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Kismet
In the heat of the desert night, passion rises like a flame...
Raised in a brothel, Allegra Synnford quickly learned that survival meant taking charge of her destiny. Now, as a renowned courtesan skilled in the pleasures of the flesh, she vows she will never be vulnerable to any one man...
Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has been hiding from his past for a long time, but not enough to forget how another courtesan made him abandon his life as the Viscount Newcastle. When Allegra ignites his desire, his need threatens to undermine his cover.
With old enemies circling, experience tells him he must resist her charms at all costs. But Allegra has her own game to play...with a man who can't afford to lose.
Raised in a brothel, Allegra Synnford quickly learned that survival meant taking charge of her destiny. Now, as a renowned courtesan skilled in the pleasures of the flesh, she vows she will never be vulnerable to any one man...
Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has been hiding from his past for a long time, but not enough to forget how another courtesan made him abandon his life as the Viscount Newcastle. When Allegra ignites his desire, his need threatens to undermine his cover.
With old enemies circling, experience tells him he must resist her charms at all costs. But Allegra has her own game to play...with a man who can't afford to lose.
337 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2010
About the author
Monica Burns
52 books510 followersAn award-winning author of spicy historical and paranormal romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 6, 2010
It’s been quite a while since I read a quality sheikh romance, and no, I’m not talking about those Harlequin Presents with the titles like The Sheikh’s Virgin Mistress Dessert Lover Secretary and so forth. Actually, I haven’t read too many sheikh romances in general. My guilty pleasure once upon a time was reading Beatrice Small’s Skye O’Malley series where poor Skye was kidnapped and forced to become a harem girl to some masterful, alpha waxed (except for the beard) sheikh type. One such author has decided to pen a romance that is very reminiscent of Beatrice Small, and I mean that as the biggest compliment. Monica Burn’s Kismet is a nicely written passionate desert romance that tales place in Morocco 1893 with a heroine who won’t take any crap from anyone, including the sheikh who wants to own her body and soul.
I must say it is great to read a turn of the century romance in an exotic setting. Monica’s descriptions had me wanting to jump on a plane and go ride a camel or sleep in a tent in the desert. She really does have a wonderful historical fiction voice. The way she builds up the attraction between her hero and heroine shows her skill as an author and I can assure you there is a great deal of this in Kismet.
Allegra Synnford is a courtesan from London, England who has come to Marrakech, Morocco to attend her friend Isabella’s wedding to Major Brant Hastings. Allegra is relived to have a vacation because she is a bit stressed out. Her niece Cordelia is set to marry the Earl of Bledsoe. Cordelia doesn’t have a clue that Allegra was forced to work in a brothel because her mother sold her when she was a barely a teen. Allegra went on to tone her skills and became the mistress of Arthur, the former Earl of Bledsoe who died in her bed from a heart attack. Cordelia’s fiancé is the nephew of Allegra’s dead lover and Allegra is concerned that Arthur’s widow may find out about Cordelia’s family connection to her. Controversy and gossip follows Allegra wherever she goes, even to Morocco, which may seem a bit odd, but Allegra has quite the reputation. A man would do anything to spend one night in her arms because she is so skillful in the art of pleasure.
Allegra appreciates fine horse flesh and when she first arrives by train she spots an out of control horse. Without any concern for her safety, she is almost trampled by the horse, but rescued by a tall man who has a powerful presence surrounding him. This all happens in a moment and Allegra is intrigued by her savior even though he is all dressed in black, and his face covered with only his brown eyes showing. From that moment on, Allegra’s life will change, perhaps because of fate or possibly because of kismet…
The man who rescues Allegra will do whatever he can to have one night in her bed. He is Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh and serves Sheikh Mahmoud. Shaheen is also negotiating treaties between the different Bedouin tribes, as well as working with the French and Spanish governments to make everything run smoothly. Shaheen is very powerful in his own right and proud to be a part of the Amazigh nation. But Shaheen hides another identity. Shaheen was born in England and is a Viscount who left because his father disowned him due to the death of his brother James. Shaheen lives with the guilt over James’ death daily and will never return to England. But a distant cousin, Charles Shaftsbury, has come to Morocco looking for Shaheen. He knows who he really is and coincidently happens to be an old lover of Allegra’s.
Shaheen assumes that Allegra won’t refuse him because she is a whore after all. He corners her one night and tells her his wish, which really insults Allegra. She thinks he is rude, too egotistical and too possessive in his regard towards her. Allegra has dealt with men like Shaheen in the past and thinks she can simply turn her nose up in the air and walk away. She may find Shaheen desirable but refuses to be owned. Allegra gives Shaheen a merry chase and after a dare, that shows Allegra’s skill at eating a banana, Shaheen backs down. But then Allegra is kidnapped by Mahmoud’s brother, Sheikh Yusuf Nassar. Nassar is a disturbing and sick individual who believes women are cattle and live to serve him. Even though Allegra can see Nassar is not right in his mind, she stands up for herself and won’t let him near her. Unfortunately her actions have consequences and with that she is placed in great danger. But, the one man she first refused comes to her rescue and in turn he will expect Allegra to pay him back with her body and sexual techniques. Shaheen will no longer be pushed to the side and will enjoy the delights found in between Allegra’s thighs. Unfortunately for Shaheen, Allegra undermines him at every turn. Bedding a woman like Allegra is a welcomed fight Shaheen looks forward to, where not only his body will be satisfied but as well as his heart.
Kismet is a steamy, well written historical romance with two strong willed and very stubborn characters. Shaheen is very alpha and some of the things he says and does to Allegra may make you want to slap him across the face. But Monica makes sure we see what type of man he is inside and why he acts the way he does. I can promise you that Allegra is no wilting violet and she has quite the mouth on her. Her outspoken nature gets her into trouble. What she goes through at the hands of Nassar is horrible but Shaheen is partly responsible because he believes that Allegra would be better without him.
Shaheen’s non-stop guilt over his past ruins everything between Allegra and himself up to the very last moment. Shaheen has some of those “Too Stupid To Live” moments. Allegra is a wonderful, “I am woman, hear me roar” heroine. She keeps Shaheen on her toes and fights because she refuses to be a victim. She has taken life by the horns and made a life for herself on her own terms. She is a survivor and will continue to be. I wish there were more types of heroines like Allegra being written in historical romances.
Monica’s love scenes are wonderful and early on in Kismet there is this great scene where Allegra shows her appreciation for a banana where Shaheen almost loses control. Can we say passion fruit?
I found Kismet to be great reading even though there were some parts I was confused with because past events were mentioned that may make a reader think this is a book in a series, even though it is a stand alone. But even with those small issues, Kismet is a solid romance that may make you long for your own sheikh.
I must say it is great to read a turn of the century romance in an exotic setting. Monica’s descriptions had me wanting to jump on a plane and go ride a camel or sleep in a tent in the desert. She really does have a wonderful historical fiction voice. The way she builds up the attraction between her hero and heroine shows her skill as an author and I can assure you there is a great deal of this in Kismet.
Allegra Synnford is a courtesan from London, England who has come to Marrakech, Morocco to attend her friend Isabella’s wedding to Major Brant Hastings. Allegra is relived to have a vacation because she is a bit stressed out. Her niece Cordelia is set to marry the Earl of Bledsoe. Cordelia doesn’t have a clue that Allegra was forced to work in a brothel because her mother sold her when she was a barely a teen. Allegra went on to tone her skills and became the mistress of Arthur, the former Earl of Bledsoe who died in her bed from a heart attack. Cordelia’s fiancé is the nephew of Allegra’s dead lover and Allegra is concerned that Arthur’s widow may find out about Cordelia’s family connection to her. Controversy and gossip follows Allegra wherever she goes, even to Morocco, which may seem a bit odd, but Allegra has quite the reputation. A man would do anything to spend one night in her arms because she is so skillful in the art of pleasure.
Allegra appreciates fine horse flesh and when she first arrives by train she spots an out of control horse. Without any concern for her safety, she is almost trampled by the horse, but rescued by a tall man who has a powerful presence surrounding him. This all happens in a moment and Allegra is intrigued by her savior even though he is all dressed in black, and his face covered with only his brown eyes showing. From that moment on, Allegra’s life will change, perhaps because of fate or possibly because of kismet…
The man who rescues Allegra will do whatever he can to have one night in her bed. He is Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh and serves Sheikh Mahmoud. Shaheen is also negotiating treaties between the different Bedouin tribes, as well as working with the French and Spanish governments to make everything run smoothly. Shaheen is very powerful in his own right and proud to be a part of the Amazigh nation. But Shaheen hides another identity. Shaheen was born in England and is a Viscount who left because his father disowned him due to the death of his brother James. Shaheen lives with the guilt over James’ death daily and will never return to England. But a distant cousin, Charles Shaftsbury, has come to Morocco looking for Shaheen. He knows who he really is and coincidently happens to be an old lover of Allegra’s.
Shaheen assumes that Allegra won’t refuse him because she is a whore after all. He corners her one night and tells her his wish, which really insults Allegra. She thinks he is rude, too egotistical and too possessive in his regard towards her. Allegra has dealt with men like Shaheen in the past and thinks she can simply turn her nose up in the air and walk away. She may find Shaheen desirable but refuses to be owned. Allegra gives Shaheen a merry chase and after a dare, that shows Allegra’s skill at eating a banana, Shaheen backs down. But then Allegra is kidnapped by Mahmoud’s brother, Sheikh Yusuf Nassar. Nassar is a disturbing and sick individual who believes women are cattle and live to serve him. Even though Allegra can see Nassar is not right in his mind, she stands up for herself and won’t let him near her. Unfortunately her actions have consequences and with that she is placed in great danger. But, the one man she first refused comes to her rescue and in turn he will expect Allegra to pay him back with her body and sexual techniques. Shaheen will no longer be pushed to the side and will enjoy the delights found in between Allegra’s thighs. Unfortunately for Shaheen, Allegra undermines him at every turn. Bedding a woman like Allegra is a welcomed fight Shaheen looks forward to, where not only his body will be satisfied but as well as his heart.
Kismet is a steamy, well written historical romance with two strong willed and very stubborn characters. Shaheen is very alpha and some of the things he says and does to Allegra may make you want to slap him across the face. But Monica makes sure we see what type of man he is inside and why he acts the way he does. I can promise you that Allegra is no wilting violet and she has quite the mouth on her. Her outspoken nature gets her into trouble. What she goes through at the hands of Nassar is horrible but Shaheen is partly responsible because he believes that Allegra would be better without him.
Shaheen’s non-stop guilt over his past ruins everything between Allegra and himself up to the very last moment. Shaheen has some of those “Too Stupid To Live” moments. Allegra is a wonderful, “I am woman, hear me roar” heroine. She keeps Shaheen on her toes and fights because she refuses to be a victim. She has taken life by the horns and made a life for herself on her own terms. She is a survivor and will continue to be. I wish there were more types of heroines like Allegra being written in historical romances.
Monica’s love scenes are wonderful and early on in Kismet there is this great scene where Allegra shows her appreciation for a banana where Shaheen almost loses control. Can we say passion fruit?
I found Kismet to be great reading even though there were some parts I was confused with because past events were mentioned that may make a reader think this is a book in a series, even though it is a stand alone. But even with those small issues, Kismet is a solid romance that may make you long for your own sheikh.
May 19, 2017
Cheesier than a fondue convention.
I was expecting a modern-day homage to The Sheik, but instead I got yet another woobie-rake with soul-crushing daddy issues & Twagic Broken-Hearted Backstory that he hogties to every single happening in the present -- i.e., a moping dishrag who lacks any ability to, y'know, MAN THE HELL UP & MOVE ON. (If there's one thing I cannot abide in romance novels, it's a mopey hero.) There's also a plotline that obviously draws inspiration from The Sheik, yet conveniently removes all the fangs of Hull's story, such as neglecting to give the heroine a choice and/or plot progression.
Seriously, the first couple chapters had my attention...but an onslaught of minutely examined Feelz began to parade across the pages, followed by repeated mentions of how the heroine chooses to say no & empowers herself by picking whether to take anyone to her bed. Natch, the hero totes respects that despite his wicked raging boner every time she looks at him, & he hates courtesans in general because of that Twagic Backstory -- but of course he'll honor her life choices & wait patiently for her to allow his cock between her legs. Yawn.
What little plot there was had some potential, despite (or because of?) the similarities to Hull's classic -- but it wasn't fleshed out beyond providing occasional breaks from the spoonfed lint-combing Feelz.
Gentle reader, I am disappointed. The blurb makes Kismet sound like a next generation bodice ripper...but the blurb lies. Aside from the uncommon setting & pretty cover (kudos to the artist), this is no different from the usual crop of genre HR.
I was expecting a modern-day homage to The Sheik, but instead I got yet another woobie-rake with soul-crushing daddy issues & Twagic Broken-Hearted Backstory that he hogties to every single happening in the present -- i.e., a moping dishrag who lacks any ability to, y'know, MAN THE HELL UP & MOVE ON. (If there's one thing I cannot abide in romance novels, it's a mopey hero.) There's also a plotline that obviously draws inspiration from The Sheik, yet conveniently removes all the fangs of Hull's story, such as neglecting to give the heroine a choice and/or plot progression.
Seriously, the first couple chapters had my attention...but an onslaught of minutely examined Feelz began to parade across the pages, followed by repeated mentions of how the heroine chooses to say no & empowers herself by picking whether to take anyone to her bed. Natch, the hero totes respects that despite his wicked raging boner every time she looks at him, & he hates courtesans in general because of that Twagic Backstory -- but of course he'll honor her life choices & wait patiently for her to allow his cock between her legs. Yawn.
What little plot there was had some potential, despite (or because of?) the similarities to Hull's classic -- but it wasn't fleshed out beyond providing occasional breaks from the spoonfed lint-combing Feelz.
Gentle reader, I am disappointed. The blurb makes Kismet sound like a next generation bodice ripper...but the blurb lies. Aside from the uncommon setting & pretty cover (kudos to the artist), this is no different from the usual crop of genre HR.
July 28, 2022
I found the characters and story generally boring, and got tired of being told how strong and courageous the heroine was. Too much telling, not enough showing.
May 17, 2016
This is the second book I have read by Monica Burns and, although I don’t think it is quite as good as MIRAGE, the suspense, steamy romance, interesting characters and evocative setting make this a very enjoyable read.
Allegra Synnford
The young Allegra suffers the same fate as her older sister when her mother sells her to a brothel owner. She is finally able to escape this existence when she becomes the mistress of Arthur, Earl of Bledsoe. The scandal surrounding his death serves to create the illusion of a courtesan unparalleled. Men are drawn to her but Arthur’s death has given her the independence to choose the men she takes to her bed. She always needs to be in control and never becomes emotionally involved.
She was always the one who seduced. The one in control. Men succumbed to her not the other way around.
Allegra is strong, resilient, courageous and, above all, a survivor and I like how she never apologises for making the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is a good person at heart which is clearly shown in her love for her niece, Cordelia. She wants Cordelia to have someone who really cares about her and wants her to be happy, something that Allegra never had in her own life.
Sheikh Shaheen/Robert Camden, Viscount Newcastle
15 years ago Robert left England after his involvement with and betrayal by a courtesan led to the tragic death of his older brother, James. Disowned by his father and racked by guilt over his brother’s death, Robert seeks death in the Moroccan desert only to be saved by Sheikh Khalid Mahmood. As Sheikh Shaheen, Robert builds a new life for himself and the Amazigh people become like family to him. He has successfully negotiated treaties between the various warring Bedouin tribes and earned the respect of not only the Bedouins but also the Spanish and French governments that control the Moroccan Sultanate. These treaties and the life he had made for himself could easily be destroyed if his true identity became known.
Shaheen is definitely an alpha hero…strong, arrogant, stubborn and a man who likes to be in control. He has never talked about his past to anyone, even Khalid, but these tragic events will colour his initial assumptions about Allegra. He is immediately intrigued by her but believes Allegra to be shallow just like Frances, the courtesan who betrayed him, but he finds that Allegra is constantly shattering his preconceptions about her.
Once again, she’d shattered another preconceived notion of his – her simple scent surprised him. he’d expected a musky perfume, something exotic, not something so simple and natural, delicate gestures that were completely natural and without artifice?
He sees a woman with principles…a woman with spirit, who isn’t afraid to defy him or bravely stand up to the cruel Sheikh Nassar. He wants to discover the real woman beneath the façade of a seductive courtesan.
Allegra is attracted to Shaheen but will never relinquish control of her life. He both captivates and infuriates her and throws her off balance. One minute he can be caring but the next arrogant and commanding.
I love the battle of wills between these two strong-willed and stubborn people. Allegra refuses to allow any man to control her but Shaheen is a man who demands total submission. This conflict creates a volatile relationship which only serves to heighten the sexual tension simmering between them. The erotic banana scene, where Allegra wins her bet, is definitely not to be missed!
Shaheen makes a lot of mistakes when it comes to his relationship with Allegra but I could understand his reasoning for acting the way he does even though he is sometimes harsh and hurtful. I was pleased to see that Allegra doesn’t make it easy for him at the end and he has to do some serious grovelling.
There are some interesting secondary characters including Millie, Allegra’s friend and companion; Laila, Khalid’s feisty daughter; Hakim, Khalid’s son and heir, who develops a crush on Allegra creating tension between him and Shaheen; Shaheen’s distant cousin Charles, who presents some problems for our hero and the sadistic villain Nassar, Khalid’s brother.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story with its mix of regional politics, intrigue and danger and Ms Burns doesn’t shy away from showing Nassar’s cruel and degrading treatment of Allegra. A truly nasty piece of work and I was glad to see him meet a sticky end.
Ms Burns has an innate ability to draw me into her stories with writing that is evocative, emotive and sensual. Her vivid imagery brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of the exotic Moroccan setting.
MY VERDICT: If you enjoy an action-packed tale of passion, desire and love with an exotic setting, then this is for you.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
**I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Allegra Synnford
The young Allegra suffers the same fate as her older sister when her mother sells her to a brothel owner. She is finally able to escape this existence when she becomes the mistress of Arthur, Earl of Bledsoe. The scandal surrounding his death serves to create the illusion of a courtesan unparalleled. Men are drawn to her but Arthur’s death has given her the independence to choose the men she takes to her bed. She always needs to be in control and never becomes emotionally involved.
She was always the one who seduced. The one in control. Men succumbed to her not the other way around.
Allegra is strong, resilient, courageous and, above all, a survivor and I like how she never apologises for making the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is a good person at heart which is clearly shown in her love for her niece, Cordelia. She wants Cordelia to have someone who really cares about her and wants her to be happy, something that Allegra never had in her own life.
Sheikh Shaheen/Robert Camden, Viscount Newcastle
15 years ago Robert left England after his involvement with and betrayal by a courtesan led to the tragic death of his older brother, James. Disowned by his father and racked by guilt over his brother’s death, Robert seeks death in the Moroccan desert only to be saved by Sheikh Khalid Mahmood. As Sheikh Shaheen, Robert builds a new life for himself and the Amazigh people become like family to him. He has successfully negotiated treaties between the various warring Bedouin tribes and earned the respect of not only the Bedouins but also the Spanish and French governments that control the Moroccan Sultanate. These treaties and the life he had made for himself could easily be destroyed if his true identity became known.
Shaheen is definitely an alpha hero…strong, arrogant, stubborn and a man who likes to be in control. He has never talked about his past to anyone, even Khalid, but these tragic events will colour his initial assumptions about Allegra. He is immediately intrigued by her but believes Allegra to be shallow just like Frances, the courtesan who betrayed him, but he finds that Allegra is constantly shattering his preconceptions about her.
Once again, she’d shattered another preconceived notion of his – her simple scent surprised him. he’d expected a musky perfume, something exotic, not something so simple and natural, delicate gestures that were completely natural and without artifice?
He sees a woman with principles…a woman with spirit, who isn’t afraid to defy him or bravely stand up to the cruel Sheikh Nassar. He wants to discover the real woman beneath the façade of a seductive courtesan.
Allegra is attracted to Shaheen but will never relinquish control of her life. He both captivates and infuriates her and throws her off balance. One minute he can be caring but the next arrogant and commanding.
I love the battle of wills between these two strong-willed and stubborn people. Allegra refuses to allow any man to control her but Shaheen is a man who demands total submission. This conflict creates a volatile relationship which only serves to heighten the sexual tension simmering between them. The erotic banana scene, where Allegra wins her bet, is definitely not to be missed!
Shaheen makes a lot of mistakes when it comes to his relationship with Allegra but I could understand his reasoning for acting the way he does even though he is sometimes harsh and hurtful. I was pleased to see that Allegra doesn’t make it easy for him at the end and he has to do some serious grovelling.
There are some interesting secondary characters including Millie, Allegra’s friend and companion; Laila, Khalid’s feisty daughter; Hakim, Khalid’s son and heir, who develops a crush on Allegra creating tension between him and Shaheen; Shaheen’s distant cousin Charles, who presents some problems for our hero and the sadistic villain Nassar, Khalid’s brother.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story with its mix of regional politics, intrigue and danger and Ms Burns doesn’t shy away from showing Nassar’s cruel and degrading treatment of Allegra. A truly nasty piece of work and I was glad to see him meet a sticky end.
Ms Burns has an innate ability to draw me into her stories with writing that is evocative, emotive and sensual. Her vivid imagery brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of the exotic Moroccan setting.
MY VERDICT: If you enjoy an action-packed tale of passion, desire and love with an exotic setting, then this is for you.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
**I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
March 7, 2010
I was really surprised at how much I liked this book.
Both the H&H had bad things that happened to them earlier in they're lives. Because of this they fought their attraction to each other from the moment they laid eye's on each other. That made the sexual tension really high for the first half of the book. I was also surprised at how long it took them to finally hit the sheets. With her being a courtesan and him being a sheikh you think they'd be all over each other. I really liked both of the H&H characters in this book. He was an extremely strong, honorable, sexy man. While she was a courtesan who had values and was feisty. She did not jump from bed to bed, she chose those who she wanted and was not a shrinking violet. Let me tell you, she had reason enough to fall apart several times in this book but she just held her head up hi and toughs it out.
Most of the sheikh books I've read, the sheikh had harems. Not so with this book. The H&H were only together with each other and no one else.
Of course there is a bad guy in this book and the heroine does get captured a time or two leaving the hero to rescue her.
All in all I thought it was a good read and I'm happy I picked the book up.
Both the H&H had bad things that happened to them earlier in they're lives. Because of this they fought their attraction to each other from the moment they laid eye's on each other. That made the sexual tension really high for the first half of the book. I was also surprised at how long it took them to finally hit the sheets. With her being a courtesan and him being a sheikh you think they'd be all over each other. I really liked both of the H&H characters in this book. He was an extremely strong, honorable, sexy man. While she was a courtesan who had values and was feisty. She did not jump from bed to bed, she chose those who she wanted and was not a shrinking violet. Let me tell you, she had reason enough to fall apart several times in this book but she just held her head up hi and toughs it out.
Most of the sheikh books I've read, the sheikh had harems. Not so with this book. The H&H were only together with each other and no one else.
Of course there is a bad guy in this book and the heroine does get captured a time or two leaving the hero to rescue her.
All in all I thought it was a good read and I'm happy I picked the book up.
June 22, 2010
Everything about this book screamed unusual; the setting, the heroine's occupation, a hero in hiding, so it was a given once I got past the rather brilliant cover that this one would be high up on my 'gotta read it' list. And I'm ever so glad that I did as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Allegra, the heroine, had a horrid young life. She was sold to a brothel by her mother who also sold her older sister into the same kind of life. She was rescued from this life by a 'patron' when she became his mistress. And Allegra is not a 'fake' mistress. She's the real deal. After her first 'patron' died, she was determined to rule her own life and she was the one who would be choosing her protectors. She became what they needed, not only skilled in the art of seduction, but also offered her intelligence. She traveled to Marrakesh to attend a friends wedding and to delay the inevitable task of telling her young niece what she really does for a living. She first notices the hero, Shaheen when she tries to buy an extraordinary horse from him. Shaheen notices her, but when he finds out her true occupation, he leaps to conclusions about her based on a tragic experience that led to his self-imposed banishment to Morocco. But still he is drawn to her in ways he doesn't like. And he is not the only one drawn to her. Nassar, the brutal and vicious brother of the Sheik he works for, kidnaps Allegra and it is Shaheen that comes to her rescue.
Allegra is everything admirable in a heroine. She is strong and independent, yet shows flashes of vulnerability. She has had a tough life, but has become her own person and won't let anyone tell her what to do. Although deeply attracted to Shaheen, she is determined to resist him and does a pretty good job through-out much of the book, knowing that he can have power over her she's not willing to give.
Shaheen is also pretty darn yummy. An Englishman by birth, he was willing to die because of the guilt he felt over an incident in his past. But now he has made a name for himself and a new life and family in Morocco. He has brokered many a treaty between warring tribal Sheiks and united them together. When a relative shows up looking for him, he refuses to let Allegra go after rescuing her, believing that all the work he has done will be for naught. I had some issues with him for being a bit too mired in the wrong he was done by a former courtesan. While he soon realizes that Allegra is nothing like his former paramour, at times he does seem to forget and acts accordingly - treating Allegra most unfairly. Still, overall, he makes for a good alpha type hero who suffers ghosts of his own. And we do get that grovel at the end.
The way the author has written the setting is excellent. Most of the book takes place in either Marakesh or in tribal camps and the atmosphere is excellent. When reading this book, the author made me really feel like I was there. There are fewer things finer than discovering a new author!
Allegra, the heroine, had a horrid young life. She was sold to a brothel by her mother who also sold her older sister into the same kind of life. She was rescued from this life by a 'patron' when she became his mistress. And Allegra is not a 'fake' mistress. She's the real deal. After her first 'patron' died, she was determined to rule her own life and she was the one who would be choosing her protectors. She became what they needed, not only skilled in the art of seduction, but also offered her intelligence. She traveled to Marrakesh to attend a friends wedding and to delay the inevitable task of telling her young niece what she really does for a living. She first notices the hero, Shaheen when she tries to buy an extraordinary horse from him. Shaheen notices her, but when he finds out her true occupation, he leaps to conclusions about her based on a tragic experience that led to his self-imposed banishment to Morocco. But still he is drawn to her in ways he doesn't like. And he is not the only one drawn to her. Nassar, the brutal and vicious brother of the Sheik he works for, kidnaps Allegra and it is Shaheen that comes to her rescue.
Allegra is everything admirable in a heroine. She is strong and independent, yet shows flashes of vulnerability. She has had a tough life, but has become her own person and won't let anyone tell her what to do. Although deeply attracted to Shaheen, she is determined to resist him and does a pretty good job through-out much of the book, knowing that he can have power over her she's not willing to give.
Shaheen is also pretty darn yummy. An Englishman by birth, he was willing to die because of the guilt he felt over an incident in his past. But now he has made a name for himself and a new life and family in Morocco. He has brokered many a treaty between warring tribal Sheiks and united them together. When a relative shows up looking for him, he refuses to let Allegra go after rescuing her, believing that all the work he has done will be for naught. I had some issues with him for being a bit too mired in the wrong he was done by a former courtesan. While he soon realizes that Allegra is nothing like his former paramour, at times he does seem to forget and acts accordingly - treating Allegra most unfairly. Still, overall, he makes for a good alpha type hero who suffers ghosts of his own. And we do get that grovel at the end.
The way the author has written the setting is excellent. Most of the book takes place in either Marakesh or in tribal camps and the atmosphere is excellent. When reading this book, the author made me really feel like I was there. There are fewer things finer than discovering a new author!
May 26, 2010
I really like this book. It starts out typical boy and girl meets asks her for a night and girl says no then the guy just has to have her. As you keep reading it starts to turn really good and dangerously exacting. The girl (Kismet) gets kidnapped and the guy (Shaheen) saves her by buying her form a evil man. Then things starts heating up between them, but there is still the threat that the same evil man will come back for Kismet. So Shaheen sends her away they don’t part well at this point meaning Shaheen tells her lies to get her to leave for her safety, but is it really? OMG NO! its not for the best!
If you like historic romance with happiness, sadness, sizzling romance, betrayals and enemies. You may like this one too. I have to say I really felt sorry for Kismet, I would not want to be in her shoes what she goes through alone from the evil man is enough to make you use a box of tissues. I would love to tell you more, but this book is to good to spoil to much.
It takes along while before you read sizzling romance between Kismet and Shaheen, I will say for someone like me that likes more of it and earlier in the book, I never really missed it because of all the different emotions going on.
I would like to also add there are times where Kismet and Shaheen are at odds or not with each other, but its not like other books I have read this one has the love between them and I felt it while reading it. So it didn’t upset me or make me mad like the other books did.
If you like historic romance with happiness, sadness, sizzling romance, betrayals and enemies. You may like this one too. I have to say I really felt sorry for Kismet, I would not want to be in her shoes what she goes through alone from the evil man is enough to make you use a box of tissues. I would love to tell you more, but this book is to good to spoil to much.
It takes along while before you read sizzling romance between Kismet and Shaheen, I will say for someone like me that likes more of it and earlier in the book, I never really missed it because of all the different emotions going on.
I would like to also add there are times where Kismet and Shaheen are at odds or not with each other, but its not like other books I have read this one has the love between them and I felt it while reading it. So it didn’t upset me or make me mad like the other books did.
August 18, 2011
like someone mentioned in another review, its been a long time since i've read a sheik romance - I stopped reading them several years ago because they were just ehhh...so I was pleasantly surprised when I picked this one up. I loved the sexual tension between the two main characters and that fact that the heroine was a courtesan and had taken control of her own sexual future made her appealing, especially considering that its a historical. The setting in Morocco made it visually appealing, I felt, at several times, I was in the desert with the Bedouin.
My only tiny nitpick comment was in one part where the author used some arabic in greetings and made a mistake - I don't know a lot of arabic, but the part that was incorrect was one of the first things that we learnt and it has stuck in my head since. That being said, I will def. be looking for more booksby Ms Burns in the future - in particular, to see if there are any featuring Allega's friend who gets married in the first part of the book, and Sheheen's cousin, Charles who plays a pivotal role in this one to see if he gets his HEA eventually.
My only tiny nitpick comment was in one part where the author used some arabic in greetings and made a mistake - I don't know a lot of arabic, but the part that was incorrect was one of the first things that we learnt and it has stuck in my head since. That being said, I will def. be looking for more booksby Ms Burns in the future - in particular, to see if there are any featuring Allega's friend who gets married in the first part of the book, and Sheheen's cousin, Charles who plays a pivotal role in this one to see if he gets his HEA eventually.
May 16, 2011
This book a had a great start but didn't really deliver. The hero dislikes courtesan because of the role one played in his life that caused a family tragedy. He finds out the woman he saved at the train is the kind of woman he despises but he wants her anyway. There's the usual push and pull and the I'm going to tell you I don't care for you and push you away because I want to save your misunderstanding that really pushed the story downhill. At that point the book started to read like Romance Writing 101. I'm so sad that I was dissappointed in this books since I love books that have the courtesan premise.
August 18, 2016
4 1/2 Stars!!!
KISMET is the first historical romance novel I've read that featured a Sheikh for a hero and its really changed my preconceived thoughts - judgements - on Sheikhs. My initial mental reaction at the word Sheikh was the combined thoughts of harem and misogynist but I've realized that this is really an uneducated response. Sheikh is an honorific term that can be applied to both men and women and literally means a person of age or an elder. A Sheikh is a learned or educated person who seeks knowledge and is respected by a community. Hmmm...I don't know where to attribute my first thoughts with regard to Sheikhs but I'm happy to no longer be ignorant of the word's true meaning.
On to the review...
Fifteen years ago, Sheikh Shaheen came to the harsh Moroccan desert to die only to find a new reason to live with the Amazigh. A people of strong values and tradition, the Amazigh live and love a vital land that can be both giving and cruel. It's in this barren wilderness that Shaheen builds a new life that allows him to bury the painful heartache of the name Viscount Newcastle and its association with the family he left behind in England. But when a world renowned courtesan arrives in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, Shaheen is doomed to meet his destiny and be forced to face his dreaded past whether he's ready for it or not.
Allegra Synnford is a woman shaped by a crime she didn't commit. Barely at the brink of womanhood, Allegra was sold into prostitution by the same person that should have been willing to die to protect her - her mother. But Allegra is nothing if not a survivor and she's come a long way from that black pit of hell to pull herself up in the world by shaping her destiny with one careful choice at a time. Now, confident in her independence after securing the right to choose her lovers, Allegra travels to Morocco for a friends wedding. It's there that she's confronted by the one and only man that poses a serious threat to enslaving her heart and soul.
Within moments of Shaheen meeting Allegra, his emotions tailspin into complete turmoil. Having already acquired a healthy disdain for women, a courtesan has the ability to spark a deep seeded hatred within Shaheen along with the sickening feeling of guilt for he'd once been terribly wronged by a woman of Allegra's ilk resulting in a tragedy that has blackened his soul. Combined, these vicious emotions poison his thoughts and his words making him highly distrustful of Allegra but despite all this, he can't make himself stay away. When Allegra is snatched by a particularly evil rival Sheikh whilst in a seedier end of Marrakech, Shaheen wastes no time and even less thought before he's riding across the desert to save her.
Vibrant and compelling, Allegra is nearly broken by the disgusting Sheikh Nassar and is even further humiliated by Shaheen's retrieval of her. Just like her horrific past, Allegra is bartered and sold to Shaheen. Little does Shaheen know that while his strategy to save Allegra was universally degrading, he'd inadvertantly dug up the horrifics of her past resulting in an incredible emotional impact and igniting a deep distrust. He also underestimates Allegra's desire to return to Marrakech and to her home in England. Her greatest fear is Shaheen and his impact on her. He's a magnificent threat to all the independence that she's built but Shaheen is blinded and befuddled by his fierce craving for Allegra and no matter how tangible her desperation to leave becomes, he can't let her go. Instead he embarks on seducing her and removing her skilled courtesan mask. He's determined to tear past all the shielding layers that hide the real Allegra which is exactly what she fears and is so desperate to flee from. But it's hard to continue to deny what your soul desires and after a tough fight, Allegra succumbs to Shaheen's seduction.
Finally, in a moment of pure beauty, both Shaheen and Allegra drop their shields but fate is not yet content to leave the pair in peace. Once again the evil Sheikh Nassar is circling closer but this time it's with a fatal intent. As war looms on the horizon and Shaheen fears for Allegra's safety, he devises the fastest way of removing her from camp and returning her to England: Breaking her heart. Tearing to shreds the tenuous trust and burgeoning love, Shaheen destroys Allegra - reducing her to nothing but a woman of undiluted anger. Eventually his intentional destruction becomes all for not for in another twist of fate Allegra is kidnapped once again by Nassar but this time he has no intention of selling her.
Shaheen was an arrogant hero but a hero nonetheless. He did his best to keep Allegra safe but with his heart blinded by the emotions that consume him, Shaheen makes many mistakes - some of them are even repeat offenders. He's constantly underestimating Allegra's strength and haphazardly pushes her near her breaking point before he realizes that he couldn't live with himself if he actually "broke" her. Yet Shaheen continued to show major trust issues and its not until he's destroyed Allegra's heart that he finally allows himself to open his own heart to her. It was a bit nerve-wrecking waiting for him to learn from his mistakes and I almost thought the book would end with him unchanged but Shaheen surprised me greatly. His self-inflicting punishment at Allegra's feet had me near tears and it was more than apparent that he recognized his mistakes and that he was deserving of forgiveness. For the first time Shaheen doesn't barge in and demand but instead waits for Allegra to decide their fate and for Shaheen, that's a big deal.
While both characters are incredibly stubborn, Allegra really embodied the true meaning of the word but primarily in a survival sense. Incredibly, she knows when to let go and its only at the times that benefit her soul. With Sheikh Nassar, she stubbornly clings tight to her survival instincts and her desire to live free making her uneasily broken. Conversely with Shaheen, Allegra was stubborn in her refusal of his advances when he arrogantly, and at times cruelly, made hasty assumptions about her character. When she realizes the reason for his initial disdain, her soul hurts for him but she doesn't relinquish it because of guilt, but for love.
KISMET is an epic romance that brings to life the vibrant land of Morocco and its people. Amazingly colorful, one feels like they're right there with the characters riding speedy Arabians across the desert sands. The romance is passionate and the end is heartbreaking, leaving the reader in a puddled mush of tears and smiles. If you're a historical romance reader looking for something new, edgy and passionate, look no farther than KISMET.
KISMET is the first historical romance novel I've read that featured a Sheikh for a hero and its really changed my preconceived thoughts - judgements - on Sheikhs. My initial mental reaction at the word Sheikh was the combined thoughts of harem and misogynist but I've realized that this is really an uneducated response. Sheikh is an honorific term that can be applied to both men and women and literally means a person of age or an elder. A Sheikh is a learned or educated person who seeks knowledge and is respected by a community. Hmmm...I don't know where to attribute my first thoughts with regard to Sheikhs but I'm happy to no longer be ignorant of the word's true meaning.
On to the review...
Fifteen years ago, Sheikh Shaheen came to the harsh Moroccan desert to die only to find a new reason to live with the Amazigh. A people of strong values and tradition, the Amazigh live and love a vital land that can be both giving and cruel. It's in this barren wilderness that Shaheen builds a new life that allows him to bury the painful heartache of the name Viscount Newcastle and its association with the family he left behind in England. But when a world renowned courtesan arrives in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, Shaheen is doomed to meet his destiny and be forced to face his dreaded past whether he's ready for it or not.
Allegra Synnford is a woman shaped by a crime she didn't commit. Barely at the brink of womanhood, Allegra was sold into prostitution by the same person that should have been willing to die to protect her - her mother. But Allegra is nothing if not a survivor and she's come a long way from that black pit of hell to pull herself up in the world by shaping her destiny with one careful choice at a time. Now, confident in her independence after securing the right to choose her lovers, Allegra travels to Morocco for a friends wedding. It's there that she's confronted by the one and only man that poses a serious threat to enslaving her heart and soul.
Within moments of Shaheen meeting Allegra, his emotions tailspin into complete turmoil. Having already acquired a healthy disdain for women, a courtesan has the ability to spark a deep seeded hatred within Shaheen along with the sickening feeling of guilt for he'd once been terribly wronged by a woman of Allegra's ilk resulting in a tragedy that has blackened his soul. Combined, these vicious emotions poison his thoughts and his words making him highly distrustful of Allegra but despite all this, he can't make himself stay away. When Allegra is snatched by a particularly evil rival Sheikh whilst in a seedier end of Marrakech, Shaheen wastes no time and even less thought before he's riding across the desert to save her.
Vibrant and compelling, Allegra is nearly broken by the disgusting Sheikh Nassar and is even further humiliated by Shaheen's retrieval of her. Just like her horrific past, Allegra is bartered and sold to Shaheen. Little does Shaheen know that while his strategy to save Allegra was universally degrading, he'd inadvertantly dug up the horrifics of her past resulting in an incredible emotional impact and igniting a deep distrust. He also underestimates Allegra's desire to return to Marrakech and to her home in England. Her greatest fear is Shaheen and his impact on her. He's a magnificent threat to all the independence that she's built but Shaheen is blinded and befuddled by his fierce craving for Allegra and no matter how tangible her desperation to leave becomes, he can't let her go. Instead he embarks on seducing her and removing her skilled courtesan mask. He's determined to tear past all the shielding layers that hide the real Allegra which is exactly what she fears and is so desperate to flee from. But it's hard to continue to deny what your soul desires and after a tough fight, Allegra succumbs to Shaheen's seduction.
Finally, in a moment of pure beauty, both Shaheen and Allegra drop their shields but fate is not yet content to leave the pair in peace. Once again the evil Sheikh Nassar is circling closer but this time it's with a fatal intent. As war looms on the horizon and Shaheen fears for Allegra's safety, he devises the fastest way of removing her from camp and returning her to England: Breaking her heart. Tearing to shreds the tenuous trust and burgeoning love, Shaheen destroys Allegra - reducing her to nothing but a woman of undiluted anger. Eventually his intentional destruction becomes all for not for in another twist of fate Allegra is kidnapped once again by Nassar but this time he has no intention of selling her.
Shaheen was an arrogant hero but a hero nonetheless. He did his best to keep Allegra safe but with his heart blinded by the emotions that consume him, Shaheen makes many mistakes - some of them are even repeat offenders. He's constantly underestimating Allegra's strength and haphazardly pushes her near her breaking point before he realizes that he couldn't live with himself if he actually "broke" her. Yet Shaheen continued to show major trust issues and its not until he's destroyed Allegra's heart that he finally allows himself to open his own heart to her. It was a bit nerve-wrecking waiting for him to learn from his mistakes and I almost thought the book would end with him unchanged but Shaheen surprised me greatly. His self-inflicting punishment at Allegra's feet had me near tears and it was more than apparent that he recognized his mistakes and that he was deserving of forgiveness. For the first time Shaheen doesn't barge in and demand but instead waits for Allegra to decide their fate and for Shaheen, that's a big deal.
While both characters are incredibly stubborn, Allegra really embodied the true meaning of the word but primarily in a survival sense. Incredibly, she knows when to let go and its only at the times that benefit her soul. With Sheikh Nassar, she stubbornly clings tight to her survival instincts and her desire to live free making her uneasily broken. Conversely with Shaheen, Allegra was stubborn in her refusal of his advances when he arrogantly, and at times cruelly, made hasty assumptions about her character. When she realizes the reason for his initial disdain, her soul hurts for him but she doesn't relinquish it because of guilt, but for love.
KISMET is an epic romance that brings to life the vibrant land of Morocco and its people. Amazingly colorful, one feels like they're right there with the characters riding speedy Arabians across the desert sands. The romance is passionate and the end is heartbreaking, leaving the reader in a puddled mush of tears and smiles. If you're a historical romance reader looking for something new, edgy and passionate, look no farther than KISMET.
April 12, 2016
The story takes place in Morocco and England in 1893 and spans about three months. The heroine is Allegra, 30ish with dark red hair and green eyes. She ends up getting abducted. The hero, Shaheen, aka Robert Camden, Viscount of Newcastle, brown hair and brown eyes, goes to find her and buys her from her kidnapper. The rest of the entire novel, to me, is just very boring. There’s some serious drama involving Allegra and a whipping. This is another newer romance book where I’ve found myself not really caring about either the heroine or hero. I didn’t paticularly like either one of them. I grade this 2 stars/D.
Both are wounded; the heroine was sold into prostitution by her own mother, the hero witnessed the suicide of his brother James years before. The suicide was the only interesting part of the story and I wish it hadn’t taken place in the past. I found this story completely uninteresting and unromantic. I never warmed up to it or the setting. I feel as though both the hero and heroin’s characters were underdeveloped, especially Allegra’s. All we know about her is that she was sold into prostitution. After they’re back in England towards the end, Shaheen goes to Allegra’s home and confesses his love for her. She tells him she feels the same way but it just doesn’t seem believeable to me. Then he asks her to marry him and she tells him she’s pregnant. That’s how the story ends.
I’ve wanted to read this since I’d heard about it earlier this year when there were a few blogs that were having contests for it. I feel the overly-bright, old school book cover doesn’t fit the story one bit.
Both are wounded; the heroine was sold into prostitution by her own mother, the hero witnessed the suicide of his brother James years before. The suicide was the only interesting part of the story and I wish it hadn’t taken place in the past. I found this story completely uninteresting and unromantic. I never warmed up to it or the setting. I feel as though both the hero and heroin’s characters were underdeveloped, especially Allegra’s. All we know about her is that she was sold into prostitution. After they’re back in England towards the end, Shaheen goes to Allegra’s home and confesses his love for her. She tells him she feels the same way but it just doesn’t seem believeable to me. Then he asks her to marry him and she tells him she’s pregnant. That’s how the story ends.
I’ve wanted to read this since I’d heard about it earlier this year when there were a few blogs that were having contests for it. I feel the overly-bright, old school book cover doesn’t fit the story one bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2016
Kismet certainly had the goods to be a fascinating a sensuous read. Allegra is the kind of heroine authors and readers dream of. She's gutsy, brave, instinctive and not afraid of using her body to get what she wants. I found this sad because she was actually a very smart woman with a good head on her shoulders and a courageous spirit but her life was a troubled one that led her to do whatever necessary to survive. The sheikh on the other hand is a man of many secrets. The path he travels is full of suspicion, intrigue and control. He has to be alert at all times to keep one step ahead of his enemies. Kismet is a story that revolves around hidden agendas, destroying secrets and a turbulent relationship that is as contradictory as the lives of it's main characters.
November 30, 2013
4.5 stars
Really good story.
I did find it a little odd that Allegra traveled to Morocco with just a maid/companion. No others with her.
Loved the instant chemistry between Allegra and Shaheen. There are still some twist or mysteries, not much.
A bit of violence, some I wanted to skip over but it was very brief.
Thank you Monica Burns for signing my copy!
Really good story.
I did find it a little odd that Allegra traveled to Morocco with just a maid/companion. No others with her.
Loved the instant chemistry between Allegra and Shaheen. There are still some twist or mysteries, not much.
A bit of violence, some I wanted to skip over but it was very brief.
Thank you Monica Burns for signing my copy!
March 19, 2019
The first book I have listed here as did not finish. I could have finished it, but I was a little bit bored by chapter 4. For once, I'm not going to plow through a book that doesn't excite me. I'd rather not waste my time.
September 14, 2019
I have not wanted to murder a hero this much in a long long time.
Who doesn’t want an emotional and physical abuser with anger issues and love of calling women sluts, and an inability to grasp that no means no for a romance hero?
The heroine suffered from a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome and my one hope is that two minutes after the book ended, the so called hero caught a deadly and very painful illness, died, and left her a widow.
If you love a festering human trash heap as a romantic lead, this book is for you. Otherwise, stay away.
Who doesn’t want an emotional and physical abuser with anger issues and love of calling women sluts, and an inability to grasp that no means no for a romance hero?
The heroine suffered from a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome and my one hope is that two minutes after the book ended, the so called hero caught a deadly and very painful illness, died, and left her a widow.
If you love a festering human trash heap as a romantic lead, this book is for you. Otherwise, stay away.
July 4, 2018
Entertaining and predictable. Good sex.
March 1, 2021
A Falcon and Woman of Fire
Unique story of two unloved people, each by a parent which sets their lives into turmoil. Steamy, adventurous and dangerous love.
Unique story of two unloved people, each by a parent which sets their lives into turmoil. Steamy, adventurous and dangerous love.
November 15, 2014
http://leslecturesdeveralice.blogspot...
Voilà un historique qui sort de l'ordinaire et se laisse lire avec plaisir.
Le contexte d'abord m'a beaucoup plu.
Nous sommes en 1893, au Maroc pour toute la durée du roman, sauf quelques dizaines de pages finales, et le dépaysement est assuré : Shaheen ("faucon"), cet aristocrate anglais blessé par son passé, vit totalement intégré dans une tribu d'Amagizh dont il a la charge en tant que Sheik. Autant dire que bon nombre de chapitres se dérouleront à l'intérieur de la tribu berbère, dont la vie est évoquée en toute discrétion et sans appesantissement particulier. Le mont Atlas, dans le lointain, à différentes heures du jour et de la nuit, la chaleur, les repas, les vêtements, les pans de la tente qui se lèvent au gré des souffles d'air, les magnifiques chevaux au caractère ombrageux et tenace, ou les quelques mots berbères qui émaillent le récit en imprègnent l'histoire avec légèreté et pas mal d'élégance. Monica Burns évoque aussi, comme une partie intégrante de son intrigue, les dissensions violentes et récurrentes dont les tribus berbères sont coutumières en cette période de colonisation par les français et les espagnols.
Ce qui est étonnant, c'est que cette vie simple et complexe à la fois, Allegra se l'approprie avec souplesse, comme si de tout temps elle lui était destinée.
Car tout dans cette histoire tourne autour du destin, kismet, avec la réunion de ces deux êtres farouches, têtus, volontaires et méfiants. Les deux héros ont des personnalités très marquées, tous deux ont vécu une vie jalonnée de difficultés, d'erreurs, de compromis et de mensonges. Mais leur rencontre était inscrite dans les lignes de l'avenir, et le tatouage au henné sur la main de la femme de feu, Allegra, en témoignera jusqu'à la fin.
L'histoire d'amour tient ici la première place et l'évolution de leur relation, très tumultueuse et empreinte d'une vive attraction sensuelle, est pleine de fougue et de retournements. Allegra sait faire preuve d'une détermination sans faille lorsqu'il s'agit de combattre pour sa chère indépendance durement acquise. A la fin de ce 19ème siècle encore empreint de toute le rigueur victorienne, elle a su se créer une place, controversée, certes, mais qui lui a permis de mener sa vie à sa guise, et surtout, d'en tenir fermement les rênes. Lorsqu'elle rencontre Shaheen, ils ne se comprennent pas, se méjugent et se repoussent tout en se séduisant. Durant des mois, leurs sentiments n'auront que peu de marge de manœuvre tant tous deux sont convaincus de ne pas devoir aimer. Autant dire que les scènes qui les rapprochent ou qui les opposent sont éruptives et passionnées. Shaheen est un personnage masculin autoritaire et très arrogant, avec un côté froid et abrupt, pendant la majeure partie de l'histoire, ce qui rend d'autant plus belle la scène durant laquelle il laisse parler son cœur et couler ses larmes.
Allegra, elle, l'amazone au courage infini, gagne en profondeur tout au long de l'histoire. On se rend peu à peu compte de ce que sa vie lui a coûté d'abnégation et de négation d'elle-même, et certaines scènes finales m'ont vraiment touchée, tant elle reste digne dans les épreuves qu'elle traversera encore pour gagner l'amour de Shaheen.
Les scènes d'amour, pas si nombreuses que cela, sont toutefois plus détaillées que dans les A&P "standarts", ce qui justifie son édition dans cette collection, d'autant qu'Allegra, experte dans l'art d'éveiller et de satisfaire le désir des hommes, en joue avec maestria.
Voilà donc une parution que je me ferai certainement un plaisir de redécouvrir en français.
Denses, avec une vie intérieure passionnée et complexe, ses héros ne pourront pas laisser indifférents, surtout dans un cadre aussi peu convenu que ce magnifique désert berbère aux confins du Maroc.
En attendant, je me réjouis de découvrir les autres romans de cette auteur en VO.
Voilà un historique qui sort de l'ordinaire et se laisse lire avec plaisir.
Le contexte d'abord m'a beaucoup plu.
Nous sommes en 1893, au Maroc pour toute la durée du roman, sauf quelques dizaines de pages finales, et le dépaysement est assuré : Shaheen ("faucon"), cet aristocrate anglais blessé par son passé, vit totalement intégré dans une tribu d'Amagizh dont il a la charge en tant que Sheik. Autant dire que bon nombre de chapitres se dérouleront à l'intérieur de la tribu berbère, dont la vie est évoquée en toute discrétion et sans appesantissement particulier. Le mont Atlas, dans le lointain, à différentes heures du jour et de la nuit, la chaleur, les repas, les vêtements, les pans de la tente qui se lèvent au gré des souffles d'air, les magnifiques chevaux au caractère ombrageux et tenace, ou les quelques mots berbères qui émaillent le récit en imprègnent l'histoire avec légèreté et pas mal d'élégance. Monica Burns évoque aussi, comme une partie intégrante de son intrigue, les dissensions violentes et récurrentes dont les tribus berbères sont coutumières en cette période de colonisation par les français et les espagnols.
Ce qui est étonnant, c'est que cette vie simple et complexe à la fois, Allegra se l'approprie avec souplesse, comme si de tout temps elle lui était destinée.
Car tout dans cette histoire tourne autour du destin, kismet, avec la réunion de ces deux êtres farouches, têtus, volontaires et méfiants. Les deux héros ont des personnalités très marquées, tous deux ont vécu une vie jalonnée de difficultés, d'erreurs, de compromis et de mensonges. Mais leur rencontre était inscrite dans les lignes de l'avenir, et le tatouage au henné sur la main de la femme de feu, Allegra, en témoignera jusqu'à la fin.
L'histoire d'amour tient ici la première place et l'évolution de leur relation, très tumultueuse et empreinte d'une vive attraction sensuelle, est pleine de fougue et de retournements. Allegra sait faire preuve d'une détermination sans faille lorsqu'il s'agit de combattre pour sa chère indépendance durement acquise. A la fin de ce 19ème siècle encore empreint de toute le rigueur victorienne, elle a su se créer une place, controversée, certes, mais qui lui a permis de mener sa vie à sa guise, et surtout, d'en tenir fermement les rênes. Lorsqu'elle rencontre Shaheen, ils ne se comprennent pas, se méjugent et se repoussent tout en se séduisant. Durant des mois, leurs sentiments n'auront que peu de marge de manœuvre tant tous deux sont convaincus de ne pas devoir aimer. Autant dire que les scènes qui les rapprochent ou qui les opposent sont éruptives et passionnées. Shaheen est un personnage masculin autoritaire et très arrogant, avec un côté froid et abrupt, pendant la majeure partie de l'histoire, ce qui rend d'autant plus belle la scène durant laquelle il laisse parler son cœur et couler ses larmes.
Allegra, elle, l'amazone au courage infini, gagne en profondeur tout au long de l'histoire. On se rend peu à peu compte de ce que sa vie lui a coûté d'abnégation et de négation d'elle-même, et certaines scènes finales m'ont vraiment touchée, tant elle reste digne dans les épreuves qu'elle traversera encore pour gagner l'amour de Shaheen.
Les scènes d'amour, pas si nombreuses que cela, sont toutefois plus détaillées que dans les A&P "standarts", ce qui justifie son édition dans cette collection, d'autant qu'Allegra, experte dans l'art d'éveiller et de satisfaire le désir des hommes, en joue avec maestria.
Voilà donc une parution que je me ferai certainement un plaisir de redécouvrir en français.
Denses, avec une vie intérieure passionnée et complexe, ses héros ne pourront pas laisser indifférents, surtout dans un cadre aussi peu convenu que ce magnifique désert berbère aux confins du Maroc.
En attendant, je me réjouis de découvrir les autres romans de cette auteur en VO.
September 8, 2021
Owned print book. Spicy.
June 15, 2016
Allegra is met at the train station in Morocco by Ali who was sent by Major Hastings. Allegra had her maid and friend Millie with her. Allegra owned some thoroughbred horses so she knew something of horses she heard a commotion and a horse and Allegra went to investigate. Allegra was knocked down and the horse reared up over her . But out of nowhere a man appeared and calmed the animal and saved Allegra from being seriously hurt possibly killed. The man was a Bedouin and very tall. Allegra’s body was responding to this man in a way she hadn’t with any other. Allegra was a courtesan and she had never been unable to capture a male’s complete attention but this Beduin sheikh just turned his back and walked away.Allegra had been brought up in a brothel as her mother had sold her and her sister to a brothel madame. The brothel was named Madame Eugenie. Isabel was Allegra’s other friend and had also been at Madame Eugenie’s but followed her heart to Major Hastings. Men had showered Allegra with with money and gems. That allowed Allegra to become independent as she also paid to raise her niece Cordellia . But Cordellia did not know the truth about her aunt or her mother Elizabeth. And Allegra had hoped to keep it that way but know Cordellia was engaged to the Earl of Bledsoe. Allegra had been wrong had been fantasizing about Allegra all day then he sees her at the palace. But then Sheikh Shaheen was told she was a courtesan the type of woman Shaheen avoided with determination. Shaheen had known and thought himself in love with a courtesan Frances when he was younger and had been burnt because of it. Shaheen had went to the terrace and unknowingly Allegra also went out there also. Allegra wants Saheen’s horse but Shaheen is unwilling to sell. Then Allegra asks Shaheen to stud his horse and Shaheen says for a night with her. Allegra goes to angrily walk away and Shaheen stops her and kisses her and Allegra knew she was in trouble.
I truely loved this story it held me enthralled while I read it. I did not want to put it down until I turned the last page. I was also happy to see Sheikh Shaheen didn’t have a harem as some books i have read. I always did love a good Sheikh story and this was an excellent one. It had action, a battle of wills, kidnappings, passion, desire, friendship, secrets that can be very harmful, and so much more. I loved the characters especially Khaheen and Allegra and all the twists and turns they went through as well as the story. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I truely loved this story it held me enthralled while I read it. I did not want to put it down until I turned the last page. I was also happy to see Sheikh Shaheen didn’t have a harem as some books i have read. I always did love a good Sheikh story and this was an excellent one. It had action, a battle of wills, kidnappings, passion, desire, friendship, secrets that can be very harmful, and so much more. I loved the characters especially Khaheen and Allegra and all the twists and turns they went through as well as the story. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
July 6, 2011
I won this book at a Goodreads giveaway. I had never heard of the author but the synopsis seemed interesting and it featured a courtesan, so I tried my luck. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be one of my favourite readings but it still has some positive points.
Although it's a historical romance, with steamy scenes and a cover with a voluptuous woman in the arms of an alpha male, I enjoyed the parallel story with Nassar as the villain. That because it not only gave a boost to the story, which I feared would be limited to steamy encounters between the protagonists in gardens, tents and so on, but it also allowed to get to know a little of the berber tribes from North Africa. Most of the novels of this genre take place in England and a change of scenery was welcomed. Also, I loved how it dealt with destiny.
On the negative side, I had some problems with the protagonists. Not their depiction, since the couple does have some depth, more that others I've read about, but felt little chemistry between them, even if the temperature in the room would rise up whenever they were together. Actually this was other thing I didn't like. I'm okay with sexual tension, I like it and it works as it keeps the reader interested in reading what will come of that. But in this books it's just too much. The first part (which took me awhile to read) has only the said encounters between the protagonists in varied places and the reader is practically punched in the face with their sensuality. Alright, they're both drop-dead gorgeous, so sexy that both awake the animal instinct in the other, but the dialogues between the characters are restricted to the challenge between Shaheen and Allegra, where he says he will bed her and she denies it. And they're actually great characters, with troubled pasts that shaped what they were and how their relationship evolved. But their wounds are healed through inner monologues and there doesn't seem to be an openness of hearts. They perceive the other had a troubled past but they don't reveal themselves, they don't share their pains, and that gave an artificial appearance to their relationship. There's no real intimacy apart from the sexual one.
It is a good story but I think the relationship could have been better explored. Also I would prefer to have an ending in North Africa but didn't dislike it. Still I'm curious to read more by this author.
Although it's a historical romance, with steamy scenes and a cover with a voluptuous woman in the arms of an alpha male, I enjoyed the parallel story with Nassar as the villain. That because it not only gave a boost to the story, which I feared would be limited to steamy encounters between the protagonists in gardens, tents and so on, but it also allowed to get to know a little of the berber tribes from North Africa. Most of the novels of this genre take place in England and a change of scenery was welcomed. Also, I loved how it dealt with destiny.
On the negative side, I had some problems with the protagonists. Not their depiction, since the couple does have some depth, more that others I've read about, but felt little chemistry between them, even if the temperature in the room would rise up whenever they were together. Actually this was other thing I didn't like. I'm okay with sexual tension, I like it and it works as it keeps the reader interested in reading what will come of that. But in this books it's just too much. The first part (which took me awhile to read) has only the said encounters between the protagonists in varied places and the reader is practically punched in the face with their sensuality. Alright, they're both drop-dead gorgeous, so sexy that both awake the animal instinct in the other, but the dialogues between the characters are restricted to the challenge between Shaheen and Allegra, where he says he will bed her and she denies it. And they're actually great characters, with troubled pasts that shaped what they were and how their relationship evolved. But their wounds are healed through inner monologues and there doesn't seem to be an openness of hearts. They perceive the other had a troubled past but they don't reveal themselves, they don't share their pains, and that gave an artificial appearance to their relationship. There's no real intimacy apart from the sexual one.
It is a good story but I think the relationship could have been better explored. Also I would prefer to have an ending in North Africa but didn't dislike it. Still I'm curious to read more by this author.
January 18, 2016
Kismet is an exotic Moroccan desert love story about two people with abusive and troubled past. Allegra Synnford is a legendary courtesan from London, England who has come to Marrakech, Morocco to attend her friend Isabella's wedding not knowing her life will be forever changed. She immediately crosses paths with Sheikh Shaheen when he rescues her and you can feel the chemistry explode on the pages. Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh and serves Sheikh Mahmoud. Shaheen is also negotiating treaties between the different Bedouin tribes, but Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has a secret that if revealed could restart the tribal wars. Shaheen was born in England and is a Viscount whose father disowned him due to the death of his brother James. Allegra is a strong woman, she’s a survivor who relishes her independence, and makes her own destiny. Allegra believes giving into any man will only make her more vulnerable and that's not something she will ever allow; she feels Shaheen maybe the one man she’s very vulnerable to. Shaheen and Allegra find in each other what both of them have so desperately wanted yet been afraid to feel, love and be loved in return. Things really heat up and secrets unfold when an old adversary forces Shaheen into realizing what Allegra really means to him. The writing has clear descriptions, their attraction was a tangible heat with an intensity of emotions throughout each scene, and the sexual tension and electricity running between the hero and heroine will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. Great book 5 STARS!!! If you're a lover of historical romance, treat yourself to this one.
I received a free advanced ARC copy from NetGallery for an honest review.
I received a free advanced ARC copy from NetGallery for an honest review.
December 28, 2011
review courtesy of Romance Junkies:
Allegra Synnford has learned the hard way that life is not always easy. Being sold to a brothel owner at a young age has forced Allegra to learn how to take care of herself. It is not long before Allegra finds a good friend who helps her make her way up in the world. Since then, Allegra has not looked back. She is now the sole person in charge of herself and no one can ever take advantage of her again.
Sheikh Shaheen is determined to avoid the newcomer in town, Allegra, at all costs. They say she is a renowned courtesan, and he has hard feelings concerning women of that occupation. Fate keeps throwing Allegra and Shaheen together though and before long they are in too deep. Shaheen must keep Allegra safe from his enemies and to do it, he is willing to let her think she means nothing to him. Trouble finds Allegra anyway, and now it is up to Shaheen to save the woman he loves.
If you love historical romances, then you will not want to miss KISMET by Monica Burns. I have never read anything by Ms. Burns before and so I decided to start with KISMET and it did not disappoint. In my opinion, it is the top historical romance novel of 2010. KISMET has everything a good novel should, romance, passion, action, adventure, and intrigue. The characters are fascinating, yet relatable. Allegra and Shaheen have both led troubled lives and had bad experiences, but they both just keep on living. I would love to read more about some of the secondary characters. I cannot wait to pick up another novel by Ms. Burns. KISMET is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.
Allegra Synnford has learned the hard way that life is not always easy. Being sold to a brothel owner at a young age has forced Allegra to learn how to take care of herself. It is not long before Allegra finds a good friend who helps her make her way up in the world. Since then, Allegra has not looked back. She is now the sole person in charge of herself and no one can ever take advantage of her again.
Sheikh Shaheen is determined to avoid the newcomer in town, Allegra, at all costs. They say she is a renowned courtesan, and he has hard feelings concerning women of that occupation. Fate keeps throwing Allegra and Shaheen together though and before long they are in too deep. Shaheen must keep Allegra safe from his enemies and to do it, he is willing to let her think she means nothing to him. Trouble finds Allegra anyway, and now it is up to Shaheen to save the woman he loves.
If you love historical romances, then you will not want to miss KISMET by Monica Burns. I have never read anything by Ms. Burns before and so I decided to start with KISMET and it did not disappoint. In my opinion, it is the top historical romance novel of 2010. KISMET has everything a good novel should, romance, passion, action, adventure, and intrigue. The characters are fascinating, yet relatable. Allegra and Shaheen have both led troubled lives and had bad experiences, but they both just keep on living. I would love to read more about some of the secondary characters. I cannot wait to pick up another novel by Ms. Burns. KISMET is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.
April 10, 2011
Since this book got great reviews, and as I have always enjoyed Monica Burns' books, I expected to like this more than I did. Although I found the characters likable, especially the hero (as usual), several things about the book bugged me.
Spoilers, although general, to follow:
I didn't enjoy the Moroccan setting, mostly because part of the pleasure in reading historicals for me is the experience of the customs and mores of the restrictive English society of an earlier time and I missed that in this book. I also wish there had been more sharing between the hero and heroine about their backgrounds and not just internal dialogue on those subjects, as it would have enhanced the depth of feeling and understanding between the two. I am also so totally over the cliche of having the hero lie to the heroine about his feelings in order to protect her blah blah blah but maybe that's from reading far too many bodice rippers for my own good :).
The sensuality level was ok for me; I like 'em a bit hotter. I guess I just found the whole thing less satisfying than other reads. Pun intended :).
Spoilers, although general, to follow:
I didn't enjoy the Moroccan setting, mostly because part of the pleasure in reading historicals for me is the experience of the customs and mores of the restrictive English society of an earlier time and I missed that in this book. I also wish there had been more sharing between the hero and heroine about their backgrounds and not just internal dialogue on those subjects, as it would have enhanced the depth of feeling and understanding between the two. I am also so totally over the cliche of having the hero lie to the heroine about his feelings in order to protect her blah blah blah but maybe that's from reading far too many bodice rippers for my own good :).
The sensuality level was ok for me; I like 'em a bit hotter. I guess I just found the whole thing less satisfying than other reads. Pun intended :).
April 16, 2012
If this book is a good example of her work, Monica Burns is an addition to my favorite authors list.
Allegra Synnford (a bit much with the choice of name but I was over it fast) is in Morocco to witness the wedding of a good friend. She encounters Sheikh Shaheen of a local Bedouin tribe and can't seem to put him out of her mind, even though she senses from the start that he's exactly the kind of guy she should avoid. She's a celebrated courtesan, able to choose the men she beds, and she's careful to choose men who won't control her or win her heart.
Shaheen has a secret identity and a history of being ill-treated by the English in general and courtesans in particular, so he doesn't like the way this woman makes him feel. When Allegra is abducted by his tribe's worst enemy, Shaheen has to rescue her, and he does it in a way that awakens some of her worst experiences in life. His identity is compromised, and now he has to hold Allegra prisoner in order to protect his mission--or so he tells himself.
The story is complicated, and there are some truly harrowing moments. It seems like, between Burns and McCarty, I'm on a roll for great books to read!
Allegra Synnford (a bit much with the choice of name but I was over it fast) is in Morocco to witness the wedding of a good friend. She encounters Sheikh Shaheen of a local Bedouin tribe and can't seem to put him out of her mind, even though she senses from the start that he's exactly the kind of guy she should avoid. She's a celebrated courtesan, able to choose the men she beds, and she's careful to choose men who won't control her or win her heart.
Shaheen has a secret identity and a history of being ill-treated by the English in general and courtesans in particular, so he doesn't like the way this woman makes him feel. When Allegra is abducted by his tribe's worst enemy, Shaheen has to rescue her, and he does it in a way that awakens some of her worst experiences in life. His identity is compromised, and now he has to hold Allegra prisoner in order to protect his mission--or so he tells himself.
The story is complicated, and there are some truly harrowing moments. It seems like, between Burns and McCarty, I'm on a roll for great books to read!
November 7, 2013
Monica Burns has written a sensual romance that will hook you from the first page. Allegra Synnford goes to Morocco for her friend's wedding. She is a beauty well skilled in the art of pleasure. Her pain is well hidden. She has survived the ultimate betrayal. Her mother sold her into prostitution. Sheikh Shaheen sees her and is captivated. He has been in the desert for fifteen years. This has been his refuge from the horror that he witnessed in England. Can these two wounded people find happiness? The Moroccan Desert is a dangerous place with war clouds gathering. Will they survive the evil around them? Monica Burns creates characters that have depth and passion. The more you read the more you care what happens to them. This story has an exotic location, filled with danger and a great romance that will make you sigh. I couldn't put this book down.
July 26, 2017
This might be a 3.5. Maybe? I really enjoyed the characters and the actual plot (DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA) as well as the setting (especially since I'm in Morocco right now and actually have been very recently to the places she mentioned in Merrakech), but I found the writing really lacking. There was either too much telling or too much showing and telling at once. It got a little too expository and repetitive at times, and some of the sentences were really awkwardly phrased in what might have been an attempt to make them sound more Victorian (?), but I enjoyed Kismet for what it was: entertaining, fast paced desert romance.
November 7, 2013
I love all of Monica's books I think kismet is the third I'd read. And I loved the whole thing from the train ride to the Mel's to the setting brought me right into the story and made me feel like I was there! I loved allegras strong sexual display and shah evens jealousy. And even the saving part just brought it all together for me it's been a while since I have retread it but it pulls you into the story and doesn't let you go!! One of Monica's very best!! I don't read many historicals but these get me every time!
January 25, 2016
I was hesitant to read Kismet, the last ( Oh, lets say dozen?) Sheik books I have read, left MUCH to be desired. But I am happy to say I enjoyed this book. I loved the sexual tension between the H & h. PLUS, the h is a courtesan and made her own rules... YES PLEASE. The passion in this book just jumped off the page, and without giving to much away... What he does to "get her back" (You ladies know what I'm talking about, swoon. SHE IS SOOO STRONG and I LOVE that about this book.
http://beksbookblog.blogspot.com/2016...
http://beksbookblog.blogspot.com/2016...
February 11, 2016
I received and Arc from Netgalley for an Honest review.
Clare's Mad About Books
I really enjoyed this tale of an English courtesan with a reputation that she is every mans dream and the Sheik who cant resist her charms. All men are trying to get a taste of her leading her to be kidnapped chased and even beaten at every turn.
I found this was a very fast paced read and full of smouldering love scenes but nothing over erotic. I did feel it was a little predictable at times and but I still think it's very worthy of my 4 stars.
The author did a great job,
Clare's Mad About Books
I really enjoyed this tale of an English courtesan with a reputation that she is every mans dream and the Sheik who cant resist her charms. All men are trying to get a taste of her leading her to be kidnapped chased and even beaten at every turn.
I found this was a very fast paced read and full of smouldering love scenes but nothing over erotic. I did feel it was a little predictable at times and but I still think it's very worthy of my 4 stars.
The author did a great job,
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