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Dark-Hearted Desert Men #3
Ραφίκ: Ο Αδίστακτος Σεΐχης - Ο ΘΡΟΝΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΥΣΑΪ #3
Ο πρίγκιπας Ραφίκ εγκατέλειψε την πατρίδα του πριν από δέκα χρόνια, όταν η γυναίκα που αγαπούσε τον πρόδωσε. Έγινε ένας πανίσχυρος και πάμπλουτος επιχειρηματίας –αλλά η καρδιά του ήταν πια από πέτρα. Τώρα είχε επιστρέψει στο Κουσάι για τη στέψη του αδερφού του, και βλέποντας ξανά τη Σέρα συνειδητοποίησε πως διψούσε για εκδίκηση!
Βέβαια, η θλιμμένη χήρα που αντίκρισε δεν είχε καμία σχέση με την άκαρδη, άπληστη τυχοδιώκτρια που στοίχειωνε τα όνειρά του όλον αυτό τον καιρό. Όμως δεν τον πτοούσε η δακρύβρεχτη ιστορία της· ήταν αποφασισμένος να την τιμωρήσει, να της φερθεί ανελέητα, όπως του είχε φερθεί κι εκείνη. Μέχρι που ανακάλυψε πόσο πραγματικά αθώα ήταν…
Βέβαια, η θλιμμένη χήρα που αντίκρισε δεν είχε καμία σχέση με την άκαρδη, άπληστη τυχοδιώκτρια που στοίχειωνε τα όνειρά του όλον αυτό τον καιρό. Όμως δεν τον πτοούσε η δακρύβρεχτη ιστορία της· ήταν αποφασισμένος να την τιμωρήσει, να της φερθεί ανελέητα, όπως του είχε φερθεί κι εκείνη. Μέχρι που ανακάλυψε πόσο πραγματικά αθώα ήταν…
158 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
23 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Trish Morey
507 books219 followersTrish Morey always fancied herself a writer, but was sternly advised that she better better think about getting a real job instead. Which Trish figures must be why she spent her university years washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant by night and picking gherkins for an Adelaide Hills primary producer by day. (Enough to put you off "real jobs" for life).
It was another twelve years, an accounting career and two babies on that Trish once again turned her mind to writing. it was a further eleven years (and two more babies:)) before Trish sold her first book to Harlequin Presents, and her dream of being a published author came true.
Some forty books later, Trish is now an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author of some 40+ books. Trish still loves writing romance but these days combines it with all the fun, drama and sisterhood of women, family and girlfriends.
When she’s not out traveling the world in search of inspiration for her stories, Trish lives with her husband, Daisy their over enthusiastic Cavoodle pup, Daisy, and Leo, their very old and totally unenthusiastic cat, down on the glorious South Coast of South Australia where the waves crash over the granite rocks and splash upon the golden sands.
It was another twelve years, an accounting career and two babies on that Trish once again turned her mind to writing. it was a further eleven years (and two more babies:)) before Trish sold her first book to Harlequin Presents, and her dream of being a published author came true.
Some forty books later, Trish is now an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author of some 40+ books. Trish still loves writing romance but these days combines it with all the fun, drama and sisterhood of women, family and girlfriends.
When she’s not out traveling the world in search of inspiration for her stories, Trish lives with her husband, Daisy their over enthusiastic Cavoodle pup, Daisy, and Leo, their very old and totally unenthusiastic cat, down on the glorious South Coast of South Australia where the waves crash over the granite rocks and splash upon the golden sands.
Trish reckons she has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 16, 2011
I picked up this book thinking I'd start reading it and finish it at another time. What was I thinking? I almost never can set aside a Harlequin Presents book once I begin. Hours later I read the Epilogue with satisfaction and found myself scouring the HP website to find the other books in the series so I could read about the other brothers.
This book is a prime example of why I'm still such a fan of HP novels. Trish Morey is also one of my favorite HP authors, so it's no surprise that I loved this book, and it will go on my keeper shelf.
