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Zulheina #1
Desert Warrior
Desert Warrior by Nalini Singh released on Jul 25, 2003 is available now for purchase.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2003
171 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
250 books26.7k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 28, 2018
Wow. I finally found a Desire story I really liked! This second chance story had characters who actually changed and grew during the narrative. It was delightful to read because there wasn't one big misunderstanding but lots of smaller conflicts/speed bumps in a relationship that started out with a lot of youthful idealism and ended up as a more realistic marriage of two minds.
The heroine's problem was the she never felt she fit in with her dynamic family and was devastated to find out that the hero was supposed to fall for her sister and not her. The sister convinced the heroine that the hero's interest was fleeting and he would fall for another, more worthy woman sooner rather than later. When her father made her choose between her family and the hero, the 18 year-old heroine left with them. And regretted it for four years.
The hero, heir to the desert kingdom, was heartbroken when the heroine left. He still had his pride and vowed to make her pay/assuage his pain when he saw her again. The heroine comes to him after his parents' deaths and he quickly marries her.
The rest of the story is the H/h learning to trust and build their relationship. The hero was overbearing and a big baby, but he had a lot of charm. Plus he learned to apologize (a life skill for anyone in a marriage!). The heroine was feisty enough - but not strident. She also couldn't hold a grudge if her life depended on it. She was warm and loving, but not a pushover. I liked that she put her foot down when That's the kind of ending I like.
There is a sweet epilogue on the balcony of the palace with the H/h introducing their baby son to the people of their kingdom.
The heroine's problem was the she never felt she fit in with her dynamic family and was devastated to find out that the hero was supposed to fall for her sister and not her. The sister convinced the heroine that the hero's interest was fleeting and he would fall for another, more worthy woman sooner rather than later. When her father made her choose between her family and the hero, the 18 year-old heroine left with them. And regretted it for four years.
The hero, heir to the desert kingdom, was heartbroken when the heroine left. He still had his pride and vowed to make her pay/assuage his pain when he saw her again. The heroine comes to him after his parents' deaths and he quickly marries her.
The rest of the story is the H/h learning to trust and build their relationship. The hero was overbearing and a big baby, but he had a lot of charm. Plus he learned to apologize (a life skill for anyone in a marriage!). The heroine was feisty enough - but not strident. She also couldn't hold a grudge if her life depended on it. She was warm and loving, but not a pushover. I liked that she put her foot down when That's the kind of ending I like.
There is a sweet epilogue on the balcony of the palace with the H/h introducing their baby son to the people of their kingdom.
January 28, 2020
This was an enjoyable Audiobook to listen too. The narrator was really good and the story was hot. Tariq was very possessive of Jasmine. Despite her leaving him 4 years prior, he claimed her immediately when she stepped back into his life. He didn’t trust her, but he wasn’t going to live without her either.
Jasmine was only 18 when she choose her family over him. She was young, naive and has low self worth due to her families treatment. She really had to prove herself to Tariq. He made her work for his heart again while he tried to own her. I really enjoyed their story.
Jasmine was only 18 when she choose her family over him. She was young, naive and has low self worth due to her families treatment. She really had to prove herself to Tariq. He made her work for his heart again while he tried to own her. I really enjoyed their story.
May 18, 2011
I'm not a big fan of Sheikh books but I'm a huge fan of Nalini Singh, so I had to read this book. I don't regret reading it - it was a good, average book - but it's a blessing to know that NS's writing has vastly improved since this first release.
August 27, 2023
OH MY GOD!
What the heck did I just finish?I absolutely loved it. Hero Tariq is a dream (sigh). And heroine Jasmine ,absolutely adorable. I would give this book 5+ in a heart beat.
I went to this book without even reading the blurb, trusting Ms Nalini singh as she is one of my all time fav author. And from the first page itself I was hooked.
The story starts after a 4 year separation of main characters. The heroine returns to hero’s sheikhdom and without any delay he asks her if she let any other man touch her during their separation. I already knew the obvious answer to that and what had me on edge was his answer for that same question.
Yes!! He was celibate people. He said he had trust in their love and thats why he chose to be faithful to heroine.
This was one of the book which contains all the factors essential for a wonderful romance. High angst, passion,steam,heartbreak,smitten hero-heroine,soul deep connection and love,deep plot AND over the top jealous husband. I absolutely enjoyed his jealousy and devotion. And the heroine,her quite strength and wit was beautiful to read. How she fought for hero’s trust and love after she unknowingly broke both before was a lesson. At one point I even googled Zulheil in google because of author’s fascinating explanation of that sheikhdom. The culture and history were very interesting. I loved how author explored their relationship in depth and how atoned to each other the Main characters were.
Epilogue was delightful.
A must read.
What the heck did I just finish?I absolutely loved it. Hero Tariq is a dream (sigh). And heroine Jasmine ,absolutely adorable. I would give this book 5+ in a heart beat.
I went to this book without even reading the blurb, trusting Ms Nalini singh as she is one of my all time fav author. And from the first page itself I was hooked.
The story starts after a 4 year separation of main characters. The heroine returns to hero’s sheikhdom and without any delay he asks her if she let any other man touch her during their separation. I already knew the obvious answer to that and what had me on edge was his answer for that same question.
