Wanted: A Wife for the Sheikh

Desert Kings #1

by Diana Fraser

King Malek of Sumaira needs a wife. Fast.

Or at least his country does. Malek was happy living the life of an international lawyer, but when his brother disappears he has no choice but to become ruler of one of the Middle East’s most wealthy and turbulent countries. He needs respect, he needs stability, he needs a wife—preferably with no history—fast.

And Sophie, his new PA, is more than happy to help him find one. She’s landed the dream job—well paid, lots of travel and no time for love. Computer-whizz Sophie has hardly left the house for the past few years while she’s cared for her mother. And now, with her mother gone, she’s determined never to be tied down again.

But will working day in, day out, with this Michael Fassbender clone make Sophie change her mind? Will the idea of being tied down by him become something she thinks about obsessively, something she needs to get out of her system before it’s too late for either of them…

Wanted: A Wife for the Sheikh is a prequel to the Desert Kings series and begins when Anna and Zahir (from The Sheikh’s Bargain Bride) first meet.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2015

About the author

Diana writes emotional, heartwarming contemporary romances. Wherever the location—from desert kingdoms to the beautiful, romantic cities and lakes of Italy—she makes sure the path to true love doesn't run smoothly, by adding in a few secrets, a little intrigue.

Reviews

[Daiane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I confess that I don't know enough about arabic culture and I thought this would be a good read to expand my knowledge.
Let's start with the names. Malik is to be the king of Sumaira after his brother went missing, or should I say into hiding? He didn't want to take responsibility for his country as he grow up to and just ran away and left everything to his younger brother.



Oh well, it happens. What I looked was the names. According to google and wikipedia, Sumaira Malik is a woman who is a Pakistani politician and former member of National Assembly of Pakistan whose father's name is Malik AllahYar Khan. So maybe the author based the book in an awesome strong woman?



Coincidence or not, I don't know if the politician is awesome btw, I'm just assuming here. So yes, I expected something from this book having some girl power. Also, we have the main character, Sophie who spent a long time of her life caring for her mom who had cancer while working with IT. After her mom died, she started as a waiter and wanted to travel the world. Until the future king found her and asked her to work for him. As a woman working in the IT field, my expectations were high. And how my job is treated didn't quite make me happy.

"Systems analysis, wife analysis. Same thing."

Sophie's main job as an analyst was to create presentations and find Malek a wife because, believe it or not, nobody else in his country could do this.





I'm sorry but I will only list a few things that is in an analyst's profile after a 2min search on google:

- Examine existing IT systems and business models;
- Analyse systems requirements;
- Undertake product development;
- Implement, configure and test feasible solutions;
- Understanding software development lifecycle;
- Drawing up, supervising and documenting testing schedules for complete systems;
- ...

Yeah, I just felt like when I just finished a 5 year university course and somebody just turned to me like "Cool, you work with IT! Can you hack into my old facebook account? I forgot the password and never got into it again".



This was not the only problem that I faced when trying to relate to Sophie. Sometimes she was just too forced into a dumb woman's role that bordered ignorant to turned into a damsel in distress. It was just too much for me.

“And don’t forget, when someone introduces someone to you, you must look down. It’s very bad form to look
eye-to-eye with someone.” “But that’s contrary to the way I was brought up,” Sophie protested. Raisa adjusted
the strap of Sophie’s new evening gown. “You are not in your country, now, Miss Sophie. You are in Sumaira.”

Also, the relationship between the main characters were kinda lacking. I couldn't feel the chemistry and felt like they were robots that just had to be attracted to each other.

"How could he dismiss her like that from his life, after what they’d experienced the previous night?"



Anyway, maybe my opinion is not a popular one but this book just wasn`t for me.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars for me. it wasn't terrible it was just very similar to other's I've previously read.

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا]

Crown Prince Malek of Sumaira needs the respectability of a wife—fast. Or at least his country does. And his new PA is happy to help him find one. After looking after her sick mother for years, the last thing Sophie wants is to be tied down. But will the idea of being tied down by this Michael Fassbender clone become an obsession she needs to get out of her system before it’s too late.

[P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inane. Serves me right for being greedy and downloading random e-books from Amazon, just because they are free.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 3 out of 5

Review to come....

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2019)! 🎁

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

La premisa es interesante y la poquita trama me mantuvo entretenida, así que lo disfruté.

[Kenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

Its a book i had to read! its not a book u can put down its sexy and steamy its a must read.

