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Kidnapped for His Royal Duty
He needs a substitute bride…
And she will be his queen!
When desert prince Dal's convenient bride is stolen, he must find a replacement—immediately. Suddenly shy secretary Poppy is kidnapped by her merciless boss and whisked away to his kingdom. She's shocked to find herself willingly surrendering to his expert seduction! But when it becomes clear that Dal has more than pleasure in mind, will Poppy be persuaded to accept his royal proposal?
And she will be his queen!
When desert prince Dal's convenient bride is stolen, he must find a replacement—immediately. Suddenly shy secretary Poppy is kidnapped by her merciless boss and whisked away to his kingdom. She's shocked to find herself willingly surrendering to his expert seduction! But when it becomes clear that Dal has more than pleasure in mind, will Poppy be persuaded to accept his royal proposal?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
94 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
617 books2,051 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 14, 2018
4 - "I'm in a bind... you're the only one that can save me." Stars!
I’m not one to hoard hard copy books nowadays, and apart from Sarah Morgan, Jane Porter is the only other Mills & Boon author who has that honor. I have read a lot by this author over the years, more-so pre-digital books than post, so I had absolutely no reservations about reading Kidnapped For His Royal Duty.
"I trusted you… I trusted you and you let me down."
I can’t remember reading many books that start with the groom being jilted at the altar, plenty the other way round, but when Randall Grant’s bride-to-be; Sophie, is spirited away by another man, he looks to her best friend, and his PA Poppy Marr to fill the role that has been inconveniently left vacant.
She truly cared for him… Deeply cared. The kind of feelings that put butterflies in her stomach and made her chest tighten with tenderness…
It doesn’t take Dal long to work out that Poppy has her hands firmly in the mix in regards to his errant bride, and to avoid the press, and in the hope of talking her into marrying him instead takes them both away to Mehkar, it’s only upon arrival that Poppy realizes there is more to Dal, than his English Title, he is also a Desert Prince, next in line to the throne, and to the people of Mehkar; Sheikh.
"I don’t even know you anymore…"
"…I suspect it’s because you never did."
Gone is the cold, aloof English Gentleman, and in his place; a dark, brooding and somewhat demanding man, Poppy fancied the pants of Randall, Prince Talal however puts those feelings in the shade, and once in pursuit, it’s not long before they are both feeling the chemistry that burns hotter than the desert sun between them.
"What has happened to my safe, predictable Englishman..?"
The first book in the Stolen Brides series isn’t the best book I have read by this author, but it was a solid start. Both characters had a decent back story that played a part in their eventual coming together. It took me a while to warm to either character to be honest, but by the end when they had both gotten over their own issues, they came together as a likeable couple because of it.
She was already his… even without a single touch.
I really liked the epilogue, and I am looking forward to seeing what Caitlin Crews offers in the way of story-line, with her book up next in the series; The Bride’s Baby of Shame can’t say I am a huge fan of the title, but seeing as this is the runaway bride's story I am interested to see how Sophie and Renzo’s story plays out.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review, as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders team.
I’m not one to hoard hard copy books nowadays, and apart from Sarah Morgan, Jane Porter is the only other Mills & Boon author who has that honor. I have read a lot by this author over the years, more-so pre-digital books than post, so I had absolutely no reservations about reading Kidnapped For His Royal Duty.
"I trusted you… I trusted you and you let me down."
I can’t remember reading many books that start with the groom being jilted at the altar, plenty the other way round, but when Randall Grant’s bride-to-be; Sophie, is spirited away by another man, he looks to her best friend, and his PA Poppy Marr to fill the role that has been inconveniently left vacant.
She truly cared for him… Deeply cared. The kind of feelings that put butterflies in her stomach and made her chest tighten with tenderness…
It doesn’t take Dal long to work out that Poppy has her hands firmly in the mix in regards to his errant bride, and to avoid the press, and in the hope of talking her into marrying him instead takes them both away to Mehkar, it’s only upon arrival that Poppy realizes there is more to Dal, than his English Title, he is also a Desert Prince, next in line to the throne, and to the people of Mehkar; Sheikh.
"I don’t even know you anymore…"
"…I suspect it’s because you never did."
Gone is the cold, aloof English Gentleman, and in his place; a dark, brooding and somewhat demanding man, Poppy fancied the pants of Randall, Prince Talal however puts those feelings in the shade, and once in pursuit, it’s not long before they are both feeling the chemistry that burns hotter than the desert sun between them.
"What has happened to my safe, predictable Englishman..?"
The first book in the Stolen Brides series isn’t the best book I have read by this author, but it was a solid start. Both characters had a decent back story that played a part in their eventual coming together. It took me a while to warm to either character to be honest, but by the end when they had both gotten over their own issues, they came together as a likeable couple because of it.
She was already his… even without a single touch.
I really liked the epilogue, and I am looking forward to seeing what Caitlin Crews offers in the way of story-line, with her book up next in the series; The Bride’s Baby of Shame can’t say I am a huge fan of the title, but seeing as this is the runaway bride's story I am interested to see how Sophie and Renzo’s story plays out.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review, as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders team.
May 4, 2018
Very slow and boring. Their marriage doesn’t happen until the last few pages. Safe. Virgin heroine and celibate hero.
May 28, 2018
Imagine you are the groom, and it is your wedding day.Your bride,arranged by both your fathers when you were both younger ,has just been hauled over the shoulders by an unknown man with no protestations from your soon to be wife.Well,what is a man to do? But you see,this is no ordinary man,and no ordinary wedding.The man in this case is an Earl,and a Prince of a desert kingdom.It is a marriage made to appease the groom's father,and one of appeasement to the bride's family as well.So you think the bride is the heroine? Wrong!!! The heroine is the secretary to the groom,and best friend to the bride since boarding school days when she was the "charity"girl and the bestie took her under her wing to shield her from the mean girls. The heroine has also been in love with the hero for 4 years ,but unrequited. Both hero groom and absconded bride did not love each other,but were going to go ahead and marry.The heroine knew that each would not be happy with the other,so unbeknownst to them,she sent news clippings to the mysterious Italian with whom the bride had a ons in Monty 5 weeks prior to see if he will make his move.(BTW,they have a book next in series about their romance.)
The hero Earl/desert Prince Dal knew that the heroine Poppy knew what was going on and he corners her after the aborted wedding to demand what was going on and who the mysterious abductor was.Poppy,loyal to her best friend,and loyal to her boss was torn about what to do.Dal,devious man that he is,plans to take Poppy away to his secluded desert castle and seduce the truth from her.He knows that it will be easy because he is aware of Poppy's feelings and plans to take full advantage of it.He feels that she is a mild and meek miss,sensitive ,and easy to get her feelings hurt and a crying water pot.Dal is also in desperate need of a wife before his upcoming birthday or he will loose his Earldom as stipulated by his deceased bipolar father.He had daddy and mommy issues too,he was the spare to the heir, but the heir now as both his brother and mother died in an accident which then put his young life in turmoil leading him to live with his "mad" father and estrangement from his Arab mother's family.(His grandfather is the king of the country).
I enjoyed this story.At first,I had a hard time liking Poppy as she in my opinion ,deliberately set out to break up her boss and her best friend.She wanted what was best for each and in her own way,she thought that she was doing what was right for them.She wanted her best friend to find true love and she knew that the hero was not it.She also wanted love and happiness for the hero.At first,Poppy came across as a weak heroine,but the more I read on,she truly was not and was an equal match to the hero.Her character blossomed from a mild frumpy dumpy young woman to a more assured and beautiful woman,all hidden before .And even though her best friend was all set to marry the hero,she never acted on her feelings and stayed in the background till that fateful night in Monty when her bestie had her ons,there for cheating on the hero.
The hero I liked.He knew that Poppy had feelings for him,but he never took advantage of her,he was celibate in his engagement for 5 1/2 years to his fiancee and was always the gentleman. He did not love the fiancee.He also said that the heroine is the only one he trusted,and the only one to make him laugh and feel a sense of happiness.I loved how he showed his feelings to the heroine even though he never said the words till the big declaration towards the end.He made every effort to please the heroine on their wedding day.She wore his mother's wedding dress and jewelry, and had a fireworks display as she once told him that they made her happy.
The epilogue took place 10 years later when our hero is being crowned King and the heroine is 9 months pregnant with their 4th child,this one a longed for girl that he wanted.Her water broke during the ceremony and he picked her up in his arms and led her off to birth their baby.
Very satisfied with this one.
Next book in this series is by Caitlin Crews,and it is about the absconded bride Sophie and her mysterious Italian.
The hero Earl/desert Prince Dal knew that the heroine Poppy knew what was going on and he corners her after the aborted wedding to demand what was going on and who the mysterious abductor was.Poppy,loyal to her best friend,and loyal to her boss was torn about what to do.Dal,devious man that he is,plans to take Poppy away to his secluded desert castle and seduce the truth from her.He knows that it will be easy because he is aware of Poppy's feelings and plans to take full advantage of it.He feels that she is a mild and meek miss,sensitive ,and easy to get her feelings hurt and a crying water pot.Dal is also in desperate need of a wife before his upcoming birthday or he will loose his Earldom as stipulated by his deceased bipolar father.He had daddy and mommy issues too,he was the spare to the heir, but the heir now as both his brother and mother died in an accident which then put his young life in turmoil leading him to live with his "mad" father and estrangement from his Arab mother's family.(His grandfather is the king of the country).
I enjoyed this story.At first,I had a hard time liking Poppy as she in my opinion ,deliberately set out to break up her boss and her best friend.She wanted what was best for each and in her own way,she thought that she was doing what was right for them.She wanted her best friend to find true love and she knew that the hero was not it.She also wanted love and happiness for the hero.At first,Poppy came across as a weak heroine,but the more I read on,she truly was not and was an equal match to the hero.Her character blossomed from a mild frumpy dumpy young woman to a more assured and beautiful woman,all hidden before .And even though her best friend was all set to marry the hero,she never acted on her feelings and stayed in the background till that fateful night in Monty when her bestie had her ons,there for cheating on the hero.
The hero I liked.He knew that Poppy had feelings for him,but he never took advantage of her,he was celibate in his engagement for 5 1/2 years to his fiancee and was always the gentleman. He did not love the fiancee.He also said that the heroine is the only one he trusted,and the only one to make him laugh and feel a sense of happiness.I loved how he showed his feelings to the heroine even though he never said the words till the big declaration towards the end.He made every effort to please the heroine on their wedding day.She wore his mother's wedding dress and jewelry, and had a fireworks display as she once told him that they made her happy.
The epilogue took place 10 years later when our hero is being crowned King and the heroine is 9 months pregnant with their 4th child,this one a longed for girl that he wanted.Her water broke during the ceremony and he picked her up in his arms and led her off to birth their baby.
Very satisfied with this one.
Next book in this series is by Caitlin Crews,and it is about the absconded bride Sophie and her mysterious Italian.
August 29, 2018
This was a mixed bag of elements. The story opens with the English aristocrat/ Desert Royalty hero being jilted at the altar. His loyal secretary (and bff to the runaway bride) has engineered the bride's escape. Hero needs to be married by his 35th birthday to inherit his English title and lands so he decides on the spot that he will 'kidnap' his secretary and marry her. He knows she has a crush on him and he likes her, (even though he is angry about being jilted), so they will marry in his mother's home kingdom in the desert.
So we have a secretary/boss scenario. A jilted groom scenario. A man coming to terms with his dual identity and his painful past. And unrequited love for the boss.
It kinda/sorta worked. But I thought there was a lot of repetition in the middle:
Heroine - I want to marry for love
Hero - I don't do love because my father was emotional and I learned to turn off my emotions.
Rinse. Repeat.
H/h were okay, I guess. Heroine was a virgin and tried not to be a doormat, but that's pretty much her personality. Hero was celibate for five and a half years - the length of time he was engaged and didn't have sex with his virgin fiance. I don't know if I believe in character like this. He was pretty shut down from most feelings - including sexual ones - until he let himself go with the heroine.
That bit about his father also bothered me. He was bi-polar (hero just says "mentally ill" with bouts of mania and depression) and he ruined his son's life by being volatile. I found this triggering and depressing since my son was just diagnosed with bi-polar disorder this Spring. I probably wouldn't have read this if I had known this particular mental health condition was going to be a plot point. Not because I quiver at every mention of bi-polar - I've been reading all kinds of books and articles, but because the disorder is shown in such a negative light. The story left me feeling vaguely depressed rather than happy and that's not what I want in an HP.
So we have a secretary/boss scenario. A jilted groom scenario. A man coming to terms with his dual identity and his painful past. And unrequited love for the boss.
It kinda/sorta worked. But I thought there was a lot of repetition in the middle:
Heroine - I want to marry for love
Hero - I don't do love because my father was emotional and I learned to turn off my emotions.
Rinse. Repeat.
H/h were okay, I guess. Heroine was a virgin and tried not to be a doormat, but that's pretty much her personality. Hero was celibate for five and a half years - the length of time he was engaged and didn't have sex with his virgin fiance. I don't know if I believe in character like this. He was pretty shut down from most feelings - including sexual ones - until he let himself go with the heroine.
That bit about his father also bothered me. He was bi-polar (hero just says "mentally ill" with bouts of mania and depression) and he ruined his son's life by being volatile. I found this triggering and depressing since my son was just diagnosed with bi-polar disorder this Spring. I probably wouldn't have read this if I had known this particular mental health condition was going to be a plot point. Not because I quiver at every mention of bi-polar - I've been reading all kinds of books and articles, but because the disorder is shown in such a negative light. The story left me feeling vaguely depressed rather than happy and that's not what I want in an HP.
June 6, 2018
I really liked Poppy! Sweet heroine but strong and kind.
Dal, well he definitely needed Poppy in his life and she made him evolve into a hero in my eyes.
Nice change having the hero left at the alter for once. 😂
Good pacing and like the premise of the story.
Looking forward to Sophie’s story next.
Dal, well he definitely needed Poppy in his life and she made him evolve into a hero in my eyes.
Nice change having the hero left at the alter for once. 😂
Good pacing and like the premise of the story.
Looking forward to Sophie’s story next.
September 4, 2018
King, Earl and Sheik all in one package
Okay this guy was a lot of things but one thing he was not was an iceman. He had a heart the entire time he was engaged to Sophie from the 2nd book and he had a bigger heart for Poppy, the h from this book. I felt that he loved her from the start. I liked how he toyed with her over his bride list. He knew he was going to marry Poppy from the start. He just threw those other names in to make her jealous. And it worked. I did get a little annoyed when she wanted to leave near the end because he never said the 'words' but his actions were such that she should have known it. The epilogue was wonderful. I like when you see them several years ahead and they are happy with children. This was no exception. I felt it was slowest times and that is why I gave it only three stars. But it is a good book. Just not amazing for me. I am glad I read it. Nice to see a celibate hero too for a change. He was a great guy actually. Not what I thought he would be after reading Sophies story!
Okay this guy was a lot of things but one thing he was not was an iceman. He had a heart the entire time he was engaged to Sophie from the 2nd book and he had a bigger heart for Poppy, the h from this book. I felt that he loved her from the start. I liked how he toyed with her over his bride list. He knew he was going to marry Poppy from the start. He just threw those other names in to make her jealous. And it worked. I did get a little annoyed when she wanted to leave near the end because he never said the 'words' but his actions were such that she should have known it. The epilogue was wonderful. I like when you see them several years ahead and they are happy with children. This was no exception. I felt it was slowest times and that is why I gave it only three stars. But it is a good book. Just not amazing for me. I am glad I read it. Nice to see a celibate hero too for a change. He was a great guy actually. Not what I thought he would be after reading Sophies story!
September 16, 2018
Somebody needs to give me a medal of participation for reading this entire book because it was excruciatingly boring. Not sure if I want to read the second book but I'll put on my TBR shelf since it's a different writer.
November 16, 2021
Kidnapped for His Royal Duty began with drama. My attention was captured. Soon I grew frustrated with the heroine. She refused to tell the hero why she helped his fiance and her lover. Then I was frustrated when the heroine kept pushing away from the hero even tho she was in love with him. I was even frustrated by what made her love the hero...his charity works and political works. Those are shallow things to spark emotional love feelings...I did not feel the love or even chemistry.
I did like how much time the heroine and hero spent talking and getting to know each other on a personal level when they were in Gila. I did like there was an epilogue. Unfortunately, the storytelling lost its dramatic tone and became very sluggish.
I did like how much time the heroine and hero spent talking and getting to know each other on a personal level when they were in Gila. I did like there was an epilogue. Unfortunately, the storytelling lost its dramatic tone and became very sluggish.
October 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I was a bit frustrated with Poppy, the heroine, and her redundancy throughout the book. It all worked out well and had a beautiful conclusion.
This book was Book One in a Duopoly and I definitely recommend this book as well as Book Two.
This is a safe book.
This book was Book One in a Duopoly and I definitely recommend this book as well as Book Two.
This is a safe book.
June 14, 2018
lovely and enjoyable ❤
June 5, 2018
Oh no! What happened? Did I purchase a book from Jane Potter instead of Jane Porter? Nope, this book was indeed written by Jane Porter. WTF happened? Until now, I have loved everything she has written. I am totally perplexed. This book was truly awful!
First, there was our hero, Dal, or was that Randall (fifth Earl of Langston), or Sheikh Talal, Prince Talal or just Tal - so many names, so bloody ridiculous! The primary name - Dal - just didn't gel with me at all. If I had a word copy of this book, I'd so a quick find/replace with a name I did like. The heroine IMO was insipid - I'm being really generous here. "I love him, he'll never love me!" "I can't sleep with someone who doesn't love me" (she managed ok with a ring on her finger though). Even the much anticipated "coupling" was held back to just near the end of the book (80's theme?).
Marking this one "never to be read again".
First, there was our hero, Dal, or was that Randall (fifth Earl of Langston), or Sheikh Talal, Prince Talal or just Tal - so many names, so bloody ridiculous! The primary name - Dal - just didn't gel with me at all. If I had a word copy of this book, I'd so a quick find/replace with a name I did like. The heroine IMO was insipid - I'm being really generous here. "I love him, he'll never love me!" "I can't sleep with someone who doesn't love me" (she managed ok with a ring on her finger though). Even the much anticipated "coupling" was held back to just near the end of the book (80's theme?).
Marking this one "never to be read again".
January 19, 2021
Intriga užsimezga jau nuo pirmo puslapio, o tai skatina skaityti toliau ir toliau. Buvo sunku padėti knygą į šoną, nes norėjosi sužinoti, kas vyks toliau. Labai nudžiugino, kad Delas pagal zodiaką Vėžys kaip ir aš. Tad puikiai supratau jo rūpestį šeimai ir tvardomas emocijas. O Popė nors ir jautri, bet užsispyrusi . Tad jie puikiai vienas kita tinka. Vienas minusas- Popė labai ilgai laužėsi- praktiškai visą knygą. Tai įkyrėjo. Bet vestuvinė naktis pakėlė viską į kitą lygį....
March 25, 2019
I’ve been on a lucky streak with my choice of books recently. And this is one of the better choices.
I adore books that are light and funny and sweet. And this one checked all of those boxes.
Poppy’s best friend was engaged to marry Dal, Poppy’s boss. Their families made an agreement years earlier and even though the couple didn’t care about each other, they still planned on going through with the wedding. Until Poppy stepped in.
On the wedding day, in the church as she is walking down the aisle, with hundreds of people watching, another man walks in, throws the bride over his shoulder and walks out with her. Leaving Dal standing at the alter.
And Poppy was responsible. And Dal knew it. So, in retaliation, he kidnaps Poppy to get the truth. And he’s angry. Because he needs to be married in 2 weeks to adhere to the terms of his father’s will. And Poppy was responsible for him losing his bride.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Poppy and Dal. She was so open, honest and emotional and he was the complete opposite.
She loved him from afar while he was engaged to her best friend, but now that that ended, she refused to see him with anyone else.
He respected Poppy and was the person that he trusted most. What he didn’t realize was how much he needed her and her open emotions.
I had fun reading this book and found it truly delightful. It’s a book that I will read again.
I adore books that are light and funny and sweet. And this one checked all of those boxes.
Poppy’s best friend was engaged to marry Dal, Poppy’s boss. Their families made an agreement years earlier and even though the couple didn’t care about each other, they still planned on going through with the wedding. Until Poppy stepped in.
On the wedding day, in the church as she is walking down the aisle, with hundreds of people watching, another man walks in, throws the bride over his shoulder and walks out with her. Leaving Dal standing at the alter.
And Poppy was responsible. And Dal knew it. So, in retaliation, he kidnaps Poppy to get the truth. And he’s angry. Because he needs to be married in 2 weeks to adhere to the terms of his father’s will. And Poppy was responsible for him losing his bride.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Poppy and Dal. She was so open, honest and emotional and he was the complete opposite.
She loved him from afar while he was engaged to her best friend, but now that that ended, she refused to see him with anyone else.
He respected Poppy and was the person that he trusted most. What he didn’t realize was how much he needed her and her open emotions.
I had fun reading this book and found it truly delightful. It’s a book that I will read again.
October 27, 2018
I like the plot, the writing style and even the MC, the 3 stars were because, i like the book but not enough to love it. I think it is similar with a vanilla ice cream, it's fine and cool but plain. It could have been better with a touch of a strawberry flavor or something (don't mind my analogy, I'm hungry:/ )
May 17, 2018
Sweet Poppy, I think her subconscious knew way before her heart did.
And Dal, he was a man, yes he was royalty but first and foremost he was a man, but he did everything he could to fulfill his legacy.
Both Poppy and Dal had me from the first and their chemistry made this a decadent start to the series.
If there is an award for best epilogue I would like to nominate this one.
And Dal, he was a man, yes he was royalty but first and foremost he was a man, but he did everything he could to fulfill his legacy.
Both Poppy and Dal had me from the first and their chemistry made this a decadent start to the series.
If there is an award for best epilogue I would like to nominate this one.
November 24, 2018
Jane Porter has delivered yet again another fantastic book that had me hooked from start to finished. At times, I put it down but had to go back again. She has mad writing skills. And yes, they waited for the sex but the chemistry between them was hot.
HOWEVER, yes I'm shouting. It did take me time to get into it because I didn't get the twist, and there is a slight anti-English sentiment running through it. And I got confused with the blurb because the hero starts out as an Earl and ends up a Sheilkh. Also, I'm surprised Poppy wouldn't have been about to tell Dal's original at least from his complexion or colouring, I assume he'll have been at least olive skinned. Just saying.
At first I thought the team had got the blurb wrong (it's happened before with a harlequin book, like the blurb was written before revisions, and not revised for the finished book. Yes.) Normally I don't read the Sheikh tropes because I can't shake off the political or cultural reality that is romanticised for fiction. So I rarely read them, maybe one in a blue moon but still.
Why the mixed reviews here?
Personally I think (this is only an assumption and a feeling), Mills & Boon (Harlequin) editors have started to dictate the themes and tropes their writers should write, especially with the bundles or series. This has affected the story telling quality because it appears the writers no longer have a creative free rein if they are writing to market or brief.
Come on, Harlequin Editors, where is the variety of themes and tropes in the stories? Some stupidness happening which is why I only read them once in while, or mostly read back copies. Oh well, if it works for a business point of view....
Yes, I understand you have different imprints but ya'll killing your trade but doing this. And the covers are ugly. I don't want to put the lovely models out of a job but nah, they spoil my reading experience. Ugh. I can't. Especially the UK M&B covers. Nah. Rant over....
Back to the book
Great writing, good escapism however if fans have read a Jane Porter doing her JP thing (without Harlequin dictating the trope - my assumption), then there may be mixed reviews. However a great one for those who have never read her because she is one of Queens of Romance...
HOWEVER, yes I'm shouting. It did take me time to get into it because I didn't get the twist, and there is a slight anti-English sentiment running through it. And I got confused with the blurb because the hero starts out as an Earl and ends up a Sheilkh. Also, I'm surprised Poppy wouldn't have been about to tell Dal's original at least from his complexion or colouring, I assume he'll have been at least olive skinned. Just saying.
At first I thought the team had got the blurb wrong (it's happened before with a harlequin book, like the blurb was written before revisions, and not revised for the finished book. Yes.) Normally I don't read the Sheikh tropes because I can't shake off the political or cultural reality that is romanticised for fiction. So I rarely read them, maybe one in a blue moon but still.
Why the mixed reviews here?
Personally I think (this is only an assumption and a feeling), Mills & Boon (Harlequin) editors have started to dictate the themes and tropes their writers should write, especially with the bundles or series. This has affected the story telling quality because it appears the writers no longer have a creative free rein if they are writing to market or brief.
Come on, Harlequin Editors, where is the variety of themes and tropes in the stories? Some stupidness happening which is why I only read them once in while, or mostly read back copies. Oh well, if it works for a business point of view....
Yes, I understand you have different imprints but ya'll killing your trade but doing this. And the covers are ugly. I don't want to put the lovely models out of a job but nah, they spoil my reading experience. Ugh. I can't. Especially the UK M&B covers. Nah. Rant over....
Back to the book
Great writing, good escapism however if fans have read a Jane Porter doing her JP thing (without Harlequin dictating the trope - my assumption), then there may be mixed reviews. However a great one for those who have never read her because she is one of Queens of Romance...
October 30, 2018
Randall (Dal) Grant, the sixth Earl of Langston, is furious with his secretary Poppy Marr. Why? Because her guilty expression leads him to believe that she is the one behind his bride's disappearance from the altar, and what a spectacular disappearance it was (the bride's story is there in the second book of this duology, The Bride's Baby of Shame by Caitlin Crews). Just as he starts to question her, she is on the verge of a panic attack.
Sophie is Poppy's best friend, who has always had her back since school days. When Poppy sees that Sophie isn't happy with her upcoming wedding, she decides to send a letter to Renzo Crisanti, who comes and whisks away Sophie.
While on his father's side, Randall is the Earl; on his mother's side, he belongs to Mehkar, a desert country. Now, that was an interesting twist, which is somewhat evident from the blurb, and the book title, but still come as a nice surprise! Not giving out any spoilers here, it's a very interesting, and a very unique read.
Because of the problems she has, which Dal doesn't know about, he always describes her as weepy. He decides to seduce her, takes her to his special, secluded, place, to marry her, in order to keep his promises to his father. Randall has lost too many caring relations, too young in his life, which has hardened him. Not only by death, but by desertion too.
A book of many firsts, after Dal's mixed heritage, comes an early reveal in the story of Poppy's feelings for Dal, on his face! The way Dal opens up to Poppy about his feelings later, and the banter they share, is very endearing, and funny, to read. And their chats regarding Dal's future wife were hilarious.
It has a great epilogue ten years down the line.
Sophie is Poppy's best friend, who has always had her back since school days. When Poppy sees that Sophie isn't happy with her upcoming wedding, she decides to send a letter to Renzo Crisanti, who comes and whisks away Sophie.
While on his father's side, Randall is the Earl; on his mother's side, he belongs to Mehkar, a desert country. Now, that was an interesting twist, which is somewhat evident from the blurb, and the book title, but still come as a nice surprise! Not giving out any spoilers here, it's a very interesting, and a very unique read.
Because of the problems she has, which Dal doesn't know about, he always describes her as weepy. He decides to seduce her, takes her to his special, secluded, place, to marry her, in order to keep his promises to his father. Randall has lost too many caring relations, too young in his life, which has hardened him. Not only by death, but by desertion too.
A book of many firsts, after Dal's mixed heritage, comes an early reveal in the story of Poppy's feelings for Dal, on his face! The way Dal opens up to Poppy about his feelings later, and the banter they share, is very endearing, and funny, to read. And their chats regarding Dal's future wife were hilarious.
It has a great epilogue ten years down the line.
June 2, 2018
Left at the altar on his wedding day, the Earl of Langston, Randall "Dal" Grant flees England to the Kingdom of Mehkar with his secretary Poppy in tow. He needs to be married by his thirty-fifth birthday to inherit the rest of the entailed estate, and he's running out of time.
Poppy has secretly loved her boss--the man, not his title--for years. Dal's solution--marry Poppy! She will only marry for love, mutual love, and refuses, even after learning Dal is also Tal, a prince of the kingdom. Poppy tries to break through the heart of Dal, but he's not a man of emotion.
With the deadline looming, Poppy concedes to marriage, even if love is one-sided. As his wife, she's feels like a woman with no place--no job, nothing to keep her busy, unappreciated--and demands to leave. Tal must find a way to keep his wife and prove his love before it's too late! Loved the story and highly recommend.
Poppy has secretly loved her boss--the man, not his title--for years. Dal's solution--marry Poppy! She will only marry for love, mutual love, and refuses, even after learning Dal is also Tal, a prince of the kingdom. Poppy tries to break through the heart of Dal, but he's not a man of emotion.
With the deadline looming, Poppy concedes to marriage, even if love is one-sided. As his wife, she's feels like a woman with no place--no job, nothing to keep her busy, unappreciated--and demands to leave. Tal must find a way to keep his wife and prove his love before it's too late! Loved the story and highly recommend.
June 3, 2018
Loved this story! Get ready to be whisked away to the exotic Kingdom of Mehkar. The Earl of Langston, Randall "Dal" has been left at the alter on his wedding day so he has now taken his secretary, Poppy to his kingdom. He needs to find a bride in two weeks to fulfill a promise he made to his dad years ago. The perfect solution to his problem is to marry Poppy, only to convince Poppy of this. Little did he know that Poppy has always had a secret crush on him.
Loved the flow of this story! Great characters, loved their banter between each other, I felt like I could hear their voices in my head. Great epilogue!! I highly recommend this story
Loved the flow of this story! Great characters, loved their banter between each other, I felt like I could hear their voices in my head. Great epilogue!! I highly recommend this story
June 3, 2018
Naughtiness 3*
Absolutely Fantastic Book, Jane is a fairly new author to me but I will most definitely be collecting more of her books I was blown away. This book has everything you can want and more.
I won't give spoilers but will say this, there is feistiness, naughtiness in equal measure, an amazing story a Heroine and hero you can completely connect with an even some humour literally laughed out loud at a certain point I will not spoil but I thought it was brilliant and recommend it.
Thank you Jane for writing this awesome book.
Absolutely Fantastic Book, Jane is a fairly new author to me but I will most definitely be collecting more of her books I was blown away. This book has everything you can want and more.
I won't give spoilers but will say this, there is feistiness, naughtiness in equal measure, an amazing story a Heroine and hero you can completely connect with an even some humour literally laughed out loud at a certain point I will not spoil but I thought it was brilliant and recommend it.
Thank you Jane for writing this awesome book.
May 23, 2018
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book.
Kidnapped for His Royal Duty by Jane Porter. I've read and enjoyed other books by Jane Porter and this one didn't disappoint me. I enjoyed the character development and the setting this story took place in. Loved the first line of the book it pulled me in, "The bride was gone, hauled from the chapel the way a victorious warrior carried the spoils from war."
I look forward to reading more books by Jane Porter.
Kidnapped for His Royal Duty by Jane Porter. I've read and enjoyed other books by Jane Porter and this one didn't disappoint me. I enjoyed the character development and the setting this story took place in. Loved the first line of the book it pulled me in, "The bride was gone, hauled from the chapel the way a victorious warrior carried the spoils from war."
I look forward to reading more books by Jane Porter.
August 27, 2020
This has MAJOR, MAJOR, MAJOR Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
Second warning: this is more of a plot summary than an actual review. So if you don’t want to know what happens in the book then STOP here now. Finally warning.
Loved. Loved. Loved.
This book was just utter perfection. Every moment I spent reading this book was just an absolute delight and pleasure. It had everything right going for it from the first word to the final. I was consumed with it the entire time. I don’t think I will be able to justice to just how good this was with this review, but I am going to try.
The story started off with a bang with the prologue as Randall Grant’s aka Dal intended bride got abducted by another man, Renzo, right from the chapel when I believe she was walking down the aisle to Dal. The twist being that the bridesmaid, Poppy, who was Sophie (intended bride) best friend and Dal’s secretary for the past four years, was the one who that sent a note to Renzo of Sophie’s upcoming wedding to Dal. Poppy knew that something had happened between Sophie and Renzo a few weeks back, and Sophie hadn’t been herself ever since. Poppy knew that this was no love match between Dal and Sophie, which Poppy believed that neither one of them deserved a loveless and unhappy marriage so Poppy thought she would bring a little happiness into Sophie’s life by informing Renzo of the wedding since it was apparent something paramount happened between Renzo and Sophie. So, Poppy really got the ball rolling, jumping right into the action. Oh, and to top it all off Poppy had been in love with Dal for the past four years ever since she started working with him, which just added another depth and layer to the complication. Heck, of a first chapter that really just gave the story a great setup and a heck of punch to the beginning of a story. I freaking loved that.
Once the dust settled from the busted wedding, Dal was furious, but he was even more furious because he knew that Poppy knew something about Renzo coming to his wedding to steal his bride. Wanting to get to the bottom of this, he confronted her while she denied knowing anything, which then created quite a nice little battle between them that soon created a fun cat and mouse game between them. This carried on for a good portion of the book as Dal was trying to figure out why Poppy did this, which he considered an act of betrayal that deeply wounded him because she thought she had loyalty to him. So, there was a great amount of head butting between the two.
Even though he was furious with Poppy, he vowed to make Poppy his new bride due to the fact he had to marry due to the fact that his father stated his will that Dal had to in order to inherit the title of Earl and everything that went along with it. Dal figured he had to do that in order to fulfill his promise to his father. So, he vowed that now Poppy would be his choice of bride. He figured he would have no problem doing so since he knew Poppy was in love with him even if he had to seduce her, which he thought would be no problem due to her feelings for him.
But Poppy didn’t make it easy. In fact she fought as hard as she could against the notion of marriage to Dal, knowing this wasn’t going to be a love marriage between them when that was what she wanted most in the world with him. Again that back and forth came again as he kept trying to convince her to his side, but she didn’t make it easy for him all, puzzling to him.
What I loved about this was while he was aiming to convince her of marriage to him, they had some really nice intimate and honest communication between them that got really intense and really deep between them. Not just feelings for each other, but feelings about how they viewed themselves, life, their own feelings, family, and just things in general. The each showed different sides to each other that they never showed before because they aimed to keep their relationship strictly professional plus he had been betrothed to her best friend. So, they were really learning about each other, and what made the other tick. What I felt while reading it was that they were falling in love with each other the more they got to know each other and got to the nitty gritty of their being. I thought was awesome. I loved that so much. It really made that great part of their romantic journey together.
It wasn’t only the emotional part though that was growing and intensifying, but it was the physical too. Yes, Dal was intent on seducing her by touching her lightly or getting in personal space, but it was more than that to. It was that awareness that kept building and growing between them the more time that they spent together. It was subtle, yet intense. It so freaking good. It built up the anticipation between the two of them perfectly. It really just increased anticipation and intensity between the two once that emotional foundation had grown between them. It was just done really well I thought. I loved that it took time before they got physical with each other. It was paced really, really nicely. It didn’t seemed dragged out or overly long. It was just right. I loved it.
Once they got into the desert, which was Dal’s mother’s home country, then it got really romantic. Part that was the seduction, but it was more than that. It was how the settings were described in such a beautiful language. The dresses that she wore were just so elegant, delicate added to the romance. I had a bit of an aww moment when one of the dresses was described when Poppy was trying to choose a dress, and the person help her suggested it the dress with poppies on since that was her name. That just touched my heart so much and put smile on my face when the servant said that. It was also meaningful because this was the first time Poppy was wearing those dresses to meet for her dinner date with Dal. The date nights like they had at dinner were eloquently described. It just really put me in the mood for romance while reading those descriptors, which gave off that romantic setting. It was great ambience, and I felt like I was right there with Dal and Poppy in the desert.
The seduction in the desert was so steamy and hot as Dal pulled out all the stops. Not that he didn’t want it too because he did very much, but he really knew how to draw her in and enjoy the pleasure that he could give her. Also just show off how chemistry they truly had together. That pool scene was something else. It was a fanning type of scene. It was so erotic, so sensual, so steamy, intense, yet emotional as well as Poppy’s fantasies for Dal were finally coming true. Her love was very firmly in her heart with every brush of his fingers, kisses on her lips, and pleasure brought to her entire body. The only reason that she responded to the pleasure like that was because it was him. It was amazing. It showed off their connection both emotionally and physically. It was a big scene for both of them as they realized what they could have together. It was great.
Eventually she did give into him, and the proceeded to get married. What touched me the most was what she thought was just going to be a simple civil service actually turned out to be this big celebration with a huge dinner and party as a surprise for her. She met his family members and was really enfolded into the mix. It put such a smile on my face and filled me with joy as she met his grandfather for the first time. It was really nice special moment. But it didn’t end there because Dal surprised her with fireworks because he remember when she told him years back that fireworks made her happy. That made me swoon so hard because it really showed how he cared about her and wanted to make this as special of a day for as he possibly could. It was wonderful.
As was the first time scene. That scene was just omg. It was written really well with its evocative language that brought me into the scene. The feelings that Poppy was feeling was portrayed really well, showing over her first time not only in general, but by being with him while knowing that she loved him, yet he didn’t love her. She was just nervous to have all her emotions on display to him as well as giving him that power over her mind, body, and soul. Just being vulnerable in general. Even though she wanted to be with him so badly, she struggled and that handled really well. Just the whole beauty of the scene was excellently done with the wording. When she did go out to him the first time in her sexy nightgown, he was on the couch, sensing she was nervous in the moment he told her to come to him. Not gonna lie I got choked up at this point because I thought what was going to happen was that there cuddle for a little bit before going into the main event because she told him that was what she wanted to do with her partner at night and just enjoy being with each other. That didn’t happen, but it still hit pretty hard that caused me to have a strong emotional reaction to what I thought was going to happen. Though they didn’t cuddle at that moment, he still gently took her in his arms and slowly started to kiss her. He never rushed her. He comforted her. He made sure she was feeling the ultimate pleasure that she knew that he found her sexy, sensual and beautiful. He allowed her to take some of the lead as they began this sensual journey together. It was so beautiful. So special. It had to be the ultimate wedding night scene that was made of fantasies. It was one of my favorite Presents wedding night scenes that I have ever read. It was that good. It was just the full experience and an all encompassing scene.
My heart broke a little bit when during the after glow scene she told him that she loved him, but he didn’t say it back to her. I could feel her heart breaking in that moment after this life changing experience she just had, and she wanted to express what she was feeling in that moment. She just couldn’t not say it after she felt that closeness to him. To be fair to him though, he didn’t get up and walk away, but instead cuddled her closer and asked her if that day was special for her. In a way that was his way of having emotional closeness with her even if that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. He tried in his own way to connect with her., which was nice. I think he was just overwhelmed with everything he was feeling as well because by that point I was pretty sure he was in love with her and had been for a long time even if he didn’t admit it yet.
It became very clear what he feelings for her were at the end when she wanted to leave the desert and go back to England without him. As soon as she said those words to him, I could see his amour really crack and how devastated he was at the thought of her leaving him. It broke him a little I think. It was his wake up call that he knew he couldn’t hide what was in his heart for her anymore. He apologized for disappointing her, but he was still learning because this was all new to him. His father instilled and bullied him not to be the sensitive, feeling child he was before his brother and mother were killed in a car accident. His father basically berated him for being so emotionally so Dal learned to cut off his emotions and just be numb to anything having to do with feelings. So, he had to relearn how to embrace his emotions and bask in them, speak them, accept them, and show them. Poppy would embrace them and never turn those feelings away from her, but Dal was still getting that after being numb for so many years. So, it wasn’t overnight process for him. He vowed to do better and go with her to England because he didn’t want to live without her. It was really the moment that became fully alive once he said those words to her. He was willing to do anything for his marriage and work in order to make it successful because he just felt so much for her in his heart and had for a long time. Plus he did a big grand gesture there, and though it was predictable no less impactful as he showed her what he did for her. It was so beautiful, emotional, and special that it really made my heart soar. I loved it so much. It just brought a very satisfying end to not only their love stories, but their individual stories as well. It was so good.
This was a lot more amazing stuff that happened that I didn’t even talk about because then this review would be ridiculously long. Every word, every sentence, and just everything was absolutely amazing about this story. It made me feel good while reading it. It gave me all the feels I was looking for. I was swept by the story, the romance, and the characters. I loved the writing because it brought such evocative reactions in me as well as made me feel right there on the romantic journey with them. I loved the romance that was in here. I loved how the story was built and paced as Dal and Poppy went on this amazing journey together. There was good passion between them. I loved that they had some subtle moment then some really intense ones. There were moment of affection and tenderness in here. It just really packed an emotional punch for me that made me have tears my eyes as well as choking up at a certain point. It just touched my heart so much. I loved. Loved. Loved. I don’t think I can say that enough. It was that mind blowing for me. I will definitely being reading this again because I enjoyed the journey that I went on so, so much. I can’t say enough good things about this one.
Highly recommend for Presents lovers, and lovers of sweeping, emotional, romantic, intense, epic romances because I think this will fit the bill for you.
Second warning: this is more of a plot summary than an actual review. So if you don’t want to know what happens in the book then STOP here now. Finally warning.
Loved. Loved. Loved.
This book was just utter perfection. Every moment I spent reading this book was just an absolute delight and pleasure. It had everything right going for it from the first word to the final. I was consumed with it the entire time. I don’t think I will be able to justice to just how good this was with this review, but I am going to try.
The story started off with a bang with the prologue as Randall Grant’s aka Dal intended bride got abducted by another man, Renzo, right from the chapel when I believe she was walking down the aisle to Dal. The twist being that the bridesmaid, Poppy, who was Sophie (intended bride) best friend and Dal’s secretary for the past four years, was the one who that sent a note to Renzo of Sophie’s upcoming wedding to Dal. Poppy knew that something had happened between Sophie and Renzo a few weeks back, and Sophie hadn’t been herself ever since. Poppy knew that this was no love match between Dal and Sophie, which Poppy believed that neither one of them deserved a loveless and unhappy marriage so Poppy thought she would bring a little happiness into Sophie’s life by informing Renzo of the wedding since it was apparent something paramount happened between Renzo and Sophie. So, Poppy really got the ball rolling, jumping right into the action. Oh, and to top it all off Poppy had been in love with Dal for the past four years ever since she started working with him, which just added another depth and layer to the complication. Heck, of a first chapter that really just gave the story a great setup and a heck of punch to the beginning of a story. I freaking loved that.
Once the dust settled from the busted wedding, Dal was furious, but he was even more furious because he knew that Poppy knew something about Renzo coming to his wedding to steal his bride. Wanting to get to the bottom of this, he confronted her while she denied knowing anything, which then created quite a nice little battle between them that soon created a fun cat and mouse game between them. This carried on for a good portion of the book as Dal was trying to figure out why Poppy did this, which he considered an act of betrayal that deeply wounded him because she thought she had loyalty to him. So, there was a great amount of head butting between the two.
Even though he was furious with Poppy, he vowed to make Poppy his new bride due to the fact he had to marry due to the fact that his father stated his will that Dal had to in order to inherit the title of Earl and everything that went along with it. Dal figured he had to do that in order to fulfill his promise to his father. So, he vowed that now Poppy would be his choice of bride. He figured he would have no problem doing so since he knew Poppy was in love with him even if he had to seduce her, which he thought would be no problem due to her feelings for him.
But Poppy didn’t make it easy. In fact she fought as hard as she could against the notion of marriage to Dal, knowing this wasn’t going to be a love marriage between them when that was what she wanted most in the world with him. Again that back and forth came again as he kept trying to convince her to his side, but she didn’t make it easy for him all, puzzling to him.
What I loved about this was while he was aiming to convince her of marriage to him, they had some really nice intimate and honest communication between them that got really intense and really deep between them. Not just feelings for each other, but feelings about how they viewed themselves, life, their own feelings, family, and just things in general. The each showed different sides to each other that they never showed before because they aimed to keep their relationship strictly professional plus he had been betrothed to her best friend. So, they were really learning about each other, and what made the other tick. What I felt while reading it was that they were falling in love with each other the more they got to know each other and got to the nitty gritty of their being. I thought was awesome. I loved that so much. It really made that great part of their romantic journey together.
It wasn’t only the emotional part though that was growing and intensifying, but it was the physical too. Yes, Dal was intent on seducing her by touching her lightly or getting in personal space, but it was more than that to. It was that awareness that kept building and growing between them the more time that they spent together. It was subtle, yet intense. It so freaking good. It built up the anticipation between the two of them perfectly. It really just increased anticipation and intensity between the two once that emotional foundation had grown between them. It was just done really well I thought. I loved that it took time before they got physical with each other. It was paced really, really nicely. It didn’t seemed dragged out or overly long. It was just right. I loved it.
Once they got into the desert, which was Dal’s mother’s home country, then it got really romantic. Part that was the seduction, but it was more than that. It was how the settings were described in such a beautiful language. The dresses that she wore were just so elegant, delicate added to the romance. I had a bit of an aww moment when one of the dresses was described when Poppy was trying to choose a dress, and the person help her suggested it the dress with poppies on since that was her name. That just touched my heart so much and put smile on my face when the servant said that. It was also meaningful because this was the first time Poppy was wearing those dresses to meet for her dinner date with Dal. The date nights like they had at dinner were eloquently described. It just really put me in the mood for romance while reading those descriptors, which gave off that romantic setting. It was great ambience, and I felt like I was right there with Dal and Poppy in the desert.
The seduction in the desert was so steamy and hot as Dal pulled out all the stops. Not that he didn’t want it too because he did very much, but he really knew how to draw her in and enjoy the pleasure that he could give her. Also just show off how chemistry they truly had together. That pool scene was something else. It was a fanning type of scene. It was so erotic, so sensual, so steamy, intense, yet emotional as well as Poppy’s fantasies for Dal were finally coming true. Her love was very firmly in her heart with every brush of his fingers, kisses on her lips, and pleasure brought to her entire body. The only reason that she responded to the pleasure like that was because it was him. It was amazing. It showed off their connection both emotionally and physically. It was a big scene for both of them as they realized what they could have together. It was great.
Eventually she did give into him, and the proceeded to get married. What touched me the most was what she thought was just going to be a simple civil service actually turned out to be this big celebration with a huge dinner and party as a surprise for her. She met his family members and was really enfolded into the mix. It put such a smile on my face and filled me with joy as she met his grandfather for the first time. It was really nice special moment. But it didn’t end there because Dal surprised her with fireworks because he remember when she told him years back that fireworks made her happy. That made me swoon so hard because it really showed how he cared about her and wanted to make this as special of a day for as he possibly could. It was wonderful.
As was the first time scene. That scene was just omg. It was written really well with its evocative language that brought me into the scene. The feelings that Poppy was feeling was portrayed really well, showing over her first time not only in general, but by being with him while knowing that she loved him, yet he didn’t love her. She was just nervous to have all her emotions on display to him as well as giving him that power over her mind, body, and soul. Just being vulnerable in general. Even though she wanted to be with him so badly, she struggled and that handled really well. Just the whole beauty of the scene was excellently done with the wording. When she did go out to him the first time in her sexy nightgown, he was on the couch, sensing she was nervous in the moment he told her to come to him. Not gonna lie I got choked up at this point because I thought what was going to happen was that there cuddle for a little bit before going into the main event because she told him that was what she wanted to do with her partner at night and just enjoy being with each other. That didn’t happen, but it still hit pretty hard that caused me to have a strong emotional reaction to what I thought was going to happen. Though they didn’t cuddle at that moment, he still gently took her in his arms and slowly started to kiss her. He never rushed her. He comforted her. He made sure she was feeling the ultimate pleasure that she knew that he found her sexy, sensual and beautiful. He allowed her to take some of the lead as they began this sensual journey together. It was so beautiful. So special. It had to be the ultimate wedding night scene that was made of fantasies. It was one of my favorite Presents wedding night scenes that I have ever read. It was that good. It was just the full experience and an all encompassing scene.
My heart broke a little bit when during the after glow scene she told him that she loved him, but he didn’t say it back to her. I could feel her heart breaking in that moment after this life changing experience she just had, and she wanted to express what she was feeling in that moment. She just couldn’t not say it after she felt that closeness to him. To be fair to him though, he didn’t get up and walk away, but instead cuddled her closer and asked her if that day was special for her. In a way that was his way of having emotional closeness with her even if that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. He tried in his own way to connect with her., which was nice. I think he was just overwhelmed with everything he was feeling as well because by that point I was pretty sure he was in love with her and had been for a long time even if he didn’t admit it yet.
It became very clear what he feelings for her were at the end when she wanted to leave the desert and go back to England without him. As soon as she said those words to him, I could see his amour really crack and how devastated he was at the thought of her leaving him. It broke him a little I think. It was his wake up call that he knew he couldn’t hide what was in his heart for her anymore. He apologized for disappointing her, but he was still learning because this was all new to him. His father instilled and bullied him not to be the sensitive, feeling child he was before his brother and mother were killed in a car accident. His father basically berated him for being so emotionally so Dal learned to cut off his emotions and just be numb to anything having to do with feelings. So, he had to relearn how to embrace his emotions and bask in them, speak them, accept them, and show them. Poppy would embrace them and never turn those feelings away from her, but Dal was still getting that after being numb for so many years. So, it wasn’t overnight process for him. He vowed to do better and go with her to England because he didn’t want to live without her. It was really the moment that became fully alive once he said those words to her. He was willing to do anything for his marriage and work in order to make it successful because he just felt so much for her in his heart and had for a long time. Plus he did a big grand gesture there, and though it was predictable no less impactful as he showed her what he did for her. It was so beautiful, emotional, and special that it really made my heart soar. I loved it so much. It just brought a very satisfying end to not only their love stories, but their individual stories as well. It was so good.
This was a lot more amazing stuff that happened that I didn’t even talk about because then this review would be ridiculously long. Every word, every sentence, and just everything was absolutely amazing about this story. It made me feel good while reading it. It gave me all the feels I was looking for. I was swept by the story, the romance, and the characters. I loved the writing because it brought such evocative reactions in me as well as made me feel right there on the romantic journey with them. I loved the romance that was in here. I loved how the story was built and paced as Dal and Poppy went on this amazing journey together. There was good passion between them. I loved that they had some subtle moment then some really intense ones. There were moment of affection and tenderness in here. It just really packed an emotional punch for me that made me have tears my eyes as well as choking up at a certain point. It just touched my heart so much. I loved. Loved. Loved. I don’t think I can say that enough. It was that mind blowing for me. I will definitely being reading this again because I enjoyed the journey that I went on so, so much. I can’t say enough good things about this one.
Highly recommend for Presents lovers, and lovers of sweeping, emotional, romantic, intense, epic romances because I think this will fit the bill for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 1, 2018Miniseries: Stolen Brides
July 21, 2018
Jane Porter is one of my absolute favourite authors but this book was just awful. What happened?!? The internal monologues in the first 60 or so pages were tiresome and covered the same things over and over again. As for the rest of the book, it was dismal. Sorry, Jane, but it was below average.
June 9, 2018
3.5 Star Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
Having his bride whisked away by another man on his wedding day is a shock for desert prince Dal Grant. However, he’s not as heartbroken as he should be, and instead, finds himself doing the unthinkable in kidnapping his wonderful secretary, Poppy. Will Dal be able to convince Poppy to take a chance on him, especially since he needs her? Read More
May 18, 2018
Part of the Mills and Boon Modern imprint and the first in the Stolen Brides series. Kidnapped for His Royal Duty by Jane Porter is published on 31 May 2018. Randall Grant's (Dal) fiancée, Sophie, was stolen as she walked down aisle by her Sicilian one night stand, Renzo Cristanti (their story is told in the second novel in this series). As the 6th Earl of Langston he required and still requires a bride. He kidnaps Poppy Marr, his shy secretary, and returns to Mehkar to visit the King, his grandfather, where he has not set foot for nearly 20 years. Due to royal protocol, it is assumed Dal had returned to take up his position as heir to the throne - he is known as Prince Talal and that Poppy is his fiancée. Poppy has always been slightly in love with her sexy boss but will she agree to his royal proposal and be the queen of Mehkar and Dal's Heart?
This book is enjoyable but rather drawn out. It has the traditional heroine and slightly detached granite hero. The book is interesting as it shows the change in Dal from sexy businessman to King in waiting and how Poppy feels left behind and isolated as a consequence of these changes. It will be interesting to read the second book in the series - Baby of Shame by Caitlin Crews, due out next month to see how she Tells Sophie's story.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #kidnappedforhisroyalduty
August 19, 2018
I'll start with inconsistency.The King's name is once Mansur and once Hamid.
Also, there is no Egyptian language- the people speak Arabic there.
We never learn the name of Dal's mother or what was her age when she died in the car accident.Neither we know how old was her son Andrew at that time.
I got the feeling that Sophie's and Renzo's story should be the first, not the second in the series.
Dal is restrained in his feelings,looks like a cold fish to Poppy. He was abused (Physically or verbally, we doin't know ) by his father, the Ea or beingrl (what was his name ?age ? ).Dal wants to keep his promise to the Earl- to be married by his 35th birthday..with only 16 days left till the date, or he forfeits the title,the property and everything entailed.Dal was 11 at the time of the accident, the "spare" son.Suddenly he became the heir and his father cut off his mother's family from a small kingdom near Morocco.At 21 Dal met his grandfather again, but it wasn't a good meeting .Now there is a rift between Dal (aka Talalk, Tal ) and the king ,now 84 and a widower for many years.
Poppy tries to stay loyal to her friend Sophie, who was kidnapped from her wedding ceremony. Now Poppy treats Dal's proposal as a joke, but she does marry him.Only Poppy wants love, not a buseness arrangement or being a womb for hire. She feels stiffled in the palace and wants out....
A fun story .
Also, there is no Egyptian language- the people speak Arabic there.
We never learn the name of Dal's mother or what was her age when she died in the car accident.Neither we know how old was her son Andrew at that time.
I got the feeling that Sophie's and Renzo's story should be the first, not the second in the series.
Dal is restrained in his feelings,looks like a cold fish to Poppy. He was abused (Physically or verbally, we doin't know ) by his father, the Ea or beingrl (what was his name ?age ? ).Dal wants to keep his promise to the Earl- to be married by his 35th birthday..with only 16 days left till the date, or he forfeits the title,the property and everything entailed.Dal was 11 at the time of the accident, the "spare" son.Suddenly he became the heir and his father cut off his mother's family from a small kingdom near Morocco.At 21 Dal met his grandfather again, but it wasn't a good meeting .Now there is a rift between Dal (aka Talalk, Tal ) and the king ,now 84 and a widower for many years.
Poppy tries to stay loyal to her friend Sophie, who was kidnapped from her wedding ceremony. Now Poppy treats Dal's proposal as a joke, but she does marry him.Only Poppy wants love, not a buseness arrangement or being a womb for hire. She feels stiffled in the palace and wants out....
A fun story .
May 22, 2018
Poppy Marr was secretly in love with her boss, Randall "Dal" Grant even though he was engaged to her best friend, Sophie. Poppy knew neither of them would be happy with a marriage that was arranged by their parents, so she intervened even though she knew it wasn't the right thing to do.
Dal, the Sixth Earl of Langston made a promise to his father that he would marry before his thirty fifth birthday in order to keep his title and estates. When Sophie ran off on their wedding day with another man, he needed a wife quick, so he decided Poppy would be his next choice. He knew she would be a perfect wife and mother to his heirs. He just needed to convince her of it. So, he whisks her away to Mehkar where he could seduce her and convince her to marry him.
This book really took me away. With the vivid descriptions, the story was easy to visualize. I could easily picture the scenery, the home and the colorful wardrobe that Poppy would wear. Both characters seemed a bit stubborn and set in their ways, so it was fun to watch them finally learn to love, trust and put each other first. I especially liked the part where Dal tells Poppy he not only an Earl, but a prince too and would someday be the king of Mehkar. Could you imagine? This is Harlequin romance at its best.
Dal, the Sixth Earl of Langston made a promise to his father that he would marry before his thirty fifth birthday in order to keep his title and estates. When Sophie ran off on their wedding day with another man, he needed a wife quick, so he decided Poppy would be his next choice. He knew she would be a perfect wife and mother to his heirs. He just needed to convince her of it. So, he whisks her away to Mehkar where he could seduce her and convince her to marry him.
This book really took me away. With the vivid descriptions, the story was easy to visualize. I could easily picture the scenery, the home and the colorful wardrobe that Poppy would wear. Both characters seemed a bit stubborn and set in their ways, so it was fun to watch them finally learn to love, trust and put each other first. I especially liked the part where Dal tells Poppy he not only an Earl, but a prince too and would someday be the king of Mehkar. Could you imagine? This is Harlequin romance at its best.
June 3, 2018
I enjoy a story involving a marriage of convenience and Jane Porter has written a perfect gem. I loved the passionate romance between Dal, the desert Prince, and his sweet, innocent English secretary, Poppy. They seem to want different things. She dreams of a life with a man who loves and desires only her. While Dal wants to marry her so that he can possess and spoil her, but still keep his deepest emotions to himself. Can they overcome the problems that keep them from finding true love? I loved the fiery, chemistry between these two. I wanted them let down their barriers and open their hearts. Dal has so much love to give. I hoped he could overcome his father's cruel treatment and trust his heart. I loved the characters, their passionate dialogue and the exotic setting. Jane Porter made me believe that love can conquer all problems. When I finished reading Kidnapped For His Royal Duty, I was smiling and felt contented. Who could ask for more!
July 26, 2018
I will rate this 2.5 stars. I usually love Jane Porter's novels ( in particular, His Merciless Marriage Bargain which I have read a couple of times) but I didn't care for the H much at all. In The Bride's Baby of Shame, book one of the Stolen Bride's series, Dal is portrayed as a cool, ruthless man marrying out of convenience and family loyalty. In Kidnapped for His Royal Duty, I found him almost wimp like. He backed down many times to Poppy, not a forceful and confident H. I did adore Poppy and all her spunk and intelligence. One thing that really bugs me about these romances is the cover picture of the characters- I do not picture them looking like that in my mind at all, particularly this couple. Although it was stated that Poppy had gone on a diet, she was a ' short, frumpy' secretary with 'a sallow complexion' ( page 13). She is a gorgeous, lithe goddess on the cover! The epilogue was well done.
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