Yes!! He was celibate people. He said he had trust in their love and thats why he chose to be faithful to heroine.
This was one of the book which contains all the factors essential for a wonderful romance. High angst, passion,steam,heartbreak,smitten hero-heroine,soul deep connection and love,deep plot AND over the top jealous husband. I absolutely enjoyed his jealousy and devotion. And the heroine,her quite strength and wit was beautiful to read. How she fought for hero’s trust and love after she unknowingly broke both before was a lesson. At one point I even googled Zulheil in google because of author’s fascinating explanation of that sheikhdom. The culture and history were very interesting. I loved how author explored their relationship in depth and how atoned to each other the Main characters were.
Epilogue was delightful.
A must read.
January 26, 2009
This was a powerful book wrapped in a short package. I thought the emotional connection between the characters was riveting, and it grabbed you on the first page of the book. The story doesn't reinvent the wheel. It's very much in the vein of Harlequin Presents with the heroine who ran away from the powerful man who imitimidated her because of her love for him. But what Singh does with it is so wonderful, that you don't mind that it's a short read. Highly recommended for fans of sheikh books, Singh, or people who like the shorter category reads.
September 26, 2018
"Desert Warrior" is the story of Jasmine and Tariq.
4 years ago, Jasmine had broken Tariq's heart, rejecting him in New Zealand. He had told her that if she ever stepped foot into his kingdom, she would be his..
Now as she discovers the truth about her parentage and the lies of her past, she runs to Zulheina to claim the love that was always hers, and hopes that someday Tariq might forgive her.
What begins as a marriage of convenience soon erupts into passionate living, but Tariq has serious inhibitions about his bride who has left him before, and he does not wish to be fooled again. But Jasmine's love gently starts thawing at his bruised heart. Can they find their forever again?
Another GREAT story by queen Nalini with an obsessed, possessive and determined hero, a strong, loving and devoted heroine, so much witty banter, angst, hot lovemaking scenes, some drama and an adorable HEA.
I love couples who remain faithful during separation, and are not unnecessarily dramatic/ hurtful to one another.
Great read! (the grovel at the end could have been better!)
Safe
4.5/5
4 years ago, Jasmine had broken Tariq's heart, rejecting him in New Zealand. He had told her that if she ever stepped foot into his kingdom, she would be his..
Now as she discovers the truth about her parentage and the lies of her past, she runs to Zulheina to claim the love that was always hers, and hopes that someday Tariq might forgive her.
What begins as a marriage of convenience soon erupts into passionate living, but Tariq has serious inhibitions about his bride who has left him before, and he does not wish to be fooled again. But Jasmine's love gently starts thawing at his bruised heart. Can they find their forever again?
Another GREAT story by queen Nalini with an obsessed, possessive and determined hero, a strong, loving and devoted heroine, so much witty banter, angst, hot lovemaking scenes, some drama and an adorable HEA.
I love couples who remain faithful during separation, and are not unnecessarily dramatic/ hurtful to one another.
Great read! (the grovel at the end could have been better!)
Safe
4.5/5
September 19, 2021
I LOVE N.S.’s Psy-Changeling series, so when I came across this Desire book… I had to check it out. I believe this is one of her earlier books, and it’s pretty good. I liked it, I just prefer a smidge more suds in my soapy reads.
Tariq al-Huzzein Donovan Zamanat, is the Sheik of Zulheil. He was super duper in love with 18-yr-old Jasmine. Unfortunately, when it came to a decision… she chose her family sending Tariq home with a broken heart. The book opens 4-yrs later with Jasmine returning to her sheik.
Tariq is pretty bitter. He REALLY wants Jasmine forever, but doesn’t want to risk his heart again, so he burns hot and cold. Jasmine has family issues, and a low self-esteem. She’s willing to patiently super glue those tiny pieces back together. The rest is their up and down relationship.
Bottom Line- The writing is solid. I liked both mc’s, and enjoyed this, but there’s not a ton of feels. The only drama is the hot and cold behavior, and Tariq isn’t really cruel. They have both been celibate during the separation, so there’s zero OW/OM drama. The only real drama comes from her nasty sister, but she’s hardly around.
Tariq al-Huzzein Donovan Zamanat, is the Sheik of Zulheil. He was super duper in love with 18-yr-old Jasmine. Unfortunately, when it came to a decision… she chose her family sending Tariq home with a broken heart. The book opens 4-yrs later with Jasmine returning to her sheik.
Tariq is pretty bitter. He REALLY wants Jasmine forever, but doesn’t want to risk his heart again, so he burns hot and cold. Jasmine has family issues, and a low self-esteem. She’s willing to patiently super glue those tiny pieces back together. The rest is their up and down relationship.
Bottom Line- The writing is solid. I liked both mc’s, and enjoyed this, but there’s not a ton of feels. The only drama is the hot and cold behavior, and Tariq isn’t really cruel. They have both been celibate during the separation, so there’s zero OW/OM drama. The only real drama comes from her nasty sister, but she’s hardly around.
October 23, 2020
3.5 🌟 🤔
This is the first I've read book by this author and I liked it. It wouldn't give a 4 or 5 stars only because the lack of angst in the story, in my opinion. Even though she was a tortured heroine and he had that fear to open his heart again to her, I don't know... It needed more angst.
I liked the demonstrations of love between them 🥰 I believed in her HEA 👳💞🧕
This is the first I've read book by this author and I liked it. It wouldn't give a 4 or 5 stars only because the lack of angst in the story, in my opinion. Even though she was a tortured heroine and he had that fear to open his heart again to her, I don't know... It needed more angst.
I liked the demonstrations of love between them 🥰 I believed in her HEA 👳💞🧕
June 1, 2015
Angsty, sweet romance that melted my heart! Heroine was too precious for words and hero so alpha but so obviously smitten! I adored both characters. Very passionate and heartbreaking in a good way.
June 12, 2019
Veronica - per RFS
.
Care Fenicette, sono ancora qui con voi per parlavi del libro “Baci sulla sabbia” di Nalini Singh. Io adoro quest’autrice e non ho potuto fare a meno di leggere per voi il suo libro e recensirlo.
La storia di Tariq e Jasmine mi ha conquistata fin dalle prime pagine e il loro amore si è fatto notare fin da subito, anche se lui ha recitato la parte di quello forte che non vuole farsi fregare nuovamente da lei (tutte stronzate secondo me).
Lui è il classico uomo che dice:” Lei e mia e di nessun altro”, dominante e possessivo. Forse questo è dovuto al fatto di essere anche uno sceicco che riesce sempre ad ottenere tutto ciò che desidera. Ok, ha sofferto per averla persa la prima volta, ma il suo comportamento risulta comunque un tantino esagerato: la sua mancanza di fiducia in lei gli creerà qualche problema (e non c’è dubbio che rischierà anche di perderla).
Jasmine, d’altro canto, è molto cambiata negli anni di separazione dal suo Tariq. È rimasta sempre un po’ insicura per via del poco affetto che la famiglia le ha dimostrato, ma nel contempo è cresciuta abbastanza per combattere per ciò che vuole, e in questo momento lei vuole l’uomo che ha sempre amato: Tariq. E non si fa neanche più tanto mettere i piedi in testa. A volte si troverà a scontrarsi contro un muro, visto che Tariq vuole fare il duro, ma è bello vedere come i loro sentimenti alla fine riusciranno ad avere il sopravvento.
Voglio anche io uno sceicco come Tariq! Cavolo, ma dove si comprano? Non penso di poterlo incontrare al supermercato… mi dovrò accontentare di leggerli nei libri.
Nalini Singh è una delle mie autrici preferite, il suo modo di scrivere e di raccontare le sue storie è al top. Non mi sono mai persa o distratta nel leggere i suoi scritti e, come dico sempre a me stessa: “Sono sempre sul pezzo”. Scrive in modo fluido e coinvolgente; ho letto tutto quello che ha scritto ed è stato pubblicato in italiano (purtroppo non riesco a leggere in inglese) e per me è un trauma non poter leggere i suoi libri ancora non tradotti.
La parte sensuale non è mai né volgare né eccessiva, in questo Nalini è molto brava.
Vi consiglio di leggere questa storia fantastica, e vedrete che non potrete fare a meno di innamorarvi dei protagonisti come è successo a me. So che il giudizio su un libro è molto soggettivo e che quello che piace a me può non piacere ad altri, ma posso invogliarvi a leggerlo. Quindi, signore e signori, amanti della Nalini, correte a comprare il suo libro.
Alla prossima.
.
Care Fenicette, sono ancora qui con voi per parlavi del libro “Baci sulla sabbia” di Nalini Singh. Io adoro quest’autrice e non ho potuto fare a meno di leggere per voi il suo libro e recensirlo.
La storia di Tariq e Jasmine mi ha conquistata fin dalle prime pagine e il loro amore si è fatto notare fin da subito, anche se lui ha recitato la parte di quello forte che non vuole farsi fregare nuovamente da lei (tutte stronzate secondo me).
Lui è il classico uomo che dice:” Lei e mia e di nessun altro”, dominante e possessivo. Forse questo è dovuto al fatto di essere anche uno sceicco che riesce sempre ad ottenere tutto ciò che desidera. Ok, ha sofferto per averla persa la prima volta, ma il suo comportamento risulta comunque un tantino esagerato: la sua mancanza di fiducia in lei gli creerà qualche problema (e non c’è dubbio che rischierà anche di perderla).
Jasmine, d’altro canto, è molto cambiata negli anni di separazione dal suo Tariq. È rimasta sempre un po’ insicura per via del poco affetto che la famiglia le ha dimostrato, ma nel contempo è cresciuta abbastanza per combattere per ciò che vuole, e in questo momento lei vuole l’uomo che ha sempre amato: Tariq. E non si fa neanche più tanto mettere i piedi in testa. A volte si troverà a scontrarsi contro un muro, visto che Tariq vuole fare il duro, ma è bello vedere come i loro sentimenti alla fine riusciranno ad avere il sopravvento.
Voglio anche io uno sceicco come Tariq! Cavolo, ma dove si comprano? Non penso di poterlo incontrare al supermercato… mi dovrò accontentare di leggerli nei libri.
Nalini Singh è una delle mie autrici preferite, il suo modo di scrivere e di raccontare le sue storie è al top. Non mi sono mai persa o distratta nel leggere i suoi scritti e, come dico sempre a me stessa: “Sono sempre sul pezzo”. Scrive in modo fluido e coinvolgente; ho letto tutto quello che ha scritto ed è stato pubblicato in italiano (purtroppo non riesco a leggere in inglese) e per me è un trauma non poter leggere i suoi libri ancora non tradotti.
La parte sensuale non è mai né volgare né eccessiva, in questo Nalini è molto brava.
Vi consiglio di leggere questa storia fantastica, e vedrete che non potrete fare a meno di innamorarvi dei protagonisti come è successo a me. So che il giudizio su un libro è molto soggettivo e che quello che piace a me può non piacere ad altri, ma posso invogliarvi a leggerlo. Quindi, signore e signori, amanti della Nalini, correte a comprare il suo libro.
Alla prossima.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2011
"Do not put even one foot on Zulheil soil unless you are ready to stay forever. You will not get past the airport gates before I kidnap you!"
Four years ago Jasmine had to choose between her family and the love of her life. For four years she's regretted her decision. When she heard Tariq's parents had died she decided to make the bold move to visit him and see if there was a way to mend their relationship. Her family made it clear that if she went to him to never come back. She had no idea how much her rejection had hurt him.
"Why are you here?" He tightened his hold around her when the car bounced over something on the road. His muscled body was so much bigger than hers that Jasmine felt surrounded, overwhelmed. But still she didn't fight.
"Because you needed me."
His laugh was a harsh, ragged echo of pain that hurt her inside. "Or have you come to have a liaison with an exotic man. before you marry the one your family has chosen?" With an oath, he dumped her unceremoniously back into her seat.
Jasmine pushed her fiery plait over her shoulder and lifted her chin. "I don't have liaisons." His distrust of her was clear, but she refused to let that silence her.
"No," he agreed, his voice cold. "you would have to have a heart to experience passion."
Jasmine (aka Mina) doesn't know what she's walking into when she steps off the plane in Zulheil. When Tariq's parents died he became Zulheil's leader. Now she'll have to win back the love and trust of the man who once gave each freely. Could she have made a mistake?
This was a very fun, very steamy oldie but a goodie. It was piggy backed onto the back of 'Lord of the Abyss' and was a delightfully unexpected treat. Tariq was a fun character and definitely had an alpha type personality. Here is an example:
"What do you want, Mina?"
Jasmine swallowed. He traced the movement down her throat with his thumb.
"Space."
He raised his head. "No. You have had four years of space. Now you are mine."
I loved the way Jasmine varied her approach at winning him back. If one thing didn't work she'd try something else. She was determined and I liked the way she handled him. I must admit it would have been fun to see a flashback of the two four years prior. Sadly, I foresee no short story about this couple in the future.
The two together heated up the pages to a temperature hotter than the desert heat. At times the relationship resembled a turbulent storm and you wondered if it could survive. At other times it seemed liked they'd never been separated. One thing it wasn't was boring.
This book inspired a song to spring into my mind - Sade's "And I Miss You". The words in the song that kept dancing through my head, "And I miss you, like the deserts miss the rain." Why? Because someone declares, "I need you like the dessert needs rain."
On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWER rating - a warning label should be be attached which states you should make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order because a cold shower may be necessary when reading this book. Need I say more? Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.
Four years ago Jasmine had to choose between her family and the love of her life. For four years she's regretted her decision. When she heard Tariq's parents had died she decided to make the bold move to visit him and see if there was a way to mend their relationship. Her family made it clear that if she went to him to never come back. She had no idea how much her rejection had hurt him.
"Why are you here?" He tightened his hold around her when the car bounced over something on the road. His muscled body was so much bigger than hers that Jasmine felt surrounded, overwhelmed. But still she didn't fight.
"Because you needed me."
His laugh was a harsh, ragged echo of pain that hurt her inside. "Or have you come to have a liaison with an exotic man. before you marry the one your family has chosen?" With an oath, he dumped her unceremoniously back into her seat.
Jasmine pushed her fiery plait over her shoulder and lifted her chin. "I don't have liaisons." His distrust of her was clear, but she refused to let that silence her.
"No," he agreed, his voice cold. "you would have to have a heart to experience passion."
Jasmine (aka Mina) doesn't know what she's walking into when she steps off the plane in Zulheil. When Tariq's parents died he became Zulheil's leader. Now she'll have to win back the love and trust of the man who once gave each freely. Could she have made a mistake?
This was a very fun, very steamy oldie but a goodie. It was piggy backed onto the back of 'Lord of the Abyss' and was a delightfully unexpected treat. Tariq was a fun character and definitely had an alpha type personality. Here is an example:
"What do you want, Mina?"
Jasmine swallowed. He traced the movement down her throat with his thumb.
"Space."
He raised his head. "No. You have had four years of space. Now you are mine."
I loved the way Jasmine varied her approach at winning him back. If one thing didn't work she'd try something else. She was determined and I liked the way she handled him. I must admit it would have been fun to see a flashback of the two four years prior. Sadly, I foresee no short story about this couple in the future.
The two together heated up the pages to a temperature hotter than the desert heat. At times the relationship resembled a turbulent storm and you wondered if it could survive. At other times it seemed liked they'd never been separated. One thing it wasn't was boring.
This book inspired a song to spring into my mind - Sade's "And I Miss You". The words in the song that kept dancing through my head, "And I miss you, like the deserts miss the rain." Why? Because someone declares, "I need you like the dessert needs rain."
On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWER rating - a warning label should be be attached which states you should make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order because a cold shower may be necessary when reading this book. Need I say more? Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.
June 9, 2011
This was an OK romance story with a naive dilettante of a heroine who needs a bit more assertiveness, and a clueless macho guy who keeps breaking her heart trying to protect his own. Only once in the entire 186 pages did he utter those three little words, and only in explaining why he chose not to take a second wife after all. Idiot.
The worldbuilding in this desert kingdom did not seem a believable setting. We are asked to believe there is an oil-producing desert kingdom of seminomadic people who are not muslim? Brush up on your world history lessons, Nalini, the muslims conquered most of Asia, northern Africa, and all of Spain as well as east to India. The Ottoman Empire was more powerful than any outside of China up to Queen Victoria's.
There was no comic contrast and few moments of peaceful togetherness outside of a bed for leavening. We are asked to believe that their relationship was built in the events four years prior that are merely referred to. There certainly is little foundation for a relationship in the events of the plot.
The only reason I do not consider reading this a waste of my time is that I want to read everything Singh wrote and I can now check this one off the list.
The worldbuilding in this desert kingdom did not seem a believable setting. We are asked to believe there is an oil-producing desert kingdom of seminomadic people who are not muslim? Brush up on your world history lessons, Nalini, the muslims conquered most of Asia, northern Africa, and all of Spain as well as east to India. The Ottoman Empire was more powerful than any outside of China up to Queen Victoria's.
There was no comic contrast and few moments of peaceful togetherness outside of a bed for leavening. We are asked to believe that their relationship was built in the events four years prior that are merely referred to. There certainly is little foundation for a relationship in the events of the plot.
The only reason I do not consider reading this a waste of my time is that I want to read everything Singh wrote and I can now check this one off the list.
December 18, 2014
3.5 stars
Ok, this had quite a few problems and carried a load a cliches usually found in harlequins. Despite that, I really enjoyed it and became involved in the heroes' drama. It was an angsty, emotional story of two people who had fallen in love four years ago, but the heroine, 18 at the time, refused to leave her family and follow the hero, to his sheikdom. Now, stronger and wiser, she decided to leave everyone behind and get another chance at her old love, who apparently hasn't forgotten her and marries her on the day she lands on his country. But, being hurt before, he refuses to trust her with his heart, though he plans to completely satiate his physical hunger with her. She however wants more....
As I said, there were many problems with this one; the country is supposed to be a sheikdom but the citizens are not muslims, though they dress as such. The country is supposed to be super small but it takes 5 hours drive and 3 days on a camel to drive from one city to the other. The hero and heroine can sense by kissing each other that the other one hasn't been kissed or touched by anyone else all the time they were apart, lol! But details aside, this eventually managed to deliver emotionally and that's what counts after all:)
Ok, this had quite a few problems and carried a load a cliches usually found in harlequins. Despite that, I really enjoyed it and became involved in the heroes' drama. It was an angsty, emotional story of two people who had fallen in love four years ago, but the heroine, 18 at the time, refused to leave her family and follow the hero, to his sheikdom. Now, stronger and wiser, she decided to leave everyone behind and get another chance at her old love, who apparently hasn't forgotten her and marries her on the day she lands on his country. But, being hurt before, he refuses to trust her with his heart, though he plans to completely satiate his physical hunger with her. She however wants more....
As I said, there were many problems with this one; the country is supposed to be a sheikdom but the citizens are not muslims, though they dress as such. The country is supposed to be super small but it takes 5 hours drive and 3 days on a camel to drive from one city to the other. The hero and heroine can sense by kissing each other that the other one hasn't been kissed or touched by anyone else all the time they were apart, lol! But details aside, this eventually managed to deliver emotionally and that's what counts after all:)
May 12, 2019
Even Nalini Singh's warm, inviting writing style couldn't save this simplistic, uncomfortable throwback. There were some seriously offensive moments in this book. Its best characteristic is that it's short. I'm glad I read Singh's other works first, because if I had started with this, I never would have tried her stuff again. Good thing she got much better over time.
March 13, 2012
I'm not into sheiks. At all.
And this is a romance about a girl and her sheik. So, yeah.
However, Nalini Singh is a good enough writer that I not only finished it, I'm also giving it 3 stars.
'Nuff said.
And this is a romance about a girl and her sheik. So, yeah.
However, Nalini Singh is a good enough writer that I not only finished it, I'm also giving it 3 stars.
'Nuff said.
September 17, 2015
Loved it <3
March 28, 2020
I'm not a big fan of Sheikh books, but read a recommendation for this one as a 'hero has the scales drop from his eyes' type which I AM fond of. Also, I'm sure I've heard this writer praised quite a lot? Anyways, it didn't really get off the ground for me.
*SPOILERS* Omg, at the beginning I thought she was being installed as his concubine in a harem of one type scenario - the way the attendant kept looking guilty when showing her to her rooms with the private garden and stumbling over what word to use for the heroine. (She settled on visitor in the end which seemed suss to me.)
Anyway, nothing so dishonourable. I got all girded up to be mad on the heroine's behalf for nothing! Then it kind of fell flat.
Also, why did they make such a big deal out of the kingdom being closed for 2 whole months and the heroine being let in after one month? It was brought up several times but didn't really go anywhere? And why did heroine choose her family over the hero four years ago, when they raised her with such utter contempt?
*SPOILERS* Omg, at the beginning I thought she was being installed as his concubine in a harem of one type scenario - the way the attendant kept looking guilty when showing her to her rooms with the private garden and stumbling over what word to use for the heroine. (She settled on visitor in the end which seemed suss to me.)
Anyway, nothing so dishonourable. I got all girded up to be mad on the heroine's behalf for nothing! Then it kind of fell flat.
Also, why did they make such a big deal out of the kingdom being closed for 2 whole months and the heroine being let in after one month? It was brought up several times but didn't really go anywhere? And why did heroine choose her family over the hero four years ago, when they raised her with such utter contempt?
November 17, 2011
Oh, man. This one...
Nalini Singh (as I've mentioned is one of my favorite RN writers) wrote this one years ago for a Harlequin series. I would never have bought this one (it came as a twofer with Lord of the Abyss from Netgalley), because, honestly, I don't really trust really old work from authors that I love (see: Lisa Kleypas. see: Jill Shalvis). It's bound to be disappointing.
Jasmine and Tariq were head-over-heels-falling-in-love until Jasmine's emotionally abusive family made her choose between Tariq the Sheik and her family. Insecure Jasmine doesn't want to cut all ties with her family (they threatened to disown her), so she chooses them and leaves Tariq in his desert kingdom.
Four years later, Jasmine has grown a backbone, has seen her family for what it is (a bunch of people who don't like her), and has learned the secret of her illegitimacy (aha! That's why they don't like her!). She flies back to the Middle East and to Tariq, who, I guess in some messed up way, is sort of happy to see her. He is still extremely pissed that she left him all those years ago and cut herself off from him, but now that she is back in his clutches, she's never going to leave. Is that okay with her? Sort of. She made the choice, but she didn't expect this semi-scary Tariq. But she's here, and she's going to make this work, so no hostage situation!
There's lots of problems they need to work out, starting with trust and ending with Tariq believing that Jasmine does, indeed, love him.
And while Desert Warrior didn't make me want to throw it across the room, I had a lot of problems with it.
1.) Uberstrong, autocratic alpha males are Singh's forte. That's great. I appreciate the alpha male. Unfortunately, one that is over the top possessive, to the point where he always wants her attention on him, dislikes when she smiles at other people, and won't let her leave the city? Well. No, thanks.
2.) His actions. I guess they were supposed to make me go all swoony, but...
Tariq threatens to and pretty much carries out the threat of kidnapping and forcibly detaining the heroine. Singh makes this action okay, because Jasmine sort of agrees with it and goes along with it (Stockholm Syndrome, anyone?)
Tariq tries to trick Jasmine into marrying him, like, the day she comes back after four years apart. Again, the possessive-y-ness is supposed to make my knees turn to water, and it's supposed to be okay because Jasmine is hip to his scheme and says yes knowing full well what she's saying yes to, but still. Made me a mite uncomfortable.
Tariq forbids Jasmine to leave his kingdom because he's afraid she's going to run away again.
Won't let her leave even though he refuses to love her (thinks it makes him weak, won't open himself up for hurt again, etc, etc.)
3.) Tariq treats Jasmine horribly. Sure there are a lot of scenes where he's all nuzzly and compassionate, but there are just as many scenes where he's a total jackass and is making her cry by being cutting and snide.
4.) The pacing of this novel drove me insane. It's so slow. Things don't happen. They're traveling across the desert on camels and I felt it. This story could have been 190 shorter. A literal novella. I just felt like they weren't ever making any progress relationship-wise. They were constantly stuck in that rut of "I loved him then, but do I love him now?" "Can't tell Jasmine I feel anything for her except as a possession because then she'll throw it back in my face and leave me!", spinning their wheels. I get stories of characters miscommunication and throwing out mixed signals and missing each other, but honestly. You've got to give me something besides whining about the same stuff for 100 pages.
5.) Too much possessiveness. Seriously. Just stop, Tariq. When he starts to call her an actual "possession," that's when I started tuning out. Yuck. If I knew someone who was actually like Tariq, I think I wouldn't stop hitting him.
You can see Singh's writing style has changed a lot, but her mark is still here. Some of the lines I expect to see in her next book. A few scenes in which Jasmine is trying so hard to worm her way into Tariq's heart and failing are actually upsetting. Singh can write a good story, but this one... Oh, this one, I just couldn't get behind the characters.
Nalini Singh (as I've mentioned is one of my favorite RN writers) wrote this one years ago for a Harlequin series. I would never have bought this one (it came as a twofer with Lord of the Abyss from Netgalley), because, honestly, I don't really trust really old work from authors that I love (see: Lisa Kleypas. see: Jill Shalvis). It's bound to be disappointing.
Jasmine and Tariq were head-over-heels-falling-in-love until Jasmine's emotionally abusive family made her choose between Tariq the Sheik and her family. Insecure Jasmine doesn't want to cut all ties with her family (they threatened to disown her), so she chooses them and leaves Tariq in his desert kingdom.
Four years later, Jasmine has grown a backbone, has seen her family for what it is (a bunch of people who don't like her), and has learned the secret of her illegitimacy (aha! That's why they don't like her!). She flies back to the Middle East and to Tariq, who, I guess in some messed up way, is sort of happy to see her. He is still extremely pissed that she left him all those years ago and cut herself off from him, but now that she is back in his clutches, she's never going to leave. Is that okay with her? Sort of. She made the choice, but she didn't expect this semi-scary Tariq. But she's here, and she's going to make this work, so no hostage situation!
There's lots of problems they need to work out, starting with trust and ending with Tariq believing that Jasmine does, indeed, love him.
And while Desert Warrior didn't make me want to throw it across the room, I had a lot of problems with it.
1.) Uberstrong, autocratic alpha males are Singh's forte. That's great. I appreciate the alpha male. Unfortunately, one that is over the top possessive, to the point where he always wants her attention on him, dislikes when she smiles at other people, and won't let her leave the city? Well. No, thanks.
2.) His actions. I guess they were supposed to make me go all swoony, but...
Tariq threatens to and pretty much carries out the threat of kidnapping and forcibly detaining the heroine. Singh makes this action okay, because Jasmine sort of agrees with it and goes along with it (Stockholm Syndrome, anyone?)
Tariq tries to trick Jasmine into marrying him, like, the day she comes back after four years apart. Again, the possessive-y-ness is supposed to make my knees turn to water, and it's supposed to be okay because Jasmine is hip to his scheme and says yes knowing full well what she's saying yes to, but still. Made me a mite uncomfortable.
Tariq forbids Jasmine to leave his kingdom because he's afraid she's going to run away again.
Won't let her leave even though he refuses to love her (thinks it makes him weak, won't open himself up for hurt again, etc, etc.)
3.) Tariq treats Jasmine horribly. Sure there are a lot of scenes where he's all nuzzly and compassionate, but there are just as many scenes where he's a total jackass and is making her cry by being cutting and snide.
4.) The pacing of this novel drove me insane. It's so slow. Things don't happen. They're traveling across the desert on camels and I felt it. This story could have been 190 shorter. A literal novella. I just felt like they weren't ever making any progress relationship-wise. They were constantly stuck in that rut of "I loved him then, but do I love him now?" "Can't tell Jasmine I feel anything for her except as a possession because then she'll throw it back in my face and leave me!", spinning their wheels. I get stories of characters miscommunication and throwing out mixed signals and missing each other, but honestly. You've got to give me something besides whining about the same stuff for 100 pages.
5.) Too much possessiveness. Seriously. Just stop, Tariq. When he starts to call her an actual "possession," that's when I started tuning out. Yuck. If I knew someone who was actually like Tariq, I think I wouldn't stop hitting him.
You can see Singh's writing style has changed a lot, but her mark is still here. Some of the lines I expect to see in her next book. A few scenes in which Jasmine is trying so hard to worm her way into Tariq's heart and failing are actually upsetting. Singh can write a good story, but this one... Oh, this one, I just couldn't get behind the characters.
October 14, 2011
I hope to write a full review soon, but have to crack the whip on the review queue a bit first.
Typical category romance, with plenty of Big Misunderstandings, a Big Secret (that really doesn't seem like it should be that big of a deal), a heroine who just can't control her hormones around the hero, and a continuity error or two (ie. on the cruise ship, did she wear the same clothes for two weeks?!)
Not that bad, but not that good, and certainly not as good as Ms. Singh's PNR's.
3/5 Stars
*Note - I read this as part of Nalini Singh's late November release, Lord of the Abyss / Desert Warrior, so there MAY be difference in the editions.
Typical category romance, with plenty of Big Misunderstandings, a Big Secret (that really doesn't seem like it should be that big of a deal), a heroine who just can't control her hormones around the hero, and a continuity error or two (ie. on the cruise ship, did she wear the same clothes for two weeks?!)
Not that bad, but not that good, and certainly not as good as Ms. Singh's PNR's.
3/5 Stars
*Note - I read this as part of Nalini Singh's late November release, Lord of the Abyss / Desert Warrior, so there MAY be difference in the editions.
March 1, 2020
This book was, well, kinda dull. The chemistry was pretty hot in the beginning but it kinda got crushed under all that emotional drama. It was one of Nalini Singh's first books, so i suppose I can forgive her for making the MC's a little like Fifty Shades, a.ka. the prick and the pushover (sorry people!). But four stars, cuz hey, she's Nalini Singh, author of my all time favourite Guild Hunter series, which I must have read like a hundred times, so much that I'd cringe at the re-read count.
June 22, 2010
The most interesting part of this book was the leading lady's secret. I stuck with it to find out what it was...and then I found out and it was nothing. The build up to the reveal and the reveal itself was anticlimactic.
I love Singh, though. I forgive her.
I love Singh, though. I forgive her.
June 24, 2012
1/5; 1 star; DNF
Oh my god, do NOT read this book and think you're seeing a good example of Nalini Singh's writing style. Read the Psy/Changeling series and pretend you never saw this book. Asshat's and twinks abound. Enough said.
Oh my god, do NOT read this book and think you're seeing a good example of Nalini Singh's writing style. Read the Psy/Changeling series and pretend you never saw this book. Asshat's and twinks abound. Enough said.
