The Sheikh's Christmas Baby

Shadid Sheikhs #3

by Leslie North

Their passionate affair ended in heartbreak when he left without warning. When he returns unexpectedly, can their heat melt away the hurt of the past?

Kashif Shadid has always craved adventure. With one last chance to win the Iditarod dog sled race before assuming his role as Sheikh, he’s returned to the Alaskan wilderness to train at a legendary sled dog farm. But returning means coming face to face with Kristy Cohen, the woman who captured his attention years ago. He’s thrilled once again by her icy beauty, but her farm is facing financial ruin. Kashif’s eager to take control, however, getting her to agree with his plans may be a challenge.

Kristy Cohen works hard to keep her sled dog farm afloat while raising her young daughter. Faced with declining revenues and a changing climate, Kristy’s struggling, but she’s not willing to turn her back on her business model. When Kashif Shadid shows up out of the blue pushing her to make changes, Kristy’s response is as cold as the Alaskan snow. She fell for tall, handsome Kashif once before. After four years without a word from him, she won’t be making that mistake again.

This time, Kristy’s guarding more than just her heart. With her farm and her daughter to consider, can she ever risk taking a chance on Kashif again?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Novella

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2016

About the author

New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

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Reviews

[Mitticus · Rating 2 out of 5]

+Digitalcopy gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+

In a nutshell: She wanted nothing more than to cling to him while he had four years of hurt and loneliness, but she could not.

This is what happens when you take books on impulse. I liked the cover of the book -I must admit-; and there was some nostalgia for old magazines like Bianca; But the plot is incredibly trite. And had some rare language turns: He's always been his country and his family first. It even sounds strange to me.

There are several phrases that cut the impulse, it lacks fluency to the story. And ... well, I did not feel connected to the characters. It's all tremendously predictable, the two are good, there are reasons and blahblah.

Not even the dog-slege could save this.

-The salvageable: various comments about climate change in Alaska, the lack of cold in the winters and disappearance of snow, which is representing a short-term change of life.
------------------------------------------------------
En resumen: She wanted nothing more than to cling to him while he erased four years of hurt and loneliness, but she couldn’t.

Esto es lo que pasa cuando sacas libros por impulso. Me gustó la portada del libro debo admitirlo y hubo algo de nostalgia por viejas revistas a lo Bianca; pero la trama es increiblemente trillada. Y algunos giros idiomaticos raros: He’s always been his country and his family first. Hasta a mí me suena extraño.

Hay varias frases que cortan el impulso, le falta fluidez al relato. Y... bueno, no me sentí conectada con los personajes. Es todo tremendamente predecible, los dos son buenos, hay razones y chan.

-Lo rescatable: comentarios varios acerca del cambio climático en Alaska, la falta de frio en los inviernos y desaparición de la nieve, lo cual esta representando un cambio de vida a corto plazo.

Sigo encontrando sumamente extraño que un Sheik celebre navidad...

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read but.....Spoilers ahead

I did like the book but I just couldn't get past the fact that they never explained who sent her the check and why they lied to her. The grandfather sheikh was like what a great child and I was thinking they were going to explain what happened but no they didn't. And the author made it clear to us that she had been celibate for four years but didn't mention the H which was probably a no but I like clarification. And they would be together if her Father had let him see her. Omg. I would have found my Father and let him have it. But it was just glossed over. This was just annoying. I did read this out of order so maybe the explanation is in another book. I am not sure if I read this author before but I would give her another shot. Just clarify stuff please.

[Sharon Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My absolute favorite book of this series. Oh how the mighty fall and they fall hard.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristy loved living in Alaska even with all its harshness. The farm was Kristy’s peace and solitude. The man had been there three days. The man was really good with the dogs and sled and wanted to enter the big race. The dogs let Kristy know if they didn’t like someone. The man was a triple threat: gorgeous, rich and persuasive. The man was Prince Kashif Shedid. Kristy knew word would spread about the prince being there, Prince Kashif was the next in line to be crowned Sheikh of Al-Harmid. Mistywood farm was famous for their racing sled dogs. Kristy’s father Wyatt asked Kristy to make sure the Prince’s visit went well. Three guys had asked for Kristy’s hand in marriage and she had never gone on a date with any of them. Mistywood and the dogs were Kristy’ first love. The Prince asked Kristy to eat with him at the diner and she did. Kristy found the Prince sweet and charming. Kristy was more and more intrigued with Kashif and they became lovers. Kashif did not leave Kristy’s side for a week. Kristy knew she was falling for Sashif. For three weeks Kashif was hers. Then the day of the race a a mid eastern man came up to Kristy and asked her if her name was Kristy Cohen and that the prince had returned home and she was not to contact him. Kristy tried several times to let Kashif know she was pregnant then that he had a daughter - Arella- but to no avail. Four years later Kristy is having financial problems and Kashif shows up out of nowhere but now Kristy has ice around her heart as far as he is concerned.
This was a great novella and lacked nothing as far as I am concerned. I was angry when Kashif just left but someone did stay behind to let her know. It also made me mad when she couldn’t get ahold of Kashif to let him know of her pregnancy and then their daughter. But Kashif did leave for his ailing father but he could have at least contacted her after he was home even if he had became the sheikh. I was glad he at least came back. I loved the characters as well as the plot. I loved the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final and oldest Shadid brother finds his mate in the latest from Leslie North. Sheikh Kashif spends time on his own chasing adventure and his latest chase brings him to Alaska to try his hand at the Iditarod. While there he meets Kristy, the daughter of the man who runs the place and the trainer of the sled dogs. What they end up having is a hot and fast romance that comes to a screeching halt when he is called back home. What he left behind, besides Kristy's broken heart is a daughter he didn't know about. Kristy tries to tell him, but thanks to an over "helpful" guard is turned away at every attempt. Four years has gone by and with his father, the Crowned Sheikh, wanting to step down he finds himself back in Alaska and back in Kristy's life. Kristy has carried on as a single parent for years and to have Kashif back brings up her guard when it comes to their daughter. When the full scope of the truth is reveled they have to overcome the hurt to find their way back as a family. The Shadid brothers have all found women who challenge them in ways none other could and Kashif's Kristy is no exception. I loved the latest from Leslie North. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie North created the atmosphere for a reader to enjoy in front of a fire with a warm blanket, hot drink and a snuggle with the one you love. The Sheikh's Christmas Baby is sentimental gold. From the breathtaking winter wonderland location of Alaska to the descriptive story of shattered love and of course those adorable dogs. It would be inhumane not to have fallen a little in love with Kashif and Kristy. Any time a story leaves you with a warm feeling inside and a smile on your face, it's a winner.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and city owl press for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute little novella and I liked the diversity of the characters.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their passionate affair ended in heartbreak when he left without warning. When he returns unexpectedly, can their heat melt away the hurt of the past?

Kashif Shadid has always craved adventure. With one last chance to win the Iditarod dog sled race before assuming his role as Sheikh, he’s returned to the Alaskan wilderness to train at a legendary sled dog farm. But returning means coming face to face with Kristy Cohen, the woman who captured his attention years ago. He’s thrilled once again by her icy beauty, but her farm is facing financial ruin. Kashif’s eager to take control, however, getting her to agree with his plans may be a challenge.

Kristy Cohen works hard to keep her sled dog farm afloat while raising her young daughter. Faced with declining revenues and a changing climate, Kristy’s struggling, but she’s not willing to turn her back on her business model. When Kashif Shadid shows up out of the blue pushing her to make changes, Kristy’s response is as cold as the Alaskan snow. She fell for tall, handsome Kashif once before. After four years without a word from him, she won’t be making that mistake again. And she’s certainly in no rush to trust him with the truth about her daughter. Their daughter.

This time, Kristy’s guarding more than just her heart. With her farm and her child’s happiness to consider, can she ever risk taking a chance on Kashif again?

I love, love, love a Sheikh romance, and was extra excited to get my hands on this one as it combined another two of my favourite tropes, Christmas romance and second chance romance. It was also written by Leslie North, a one-click author for me.

This book did not disappoint, it had all the feels, I absolutely loved it! Utterly predictable, as with all good romance books, this one is possibly my favourite in the series.

[Joy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheikh Kashif was next in line. He wanted adventure and fun before duty calls. He wanted to enter the dog races. He showed up wanted to do the dog race. He met Kristy and was definitely interested. She was different than any woman he every met. They spent nights intertwined in each other’s arms. Kashif was summoned home. He father was sick. Protocol had him leaving without saying goodbye. He left instructions with Melka to relay messages to kristy. Melka took it upon himself to push Kristy away. Kristy found out she was pregnant and tried to get in contact with Kashif. She was turned away and Melka offered her a check to stay away. Heartbroken Kristy did what she had to do for her daughter Arella. Four years later the last person Kristy expected showed up did. Sheikh Kashif showed up to enter the dog races again. She thought she would never see him again. She was afraid to tell him about their daughter. She thought he would try to take her from her. She was angry with him and he couldn’t understand why. They both were misinformed. Kashif wanted to get her back. Kristy was icy towards him. Her one condition was he stay away from her daughter. Kashif was drawn to the little girl. One accident on a dog sled led Kristy to tell the truth about Arella’s father. Kashif was hurt, upset and pissed off she kept her from him. She realized she was in love with Kash. He didn’t want to lose either of them. This is a good story! I loved the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years ago, Sheikh Kashif Shadid dreamed of competing in the Iditarod dog sled race. He was training at Kristy Cohen's farm and had a passionate affair with her before he was called back home by his ill father. Kashif returns to Kristy's farm to see if he can rekindle the romance. He discovers that her farm is facing financial ruin and he has a daughter. Can Kashif break through the ice around Kristy's heart?

Of the three Shadid Sheikh's novellas, this is by far the best one. Once you suspend reality, the characters are likeable and the book is an emotional roller coaster.

I did want to know what happened with Melka. After all the damage, both emotional and property, he caused through the three books, nothing is mentioned about him. He just disappears.

I wish that instead of the three novellas, they were published in a box set.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would think after 4 years a Sheikh would come back to rekindle his love? Four years earlier, Kashif came to Alaska to experience the Iditarod dog sled race. He wasn't looking for love, but it found him with Kristy. He had to leave unexpectedly, and due to some meddling, the two did not speak again. Now 4 years later, Kashif shows up again, and things have changed. Will he be able to win Kristy over? North has a way of writing that is easy to listen to and fall into their story. I enjoyed Kashif and Kristy. Kashif is not only smart and handsome, but the man is determined. Kristy is independent to a fault and not so easy to jump back in. Their story is fun and romantic!

Joseph Tobey narrates this with his warm voice. His accent for Kashif flows like butter, making it hard for Kristy to resist. He easily switches between male and female narration making his performance a wonderful listen.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun, quick and cozy book to read. It was the third book in the series but It can definitely be read as a standalone.
Four years ago Kristy met Kashif Shadid at her Alaskan Farm and thought they were in love until he lives abruptly with only a harsh word from his bodyguard but that wasn’t the only thing he left behind. Kristy finding out she is pregnant tries contacting the Sheikh but all attempts are for nothing.
Fast forward four years and his back to try and find out what went wrong!
I thought this was a beautiful and well written story and I really enjoyed it. My only fault would be that we didn’t really find out why the bodyguard tried so hard to stop Kristy from contacting the Sheikh or his motivation.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Publisher for an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review
Book 3 in the series. This is a great story. With love , passion and devotion and karma bringing both the main characters to make a go of it .
Heroine is Kristy. Hero is Kashif.
Kashif has had deep feelings for Kristy . Kristy is an Alaskan dog trainer. Kashif is in Alaska taking part in a race . Once he sees her the deep feelings take hold . There is one problem, Kashif needs to go back home . Four years later Kashif goes back to Alaska .Kashif finds out that Kristy has a baby .
Will Kashif find out who’s the father ? Grab it and find out .
Joseph is great doing this audio. He is doing great doing this whole series . His voice is strong , clear and smooth

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story of a second chance romance although I wish it had been slightly more exciting as the first two in the series. This story centered on the oldest son and heir apparent, Kashif and the rekindling of his romance with Kristy. Being back at Kristy’s Alaskan farm, he knew he couldn’t abandon her again and wanted to do everything in his power to help her. With misunderstandings galore, I could see she was finally seeing him with clearer eyes and thoughts. Enjoyable reading and I always love a happily ever after ending.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty but sweet and beautiful second chance
The Sheikh's Christmas Baby (Shadid Sheikhs Book 3) by Leslie North is a wonderful second chance romance that likely should have been secure from the first. Kashif and Kristy were manipulated out of their HEA the first time around. Kashif returns to Kristy's farm, telling himself it's the call of adventure. In reality, he just wants Kristy.
This third book of the series is fraught with angst that slowly moves toward hope, but a secret weighs heavily on Kristy's heart. Kashif, dashing and charming, is filled with determination to resolve the angst and move forward, but realizes something is causing Kristy's hesitance.
Overall, love and forgiveness wipes out the angst and anger giving true love the second chance and HEA it deserves at long last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Peni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A throughly enjoyable story. I liked the characters. The love story endearing and the conflict understandable. Kristy had a stubborn streak a mile wide but could eventually see reason and take action when needed.

I liked how the story brought out and portrayed the very real effects of global warming.

Joseph Tobey did a terrific job narrating.

I recieved a Audible copy of this story in exchange for a honest review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful way to conclude the series. I especially like the fact that all the stories were taking place simultaneously. Kashif Shadid is the oldest brother and a daredevil. Kristy is a small town girl and an animal lover. The story is about the opportunity for second chances and righting wrongs. There are some wonderful characters including three year old Arella. The pace is pretty quick and allows the reader to keep turning the pages to the happy ending.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is the race really for the Iditarod?

Kashif Shadid is back in the Alaskan wilderness to prepare for the Iditarod race! Working with the Huskies is something he enjoyed four years ago. Suddenly he left.

Now he's back! What will happen when he finds out Arella is his daughter? Why didn't he know before this? What is Kristy going to do now?

A steamy novella sure to please every reader!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 3rd book in a series, but reads well as a stand alone. For me, this was the best of the 3. I have read all 3. This book was completely unbelievable but still a lot of fun. Boy, is Melka in trouble! I liked the characters Kristy and Prince Kashif. I liked the setting (Alaska). These books are a quick, fun, usually predictable reads. 4 stars

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shadid Sheikhs Series. I love this Series! This is a beautiful second chance to love and a Sheikh Christmas story. I loved Kristy, Kash and the little Arella. I loved the Epilogue! The narration was well done, as always with Joseph Tobey. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the series. There were ups and downs but it was great to see them try to work things out. Kashif is a Sheikh that will some day rule their country. He likes thrills. Kristy lives in Alaska and trains sled dogs for racing. I enjoyed watching them struggle to be at peace. I look forward to reading future books by Ms North.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 and the last in North's Shadid Sheikhs series. Another Christmas themed romance read that will leave your heart warm. Well written storyline that flows perfectly. Our main characters are Kashif and Kristy. Wonderful chemistry and an eagerly awaited HEA for our oldest sheikh.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the engaging and engrossing third book in the series by the phenomenal author, Leslie North. Sheikh Kashif Shadid has to suddenly leave, and his servant relays a message to Kristy that he was only using her and was no one special. Kristy ends up pregnant and tries to contact Kashid without any success. When Kashid shows up years later, Kristy wants nothing to do with him and wants to protect her three year old daughter, Arella. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read love story.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the third book in the Shadid Sheikhs series, it's a well-written fast-paced quick to read story. Likable characters, plenty of sizzling chemistry. Standalone story, no cliffhangers.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the sheikh & Kristy overcome heartbreak, love, and second chances for their child? It was a warm loving story of two who can have a second chance and become a family. Loved the story

[Geraldine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily my favorite book in the series. This one was sweet and made me smile plenty, a lovely couple.

[Cynthia Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buttercup

Really good story. I liked the location of the story. A different and unique setting. The story flowed smoothly and had a good ending.☺

[Aldara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie North always delivers romance and angst. She knows what her readers want to read and it always serves.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story. Loved it.

[Will2pear95 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review