ZAHIR - Her Ruthless Sheikh: 50 Loving States, New Jersey

Ruthless Tycoons #3

by Theodora Taylor

Dude, it was just one kiss. ONE kiss.

But kissing in public isn't allowed in Jahwar. And now I've been compelled to give the King of Jahwar my hand in marriage.

He's so cold. So polite. But not behind closed doors.

"I'm very much going to enjoy breaking you," he says, just moments after we become temporary husband and wife.

And now I'm about to find out the very, very hard way...

Revenge is best served WIFE.

READER WARNING: This is a dark, full-length romance with blazing hot situations that will make some uncomfortable. Please bypass the one-click button if you're looking for a wine and rose petals king. Zahir isn't him. But if you're ready for an epic romance with one cruel beast of a sheikh, this story will have you swiping all the way until the shocking end.

ZAHIR is a 60,000-word standalone novel in a series, and as a New Release bonus, I've included a copy of the first Ruthless Tycoon romance, HOLT: Her Ruthless Billionaire.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Interracial Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Erotica, BDSM

222 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2018

About the author

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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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Reviews

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread: December 18, 2019... After reading Rashid and Mika's story twice, I had to go back and reread Zahir and Prin's story again too! Still a daring five star read for me! I loved this odd couple!
_______________________________


The expression, "to push the edge of the envelope" always comes to mind when reading or rereading the stories by Theodora Taylor. Although she is not dealing with aviation, rocket planes or even going into space as in the early 1950's, Taylor always gives us, her readers something original/ fresh yet enticing... keeping us on the edge of our seats saying " YES, another winner!"

"Zahir - Her Ruthless Sheikh: 50 Loving States, New Jersey" was no different! Theodora Taylor is such a creative author who hooked me quite easily from chapter one. Heroine, Prin was such an uniquely strong heroine although quite different from some of the other heroines from previous stories by TT. She seemed to direct her energies on helping others before herself but that is how some strong people are in real life, right! But when the intense hero, Zahir walked into her world, he altered all of that! From there on out they were meant to be as one to me which lead me to see how they grew better together than apart. Also, I got to see how Prin saw herself through Zahir's eyes and he hers. Although this story was a bit darker than her other memorable stories but like I said, Taylor always pushes the edge of the envelope... in creative and memorable ways giving us that worthwhile and lovely HEA!!!!

5 pushing the envelope stars *****

[♡Meme♡Reads love♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. you start it off with a bang
2. you keep me up till my eyes burn
3. you have me all squrimy in my seat waiting for my husband to get home
4. you give me those gut-wrenching moments then put me back together again
5. you give me something lengthy to read and think about for a long time

Well, Ms. Theodora Tayor did at least 4 out 5 for me. I wished it was longer I wanted more from them both more push and pull and definitely more gravelling. But Honestly, this was a whoa where did that come from type of read. After reading the first book this one totally caught me by surprise! This was ZaHir and Prins book an it was amazing a lil dark and gritty just like I like it. I love me some Zahir he was just... gurrrrl he got me speechless...


I think this one is my fav so far out of the series, but I still have one more to go. What I loved most was Ms. T did an excellent job of not have these characters in this story sound and act the same as the couple in book 1. (Because you know they tend to do that series books)
Prin was a heroine I loved as well she was that LL Cool J around the way girl not from the Bronx but from Jersey homegirl was fire!

I want a girl with extensions in her hair
Bamboo earrings, at least two pair
A Fendi bag and a bad attitude


This was juicy and steamy I am so glad I finally stared reading her books ( with my late ass) I can't wait to read Luca's story. Him and his 'Whats What' is a big suprise from the cliffy I just read at the end of this book

Heres my couple and my pintrest board of this series ;) https://www.pinterest.com/memereadslo...
and this song reminded me of these two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo_WJ...

[Mstcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Zahir - Her Ruthless Sheikh. It was entertaining with characters that I liked. Some readers may be uncomfortable with or even dislike the way the two get to know each other. Personally, it didn’t bother me as it was meant to be erotic (and I think the author succeeded with the eroticism), but some may feel he was imposing his will a little too strongly. I took it for what it was and liked the story that grew from it.

To be honest, I didn’t start this book with much optimism. Holt, which was the first in the series, didn’t really work for me and I was starting to get a little worried that Theodora Taylor was growing stagnant as a writer. Fortunately, Zahir renewed my faith in this author and, for now, I remain a fan.

For my full review of Zahir click the following link: Romance Between the Covers

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️

Wow, why haven’t I read Theodora Taylor before now? Someone on Goodreads gave a 5 star review so I thought I’d check this story out, as I love me a good sheikh tale. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. A strong sassy female, an alpha male, both broken from tragedy’s during their younger years. Do not read this book if you have triggers, as this is not a sweet happy get together romance. Both have a lot of baggage to face up to to get to their HEA. This story is well written, angesty but funny, a clash of cultural differences that must be overcome. I will definitely be reading more from this author

[ReadingWonderland · Rating 1 out of 5]

In a few pages, and it’s already problematic. The first thought I had while reading was “no way in hell this was written by a black woman”. It was, and that’s a level of disappointment that can’t be explained. The amount of stereotyping and prejudice in the first two chapters is downright disturbing.


Update: DNF!!!!!! Oh hell no. Not her best work. Damn sure won’t pick up another one of her books.

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just one unexpected kiss and their lives are forever changed. Zahir and Prin are another unlikely pair that Ms Taylor has thrown together in an unlikely and definitely unromantic way. These two are forced into a relationship that neither of them wanted, but will have to endure. Is being together really so bad or is it more than they ever thought they would have or even deserve. As like many of the books in this series, Zahir and Prin's book does not disappoint. The hero and heroine are both strong and determined which means there's no shrinking violet heroine and a very alpha hero. Although this is not your run of the mill happily ever after romance, it is still one of the most passionate stories I've read so far this year. I can't wait to see what Ms Taylor has for us next.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars I received an ARC copy of this book for an for an honest review . Wow Zahir and Prim ! I never know what to expect from Theodora Taylor and just like always she totally surprised me , I know that’s one of the reasons I always read her books and I have read every one . I have to admit I didn’t like Zahir at first because I couldn’t understand him , but I felt that was more because the author didn’t let us know him , we didn’t hear his side of the story. Zahir has a story for us because , the person I eventually met couldn’t just pop up like he did , without giving us more information about his feelings towards Prim. Please ,please more about Zahir , I liked the family Prim and her sisters made, it was touching and ,it gave me so much insight about their sister bond . I hope we hear more from this couple ,because this story was a good story , but I was left feeling as though I was missing a big part of them . I look forward to read the next book in the series , I’ll always read this author.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite. Couple. Ever

Zahir and Prin. Favorite. Couple. Ever.

Prin is hip hop and reality tv royalty. Her dysfunctional childhood left her feeling broken and seemingly unable to love or be loved. Until Zahir. Zahir is bound by duty and responsibility. He is drawn to Prin and wants to be her boundary and her control.

They have everything working against them and yet their fractured pieces are perfectly made for each other. Prin hides behind a fiery New Jersey attitude and Zahir is all hot alpha sexiness hidden underneath a cool (and sometimes mistakenly perceived cruel) exterior. And seriously the cover picture on the Zahir novella, is utter perfection.

I devoured this novel in one sitting. I laughed. I cried. I hurt and I fell in love with this couple. You will too.

This is a book unicorn y’all. Serious #couplegoals going on here.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC but I will be reading it again and it is in my personal library.!

This book was all of that! So hot my hands almost melted off! I loved it! The book is awesome! I love the unusual story line . I also love that they are both drawn to each other by their pasts and pain before they even realize it. They made me smile, blush and glow with their passion for each other and Zahir’s initial need to make her beg and his desire to break her is interesting on so many levels. He is dominant and uber passionate but never demeaning and that is sometimes a hard thing to convey. Well done!

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this author stories and have read nearly all of them. This is Prin and Zahir's story. I loved the idea of what one kiss could do. But of course there is always more to this than meets the eye, as we find out as the story unfolds.

This is a great story and I would definitely recommend it.

[Adrienh1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

Why didn't I read this sooner?! This was a great story with well-written characters that were just so good together. The only thing I felt would've made this an even better story would've been an epilogue.

[lily]

I am not rating this :(

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I chat with Sylvie. Then I ask if I can talk to Holt. Just for a minute… Our conversation is stupid awkward, and I have the feeling he is going to have a hell of a time explaining to Sylvie what we discussed.. Less than thirty minutes after I hang up, Zahir comes crashing through the suit’s doors with my note in his hand.

‘Hey, Zahir,’ I say with my best smart-aleck smile. ‘Wassup?’

‘You called Holt to request he provide you with a vibrator?!’ he asks, his voice barley level.

I blink innocently. ‘Well, yeah. You’re not seeing to my sexual needs, so I called my wali in the hopes he could negotiate to send me something that would.’

For a moment, he stares at me, outrage and plain old rage warring for face time. ‘This is not something you do. You do not call another man and tell him you are in need of a sex toy because I am not a satisfactory lover.’

I give him another innocent blink. ‘But talking to your wali is standard protocol if a wife is unhappy with her treatment. It was written in our marriage contract…dude, have you never been with someone who actually reads her contracts?’ I suck on my teeth and shake my head. ‘Easily fixed with the next wife. No biggie. Now you know. Don’t marry a Lawyer if you want some dumb broad who will let you torture her for shits and giggles.’

He takes a step toward me ‘I will never grant this request. In fact, you will be punished tenfold just for making it.’

I stare at him for a beat. Then I shrug and say, ‘Aw, well, it was worth a try.. when I return home, I’m going to find a man who can get the job done properly. Maybe take a lover in the afternoon.’

Zahir stares at me, and I swear I can see a vein in his neck set to pop.”



Yes I Finally I got Prin book, I always wanted to know what happen to make her leave the party early like that.
I’m sorry if you’re reading my review and your thinking “what is she talking about.” And if you haven’t read the first book of this series Holt, then that’s okay this books takes you from the beginning to explain what you missed out on. But I do advise you to read the first book as well because it’s an amazing book.

So let’s start from the beginning.

Prin aka Princess gets invited to Holt’s party by her huge crush Asir Zaman, and she hopes that he they share the same feelings. Thinking that she spotted him walking towards the back into one of the many rooms in the house, she leaves her best friend Sylvie behind following him. But unfortunately for her that is not who she comes upon when entering the room. In fact she instead find herself being kiss by the boy she thought was Asir but was instead his older brother, Zahir.

Things gets way more worse when Asir enters the room because he saw her, and at first he was happy to see her, but then he see his older brother as well. When Zahir confronts Asir asking him if he was seeing her, Asir instantly denies it and makes Prin feels like he didn’t feel the same way. But in fact Asir did like her but wanted to please his older brother as well. This makes Prin more than upset, as she should be, and she goes looking for her best friend and leaves the party. Once she gets home she decides to tell her TV star father that she is ready to join him and she herself becomes famous as well, proving to those that thought they were better than her, who she was.

Now years later, her best friend Sylvie is getting married to Holt, who is also best friends with Zahir, who is now the king of his country, Jahwar. But the wedding that was being hosted in his land has certain rules and the main one being you’re not allow to make any contact with the opposite sex, unless your married or a couple of course. This rule was not to be taking lightly, and there would be series consequences if not followed.

Prin is invited to this wedding, since of course she was part of it, and Sylvie is her best friend. But so was her two younger sisters also invited as well. Prin also had another mutative to coming to this wedding and meeting up with her enemy Zahir, she was too ask him to help her in helping promote her sisters. She even hands him a demo tape, and USB thinking he was on board, when he hands it off to a guard, tells her to watch as that same guard throws her things over the balcony. This scene is so messed up that her reaction to it is right on point to my reaction, hahaha when she explode “Da Fuck “ had me even going “what the fuck.” She and I was very in sync with has this man lost him mind that was messed up. King or not the king that was horrible thing to do and I was encouraging her to rip into his butt.

But then she goes and kisses him out of anger, and was surprise to see that not only did he like it very much but so did she.

Now this is where the drama for this story truly begins. Prin has broken the number one rule, and is force to marry him or else. The plan is that they will marry for a short period of time and then divorce, not really on board with the idea, Prin has no choice but to do so. But she’s not alone in this since Holt has agree to be her Wali; which is a male go-between who negotiate terms between the two parties, but mostly on her behalf. So with this being said she can come to him if she has an issue or a request and he will speak to Zahir about it on her behalf.

Now the drama between the two is crazy and Zahir is not as bad as it seems…. Well sometimes. And you come to an understanding that deep inside he really loves her and wants what’s best for her. But not soon enough because as you read a book all that kept going to my mind was, what a freaking jerk.

From telling her how to dress, and what to do, to not being kind to her and just being a big fat jerk. But when the times comes for him to stand by her side he is right there. And it’s the sweetest moment ever, it makes you cheer him on and fall in love with him right away.

I really enjoy reading Zahir and Prin book, he’s very much protective of his family, friends and mostly her. And I love it. Not to mention I love the little girl Aisha, she is too cute, she also loves Prin and fun to read about.

Now Prin is a funny one, she’s not going to take Zahir bossy ways laying down, and indeed gives him the battle of her life. She makes sure not only does she makes a request that grind his teeth, but then points out that in she actually read the contract and she allow to make such requests. This is so funny, I really love Prin, and all the trouble she brings him. If you think that she was just going to be one of those meek girls that do whatever the big alpha males tells her, you got the wrong person for that.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was a little uncomfortable at first when he was withholding feeding her but it soon changed when i started knowing zahir more. his intention wasn’t to humiliate prin. i kinda like an alpha male pining for the heroine anyway so this was a quick, steamy book for me. not only were there spicy moments, the parts where zahir fell into the rhythm of prin’s old lifestyle and with her sisters just warmed my heart. he went from having a cold exterior to willingly vulnerable in front of people, especially for prin.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose happiness. I loved this story. Read it.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yooooo, this book was everything!!! Theodora did the darn thing, it had characters we could care about & had an ending that grips your heart. I love her work & can't wait to read the next one!!!

[Camy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taylor and her crazy relationships...I enjoyed ;-)

[Nephy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I devoured a book in one sitting. Wow just wow. From the very first page, I was totally hooked what with it being my first inter-racial romance book which covers my home country. I am surprised by how on-point the author is with the mid-eastern country’s traditions, I’m glad she did this book with adept cultural knowledge and she obviously did a thorough research as well. Now for the Romance part, everything was perfect, guys! From the plot, the character building, the side-characters, the setting.. Every effin thing about this book was beautiful and astounding. Very well written and fast-paced. I love Shiek Zahir so much. Possesive and so alpha. Even the smex was smokin’ hot and intense. The heroine was also fierce and strong but knows how to tone down the snarkiness when it’s inappropriate and unnecessary. Sigh. I envy those who will read this for the first time. I’m so happy to accidently tumble upon this book here in GR. This author has a new fan in me!

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does she do it?

Theodora Taylor continues to amaze! Here's yet another exciting, captivating, intriguing, extremely well told story that took me through ALL the emotions. With yet another couple that I'm declaring my favorite. This Jersey girl and her sexy sheikh were the BOMB! I truly didn't want their story to end.

Another winner from Ms. Taylor. Can't wait to see what you gift us with next! I don't care if it's wolves, dragons or Jersey boys, I'm ready!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Jersey!

Prin met Zahir under extenuating circumstances and gave His Royal Highness a royal New Jersey flip-off. Fast forward eleven years, they meet again and Prin needs a favor. Royally ticked off when he disdainfully turns her down, she grabs him in a lip lock--and starts an international incident!

[LaTanya Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!!!

Goodness....I love this series and cannot wait for Amber and Luca + baby! I seen other reviewer call Zahir a butt, but you have to know he did what he did because he loved Prin all along.....but he knew nothing but domination

[E Nina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed more...

I love your writing Theodora, girl you got skills, but I wanted, no I needed more. I will continue to read your works.... But girl the ending????

[Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Taylor you have done it again. What a beautiful story. I'm excited to read Luca and Member's story. Lol June 3 can you hurry get here?

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Boxy Frown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving and devouring everything by Theodora Taylor right now!

[Zen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The racism in this is off the charts

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Contemporary Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Sheikh, Dominant & Guarded
Series: Book 2
Pages: 222
Audio: FAIR (f)
Kindle Unlimited: No


STORY:
I love a Sheikh romance and I don’t see them as much anymore. This one was ok/likable. It didn’t blow me away. Because I was listening to the audio, I did not like the female’s accent. I know Prin is from Jersey, but the voice actor sound so Italian Jersey, and it was annoying me because I felt like it didn’t match who Prin is after getting midway through the book. I know Prin is Jersey but does not fit, smh. Also, I think because she carried the story throughout the entire book, it was meh. I found Zahir to be so interesting and in certain scenes I wanted to know his thoughts. I did not feel I got enough from Zahir and that was killing my vibe. As I read the author’s books, I am starting to see almost all characters even from other series are connected in some ways. I like that aspect of her books.



SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes weren’t bad. It had BDSM adjacent kinks, meaning it’s not really BDSM but copies certain things; at least that’s how I see it. Nevertheless, still enjoyable.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
This story had Amber and Luca. I have not read their story, but read a few books and are familiar with them.

Holt and Sylvie, I have not read their story either but let’s see I am interested about their journey.


OVERALL
It is not bad, likable but now wowed. I don’t feel like it was that dark, or at least the dark I am use to. I am still interested in some of the other books in the series so let’s see.



✰✰TRIGGERS:


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Bookobsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Theodora Taylor's writing style some years ago, but after reading her latest installment, Zahir, I've since decided that Taylor is my favorite author. Hands down. Period.

This story will tear you to pieces and put you back together again. It is raw and emotional, taking you on a roller coaster ride of emotion from the moment you pick it up to the second you put it down. Zahir and Prin come from two entirely different backgrounds and don't seem right together on paper. But put these characters in a room together? It would be a miracle if said room was still standing. Taylor gives us everything in this installment: tension, conflict, chemistry, humor, intimacy and an all-consuming desire.

Zahir-Her Ruthless Sheikh was different in the sense that it was entirely from Prin's POV, so we only got to see and hear Zahir through her. Such one-sided thoughts and feelings might've made Zahir seem cruel, at first, but it forces the audience to judge him from her viewpoint as well. Even so, I could not help but conclude that these two characters were stars in the sky, writing on the wall, made for each other.

I read some negative reviews about this story from other readers but when reading dark romance, keep in mind that it's not to everyone's taste and what some will view as cruelty, others will take it for the possessiveness or even obsession, that it is. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up for the reader to decide. Some have said that Zahir broke Prin, but I respectfully disagree. Prin was broken a long time ago by her past, and if anything, Zahir helped her put herself back together again. Both of these characters made each other better versions of themselves, and they were so much better together than they were apart.

With sizzling love scenes, heart-rending vulnerability and a hardened king who must choose between duty and true, undeniable love, Zahir is the best work Taylor has ever published. I could not put it down until I finished it and was completely satisfied with how it ended. The strength of these characters to both endure and overcome was inspiring to read about and I impatiently await her next book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was slightly more palatable to get down than previous novels I've read by Mrs. Taylor. Yes this was still plagued by the same issues that all novels written her has, cringey moments that can be triggering for some, off-putting for others.

Tropes:
-Fake marriage
-Broke heroine
-Rich hero (in this case it can be applied, lightly) that dabbles in lite BDSM
-Tragedy occurs that separates the couple

Here you have Prin who is a broke law secretary who has guardianship over her twin half-siblings who are aspiring singers. They are locked into a horrible music contract with their father's label and Prin seeks out the main shareholder, Zahir who is the newly appointed king of a fictional Middle Eastern country, Jahwar, to get them out of it. Prin lets the 'Jersey' out of her after Zahir has her sisters demo record destroyed, kisses him, which causes a scandal. Kissing between unmarried people is illegal so the only saving grace for Prin is to marry Zahir. And Zahir's plan is to break her.

Did this try to give an accurate portrayal of womanhood in Middle Eastern countries? I'm not an authority on that so I can't speak on it. I just know there were a lot of points in the book where my feminism was screaming in agony. But that's par for the course when taking on anything written by this author. Expect to cringe and feel very uncomfortable and pissed off on the heroine's behalf.

Despite Zahir and Prin's sex life, she discovered she needed to be controlled since she had very few boundaries growing up, and she responded to Zahir's dominance. All right, I guess I can sort of see it and say hey it worked for her. The one good thing I can say in Zahir's case is that he was the most respectful of the men Mrs. Taylor has written about. And if you've read several of her novels you know the bar rests very low when it comes to her leading men showing their romantic interest any measure of respect. In the end, Prin and Zahir were a good fit for one another since they shared similar experiences involving their mothers, and they actually talked to one another. Do I recommend? Sure.