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Desert Desires #1
Duty Bound Desire: The Sheikh's Forced Marriage
Lose yourself in this spellbinding tale of duty, desire, scandal and the power of love.
The betrayal of his first marriage still stings and the reason Crown Prince Nabil has vowed never to marry again. However, his father’s ailing health means he must now secure the throne and be the strong sheikh his nation needs. To do this, he will need a suitable wife, one with a clear understanding of what an arranged marriage means. She must not expect love for he has none left to give.
Princess Yasmin wants her independence but her nation is on the brink of war and only a political alliance can save her people. In the process, she will watch everything she’s ever wanted slip from her grasp along with her freedom. She will sacrifice her dreams, as failure to do so will result in the unthinkable, however, she vows to never be her husband’s subordinate.
From the onset, the raw heat and passion that sizzles between the two of them stuns him and despite it being a pleasant surprise, it cannot ever be mistaken for true connection. Nabil is adamant their business-like arrangement must be adhered to, and Yasmin should expect nothing more from him.
As time goes on, the shiekh realises he will have to face his past in order to save his marriage and secure his future.
The betrayal of his first marriage still stings and the reason Crown Prince Nabil has vowed never to marry again. However, his father’s ailing health means he must now secure the throne and be the strong sheikh his nation needs. To do this, he will need a suitable wife, one with a clear understanding of what an arranged marriage means. She must not expect love for he has none left to give.
Princess Yasmin wants her independence but her nation is on the brink of war and only a political alliance can save her people. In the process, she will watch everything she’s ever wanted slip from her grasp along with her freedom. She will sacrifice her dreams, as failure to do so will result in the unthinkable, however, she vows to never be her husband’s subordinate.
From the onset, the raw heat and passion that sizzles between the two of them stuns him and despite it being a pleasant surprise, it cannot ever be mistaken for true connection. Nabil is adamant their business-like arrangement must be adhered to, and Yasmin should expect nothing more from him.
As time goes on, the shiekh realises he will have to face his past in order to save his marriage and secure his future.
- GenresRomance
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2020
About the author
Jennifer Jansen
34 books28 followers Jennifer is a writer of sweet and slow-smoulder romance novels. She has travelled the world and received inspiration for her writing in the destinations she's visited.
She met her husband at one of these exotic locations and they now live in her homeland of Australia.
She has a ginger cat who helps her when she’s writing (by pressing the wrong buttons on the keyboard) and a gorgeous new puppy who is the size of a bear.
Jenifer hopes you enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
Find her here https://1jenniferjansen.wixsite.com/a...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Janse...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer-Jan...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjan...
She met her husband at one of these exotic locations and they now live in her homeland of Australia.
She has a ginger cat who helps her when she’s writing (by pressing the wrong buttons on the keyboard) and a gorgeous new puppy who is the size of a bear.
Jenifer hopes you enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
Find her here https://1jenniferjansen.wixsite.com/a...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Janse...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer-Jan...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjan...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this. Liked both the hero and the heroine. Hero is a real hottie.
Steamy and tender love scenes. Great imagery created through the story. What more could you want? Great book.
This is book 1 of a trilogy so I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
Steamy and tender love scenes. Great imagery created through the story. What more could you want? Great book.
This is book 1 of a trilogy so I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 16, 2020
I was asked by the author, Jennifer Jansen, if I would like to read an advanced copy of her debut romance novel. I was very excited at the prospect, having read some of this author's non-fiction books and didn't need to think too much about my answer. It was a resounding "Yes please"!!!! Within reading the first few sentences of this novel I was captivated by this story and just wanted to keep reading. This novel has it all. Drama, intrigue, suspense, strong emotions and quite a few steamy sex scenes that were tastefully done and added to the unfolding of Nabil's and Yasmin's relationship. I found myself reading, wanting to see what would happen next. There were times that had me tearing up and others where I wanted to grab Nabil and shake him. But more than anything I enjoyed every step of the journey wanting to keep reading to see where these two would end up. It was a highly entertaining read which I would recommend. I look forward with anticipation to the next adventure in the Desert Desire series. Five stars for me.
February 23, 2020
I don't read a lot of romance but a friend recommended this book and I thought I'd give it a go.
It grabbed my attention and held it all the way through. I wanted to see what would happen. Hot love scenes and hot hero.
I liked Yasmin and I really liked Nabil even though his wife didn't at stages throughout the book but I knew he was fighting himself.
4.5 stars from me.
It grabbed my attention and held it all the way through. I wanted to see what would happen. Hot love scenes and hot hero.
I liked Yasmin and I really liked Nabil even though his wife didn't at stages throughout the book but I knew he was fighting himself.
4.5 stars from me.
August 10, 2021
I finished this book in a day! Absolutely loved the characters, the setting, and the manner in which the author writes. I couldn't put this book down ... it has become one of my favourite romance books of all time. Just beautiful.
March 18, 2025
An enjoyable marriage of convenience romance.
Recommended and safe.
KU.
Recommended and safe.
KU.
July 16, 2021
Him: A crown prince preparing to take over the throne from his father who is seriously ill. His vision is progressive and women-friendly and he brings his country into the 21st century
She: A princess familiar with all the duties that belong to a royal family. Her father promised her that it is her choice who she will marry until her country threatens to go to war and the bond with Zashar can save the country.
An arranged marriage with a stranger that she can't get out of.
Prince Nabil is a passionate man who is caring and loving in bed but distant outside of it and not used to taking responsibility for others, including his bride Princess Yasmin. A previous marriage makes him not allow feelings into their arranged marriage now. He respects Yasmin and only wants respect from her.
Princess Yasmin is trained as a doctor, has a romantic view of the world, is empathetic and passionate. Even if she doesn't want to, she slowly develops feelings of love for Nabil. But he is cold and warm, and the uncertainty of a loveless marriage with limitations preoccupies her.
With the impending danger of war in the background, a solid relationship based on respect develops between Nabil and Yasmin.
Beautiful steamy bed scenes to which you are treated complete the picture.
And the love? He waits on the corner where they find him.
Highly recommended
She: A princess familiar with all the duties that belong to a royal family. Her father promised her that it is her choice who she will marry until her country threatens to go to war and the bond with Zashar can save the country.
An arranged marriage with a stranger that she can't get out of.
Prince Nabil is a passionate man who is caring and loving in bed but distant outside of it and not used to taking responsibility for others, including his bride Princess Yasmin. A previous marriage makes him not allow feelings into their arranged marriage now. He respects Yasmin and only wants respect from her.
Princess Yasmin is trained as a doctor, has a romantic view of the world, is empathetic and passionate. Even if she doesn't want to, she slowly develops feelings of love for Nabil. But he is cold and warm, and the uncertainty of a loveless marriage with limitations preoccupies her.
With the impending danger of war in the background, a solid relationship based on respect develops between Nabil and Yasmin.
Beautiful steamy bed scenes to which you are treated complete the picture.
And the love? He waits on the corner where they find him.
Highly recommended
April 3, 2021
Every now and then I am asked to read a story that captivates me from the very beginning until the very last word. This was definitely one of those stories, and I cannot recommend this book enough. The way that Jennifer creates the imagery of this story, is simply magical. Every word made me feel like I was right there with them. This book is filled with drama, suspense and a beautiful love story that is shaped with its own set of struggles. These characters drew me in, and they were so well crafted and thought out that I felt so drawn to their journey. A must read!
January 19, 2022
Thank you Goodreads for such a great book. I totally enjoyed the love story between Yasmin and Nabil.
Princess Yasmin of Qaman is angry when her father tells her of her arranged marriage to Crown Prince Nabil of Zashar. Agreements were reached for Zashar to provide soldiers to Qaman to prevent the takeover from a neighboring country. Yasmin was attending medical school in England and was furious with her father but she recognized her duty. Nabil was handsome but he told her it was only a marriage of political necessity. She fell in love with him but he remained cold and her heart slowly breaks but what is she to do?
She used her medical skills to save his father's life and worked to improve medical care in Zashar. He realized how important her skill was but it wasn't until he saw a thug put his hand on her that he realized how much he loved her. His first marriage had hurt him and he vowed to never love another woman but Yasmin changed him. He not only loved her but needed her and finally found the words to tell her.
Princess Yasmin of Qaman is angry when her father tells her of her arranged marriage to Crown Prince Nabil of Zashar. Agreements were reached for Zashar to provide soldiers to Qaman to prevent the takeover from a neighboring country. Yasmin was attending medical school in England and was furious with her father but she recognized her duty. Nabil was handsome but he told her it was only a marriage of political necessity. She fell in love with him but he remained cold and her heart slowly breaks but what is she to do?
She used her medical skills to save his father's life and worked to improve medical care in Zashar. He realized how important her skill was but it wasn't until he saw a thug put his hand on her that he realized how much he loved her. His first marriage had hurt him and he vowed to never love another woman but Yasmin changed him. He not only loved her but needed her and finally found the words to tell her.
September 2, 2024
This was a good fast read. It is #1 in a series. I haven’t read the others but may read them later. I had others that I wanted to read.
September 3, 2021
very good
I enjoyed this book, having been reading other types of books over the pass few years. This was a fun romance book to restart read romance again.