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

La premisa es interesante y la poquita trama me mantuvo entretenida, así que lo disfruté.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of Wanted: A Wife for the Sheikh (Desert Kings # 1) Crown Prince Malek of Sumaira in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A steamy Paris to Middle Eastern story of coincidence and fate that lead to the hopes of a forbidden relationship but end in a twist. When Crown Prince Malek of Sumaira's presentation experiences last minute technical difficulties, his recently orphaned hotel kitchen helper and former IT analysts Sophie Brown steps in to fix the problem only to find her freedom again restricted, herself the Prince's new PA, the kingdom's new IT analyst, and herself strongly attracted to her captor. Contains a brief introduction to the obsession that binds the couple in the second book of this saga.
Book 2.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of The Sheikh's Bargain Bride (Desert Kings # 2) Zahir Al-Zaman in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A steamy Paris to Middle Eastern story starting six years prior with a one night stand that leads to misunderstandings, obsession, revenge, secrets, doubts and a strong attraction which ultimately culminates in the rigid Sheikh Zahir Al-Zaman keeping his "nephew" Matta in Qarawan to draw his former sister-in-law Anna Whitman into a marriage of convenience which backfires. Lots of conflict but ends happily.
Book 3.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Sheikh's Lost Love (Desert Kings # 3) Razeen, King of Sitra in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A steamy story of instant attraction, postpartum depression ,healing and love with a nice description of the Sitra landscape, people and cultures. When world traveling chef Lucy Gee joins a reef restoration project to Sitra in search of her missing sister, she doesn't expect to have an accidental moonlit encounter , an instant attraction to King Razeen ibn Shad of Sitra., or painful memories resurface.

Book 4.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of Awakened by the Sheikh (Desert Kings # 4) Tariq, King of Ma'in in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
Fate, irony, a little manipulation, art theft and an introduction to the rocky relationships of King Tariq and his two brothers, Sahmir and Daidan, are found in this steamy instant attraction second chance at love story where both parties fail to fully open up to each other after surviving broken relationships. Contains a heartwarming ending and an update on prior couples.
When soon to be divorced, disillusioned and financially challenged commercial voice artist/translator Cara Devlin finds herself working for single father King Tariq, she doesn't expect to become physically involved in a political plot or emotionally evolved with the Sheik.

Book 5.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of Claimed by the Sheikh (Desert Kings # 5) Prince Sahmir of Ma'in in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A steamy winter/spring romance with vivid descriptions, rocky romances and a happy ending. . Parisian resident and playboy Prince Sahmir is on a path to self destruction trying to postpone the start of a loveless arranged marriage and fulfilling the promise he made his deceased sister through gambling and woman until a chance meeting with Aurora . Comtesse de Chambery brings him more excitement than he bargained for by way of the Russian mafia, an instant attraction and an unplanned pregnancy.

Book 6.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of Wanted: A Baby by the Sheikh (Desert Kings # 6) Prince Daidan in the six book collection Desert Kings Complete Boxed set 1-6 by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A poignant and drama filled reunion romance blended with a threat to both their marriage and their diamond jewelry business but ultimately ending happily.
One year after their wedding, diamond mine co-owner, Prince Daidan struggles with doubts, jealousy and the fear of losing his wayward Finnish heiress Taina again while trying to save their

[La Tay Minette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad...

You know how the media shows us that a couple has gotten together and even though you're like um, ok, who cares, the media still throws the couple in your face as if it's trying to get you to get invested in the couple?

This is how I felt the entire beginning of this book...it was like the author was trying to create this sizzle that just never...well, sizzled.

This story was about a woman who gained a sort of freedom after she no longer had responsibilities towards her sick mother and ends up helping this prince from the Middle East out w his IT issues. He likes her so much that he basically Christian Gray's her into working for him (not the sexy part but the I'm rich bish so imma stronghold you part) And as you can probably guess, they are attracted to and fall for each other.

The problem is, though, that the writing wasnt really descriptive enough for me to get invested in this couple. I didn't really get that hot for each other vibe. It was more like nm shes mad awkward and he always looks angry about something but hey, they're into each other. Like...how? How did we get here? There were also emotional moments that could have been expounded upon, but like the love in the story, the emotions kinda sizzled to nothing. There was so much more I was hoping for regarding her mother, regarding the fact that she was falling for someone when shes never fallen for anyone before, her fear being surrounded by all the men...there were so many moments for this to be an emotion inducing piece, but it just never went past the surface.

There were also clunky and odd descriptions..."Her heart thudded uncomfortably" 👀 did she have heart arrhythmia??? What is happening here??? "...Sophie could see him like she’d never seen him before." THE CHARACTERS MET TWO DAYS PRIOR...LIKE......WHAT????

The "funny" parts fell flat. Actually, the whole thing fell flat. It never ever got...good. Not to mention all the ginormous amount of big and archaic words the author used. I am such a word nerd, but this is a contemporary rom com, not some prolific literary text; STAWP IT. I get the author wanted to flex their word knowledge, but relax - it comes off more pretentious than anything else.

Sigh. Overall, the book wasn't terrible. It picked up a little bit after the midway point but prior to that, it was difficult to hold my attention.

Not sure I'd read the others if they're not free...but like I said, this book wasn't bad.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Twists

This is the first book I have read from this author. I enjoyed the book overall. I thought that it was a good storyline and was interesting. Malek has to become king because his father has passed away and his brother, the one who was supposed to be king, has disappeared. Or so they make it seem as Malek knows where his brother is, he just won't come home. Malek has a foe in his mother who believes she should rule the country. All of the rest of the rulers are men and I feel the author played on the fact a little about the Middle Eastern culture and women wanting power but not really getting it. Malek finds Sophie when his staff, mostly from his dad's time of ruling, seem to be incompetent of finding a presentation he needs. Sophie is able to find it which causes Malek to propose that she work for him. Sophie has decided to be a rolling stone and not get attached/move around often after she has spent the last 6 years caring for her I'll mother. If she accepts Malek's offer she can travel a little and it is only for 6 months. From there thr story begins and it's quite a time between the two. I liked the ending as it seemed to work out for everyone. I may pick up the next book in the series.

[Paige Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella is gold. It does remind one of a typical Cinderella story in the traditional sense. So there are no surprises. But there's nothing wrong with a little tried and true. A regular girl falling for the crowned prince type of thing, and in the process getting swept off her feet. And I totally got the chemistry and attraction between the two. So I enjoyed it immensely. The first time for me, in a string of bad books lately.

So why the four stars? For one, I resented the heroine forcing the crowned prince to make up with his mother simply because hers had died. She comes off as preachy on more than one occasion. Like she has a moral superiority on everything.

Also, if you think too hard on it there are also some holes in this fairytale dream. The Crown Prince comes from an oppressive society and no matter how sweet he is there is just no imagining that the heroine would want to be apart of it. Heck, Duchess Meghan was struggling in England, and that's real life. No way Sophie can handle Samaria.

And I say all that, still recommending the story for entertainment purposes only. Don't expect anything new and leave the preconceived notions behind. For some good old school romance.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible...2.5 stars

This was ok. I found it to be boring. I couldn't figure out if the h was supposed to be a timid fragile flower, or a string willed IT analyst.

I read the words describing the attraction between Malek and Sophie, but I didn't get any sense of chemistry. I will admit I did skip a couple of chapters because I couldn't take it anymore. I did read the majority of the book and then went to the last chapter and the epilogue. I don't feel like I missed anything.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Malek is trying to bring the countries in his area together. His older brother left and went to Australia to live. His Executive Assistant has deleted the presentation he needs. He tries to get someone to find the hotel’s IT people to help. Sophie is in the room clearing the dishes when she hears their problem and offers to help she finds and saves the document Malek needs. He hires her for 6 months to update his systems.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Better.

I don't read this genre but I saw the cover and thought what the....why not. Yes, I bought a book because of the cover. I was surprised. It was well written. Good character development and very entertaining.

Fav part of the book......
Oh look. Malik is a President Trump supporter....or phrase stealer when he said
".....make Sumaira great again....."

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance

I enjoyed this story. I liked Sheikh Malak who is soon to be the King of his Mid East country. I loved Sophie who's an English girl traveling through Paris. Sophie has had a very sad life the last six years but is now free to see the world. Except when Malak needs help and Sophie steps in, love blooms. Nice story. Linda

[Bronwyn W-P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read

A very sweet story of a secluded intelligent girl looking to start life again after caring for her mother finding odd jobs neither here or there who finds a unaware future husband. This story also has a slight tear jerker in the middle with the memory of loosing her mother.. as I said a nice sweet read

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start then it lost momentum. I liked the characters Malik and Sophy, but the plot was super ridiculous. The king needs to pretend he has a mistress that he can’t marry, so the people will accept him better? This was seriously daft.

I have read much better sheikh books, but this was a rather entertaining read and I quite enjoyed it - mainly because of the 2 main characters.

[Michelle Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairytails

Sophie is a great person and after her mother's passing she deserved to find her love to a man who could be everything to her. Great book I could not put down. I found every word every sentence kept me drawn. I can't wait to read more of this story

[Virginia McDowell]

Not as good as it sounded

It sounded like it would be a fun read, but really, it was kind of bland. I found that the story jumped from half idea to half idea without them making sense. It was an easy read, but not very entertaining.

[Katie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

A compelling heroine, an enigmatic hero with a dysfunctional family create a great story. Set in an imaginary Middle Eastern kingdom, the palaces and desert are wonderful to envision. Buying Book two now.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your typical story line from this genre. Fairly predictable, usually the same story, just written in someone else's words. Good quick read though. Flows well, has a few more books after it that I may circle back to.

[Carolyn Overcash · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Sheikh romances are your thing then

This is a quick, light, easily read book. Candy for the senses. Makes a perfect soothing, before bed, relaxing romance read with a satisfying ending.

[Liz Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. fast paced, very interesting, characters very well developed, story line fascinating and kept your attention to the very end. hard to put down. highly recommend reading.

[Carol Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy

This book was superb, love the characters and the story was amazing to read. Love for the book to a little bit longer. But still the story was awesome.

[Vehrell Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Well written. Subject/verb agreement. No misspellings. Well developed story line. The sex could have been hotter but it was okay. Really liked it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted: A Wife for the Sheikh (#1)

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.

[Margaret Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love!

Love arises in strange places, but once it arrives,it does not leave easily. A nice, loving, read. Enjoyed it a lot!