When Sheikh Rafiq Al'Ramiz of Qusay sees Sera again, the woman who broke his heart by marrying another, older man, she's almost a broken woman. She's now a widow and has suffered through a horrible marriage. Right from the start it's clear that neither one of them has gotten over their feelings for each other.
There are two things that were refreshing about this book:
1) Sera is a native of Qusay. Normally in these books, the sheikh is paired with an English or Australian woman.
2) Morey touched on some of the cultural aspects without being preachy. It was more of a "this is how it is," and my heart went out to Sera and Rafiq. Sera was promised to an older man, and so she had to go forward with a marriage she didn't want, and she had to hurt Rafiq to get him to accept it. Another example was that Sera had taken driving lessons but didn't know how to drive well because her husband found out and forbade her to continue. Still another was when the women who sewed fabric were not comfortable negotiating with a man, which gave Sera the opportunity to shine and help Rafiq in the negotiations.
The cultural and scenic descriptions were all well done and helped me to get a true sense of the country and the customs of the people. The love story was in typical HP style--heart-wrenching, sensual, and I couldn't put it down.
This book is a prime example of why I'm still such a fan of HP novels. Trish Morey is also one of my favorite HP authors, so it's no surprise that I loved this book, and it will go on my keeper shelf.
When Sheikh Rafiq Al'Ramiz of Qusay sees Sera again, the woman who broke his heart by marrying another, older man, she's almost a broken woman. She's now a widow and has suffered through a horrible marriage. Right from the start it's clear that neither one of them has gotten over their feelings for each other.
There are two things that were refreshing about this book:
1) Sera is a native of Qusay. Normally in these books, the sheikh is paired with an English or Australian woman.
2) Morey touched on some of the cultural aspects without being preachy. It was more of a "this is how it is," and my heart went out to Sera and Rafiq. Sera was promised to an older man, and so she had to go forward with a marriage she didn't want, and she had to hurt Rafiq to get him to accept it. Another example was that Sera had taken driving lessons but didn't know how to drive well because her husband found out and forbade her to continue. Still another was when the women who sewed fabric were not comfortable negotiating with a man, which gave Sera the opportunity to shine and help Rafiq in the negotiations.
The cultural and scenic descriptions were all well done and helped me to get a true sense of the country and the customs of the people. The love story was in typical HP style--heart-wrenching, sensual, and I couldn't put it down.
August 7, 2015
Rating: 3 stars.
Firstly, the book title is extremely misleading.
Technically the heroine was a virgin, even though she was married to someone else that wasn't the hero. However, the heroine wasn't a real virgin. Her husband was impotent (if I remember correctly) and he did things to her, and on top of that, he got her to do the dirty on many of his friends. So, is the heroine truly a virgin? No not really. Only thing that gives her the virgin title is that she hasn't had a d**k in her vajayjay, but she has had d**ks, as suggested by her, elsewhere and she's done things (unwillingly) with other men.
Firstly, the book title is extremely misleading.
Technically the heroine was a virgin, even though she was married to someone else that wasn't the hero. However, the heroine wasn't a real virgin. Her husband was impotent (if I remember correctly) and he did things to her, and on top of that, he got her to do the dirty on many of his friends. So, is the heroine truly a virgin? No not really. Only thing that gives her the virgin title is that she hasn't had a d**k in her vajayjay, but she has had d**ks, as suggested by her, elsewhere and she's done things (unwillingly) with other men.
July 5, 2011
Enjoyable read. The hero was just a bit of a jerk but thought he had his reasons. Lovers kept apart by treachery and all that. Found each other again after 11 years apart. Quick read. Some parts a bit OTT but otherwise a nice story. It made me smile at the end when he said he loved her.
May 21, 2020
A good love story... although she needed to stop lying as a go-to solution!
The ending was abrupt, I think mainly because more detail may give away too much from the next book in the series. It was at least happy!
