The Sheikh’s Contract Fiancée

Almasi Sheikhs #1

by Leslie North

She’s expecting a simple business deal, but he’s expecting much more…

Annabelle works tirelessly for her father’s mining company, despite their rocky relationship. So when he asks her to travel to the Middle East to complete an important business merger, Annabelle sees an opportunity. It’s her chance to prove her worth, but the culture clash proves difficult for the strong-minded American woman. She’s supposed to work closely with the son of the oil company’s CEO, but Annabelle’s not sure what to make of Imaad. He may be gorgeous, but she refuses to be cowed by his good looks or his old-fashioned ways.

Sheikh Imaad is ruthless in his business dealings for the family oil company, but standing up to his traditional father is not as simple. When he learns his father’s full intentions--that the business arrangements include an arranged marriage to the American executive, Imaad wants to refuse. His intended bride is both beautiful and brash, but Imaad has a plan. If he can convince Annabelle to go along with the fake marriage, they might both get what they truly want. Sounds simple, but Imaad soon realizes it won’t be easy to tame a western woman.

To please their families and prove their worth, just how far will Imaad and Annabelle be willing to go? And what will happen when the charade starts to get a little too real?  

Genres: Ebooks, Romance, Contemporary Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2017

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!

I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
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TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books

Reviews

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sheikh’s Contract Fiancee is the first book in the Almasi Sheikhs series. It was my first book by author Leslie North and my first listen with narrator Craig Van Ness.
The story is short and fairly predictable, but enjoyable as light entertaining reading.
Annabel is a bit of a brat and annoying although I did appreciate that she was put into a difficult situation and wanted to rebel against her controlling father.
Sheikh Imaad seemed to roll with the punches a bit better. He found ways to deal with each situation and adjusted. I could find myself swooning for this Sheikh!
When the story started I felt like the narration was just a bit too precise or staccato, but as I fell into the rhythm of the story, the pace seemed to fit the tale. Overall an entertaining experience and I’d definitely listen to more books with this narrator.
3.5 Stars

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sheikh's Contract Fiancee (Amalsi Sheikhs) by Leslie North  
How far would you go for love?  Would you sacrifice freedom, happiness and home, to please or protect the one you love?  Choice is an easy enough word to say, but a complicated action to make. The Sheikh's Contract Fiancee is a story of risks.  Imaad and Annabelle are as different as night and day, but they share one commonality. Proving themselves to the people they love.   Secret agendas conspire to bring them together, will a plan of their own, bind them forever?  Ms. North made use of a commonplace theme to create an original masterpiece.

[Claudia Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by mentioning that Leslie North's novels are simple escapism. If you approach her books with the thought of wanting to dive into a contemporary romance that will never happen in real life, then her books are for you. I am not reading or enjoying her books because they depict realistic settings, and situations I personally agree with under any other circumstances

That said, from that stand-point, I truly enjoyed The Sheikh's Contract Fiancêe. Yes, it is a formula romance novel, a standard contemporary romance that offers what is expected in that genre, and nothing more, but it delivers it well. It is also important to mention that none of her books are clean, which includes this one, so if you are looking for a rated PG 13 book, then you are looking in the wrong place.

Now, what I did not like in this particular novel, is that the female main character cussed a little too much for my liking. And I did not have a problem with it, because it was the female that used this type of language, I simply think it is beneath good communication skills of an educated person of any gender to use these particular words, with very few exceptions. She used it way too loosely, which was kind of strange, as I don't remember Leslie every having another character (male or female) be quite this vulgar before. When reading all of that cussing, it always took me out of the story.

Otherwise, The Sheikh's Contract Fiancee was exactly what I expected from a short romance novel - an interesting romance, chemistry, some bedroom scenes and plenty of outside conflicts.

I found this book to be a great start to the series, and am looking forward to reading more about the other two brothers, that are going to get their fair share of romance and tribulations.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle works constantly for her father’s mining company even though their relationship isn’t that great Annabelle is always try to prove herself and get her father;s approval. Her father then asks Annabelle to go to Parsabad in the Middle East to finish an important business merger. Annabelle figures she can at last prove herself to her father. But the culture clash has been hard on Annabelle. Annabelle is to work closely with the son of the oil company’s CEO. Annabelle is not sure what to make of Imaad, he certainly has old fashion ways and beliefs. Annabelle hates how Imaad treats her like she is not as important as a man. Sheikh Imaad is ruthless in business but standing up to his father is hard for Imaad. Then Imaad learns there is a planned marriage to an American executive. Imaad does not want to argue. Imaad has a plan if he can get Annabelle to agree. Imaad and Annabelle do feel a strong attraction toward each other. Annabelle didn’t know a planned marriage was part of the deal. Annabelle is furious when she finds out she was just a pawn in her father’s game.
I liked this book a lot. Both Imaad and Annabelle have issues with their fathers. Although I didn’t care was rude and swore a lot. She had to know the Middle East was very different from America. However I did like Imaad and Annabelle together. I felt this story had a good plot. It was a short read I would have liked it longer. I chuckled at times. I felt that this was a great romance. I loved how Imaad and Annabelle were mad at their fathers about the arranged marriage deal yet they fall for each other. All and all a good read and I recommend.

[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may be a bit obsessed w/ Leslie North's Sheikhs. While the heroine wasn't my fave (she was a bit too abrasive for my liking, though I understand why she was that way), I really did enjoy this story. Sheikh Imaad was a great counterpart to Annabelle - he was the dutiful son who wanted to do what was best for his people and please his father, even if it was against his own wishes. I did think that though Annabelle was able to get some resolution with her father, considering the circumstances (and a lifetime of slights), it was a little too late. But all's well that ends well, and this sultry tale definitely ended with an HEA. 3 out of 5 wine glasses and bring on more Sheikhs!

[juviasft · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and cute read, even if a little predictable. But these themes are my weakness, so I always enjoy them at least a little.

[Book Reading Gals · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Sheikh’s Contract Fiancée

Series: Almasi Sheikhs Book #1
Author: Leslie North

Genre: Romance

Blurb: She’s expecting a simple business deal, but he’s expecting much more…

Annabelle works tirelessly for her father’s mining company, despite their rocky relationship. So when he asks her to travel to the Middle East to complete an important business merger, Annabelle sees an opportunity. It’s her chance to prove her worth, but the culture clash proves difficult for the strong-minded American woman. She’s supposed to work closely with the son of the oil company’s CEO, but Annabelle’s not sure what to make of Imaad. He may be gorgeous, but she refuses to be cowed by his good looks or his old-fashioned ways.

Sheikh Imaad is ruthless in his business dealings for the family oil company, but standing up to his traditional father is not as simple. When he learns his father’s full intentions--that the business arrangements include an arranged marriage to the American executive, Imaad wants to refuse. His intended bride is both beautiful and brash, but Imaad has a plan. If he can convince Annabelle to go along with the fake marriage, they might both get what they truly want. Sounds simple, but Imaad soon realizes it won’t be easy to tame a western woman.

To please their families and prove their worth, just how far will Imaad and Annabelle be willing to go? And what will happen when the charade starts to get a little too real?

Favorite quote(s): “I want you,” Imaad murmured, his breath coming out hot at her ear. “Since the moment I saw you. Arrangement or not, it doesn’t change how I feel.”

Thoughts: The Sheikh’s Contract Fiancée was a bit of a short read, particularly regarding the storyline – there was a lot of things involved, for example, the culture differences, the family elements, etc. which I believe did not leave enough time to delve into everything with the depth needed. This issue nagged at me throughout the book and detracted my enjoyment quite a lot. I had trouble connecting with the characters, particularly Annabelle. She’s supposed to be this successful business woman; however her behavior certainly does not exemplify this. Not only is she rude, but it feels like every word out of her mouth is a curse word. I have a hard time picturing her as the business woman she is supposed to be, when she is there to complete a merger with another company – a foreign country – where all she does is criticize, complain, and curse. Particularly with their customs and their view of women. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea for many reasons. It was okay, but just wasn’t the strong book I was expecting.

Rate: C
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

[Melanie Müller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle reist nach Parsabad um für ihren Vater eine Firmenfussion durchzuführen. Was sie nicht weiß, die beiden Firmenchefs haben beschlossen ihre Kinder miteinander zu verheiraten um die Fussion zu beschließen.

Der gutaussehende Imaad wurde kurz vor Annabelles Ankunft darüber informiert und soll seine Braut am Flughafen abholen. Doch er ist alles andere als erfreut über die Pläne seines Vaters und benimmt sich entsprechend.

Doch als er bemerkt, dass Annabelle unwissend und noch dazu sehr nett ist, weiht er sie ein und sie beschließen die Fussion nicht zu gefährden. Schließlich lässt sich die Hochzeit später ohne Probleme annullieren. Doch schneller als es den beiden lieb ist fühlen sie sich zueinander hingezogen.

Ich fand es schade, dass mit dem Thema der unterschiedlichen Kulturen nicht mehr gearbeitet wurde. Man hatte das Gefühl die Protagonisten entstammen der gleichen Weltanschauung und des gleichen Kulturkreises. Dass es jedoch zwischen Menschen aus den westlichen Industrieländern und den arabischen Ländern gerade im Frauenbild extreme Abweichungen auftreten wird hier kaum deutlich. Mit dem Satz, dass Parsabad bekannt für seine tolerante Haltung gegenüber modischer und alltäglicher Frauenkleidung versucht die Autorin glaubhaft zu machen, dass vor Ort alles wie im Westen ist. Doch das ist weit gefehlt. Sicher gibt es im arabischen Raum tolerantere Länder, doch wie in den westlichen Ländern ist die Haltung ganz sicher nicht.

Doch trotz der Kürze des Buches spürt man eine Entwicklung der Protagonisten und so kommt es zum erwünschten Happy End.

Ich hatte mit dieser Story eine kurzweilige Lesezeit und empfehle das Buch für Stunden, in denen es mal eine leichte Geschichte ohne allzuviel Tiefgang sein soll.

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I am, unsure what to truely say about this one. Where I live there is a huge Middle Eastern presence, I think the biggest outside of the Middle East if I am remembering correctly so I have a little knowledge about what some of the cultural rules and expectations in even the most lenient countries. I see that Ms. North has a ton of Sheikh themed romances and I haven't read any of her others but based on this one I really don't think I will be reading any more. Annabelle would have been in prison a million times over just from her mouth alone. Hey I cuss all the time but when you know it is not allowed and especially when you know you are going into another country you need to respect their customs and she doesn't. She is disrespectful on all accounts and really is the reason why I hated this book. The only saving grace to this book was Imaad, he was put in the same arranged marriage position as she was but beyond him acting like an ass at the beginning he just wanted to make things work. I wish I would have liked this one because some of my favorite books have this kind of theme to it but unfortunately this one just didn't work for me.

[Anadosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in this series about three brothers and their path to love. Imaads father tells him that for the sake of the family business he has to marry the daughter of the man who owns the American company he wants to merge with. Annabelle works tirelessly for her father’s mining company, despite their rocky relationship. So when he asks her to travel to the Middle East to complete an important business merger, Annabelle sees an opportunity. It’s her chance to prove her worth, but the culture clash proves difficult for the strong-minded American woman. She’s supposed to work closely with the son of the oil company’s CEO, but Annabelle’s not sure what to make of Imaad. He may be gorgeous, but she refuses to be cowed by his good looks or his old-fashioned ways. The is the first book of Leslie Norths that I read.The book is magnifysent. When I started reading I couldn't put It down.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in this series about three brothers and their path to love. Imaad’s father tells him that for the sake of the family business he has to marry the daughter of the man who owns the American company he wants to merge with. Being the good son he is he agrees; however, he and Annabelle have a plan to divorce after the merger goes through. Little do they know that they have no control over the attraction they have for each other or that you can’t pick who you fall in love with no matter how many times you say no!

This author writes a lot of these type stories but I have to say I enjoyed this one. The plot was a good one, the dialogue between the H*H was at times funny as well as having sexy interaction between the too. Ms. North tied it all together quite nicely in the end and I enjoyed this one. I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Hazel Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read, it's my escape from reality and Leslie North is my most read author and one that I simply devour her books.

This book is filled with some mystery but has all the feels of a couple meeting and falling in love but it didn't happen quite that way for Annabelle and Imaad but definitely ended with an HEA. There was definite chemistry but lots of head butting from these 2 strong willed people.

Leslie's books capture my attention and keep me intrigued all the way to the last paragraph.

I love reading a series if they aren't so far apart that you forget the characters and have to reread when the next one comes out, not so with Leslie's, the books are usually about 2 weeks apart which makes the reading so much more enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book and highly recommend it.

[Dorothea Müller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eine typische Liebesgeschichte mit einigen interessanten Aspekten. Eine Geschichte für zwischendurch und mit Happy End Garantie. Annabelle ist eher flach gehalten und auch bei Immad fehlt mir etwas der Tiefgang. Gefühle kommen auf, aber nur bei gewissen Szenen, sonst eher nicht. Auch die erotischen Szenen sind schön geschrieben, aber das darum herum passt irgendwie nicht dazu. Immer wieder wird die verschiedene Kultur erwähnt und das Verhalten die Charaktere sich nicht immer danach. Das verstört einen etwas. Das, was mir besonders gefallen hat, war der Ausflug in die Wüste, die beste Szene aus dem Buch. Die interessanten Aspekte, wegen des verschieden Kulturen, kommen aber viel zu kurz. Besser gesagt, widersprechen sich die in dieser Geschichte. Das fand ich schade, da hatte ich mir etwas mehr gewünscht.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An arranged marriage that neither party know about ahead of time is in store for the latest from Leslie North. When Annabelle arrives in Parsabad thinking she is closing the deal on the merger for her father not wind up with an arranged husband as part of the deal. Imaad Almasi will do whatever his father asks of him, but this whole arranged marriage clause in their company's merger may be pushing it too far. Yet as Annabelle and Imaad get to know one another the one thing they didn't expect to happen happens, they find themselves falling for each other. What starts as an arrangement ends up being the thing that they want the most. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that you can read for a bit of escapism than you're in the right place. This is not intended to be a serious romance, it's designed to be a light fin romance in an improbable situation.

It's well written and the characters are well crafted. I really liked Annabelle, but her father, oh my goodness, he needed to pull his head out of his arse.

So, a fun well written romance with a hot sheikh, what more could you want?

Great narration you say, well you'll get that here too, the character voices are well done and the delivery is well paced and natural.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[CDBW · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!

This was great quick read to pass the day doing mundane chores and errands. Intriguing, sexy, and just the right amount drama to keep you wanting more.
I usually don't gravitate toward this trope but the whole premise of a surprise arranged marriage intrigued the book whore in me. Throw in a great narration by Craig Van Ness and you had me listening and getting lost in Annabelle and Imaad's world.
Craig Van Ness did an amazing job with the narration. His accents really gave each character their own voice and lent to bringing this story to life for me. He is a great story teller.
Overall, I enjoyed and look forward to listening more to Craig's narrations and even delving into Leslie North's Almasi Sheikh's series a little more.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally gripping, action packed and highly entertaining short story about a couple struggling to please their powerful families and not lose themselves in the process.

Annabelle works for her fathers mining company as an executive and puts her all into her work in hopes of wining his approval. She is strong minded, sassy and a sexy independent American woman. Sheikh Imaad is strong, sexy and ruthless in business, his family's oil business is his life and though he may not always agree with his traditional father he still wants his approval. Can they fake it through this arranged marriage their families want to get what they really want?

[Toula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced fantastic story. The Audio was great . It was smooth . Both parties were forced into a business dealings from their fathers. The female heroine was from New York the hero is a middle eastern man . They both got a surprise that was laid out to them and if they didn’t uphold that surprise the business deal would fall through. But one look at each other and their was instead attraction . Both parties didn’t like to be forced into the surprise. Did the attraction depend did it turn to love.
The narrator was smooth and calming. He was great.
Will need to get the other 2 stories of the other 2 brothers

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is from the audible book. I was gifted this by the narrator Craig Van Ness, thank you. Won it on FB Aural Fixation’s 2nd Birthday giveaways.
Sorry to say I was disappointed in the narration, I don’t say that often, I’m sure Craig is a very good narrator and will have much success but, not sure sexy is his style.

The story it’s self was not a disappointment however, having listened to several of Leslie North’s books before although short they are cute, sassy and sexy.
The two main characters Annabelle and Imaad are ruthlessly forced into a situation they have no control over so instead of fighting it they make the most of it and have a win-win happy ending.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced fantastic story. The Audio was great . It was smooth . Both parties were forced into a business dealings from their fathers. The female heroine was from New York the hero is a middle eastern man . They both got a surprise that was laid out to them and if they didn’t uphold that surprise the business deal would fall through. But one look at each other and their was instead attraction . Both parties didn’t like to be forced into the surprise. Did the attraction depend did it turn to love.
The narrator was smooth and calming. He was great.
Will need to get the other 2 stories of the other 2 brothers

[Izzie d · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thus is a really good book.
Arranged marriage due to a business merger.
Sheikh Imaad and Annabelle.
He has issues standing up to his father and she has issues with a sick mother in need of care and a father who doesn't acknowledge her and she feels she constantly has to prove herself to.
It's written well, he is not a man whore type. In fact he's quite sweet and he cares for her very quickly although she is harder to read.
This is the first book in the series and there are hints of future storylines about his brothers.
I enjoyed it.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
For Annabelle, it was supposed to be a quick trip to close a merger.
Instead, she was introduced to her future husband.
Imaad could not believe what his father was telling him.
In order to complete a merger for the company, he will have to marry the daughter.
Imaad did not like the idea at all, but he quickly changed his mind when he meet Annabelle.
They both have chemistry together.
Maybe this arranged marriage wasn't such a bad idea.
Could they give this arranged marriage a chance ?

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Leslie North Sheikh novels! Annabelle wanted to please her father despite their rocky relationship. He asks her to head a merger with a company in the Middle East. She meets Imaad and is stunned to learn that the merger includes an arranged marriage. Imaad wants to have a fake marriage but things heat up and soon they want a real commitment.

Loved it! I liked the characters. I felt sorry for Annabelle and wanted to scream at her father. But Imaad makes up for it. Hot read!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

[Eniko · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK edition

A short but entertaining story that took Annabelle and Imaad from doing everything to stop the arranged marriage to falling in love. It was fast, kept my attention and had me rooting for them. The steamy scene in the dessert was really hot. Ending in a satisfying way resolving quite a few problems, the HEA is clear for these two and make a great pair. Looking forward to the next story in the series. - 4 stars

Enjoyed the narrator's voice, animated and engaging, good accents and variations, I will be checking out his other works too. - 4 stars

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thus is a really good book.
Arranged marriage due to a business merger.
Sheikh Imaad and Annabelle.
He has issues standing up to his father and she has issues with a sick mother in need of care and a father who doesn't acknowledge her and she feels she constantly has to prove herself to.
It's written well, he is not a man whore type. In fact he's quite sweet and he cares for her very quickly although she is harder to read.
This is the first book in the series and there are hints of future storylines about his brothers.
I enjoyed it.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

light, sexy romance

Leslie North did a good job of developing conflict and resolution in her plot.
Annabelle and Imaad are thrown together in an arranged marriage. In spite of their reluctance to the agreement as part of a business merger they find themselves drawn to one another. I thought the sexual attraction was believable and I loved how the author tied up things in the end.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle reluctantly accepted her father would take care of her ailing mother if she completed one task for him. Of course, there were conditions she had no idea that were contingent upon her acceptance. She feels betrayed when she finally finds out the condition is marriage to Imaad. Merging their two companies together, both entangled in a plan they didn’t have a say in. Will they accept they are getting married or will the merger fall apart? Absolutely great read.

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if it was the narrator or if it was the story itself, but it seemed stilted and ended up falling flat for me. I usually don't mind arranged marriage books, but this one just irritated me and ended up not being relaxing like I am used to books being. The story line ended up just not working for me and I don't know if it was the story irritating me or what, but Craig's voice ended up being irritating to me by the end also.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Excellent and entertaining contemporary romance dealing with a business deal. Annabelle is in for a surprise when she meets Imaad and finds what the full contract requires of her. The chemistry is off the wall between the two of them. I enjoy the way Ms. North makes the characters able to relate to one another making them more realistic. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. North.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a merger between two companies with
a big twist; the marriage of the CEOS children Annabelle
and sheikh Imaad.
Imaad and Annabelle did plot their own plan, but the
future had its own plan for them: their attraction, their
Love forever.
A beautiful love story, which I highly enjoyed and
highly recommend.
Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.