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The Jeirut Royal Sisters #1
The Desert King's Captive Bride
"I was blackmailed into this marriage. I will not be blackmailed into bed."
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. With her sister held hostage, Ghizlan has no choice. Her barbarian captor is determined to tame her, rule her--and make her his own!
Forcing Ghizlan's hand in marriage will not be enough to conquer her body and soul: Huseyn's iron will is challenged at every step by her magnificent beauty and fierce pride. It won't be long before they both fall prey to the firestorm between them...
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. With her sister held hostage, Ghizlan has no choice. Her barbarian captor is determined to tame her, rule her--and make her his own!
Forcing Ghizlan's hand in marriage will not be enough to conquer her body and soul: Huseyn's iron will is challenged at every step by her magnificent beauty and fierce pride. It won't be long before they both fall prey to the firestorm between them...
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 21, 2017
109 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Annie West
915 books339 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 31, 2020
Estos Harlequin son un vicio! Éste en particular es corto y sencillo, pero no le falta nada. Una delicia de lectura.
Reto #40 PopSugar 2019: Tu sugerencia favorita de un reto anterior de POPsugar (Reto #14 PopSugar 2016: Un libro que puedas terminar en un día)
Reto #40 PopSugar 2019: Tu sugerencia favorita de un reto anterior de POPsugar (Reto #14 PopSugar 2016: Un libro que puedas terminar en un día)
October 31, 2017
3.5 STARS
Is it me ,my mood,this sinus headache that has been my plague, but are the heroines of AW's books unlike able till almost the end of the story?This is the second time in 2 days where the heroines in their respective books came off as extremely cold and just plain old unlikeable for me as a reader of all things Harley!Right off the bat,the heroine took an instant dislike towards the hero who she calls a "barbarian" and he in turn calls her in effect a spoiled rich princess.
I was looking forward to reading this book because she played a minor role in the first book in this series and she intrigued me.Saddly to say,I only began to warm to her character towards the end ,the hero ,well I liked him from the beginning and can only marvel at his patience with the heroine.This one had an epilogue,but darnit,no baby to be seen!!!So why the 3.5 stars,for the most part,it was enjoyable ,but the heroine could have softened up sooner ,rather than later.
Is it me ,my mood,this sinus headache that has been my plague, but are the heroines of AW's books unlike able till almost the end of the story?This is the second time in 2 days where the heroines in their respective books came off as extremely cold and just plain old unlikeable for me as a reader of all things Harley!Right off the bat,the heroine took an instant dislike towards the hero who she calls a "barbarian" and he in turn calls her in effect a spoiled rich princess.
I was looking forward to reading this book because she played a minor role in the first book in this series and she intrigued me.Saddly to say,I only began to warm to her character towards the end ,the hero ,well I liked him from the beginning and can only marvel at his patience with the heroine.This one had an epilogue,but darnit,no baby to be seen!!!So why the 3.5 stars,for the most part,it was enjoyable ,but the heroine could have softened up sooner ,rather than later.
April 14, 2017
A lesson in sensuality
Fab opening scene compelled me to buy.
Despite loving the strong heroine and the tension-filled wedding, the beginning is slightly overwritten which slows the pace here. And the hero’s opening point of view made me afraid that he wasn’t going to be alpha enough for me or for the strong heroine.
But the first love scene is wow!
Passionate.
Sexy.
Sensual
Intense.
Emotional.
This isn't a skippable love scene. It's a can't look away one.
And the hero’s concern in the emotional aftermath. And how it’s paced…And….
The hero and heroine’s every action took on more importance after this scene, as every look every glance is a facet of their personalities nuanced with their reactions to what’s happened. And how it changes things. And how this emotional turning point revs up the pace.
My concerns about the hero not being alpha enough were soon put to bed, so to speak. He’s exciting and Ghizlan’s behaviour and taunts just bring out his alphaness.
The second love scene is where they are now in their relationship. There’s emotion and character/ relationship development, just not quite as much as I wanted.
The slow climb to the Black Moment *fasten your seatbelts* reinforces the depth of their connection, building to an emotional high. But the speed is a bit too slow for me here as well. The Black Moment itself isn’t big and dramatic as you'd expect, but I love it when the turning point is something relatively small and quiet but the responses it triggers threaten the relationship.
And this one is so right for the characters.
If there’d been more heroine character development (this is more about discovering who each other really is) and drawing out of the barbarian in the sheikh a bit more, then this would easily have been a read-in-one-sitting romance.
Fab opening scene compelled me to buy.
Despite loving the strong heroine and the tension-filled wedding, the beginning is slightly overwritten which slows the pace here. And the hero’s opening point of view made me afraid that he wasn’t going to be alpha enough for me or for the strong heroine.
But the first love scene is wow!
Passionate.
Sexy.
Sensual
Intense.
Emotional.
This isn't a skippable love scene. It's a can't look away one.
And the hero’s concern in the emotional aftermath. And how it’s paced…And….
The hero and heroine’s every action took on more importance after this scene, as every look every glance is a facet of their personalities nuanced with their reactions to what’s happened. And how it changes things. And how this emotional turning point revs up the pace.
My concerns about the hero not being alpha enough were soon put to bed, so to speak. He’s exciting and Ghizlan’s behaviour and taunts just bring out his alphaness.
The second love scene is where they are now in their relationship. There’s emotion and character/ relationship development, just not quite as much as I wanted.
The slow climb to the Black Moment *fasten your seatbelts* reinforces the depth of their connection, building to an emotional high. But the speed is a bit too slow for me here as well. The Black Moment itself isn’t big and dramatic as you'd expect, but I love it when the turning point is something relatively small and quiet but the responses it triggers threaten the relationship.
And this one is so right for the characters.
If there’d been more heroine character development (this is more about discovering who each other really is) and drawing out of the barbarian in the sheikh a bit more, then this would easily have been a read-in-one-sitting romance.
March 7, 2018
DNF @ 50%
Epic fail. Nuff said.
Epic fail. Nuff said.
February 18, 2018
The Desert King's Captive Bride could have been a great romance however the shrew heroine ruined it.
The negative-
By page 125 I was done with the heroine's shrewish attitude. That's half the book the heroine was a shrew. It exhausted me. When she wasn't being shrewish the book was very enjoyable but the shrewish attitude continued instead of the the heroine maturing & getting to know the hero. This is unfortunate because the storytelling was compelling. The good storytelling was destroyed by the heroine determined to be a shrew.
I did take a look at the epilogue & it's a let down, no babies just feminist gobbledygook about the heroine being empowered by work. As tho work is the be all. Career above all. I read to escape from work not to have a romance lecture it's the most important thing.
Oh & the hero. He went from warrior to naval gazer. Too much inward focus on feelings. The man of action became a pansy to the heroine's shrew. Ugh. It didn't impresse me.
The negative-
By page 125 I was done with the heroine's shrewish attitude. That's half the book the heroine was a shrew. It exhausted me. When she wasn't being shrewish the book was very enjoyable but the shrewish attitude continued instead of the the heroine maturing & getting to know the hero. This is unfortunate because the storytelling was compelling. The good storytelling was destroyed by the heroine determined to be a shrew.
I did take a look at the epilogue & it's a let down, no babies just feminist gobbledygook about the heroine being empowered by work. As tho work is the be all. Career above all. I read to escape from work not to have a romance lecture it's the most important thing.
Oh & the hero. He went from warrior to naval gazer. Too much inward focus on feelings. The man of action became a pansy to the heroine's shrew. Ugh. It didn't impresse me.
March 8, 2017
Epic fail. Heroine was a bitch all she was saying was how much she hated hero, writing was boring and the epilogue was lame. No kids or pregnancy, nothing. Not a fan of this author.
March 21, 2017
This is a sensual sizzling fabulous story MS West has never disappointed me with one of her stories and I really think that she just nailed this one so well it really ticks all of the boxes for a fantastic romance that will have you turning the pages to see how these two get to their HEA sit back and enjoy you will not want to be disturbed.
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has arrived home after the death of her father only to find that the palace and homeland has been “taken over” by none other than warrior Huseyn al Rasheed known as The Iron Hand of Jumeah. He is there to convince her to marry him for the kingdom to keep the peace and keep the people safe but Ghizlan is strong and determined that now his her time to be free not ruled by someone else except there is this spark and pull towards him something out of character for an innocent.
When Huseyn meets the beautiful, elegant, cultured and well educated Ghizlan he immediately wants her there is a shot of electricity that stuns him but they are two very different people he was born on the wrong side of the blanket and has had to work for everything he has where she has had everything but he convinces her that marriage is for the best and as he gets to know her he realizes that she is a lot more then she seems.
The sensual pull between Huseyn and Ghizlan sent shivers up my spine, this one is magical as they journey to a HEA that sees them both learn and open up and fall in love so beautifully, I loved Huseyn so strong but so caring as well, he could be my hero any day and Ghizlan I loved the courage she shows her pride and her feisty character that makes Huseyn love her more. Seeing them realize their love had me smiling and sighing so beautifully done. I highly recommend this one such an awesome story thank you MS West for another keeper.
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has arrived home after the death of her father only to find that the palace and homeland has been “taken over” by none other than warrior Huseyn al Rasheed known as The Iron Hand of Jumeah. He is there to convince her to marry him for the kingdom to keep the peace and keep the people safe but Ghizlan is strong and determined that now his her time to be free not ruled by someone else except there is this spark and pull towards him something out of character for an innocent.
When Huseyn meets the beautiful, elegant, cultured and well educated Ghizlan he immediately wants her there is a shot of electricity that stuns him but they are two very different people he was born on the wrong side of the blanket and has had to work for everything he has where she has had everything but he convinces her that marriage is for the best and as he gets to know her he realizes that she is a lot more then she seems.
The sensual pull between Huseyn and Ghizlan sent shivers up my spine, this one is magical as they journey to a HEA that sees them both learn and open up and fall in love so beautifully, I loved Huseyn so strong but so caring as well, he could be my hero any day and Ghizlan I loved the courage she shows her pride and her feisty character that makes Huseyn love her more. Seeing them realize their love had me smiling and sighing so beautifully done. I highly recommend this one such an awesome story thank you MS West for another keeper.
July 6, 2017
Really liked the book. The H was swoon worthy and he really wooed his bride. I liked the H too whereas no pushover. One of my favorite scenes was when she gave him some books to read and he was so overwhelmed because he never had been given a gift by anyone. It was so sweet. He had a terrible life but he still was a good good man. Really liked the book.
March 10, 2019
4.5 stars, very close to a 5 stars
I was right in believing Ghizlan’s book was going to better than the one I read yesterday, which was connected to that one. It was a a million percent better than that one. Everything just worked really well in this one unlike the other book between the storyline, the characters, and the couple. It was just so much more interesting and compelling of a read that I couldn’t take my eyes off the page. I was never bored with one.
Let’s start from the beginning where the story started with a bang and just continued on with the action all the way through. This one started with Ghizlan coming back to her home country after the unexpected death of her father, the sheikh. Though she was delayed, she did finally make it back only to find that her country had been taken over by solider and warrior Huseyn and his fellow men after her father’s death that left without a ruling family in the country of Jeirut. To make matter worse Ghizlan’s sister Mina was taken hostage, though Mina was not harmed nor were any of Ghizlan’s people during the coup.
As soon as Ghizlan and Huseyn met, sparks flew and the head butting commenced. There was so much friction between them and not only because they had that enemies type of vibe, but they had some mad chemistry that was going on which reflected by the banter that commenced as they fought for Jeirut. Huseyn wanted to rule the country in order to protect it, but in order to be accepted as the ruling Sheikh he needed to marry Ghizlan. Hence started lots of heated arguments and even hotter kisses that didn’t hide their attraction for each other. It was entertaining to watch as they really bounced off each other with all the banter and fighting for what was best for the country.
Ghizlan was a little feisty spark plug, which I never expected especially with the previous book where she came off as a quiet, dignified young woman, knowing what was expected of her and all doing the right thing with protocols and such, but in this book that was gone, and she showed she had another side to her and Huseyn brought that out in her. She was a fighter. She was loyal to her country and her father. She was a protector of her county and sister. She didn’t take any crap from Huseyn and even stood up to him, not allowing herself to be rolled over by him when he wanted to take over the country. She made him work for it. She was a little sassy thing, and I loved it, and I loved her. Her personality was just awesome.
Eventually they did marry after going back and forth numerous times. The turning point in their relationship was after the wedding night. A wedding night that was all intense and purposes a disaster. Huseyn hurt her, not knowing she was a virgin, and left her unsatisfied at the end because he lost complete control. This scene was written really well and reflected both of their thoughts at that moment with the common thing of them wanting to both have that special connection. Their attraction was fierce and exploded off the page so much that he couldn’t hold himself back or control himself, and feeling guilty immediately after because he didn’t make it a special enough for her and vowed to make it up to her even that night, though she refused. It was intense, but it was nice to see that he wanted to bridge that closeness between them again.
And he did throughout the book. It was beautiful how he did it too once he realized he wanted to share that bond with her not only in bed but in other areas of their life to because he cared about her and that was his wife. She fought him and was distrustful at first, but he persevered and went to wooing his wife. I loved how he went about it too. It was perfect really. It was very sweet, tender and very caring, and left me know doubt that he had feelings that continued to grow and grow throughout the book. I loved seeing him woo her, and just see them fall in love with each other, and he really took care of her and her needs.
It took Ghizlan a little while to warm up to the idea, but she did, and once she did oh my gosh there was no doubt that she was falling as head over heels as he was. She even showed how much she cared about him by supporting him and giving him gifts when he never had been given a gift before. The more time she spent with him the more she wanted to be with him. She wanted to get to know him, and she let him get to know her. She slowly let her guard down even though at first she fought the closeness of their relationship. She eventually did embrace their relationship and wanted more from it.
It was just really beautiful to see their relationship really transform to an antagonistic one to a deeply, respectful and loving type of relationship. It was amazing to see their intimacy continue to grow and grow throughout the book. It was a nicely developed relationship with really nice pacing to make it very believable. I really enjoyed seeing the journey of their relationship and just how kept inching their way closer and closer throughout. It was a beautiful relationship.
It took awhile for them to engage into a physical relationship again, which I thought was awesome because they really built up that emotional intimacy first then being emotionally close lead to them wanting to be physical close as well. It was more satisfying for both parties this time, and it was very satisfying for me as a reader, knowing that there were real deep feelings involved now. The scene was caring, sweet, sensual, intense, emotional, and cemented their bond to one another in every single way. It was very clear that they were in love by this point. Every moment, every breath was poignant as they touched each other and enjoyed the pleasures that they could provide each other. It was a really good scene, and very well written. It just made all the fights, the antagonism, the tension, and the batting of heads worth it in the end.
I think this one of the most intimate relationship that I have read in a romance. I really loved seeing the development from the beginning to end of the book and just how they got closer and closer to one another. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t abrupt. It didn’t feel unrealistic. It felt like going on a journey with two people that were falling in love with other, and that was utterly fantastic. I loved the journey. They fit really well as a couple, and I rooted for them especially after the wedding night scene. I loved seeing him woo her by doing little things to show that he cared about her, and not because he just wanted her in his bed, but because he had feelings for her. Yes, he wanted to make love to her, but he waited until he was sure she was ready to be intimate with him again. I loved seeing her shift in the story as well as she got to know him more and more and soften towards him and begin care about him as well. It was clear shift especially when she yearned to be close to him in every way possible. It was just beautiful to witness these two falling in love with each other, and it just made it all the more satisfying when they come together again and love each other. It was really well written, nicely developed, and really well paced. At no time did this feel rushed, and it was just amazing of a journey to go on with Ghizlan and Huseyn as they discovered their love for each other. I will be rereading this one over and over again because it was that good.
High recommend for Presents lovers, and any one that loves seeing the intimate journey of two people falling in love with each other and just all the sweetness and beautifulness of seeing that relationship grow and develop over the course of a book.
I was right in believing Ghizlan’s book was going to better than the one I read yesterday, which was connected to that one. It was a a million percent better than that one. Everything just worked really well in this one unlike the other book between the storyline, the characters, and the couple. It was just so much more interesting and compelling of a read that I couldn’t take my eyes off the page. I was never bored with one.
Let’s start from the beginning where the story started with a bang and just continued on with the action all the way through. This one started with Ghizlan coming back to her home country after the unexpected death of her father, the sheikh. Though she was delayed, she did finally make it back only to find that her country had been taken over by solider and warrior Huseyn and his fellow men after her father’s death that left without a ruling family in the country of Jeirut. To make matter worse Ghizlan’s sister Mina was taken hostage, though Mina was not harmed nor were any of Ghizlan’s people during the coup.
As soon as Ghizlan and Huseyn met, sparks flew and the head butting commenced. There was so much friction between them and not only because they had that enemies type of vibe, but they had some mad chemistry that was going on which reflected by the banter that commenced as they fought for Jeirut. Huseyn wanted to rule the country in order to protect it, but in order to be accepted as the ruling Sheikh he needed to marry Ghizlan. Hence started lots of heated arguments and even hotter kisses that didn’t hide their attraction for each other. It was entertaining to watch as they really bounced off each other with all the banter and fighting for what was best for the country.
Ghizlan was a little feisty spark plug, which I never expected especially with the previous book where she came off as a quiet, dignified young woman, knowing what was expected of her and all doing the right thing with protocols and such, but in this book that was gone, and she showed she had another side to her and Huseyn brought that out in her. She was a fighter. She was loyal to her country and her father. She was a protector of her county and sister. She didn’t take any crap from Huseyn and even stood up to him, not allowing herself to be rolled over by him when he wanted to take over the country. She made him work for it. She was a little sassy thing, and I loved it, and I loved her. Her personality was just awesome.
Eventually they did marry after going back and forth numerous times. The turning point in their relationship was after the wedding night. A wedding night that was all intense and purposes a disaster. Huseyn hurt her, not knowing she was a virgin, and left her unsatisfied at the end because he lost complete control. This scene was written really well and reflected both of their thoughts at that moment with the common thing of them wanting to both have that special connection. Their attraction was fierce and exploded off the page so much that he couldn’t hold himself back or control himself, and feeling guilty immediately after because he didn’t make it a special enough for her and vowed to make it up to her even that night, though she refused. It was intense, but it was nice to see that he wanted to bridge that closeness between them again.
And he did throughout the book. It was beautiful how he did it too once he realized he wanted to share that bond with her not only in bed but in other areas of their life to because he cared about her and that was his wife. She fought him and was distrustful at first, but he persevered and went to wooing his wife. I loved how he went about it too. It was perfect really. It was very sweet, tender and very caring, and left me know doubt that he had feelings that continued to grow and grow throughout the book. I loved seeing him woo her, and just see them fall in love with each other, and he really took care of her and her needs.
It took Ghizlan a little while to warm up to the idea, but she did, and once she did oh my gosh there was no doubt that she was falling as head over heels as he was. She even showed how much she cared about him by supporting him and giving him gifts when he never had been given a gift before. The more time she spent with him the more she wanted to be with him. She wanted to get to know him, and she let him get to know her. She slowly let her guard down even though at first she fought the closeness of their relationship. She eventually did embrace their relationship and wanted more from it.
It was just really beautiful to see their relationship really transform to an antagonistic one to a deeply, respectful and loving type of relationship. It was amazing to see their intimacy continue to grow and grow throughout the book. It was a nicely developed relationship with really nice pacing to make it very believable. I really enjoyed seeing the journey of their relationship and just how kept inching their way closer and closer throughout. It was a beautiful relationship.
It took awhile for them to engage into a physical relationship again, which I thought was awesome because they really built up that emotional intimacy first then being emotionally close lead to them wanting to be physical close as well. It was more satisfying for both parties this time, and it was very satisfying for me as a reader, knowing that there were real deep feelings involved now. The scene was caring, sweet, sensual, intense, emotional, and cemented their bond to one another in every single way. It was very clear that they were in love by this point. Every moment, every breath was poignant as they touched each other and enjoyed the pleasures that they could provide each other. It was a really good scene, and very well written. It just made all the fights, the antagonism, the tension, and the batting of heads worth it in the end.
I think this one of the most intimate relationship that I have read in a romance. I really loved seeing the development from the beginning to end of the book and just how they got closer and closer to one another. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t abrupt. It didn’t feel unrealistic. It felt like going on a journey with two people that were falling in love with other, and that was utterly fantastic. I loved the journey. They fit really well as a couple, and I rooted for them especially after the wedding night scene. I loved seeing him woo her by doing little things to show that he cared about her, and not because he just wanted her in his bed, but because he had feelings for her. Yes, he wanted to make love to her, but he waited until he was sure she was ready to be intimate with him again. I loved seeing her shift in the story as well as she got to know him more and more and soften towards him and begin care about him as well. It was clear shift especially when she yearned to be close to him in every way possible. It was just beautiful to witness these two falling in love with each other, and it just made it all the more satisfying when they come together again and love each other. It was really well written, nicely developed, and really well paced. At no time did this feel rushed, and it was just amazing of a journey to go on with Ghizlan and Huseyn as they discovered their love for each other. I will be rereading this one over and over again because it was that good.
High recommend for Presents lovers, and any one that loves seeing the intimate journey of two people falling in love with each other and just all the sweetness and beautifulness of seeing that relationship grow and develop over the course of a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2017
The Desert King’s Captive Bride is the second book in Annie West’s Desert Kings series. “Wedlocked!” is the tag line on the cover. I loved that, and I loved this latest book from the fantastic Annie West.
I don’t know why I am always so enthralled reading one of Annie’s books, but I am. A good feeling washes over me and stays with me until the last page, last word, last syllable. And at the same time that I can’t put the book down, I don’t want it to end. I don’t want my time with such fascinating, lovable characters to be over.
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. The only way for Ghizlan to free her younger sister who is being held hostage is to marry Huseyn. She views him as a brute and a barbarian, but she is loyal with a strong sense of duty and love for her sister, so what choice does she have? However, we soon find out he is no barbarian, and that her iron will is as strong as his.
The story hits you right away with suspense and unease: where is Ghizlan’s staff and security, what has happened here, who is this guy, what’s going on in the palace? I know there should eventually be a happy-every-after somewhere here, but I’m not feeling it. All I’m feeling is nervous. The description of Huseyn as a great bear of a man has me on edge.
But wait - Ghizlan “Watched, mesmerized, as those impossibly broad shoulders lifted.” And when “That deep baritone rolled along her bones, shivering into recesses she tried to hide” I felt it too, my shoulders involuntarily lifted and I felt a chill run down my spine. Oooh, this is going to be good between these two.
And it is good. Ghizlan and Huseyn are both so strong-willed, with pasts that Annie West reveals a little at a time. Ghizlan is a princess, and her life has been duty, duty, and more duty. She has never been valued for herself, and for all her worldly experience she is profoundly innocent when it comes to love. Huseyn has a heavy-handed way of going about things, but he’s not the brute he appears to be. His sense of duty is strong as well, and he is worried about his country.
Ghizlan and Huseyn are like two fighters in a ring, circling and looking for advantage. She distrusts him but can’t help being drawn to him both physically and emotionally, which makes her distrust him even more because she is afraid to let herself give in to the strange, new feelings she is experiencing. He doesn’t know how to keep the country safe without giving orders and staying firm in his plans. And he is suspicious and sees a past or present lover in everyone Ghizlan mentions or contacts.
But slowly they become friends. He goes from bogeyman to hunk in her eyes. He feels protective. They (chastely, of course) share an apartment in the palace, and spend a lot of time together, confiding in each other and working together over business matters. Suddenly I experienced a feeling of warmth over this togetherness, and when “Ghizlan’s throat dried as if she’d swallowed part of the Great Sand Desert” I got a little warmer. When Huseyn told Ghizlan, “When I don’t need you anymore we’ll divorce” I couldn’t help but think the day when he doesn’t need her will never come.
This was a fun, exciting, romantic, sexy (yes!) story. I wasn’t really sure if they could get beyond their pasts and pre-conceived opinions. Just when the future looks promising, something comes up to throw them off track again.
This is another wonderful book from Annie West, and as always a one-sitting read for me. I just couldn’t put it down and I can’t count how many times I said, “Awww.” There is a tie-in to The Desert King’s Secret Heir, but while it was fun visiting again with Idris and Arden, both books can be read as standalones. I received an ARC for an honest review, but I read all of Annie’s books, ARC or not. I highly recommend you do, too, and add The Desert King’s Captive Bride to your library.
I don’t know why I am always so enthralled reading one of Annie’s books, but I am. A good feeling washes over me and stays with me until the last page, last word, last syllable. And at the same time that I can’t put the book down, I don’t want it to end. I don’t want my time with such fascinating, lovable characters to be over.
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. The only way for Ghizlan to free her younger sister who is being held hostage is to marry Huseyn. She views him as a brute and a barbarian, but she is loyal with a strong sense of duty and love for her sister, so what choice does she have? However, we soon find out he is no barbarian, and that her iron will is as strong as his.
The story hits you right away with suspense and unease: where is Ghizlan’s staff and security, what has happened here, who is this guy, what’s going on in the palace? I know there should eventually be a happy-every-after somewhere here, but I’m not feeling it. All I’m feeling is nervous. The description of Huseyn as a great bear of a man has me on edge.
But wait - Ghizlan “Watched, mesmerized, as those impossibly broad shoulders lifted.” And when “That deep baritone rolled along her bones, shivering into recesses she tried to hide” I felt it too, my shoulders involuntarily lifted and I felt a chill run down my spine. Oooh, this is going to be good between these two.
And it is good. Ghizlan and Huseyn are both so strong-willed, with pasts that Annie West reveals a little at a time. Ghizlan is a princess, and her life has been duty, duty, and more duty. She has never been valued for herself, and for all her worldly experience she is profoundly innocent when it comes to love. Huseyn has a heavy-handed way of going about things, but he’s not the brute he appears to be. His sense of duty is strong as well, and he is worried about his country.
Ghizlan and Huseyn are like two fighters in a ring, circling and looking for advantage. She distrusts him but can’t help being drawn to him both physically and emotionally, which makes her distrust him even more because she is afraid to let herself give in to the strange, new feelings she is experiencing. He doesn’t know how to keep the country safe without giving orders and staying firm in his plans. And he is suspicious and sees a past or present lover in everyone Ghizlan mentions or contacts.
But slowly they become friends. He goes from bogeyman to hunk in her eyes. He feels protective. They (chastely, of course) share an apartment in the palace, and spend a lot of time together, confiding in each other and working together over business matters. Suddenly I experienced a feeling of warmth over this togetherness, and when “Ghizlan’s throat dried as if she’d swallowed part of the Great Sand Desert” I got a little warmer. When Huseyn told Ghizlan, “When I don’t need you anymore we’ll divorce” I couldn’t help but think the day when he doesn’t need her will never come.
This was a fun, exciting, romantic, sexy (yes!) story. I wasn’t really sure if they could get beyond their pasts and pre-conceived opinions. Just when the future looks promising, something comes up to throw them off track again.
This is another wonderful book from Annie West, and as always a one-sitting read for me. I just couldn’t put it down and I can’t count how many times I said, “Awww.” There is a tie-in to The Desert King’s Secret Heir, but while it was fun visiting again with Idris and Arden, both books can be read as standalones. I received an ARC for an honest review, but I read all of Annie’s books, ARC or not. I highly recommend you do, too, and add The Desert King’s Captive Bride to your library.
March 11, 2017
Generally, my alpha hero has to be macho, forceful and domineering. This hero was that and more. I understood his pains, his possessiveness, his jealousy and love. The heroine was his match and equal. One of the best so far! I recommend this read
May 11, 2019
"I was blackmailed into this marriage. I will not be blackmailed into bed."
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. With her sister held hostage, Ghizlan has no choice. Her barbarian captor is determined to tame her, rule her--and make her his own!
Forcing Ghizlan's hand in marriage will not be enough to conquer her body and soul: Huseyn's iron will is challenged at every step by her magnificent beauty and fierce pride. It won't be long before they both fall prey to the firestorm between them... (less)
Princess Ghizlan of Jeirut has returned home to find that warrior Sheikh Huseyn al Rasheed has seized her late father's kingdom. With her sister held hostage, Ghizlan has no choice. Her barbarian captor is determined to tame her, rule her--and make her his own!
Forcing Ghizlan's hand in marriage will not be enough to conquer her body and soul: Huseyn's iron will is challenged at every step by her magnificent beauty and fierce pride. It won't be long before they both fall prey to the firestorm between them... (less)
March 10, 2017
Another brilliant story from Annie. I loved Huseyn the most. First he seemed to be a cocky arrogant type. But later on he proved that he is vulnerable like any other man in the world. The best scene I loved the most is Ghizlan gifting him books. I could feel various emotions going through him... Wonder, joy, overwhelming and love..
I think at this point Huseyn started to love her.
Fabulous job Annie!!
I think at this point Huseyn started to love her.
Fabulous job Annie!!
April 19, 2017
The Desert King’s Captive Bride by Annie West has every ingredient you want in a romance novel and it made my little reader heart flutter! It has been a pure delightful read and I loved every word of it. It was intense, had layers upon layers of drama and just that right touch of sexiness to keep me hooked and well, I couldn’t put it down. The first few chapters introduced the main characters and set the pace for the seriousness that was to follow once Ghizlan realizes what she is in for. Of course she is furious and yes, she hates Huseyn enough to defy him and his rules. Yet her abhorrence for the man who she is forced to marry cannot overcome the lingering tension between her and her husband-to-be. There is a chemical reaction in her body when Huseyn is around—one she wants to dispel of but cannot much to her frustration. However, the sparks which fly once Huseyn and Ghizlan gives in to their attraction is hot and explosive! I was blown away with their romance.
Likes:
• My favorite character is Ghizlan. I liked her feisty attitude and the way she stands up for herself—defying Huseyn’s commands and authority.
• The banter.
• The tension.
• The dialogue.
• The vivid details.
• The world building.
• The passion.
• The secondary characters play vital roles which complimented and added depth to the story.
Overall:
I conclude with a bow to author Annie West who did a fantastic job bringing the story and characters alive. Every word has been joy to read and I would definitely recommend The Desert King’s Captive Bride to other romance readers—which I believe they too will enjoy.
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
July 31, 2017
Annie West writes the ultimate romantic fantasies! This was a fabulous read -- engrossing, intriguing...and wonderfully romantic.
Read
April 2, 2017Miniseries: Wedlocked!
March 24, 2017
*3.5 stars*
November 5, 2021
3.5 - Ghizlan ha regresado a casa y se encuentra con un usurpador del trono, Huseyn sabe que para hacerse con el poder del país y que lo nombren jeque su única salida es casarse con una de las hijas del antiguo jeque fallecido y es aquí donde estas dos potencias chocaran constantemente.
Me ha gustado el libro, es entretenido y super ágil. A pesar de que Huseyn merece un par de coscorrones creo que Ghizlan ha dejado muy bien planteada su postura y que hará lo necesario con tal de salir de aquella situación aunque sea subirse a una pared para escapar... aunque vale aclarar que él solo busca lo mejor para el país y que las guerras de las fronteras terminen. Si buscan algo corto ya saben que los harlequin son mis favoritos.
Me ha gustado el libro, es entretenido y super ágil. A pesar de que Huseyn merece un par de coscorrones creo que Ghizlan ha dejado muy bien planteada su postura y que hará lo necesario con tal de salir de aquella situación aunque sea subirse a una pared para escapar... aunque vale aclarar que él solo busca lo mejor para el país y que las guerras de las fronteras terminen. Si buscan algo corto ya saben que los harlequin son mis favoritos.
June 2, 2017
Sheikh Huseyan al Rasheed is known as the Iron Hand of Jumeah for good reason. A man determined to do what is best for his country, he brings his iron will and ruthlessness to the heart of the country to claim the Princess Ghizlan of Jeriut as his bride, while taking over the country. Being a second cousin of the former leader, Ghizlan's father, gives him a leg up to protect the country from the strife he knows is coming.
Ghizlan has barely come to terms with er father's passing, when she finds herself trapped in to marriage to Huseyan. A brute of a man, she is sure she knows what the country needs, but together, they both find that the are better off working together.
Ghizlan has barely come to terms with er father's passing, when she finds herself trapped in to marriage to Huseyan. A brute of a man, she is sure she knows what the country needs, but together, they both find that the are better off working together.
May 7, 2017
I read this about a month ago and don't remember alot about the book, but the storyline was good. It showed a brave heroine and her sister trying to ensure that they had freedom that had been denied under their father's rule and did not want to fall into the trap of not having freedom again. Enter the hero who plans to hold her hostage and marry her for the sake of their country. Enjoyable read.
February 27, 2017
Another brilliant novel by Annie West. Charming, sexy & romantic. It make you feel as though you are in the desert with the two main characters who are both very strong willed. You feel you can see the beauty in them & their beautiful clothes & jewels. Once you start to read it you won't be able to put it down.
August 4, 2018
This is a four plus actually
A very good story with a smart and vibrant heroine who is not afraid to show feelings and a strong and powerful hero who is very likeable, understanding and is ready to admit his misstakes which is not so common in arab/Sheikh stories
A very good story with a smart and vibrant heroine who is not afraid to show feelings and a strong and powerful hero who is very likeable, understanding and is ready to admit his misstakes which is not so common in arab/Sheikh stories
May 29, 2017
2,5 étoile
June 8, 2017
It was OK. Not too fussed with this. It felt too quick.
June 16, 2017
Story was just ok
March 18, 2018
Good
Enjoyed this book. Heroine was very intelligent and independent. Hero very alpha yet willing to let h do her own thing. Lots of passion. May read again.
Enjoyed this book. Heroine was very intelligent and independent. Hero very alpha yet willing to let h do her own thing. Lots of passion. May read again.
June 13, 2019
I had to skim a lot because the premise was far too lacking in the ability for the woman to consent for my tastes. But I did finish it.
August 7, 2020
I liked the heroine but its very forced story overall and not much else going on. Read it but it will be quick.
August 29, 2020
3.75 ***
June 26, 2021
**Actually a 2.5-rating**
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