Really could’ve done without two awful animal scenes. I don’t like stuff that’s dark like that in my escapist novels.
That aside, I actually liked the H... even his initial hatred was rooted in his hurt. I liked her too and wished them a HEA. Hopefully there’s a better wrap up at the end of the series...
The ending was abrupt, I think mainly because more detail may give away too much from the next book in the series. It was at least happy!
Really could’ve done without two awful animal scenes. I don’t like stuff that’s dark like that in my escapist novels.
That aside, I actually liked the H... even his initial hatred was rooted in his hurt. I liked her too and wished them a HEA. Hopefully there’s a better wrap up at the end of the series...
April 20, 2017
Leído el 29/08/2010
August 10, 2018
I really loved this book! It was a great read.
March 5, 2017
3.5 stars.
What I liked most about this was all the imagery that was associated with the story. There was lots of great, vivid descriptions of the palace with the bright colors of the fabrics and stuff like that. There were also really detailed descriptions of the desert that Rafiq and Sera were traveling through on the journey. It was really a clear picture in my mind of the settings and it felt like I was really there. I was absorbed into the story, which was really good.
The tension and conflict between Rafiq and Sera were set up really well, and I could tell that there romance was not going to happen. I enjoyed seeing the friction between the two. And with that backstory it was no wonder. It was just horrible and both endeared a lot of pain over the last ten years.
As for the romance in general, it was okay. I wasn't spellbound by it even though there was plenty of angst to go around, which I always enjoy. Just something was missing that I couldn't get into despite the fact that it was a good premise and good conflict. I wasn't as into it as I expected to be. I was in the beginning then it kind petered out and rushed on forward. I just wished there was more romance between them not just bedroom scene.
The sexy scene out of the whole book was the necklace scene. It was very sensual and very anticipatory between them. They had yet to consummate their relationship, but the scene was leading to that. And it was just a beautiful, tender scene between them. I wanted more moments like that between them. The love scene were okay. I didn't think there was anything special about them. I felt that these could have been any romance that I have read. I just needed a little bit more uniqueness. I did like their first time was in a tent in the desert. It was beautifully written and sensual, but again something was missing from that.
Overall it was an okay story. It wasn't the worst story in the world but it was the best. I was really into it at first with the premise and all, but then my interest waned. It wasn't really one thing in particular, but I was just missing the draw or something. Don't get me wrong there were some beautiful moments in the book, but there was a missing piece somewhere. I can't put my finger on it. I just know I didn't love it.
What I liked most about this was all the imagery that was associated with the story. There was lots of great, vivid descriptions of the palace with the bright colors of the fabrics and stuff like that. There were also really detailed descriptions of the desert that Rafiq and Sera were traveling through on the journey. It was really a clear picture in my mind of the settings and it felt like I was really there. I was absorbed into the story, which was really good.
The tension and conflict between Rafiq and Sera were set up really well, and I could tell that there romance was not going to happen. I enjoyed seeing the friction between the two. And with that backstory it was no wonder. It was just horrible and both endeared a lot of pain over the last ten years.
As for the romance in general, it was okay. I wasn't spellbound by it even though there was plenty of angst to go around, which I always enjoy. Just something was missing that I couldn't get into despite the fact that it was a good premise and good conflict. I wasn't as into it as I expected to be. I was in the beginning then it kind petered out and rushed on forward. I just wished there was more romance between them not just bedroom scene.
The sexy scene out of the whole book was the necklace scene. It was very sensual and very anticipatory between them. They had yet to consummate their relationship, but the scene was leading to that. And it was just a beautiful, tender scene between them. I wanted more moments like that between them. The love scene were okay. I didn't think there was anything special about them. I felt that these could have been any romance that I have read. I just needed a little bit more uniqueness. I did like their first time was in a tent in the desert. It was beautifully written and sensual, but again something was missing from that.
Overall it was an okay story. It wasn't the worst story in the world but it was the best. I was really into it at first with the premise and all, but then my interest waned. It wasn't really one thing in particular, but I was just missing the draw or something. Don't get me wrong there were some beautiful moments in the book, but there was a missing piece somewhere. I can't put my finger on it. I just know I didn't love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2015
Sheikh Rafiq Al'Ramiz has returned to Qusay from his home in Australia for his brother's coronation as king. Outside his mother's apartments he encounters Sera whom he's convinced betrayed his love 11 years ago for another more wealthy and powerful than he. Rafiq swears he'll have his revenge! His mother sends the two of them into the mountains to secure a contract with mountain people who have produced beautiful silk cloth which she feels sure will sell well in Australia. The Sera that Rafiq sees now is dressed in black robes with downcast eyes, nothing like the woman he left behind. Convinced she's putting on an act, Rafiq is out to take his revenge. But Sera is nothing like what she appears! Soon the truth comes out about Sera's marriage. Once they re-discover their love for each other, can it be snatched from them?
I picked up and put this book down a few times. I just couldn't get into it. The story didn't seem plausible to me. Sera cried a lot. Rafiq was consumed with revenge. The ending just stopped.
I picked up and put this book down a few times. I just couldn't get into it. The story didn't seem plausible to me. Sera cried a lot. Rafiq was consumed with revenge. The ending just stopped.
January 18, 2013
I've found I've come to enjoy a good number of Morey's books and this was no exception. The plot progressed nicely and didn't (as is often the case with romance novels) see the characters backsliding into pettiness or grudges for the sake of grudges. The only real qualm I have with this book is the end, which felt so abrupt that I went back to re-read the last few pages, convinced I'd missed something.
I realize that this is actually the third book in a series of four (Dark Hearted Desert Men) written by several of my favourite Harlequin authors, and that to get the full picture, it would be best if I could indulge in the remaining three novels. As a standalone story, however, I found that the resolution of the obstacles that challenged Rafiq and Sera's relationship came about much too quickly, and with too little explanation, to be readily believed.
I realize that this is actually the third book in a series of four (Dark Hearted Desert Men) written by several of my favourite Harlequin authors, and that to get the full picture, it would be best if I could indulge in the remaining three novels. As a standalone story, however, I found that the resolution of the obstacles that challenged Rafiq and Sera's relationship came about much too quickly, and with too little explanation, to be readily believed.
June 14, 2014
Another heart breaking story. It's good until the ending which is a bit unsatisfying for me. What is it with this princes who is so easy to renounce the crown? Well, it's romantic and all to sacrifice for someone you love. But three princes? Well, you can remove Zafir from the count because he's not really Qusay's heir. I pity the people of Qusay.
Aside from the ending it's a good story. Just a bit monotone with all that narration. Three stars for this book. On to the last book the. Tahir here I come :D
Aside from the ending it's a good story. Just a bit monotone with all that narration. Three stars for this book. On to the last book the. Tahir here I come :D
March 30, 2021
Sheikh Rafiq Al'Ramiz left his homeland behind--betrayed by the woman he loved. He's hardened his heart and made his fortune--and now he must return: his country needs him. But he is more powerful than ever, and vengeance is high on his agenda!
Seeing Sera again, he finds the image he's held of a heartless temptress at odds with her drab robes and downcast eyes--but he will take what he's owed! What will this ruthless sheikh do when he discovers Sera's very real innocence?
Seeing Sera again, he finds the image he's held of a heartless temptress at odds with her drab robes and downcast eyes--but he will take what he's owed! What will this ruthless sheikh do when he discovers Sera's very real innocence?
July 16, 2015
this book was ok but the very little sex was definately disappointing.
July 22, 2025
"Forbidden: The Sheikh's Virgin" is the story of Sera and Rafiq.
Hero returns home to his brother's crowning ceremony, and finds the ex who broke his heart there as his mother's servant. He is angry, and wishes to make this sad heroine suffer more. They go on a trip, passion ignites and past secrets are revealed.
I found it strange how the heroine retained her v card despite that horrible marriage, the hero was forgiving once he learned the truth, the push and pull got old very fast and their HEA was ok.
Unsafe
2.5/5
Hero returns home to his brother's crowning ceremony, and finds the ex who broke his heart there as his mother's servant. He is angry, and wishes to make this sad heroine suffer more. They go on a trip, passion ignites and past secrets are revealed.
I found it strange how the heroine retained her v card despite that horrible marriage, the hero was forgiving once he learned the truth, the push and pull got old very fast and their HEA was ok.
Unsafe
2.5/5
May 25, 2017
This was an okay read
This was an okay read. I liked both characters and we got to see both viewpoints. Most of the story was good and well paced, but the end felt rushed and unfinished.
This was an okay read. I liked both characters and we got to see both viewpoints. Most of the story was good and well paced, but the end felt rushed and unfinished.
June 10, 2014
i did not feel engaged wid the characters. too much introspection instead of interaction between them made the book dull. i also find it hard dat rafiq did not try to contact her after her marriage, to delve into the heart of the matter bcoz he clearly knew her so well. he cud easily read her emotions like when she felt fear or sadness. yet, he did not sense smthg was awfully wrong and he misjudged her badly. but he was never the bitter and mean hero. he was fair and did listen and believed her when she explained herself. however, the over the top introspection ruined the book 4 me!
September 28, 2022
Rafiq loved Sera when they were teenagers and had planned to marry her when he completed his training, only to find her getting married to someone else. Years went by and now he's decided to take his revenge on her when he learns her husband has died. What he doesn't know is that Sera feels dead inside and has no reason to want him again.
This was a very intense book with angst from the hatred that Rafiq shows to Sera, and .
This was a very intense book with angst from the hatred that Rafiq shows to Sera, and .
May 28, 2016
Rafiq who has been mislead to believe that the woman he loved (Sarah) betrayed him finally finds out the truth. Hence the reason why he is a bit of a jerk in the beginning. There is some nice desert setting in the story and a beautiful scene of them finally "doing it" in the dessert with some sexual tension throughout the story. Go read it guys.... p.s. I would really appreciate if writers started to get dress codes and religion of arabs right.
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July 27, 2011Threatened by Rafiq's father, Sera lied and denied ever loving him. She married an abusive man to protect her family and Rafiq. After his death, she returns to be a companion to Rafiq's mother and hears him tell how great his hatred of her is. But the fine line between love and hate is very thin.
A very compelling story.
A very compelling story.
March 29, 2015
"Lo miró a los ojos en ese instante y lo amó. Con los ojos y con el corazón y con el alma. Lo amó por esperar, por dudar, y por no ir deprisa. Lo amó por el joven que fue. Por el hombre que era."
Ay Raquif♥ Mi principe turista!
Y siguen renunciando al trono!!!
Libro 11 de la serie La Casa Real de Karedes!
Ay Raquif♥ Mi principe turista!
Y siguen renunciando al trono!!!
Libro 11 de la serie La Casa Real de Karedes!
November 22, 2015
such a boring book. the hero was ok, bu Sera...well she got what she deserved. and later in desert with sand, she is so stupid, self-centered and pitiful.
after first 50pages i just skipped through book.
after first 50pages i just skipped through book.
November 2, 2022
Part of a series. Okay, it was good seening that the female was honoring but expanding the role of women in her c.ulture
November 21, 2013
As per usual with Trish Morey the steam levl was pretty low. The storyline was fairly decent but I like my HPs with a bit more passion if you get my drift...
January 18, 2014
loved the book. it was really touching the way she sacrificed her love and how no adversity could defeat their love
April 16, 2014
Not quite as good as I expected but a good read indeed.
October 11, 2014
This was a bit nerve wracking to me because the heroine did entirely too much weeping and lying.
October 23, 2022
Utterly implausible story and unlikeable characters. I ended up skimming this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews