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Conquering His Virgin Queen
Six months ago their marriage ended…
He has twelve hours to claim his wife back!
Odir Farouk is about to become King—but to take his throne he needs his errant wife by his side! Odir once denied his hunger for Eloise, refusing to compromise power for passion, and his rejection drove her away. Now Odir has until news of his succession breaks to win back his Queen…and pleasure will be his most powerful weapon!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
94 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Pippa Roscoe
337 books51 followersPippa Roscoe writes sexy romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon and loves every happy ending in each of her books. With a major coffee addiction and a mild not-so-secret crisp eating compulsion – she spends her days fantasising about extraordinary romances, exotic locations and true love against all odds.
After graduating with a degree and a masters from Goldsmiths University, Pippa spent four years working on the BBC medical drama Holby City. After switching industries to publishing and spending five years as an editor working with incredible colleagues and inspirational authors, she finally decided to follow her own dream of writing and swapped London for Norfolk.
In her spare time she looks longingly at the countryside which she promises to roam, if she can drag herself away from her computer for long enough. She prefers to write outside in the sunshine, but during the winter is consigned to the kitchen – the warmest room in the cottage!
She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t dreaming about gorgeous brooding alpha heroes and sympathetic innocent heroines. Totally her mother’s fault of course – she gave Pippa her first romance to read at the age of seven! Pippa is inconceivably happy that she gets to share those daydreams with you all.
After graduating with a degree and a masters from Goldsmiths University, Pippa spent four years working on the BBC medical drama Holby City. After switching industries to publishing and spending five years as an editor working with incredible colleagues and inspirational authors, she finally decided to follow her own dream of writing and swapped London for Norfolk.
In her spare time she looks longingly at the countryside which she promises to roam, if she can drag herself away from her computer for long enough. She prefers to write outside in the sunshine, but during the winter is consigned to the kitchen – the warmest room in the cottage!
She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t dreaming about gorgeous brooding alpha heroes and sympathetic innocent heroines. Totally her mother’s fault of course – she gave Pippa her first romance to read at the age of seven! Pippa is inconceivably happy that she gets to share those daydreams with you all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 11, 2018
The M&B Modern imprint is one of my go to’s when I want a quick, sexy, low-drama fix and Conquering his Virgin Queen comfortably ticked those boxes.
This story was very much driven by Odir and Eloise as they realise that their feelings go way beyond that of a marriage of convenience. I love a couple who bring as much passion to their personal battles as they do the bedroom and there is certainly no shortage in either department and, as secrets and revelations come tumbling out, you’re willing Eloise and Odir to find their HEA.
I used to think that you were my Prince Charming. That you would come and rescue me from my evil father.”
“I still can, Eloise.”
The fact that this takes place over 12 hours is what made this story stand out for me—I’ve previously only read novellas working to this formula. And although a tight timeframe to conquer, Pippa Roscoe does an outstanding job in bringing together all the elements to create an alluring romance, which never feels rushed. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Make me forget. Just for now, Odir.
Copy received courtesy of
via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This story was very much driven by Odir and Eloise as they realise that their feelings go way beyond that of a marriage of convenience. I love a couple who bring as much passion to their personal battles as they do the bedroom and there is certainly no shortage in either department and, as secrets and revelations come tumbling out, you’re willing Eloise and Odir to find their HEA.
I used to think that you were my Prince Charming. That you would come and rescue me from my evil father.”“I still can, Eloise.”
The fact that this takes place over 12 hours is what made this story stand out for me—I’ve previously only read novellas working to this formula. And although a tight timeframe to conquer, Pippa Roscoe does an outstanding job in bringing together all the elements to create an alluring romance, which never feels rushed. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Make me forget. Just for now, Odir.
Copy received courtesy of
via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion. 
April 5, 2018
This is a first HP for this author from what I can gather. I'm impressed.
Synopsis of the story is Prince becomes king after his father dies (it's been kept a secret). Announcement will be made he's now king. But Odir needs his estranged wife of six months by his side when it's made to show strength and unity. Eloise left him due to his mistrust (he witnessed something and came to the wrong conclusion) and distance that developed during their marriage as well as non communication. She's been found (Odir has been searching for her during this time) and now summoned. Odir is determined to have her by his side and Eloise has decided to request a divorce. And so the two begin their journey to reconciliation and healing of their marriage.
Well written and well developed characters. Both hero and heroine had great character growth and very likable. Story took place in less then 10 hours I believe and it was very well done and written. Was engaged in the story the entire time. Also found the author did an excellent job in incorporating their past in that time as well. Nice epilogue but was a little too short. Impressed with this author and looking forward to her future books.
Synopsis of the story is Prince becomes king after his father dies (it's been kept a secret). Announcement will be made he's now king. But Odir needs his estranged wife of six months by his side when it's made to show strength and unity. Eloise left him due to his mistrust (he witnessed something and came to the wrong conclusion) and distance that developed during their marriage as well as non communication. She's been found (Odir has been searching for her during this time) and now summoned. Odir is determined to have her by his side and Eloise has decided to request a divorce. And so the two begin their journey to reconciliation and healing of their marriage.
Well written and well developed characters. Both hero and heroine had great character growth and very likable. Story took place in less then 10 hours I believe and it was very well done and written. Was engaged in the story the entire time. Also found the author did an excellent job in incorporating their past in that time as well. Nice epilogue but was a little too short. Impressed with this author and looking forward to her future books.
March 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is the author's debut book for the HP line .The entire story took place over a span of 2 days in which the estranged couple meet up again after a 6 month separation when the hero told the heroine to leave after he believes that she slept with his brother. ( she didn't, still a virgin).
They are back together at his own machinations as his father is now dead and the hero is now King in his fictional Middle Eastern country and he needs the heroine to help him bring stability back to his once ravaged country brought upon by his now deceased father who was a despot.
This was a good story if a bit wordy,but I felt like I really did not get to know these two characters that well.I will read future books by this author as she shows great promise for the HP line..
This is the author's debut book for the HP line .The entire story took place over a span of 2 days in which the estranged couple meet up again after a 6 month separation when the hero told the heroine to leave after he believes that she slept with his brother. ( she didn't, still a virgin).
They are back together at his own machinations as his father is now dead and the hero is now King in his fictional Middle Eastern country and he needs the heroine to help him bring stability back to his once ravaged country brought upon by his now deceased father who was a despot.
This was a good story if a bit wordy,but I felt like I really did not get to know these two characters that well.I will read future books by this author as she shows great promise for the HP line..
March 12, 2018
4.5 - "I always wanted you…" Stars!
If Conquering His Virgin Queen is the first book Pippa Roscoe has written, and she isn’t actually another established author using a pseudonym, then I am mightily impressed, actually scratch that I am still impressed. Because any author that can write a story that offers so much emotion and depth, but apart from the epilogue only covers twelve hours in this couples life has writing skills, that I am keen to see more of in the future.
She was a bought bride-a pawn used by powerful men…
Nothing massively new in the tropes used in relation to Mills & Boons go-to story-lines but the writing style was refreshing, the characterizations of Odir and Eloise easy to get along with, and the sexy times well placed and meaningful. This is a husband and wife with issues, issues that are bad enough that one of them believes that after six months apart divorce is the right way to go.
He had held her at a distance because she had truly been the only threat to the barriers around his heart.
One longing for love, the other unsure if they are capable of it, circumstances being what they are if it wasn’t for the fact this publisher guarantees a happily ever after, you could conceivably question whether this couple have a chance at working through their problems on their initial reconnection.
"One day I will take you to a proper bed… But right now I just can’t…"
This is an author who already has a loyal fan, I devoured this book, and I cannot wait to see what is released next. This story was so well presented I would love to see Pippa take a couple on a longer journey, over a more extended page count at some point in the future too.
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley, as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders group, in exchange for the above honest review.
If Conquering His Virgin Queen is the first book Pippa Roscoe has written, and she isn’t actually another established author using a pseudonym, then I am mightily impressed, actually scratch that I am still impressed. Because any author that can write a story that offers so much emotion and depth, but apart from the epilogue only covers twelve hours in this couples life has writing skills, that I am keen to see more of in the future.
She was a bought bride-a pawn used by powerful men…
Nothing massively new in the tropes used in relation to Mills & Boons go-to story-lines but the writing style was refreshing, the characterizations of Odir and Eloise easy to get along with, and the sexy times well placed and meaningful. This is a husband and wife with issues, issues that are bad enough that one of them believes that after six months apart divorce is the right way to go.
He had held her at a distance because she had truly been the only threat to the barriers around his heart.
One longing for love, the other unsure if they are capable of it, circumstances being what they are if it wasn’t for the fact this publisher guarantees a happily ever after, you could conceivably question whether this couple have a chance at working through their problems on their initial reconnection.
"One day I will take you to a proper bed… But right now I just can’t…"
This is an author who already has a loyal fan, I devoured this book, and I cannot wait to see what is released next. This story was so well presented I would love to see Pippa take a couple on a longer journey, over a more extended page count at some point in the future too.
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley, as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders group, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 7, 2018
This was good for a debut novel. It's a second chance story line with MC's who both have far too much parental baggage, that threatens to destroy whatever happiness that they can find together. Odir, the H, doesn't want to become the type of ruler that his late father had been and in his mind this means that he has to control his passionate feelings for his wife Eloise. Odir is afraid to love because he has seen how his father was destroyed by love and how that led to the old man's reign of terror over the kingdom and its neighbouring territories. Eloise, the heroine, has seen how her mother developed an addiction to prescription pain killers as a means of coping with a distant and unloving spouse. There's also a story line about a drug addicted best friend called Natalia who needs a kidney transplant. Then there's Odir's gay brother Jarhan who's unable to come out of the closet because the people in Farrehed are very traditional and would not accept it.
The novel takes place over the course of about 3 days, during the MC's reunion after a 6 month separation. They are married but had not consummated their relationship until they're reunited. The reasons for this are linked to Odir's personal angst and a whole lot of other stuff related to the evil machinations of his late father. Their reunion is filled with stoic anger on the H's part and coldness on the heroine's. There's also a lot of sex that happens rather suddenly but the sex doesn't solve their immediate problems with each other. The author did include a rather ingenious sex scene where the MC's have sex in the reverse cowgirl position on top of the H's desk. That was very erotic to read, when compared to the usual love scenes one encounters in HPlandia.
Eloise was a strong heroine at the end because she actually used her brain ( until other heroines who would just run away again ). Eloise realized that Odir had asked her to leave again because he loved her and not because he really wanted a divorce. I know it sounds dumb but one has to read how the scene unfolds to understand what I mean. However, I will include an excerpt from the novel:
‘Eloise, what—?’
‘No,’ she said, the moment he stood before her. ‘You don’t get to talk now. You don’t get to issue commands or demand my removal from your presence. It’s my time now, Odir. It’s my time to talk.’
He pursed his lips together, wariness in his eyes now. Perhaps he was shocked by this new Eloise, she thought. Well, he’d better get used to it.
‘This whole time I’ve been reacting to other people’s demands—doing what was asked of me or doing what was needed of me. But I’ve never really done something for me. Not until tonight. Not until I wanted you to say that you love me. But you’re right, Odir. I ran. I ran away from
everything. You, my father, my mother. I spent six months hiding. And when I did come to fight for what I wanted—you—I stumbled at the first hurdle. I wanted you to tell me that you loved me. I wanted you to prove that you loved me. But I never proved that I love you.’
His eyes widened, and she knew that she’d hit close to home. It gave her the strength to continue.
‘No one has ever shown you that you are worthy of their love and trust. Not your family, not your father, nor even your brother. I’m ready to place my trust and love in you. I know you love me. I know because you would never have sacrificed the future of your rule for me unless you loved me.’
He grasped her by the arm, pulling her closer to him, and in a rough, low voice he said, ‘I do love you, damn it! That’s why I let you go. I could never bind you to this life. A life where I will need to make sacrifices, where you will never be free from public scrutiny. There will be political manipulations for our whole lives, and I would not force that on anyone—especially not you. You’ve been so horribly used and manipulated by those who should have loved you unconditionally and I won’t do the same. I could never ask that of you.’
There was a pain and hopelessness in his eyes the like of which she’d never seen before. But through it she could see the truth in his words, the truth in his heart, and her own heart soared.
‘This is my sacrifice to make for the man I love. Because you have made me strong enough to bear it. I want this. I choose this. I choose you. I will stand by you and love you and be loved in return. All you have to do is say yes.’
There's a lovely epilogue and I think this author has a lot of potential. I look forward to seeing what she produces in the future.
The novel takes place over the course of about 3 days, during the MC's reunion after a 6 month separation. They are married but had not consummated their relationship until they're reunited. The reasons for this are linked to Odir's personal angst and a whole lot of other stuff related to the evil machinations of his late father. Their reunion is filled with stoic anger on the H's part and coldness on the heroine's. There's also a lot of sex that happens rather suddenly but the sex doesn't solve their immediate problems with each other. The author did include a rather ingenious sex scene where the MC's have sex in the reverse cowgirl position on top of the H's desk. That was very erotic to read, when compared to the usual love scenes one encounters in HPlandia.
Eloise was a strong heroine at the end because she actually used her brain ( until other heroines who would just run away again ). Eloise realized that Odir had asked her to leave again because he loved her and not because he really wanted a divorce. I know it sounds dumb but one has to read how the scene unfolds to understand what I mean. However, I will include an excerpt from the novel:
‘Eloise, what—?’
‘No,’ she said, the moment he stood before her. ‘You don’t get to talk now. You don’t get to issue commands or demand my removal from your presence. It’s my time now, Odir. It’s my time to talk.’
He pursed his lips together, wariness in his eyes now. Perhaps he was shocked by this new Eloise, she thought. Well, he’d better get used to it.
‘This whole time I’ve been reacting to other people’s demands—doing what was asked of me or doing what was needed of me. But I’ve never really done something for me. Not until tonight. Not until I wanted you to say that you love me. But you’re right, Odir. I ran. I ran away from
everything. You, my father, my mother. I spent six months hiding. And when I did come to fight for what I wanted—you—I stumbled at the first hurdle. I wanted you to tell me that you loved me. I wanted you to prove that you loved me. But I never proved that I love you.’
His eyes widened, and she knew that she’d hit close to home. It gave her the strength to continue.
‘No one has ever shown you that you are worthy of their love and trust. Not your family, not your father, nor even your brother. I’m ready to place my trust and love in you. I know you love me. I know because you would never have sacrificed the future of your rule for me unless you loved me.’
He grasped her by the arm, pulling her closer to him, and in a rough, low voice he said, ‘I do love you, damn it! That’s why I let you go. I could never bind you to this life. A life where I will need to make sacrifices, where you will never be free from public scrutiny. There will be political manipulations for our whole lives, and I would not force that on anyone—especially not you. You’ve been so horribly used and manipulated by those who should have loved you unconditionally and I won’t do the same. I could never ask that of you.’
There was a pain and hopelessness in his eyes the like of which she’d never seen before. But through it she could see the truth in his words, the truth in his heart, and her own heart soared.
‘This is my sacrifice to make for the man I love. Because you have made me strong enough to bear it. I want this. I choose this. I choose you. I will stand by you and love you and be loved in return. All you have to do is say yes.’
There's a lovely epilogue and I think this author has a lot of potential. I look forward to seeing what she produces in the future.
March 7, 2018
This is Pipa Roscoe’s debut Harlequin Presents and I liked it but didn’t love it. Fingers crossed her next book is better.
February 6, 2022
Solid read but I wanted him to grovel lol
March 8, 2021
I lost interest in the heroine & hero's journey to hea at Chatper 5. Too much bickering. Too much heroine fighting the hero. Too much focus on the heroine having parent issues. Too much focus on the heroine wanting to have a job, she had one when she met the hero and he wasn't opposed to her having work. Too much focus on the hero having parent issues. Too much everything but intensifying the romantic chemistry between the heroine and hero. I did not feel the love. I did not feel the lust.
I had hoped this new HP author first book for the line would be a great romance, I was disappointed the focus was not on building the romance. I even took a peak a the last few chapters...the heroine was still fighting against being married to the hero. Ugh.
I had hoped this new HP author first book for the line would be a great romance, I was disappointed the focus was not on building the romance. I even took a peak a the last few chapters...the heroine was still fighting against being married to the hero. Ugh.
March 22, 2021
I bought this book because I wanted to translate it, but my request was denied.... I left this book for few years until now I decided to finish reading it.
The book has several sex scenes and a lot of drama, but everything ends well. I enjoyed reading it. Odir and Eloise reminded me of Turkish soap opera "Sila".
The book has several sex scenes and a lot of drama, but everything ends well. I enjoyed reading it. Odir and Eloise reminded me of Turkish soap opera "Sila".
June 2, 2018
This story takes place in one day, well mostly one night and damn, does a lot happen in just twelve hours! Our two main leads go from nearly hating each other to finally seeing that they do love each other and work together to make their lives better as King and Queen. We see that most of the stuff between them is misunderstandings, secrets, and fear. It was a nice quick read, and I can't wait to read more by this author.
February 19, 2025
Pippa Roscoe usually does better than this. Original narration (the whole novel spans on only 12 hours) but the hero's reasons and the plot around the heroine's family were absolute nonsense.
July 21, 2023
The writing itself was fine, but I wasn't a fan of the back story or the characters.
March 30, 2018
This is a fabulous debut, fast paced, sensual, a marriage that ended before it started, a marriage where the heroine was pushed into it by a domineering father and the hero who wanted what was best for his country get yourself comfortable because you are not going to want to put this one down.
Odir Farouk Al Arkrim is prince of Farrehed and his brother had had a great childhood that is until they lost their mother and their father lost his senses he was so in love with his wife that when she was gone he caused a lot of problems with his country. Odir is never going to do that he has seen what love can do, so when he marries beautiful British Eloise although they met and have been friends before the engagement, he cannot afford to be distracted by her in anyway and when he abandons her on their wedding night and then finds her in a compromising situation and sends her away he keeps doing what he must. But now he needs her back after six months apart.
Eloise has grown up as an ambassador’s daughter travelling the world with her parents you would think that her life would have been fantastic but think again she never got the love that children need her father is overbearing and when he wants something he is happy to blackmail his daughter to get her to marry Odir. Eloise agrees and she likes Odir he is easy to get along with at the beginning but things change very quickly when they marry.
After spending six months apart Eloise has learnt a lot and is a much stronger person so when she is invited to attend an event by Odir she goes but to ask for a divorce, things have changed in her life but they have also changed for Odir he is about to become King and to do that properly he needs his Queen beside him. The sensual spark the push and pull between these two could light up London there are a lot of secrets that have been kept and until both open up their lives cannot go forward. I really felt for both Odir and Eloise and what they had been through Eloise is so strong and caring as is Odir in his own way it took him a bit of time to learn that he could love and when he did, together they became one and love flourished. Congrats on a fabulous debut MS Roscoe I look forward to many more from you and this is one that I highly recommend.
Odir Farouk Al Arkrim is prince of Farrehed and his brother had had a great childhood that is until they lost their mother and their father lost his senses he was so in love with his wife that when she was gone he caused a lot of problems with his country. Odir is never going to do that he has seen what love can do, so when he marries beautiful British Eloise although they met and have been friends before the engagement, he cannot afford to be distracted by her in anyway and when he abandons her on their wedding night and then finds her in a compromising situation and sends her away he keeps doing what he must. But now he needs her back after six months apart.
Eloise has grown up as an ambassador’s daughter travelling the world with her parents you would think that her life would have been fantastic but think again she never got the love that children need her father is overbearing and when he wants something he is happy to blackmail his daughter to get her to marry Odir. Eloise agrees and she likes Odir he is easy to get along with at the beginning but things change very quickly when they marry.
After spending six months apart Eloise has learnt a lot and is a much stronger person so when she is invited to attend an event by Odir she goes but to ask for a divorce, things have changed in her life but they have also changed for Odir he is about to become King and to do that properly he needs his Queen beside him. The sensual spark the push and pull between these two could light up London there are a lot of secrets that have been kept and until both open up their lives cannot go forward. I really felt for both Odir and Eloise and what they had been through Eloise is so strong and caring as is Odir in his own way it took him a bit of time to learn that he could love and when he did, together they became one and love flourished. Congrats on a fabulous debut MS Roscoe I look forward to many more from you and this is one that I highly recommend.
March 22, 2018
A little escapism is always lovely. Internationally themed, this contemporary romance allows the reader to see what life is like living with a prince and it's not as romantic as it first appears.
Eloise accepts an arranged marriage because she likes Odir and believes they could grow to love the other. Odir, bound by duty ignores her after their marriage and finally sends her away when he thinks she has forsaken her marriage vows. She runs away, but now he finds her and wants her back, but she has other ideas.
Odir is afraid loving Eloise will weaken him and threaten his kingdom. Eloise will only be his wife again, without compromise and their rekindled passion seems doomed to fail.
I like the structure of this novel; each chapter covers an hour in their reunion, the sense of time slipping away from them increases the story's dramatic tension and makes it fast-paced.
Character-driven, past tragedy and heartache are explored, making their actions more understandable. Loyalty and duty rule both their lives, everything they do is for others. To achieve the love they both desire, they must consider what they want as individuals, and at times this seems to be unlikely.
Sensual love scenes echo their poignant journey. Complex characters, both Eloise and Odir negotiate a problematic emotional path full of angst and pain before they realise what is truly important to them.
A fascinating snapshot of the professional and personal faces of a royal romance, which doesn't stint on angst, drama and romantic sensuality.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Eloise accepts an arranged marriage because she likes Odir and believes they could grow to love the other. Odir, bound by duty ignores her after their marriage and finally sends her away when he thinks she has forsaken her marriage vows. She runs away, but now he finds her and wants her back, but she has other ideas.
Odir is afraid loving Eloise will weaken him and threaten his kingdom. Eloise will only be his wife again, without compromise and their rekindled passion seems doomed to fail.
I like the structure of this novel; each chapter covers an hour in their reunion, the sense of time slipping away from them increases the story's dramatic tension and makes it fast-paced.
Character-driven, past tragedy and heartache are explored, making their actions more understandable. Loyalty and duty rule both their lives, everything they do is for others. To achieve the love they both desire, they must consider what they want as individuals, and at times this seems to be unlikely.
Sensual love scenes echo their poignant journey. Complex characters, both Eloise and Odir negotiate a problematic emotional path full of angst and pain before they realise what is truly important to them.
A fascinating snapshot of the professional and personal faces of a royal romance, which doesn't stint on angst, drama and romantic sensuality.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by author Pippa Roscoe is a Harlequin Presents release for April 2018.
Odir Farouk wanted his estranged wife, Eloise, by his side. But he had to blackmail, bribe or try any other means available to get her by his side.
Once by his side, Eloise couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. And they gave in to their passion. Now she found that he had never not wanted her. But he was denying his hunger for her.
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and sensitive, courageous heroine. Author Pippa Roscoe’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Eloise and Odir seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Odir Farouk wanted his estranged wife, Eloise, by his side. But he had to blackmail, bribe or try any other means available to get her by his side.
Once by his side, Eloise couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. And they gave in to their passion. Now she found that he had never not wanted her. But he was denying his hunger for her.
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and sensitive, courageous heroine. Author Pippa Roscoe’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Eloise and Odir seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
March 20, 2018
Odir Faouk is about to become king and has a problem, he needs a wife by his side. No problem he has a wife but she left him and he needs to get her back. This is a debut book by Pippa Roscoe and after reading you will put her on your follow list. She has put these two people together again and written a story that takes place over 2 days and what an amazing two days they are . Eloise is feisty and Odir is determined and together you get an amazing story that you won't want to end, but end it does with a super lovely Epilogue. Loved this story and can't wait for her next.
June 7, 2021
Very interesting storytelling technique
Worth the read for that alone
Worth the read for that alone
August 4, 2025
Very odd
It was very different. Not sure what to rate it. It was like 12 hours in the life of a new king. Who has been separated for six months from his new wife who still is a virgin. He thought she cheated on him with his brother bit she didn't. Now he needs her for an important announcement and it was very disjointed. But they finally consummate their marriage and she tells him she loves him which.he doesn't want at all.lots of stuff going.on. her mother is an.addict. her dad is a jerk and her friend is dying. So much going.on.all in those 12 hours. Quite different.
It was very different. Not sure what to rate it. It was like 12 hours in the life of a new king. Who has been separated for six months from his new wife who still is a virgin. He thought she cheated on him with his brother bit she didn't. Now he needs her for an important announcement and it was very disjointed. But they finally consummate their marriage and she tells him she loves him which.he doesn't want at all.lots of stuff going.on. her mother is an.addict. her dad is a jerk and her friend is dying. So much going.on.all in those 12 hours. Quite different.
Read
March 3, 2018This was a fun story - lots of suspense and tension as Odir and Eloise try to figure out their pasts and presents as they work toward a possible future. A good read!
March 6, 2020
Now having relooked the back synopsis of this book I would have been a bit more prepared for what was to come. It was interesting that the entirety of the book aside from the epilogue took place over just one single night starting at 8pm in the evening in the first chapter and then going all the way through to 8am the next day in the final chapter with each chapter taking place over the course of an hour. I’ve never read a book like that before, and it was different and unique of ways of doing it, but I didn’t really care for it to be honest. The reason being that it just made the story feel very unrealistic and unbelievable that Odir and Eloise could reunite after being separated for six months, work through their issues their marriage, have sexy times going on, and reconcile all over the course of a 12 hour period. I just didn’t buy it. It just fell off the mark for because I felt like a lot of what they had to deal with in their troubled marriage would take a lot more time to resolve and discuss than a 12 hour period. Granted Harlequin Presents stories do have marriage that resolve themselves as they work through their issues in the length it takes for Harlequin Presents, but it happens over the course of days, weeks, or even months before they get their happily ever after while in this book’s case it took 12 hours only. I thought it was too much that happened in such a short of period time, and it didn’t make a lot sense to me. I would have preferred if this was spread over the course of time then just concentrated on this one day. Then it would have felt a little bit more realistic and more genuine if they had more time. It was too quick especially with all the issues that they had to get through as they repaired their marriage. I didn’t care for it. There just needed to be more pacing there.
I have to say I didn’t really care for Odir or Eloise. I just didn’t connect to them as individuals or as a couple. Nothing really drew me to either one of them. Because this story took place in such a short of amount of time, there wasn’t a lot of time for development between them as a couple or them as individuals. There wasn’t a lot of growth there for me, at least not genuinely. They didn’t have the chemistry for me either. There was missing between the two of them for me that I couldn’t be behind them as a couple. They just really didn’t do it for me.
With a premise like this one, I was expecting this one would be very angsty, very emotional, very intense, gut wrenching, and agonizing being this was a second chance marriage story where hurt feelings and misunderstandings were on full display, but it really wasn’t any of that, not to my liking when I have a trope such as this one. I expected that I would be hurting or bleeding for one or both of the characters as they went through the pain that they experienced with their marriage especially with Eloise being in love with her husband who totally rejected her, though he had a good reason to, and never consummated the marriage between them, but I had none of the feels while reading it. I even found myself having to skim parts of the story because I wasn’t feeling anything and was kind of bored to tears at points. Also there wasn’t a lot of build up there that would have made it more compelling and drew me in more. It was kind of flat. There were moments and highlight here and there, but not enough to keep me engaged the entire story. It just didn’t give me the feels like I was expecting or what I was wanting.
The love scenes were pretty spicy as they explored the passion between them, but I felt really unrealistic in this setup that they would have three love scenes in the span of a 12 hour time period especially since Eloise was a virgin the first time they were together, and despite the fact that she would be sore they would go at it two more times in a short span of time. That just didn’t feel realistic at all, and I didn’t care for it honest in this circumstance. I would have been okay with the first time then the wedding night they never had in the bedroom that Odir himself promised that they would have. I was looking forward to that make up wedding night scene, but that never happened. Yes, they had a love scene in the bedroom, but it wasn’t that tender, loving, and gentle love scene that I was expecting and hoping for.
The story wasn’t all bad. There were flashes of greatness that I wish carried on through the entire book, instead of just being here and there. One moment was near the end, and Odir acted like a cruel monster by rejecting her again, but doing so realizing he was in love with her, and he really couldn’t force her to anything because he wanted her happy. That was a breath of fresh air, and it gave the story more life than the entire story combined. That was when I got the feels. It was what I was expecting to feel for the entire story. If there were more moments like that surrounding the book, I know I would have adored it and loved it so much because it was bringing on the feels. Another highlight of the story was when they showed their vulnerability to each other in a way that they never had before any time during their marriage. That just spoke to me the most in the story because they were finally their real selves in a way they never had before. I wish they had more vulnerable and tender moments between them throughout the book. There were other moments that were good too.
Even though the concept and the setup of the story was for me, the actually story between Odir and Eloise was not. I just felt like having this story take place in only a 12 hour period really did the story an injustice. It just made the story feel very unrealistic and very unbelievable. There wasn’t a lot time for growth or development because of that, or more accurately it didn’t feel like a genuine growth or development between them. They had a lot of issues in their marriage that came to light very quickly because of the time period and almost dealt with as easily. There wasn’t a lot of struggle or back and forth between them over the course of time. It just happened in the short span of that 12 hours, which felt very unsatisfying to me. There wasn’t a lot angsty feels for me. There weren’t a lot of feels going on. At time the story fell flat, that I had to skim through a lot of it. I didn’t care for Odir and Eloise. I didn’t care for them as a couple or as individuals. They were just really flat to me. There few bright spots peppered in there, but not enough overall for me to be totally behind this book. It just didn’t hit the marks that I thought it was going to hit when I realized this was a second chance marriage romance. I’ve read a lot better second chance marriage romance than this one. This was not my favorite even though the trope was one of my favorite reads in the Harlequin Presents line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
A fantastic debut which I really enjoyed.
It was different in a good way and i really liked the build up, plot and back-story. The cover is devine and I adore second chance stories and I think Pippa did a fab job in this element.
I wish Pippa the bestest of luck with her release and a wonderful and long career. Looking forward to the next story.
It was different in a good way and i really liked the build up, plot and back-story. The cover is devine and I adore second chance stories and I think Pippa did a fab job in this element.
I wish Pippa the bestest of luck with her release and a wonderful and long career. Looking forward to the next story.
March 21, 2018
3.5
Sheik Odir needs his wife by his side before he assumes the title of King of his country. But his wife disappeared six months ago after he found her kissing his brother. Eloise had high hopes for her marriage before her husband failed to ever give her a wedding night, avoid her for 2 months and believe her capable of sleeping with his brother. And yet, when he summoned her back at a crucial time she came. But she soon figured out that he didn't call her back because he'd missed her - he still believed all the horrible things about her. And when she would have left, he manipulated her staying, not realizing that he was forcing her into a situation she swore she'd never go into. But seeing things from his perspective, Eloise realizes that she can't simply leave him, that he needs her more than ever, even if he'll never love her, because she loves him desperately.
First time reading this author and this was pretty good. I didn't LOVE it, but I did enjoy it. The part in the blurb, where he "has only 12 hours to win her back" is correct. This is set up as each chapter being another hour in that countdown. So this whole story takes place over a day, but the characters already have established background and there are plenty of explanations about the past. The downside to this format is that there isn't a whole lot of action happening and we don't get to see their relationship over any length of time. As I said, the background is already established, but the two don't love each other yet...this takes place over the twelve hours...and I kinda felt they needed a bit more time. On the plus side here is the conflict resolution. All those other stories where problems are ignored, glossed over and resolutions are over in the snap of a finger - not so here. These two spend hours resolving their conflicts, hashing out their problems, coming clean with their secrets and finally getting all that miscommunication out of the way. It made for decent drama and angst and I definitely felt that their problems were dealt with satisfactorily. Happy point there. Also loved the epilogue - it was super sweet.
Sheik Odir needs his wife by his side before he assumes the title of King of his country. But his wife disappeared six months ago after he found her kissing his brother. Eloise had high hopes for her marriage before her husband failed to ever give her a wedding night, avoid her for 2 months and believe her capable of sleeping with his brother. And yet, when he summoned her back at a crucial time she came. But she soon figured out that he didn't call her back because he'd missed her - he still believed all the horrible things about her. And when she would have left, he manipulated her staying, not realizing that he was forcing her into a situation she swore she'd never go into. But seeing things from his perspective, Eloise realizes that she can't simply leave him, that he needs her more than ever, even if he'll never love her, because she loves him desperately.
First time reading this author and this was pretty good. I didn't LOVE it, but I did enjoy it. The part in the blurb, where he "has only 12 hours to win her back" is correct. This is set up as each chapter being another hour in that countdown. So this whole story takes place over a day, but the characters already have established background and there are plenty of explanations about the past. The downside to this format is that there isn't a whole lot of action happening and we don't get to see their relationship over any length of time. As I said, the background is already established, but the two don't love each other yet...this takes place over the twelve hours...and I kinda felt they needed a bit more time. On the plus side here is the conflict resolution. All those other stories where problems are ignored, glossed over and resolutions are over in the snap of a finger - not so here. These two spend hours resolving their conflicts, hashing out their problems, coming clean with their secrets and finally getting all that miscommunication out of the way. It made for decent drama and angst and I definitely felt that their problems were dealt with satisfactorily. Happy point there. Also loved the epilogue - it was super sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2019
Hoy en “Libros Para Amas de Casa Desesperadas”:
- Un hombre fuerte y varonil™️. Las mujeres al verlo caminar por la calle le tiran sus pantaletas, lo cual es un poco difícil considerando que se acaba de convertir en rey.
- Una mujer decidida a tomar su destino en sus manos pierde la habilidad de mantenerse firme en sus decisiones o encarar a su marido “because the dick was good” (okay, no es una cita, pero literalmente es lo que pasa).
- Backstory trágicos para ambos personajes para poder explicar el por qué dos personas que claramente se aman, se tienen ganas y que sobre todo están casados no pueden estar juntos. Hey, tenemos que inventarnos drama 🤷🏽♀️
- Típicas escenas picantes que te hacen decir “¡Al fin se van a callar y se van a quedar juntos!”, pero sabes que luego algo va a pasar que va a hacer que se separen.
¿Qué les puedo decir? Misma fórmula, distintos temas. Entiendo la razón por la que se siguen vendiendo estos libros: son cortos, fáciles de leer y le permiten a sus lectores (estoy casi segura que debe haber hombres allá fuera que los lean por gusto) fantasear con personajes que están buenos, son exitosos, viajan a lugares extravagantes y que además gozan de encuentros sexuales dignos de HBO. Pero, ¿realmente son buenos? Por lo menos Matrimonio a la fuerza es meh con todas la de ley.
- Un hombre fuerte y varonil™️. Las mujeres al verlo caminar por la calle le tiran sus pantaletas, lo cual es un poco difícil considerando que se acaba de convertir en rey.
- Una mujer decidida a tomar su destino en sus manos pierde la habilidad de mantenerse firme en sus decisiones o encarar a su marido “because the dick was good” (okay, no es una cita, pero literalmente es lo que pasa).
- Backstory trágicos para ambos personajes para poder explicar el por qué dos personas que claramente se aman, se tienen ganas y que sobre todo están casados no pueden estar juntos. Hey, tenemos que inventarnos drama 🤷🏽♀️
- Típicas escenas picantes que te hacen decir “¡Al fin se van a callar y se van a quedar juntos!”, pero sabes que luego algo va a pasar que va a hacer que se separen.
¿Qué les puedo decir? Misma fórmula, distintos temas. Entiendo la razón por la que se siguen vendiendo estos libros: son cortos, fáciles de leer y le permiten a sus lectores (estoy casi segura que debe haber hombres allá fuera que los lean por gusto) fantasear con personajes que están buenos, son exitosos, viajan a lugares extravagantes y que además gozan de encuentros sexuales dignos de HBO. Pero, ¿realmente son buenos? Por lo menos Matrimonio a la fuerza es meh con todas la de ley.
March 20, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
A royal reunion! With her debut Harlequin Presents novel, Pippa Roscoe takes us deep into the heart of a potential royal disaster ... and the drama does NOT disappoint! Her characters have a richness to them that even though they are attempting to hold themselves aloof from their feelings, have the ability to show their tender side with each other, even when they may not want to. The plot is fast paced and attention grabbing from the start. I deem it a big success and look forward to watching her voice shine in future books!
Odir Farouk is hours away from being crowned King but needs his estranged wife by his side. Though their marriage was arranged, it had potential to become something special until he decided to guard his heart and treat her indifferently.
Eloise gave their marriage her best shot, but she couldn't stand being shoved to the wayside and forgotten day after day after day. He couldn't have made it more clear that he didn't even want to spend time with her, much less share his life. When he needs her by his side for the good of his country, she'll make a few demands of her own this time!
A royal reunion! With her debut Harlequin Presents novel, Pippa Roscoe takes us deep into the heart of a potential royal disaster ... and the drama does NOT disappoint! Her characters have a richness to them that even though they are attempting to hold themselves aloof from their feelings, have the ability to show their tender side with each other, even when they may not want to. The plot is fast paced and attention grabbing from the start. I deem it a big success and look forward to watching her voice shine in future books!
Odir Farouk is hours away from being crowned King but needs his estranged wife by his side. Though their marriage was arranged, it had potential to become something special until he decided to guard his heart and treat her indifferently.
Eloise gave their marriage her best shot, but she couldn't stand being shoved to the wayside and forgotten day after day after day. He couldn't have made it more clear that he didn't even want to spend time with her, much less share his life. When he needs her by his side for the good of his country, she'll make a few demands of her own this time!
March 30, 2018
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe
First book read by Pippa Roscoe and it certainly will not be the last. Loved it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down.
Odir Farouk had to get his wife back and back as soon as possible. For what he had to do with the gala and then the announcement he needed her to be by his side. His wife the queen as he was about to become the king.
Eloise had taken leave from him 6 months earlier and had changed her name, taken on a job, also living in a small apartment and helping a very dear friend of hers.
Eloise did indeed come to the gala as the invite had requested her to do. What would all unfold after that is something that you will have to read and enjoy.
Yes as a typical love story ends it does end well. But I will not spoil it for you, the only thing that I will reveal is that Pippa Roscoe knows how to write a book, tell a story and hold your attention. She uncovered all the multi layers of Odir and of Eloise for us to see. She told of both of their parents siblings and the whole family dynamics. Of love, hate, distrust and more.
Enjoy it as I have in the past 24 hours.
First book read by Pippa Roscoe and it certainly will not be the last. Loved it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down.
Odir Farouk had to get his wife back and back as soon as possible. For what he had to do with the gala and then the announcement he needed her to be by his side. His wife the queen as he was about to become the king.
Eloise had taken leave from him 6 months earlier and had changed her name, taken on a job, also living in a small apartment and helping a very dear friend of hers.
Eloise did indeed come to the gala as the invite had requested her to do. What would all unfold after that is something that you will have to read and enjoy.
Yes as a typical love story ends it does end well. But I will not spoil it for you, the only thing that I will reveal is that Pippa Roscoe knows how to write a book, tell a story and hold your attention. She uncovered all the multi layers of Odir and of Eloise for us to see. She told of both of their parents siblings and the whole family dynamics. Of love, hate, distrust and more.
Enjoy it as I have in the past 24 hours.
May 6, 2018
Conquering His Virgin Queen by Pippa Roscoe is part of the Mills & Boon Modern imprint. Odir Farouk is about to become King and needs to win his wife, Eloise, back. She left him 6 months ago due to his distrust of her after a misunderstanding over a scene he witnessed between her and his brother. Distance and a lack of communication between the pair of them also hindered the development of their marriage of convenience into a meaningful relationship. The pair of them have to overcome the influence of their parents if their second chance at marriage is to succeed. Odir will have to overcome his fear of love (after seeing his father fall apart after losing his mother) and Eloise will have to come to terms with her mother's addiction to painkillers after her father leaves her alone and unloved for years on end.
The story takes place over a period of around 12 hours and incorporates flashbacks to their pasts. It is well written and interesting to see a fast paced storyline crammed into such a short space of time.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review, I am a #MillsandBooninsider #conqueringhisvirginqueen
The story takes place over a period of around 12 hours and incorporates flashbacks to their pasts. It is well written and interesting to see a fast paced storyline crammed into such a short space of time.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review, I am a #MillsandBooninsider #conqueringhisvirginqueen
May 13, 2018
The actual story takes place in London during 12 hours ,but the flashbacks go back two tyears.
Odir married Eloise, a daughter of a diplomat ,as his father the king wanted. But on their wedding night Odir had to leave, being involved in negotiations with another country. He ddn't get to spend some time with his bride. Then one day Odir saw his brother Jarhan kissing Eloise- and threw her out without explanations. That was six months ago.
Now Odir needs his wife by his side- his father has just died and the new king needs to make a statement.
Meanwhile Eloise is living in Zurich under an assumed name and working in an international medical organisation.She helps her friend Natalia to het detoxed for drugs, but the latter needs a kidney transplant.Eloise wants a divorce and now Odir must convince her of staying his wife and bearing him children.
Will Eloise accept his explanations of his behavior at the time of their wedding ? Was his brother guilty of wanting his sister-in-law?
This is Pippa Roscoe 's debut book and I liked it very much.
Also, this is only 2nd time I encountered a secondary character in the book - a gay prince.
Odir married Eloise, a daughter of a diplomat ,as his father the king wanted. But on their wedding night Odir had to leave, being involved in negotiations with another country. He ddn't get to spend some time with his bride. Then one day Odir saw his brother Jarhan kissing Eloise- and threw her out without explanations. That was six months ago.
Now Odir needs his wife by his side- his father has just died and the new king needs to make a statement.
Meanwhile Eloise is living in Zurich under an assumed name and working in an international medical organisation.She helps her friend Natalia to het detoxed for drugs, but the latter needs a kidney transplant.Eloise wants a divorce and now Odir must convince her of staying his wife and bearing him children.
Will Eloise accept his explanations of his behavior at the time of their wedding ? Was his brother guilty of wanting his sister-in-law?
This is Pippa Roscoe 's debut book and I liked it very much.
Also, this is only 2nd time I encountered a secondary character in the book - a gay prince.
September 1, 2018
Pippa Roscoe's debut novel has not disappointed! She drew me in from the very first page, she has created a very strong, dominant hero and fiercely, independent heroine (which I live for!) and created this undeniable chemistry. Odir has 12 hours to win Eloise back, readers only have 12 chapters to see whether he succeeds, it was the journey that had me biting my nails in anticipation. I liked the structure, it was clever, the reasons behind Odir and Eloise's actions both in the past and present had me feeling hopeful and anxious at the same time. There were revelations, heart-breaking scenes, emotional depth and real passion with Odir and Eloise.
But what I admired most about this story was the struggle the characters go through, the authenticity of their feelings for each other which they constantly battle with in the midst of duty. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this satisfying story! I'm definitely looking forward to sinking my teeth into Pippa Roscoe's future books!
But what I admired most about this story was the struggle the characters go through, the authenticity of their feelings for each other which they constantly battle with in the midst of duty. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this satisfying story! I'm definitely looking forward to sinking my teeth into Pippa Roscoe's future books!
March 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.
A new author, a sheikh story and a very attractive proposition for me. However...be warned that the bulk of the story happens once the hero and heroine, Odir and Eloise have been reunited at the hotel/ball.
A marriage of alliance can be a successful thing, but not if you have doubts about that person and especially when you're trying to save and stabilise your country.
Odir annoyed me for this reason. He doesn't listen to his wife or brother but expects them to fall in line to fix the crisis point. All of them need to be honest with one another. Eloise needs to make a stand with all her problems.
The good news is that in resolving these problems the book ends successfully, but only by the epilogue. The bad news is that despite its intensity, keeping the characters in mostly the same place and moment I was a little bored at times. The date and time at the chapter slowed the story and was a bit '24'. I thought many a time, just get on with it.
It was a mostly good debut, I would certainly be interested in reading more of Pippa Roscoe's books.
A new author, a sheikh story and a very attractive proposition for me. However...be warned that the bulk of the story happens once the hero and heroine, Odir and Eloise have been reunited at the hotel/ball.
A marriage of alliance can be a successful thing, but not if you have doubts about that person and especially when you're trying to save and stabilise your country.
Odir annoyed me for this reason. He doesn't listen to his wife or brother but expects them to fall in line to fix the crisis point. All of them need to be honest with one another. Eloise needs to make a stand with all her problems.
The good news is that in resolving these problems the book ends successfully, but only by the epilogue. The bad news is that despite its intensity, keeping the characters in mostly the same place and moment I was a little bored at times. The date and time at the chapter slowed the story and was a bit '24'. I thought many a time, just get on with it.
It was a mostly good debut, I would certainly be interested in reading more of Pippa Roscoe's books.
March 28, 2018
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by author Pippa Roscoe is a Harlequin Presents release for April 2018.
Odir Farouk wanted his estranged wife, Eloise, by his side. But he had to blackmail, bribe or try any other means available to get her by his side.
Once by his side, Eloise couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. And they gave in to their passion. Now she found that he had never not wanted her. But he was denying his hunger for her.
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and sensitive, courageous heroine. Author Pippa Roscoe’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Eloise and Odir seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Odir Farouk wanted his estranged wife, Eloise, by his side. But he had to blackmail, bribe or try any other means available to get her by his side.
Once by his side, Eloise couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. And they gave in to their passion. Now she found that he had never not wanted her. But he was denying his hunger for her.
CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and sensitive, courageous heroine. Author Pippa Roscoe’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Eloise and Odir seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
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