The Sheik's Ruby

by Jennifer Moore

Shelby wants to break away from the mold of her small town and make a name for herself in the big-city journalism world. While skiing, she meets mysterious stranger Hakim who is actually the prince of the Middle Eastern kingdom of Khali-dar.

When his enemies learn of Hakim’s connection to an American girl, they target Shelby. Fleeing to the safety of Khali-dar, Shelby falls deeper in love not only with the prince, but with his country. As she struggles to survive terrorist attacks, withstand the Sheik’s prejudice, and find her place in a world she doesn’t understand, she must choose which life she is willing to sacrifice—the comfortable one she has worked so hard to create, or the one with the man she loves.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Royalty, Fiction, Clean Romance

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2015

About the author

Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I tell you a secret? Last month my daughter went to a teen writer's conference and Jennifer Moore was there. Parents aren't allowed at the conference until the very end but since it was just a bit too far to go home, I was around the area reading my books. I was like a little fangirl (not stalker, fangirl), watching the authors mill around for classes and such. I saw Jennifer Moore and did a little internal squeal. I wanted to call out, "I'm reading your book right now. I really like it!" Ha. But I didn't. Because that would have been weird, right?

I love to read Jennifer Moore's books. She writes great romances with engaging characters. Her books are clean but with a few sparks. This book was fantastic. I loved the shifting scenes- from the slopes in Colorado, to the farm, to Middle East. Each place had such a different feel and I could picture the places and people so easily in my head. It was like a movie!

Shelby has such spunk. Her energy and intelligence make her a well rounded and fun character. Hakim is swoony. So generous and kind. Loved him.

I read this book cover to cover in pretty much one sitting. (because, as I said, I had that sort of time in between fangirl-ing). It was a fantastic diversion and I was happily content in the end.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) First off, I love the cover and I think it goes very well with the characters and the storyline. It almost has a James Bond feel to it.

I've always been intrigued by royalty. I love The Prince and Me (movie) because the thought of a normal, average girl capturing the attention of a prince makes me swoon. Shelby is a small town girl from Colorado working for a sports magazine. She is pretty, but not spectacular, and has a competitive streak. Shelby is also very brave, determined, and confident, all characteristics that I admire. As tough as she is, she did struggle with bouts of homesickness and I could feel her emotion.

Hakim is a handsome prince in disguise. Well, he's not really in disguise, but when Shelby has no idea who he is, he lets her treat him as she would any other man--and he enjoys it! I really liked Hakim. He tries to stay true to traditions, but is open to change and to following his heart. The romantic moments were truly swoon worthy!

I was expecting a sweet love story and found that and more. There is a lot of adventure and suspense included, which really adds to the story and helps the characters make some monumental decisions. I don't know a lot about the Middle East and found it fascinating to read about the desert bird hunt, some of the customs of this country, and the history and legends behind it all. I'm not sure if it's all real or fiction, but it was very entertaining.

Content: no language or religious elements; mild romance (kisses); mild-moderate violence and moments of peril. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Jennifer Moore. Semi-predictable with a little bit of a fairy tale feel to it but still a lot of fun to read. Reminded me quite a bit of one of my favorite movies (The Prince and Me) but with a different setting.
Content: Clean

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hakim is a prince and he meets Shelby on the ski slopes in Colorado. She has no idea who he is and treats him like a regular man, which he likes. His bodyguard, Nasir, is always close by and Hakim passes him off as a friend. Hakim and Shelby enjoy each other's company, knowing that it will end when he returns home. Hakim can't stay away from Shelby, though, and his true identity is revealed to her before he can tell her himself, which then causes some trust issues.

Terrorist attacks in Hakim's country send him home and when they start to target Shelby, she goes to him so he can keep her safe. That's also when the reality of who Hakim is sinks in. She struggles to fit in and figure out her purpose in being there. They love each other but there are external forces at work to keep them apart.

Shelby is from a small town but left because she wanted to do something great. She's independent and has a good life but meeting Hakim makes her realize that there might be more for her. When she visits him on his turf, though, there are complications and she's not sure that's the right fit for her, either. It wasn't difficult to understand the internal struggle she was dealing with.

I loved this book! I enjoyed how they met and got to know each other. Hakim fit in well with Shelby's family and got a good taste of American family life. I also enjoyed watching Shelby adjust to life in Khali-dar. Living in a gorgeous palace and being pampered seems like every girl's fantasy but the reality would have some drawbacks, too. I also loved that it's more than just a romance--there are some action and adventure scenes, too. I've loved every book I've read by Jennifer Moore and I'm looking forward to reading more from her in the future!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would consider this a Cinderella story. Shelby is a working girl from a small town in Colorado. While on assignment for the winter sports magazine she meets a handsome man and challenges him to a race down a ski slope. She doesn't realize his a Prince from the a small country in the Middle East.

Prince Hakim loves that fact that Shelby has no idea who he is and he can be a "normal" person around her, her family, and friends. He can mingle in a happy middle class home without people seeing to his every wish or treating him differently.

This become a problem when his country has a terrorist attack aimed at the royal family and he must hurry home, uncovering his true identity. It becomes worse when the terrorists begin to target Shelby to get to him.

This is a love story set in two completely different environments. First is Colorado. It it more carefree and the two of them getting to know each other and developing feelings for the other. The second is set in a lavish castle in a culture that a man and woman cannot show affection for each other in public.

The book has some action, suspense, romance, and mystery. There is mild violence, bullying, and kissing.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book since the only books I've read by this author are regency romance. This book, however, is a contemporary romance where the main characters are an American cowgirl and the prince of a Middle Eastern country!
It was an easy, yet entertaining read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sheik's Ruby is my new favorite Jennifer Moore book! I connected instantly with the characters, I loved the plot and the chemistry between Hakim & Shelby, and was totally invested in the book. This is one of those books I didn't put down until I'd finished the the entire thing. I'll definitely be reading this book again and again.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one while I was on vacation and funny story, I had just finished another book and was getting ready to read this one, but thought I hadn't read the bonus material at the end of the book I'd just finished. I picked up my Kindle and started reading that and was immediately hooked, thinking, whoa, I am definitely going to buy this book. I was two chapters in, when I realized I was actually reading The Sheik's Ruby! I know, silly me, but this book was so captivating right from the very beginning. I loved how easy and confident Shelby was and how the author described the first meeting and attraction between Shelby and Hakim. Hakim is swoon-worthy, of course, and I didn't even try to put the book down when they were together. I loved their scenes!

It was fun seeing Hakim, a prince, doing some mundane American things and the author made it easy to really feel a connection to him and the sheltered life of privilege he'd led to this point. And Shelby was the perfect woman to show him what it means to fall in love, even in her fish out of water status when she's in his country. The plot was ramped up with a terrorist angle and some suspense which was really well done, using a lot of the supporting cast. I loved Kadir and Nasir and even the Sheik. The middle eastern culture was described well and it really added to the story. Definitely one for my keeper shelf. Five stars from me!

Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story!!

I loved this book! The author did a fantastic job creating beautiful and detailed settings, as well as interesting characters. It's pretty much a beautiful fairytale, with a cowgirl and a middle eastern Prince. I loved all the supporting characters- they added depth to the story and were very interesting :)

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Has Jennifer Moore written a bad book, ever? Not that I know of. This story had intriguing characters, action, romance, and I feel a little more cultured after finishing it. I loved the story of the songbird and lion and how it tied in to the title. Hakim was a sweetheart and Shelby was tough. Loved it!

[Tiffany]

Jennifer Moore is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. Most of Moore's books are Regency romances; however, this book is a contemporary romance. I was pleased to find it just as entertaining and well written. Can't wait to read more!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved all the Jennifer Moore books I've read. This one was good, too. A bit farfetched, but so was 'Princess Diary', and I adore that movie :) This book had a spunky American woman and swoon-worthy prince... what more can one ask?!

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle eastern Prince. A sweet western girl. A story of a ruby. Kidnapping, love, and kissing! While contemporary romance is usually not my genre, this did not disappoint from the first page until the last.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story that's a bit like Cinderella meets James Bond.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance is not my typical genre, but I really liked this book. We are reading a different Jennifer Moore title for February’s book club, and until my hold came through at the library, I decided to check out her first novel. It was very well done! I loved the way Moore captured the different settings of the book. Her descriptions painted vivid scenes in my mind. The romance aspect was very tastefully written. There were sparks between the main characters, and this reader was able to enjoy the budding relationship without the gratuitous sex scenes that are commonly found in the genre. In fact, there was actual substance to the heroine. She’s not perfect, but her strengths and sincerity create an excellent character. I also appreciated that the story wasn’t completely predictable. Was this relationship even going to work? And how?! Overall, an excellent book - even more so knowing this was a first book. I look forward to reading more from Moore.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this after meeting the author in person and hearing the story of her writing her first novel. It was interesting to know where the idea came from and that it took her six years to write it. I had read a few of her other books and just adored them, and decided I better read this one as well. I loved it! I actually read the whole thing in one sitting. It was great, and so different than her other books.

I hated the cover, because I hate that publishers never pay attention to what the author actually describes the characters as looking like! They say to never judge a book by its cover, and this is a case of that. The cover sucks, the book itself was great!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise! It was somewhat predictable, but very entertaining. Loved Shelby Jo’s strong, confident, america cowboy character and how it contrasted to the foreign, handsome, wealthy prince Hakim. Hakim was a delightful surprise for his country and for men.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say it was a solid 3.5 Very cute, easy read.

[Ann Stokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. But got a little tedious to read sometimes.

[A.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thais Is a different sheiks Story they don’t have s e x till later the author lets the story develop and is refreshing sorry for the spoilers but I really recommend it

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Genre:Fiction/romance/contemporary) This is an enjoyable "chick lit" book about a 25 year old sports magazine writer named Shelby that runs into a Middle Eastern prince, Hakim, on the ski slopes. She doesn't realize who he is and he decides not to tell her, since it is isn't often that he spends time with people who treat him like a normal person. Of course, she eventually finds out and has to decide if she can fit into his world or not. While it is pure fluff entertainment, Shelby is a fun heroine and you can't help but cheer for her 'happily ever after'. 3.5 stars

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet. I felt for Xander he so like Shelby and couldn’t act on it but only did when Hakim was in the picture out of fear of losing her which only hurt them in the end and they lost a precious friendship. Our heroine is a fascinating character. She will capture your eye from the beginning. she is strong, independent, smart and yet sweet , kind and dignified. She has a quiet way about her that draws people in and her way of treating everyone the same no matter what their station in life is is endearing. These qualities draw in the prince Hakim and keep her in adoration throughout the book. there interaction and slow build up of a relationship is wonderful. We get a glimpse of the nerves one has when they like someone and does not know if that is reciprocated. They dance around the issue and are so cute in their flirting. For Hakim this is all new for in his country they are of a different culture and thought when it comes to women and relationships. As the story progressess and we see the danger Shelby is in and how it effects all around her we see a new introspective to the story and the romance between her and Hakim. He is trying to be her protector and forgets that she needs a equal and assurance as well. She has immersed into his world and at times is overwhelmed but she handles it with a grace that turns around all her naysayers into her and Hakim’s relationship even his dad. when the danger comes to fruition we see a different side to both Hakim and Shelby. She becomes stronger and shows her love and loyalty to Hakim and he worries for her and his country. we see his love in full force. In the end their love wins out and so does his country. this is a fast paced fun book of romance and learning to adjust to differences in cultures and embrace them. We see a woman scared but in love embrace the differences in culture and still keeps who she is as she falls in love further with the man and his country. The characters will endear you to this wonderful love story as we see them find themselves with the help of each other.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for new books by my favorite authors and Jennifer Moore is really one of the best. I love her characters, she really has a way with making the characters step off the pages of her books and seem real. Shelby was such a great character, it was so fun to see things from her perspective. It was also really fun how Shelby didn't know that Hakim was a prince, but the reader does, that made the scene where he was helping her family on the farm doubly funny to me! Hakim is a great character too, I loved how he fell for Shelby, even though he knew that his father and really the whole kingdom of Khali-dar would not be pleased with his choice.

I loved the way that the kingdom of Khali-dar came alive for me as well, I almost felt as though I were the one tramping through the deserts on a horse.

The love story in this book is top-notch! I love the way that Jennifer Moore writes. It's almost as if you can imagine that you are the one in this almost perfect love story. It can't be truly perfect, there has to be little bumps along the way! And the ending was amazing, I do have to admit that there were certain parts in this book that I was worried about Shelby, she goes through some really hard things, but she's able to stay strong and comes through them okay.

Don't miss this great book by Jennifer Moore!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book is so much fun. This was the first book that Jennifer wrote, and it is up there as one of my favorites of hers. She is such a talented author and has such a wonderful variety of style in her writing. I loved Shelby instantly. She is a remarkable character. I loved how we knew Hakim's secret early on as we witnessed his inner struggle with it. Hakim is a fabulous character too. I enjoyed how Jennifer took care in writing her main characters so well, and also her supporting characters. Nasir, Hakim's bodyguard, was a silent but strong character, and Shelby's mother was a doll. I loved the jump from Culver Springs (which reminded me of my husband's hometown) to Khali-dar and the development of Shelby and Hakim's relationship. Shelby was such a strong character and won the heart of everyone she came in contact with. I love the story behind the title too and how it all ties together at the end.

4 out of 5 stars. Another strong book from Jennifer. I will read anything this lady writes.

Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about author Jennifer Moore last year when I read Becoming Lady Lockwood (if you like historical fiction/Regency romance, don't miss Becoming Lady Lockwood-especially if you appreciate clean books). Since then, I've been excited to read anything else that Moore has had published. When I read about The Sheik's Ruby I wondered how it would compare to her other books. I wasn't captivated by the cover, but I decided to give it a try anyway, and I'm glad that I did.

The Sheik's Ruby is a fun read with interesting characters. I really liked how Shelby and Hakim met. They had an adventure right off, and when that took them to Shelby's hometown, I got a kick out of Hakim's interaction with her family and the country life.

I kept going back and forth about Shelby being in Khali-dar and what that meant for her life and family. The adventure included in this part of the book definitely made it more exciting than your standard romance novel.

There is a sweet ending, and the book is clean. If you are looking for a quick, fun romance to read this summer, give The Sheik's Ruby a try.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK!
OF COURSE I LOVE ANYTHING JENNIFER MOORE WRITES!
FUN! FANTASTIC! ADVENTURES! ROMANCE!

I loved the playful teasing and competition between Shelby and Hakim, especially before she knows who he really is.

And wait until you read about how the prince who was raised with different values, especially when it come to women, reacts in the informality of American ways.

You will so marvel at the strong and silent bodyguard, Nasir, and how he often questions the prince's choice, but never goes against it and how Shelby never even figures out who this lingering-in-the-shadows-friend is...until much later.

So many fun scenes!

And then when trouble comes go along Hakim whisks Shelby away to his homeland...wow! Can it get any more exciting? Any more exotic? Any more thrilling? Any more dangerous?

Can Shelby get used to the lifestyle Hakim wants her to live?
And can Hakim have it all or will he have to choose "between his heart and his duty?"

SO. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!
A PERFECT SUMMER READ!
A PERFECT ANY TIME READ!

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Jennifer Moore’s stories. Her others have been set in the 1800’s, but this is her first contemporary romance I’ve discovered. Shelby is a writer for a winter sports magazine. When she meets a mysterious foreigner on the slopes in Colorado, her life is forever changed. Hakim Khalid is intrigued by Shelby when he meets her and is treated like a normal person. He doesn’t ever want to enlighten her as to his true status as prince of his country, Khali-dar. As romance blossoms between them unexpectedly, their hearts will be stretched and tugged as challenges and dangers come between them and force them to choose between heart and traditions. The settings of down-to-earth Colorado and the posh life of a prince in the palace in Khali-dar make this story very fun to read, as you go from living the life of a small town cowboy to the elegance of royalty. This book has some of everything—romance, heartache, thrill-seeking adventures in the backcountry and ranch, dangerous threats and terrorists, and triumph in the end.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a Cinderella story with a mid eastern flavor. I loved the characters. Shelby Jo Walker is a bit of a tomboy who is very independent. She writes articles for a winter sports magazine and is checking out some new runs at a ski resort when she meets Hakim. Hakim likes that Shelby treats him like a normal person. Hakim is tired of people treating him different because he is a prince. Hakim and Shelby spend time together and really enjoy each others company. Then Shelby is in an accident and Hakim must leave. Shelby thinks that is the last time she will see Hakim. Hakim surprises Shelby by showing up a few weeks later to visit. They spend more time together and all is going well until something happens to Hakim's father and his true identity becomes known. Can Shelby get past the fact that Hakim is a prince? Shelby and Hakim come from 2 different worlds will they be able to ever be together? I loved this book! I started reading and could not put it down.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, fun story! Jennifer Moore has become a favorite author of mine. These characters sucked me right in and I cannot stop thinking bout them. The dilemma of a middle eastern prince falling in love with a small town american girl really made sense to me. There were times when I thought that it really couldn't work out. Both characters have strong personalities that I admire. I loved being transported to another culture that I know very little about. I didn't want to put the book down at all while I was reading. I look forward to reading more by Jennifer Moore!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded this book on my Kindle app and started reading right away! I LOVE this book!! Shelby meets Hakim, a mysterious foreigner on a ski slope in Colorado. The sparks fly almost immediately and they have such a friendly rapport that keeps you reading to see how or if the relationship develops. There is a sweetness to this romance but it definitely has some intrigue and danger for these two. I could have kept reading if there was more... So good. Clean romance!