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Royal Brides #8
Hired: The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress
Sheikh Amir bin Faruq al Zorha lives in New York, but the desert is where his heart lies. Now it's time for him to marry….
Grace Brown, Amir's plain but indispensable assistant, isn't exactly queen material. No matter how tempted Amir is to take her innocence, she's off-limits. Until he returns to his homeland, where the barbarian prince replaces the businessman—and resolves that Grace will be his!
Grace Brown, Amir's plain but indispensable assistant, isn't exactly queen material. No matter how tempted Amir is to take her innocence, she's off-limits. Until he returns to his homeland, where the barbarian prince replaces the businessman—and resolves that Grace will be his!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
58 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
605 books1,567 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 19, 2016
2 Lackluster Stars
I have a weakness for outdated, completely ridiculous, HQ romances featuring Sheikhs, billionaires, princes, arranged marriages, what have you...Seriously though, it's like crack to me.
This one was definitely not one of my favorites though. I didn't really like the heroine and I thought the progression was pretty lame. Also, she was his PA for 5 years while he fucked around with all these other women and then would ask her to buy them gifts for him? LMAO. So sad, so lame.
I thought this story line could have been executed so much better and I know Monroe is capable of it. Overall, this was just very forgettable.
I have a weakness for outdated, completely ridiculous, HQ romances featuring Sheikhs, billionaires, princes, arranged marriages, what have you...Seriously though, it's like crack to me.
This one was definitely not one of my favorites though. I didn't really like the heroine and I thought the progression was pretty lame. Also, she was his PA for 5 years while he fucked around with all these other women and then would ask her to buy them gifts for him? LMAO. So sad, so lame.
I thought this story line could have been executed so much better and I know Monroe is capable of it. Overall, this was just very forgettable.
May 12, 2020
It bothered me to no end that for the 5 years heroine worked for the hero, he dated other women continuously. It gets only worse as heroine was in love with him for said period of time, didn’t date and was a total innocent.
Lucy Monroe is one of my fav author but this didn’t work for me.
Serves me right for reading a PA-Boss romance.
Lucy Monroe is one of my fav author but this didn’t work for me.
Serves me right for reading a PA-Boss romance.
February 1, 2009
Having read The Sheikh's Bartered Bride by Lucy Monroe, I was eager to read another sheikh book by her. I started this book and it kept mentioning an older brother who lived with his wife prior to marriage, and so I was thinking he must have a book also. So my gaze focused on the short story collection Hot Deserts Nights with a Lucy Monroe story, and sure enough, it was about Khalil and Jade called Mistress to a Sheikh. So I took a break and read this story first to get a frame of reference. Then I jumped back into Hired: The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress. I enjoyed this book, but I had a couple of issues with it. For one, I thought the heroine Grace was a little too self-deprecating. Yes, I know she was slender and shy and didn't think much of her looks, but I didn't like how high she put the hero Amir on a pedestal above her. I wish she had a little more self-worth. Don't get me wrong, I love the shy, unassuming, plain Jane heroines, but I like the ones with a little more spark and self-love. It is clear that she has always been shy and in the background, so I guess it makes sense that she would be so down on herself. But it bothered me. She was a very capable person and she wasn't ugly. But she had this opinion like she was worthless other than her skills as a PA. Even as a shy sibling in a large family, I am sure that Grace's parents showed her enough love to know that wasn't true. I was about to get disgusted when she goes to get a makeover to get Amir to see that she was a worthwhile bride candidate, when he had propositioned her in a prior scene. Obviously he liked her already. For some reason, makeovers in romances rub me the wrong way. I don't mind if the heroine never got to spend time on herself and does go and do that, but when she feels like she needs to change herself to make herself more acceptable, that bugs me. The only thing that saved it for me was that a) the hero said she looked great before and didn't all of a sudden notice her just because she got her hair fixed and wore more revealing clothes. I know men are that shallow in real life, but I don't like shallow heroes in the books I read. b) It was made clear that she had possessed inner beauty before and was just bringing out the real her. Okay, if you insist.
The other thing that bugged me about this book was the hero's insistence on not allowing himself to care for Grace in a meaningful way. He had loads of girlfriends, and paraded them in front of Grace, getting her to shop for gifts for them. That was rather unfeeling of him, as he knew that she was attracted to him, if not in love with him. I think he should have tried to be more discreet in this case. And to compound matters, he asks Grace to make a list of suitable bride candidates for him. How callous is that? In his mind, he thought he was doing the right thing because he cared for Grace and loved her as a friend, but knew he couldn't allow himself to love his wife since he had loved and lost his first fiancee when she did. Okay, I understand your fiancee died, but you were eighteen years old. Get over it.
And then he decides he's going to have a sexual relationship with Grace but still not marry her, knowing that she's a virgin, but not marry her. That's really lowdown. I admit that I am old fashioned. I like heroes who do care for the heroine and do have honorable intentions. I don't mind if they seduce the heroine into marriage, or seduce her with the intention of marrying her for certain. But I hate when the hero seduces a heroine just for a sexual relationship and has no intention of a permanent relationship (marriage). That's my issue and so I was annoyed at Amir's behavior. He confides his intentions to his older brother, Zahir, who is a confidant for him. Zahir seems to see that he has feelings for Grace that he isn't owning up to, and doesn't tell him that he's being a selfish jerk, probably because he thinks it will lead to him marrying Grace.
And Grace just falls in with his plans, because she loves him. It bothers me in some of these romances that the heroine loves the hero so much she'll throw away her self-respect and negate her own self-love. Personally I don't want anyone to love me to this degree. You should love others as you love yourself, so obviously caring about yourself and having self-esteem is important.
I guess I'm a masochist. I read these books because they inspire strong emotions in me. Well this one definitely did inspire strong emotions. So I will keep this book and possibly reread it, because it was well-written, but I can't help feeling aggravated with the heroine and the hero for their attitudes. Frankly I wish that Grace had told Amir to kiss her anatomy where the sun doesn't shine. Maybe he would have got a clue earlier. Hopefully Zahir will be a lot more gallant than his brothers and not act so dishonorably towards his woman like his brothers did.
The other thing that bugged me about this book was the hero's insistence on not allowing himself to care for Grace in a meaningful way. He had loads of girlfriends, and paraded them in front of Grace, getting her to shop for gifts for them. That was rather unfeeling of him, as he knew that she was attracted to him, if not in love with him. I think he should have tried to be more discreet in this case. And to compound matters, he asks Grace to make a list of suitable bride candidates for him. How callous is that? In his mind, he thought he was doing the right thing because he cared for Grace and loved her as a friend, but knew he couldn't allow himself to love his wife since he had loved and lost his first fiancee when she did. Okay, I understand your fiancee died, but you were eighteen years old. Get over it.
And then he decides he's going to have a sexual relationship with Grace but still not marry her, knowing that she's a virgin, but not marry her. That's really lowdown. I admit that I am old fashioned. I like heroes who do care for the heroine and do have honorable intentions. I don't mind if they seduce the heroine into marriage, or seduce her with the intention of marrying her for certain. But I hate when the hero seduces a heroine just for a sexual relationship and has no intention of a permanent relationship (marriage). That's my issue and so I was annoyed at Amir's behavior. He confides his intentions to his older brother, Zahir, who is a confidant for him. Zahir seems to see that he has feelings for Grace that he isn't owning up to, and doesn't tell him that he's being a selfish jerk, probably because he thinks it will lead to him marrying Grace.
And Grace just falls in with his plans, because she loves him. It bothers me in some of these romances that the heroine loves the hero so much she'll throw away her self-respect and negate her own self-love. Personally I don't want anyone to love me to this degree. You should love others as you love yourself, so obviously caring about yourself and having self-esteem is important.
I guess I'm a masochist. I read these books because they inspire strong emotions in me. Well this one definitely did inspire strong emotions. So I will keep this book and possibly reread it, because it was well-written, but I can't help feeling aggravated with the heroine and the hero for their attitudes. Frankly I wish that Grace had told Amir to kiss her anatomy where the sun doesn't shine. Maybe he would have got a clue earlier. Hopefully Zahir will be a lot more gallant than his brothers and not act so dishonorably towards his woman like his brothers did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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But he should never have gotten involved with Tisa. The sex kitten had a love affair with the paparazzi that few could rival.
Every headline screamed some lewd innuendo about The Playboy Prince and his latest conquest.
You know, I realize that Tisa courts the limelight a bit too much and maybe I showed up in more than one story with her, but damn it I never moved in with one of my flings like Khalil did with his mistress. He lived with Jade for almost two years before he decided to marry her.
Our father has grown weary of you dragging the family name through camel dung. It is time for you to tame your wild ways permanently.
His position left him little time to himself and if he chose to spend that time with beautiful women in uncomplicated liaisons, how did that make him a bad person?
Your lifestyle reflects negatively on our family and our people.
Amir had loved his Yasmine enough to ask her to marry him. They were only engaged for three months, the wedding less than a month awaywhich in Graces mind showed just how much he had loved the other woman to press for such a speedy weddingwhen Yasmine was killed in a freak accident.
I dont plan to love my wife, either. This is a marriage of convenience.
You mean like a trophy wife.
Not necessary. Its not even preferred. As long as we are compatible in bed, we can lead totally separate lives.
Hed once told her that if his family knew of their traveling arrangements, it would upset his mother. In the next breath, he had laughed as if the idea of anything inappropriate happening between them was too funny for words.
Instead she was stick-skinny with what could charitably be called understated curves.
She was frowning at him. I wont be your mistress while you marry another woman. You promised you would be faithful, remember?
So, Im convenient? Any female body will do?
Do not analyze this to death. You are not likely to get many offers like mine. Take what I offer and make us both happy.
She cried over Amirs cruel words, but she also cried over five years of unrequited love. She cried for a future without the man that she was ready to punch, but still loved beyond reason.
She was nothing but a convenient body to him. Both in the office and out of it apparently.
You dont even like shopping for your girlfriends. You make me do it.
But Amir, I am your PA, not your girlfriend. Thank goodness for that. My girlfriends do not last very long in my life, but your place is much more permanent.
June 18, 2013
I love LM but this is the most boring book I have ever read. I was waiting for sth to happen but it never did :(
July 27, 2008
Lucy Monroe writes such great sweet romances as well as her hotter fare. "Hired: The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress" is her latest Harlequin Presents and is a true fairy tale.
Grace is a darn good personal assistant to Sheikh Amir. That's about the only really positive thing she can say about herself. She's plain and thin and hides herself behind baggy clothes and glasses. She also hides her love for Amir. She could be happy just be near him and working for him...until he asks Grace to pick out his future wife.
Amir suffered the loss of his young love and has closed his heart since then. When the marriage his father the King arranged falls through, he decides to pick out his own wife. He'll get Grace to do it. She knows him better than anyone! It's not until he faces the possibility of a life without Grace that he realizes his heart may not be his own.
Such a sweet story with a wonderful HEA. Alpha male meets his match and introduces her to the joys of sex!! Unrealistic and yet unbeatable writing that will have you saying "AWWWW".
Grace is a darn good personal assistant to Sheikh Amir. That's about the only really positive thing she can say about herself. She's plain and thin and hides herself behind baggy clothes and glasses. She also hides her love for Amir. She could be happy just be near him and working for him...until he asks Grace to pick out his future wife.
Amir suffered the loss of his young love and has closed his heart since then. When the marriage his father the King arranged falls through, he decides to pick out his own wife. He'll get Grace to do it. She knows him better than anyone! It's not until he faces the possibility of a life without Grace that he realizes his heart may not be his own.
Such a sweet story with a wonderful HEA. Alpha male meets his match and introduces her to the joys of sex!! Unrealistic and yet unbeatable writing that will have you saying "AWWWW".
Want to read
September 30, 2019La secretaria del príncipe
September 13, 2021
I've always liked books where one of the major characters has been in love with the other for a while. I'm such a masochist, you know.
Grace Brown has been in love with Amir for a while. But she knew that she was not the one for him. Aside from the fact that he's her boss, her best friend, he's also a prince. And when Amir asked her to help him find a wife based on his requirements (intelligence, social standing, and most importantly, a marriage of convenience without love), she agreed. And You go girl!
Sheikh Amir bin Faruq al Zorha was set to marry Princess Lina, but she fell in love and married her bodyguard, Hawk, in Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess. That's when he decided to find a wife on his own before his father chose another bride. So he asked his devoted and reliable secretary and his best friend Grace to find him a wife. But his plans failed when Grace told him she was quitting.
Will Amir stop fighting his attraction, realize his true feelings and make Grace his before it's too late? Will these two opposite find their way into each other's hearts?
I really liked this book because of Grace and Amir's friendship, love, and respect for each other shine through the pages. Grace is such a wonderful character that you can't help but root for her to finally get her happy ever after with the man she loves. And Amir was certainly very alpha, but he's also sweet and lovable - a combination of headstrong yet compassionate.
Overall, Hired: The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress was good read. The story was engaging if a bit predictable, but enjoyable.
April 28, 2016
I just found this one dull. There was not much angst or conflict, a lackluster makeover....
November 30, 2017
This was okay, at least he was into her before she had her makeover. I just couldn't figure out why he was staying away from her for so long. Very confusing reasoning going on in his head.
March 15, 2021
The Heroine Grace Brown is 25 years old.
The Hero Amir is the youngest of 3 brothers. Age not known.
Hero is dubbed as the “Playboy Sheikh”
Hero has dated lots and lots and lots of women.
Heroine has been Hero’s personal assistant for 5 years.
Hero thinks Heroine is dowdy.
Hero desires Heroine but refuses to risk his professional relationship with his personal assistant for something as ephemeral as s*e.
Hero makes the Heroine buy parting gifts for his companions.
Hero’s father delivers an ultimatum via the Elder Brother. (Better get married and attain some respectability or else!!!)
Hero reluctantly agrees to get married.
Hero’s handpicked prospective bride sensibly throws him over for another. (That’s another book altogether - Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess)
Hero then asks the Heroine to compile a list of prospective suitable brides for him to choose from.
Hero’s requirements for his prospective wife -
Only those who fit the bill need apply..............
1) She needs to be physically attractive.
2) She has to be cultured.
3) She has to be diplomatic.
4) She has to complement the Hero.
5) She has to complement the Hero’s position in the Business world.
6) She has to also complement the Hero in his Political realm.
7) She needs to be Beautiful.
8) Her companionship should add to the Hero’s éclat, not detract from it.
9) Hero plans to be faithful, but she should satisfy him so well that he is not tempted to stray.
10) She need not have any interests or likes in common with the Hero, so long as they are compatible in bed.
11) She should be willing to lead separate lives.
Anyone interested in applying for the position of Amir’s wife?
To sum up, this book is a perfect candidate for Boogenhagen’s shelf - Be happy the Heroine is happy.
The Hero Amir is the youngest of 3 brothers. Age not known.
Hero is dubbed as the “Playboy Sheikh”
Hero has dated lots and lots and lots of women.
Heroine has been Hero’s personal assistant for 5 years.
Hero thinks Heroine is dowdy.
Hero desires Heroine but refuses to risk his professional relationship with his personal assistant for something as ephemeral as s*e.
Hero makes the Heroine buy parting gifts for his companions.
Hero’s father delivers an ultimatum via the Elder Brother. (Better get married and attain some respectability or else!!!)
Hero reluctantly agrees to get married.
Hero’s handpicked prospective bride sensibly throws him over for another. (That’s another book altogether - Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess)
Hero then asks the Heroine to compile a list of prospective suitable brides for him to choose from.
Hero’s requirements for his prospective wife -
Only those who fit the bill need apply..............
1) She needs to be physically attractive.
2) She has to be cultured.
3) She has to be diplomatic.
4) She has to complement the Hero.
5) She has to complement the Hero’s position in the Business world.
6) She has to also complement the Hero in his Political realm.
7) She needs to be Beautiful.
8) Her companionship should add to the Hero’s éclat, not detract from it.
9) Hero plans to be faithful, but she should satisfy him so well that he is not tempted to stray.
10) She need not have any interests or likes in common with the Hero, so long as they are compatible in bed.
11) She should be willing to lead separate lives.
Anyone interested in applying for the position of Amir’s wife?
To sum up, this book is a perfect candidate for Boogenhagen’s shelf - Be happy the Heroine is happy.
March 4, 2017
A surprisingly good book. Usually, I expect that books with sheikh's are going to be demeaning towards women with an alpha male that has no respect for a gal and expects her to jump into bed with him while he goes out looking for a wife. That's not entirely what happens here - our "sheikh" Amir is a pretty decent guy. He's a workaholic and kind of a womanizer, but its clear from the first that he loves Grace, his personal assistant, even if he doesn't know it. He's respectful towards her, values her as a person and seeks her advice, even if he doesn't know he's hurting her feelings by doing it...as in asking her to find a wife for him. And there is a misunderstanding at the end and he does have a moment of cruelty which he apologizes for and explains and all ends well of course. The only reason this is not higher in stars is because Grace is somewhat irritating in her insecurities. She's frankly depressing with constantly questioning herself and her worth and brushing off Amir's ignorance of her feelings by telling herself that he'd never notice her because she's nothing. I like my heroines with a little more self-esteem. The insecurities are fine, but she needs to feel like she's at least worthy of a chance at the hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2016
When friendship blossoms into a relationship....
another of my favourites
Grace is a wonderful PA, intelligent, jovial, innocent, and sweet...
(I actually fell in love with the character)
Very rare to find a male protagonist as Amir:
He does not put down women, is decent, and traditional yet realistic. (kinda hard to find such a character, usually)
He is not one of the those Sheikh's who actually does not capture the woman and make her his captive. (No offence intended, but most of the Sheikh characters in M&B are dominating)
He admits he loves her, and is close to his elder brother too (healthy family relationship for a sheikh)
Amir's mother, is not at all an ice "queen", she is friendly and understanding, quite persuasive too....
another of my favourites
Grace is a wonderful PA, intelligent, jovial, innocent, and sweet...
(I actually fell in love with the character)
Very rare to find a male protagonist as Amir:
He does not put down women, is decent, and traditional yet realistic. (kinda hard to find such a character, usually)
He is not one of the those Sheikh's who actually does not capture the woman and make her his captive. (No offence intended, but most of the Sheikh characters in M&B are dominating)
He admits he loves her, and is close to his elder brother too (healthy family relationship for a sheikh)
Amir's mother, is not at all an ice "queen", she is friendly and understanding, quite persuasive too....
February 21, 2021
Sheikh Amir bin Faruq al Zorha lives in New York, but the desert is where his heart lies. Now it's time for him to marry....Grace Brown, Amir's plain but indispensable assistant, isn't exactly queen material. No matter how tempted Amir is to take her innocence, she's off-limits. Until he returns to his homeland, where the barbarian prince replaces the businessman--and resolves that Grace will be his! (less)
November 14, 2008
Only one way to describe it……an exceptionally sweet romance featuring an innocent woman who doesn’t see herself as being worthy of a handsome prince’s love. He’s her boss, her very best friend and she loves and adores him and for Grace Brown the past five years working for him, travelling with him, getting to know his family has been heaven. He’s changed her world and “filled it with light, warmth and sound”.
In Lucy’s July release Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Virgin Princess the reader was introduced to Princess Lina and the handsome, rich, playboy…… Sheik Amir. Both of their parents arranged a marriage between them but Lina fooled them all by falling in love and marrying her bodyguard Hawk. So now Sheikh Amir is not going to let his family arrange another marriage. He adores his personal assistant, he trusts her and he’s going to break her heart by asking her to find him a wife!
Amir decides he needs to return home to Zorha to see his family and also set his “marriage” plans in motion. He can’t deny he has inner feelings for Grace, he certainly considers her more than a PA and close friend and for reasons he can’t put his finger on, he’s sexually attracted to her and fights his urge to act upon it. He knows if he does, he’ll loose not only his PA but friend. He seeks the counsel of his eldest brother and admits his feelings and attraction, but what to do?
As for Grace, she loves Amir deeply and in the end agrees to find some candidates based on his requirements……beauty, intelligence, social standing and most important a marriage of convenience not love. Years ago, Amir loved deeply and his beloved was taken by him in death. He vows never again! Because Grace is devoted and wants him happy she agrees but with a price, she’s going to give her resignation.
What transpires you are not going to want to miss as Grace decides to go for broke…….transform herself, put herself on the list……..it’s final chapters, well let’s just say, amazing as only Lucy Monroe can pen.
In Lucy’s July release Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Virgin Princess the reader was introduced to Princess Lina and the handsome, rich, playboy…… Sheik Amir. Both of their parents arranged a marriage between them but Lina fooled them all by falling in love and marrying her bodyguard Hawk. So now Sheikh Amir is not going to let his family arrange another marriage. He adores his personal assistant, he trusts her and he’s going to break her heart by asking her to find him a wife!
Amir decides he needs to return home to Zorha to see his family and also set his “marriage” plans in motion. He can’t deny he has inner feelings for Grace, he certainly considers her more than a PA and close friend and for reasons he can’t put his finger on, he’s sexually attracted to her and fights his urge to act upon it. He knows if he does, he’ll loose not only his PA but friend. He seeks the counsel of his eldest brother and admits his feelings and attraction, but what to do?
As for Grace, she loves Amir deeply and in the end agrees to find some candidates based on his requirements……beauty, intelligence, social standing and most important a marriage of convenience not love. Years ago, Amir loved deeply and his beloved was taken by him in death. He vows never again! Because Grace is devoted and wants him happy she agrees but with a price, she’s going to give her resignation.
What transpires you are not going to want to miss as Grace decides to go for broke…….transform herself, put herself on the list……..it’s final chapters, well let’s just say, amazing as only Lucy Monroe can pen.
July 21, 2012
Oh, guilty reads of guilty reads~! This one was fun and definitely hit my "pleasure button!" Hee hee snicker snicker! Sorry that always cracks me up.
Anyway this is a super fast and fun read of an alpha male, and an innocent woman, who both have one major thing in common - they are both idiots! But that is what makes these fun. Neither of them realizes they are in love, and have been in love. Even when everyone else around them knows it.
He's a cultured, wealthy, princely, sheikh, who's "tête-à-têtes" are plastered across the fronts of tabloid magazines. She's a virginal, naive, young woman - every feminists horror come to light.
He's her boss at work and the boss of her heart. Dun dun dun...
Will these two find their way into each other's hearts? If you're unsure you really need to look into a different genre lol
Overall, nothing totally fabulous about this, but a good quick fun read. It's like getting cotton candy at the carnival - an overly sweet confection that you enjoy at the time, but later can't believe you ate the whole thing.
Anyway this is a super fast and fun read of an alpha male, and an innocent woman, who both have one major thing in common - they are both idiots! But that is what makes these fun. Neither of them realizes they are in love, and have been in love. Even when everyone else around them knows it.
He's a cultured, wealthy, princely, sheikh, who's "tête-à-têtes" are plastered across the fronts of tabloid magazines. She's a virginal, naive, young woman - every feminists horror come to light.
He's her boss at work and the boss of her heart. Dun dun dun...
Will these two find their way into each other's hearts? If you're unsure you really need to look into a different genre lol
Overall, nothing totally fabulous about this, but a good quick fun read. It's like getting cotton candy at the carnival - an overly sweet confection that you enjoy at the time, but later can't believe you ate the whole thing.
March 14, 2012
I give this 3 star. I really liked the Hero and heroine...and enjoyed the whole premise of the book. Secretly in love with the boss for years...He secretly lusts after her, but denies it. It had such great potential and for 3/4 of the book it was wonderful. But then the very end fell somewhat flat. First, of all, the "whole" kitten thing really turned me off. Where it worked well in the "Sheikh's Bartered Bride"...it just fell flat on it's face in this book. I would have much preferred his endearment of Gracey, than kitten. Secondly, the end was just too abrupt and contrived. It felt plastic and as though the author had a rushed deadline.
October 24, 2008
I really loved this book and I mean loved this book.
October 28, 2010
A fun, sexy read. I normally don't like sheik books, but this one is definitely an exception to that preference!
December 10, 2010
I like Lucy Monroe, and this may be my favorite book of hers so far.
September 3, 2013
Ok read but Mrs. Monroe can do better. I liked the first half of the book because of the friendship between h and H but skipped a lot trough the second half.
September 12, 2013
Boy did this book make me laugh!
May 3, 2023
The couple: Amir and Grace
Romance trope: Desert romance; office romance
Series: Royal Brides
Length: 215 pages
Plot: Grace is Amir's personal assistant and they seem to be best friends, except for the fact that she is in love with him and trying to hide that fact. But the king insists that Amir marry and arranges a marriage of convenience with a princess from another country. But that falls through and Amir asks his assistant to find him a suitable wife so that he can beat his dad at his own game. This is torture to Grace, but she'll do it and then resign. Amir is not willing to let her go so easily though.
Commentary: Cute and frustrating. All he had to do was say "I want you too" and they could have avoided all their problems. But of course, you shouldn't have a relationship with your employee. More than that, though, it was the old "I'll never fall in love" trope - he was hurt in the past and didn't want those feelings again, etc, etc. Still, made for a decent story, and I liked that the royal family all knew and accepted Grace.
Previous book in the series: Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess
Next book in the series: For Duty's Sake
Romance trope: Desert romance; office romance
Series: Royal Brides
Length: 215 pages
Plot: Grace is Amir's personal assistant and they seem to be best friends, except for the fact that she is in love with him and trying to hide that fact. But the king insists that Amir marry and arranges a marriage of convenience with a princess from another country. But that falls through and Amir asks his assistant to find him a suitable wife so that he can beat his dad at his own game. This is torture to Grace, but she'll do it and then resign. Amir is not willing to let her go so easily though.
Commentary: Cute and frustrating. All he had to do was say "I want you too" and they could have avoided all their problems. But of course, you shouldn't have a relationship with your employee. More than that, though, it was the old "I'll never fall in love" trope - he was hurt in the past and didn't want those feelings again, etc, etc. Still, made for a decent story, and I liked that the royal family all knew and accepted Grace.
Previous book in the series: Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess
Next book in the series: For Duty's Sake
March 6, 2023
Mutual pining, boss-assistant, “I quit because I can’t see you married to anyone else” and he loses his mind, make over montage, turns out she’s beautiful under the cheap suit.
These two dummies are attracted to each other but don’t act on it because boss/employee, great, that’s a smart choice. Amir sleeps around and even has Grace buy gifts for his girlfriends, even though he knows she has a crush on him. Meanwhile, Grace has never been out on a date because she’s shy and awkward, except around Amir, and hopelessly in love with him. I wish they had either both been dating others or both avoiding dating. He even admits later that he dated and slept around to try to distract himself from her. I don’t care that he has been with other people while knowing her, that’s realistic, but Grace having no experience or other friends made me sad for her.
But whatever its Harlequin Universe rules.
They go from New York to dessert Sheik land to Greece. Private planes, Humvee, Jaguar. Shopping spree in Greece!
These two dummies are attracted to each other but don’t act on it because boss/employee, great, that’s a smart choice. Amir sleeps around and even has Grace buy gifts for his girlfriends, even though he knows she has a crush on him. Meanwhile, Grace has never been out on a date because she’s shy and awkward, except around Amir, and hopelessly in love with him. I wish they had either both been dating others or both avoiding dating. He even admits later that he dated and slept around to try to distract himself from her. I don’t care that he has been with other people while knowing her, that’s realistic, but Grace having no experience or other friends made me sad for her.
But whatever its Harlequin Universe rules.
They go from New York to dessert Sheik land to Greece. Private planes, Humvee, Jaguar. Shopping spree in Greece!
April 25, 2020
Watching the H realize he was in love with h was nice... he kept doing nice things for her without any real clue about how he really felt. It was a different pattern from other stories, which was a nice change of pace.
There wasn’t an enormous amount of heart-wrenching angst, which can be a good thing if you’re looking for a read that doesn’t leave you in knots.
Overall, a nice romantic story with two likable MC’s and a totally believable HEA.
Side note: The brother (Zafir) in this book seemed like a good character... unfortunately, those characteristics didn’t make it into his own story, For Duty’s Sake.
There wasn’t an enormous amount of heart-wrenching angst, which can be a good thing if you’re looking for a read that doesn’t leave you in knots.
Overall, a nice romantic story with two likable MC’s and a totally believable HEA.
Side note: The brother (Zafir) in this book seemed like a good character... unfortunately, those characteristics didn’t make it into his own story, For Duty’s Sake.
April 10, 2021
This was very good. Short read. Grace Brown is the assistant to Sheikh Amir bin Faruq al Zorha in the New York office. The Sheikh has been betrothed to another for political reasons but he really wants Grace. They circle each other a lot. Passion and some tense moments between them. Recommend.
December 18, 2022
Por primera vez escucho un audio libro de corrido ✨. El libro en sí no estuvo mal, lo escuché mientras terminaba cosas del trabajo. Entretiene y lleva un buen ritmo. No me aburrió en ningún momento. No le puesto 5 estrellas porque le faltó más profundidad a los personajes y mejorar la ambientación.
Es muy cliché, pero eso se esperaba.
Es muy cliché, pero eso se esperaba.
November 29, 2024
I loved the book, it had a few hints of humour where I outwardly laughed! But one and only thing that didn’t make it a 5⭐️ was because I felt like Grace had no life outside Amir. There wasn’t any growth with Grace and she barely had her own friends and I thought that after she realised it she would make sure to be confident, make her own friends but she recognised her faults and never changed
September 12, 2023
Not really my thing but if you like predictable, somewhat melodramatic happy ending romance this is for you esp if you're into more dominant men. A little repetive for my tastes, but I knew what I was getting into. I don't blame the book. Its good at providing the experience its meant to.
April 27, 2019
2.5 stars
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