I enjoyed this book, having been reading other types of books over the pass few years. This was a fun romance book to restart read romance again.
December 7, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a romance enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. I highly recommend this book.
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a romance enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. I highly recommend this book.
June 3, 2021
Duty Bound Desire is the story of a marriage of convenience between Crown Prince Nabil, who must marry again for the sake of his nation even though his first marriage failed, and Princess Yasmin, who agrees to marry him for the sake of her country. This well written book has strong characters and an intriguing storyline with emotional healing, royal duty, and steamy passion. It is a wonderful read and I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2021
First off, arranged Marriages are my Jam! This book reminded me of Harlequins I have read my entire life and still enjoy. Yasmin is so great. I love her fire and her career choice that doesn't quite fit with being a royal, but how she still had the passion to pursue even though, her husband was against it. Nabil was hot albeit tortured and let his past and duty override what he really wanted. I'm so glad, he finally saw the light!
March 8, 2020
Just re-read this one because I love how exotic the feel of the story is.
Oh my God, I LOVED this book! I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoyed the story and liked both the main characters, especially the hot hero. There was action, drama and lots of good lovin'!
Oh my God, I LOVED this book! I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoyed the story and liked both the main characters, especially the hot hero. There was action, drama and lots of good lovin'!
September 26, 2020
I loved writing this story - years in the making. And Nabil is one of my hottest characters.
"How do you know I'm innocent,"she challenged.
He leaned in close, a roguish smile played upon his lips. "Because I'm not," he whispered.
"How do you know I'm innocent,"she challenged.
He leaned in close, a roguish smile played upon his lips. "Because I'm not," he whispered.
September 17, 2021
What a beautiful story. Filled with romance, passion, tension and a gorgeous hero who is handsome, strong, courageous and caring … I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A wonderful read by the fireplace - just wonderful!
August 13, 2023
it's a splendid romance read with live characters and good plot.
August 9, 2021
A beautifully written story that grabs your attention right from the start!
I was swept away by this story. This being my second read by Jansen, I was delighted to find that this story was just as engaging and capitavting as the first story I read from her.
It was so wonderfully written and descriptive that I could feel the conflict and emotions of the characters. Nabil and Yasmin's story is a journey filled with uncertainty, trepidation, and obstacles. It's a river of feelings that you're going to want to dive into. They have a push and pull that is real, honest, and at times passionate.
These are two individuals who marry for Duty but, find love through compromise, respect, and understanding find love. Filled with drama, passion, and a hint of danger, this is a truly wonderful story from beginning to end.
I was swept away by this story. This being my second read by Jansen, I was delighted to find that this story was just as engaging and capitavting as the first story I read from her.
It was so wonderfully written and descriptive that I could feel the conflict and emotions of the characters. Nabil and Yasmin's story is a journey filled with uncertainty, trepidation, and obstacles. It's a river of feelings that you're going to want to dive into. They have a push and pull that is real, honest, and at times passionate.
These are two individuals who marry for Duty but, find love through compromise, respect, and understanding find love. Filled with drama, passion, and a hint of danger, this is a truly wonderful story from beginning to end.
October 26, 2020
This book was flat to me and I am bummed. The premise is great. An arranged marriage of two intelligent people. And yet, it just never got there for me.
I found Yasmin to be a whiny and unrealistic, which was a shame because she clearly had smarts. Nabil had so much promise as an excellent alpha.
The problem was there was no chemistry. He wanted sex only, she wanted the ability to chase her dreams. He won, she lost.
I found Yasmin to be a whiny and unrealistic, which was a shame because she clearly had smarts. Nabil had so much promise as an excellent alpha.
The problem was there was no chemistry. He wanted sex only, she wanted the ability to chase her dreams. He won, she lost.
February 17, 2020
A princess is married to the crown pince of a neighbouring state. Out of duty develops respect and then love.
The setting is total nonsense and I was about to quit. But the author has a pleasant writing style so I finished it anyway.
The setting is total nonsense and I was about to quit. But the author has a pleasant writing style so I finished it anyway.
March 18, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story. It is indeed sexy, exotic and well written.
Loved the hero, despite himself. Loved the heroine and her story.
highly recommended.
Loved the hero, despite himself. Loved the heroine and her story.
highly recommended.
April 21, 2024
A great royal romance. Arranged marriage. Closed off hero. Stunning, benevolent heroine who displayed more in service than just wanting the hero. Absolutely loved it. I love it when the woman has her own desires to serve in a productive way rather than just fight for a selfish need. This had that in spades which made the story so much more exciting. Yet, she fought for the closeness she needed with her man.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews