, and keep him on time for all his business dealings.
We soon get a glimpse at how harsh Kadir is with his women, once they've served his purpose. He tries to get Emily to open up and talk more about herself, since she does know a lot about her boss. However, she stays true to her promise not to be like her mother and stays professional. When Kadir promises she will keep her job if she would just tell him what's on Emily's mind, we get a taste of her sarcasm and wit. This intrigues him and he enjoys that she has been the best assistant he's had for four long years.
Kadir soon hears word that his father has taken a turn for the worst and it wont be long before he dies. Meaning, Kadir will most likely become the next King of Kyr. Here is where we get a glance into Kadir's past. Why he doesn't want to be King, and why his brother Rashid should receive the title. However, Rashid and Kadir hadn't spoken in a long time, and Kadir felt guilty for his part in having his brother always take the blame for things he had done as a child. With their conversation, it made me want to re-read Rashids story again.
Because Kadir did not, does not and refuses to take the throne, as he would like to keep his playboy ways, along with building skyscrapers in the cities, he comes up with a plan of marrying the wrong type of woman to show his father that he is not fit to be a king. And that his father should bequest it to Rashid. The man who is perfect to rule Kyr.
Kadir goes to Emilys room with his temporary plan... This is where it gets interesting. (For fear of giving away too much of the story, I'll end here.)
I carried on reading and falling in love with Emily more and more. Understanding Kadir and why he wanted to make sure his brother received the crown. However, as we read more about the two, we see that Kadir is also learning "what we learn" about Emily and why she is so uptight and great at her job!
Lynn, has written another fabulous story, with witty, lovable characters. A story that carries you through till the end, and then makes you want to see how Rashid deals with their fathers death. And if he truly takes the crown.
Gambling with the Crown is full of emotion, sizzle and humor. Well, worth the read!
Now if we could all be asked to be a wife to a Prince...even if its only temporarily.
As I started to read Kadir's story, I stopped because I was impressed with Lynn's concept. It's a good concept! Marry someone your father will disapprove of and your off the hook of receiving the crown. You see, Kadir was the youngest son of the two and favored by the King. However, Rashid should have been the one to receive the crown, not Kadir and Kadir felt that his brother was more fitting to be king! The older brother in most royal families, normally receives the throne. Though Lynn, chose to have it where the King picked the next successor based on his favorite! Which makes a GREAT concept!
You start off the book, with seeing Kadir in his element of a playboy. His PA Emily had been dealing with a four year routine, even though there are things that bother her, she is true to her job and keeps her mouth quiet. Emily is the most uptight, controlled woman you would ever meet. Emily would be that housekeeper that know all the secretes and keeps the ship, ship shape and running. That's why Kadir keeps her. She is the perfect woman to put up with his ways, and keep him on time for all his business dealings.
We soon get a glimpse at how harsh Kadir is with his women, once they've served his purpose. He tries to get Emily to open up and talk more about herself, since she does know a lot about her boss. However, she stays true to her promise not to be like her mother and stays professional. When Kadir promises she will keep her job if she would just tell him what's on Emily's mind, we get a taste of her sarcasm and wit. This intrigues him and he enjoys that she has been the best assistant he's had for four long years.
Kadir soon hears word that his father has taken a turn for the worst and it wont be long before he dies. Meaning, Kadir will most likely become the next King of Kyr. Here is where we get a glance into Kadir's past. Why he doesn't want to be King, and why his brother Rashid should receive the title. However, Rashid and Kadir hadn't spoken in a long time, and Kadir felt guilty for his part in having his brother always take the blame for things he had done as a child. With their conversation, it made me want to re-read Rashids story again.
Because Kadir did not, does not and refuses to take the throne, as he would like to keep his playboy ways, along with building skyscrapers in the cities, he comes up with a plan of marrying the wrong type of woman to show his father that he is not fit to be a king. And that his father should bequest it to Rashid. The man who is perfect to rule Kyr.
Kadir goes to Emilys room with his temporary plan... This is where it gets interesting. (For fear of giving away too much of the story, I'll end here.)
I carried on reading and falling in love with Emily more and more. Understanding Kadir and why he wanted to make sure his brother received the crown. However, as we read more about the two, we see that Kadir is also learning "what we learn" about Emily and why she is so uptight and great at her job!
Lynn, has written another fabulous story, with witty, lovable characters. A story that carries you through till the end, and then makes you want to see how Rashid deals with their fathers death. And if he truly takes the crown.
Gambling with the Crown is full of emotion, sizzle and humor. Well, worth the read!
Now if we could all be asked to be a wife to a Prince...even if its only temporarily.
April 15, 2014
Gambling with the Crown, the first in the “Heirs to the Throne of Kyr” series, was a quick read, and parts of it had me smiling while other parts of the novel had me shaking my fist in frustration. (But that was mostly Kadir’s fault.)
Kadir is a playboy sheik, who is used to getting what he wants, but I like that he stands up for Emily in the start of the novel. I also like that he’s smart enough not to be fooled by his ex for long. However, I wanted Kadir to me more alpha – yes, I’m spoiled – but he was a little too indecisive for my taste. I really wanted him to get on with it and “claim” Emily already – and no, I’m using that as a euphemism for my pervertedness.
On the other hand, I liked Emily. She was smart, goal-oriented and can tell Kadir off when he’s being too big of an ass, which can be often. And I like that Emily is able to keep her cool when facing some of Kadir’s gazillion exes.
But, undoubtedly, my favourite part of this novel was Rashid. He pretty much stole the show the second he came on scene, or rather page. He gave me more of an alpha-vibe than Kadir and although our hero had a tortured past, Rashid’s life and past seem more complicated and therefore more fascinating:
“To talk to Rashid was to think you were talking to an iceberg. It was only when you saw him that you realized he blazed like the desert.”
I did have one other quibble with the book, there is no “I love you” from the heroine. Okay, I know it’s there, but sometimes it’s nice to hear the words…so, Emily, out with it already. Harris, of course, deliberately stops Emily from saying the words and its part of the character development. But as for myself, I’m really hoping that Emily and Kadir make a cameo is Rashid’s novel, if only so I can hear her say it. (I am very single-minded about these things it seems.)
Overall, despite my quibbles because they are in fact personal in nature and have nothing to do with the author’s ability to write, I’m going to give this novel a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Full review also available at: http://rrahnovelthoughts.com/2014/04/...
Kadir is a playboy sheik, who is used to getting what he wants, but I like that he stands up for Emily in the start of the novel. I also like that he’s smart enough not to be fooled by his ex for long. However, I wanted Kadir to me more alpha – yes, I’m spoiled – but he was a little too indecisive for my taste. I really wanted him to get on with it and “claim” Emily already – and no, I’m using that as a euphemism for my pervertedness.
On the other hand, I liked Emily. She was smart, goal-oriented and can tell Kadir off when he’s being too big of an ass, which can be often. And I like that Emily is able to keep her cool when facing some of Kadir’s gazillion exes.
But, undoubtedly, my favourite part of this novel was Rashid. He pretty much stole the show the second he came on scene, or rather page. He gave me more of an alpha-vibe than Kadir and although our hero had a tortured past, Rashid’s life and past seem more complicated and therefore more fascinating:
“To talk to Rashid was to think you were talking to an iceberg. It was only when you saw him that you realized he blazed like the desert.”
I did have one other quibble with the book, there is no “I love you” from the heroine. Okay, I know it’s there, but sometimes it’s nice to hear the words…so, Emily, out with it already. Harris, of course, deliberately stops Emily from saying the words and its part of the character development. But as for myself, I’m really hoping that Emily and Kadir make a cameo is Rashid’s novel, if only so I can hear her say it. (I am very single-minded about these things it seems.)
Overall, despite my quibbles because they are in fact personal in nature and have nothing to do with the author’s ability to write, I’m going to give this novel a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Full review also available at: http://rrahnovelthoughts.com/2014/04/...
June 18, 2014
more like 3.5 .......
I’m not gonna lie, I am having a bit of a hard time trying to think of what to say about this book. It has the qualities I want in a book. Such as a rich, alpha boss and personal assistant relationship. I have a weakness for that kinda read. It is your typical Harlequin read. I do love my Harlequins. It even had me getting a cheesy smile on certain parts. So I am trying to figure out why it didn't leave me in WOW status.
Emily has been Kadir's personal assistant for four years. In that time she has done all she can to prove to him she is indispensable and to herself that she is not like her mother. Kadir's who happens to be the second son to the king of Kyr finds out his father is lying on deaths door but does not want to be king. Believing he did his brother an injustice that caused the angst between father and oldest heir to the thrown for all these years he comes up with a plan. All he has to do is get Emily to agree with it. Besides who wouldn't want to become his temporary wife. Neither of them expected the passion and feelings that would grow between them.
So we have a smexy prince sheik, a personal assistant, and a budding forbidden relationship. I loved the build up and seeing the feelings grow and develop between Emily and Kadir. The verbal foreplay while trying to not submit to the building feelings. The first kiss was swoon-worthy. Maybe it was Emily I just wasn't connecting completely with. I understand what she went through in the book. Even felt for her a bit, God knows I hold myself back a bit if I'm scared I’ll get hurt. It just seemed like she let what happened in the past hold her back along with Kadir's previous man-hoeing. Though to be fair, I think I would be a bit weary of him as well after seeing what went on in his bed for 4 years.
In the end I enjoyed the book, but was left at a loss for words. I liked Kadir for being alpha and sexy prince sheik he is with a tender loving side that needed to be brought out and Emily did that. The story was a decent typical Harlequin read. I really like Rashide from the few times he was in the story. I actually can't wait to read his book.
I’m not gonna lie, I am having a bit of a hard time trying to think of what to say about this book. It has the qualities I want in a book. Such as a rich, alpha boss and personal assistant relationship. I have a weakness for that kinda read. It is your typical Harlequin read. I do love my Harlequins. It even had me getting a cheesy smile on certain parts. So I am trying to figure out why it didn't leave me in WOW status.
Emily has been Kadir's personal assistant for four years. In that time she has done all she can to prove to him she is indispensable and to herself that she is not like her mother. Kadir's who happens to be the second son to the king of Kyr finds out his father is lying on deaths door but does not want to be king. Believing he did his brother an injustice that caused the angst between father and oldest heir to the thrown for all these years he comes up with a plan. All he has to do is get Emily to agree with it. Besides who wouldn't want to become his temporary wife. Neither of them expected the passion and feelings that would grow between them.
So we have a smexy prince sheik, a personal assistant, and a budding forbidden relationship. I loved the build up and seeing the feelings grow and develop between Emily and Kadir. The verbal foreplay while trying to not submit to the building feelings. The first kiss was swoon-worthy. Maybe it was Emily I just wasn't connecting completely with. I understand what she went through in the book. Even felt for her a bit, God knows I hold myself back a bit if I'm scared I’ll get hurt. It just seemed like she let what happened in the past hold her back along with Kadir's previous man-hoeing. Though to be fair, I think I would be a bit weary of him as well after seeing what went on in his bed for 4 years.
In the end I enjoyed the book, but was left at a loss for words. I liked Kadir for being alpha and sexy prince sheik he is with a tender loving side that needed to be brought out and Emily did that. The story was a decent typical Harlequin read. I really like Rashide from the few times he was in the story. I actually can't wait to read his book.
May 20, 2014
I received this from NetGalley and Harlequin for an honest review.
Working for the prince of Kyr had its ups and downs. As his personal assistant Emily saw him through all kinds of things and through all kinds of women. Like a normal woman she noticed he was attractive but she kept that out of her mind because he was her boss. When Kadir receives a phone call from his father, something changed. Suddenly he was asking her to go home with him. Not as his assistant but as his wife.
Kadir was content being a prince, he didn't want to be tied down by being the king. He couldn't build buildings like he does now. When his father calls and tells him he needs him to come home, he knows the only way to get out of being king is to bring home a wife that is unsuitable for the kingdom. His assistant, Emily is that woman. Little did he know that underneath the boring suits and sensible shoes was a bombshell. Now he can't get her out of his head, maybe she's unsuitable for the kingdom but not for him.
I really enjoyed this story. Emily has a past that makes her shy away from being the center of attention, so when Kadir suggested that she play his bride she was in it for the money. Kadir convinced himself that she was just another gold digging woman, just there for his money. When they are forced to learn more about each other he realizes she has reasons for wanting the money and for the way she dressed all those years.
This book was a nice escape for an afternoon. I think you will enjoy it as well. I can't wait to read Kadir's brothers story next. Check out this book and leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
Working for the prince of Kyr had its ups and downs. As his personal assistant Emily saw him through all kinds of things and through all kinds of women. Like a normal woman she noticed he was attractive but she kept that out of her mind because he was her boss. When Kadir receives a phone call from his father, something changed. Suddenly he was asking her to go home with him. Not as his assistant but as his wife.
Kadir was content being a prince, he didn't want to be tied down by being the king. He couldn't build buildings like he does now. When his father calls and tells him he needs him to come home, he knows the only way to get out of being king is to bring home a wife that is unsuitable for the kingdom. His assistant, Emily is that woman. Little did he know that underneath the boring suits and sensible shoes was a bombshell. Now he can't get her out of his head, maybe she's unsuitable for the kingdom but not for him.
I really enjoyed this story. Emily has a past that makes her shy away from being the center of attention, so when Kadir suggested that she play his bride she was in it for the money. Kadir convinced himself that she was just another gold digging woman, just there for his money. When they are forced to learn more about each other he realizes she has reasons for wanting the money and for the way she dressed all those years.
This book was a nice escape for an afternoon. I think you will enjoy it as well. I can't wait to read Kadir's brothers story next. Check out this book and leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
May 5, 2014
I can't decide how I feel about this romance. I loved Kadir, the hunky Arabian hero who designs and builds skyscrapers for a living. He is a handsome playboy whose assistant is an attractive woman, although they have never thought of each other in romantic terms. When Kadir is summoned home to Kyr upon the final illness of his father the king, he must go and presumably take over the role of king upon the death of his father. Although his brother is older, Rashid is in disfavor, so Kadir must give up his lifestyle and live in Kyr. His plan to disgrace himself in his father's eyes (by taking an unsuitable American wife) backfires when he and Emily (his PA) suddenly become attracted to each other. Emily is an enigma. We are told that she is a private person, but the downside of that is that we don't get to know her very well, so we don't understand her angst about Kadir when she's shown no particular attraction for him at the beginning. I'd rate this 3.5 stars, but I rounded it up to 4 stars because it was a little more interesting than average.
September 17, 2014
Loved this book, PA to the this sheikh for the last few years have had it's moments for Emily. Then he throws her life into a loop to become his bride, his most unsuitable bride so he doesn't have to become King. Simple, she needed money for family reason, he wants to be free of this burden, however, not one of them considered what happens when emotions became involved.
Love this story. Both had uneasy upbringings and guarded their hearts in different ways.
This is book one of a two book series and saw a glimpse of his brother and he is going to be tough nut to crack and can't wait to read the next one.
Even though Kadir is this playboy sheikh you can't help falling for him. Emily you feel her pain, and they are perfect for each other. From one sizzling kiss to seal the deal Kadir wanted more.
Emily wants to keep him at arms distance knowing too well his lack of commitment, yet still compelled towards him.
In the end he must choose between duty and Emily.
Love this story. Both had uneasy upbringings and guarded their hearts in different ways.
This is book one of a two book series and saw a glimpse of his brother and he is going to be tough nut to crack and can't wait to read the next one.
Even though Kadir is this playboy sheikh you can't help falling for him. Emily you feel her pain, and they are perfect for each other. From one sizzling kiss to seal the deal Kadir wanted more.
Emily wants to keep him at arms distance knowing too well his lack of commitment, yet still compelled towards him.
In the end he must choose between duty and Emily.
May 31, 2014
Gambling with the Crown by Lynn Raye Harris deals with Sheikh Kadar al-Hassan and what he will do to NOT become King. Kadar years ago left his home country and is a wealthy playboy sheikh and does not want to go back home and become the King when he hears his father the current King is dying. Kadar feels estranged brother would be a better person to take over as King. So Kadar comes up with a plan to marry a totally unsuitable wife, enter his PA, Emily Bryant, who has seen it all when dealing with this playboy sheikh! Kadar feels they could marry for a while and then just get a divorce with no feelings involved. But we all know that things don't always go the way we want them. Feelings do begin to evolve and well I encourage you to get this book and read the story to see what happens, you will not be disappointed, I wasn't! I'm looking forward to reading Kadar's brother's story. Lynn Raye Harris is a very talented author, check her out!!
April 16, 2016
3.5
A few things that detracted from the story:
-Too much focus spent in Emily's thoughts - a lot of emphasis on her no I shouldn't want Kadir and no I can't be with him stuff. After reading pages of it throughout the book, as a plot element, it became a bit tired.
-The end. I get Emily is worried about the future of their relationship, the the constant 'what if in x days/years we get tired of each other' stuff was annoying. He was telling her he loved her and she kept avoiding it, it seemed. She didn't even say she loved him back, though we the reader know she does and Kadir says he knows. He asked her to say the words (twice) and she didn't. I just didn't understand why the ending wasn't tied up in neater fashion.
I'm thinking the next book will be better. Rashid seems like an interesting character.
A few things that detracted from the story:
-Too much focus spent in Emily's thoughts - a lot of emphasis on her no I shouldn't want Kadir and no I can't be with him stuff. After reading pages of it throughout the book, as a plot element, it became a bit tired.
-The end. I get Emily is worried about the future of their relationship, the the constant 'what if in x days/years we get tired of each other' stuff was annoying. He was telling her he loved her and she kept avoiding it, it seemed. She didn't even say she loved him back, though we the reader know she does and Kadir says he knows. He asked her to say the words (twice) and she didn't. I just didn't understand why the ending wasn't tied up in neater fashion.
I'm thinking the next book will be better. Rashid seems like an interesting character.
August 27, 2014
It is a story of a prince who asked his personal assistant to married him for him to avoid being forced to take the throne that was meant for his brother. It was a story of a rich sheikh who is not only a playboy but who is used to having his command being tame by an indispensable personal assistance. I love the chemistry between Kader and Emily. He is smart but I feel that he is indecisive most of the time while Emily is a stronger character between the two, smart and goal oriented and is not afraid to Kader off when she feel that his action is wrong. I also likes the fact that she can maintained her cool being confronted by his exes. Overall, It is a sweet read for me with full of romantic tension and it focuses of two imperfect individuals who found each other at the end of the tunnel.
May 31, 2014
Another winner! This is a feel good, heartwarming and touching novel by Lynn Raye Harris. I love how Kadir's and Emily's love story evolved. You will surely be cheering on for these two to finally get their Happily Ever After. I cannot wait for Rashid's story to be released. Highly recommended!
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