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The Balfour Brides #7
Bella dan Sang Penguasa Gurun [Bella and the Merciless Prince]
Diasingkan ke Pusat Meditasi di gurun, Bella Balfour yakin dirinya akan menjadi gila jika tidak segera meninggalkan hamparan pasir emas tersebut. Sayangnya, rencananya untuk melarikan diri ke kota gagal total setelah ia tak sadarkan diri di bawah teriknya matahari gurun.
Zafi q Al-Rashid marah besar ketika seminggu masa pengasingan dirinya di gurun diusik oleh kehadiran gadis yang cantik, keras kepala, dan manja. Namun ketika Bella menunjukkan bahwa ia lebih dari sekadar pewaris kaya, akankah perasaan Zafi q berubah? Apakah ia berani mengambil risiko memberikan hatinya pada gadis yang sama sekali bukan tipenya?
Zafi q Al-Rashid marah besar ketika seminggu masa pengasingan dirinya di gurun diusik oleh kehadiran gadis yang cantik, keras kepala, dan manja. Namun ketika Bella menunjukkan bahwa ia lebih dari sekadar pewaris kaya, akankah perasaan Zafi q berubah? Apakah ia berani mengambil risiko memberikan hatinya pada gadis yang sama sekali bukan tipenya?
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
About the author
Sarah Morgan
702 books7,587 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Sarah's latest novel is out now - Brave New Summer (UK title)/ Five Star Summer (US/Canadian title). Sarah's brand new Christmas book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER is coming in October!
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Sarah's latest novel is out now - Brave New Summer (UK title)/ Five Star Summer (US/Canadian title). Sarah's brand new Christmas book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER is coming in October!
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 16, 2017
Bella Balfour's father sent her to a desert retreat for a few weeks. She is a spoiled socialite and her father thinks a few weeks of quite meditation on her life would do her good. But it is driving Bella crazy...she has no access to a phone, laptop, iPod. She is bored and wants out. So she sneaks away and goes to a nearby stable to temporarily "borrow" a horse so she can go into the city, then she'll send the horse back. But she gets lost in the desert.
Sheikh Zafiq Al-Rashid is riding his horse out into the desert for a week of peace and solitude. While he is riding he sees a woman passed out next to a horse (which he recognizes as Amira, his favorite mare). Furious, but knowing the woman needs help, he takes her to his tent. He's convinced she's a horse thief. Bella explains why she's also in the desert, for a week of meditation. He has no clue as to her identity. She tells him her name is Kate. Zafiq decides to keep her there with him. (He only has a week off for himself, away from all his duties as a Sheikh, and he doesn't want it spoiled by other people showing up.) They become very attracted to each other and begin to fall for each other. But what will happen when Zafiq discovers she isn't Kate but the infamous, scandalous Balfour daughter Bella.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Bella was so spoiled, wicked, feisty, and sarcastic at first. (Her antics made me laugh out loud at times.) It was nice to see her mature and grow up as the story progressed. She became a very lovable heroine. Bella was also affectionate and uninhibited, the opposite from cool, detached, and reserved Zafiq. They had great chemistry together. I enjoyed their banter. I really liked how Zafiq's staff and family took such a liking to Bella. She was so happy to finally be accepted for who she really was and not just as bad Bella Balfour, society heiress. I also liked gorgeous Zafiq, he was a good hero.
This was a very sweet and sexy read by Sarah Morgan.
Sheikh Zafiq Al-Rashid is riding his horse out into the desert for a week of peace and solitude. While he is riding he sees a woman passed out next to a horse (which he recognizes as Amira, his favorite mare). Furious, but knowing the woman needs help, he takes her to his tent. He's convinced she's a horse thief. Bella explains why she's also in the desert, for a week of meditation. He has no clue as to her identity. She tells him her name is Kate. Zafiq decides to keep her there with him. (He only has a week off for himself, away from all his duties as a Sheikh, and he doesn't want it spoiled by other people showing up.) They become very attracted to each other and begin to fall for each other. But what will happen when Zafiq discovers she isn't Kate but the infamous, scandalous Balfour daughter Bella.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Bella was so spoiled, wicked, feisty, and sarcastic at first. (Her antics made me laugh out loud at times.) It was nice to see her mature and grow up as the story progressed. She became a very lovable heroine. Bella was also affectionate and uninhibited, the opposite from cool, detached, and reserved Zafiq. They had great chemistry together. I enjoyed their banter. I really liked how Zafiq's staff and family took such a liking to Bella. She was so happy to finally be accepted for who she really was and not just as bad Bella Balfour, society heiress. I also liked gorgeous Zafiq, he was a good hero.
This was a very sweet and sexy read by Sarah Morgan.
January 13, 2018
I’m not a fan of Sheikh stories – or royalty stories. But I do love a misunderstood bad girl paired with a serious hero. And that is the romantic dynamic in this story.
Fans of Sheikh stories might not like the world-building in this one. There are the usual desert delights – sand, heat, starry skies, silky waters in the oasis. The set pieces are also typical -the tent at the oasis, the palace with stables and race course set just outside of a small city with beautiful architecture.
However, the people all have western attitudes toward women. The men who work the stables are friendly and respectful to the heroine and they confide in her – not the usual attitude toward women. The hero is a duty-bound ruler – but not hung up on a woman’s place or her sexual history or producing heirs.
And that’s why I liked this.
The heroine was not fighting the chauvinistic attitudes/ east vs west usually explored in a sheikh romance , she was fighting herself and then finally, fighting for herself. Everyone is foil for Bella – this is her story – her growth. The hero is her prize at the end of all of this. It’s no coincidence that the mare is the most prized horse in the hero’s stable, not the hero’s stallion.
So recap – Bella has been banned to a yoga retreat in the desert by her father who “hates” her. The heroine has been a tabloid feature for the past ten years. First as the beautiful daughter from a notorious family and then as a top model. The Balfour Ball is the catalyst for 8 books in this series and this is the seventh. The heroine’s dead mother’s infidelity is revealed at the ball by her outspoken twin, hurting their youngest sister. Heroine is worried about both sisters and her relationship with them at the beginning of the story.
She is also bored at the yoga retreat and “borrows” the beautiful mare that is inexplicably left unguarded. The heroine heads toward the city and gets lost. The hero finds her as he is setting out on his five day solo retreat to the oasis. He tends to her and they are immediately attracted to each other. Hero fights his attraction, but the heroine really doesn’t. They eventually have sex after swimming races in the pond, rides through the desert and lots of banter. They spend a happy four days together.
When the hero returns to the palace, he is angry to discover who she really is.
I love a story where the heroine wins minds and hearts by being herself. In this case, she had to find her true self before she could shine. It’s pure fantasy, and really had nothing to do with the hero – he was just the catalyst and the reward. The hero is a good guy - not overly arrogant for being the big bad sheikh - he needs her to lighten up. She needs him for stability and love. A well-matched pair.
Fans of Sheikh stories might not like the world-building in this one. There are the usual desert delights – sand, heat, starry skies, silky waters in the oasis. The set pieces are also typical -the tent at the oasis, the palace with stables and race course set just outside of a small city with beautiful architecture.
However, the people all have western attitudes toward women. The men who work the stables are friendly and respectful to the heroine and they confide in her – not the usual attitude toward women. The hero is a duty-bound ruler – but not hung up on a woman’s place or her sexual history or producing heirs.
And that’s why I liked this.
The heroine was not fighting the chauvinistic attitudes/ east vs west usually explored in a sheikh romance , she was fighting herself and then finally, fighting for herself. Everyone is foil for Bella – this is her story – her growth. The hero is her prize at the end of all of this. It’s no coincidence that the mare is the most prized horse in the hero’s stable, not the hero’s stallion.
So recap – Bella has been banned to a yoga retreat in the desert by her father who “hates” her. The heroine has been a tabloid feature for the past ten years. First as the beautiful daughter from a notorious family and then as a top model. The Balfour Ball is the catalyst for 8 books in this series and this is the seventh. The heroine’s dead mother’s infidelity is revealed at the ball by her outspoken twin, hurting their youngest sister. Heroine is worried about both sisters and her relationship with them at the beginning of the story.
She is also bored at the yoga retreat and “borrows” the beautiful mare that is inexplicably left unguarded. The heroine heads toward the city and gets lost. The hero finds her as he is setting out on his five day solo retreat to the oasis. He tends to her and they are immediately attracted to each other. Hero fights his attraction, but the heroine really doesn’t. They eventually have sex after swimming races in the pond, rides through the desert and lots of banter. They spend a happy four days together.
When the hero returns to the palace, he is angry to discover who she really is.
I love a story where the heroine wins minds and hearts by being herself. In this case, she had to find her true self before she could shine. It’s pure fantasy, and really had nothing to do with the hero – he was just the catalyst and the reward. The hero is a good guy - not overly arrogant for being the big bad sheikh - he needs her to lighten up. She needs him for stability and love. A well-matched pair.
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars
My favorite book by Sarah Morgan! It's romantic, funny, sweet-sexy, and features a heroine and hero who are perfect archetypes of the genre: sexy, brooding sheik and beautiful, spirited blond. Bella and Zafiq find true love, but it's also a coming-of-age story for Bella.
Zafiq, the "merciless sheik", is a serious and proud man who tries his hardest to resist the impish and beautiful Bella. As the ruler of his country, Zafiq shoulders much responsibility, and responsible isn't a word one would attribute to Bella—at least not until one digs deeper. Bella, despite being a wealthy socialite, is more than just a pretty party girl. She seems to have everything, but is in short supply of self-esteem and a solid sense of identity.
Despite being an underdog of sorts, Bella wins Zafiq's heart (and mine as well) without trying just by being herself. Zafiq initially thinks Bella is spoiled and shallow, but comes to appreciate her fun-loving and compassionate nature. Bella had me laughing out loud several times with her witty sense of humor. She also had me cheering for her bravery during an exciting, yet dangerous horse race which, if she won, would prevent this disaster from happening. How loving and generous is that?
My favorite book by Sarah Morgan! It's romantic, funny, sweet-sexy, and features a heroine and hero who are perfect archetypes of the genre: sexy, brooding sheik and beautiful, spirited blond. Bella and Zafiq find true love, but it's also a coming-of-age story for Bella.
Zafiq, the "merciless sheik", is a serious and proud man who tries his hardest to resist the impish and beautiful Bella. As the ruler of his country, Zafiq shoulders much responsibility, and responsible isn't a word one would attribute to Bella—at least not until one digs deeper. Bella, despite being a wealthy socialite, is more than just a pretty party girl. She seems to have everything, but is in short supply of self-esteem and a solid sense of identity.
Despite being an underdog of sorts, Bella wins Zafiq's heart (and mine as well) without trying just by being herself. Zafiq initially thinks Bella is spoiled and shallow, but comes to appreciate her fun-loving and compassionate nature. Bella had me laughing out loud several times with her witty sense of humor. She also had me cheering for her bravery during an exciting, yet dangerous horse race which, if she won, would prevent this disaster from happening. How loving and generous is that?
February 6, 2011
Bella Balfour is a bad girl socialite sent to the middle of the Arabian Desert by her father to get herself together. The lack of technology (cellphones, laptops, etc) is driving her stir-crazy. Her guardian at the retreat where Bella is forced to stay only has yoga and meditation on the agenda and Bella needs some action. Devising an escape plan, she steals a horse, unaware of who is belongs to and attempts to make it across desert to the city.
Her plans are derailed when she underestimates the distance to the city and she suffers a sun stroke. Lucky for her, Sheikh Zariq is taking his annual weekly retreat in the desert and stumbles upon her. Zariq is furious when he spots her worn down body and his beautiful prized horse. He believes she is a thief, trying to sell the creature.
Bella is slightly annoying in my opinion. Just picture a Paris Hilton type stuck in the desert, using her beauty and charm to try to get into the city. She comes across a little dimwitted for the first half of the book and the Sheikh comes across slightly arrogant and cold. Even after the first love scene, the compassion and tenderness is severely lacking. The flighty heroine and distant hero make them a bit unappealing.
Eventually, Zariq coerces Bella into endless nights of sex in the desert. She agrees and somehow they connect during the week long stay out there. Once they return to the city, Bella begs Zariq to allow her to work for him and prove that she is capable of being serious. Bella steps into her new role and tries to win the heart of the handsome sheikh.
Sarah Morgan books are well written and the story moves quickly. I just wished that I didn’t have to wait until the end of the book to finally like Bella. Her progression to behaving like an adult is too slow. Zariq doesn’t warms up until the end. Who wants to wait until the end to like the hero?
The scandal behind Bella’s stay in the desert is quite entertaining. I wish it was bought to light earlier in the book. I want to know more about her family and who they really are. I will search for future books about Bella’s sisters. I have questions I want answered but I guess they will be revealed in later books. Overall, this book is entertaining but fell flat in some areas.
Her plans are derailed when she underestimates the distance to the city and she suffers a sun stroke. Lucky for her, Sheikh Zariq is taking his annual weekly retreat in the desert and stumbles upon her. Zariq is furious when he spots her worn down body and his beautiful prized horse. He believes she is a thief, trying to sell the creature.
Bella is slightly annoying in my opinion. Just picture a Paris Hilton type stuck in the desert, using her beauty and charm to try to get into the city. She comes across a little dimwitted for the first half of the book and the Sheikh comes across slightly arrogant and cold. Even after the first love scene, the compassion and tenderness is severely lacking. The flighty heroine and distant hero make them a bit unappealing.
Eventually, Zariq coerces Bella into endless nights of sex in the desert. She agrees and somehow they connect during the week long stay out there. Once they return to the city, Bella begs Zariq to allow her to work for him and prove that she is capable of being serious. Bella steps into her new role and tries to win the heart of the handsome sheikh.
Sarah Morgan books are well written and the story moves quickly. I just wished that I didn’t have to wait until the end of the book to finally like Bella. Her progression to behaving like an adult is too slow. Zariq doesn’t warms up until the end. Who wants to wait until the end to like the hero?
The scandal behind Bella’s stay in the desert is quite entertaining. I wish it was bought to light earlier in the book. I want to know more about her family and who they really are. I will search for future books about Bella’s sisters. I have questions I want answered but I guess they will be revealed in later books. Overall, this book is entertaining but fell flat in some areas.
June 6, 2019
I initially read this in 2011 and I wondered if I'd still love it as much as I did then. And it's safe to say that it deserves its place on my keeper shelf, and I had good taste then as well : )
November 6, 2011
4.5 Hearts
I LURVED this book.
I've mentioned it to the point of being a broken record...but I LOVE Sheikh books. Seriously these men are my favourite heros. Always confident, always dominant, always with those sexy dark features I dream about.
I love how I can pick up a Sheikh story and almost always have the plot lines I crave - Sexy heroine makes the gruff Sheikh who doesn't believe in romance, fall to his knees. *sigh* DAMN I LOVE IT!!
Bella and the Merciless Sheikh would have to be one of my favourite Sheikh stories.
And that says a lot seeing as though Bella had a rather large pole stuck firmly up her ass. Can't blame her though, she was smokin, had grown up with continuous attention - so she played on her looks at the start. She really grew and developed through this story though. She turned from little attention whore, to hardworking, down to earth, huge hearted Bella.
Zafiq...well I ain't gunna *squee* and *sigh* and *gush* If you're aware of my Sheikh fetish you should have already pictured me doing this. Zafiq made my belly do flips. He definitely made the 'Men to picture while having sex with my husband list' - Not that I've ever put that list to use yet........
Anyway, he was a honey. And I lurved how he fell for Bella and even more how he tried to fight it.
A great, smooth, easy to read story that made me want to go to bed early to...daydream.
I LURVED this book.
I've mentioned it to the point of being a broken record...but I LOVE Sheikh books. Seriously these men are my favourite heros. Always confident, always dominant, always with those sexy dark features I dream about.
I love how I can pick up a Sheikh story and almost always have the plot lines I crave - Sexy heroine makes the gruff Sheikh who doesn't believe in romance, fall to his knees. *sigh* DAMN I LOVE IT!!
Bella and the Merciless Sheikh would have to be one of my favourite Sheikh stories.
And that says a lot seeing as though Bella had a rather large pole stuck firmly up her ass. Can't blame her though, she was smokin, had grown up with continuous attention - so she played on her looks at the start. She really grew and developed through this story though. She turned from little attention whore, to hardworking, down to earth, huge hearted Bella.
Zafiq...well I ain't gunna *squee* and *sigh* and *gush* If you're aware of my Sheikh fetish you should have already pictured me doing this. Zafiq made my belly do flips. He definitely made the 'Men to picture while having sex with my husband list' - Not that I've ever put that list to use yet........
Anyway, he was a honey. And I lurved how he fell for Bella and even more how he tried to fight it.
A great, smooth, easy to read story that made me want to go to bed early to...daydream.
March 23, 2018
"Bella and the Merciless Sheikh" is the story of Bella and Zafiq.
Bella is the wildest of the Balfour daughters- also known as "Bad Bella", who has lived a glamorous life filled with glitz and all the attention. Things go downhill, when she unexpectedly reveals a secret that leads to the Balfour scandal, and her father pushes her to go to a remote desert island to recuperate!
It is there she meets Sheikh Zafiq, who is on his annual retreat- and between annoying complaints and dry humor,sparks fly!
This was a surprisingly good read and best in the series so far. The heroine had a very self-deprecating and infectious sense of humor, and she was honest, even if a little spoilt. I liked how she worked hard in the second half- and the sex scenes between her and the hero were hot! Sweet ending.
A refreshing change from the virgin heroine trope in this series.
Enjoyed it!
Safe
4/5
Bella is the wildest of the Balfour daughters- also known as "Bad Bella", who has lived a glamorous life filled with glitz and all the attention. Things go downhill, when she unexpectedly reveals a secret that leads to the Balfour scandal, and her father pushes her to go to a remote desert island to recuperate!
It is there she meets Sheikh Zafiq, who is on his annual retreat- and between annoying complaints and dry humor,sparks fly!
This was a surprisingly good read and best in the series so far. The heroine had a very self-deprecating and infectious sense of humor, and she was honest, even if a little spoilt. I liked how she worked hard in the second half- and the sex scenes between her and the hero were hot! Sweet ending.
A refreshing change from the virgin heroine trope in this series.
Enjoyed it!
Safe
4/5
January 9, 2017
A nice entertaining read.
Yes, Bella is spoiled, childish, and somewhat annoying but she also highly entertaining. Watching her try to escape her forced desert retreat and her somewhat dim witted moves is amusing. Watching her clash with his royalness Zafiq is great.
Both Bella and Zafiq are not totally likable until the end when they discover LOVE but they are both totally entertaining to read about. A nice amusing romance.
Yes, Bella is spoiled, childish, and somewhat annoying but she also highly entertaining. Watching her try to escape her forced desert retreat and her somewhat dim witted moves is amusing. Watching her clash with his royalness Zafiq is great.
Both Bella and Zafiq are not totally likable until the end when they discover LOVE but they are both totally entertaining to read about. A nice amusing romance.
April 28, 2018
I had a bit of trouble getting into this at first. I really, really didn't like Bella and her attitude, but as her backstory was revealed, I sympathized with her more & more, especially .
Minus points in the Kindle version for all the times that a word was incorrectly split (see my highlighted selections). That was very irritating!
Minus points in the Kindle version for all the times that a word was incorrectly split (see my highlighted selections). That was very irritating!
April 4, 2011
Bad, scandalous Bella meets stick-in-the-mud sheik. I get her quirky sense of humor, even the sophomoric jokes (milksheik, anyone?), and her need to show that she's just one-misunderstood paparazzi target. But I wish that she ended up with a hero who's more deserving of her. Or at least fought for her love. She did all the transformation; he did nada.
Then, all he had to say was IwuvYOU and she succumbed. I would have said, "Heck! Prove it! Two nights ago, you thought I was only good enough to be your mistress."
This is one book where I want a rewrite. I want her to go back to her world and I want him to follow her and grovel real well.
Then, all he had to say was IwuvYOU and she succumbed. I would have said, "Heck! Prove it! Two nights ago, you thought I was only good enough to be your mistress."
This is one book where I want a rewrite. I want her to go back to her world and I want him to follow her and grovel real well.
January 23, 2012
Oh my gosh! SM is going to be on my automatic buy. Where I'm from this is called Bella's Disgrace. I loved the story for two reasons, one it's involving a Sheikh (my fave books) and two because Bella isn't your usual heroine. Loved the series it was part of too.
November 18, 2012
A hot desert romance - enough to spice up anyone's day.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I had to laugh with the verbal sparring between Bella and Zafiq. They both had the funniest comebacks for each other!
As usual Sarah Morgan did a great job with an interesting, sexy and funny story.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I had to laugh with the verbal sparring between Bella and Zafiq. They both had the funniest comebacks for each other!
As usual Sarah Morgan did a great job with an interesting, sexy and funny story.
February 29, 2016
Major plot spoilers ahead. You've been warned. Read at own risk.
10 stars!
WOW!!! That's my first reaction book. Just wow. It was so awesome. There was so many feels to this book I almost can't stand it. From the first page, I was hooked and pulled right into the story. I literally felt like I was in the story, apart of it. I felt gutted. My heart was wrenched in my chest for poor Bella. I could feel what she was going through like they were my emotions. I just felt so much for her all the way through. Her story captured me and again made me feel so much for her. I rooted for her the entire time. I wanted her to have happiness in her life. And I really enjoyed going on the romantic journey. This was one of those rare books that made me hurt right along with Bella and really feel her pain with her. I even teared up at certain points. I loved the feels in this book.
That wasn't the only thing I loved about this book, but I loved the whole thing about it. There was't a single thing wrong with it and I wouldn't change anything about it. It was just a really engaging and roller coaster ride all the way through. There just so many things I loved aside from the feels and the deep emotions I felt while reading this. I don't know if I can mention all of them.
I really enjoyed the pacing and the journey that I was lead on. It was entertaining and fun. Heart breaking and interesting and just totally savor worthy. I took my time with this book so I could marinate in it. I wanted to draw it out as long as possible.
The beginning was brilliant with Bella being "exiled" to the desert after the big Balfour scandal exploded at the family charity ball. Bella was supposedly the cause of it and was shunned because of it and left alone in the desert as her punishment, and she hated it being used to a technological world in high society. She was used to be alone with her thoughts without any distractions. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts otherwise she would have to focus on her pain. So she was looking to escape the desert and she did by borrowing a horse and escaping to the desert even the detriment to her own life that was when she met Zafiq, the sheikh and the horses owner. He rescued her from death.
Then let the fireworks begin. They were like oil and water, but had great chemistry to back it up. Boy did they have chemistry. Wow. But before they gave into their desires, there was lots of yummy tension as they went back and forth. It was really entertaining to watch and see the byplay between them. I loved how she ruffled his feathers and get under his skin. She stood up to him and didn't care two figs about him being a sheikh. And she did it on purpose to try to get what she wanted which was to go back to the city. But moreover she presented her flirty side as a defense mechanism not wanting to be vulnerable to him, which she was and was afraid to show him. She didn't want anymore hurt in her life.
They gave into their passion a little quicker than I anticipated, but it worked in this story. Their first time scene was full of passion and built up lust that just exploded. It was the first time that Bella felt a meaningful connection with someone. For the first time she didn't alone the world and she wanted to hold on to it tight. What touched me most about the scene was the aftermath and how much I could feel Bella's yearning for closeness with Zafiq and just how much she wanted it. I could really feel her need to be held close to keep that connection between them. She even made the first move to snuggle with him, and that's when his brutal rejection came pulling away from her and saying them making love was a mistake. As soon as that happened, I could feel her pain wafting off the pages. It broke my heart and made me want to hug her myself. She believed what her and Zafiq was species but her cut her to the quick and hid it as best she could. She was bruised and I could feel that. Heartbreaking.
His view of them being a mistake didn't last long and they began a passionate and romantic journey in the desert and I loved it. It was just so good. They had their time together between romantic rides in the desert to times at the oasis to passionate encounters at night. I could see them falling in love and growing closer to one another. Bella no longer hated the desert and feared going back to her world again. I just love their romance develop and grow. It was sweet to see, though Zafiq did try to keep his distance from her. He refused to hold her after their lovemaking or outside the bedroom, which was all that she wanted, but didn't attempt or voice for fear of rejection which once again broke my heart for. I felt so bad for her. I wanted that for her. But there was romance and lots of passionate sexy times that were satisfying.
Then they returned to real life with real life getting between them and separating them for a month, but she did work for Zafiq not totally severing their connection. She worked with the horses doing back braking work, but was great about that was that it showed her growth and her strength coming through in spades. She grew up in those stables plus it renewed her love for horses. I loved seeing this side to her and how she fought when she was passionate about something. Plus it created yummy angst and tension for the couple which was really good. I wanted them back I each other's arms.
What was really great was there was a rush of adrenaline at this point in the story and not just from the anticipation in the romance but the plot point with the horses. It was really good and engaging adding a little spice an edge the story. It gave it an extra spark to the story which was awesome and just added so much dimension to the story. It spiked my adrenaline for sure and it also gave Zafriq a wake up call when it came to her. It opened his eyes to so much as he became to understand her a little better and it made him go after what he wanted.
The whole story just really was well done. It had a little bit of everything that a romance fan would want. It was very emotional but also very passionate with the love scenes. It was very romantic at times. I loved it. Even though the story was very emotional and passionate, it was overwhelming or oppressing but instead it was a perfect balance with interesting plot lines along the way. It was a believable romance and it had a very nice pace to it. I loved it.
I could go on and on about it but I think I am running out of room. This will definitely be going in the favorite pile and one I will read over and over again. Great job Sarah Morgan. My praise knows no bounds with this book. I would have given this more stars if I could it was that good.
Highly recommend this book for all romance fan especially Present fans.
10 stars!
WOW!!! That's my first reaction book. Just wow. It was so awesome. There was so many feels to this book I almost can't stand it. From the first page, I was hooked and pulled right into the story. I literally felt like I was in the story, apart of it. I felt gutted. My heart was wrenched in my chest for poor Bella. I could feel what she was going through like they were my emotions. I just felt so much for her all the way through. Her story captured me and again made me feel so much for her. I rooted for her the entire time. I wanted her to have happiness in her life. And I really enjoyed going on the romantic journey. This was one of those rare books that made me hurt right along with Bella and really feel her pain with her. I even teared up at certain points. I loved the feels in this book.
That wasn't the only thing I loved about this book, but I loved the whole thing about it. There was't a single thing wrong with it and I wouldn't change anything about it. It was just a really engaging and roller coaster ride all the way through. There just so many things I loved aside from the feels and the deep emotions I felt while reading this. I don't know if I can mention all of them.
I really enjoyed the pacing and the journey that I was lead on. It was entertaining and fun. Heart breaking and interesting and just totally savor worthy. I took my time with this book so I could marinate in it. I wanted to draw it out as long as possible.
The beginning was brilliant with Bella being "exiled" to the desert after the big Balfour scandal exploded at the family charity ball. Bella was supposedly the cause of it and was shunned because of it and left alone in the desert as her punishment, and she hated it being used to a technological world in high society. She was used to be alone with her thoughts without any distractions. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts otherwise she would have to focus on her pain. So she was looking to escape the desert and she did by borrowing a horse and escaping to the desert even the detriment to her own life that was when she met Zafiq, the sheikh and the horses owner. He rescued her from death.
Then let the fireworks begin. They were like oil and water, but had great chemistry to back it up. Boy did they have chemistry. Wow. But before they gave into their desires, there was lots of yummy tension as they went back and forth. It was really entertaining to watch and see the byplay between them. I loved how she ruffled his feathers and get under his skin. She stood up to him and didn't care two figs about him being a sheikh. And she did it on purpose to try to get what she wanted which was to go back to the city. But moreover she presented her flirty side as a defense mechanism not wanting to be vulnerable to him, which she was and was afraid to show him. She didn't want anymore hurt in her life.
They gave into their passion a little quicker than I anticipated, but it worked in this story. Their first time scene was full of passion and built up lust that just exploded. It was the first time that Bella felt a meaningful connection with someone. For the first time she didn't alone the world and she wanted to hold on to it tight. What touched me most about the scene was the aftermath and how much I could feel Bella's yearning for closeness with Zafiq and just how much she wanted it. I could really feel her need to be held close to keep that connection between them. She even made the first move to snuggle with him, and that's when his brutal rejection came pulling away from her and saying them making love was a mistake. As soon as that happened, I could feel her pain wafting off the pages. It broke my heart and made me want to hug her myself. She believed what her and Zafiq was species but her cut her to the quick and hid it as best she could. She was bruised and I could feel that. Heartbreaking.
His view of them being a mistake didn't last long and they began a passionate and romantic journey in the desert and I loved it. It was just so good. They had their time together between romantic rides in the desert to times at the oasis to passionate encounters at night. I could see them falling in love and growing closer to one another. Bella no longer hated the desert and feared going back to her world again. I just love their romance develop and grow. It was sweet to see, though Zafiq did try to keep his distance from her. He refused to hold her after their lovemaking or outside the bedroom, which was all that she wanted, but didn't attempt or voice for fear of rejection which once again broke my heart for. I felt so bad for her. I wanted that for her. But there was romance and lots of passionate sexy times that were satisfying.
Then they returned to real life with real life getting between them and separating them for a month, but she did work for Zafiq not totally severing their connection. She worked with the horses doing back braking work, but was great about that was that it showed her growth and her strength coming through in spades. She grew up in those stables plus it renewed her love for horses. I loved seeing this side to her and how she fought when she was passionate about something. Plus it created yummy angst and tension for the couple which was really good. I wanted them back I each other's arms.
What was really great was there was a rush of adrenaline at this point in the story and not just from the anticipation in the romance but the plot point with the horses. It was really good and engaging adding a little spice an edge the story. It gave it an extra spark to the story which was awesome and just added so much dimension to the story. It spiked my adrenaline for sure and it also gave Zafriq a wake up call when it came to her. It opened his eyes to so much as he became to understand her a little better and it made him go after what he wanted.
The whole story just really was well done. It had a little bit of everything that a romance fan would want. It was very emotional but also very passionate with the love scenes. It was very romantic at times. I loved it. Even though the story was very emotional and passionate, it was overwhelming or oppressing but instead it was a perfect balance with interesting plot lines along the way. It was a believable romance and it had a very nice pace to it. I loved it.
I could go on and on about it but I think I am running out of room. This will definitely be going in the favorite pile and one I will read over and over again. Great job Sarah Morgan. My praise knows no bounds with this book. I would have given this more stars if I could it was that good.
Highly recommend this book for all romance fan especially Present fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2017
I love it when I find a book that so unexpectedly turns out to be awesome. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, consider I didn't like the previous books in the series. But I can honestly say that this book was by far the best in this series. I won't go into details as I don't want to give anything away. But there are tears, sex, laughter, heartache, trust, bravery, love... Yeah, it had it all. There are so many things about this book that I like. It was funny at times, painfully awkward at others. It was also heartwarming and sad. I swear, there was never a dull moment!
Zafiq is definitely my type of hero. I love, love Sheikh heroes (next to Greeks, of course!) He was the perfect combination of dark, broody, possessive and sexy, with a mysterious side that you can't wait to figure out. I enjoyed seeing him struggle to hold his defenses against Bella, who has, despite his best effort, found her way into his heart. She awakens something in him, touches a part of him that he's long since forgotten or feel.
As for Bella, I adored her. She was a heroine after my own heart. She has just the right amount of backbone to stand up to him and just enough vulnerability to make you love her. Hiding behind her tough/rebel exterior is a heart needing love and someone to care and trust in her.
Both Bella and Zafiq had great chemistry, and you could just tell they were meant to be together. There were so many incredible moments that I was completely lost in the story. I also enjoyed that it was told in both POVs because there's nothing I love the most than being inside the hero's head. I honestly loved everything about this book.
Overall, Bella and the Merciless Sheikh was such a delightful read. And if you are looking for a fun and sexy read with a little amount of drama, you really can't go wrong with this one.
Zafiq is definitely my type of hero. I love, love Sheikh heroes (next to Greeks, of course!) He was the perfect combination of dark, broody, possessive and sexy, with a mysterious side that you can't wait to figure out. I enjoyed seeing him struggle to hold his defenses against Bella, who has, despite his best effort, found her way into his heart. She awakens something in him, touches a part of him that he's long since forgotten or feel.
As for Bella, I adored her. She was a heroine after my own heart. She has just the right amount of backbone to stand up to him and just enough vulnerability to make you love her. Hiding behind her tough/rebel exterior is a heart needing love and someone to care and trust in her.
Both Bella and Zafiq had great chemistry, and you could just tell they were meant to be together. There were so many incredible moments that I was completely lost in the story. I also enjoyed that it was told in both POVs because there's nothing I love the most than being inside the hero's head. I honestly loved everything about this book.
Overall, Bella and the Merciless Sheikh was such a delightful read. And if you are looking for a fun and sexy read with a little amount of drama, you really can't go wrong with this one.
November 15, 2013
I usually like Sarah Morgan but this novel featured a heroine I just couldn't stomach. Her favourite activies seem to be doing her make-up, dressing up and going to parties. It was pretty obvious which angle the author wanted to take by first putting Bella as a vapid Paris-Hilton wannabe in scene who slowly, as the story evolves, shows her deeper sides. However, I just couldn't read one more line about Bella needing a hairdo in the middle of the desert. DNF
March 6, 2018
Bella membenci pasir di sekelilingnya, tempat dia diperintahkan utk merenungi kesalahannya. Bella yg super aktif tidak akan membiarkan alam gersang mengungkung dirinya. Jadi Bella "meminjam" kuda paling cantik yg pernah dilihatnya.
Pemilik kuda tsb tidak berpendapat sama dgn Bella. Mengira kuda terbaiknya dicuri, Zafiq mengejar dan mendapatkan si pencuri adalah wanita cantik. Wanita yg tidak bisa diatur sama sekali dan selalu menantang dirinya. Tak ada cara lain utk mengekang si wanita ini selain menaklukkannya scr seksual.
Cerita bergulir ketika mereka di kota dan Bella ditempatkan di istal kuda. Dasar gadis kreatif, Bella sudah kepalang tanggung mencintai kuda² malah dgn senang hati mengurus kuda² terbaik milik si sheik tsb. Sampai Bella merencanakan menyamar mjd joki pengganti yg terluka parah. Dptkah Zafiq menghentikan kharisma Bella pd org² di sekitarnya atau ikutan semaput dgn pesona Bella? Sebaliknya Bella mendapatkan padang pasir itu mengubah dirinya menjadi pasir isap yg mengisap dirinya, enggan melepaskan diri dari kekuatannya.
Lagi² author menunjukkan kepiawaiannya dan membuat saya melongo bgmn dua kepribadian yg bertabrakan bisa "dijodohkan" lumayan pas. Karakter Bella yg me-ledak² dipasangkan dgn karakter Zafiq yg penyendiri. Bagusnya di novel ini adalah perubahan karakter Bella dari si biang onar menjadi pahlawan pemberani, yang akhirnya memperoleh hadiah utama yg prestisius, si sheik tampan Zafiq. Sayangnya, gak ada usaha jungkir balik dari Zafiq utk mendptkan Bella, rasanya gak timbal balik saja.
Pemilik kuda tsb tidak berpendapat sama dgn Bella. Mengira kuda terbaiknya dicuri, Zafiq mengejar dan mendapatkan si pencuri adalah wanita cantik. Wanita yg tidak bisa diatur sama sekali dan selalu menantang dirinya. Tak ada cara lain utk mengekang si wanita ini selain menaklukkannya scr seksual.
Cerita bergulir ketika mereka di kota dan Bella ditempatkan di istal kuda. Dasar gadis kreatif, Bella sudah kepalang tanggung mencintai kuda² malah dgn senang hati mengurus kuda² terbaik milik si sheik tsb. Sampai Bella merencanakan menyamar mjd joki pengganti yg terluka parah. Dptkah Zafiq menghentikan kharisma Bella pd org² di sekitarnya atau ikutan semaput dgn pesona Bella? Sebaliknya Bella mendapatkan padang pasir itu mengubah dirinya menjadi pasir isap yg mengisap dirinya, enggan melepaskan diri dari kekuatannya.
Lagi² author menunjukkan kepiawaiannya dan membuat saya melongo bgmn dua kepribadian yg bertabrakan bisa "dijodohkan" lumayan pas. Karakter Bella yg me-ledak² dipasangkan dgn karakter Zafiq yg penyendiri. Bagusnya di novel ini adalah perubahan karakter Bella dari si biang onar menjadi pahlawan pemberani, yang akhirnya memperoleh hadiah utama yg prestisius, si sheik tampan Zafiq. Sayangnya, gak ada usaha jungkir balik dari Zafiq utk mendptkan Bella, rasanya gak timbal balik saja.
Read
June 27, 2020Review Soon! (After I get new laptop)
April 25, 2011
Bella and the Merciless Sheikh is the definition of a fun and sigh-inducing romance sure to please readers across the globe. It certainly pushed all of my happy buttons I had the most awesome time reading this tale.
Once I was done reading this book, I wanted to read it again. I felt wonderfully satisfied with the characters, the setting and the plot conflicts.
Bella is one of the Balfour sisters. I’ve read one other book in the series so it’s easy to say that this is a standalone read. It’s also easy for me to say that this book kept me engrossed, highly entertained and impressed with the easy nature of the characters.
What I mean is Bella’s character is a peach. She has a quirky sense of humor that had me giggling. She thinks the hero is grumpy, way too serious and is determined to get him to smile. She’s perky, pert and a bit impulsive. She certainly kept the hero on his toes because he never knew what she was going to say. Neither did I and that was half the fun. Her dialogue was vivacious and clever and it covered a wide range of feelings. The thing is, I believe her way of speaking is part inner passion and part of an art or clever technique to cover her hurt and vulnerable feelings inside. She’s been betrayed in the past and injustices keep piling up on her and she can’t seem to stop it. She’s not a cardboard paper doll. No, Bella has heart and a good dose of stubbornness and really wants to make a difference, if only for a little while -- hence her being with Sheikh Zafiq.
Zafiq is yummy and a dream boat. He also carries the world on his very muscular shoulders. I’d love to see him in person because Ms. Morgan described him in delicious detail especially when Bella sneaks an eyeful at one point. I think the author had a ton of fun imagining those scenes and it’s terrific they’ve come across the written page so well. I enjoyed watching Zafiq fight his attraction to her. And of course he has emotional justification for resisting her unconventional ways. Another thing I noted about the hero is that he’s stuck in a rut. He’s had to act a certain way for so long, he’s not noticed that the people he loves around him have changed, that their needs have changed. I really liked that his knowing Bella actually prodded him to grow and change as a person.
The action and drama is mostly internal but there is this exciting horse race that really had me flipping the pages to keep up with the action. It was amazing and I like how the author justified it, worked out the logistics and threw in some suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. Of course, the aftermath had some very funny moments and Zafiq had me in stitches. Not so much by what he says but what he did. He was being completely serious but it simultaneously was incredibly romantic and it was one of my favorite parts.
Ms. Morgan has delivered another winner of a story for fans and new readers alike. Bella and the Merciless Sheikh is plain old fashioned fun with a hero and heroine that readers will fall in love with. This is the kind of book that is easy to share among friends but you just have to let go of the book first. As for me, it’s going on my keeper shelf. I like to keep books that make me smile, have emotional and tender happily ever after moments and have characters I really liked meeting. This story certainly did that and more.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Once I was done reading this book, I wanted to read it again. I felt wonderfully satisfied with the characters, the setting and the plot conflicts.
Bella is one of the Balfour sisters. I’ve read one other book in the series so it’s easy to say that this is a standalone read. It’s also easy for me to say that this book kept me engrossed, highly entertained and impressed with the easy nature of the characters.
What I mean is Bella’s character is a peach. She has a quirky sense of humor that had me giggling. She thinks the hero is grumpy, way too serious and is determined to get him to smile. She’s perky, pert and a bit impulsive. She certainly kept the hero on his toes because he never knew what she was going to say. Neither did I and that was half the fun. Her dialogue was vivacious and clever and it covered a wide range of feelings. The thing is, I believe her way of speaking is part inner passion and part of an art or clever technique to cover her hurt and vulnerable feelings inside. She’s been betrayed in the past and injustices keep piling up on her and she can’t seem to stop it. She’s not a cardboard paper doll. No, Bella has heart and a good dose of stubbornness and really wants to make a difference, if only for a little while -- hence her being with Sheikh Zafiq.
Zafiq is yummy and a dream boat. He also carries the world on his very muscular shoulders. I’d love to see him in person because Ms. Morgan described him in delicious detail especially when Bella sneaks an eyeful at one point. I think the author had a ton of fun imagining those scenes and it’s terrific they’ve come across the written page so well. I enjoyed watching Zafiq fight his attraction to her. And of course he has emotional justification for resisting her unconventional ways. Another thing I noted about the hero is that he’s stuck in a rut. He’s had to act a certain way for so long, he’s not noticed that the people he loves around him have changed, that their needs have changed. I really liked that his knowing Bella actually prodded him to grow and change as a person.
The action and drama is mostly internal but there is this exciting horse race that really had me flipping the pages to keep up with the action. It was amazing and I like how the author justified it, worked out the logistics and threw in some suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. Of course, the aftermath had some very funny moments and Zafiq had me in stitches. Not so much by what he says but what he did. He was being completely serious but it simultaneously was incredibly romantic and it was one of my favorite parts.
Ms. Morgan has delivered another winner of a story for fans and new readers alike. Bella and the Merciless Sheikh is plain old fashioned fun with a hero and heroine that readers will fall in love with. This is the kind of book that is easy to share among friends but you just have to let go of the book first. As for me, it’s going on my keeper shelf. I like to keep books that make me smile, have emotional and tender happily ever after moments and have characters I really liked meeting. This story certainly did that and more.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
June 4, 2016
The book is badly titled. For a change the hero Rafiq is a decent and polite albeit very attractive man who doesn't think with his penis. Even though, like every Harlequin hero he has trust issues, he is still respectful of women and people.
Our heroine Bella is not a simpering damsel overcome by lust and muteness everytime she locks eyes with him. I really liked the back story and build up of their romance, though the second half of the book where Bella works with the horses and shows of her skills is really where it takes off.
I liked too that Rafiq was not another rich Neanderthal but really treated Bella as an equal. Thumbs up for more feminist heroes!
Our heroine Bella is not a simpering damsel overcome by lust and muteness everytime she locks eyes with him. I really liked the back story and build up of their romance, though the second half of the book where Bella works with the horses and shows of her skills is really where it takes off.
I liked too that Rafiq was not another rich Neanderthal but really treated Bella as an equal. Thumbs up for more feminist heroes!
doubtful-because-not-v
March 12, 2018Balfour
Sheikh Zafiq Al-Rashid is furious when his week of solitude is interrupted by Bella Balfour, lost in the desert! While his fierce honor demands he rescue her, the willful heiress is a little less grateful than he'd expected. Zafiq is tempted to leave the spoiled socialite wandering the wilderness…but where would be the challenge in that?
He's powerful enough to tame the rebellious beauty. However, when they depart from the seclusion of the oasis, will Zafiq leave the memory of the fiery passion behind or announce to his kingdom that he is taking a queen?
Sheikh Zafiq Al-Rashid is furious when his week of solitude is interrupted by Bella Balfour, lost in the desert! While his fierce honor demands he rescue her, the willful heiress is a little less grateful than he'd expected. Zafiq is tempted to leave the spoiled socialite wandering the wilderness…but where would be the challenge in that?
He's powerful enough to tame the rebellious beauty. However, when they depart from the seclusion of the oasis, will Zafiq leave the memory of the fiery passion behind or announce to his kingdom that he is taking a queen?
July 2, 2012
Also published as Bella's Disgrace, part of The Balfour Legacy.
You will thoroughly enjoy this book!
I also recommend reading the whole series, even though some of the 8 authors' styles were less appealing to me than Sarah's and Kate Hewitt's.
You will thoroughly enjoy this book!
I also recommend reading the whole series, even though some of the 8 authors' styles were less appealing to me than Sarah's and Kate Hewitt's.
April 16, 2013
It was amazing and if you like sarah morgan then you will love this...
This book has everything namely wit,drama,passion,romance and many more.The heroine and hero were both lovable and I was loving the whole novel from starting to end...
This book has everything namely wit,drama,passion,romance and many more.The heroine and hero were both lovable and I was loving the whole novel from starting to end...
April 23, 2013
If I could give this book a negative rating, I would. This was just plain BAD. Bad writing, Terrible plot, the author had no clue about the culture, the environment, the living standard,...
She was better off writing a story about the green man on planet Mars.
She was better off writing a story about the green man on planet Mars.
March 19, 2011
A great read! Made me cry - in a good way!
December 23, 2024
L’ho capito ahimè troppo tardi che non era un unicum ma il settimo volume di una serie. Che, per carità, si può tranquillamente leggere anche da solo considerando che sono tutte storie autoconclusive. Ma se solo avessi percepito un pelin di più la consistenza della trama avrei desistito e avrei scelto qualcosa di diverso. Dopo l’Argentina avevo bisogno di spurgarmi, purificarmi da libri con storie senza senso e assurde. Perché, in tutta onestà, qui io senso nello sviluppo della trama non ne trovo. No , ok c’è ma è talmente labile che se non ci fosse sarebbe lo stesso.
Bella è figlia di uno ricco di Londra. Paparazzata, mondana, frivola, la classica ragazza che vive grazie al fondo fiduciario del babbo e senza altro scopo nella vita. Ok lei potrebbe camparsi da sola perché la rincorrono tutti per fare servizi fotografici con lei come modella. Ah queste giovani acqua e sapone. Fattostà che alla vigilia del gran ballo organizzato dalla famiglia succede qualcosa che deve essere davvero terribile. Perché babbo prende Bella e la spedisce nel deserto in un ritiro di meditazione e yoga che costa un pacco di soldi anche solo se lo nomini. Che terribile punizione eh. Pensiamo solo che il Ritiro confina con uno dei palazzi dello sceicco, tanto per capire che non è di certo una cosetta tanto per. Della serie che esci dalla tenda e hai il cancello a due passi da te, tipo accattonaggio di quart’ordine. Va beh. Dopo due settimane Bella non ne può più e decide di rubare uno dei cavalli per affrontare il deserto e tornare in città. Genio del male. Non stupiamoci se per poco non tira le cuoia nel deserto. Ma no, viene salvata da un bellissimo beduino che non è altro che lo sceicco in persona. Bella dimostra che ha un cervello funzionante perché lo sgama dopo venti minuti. E tuttp perché aveva scoperto che lo sceicco si ritagliava ogni anno una settimana di isolamento nel deserto. Quindi è normale che il primo tipo del deserto sia lo sceicco. La logica è logica dopotutto. Poi va beh chiaro che tutta la voglia di tornare in città venga meno visto che ci sta sto pezzo di manzo a disposizione nel deserto. E quando si torna in città il desiderio è tanto poco che si fa assumere come stalliere dallo sceicco. e va beh, sappiamo che si finisce a tarallucci e vino. Storiella che si legge velocemente, senza nemmeno bisogno di azionare i neuroni perché non c’è nulla da comprendere e capire. Lettura easy ma se ne potete fare a meno avrete guadagnato un’ora di vita da impiegare in modo decisamente più proficuo.
Bella è figlia di uno ricco di Londra. Paparazzata, mondana, frivola, la classica ragazza che vive grazie al fondo fiduciario del babbo e senza altro scopo nella vita. Ok lei potrebbe camparsi da sola perché la rincorrono tutti per fare servizi fotografici con lei come modella. Ah queste giovani acqua e sapone. Fattostà che alla vigilia del gran ballo organizzato dalla famiglia succede qualcosa che deve essere davvero terribile. Perché babbo prende Bella e la spedisce nel deserto in un ritiro di meditazione e yoga che costa un pacco di soldi anche solo se lo nomini. Che terribile punizione eh. Pensiamo solo che il Ritiro confina con uno dei palazzi dello sceicco, tanto per capire che non è di certo una cosetta tanto per. Della serie che esci dalla tenda e hai il cancello a due passi da te, tipo accattonaggio di quart’ordine. Va beh. Dopo due settimane Bella non ne può più e decide di rubare uno dei cavalli per affrontare il deserto e tornare in città. Genio del male. Non stupiamoci se per poco non tira le cuoia nel deserto. Ma no, viene salvata da un bellissimo beduino che non è altro che lo sceicco in persona. Bella dimostra che ha un cervello funzionante perché lo sgama dopo venti minuti. E tuttp perché aveva scoperto che lo sceicco si ritagliava ogni anno una settimana di isolamento nel deserto. Quindi è normale che il primo tipo del deserto sia lo sceicco. La logica è logica dopotutto. Poi va beh chiaro che tutta la voglia di tornare in città venga meno visto che ci sta sto pezzo di manzo a disposizione nel deserto. E quando si torna in città il desiderio è tanto poco che si fa assumere come stalliere dallo sceicco. e va beh, sappiamo che si finisce a tarallucci e vino. Storiella che si legge velocemente, senza nemmeno bisogno di azionare i neuroni perché non c’è nulla da comprendere e capire. Lettura easy ma se ne potete fare a meno avrete guadagnato un’ora di vita da impiegare in modo decisamente più proficuo.
February 7, 2018
Bella Balfour terdampar di gurun di negara Timur Tengah (terlihat dari setting ceritanya). Ayahnya mengirimnya untuk menyadarkan Bella untuk melakukan meditasi. Dan untuk menyadarkannya untuk menjunjung tinggi nama keluarga Balfour. Walaupun tak dipungkiri bahwa nama besa keluarga Balfour sudah carut marut di dunia media hahaha
Ada kalanya sebuah rahasia tidak boleh diungkapkan kepada publik.
Karena Bella tipe anak yang pemberontak dan selalu melontarkan kata-kata apa yang ada dalam pikirannya sehingga dia pun menjadi bulan-bulanan media massa. Kenyataan tersebut selalu membuatnya terjerumus masalah menjadi lebih dalam.
Ketika Bella melarikan diri dari sang terapis di padang pasir. Dia menemukan sebuah istal kuda dan melarikan Amira, seekor kuda betina milik seorang penguasa, Syeikh dan pemilik istal tersebut, Zafiq.
Kuda yang dilarikannya pun tidak main-main. Kuda tersebut sudah melahirkan 3 ekor pemenang Derby.
Zafiq yang mengetahui kuda kesayangannya dicuri. Harus merelakan 7 hari waktu cutinya untuk menghukum Bella.
Jadi bagaimana nasib mereka berdua?
Aku suka konfliknya yang mengalir, menemukan passion itu menyenangkan.
Ini ditunjukkan oleh Bella dengan perjuangan sangat keras di istal Zafiq untuk menemukan jati dirinya. Apa yang disukainya. Dan bilang untuk menolak ketika memang harus di tolak. Tak perlu malu untuk mengakuinya. Dan suka saat Bella mengantikan Hassan di pertarungan pacuan kuda ketika harus memacu Batal, kuda jantan milik Zafiq. Juaraaaa banget, Batal! Wooaaaaahhhhhhh...
Kerennnn man... mantapppp..
Ada kalanya sebuah rahasia tidak boleh diungkapkan kepada publik.
Karena Bella tipe anak yang pemberontak dan selalu melontarkan kata-kata apa yang ada dalam pikirannya sehingga dia pun menjadi bulan-bulanan media massa. Kenyataan tersebut selalu membuatnya terjerumus masalah menjadi lebih dalam.
Ketika Bella melarikan diri dari sang terapis di padang pasir. Dia menemukan sebuah istal kuda dan melarikan Amira, seekor kuda betina milik seorang penguasa, Syeikh dan pemilik istal tersebut, Zafiq.
Kuda yang dilarikannya pun tidak main-main. Kuda tersebut sudah melahirkan 3 ekor pemenang Derby.
Zafiq yang mengetahui kuda kesayangannya dicuri. Harus merelakan 7 hari waktu cutinya untuk menghukum Bella.
Jadi bagaimana nasib mereka berdua?
Aku suka konfliknya yang mengalir, menemukan passion itu menyenangkan.
Ini ditunjukkan oleh Bella dengan perjuangan sangat keras di istal Zafiq untuk menemukan jati dirinya. Apa yang disukainya. Dan bilang untuk menolak ketika memang harus di tolak. Tak perlu malu untuk mengakuinya. Dan suka saat Bella mengantikan Hassan di pertarungan pacuan kuda ketika harus memacu Batal, kuda jantan milik Zafiq. Juaraaaa banget, Batal! Wooaaaaahhhhhhh...
Kerennnn man... mantapppp..
March 29, 2020
This was one of the most perfectly written hea's that I've ever read! Loved the h, typically its the H that gets the hype but SM created the most brave, complex, independent, multilayered, misunderstood and the most funniest h that I've ever read! Hands down my favorite not just from the Balfour series but maybe my favorite h from possibly the my entire as yet read collection of Harlequin Presents! Bella simply won my heart<3!
Arrogance just wasn’t attractive, Bella told herself firmly. ‘I’m just psyching
myself up to beat you. I hope you’re a good loser.’
‘I wouldn’t know.’ A sardonic smile touched his beautiful mouth. ‘I’ve never lost.’
Bella gritted her teeth. ‘Everyone lets you win because you’re the Sheikh—
obviously.’
‘You think so?’
‘If you’re not afraid to be beaten, then you’d let me race you.’
‘What would be the point? You cannot possibly win such a race, habibiti.’
Bella put her hands on her hips, her irritation increasing by the minute. ‘Watch
me! Watch me as I disappear into the distance, Your Highness. You can’t possibly swim
that fast because you’re hauling the weight of your ego—’
Arrogance just wasn’t attractive, Bella told herself firmly. ‘I’m just psyching
myself up to beat you. I hope you’re a good loser.’
‘I wouldn’t know.’ A sardonic smile touched his beautiful mouth. ‘I’ve never lost.’
Bella gritted her teeth. ‘Everyone lets you win because you’re the Sheikh—
obviously.’
‘You think so?’
‘If you’re not afraid to be beaten, then you’d let me race you.’
‘What would be the point? You cannot possibly win such a race, habibiti.’
Bella put her hands on her hips, her irritation increasing by the minute. ‘Watch
me! Watch me as I disappear into the distance, Your Highness. You can’t possibly swim
that fast because you’re hauling the weight of your ego—’
February 19, 2018
Turiu pripažinti , kad dykuma ir žirgai yra mano silpnybės , bet ši knyga labiausiai patiko savo humoru . Belos charakteris absoliučiai klaikus , jokiomis aplinkybėmis nesugebėčiau žavėtis tokia veikėja. Tačiau nepaisant visko tas jos charakteris puikiai pagyvino knygą , išgelbėjo ją nuo nusibodusių , vienas į kitą panašių meilės romanų , padarydamas žymiai išskirtinesne .
Juokiausi skaitydama , o tai man retai nutinka . Vis kartojau sau ' kokia nesąmonė ' , bet vis skaičiau toliau . Negailestingas šeichas ? Pamirškite , autorė su pavadinimu pajuokavo kaip ir juokauja kiekviename puslapyje . Negailestinga turėjo būti pavadinta Bela , dar būtų tikę - pakvaišusi , nučiuožusi ir visi kiti epitetai save įsimylėjusiai aštraus liežuvėlio mergiotei . Bet autorė puikiai padirbėjo , aš šypsausi net rašydama šiuos žodžius .
Jei ieškote lengvo meilės romano po ilgos darbo dienos , gulite lovoje dėl ligos arba šiaip nėra nuotaikos - ši knyga kaip tik tokiam atvejui .
Juokiausi skaitydama , o tai man retai nutinka . Vis kartojau sau ' kokia nesąmonė ' , bet vis skaičiau toliau . Negailestingas šeichas ? Pamirškite , autorė su pavadinimu pajuokavo kaip ir juokauja kiekviename puslapyje . Negailestinga turėjo būti pavadinta Bela , dar būtų tikę - pakvaišusi , nučiuožusi ir visi kiti epitetai save įsimylėjusiai aštraus liežuvėlio mergiotei . Bet autorė puikiai padirbėjo , aš šypsausi net rašydama šiuos žodžius .
Jei ieškote lengvo meilės romano po ilgos darbo dienos , gulite lovoje dėl ligos arba šiaip nėra nuotaikos - ši knyga kaip tik tokiam atvejui .
January 29, 2025
I love this author portrayal of the heroine, she was intelligent, kind, fearless, with incredible sense of humor, BUT... the story did not make sense.. heroine was NOT A virgin... she was supposed to be a wild party girl, who was portrayed by the media as very promiscuous, and as per heroine she used men and men used her? the hero was a sheikh and the setting was in his middle Eastern country.. the time frame that the hero and heroine fell in love is too short and unrealistic... also towards the end the heroine tells the hero that she only had one lover??? even though she was very comfortable in initiating the sex with the hero, second day of meeting?? .. the hero with his trust issues specially having a stepmother with similar lifestyle goals as the heroine, he was ready to fall in love and marry heroine in the very short time span.. I love my fairy tales but not this one
January 8, 2019
Bella and zafiqs story.
After being sent to a retreat in the dessert after causing family scandal Bella decide to find her own way back to civilization only to find her self pet in the desert.. Zafiq finds and rescues her that's were this story begins.
I loved the romance between Bella and zafiq, she is untamed and fun and he is serious and guarded.. Together they bring out the best in each other.
My favourite thing about this story is the personal character development of both character. Bella learns self worth, a purpose in life and a love of simpler things, zafiq finds something outside of responsibility and duty and learns to love unguarded.
Really loved this book a lot more than I expected to
After being sent to a retreat in the dessert after causing family scandal Bella decide to find her own way back to civilization only to find her self pet in the desert.. Zafiq finds and rescues her that's were this story begins.
I loved the romance between Bella and zafiq, she is untamed and fun and he is serious and guarded.. Together they bring out the best in each other.
My favourite thing about this story is the personal character development of both character. Bella learns self worth, a purpose in life and a love of simpler things, zafiq finds something outside of responsibility and duty and learns to love unguarded.
Really loved this book a lot more than I expected to
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