November 23, 2013
Wow! This was written way back in 2003, Ms. Singh packed a pretty powerful punch with her writing even then.
May 30, 2017
3.75 Stars
finish-later
October 21, 2018Definitely one of her older ones and I gave it like 30 pages but couldn’t get into it. Maybe later.
October 21, 2011
I hate to give a low score to a Nalini Singh book but I really wasn’t a huge fan of either the hero or the heroine in this one. Jasmine is only 18 when she meets and falls in love with Tariq, son of the sheikh of a desert kingdom. Young and insecure, her family convinces her to leave Tariq and end the relationship. Four years go by when Jasmine hears of Tariq’s father, the sheikh passing. Having matured in the last four years and come into her own, Jasmine has realized the mistake she made in leaving the man she loved. She hops a plane back to Tariq, intent on making it work this time. Tariq knows that Jasmine has made plans to come back and he intends to make her stay. Picking her up from the airport he takes her to his palace and basically tricks her into marrying him. Sure, she knows what’s going on but it doesn’t change the fact that he thought he was doing it without her knowledge.
Tariq is angry at her for leaving him all those years ago, which is understandable. However, what I don’t understand is his why he ties her to him when he is so intent on remaining angry with her and not trusting her. I feel like part of him does it so that he can punish her. He withholds his love from her and his words and actions border on cruelty. I know he’s afraid to show Jasmine how he feels because he doesn’t want to be hurt again but at a certain point I just stopped liking him.
I liked Jasmine a little more but not much more. I didn’t understand why she put up with Tariq’s behavior for as long as she did. Actually I think I do. Since she was the one who left him originally, I think believes his behavior is fitting punishment for her lack of faith and that this time around, she has to prove to him that her love will not be swayed - by him or anyone else. Unfortunately he didn’t want to believe it for a very long time. When the Big Conflict finally occurs I was mad at both of them - Tariq for his lack of trust and Jasmine for putting up with it for so long. He also says something incredibly cruel to her during a big fight which made me want to punch him.
Though I did feel an emotional connection between the two characters, in the end, there was little romance in this romance novel. I am glad I read it because Nalini Singh is one of my favorite authors and I liked taking a look at her early work. But I would not recommend this to someone if I wanted to turn them on to her books. My copy of Desert Warrior was bundled with the new release, Lord of the Abyss. Lord of the Abyss is freakin’ AWESOME (see review here) so, if you’re interested in Desert Warrior, pick up the bundled version with Lord of the Abyss.
Tariq is angry at her for leaving him all those years ago, which is understandable. However, what I don’t understand is his why he ties her to him when he is so intent on remaining angry with her and not trusting her. I feel like part of him does it so that he can punish her. He withholds his love from her and his words and actions border on cruelty. I know he’s afraid to show Jasmine how he feels because he doesn’t want to be hurt again but at a certain point I just stopped liking him.
I liked Jasmine a little more but not much more. I didn’t understand why she put up with Tariq’s behavior for as long as she did. Actually I think I do. Since she was the one who left him originally, I think believes his behavior is fitting punishment for her lack of faith and that this time around, she has to prove to him that her love will not be swayed - by him or anyone else. Unfortunately he didn’t want to believe it for a very long time. When the Big Conflict finally occurs I was mad at both of them - Tariq for his lack of trust and Jasmine for putting up with it for so long. He also says something incredibly cruel to her during a big fight which made me want to punch him.
Though I did feel an emotional connection between the two characters, in the end, there was little romance in this romance novel. I am glad I read it because Nalini Singh is one of my favorite authors and I liked taking a look at her early work. But I would not recommend this to someone if I wanted to turn them on to her books. My copy of Desert Warrior was bundled with the new release, Lord of the Abyss. Lord of the Abyss is freakin’ AWESOME (see review here) so, if you’re interested in Desert Warrior, pick up the bundled version with Lord of the Abyss.
July 15, 2012
Desert Warrior is a romance by Nalini Singh. I've read Nalini's Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter Series and decided to give this one a try. I'm not a big fan of romance and found it very hard to like the characters...in the beginning. As the book went on, I started to enjoy it even though my head kept yelling that it was a typical romance novel and I'm not a fan of the typical romance novel. Well, my heart overtook my head and I fell for the characters. Jasmine is a New Zealand native who met Tariq, a Zulheina Royal, during his visit to New Zealand four years prior. When she had to choose between her family and the man she loved, she chose her family and his heart was broken. When his parents were killed, she came to his homeland to see him. She cut ties with her family for the chance to be with him again. She needed him and was worried about him after losing his devoted parents. He's angry with her but chooses her for his bride. They marry and he continues to keep his heart from her while she repeatedly confesses her love for him. They finally break down the obstacles between them. She confesses that her parents are really her aunt and uncle. They were paid to adopt her and paid handsomely. She grew up being told she was worthless and unloved. When she reached out to her biological mother, she was told that her presence is a reminder of her indiscretion and not to contact her again. She's never been loved or accepted by anyone. His people accept and love her. She finally feels like she belongs. They take a trip to Australia, where she runs into her sister who sabotages her relationship with Tariq by claiming her plans to leave him and produces a plane ticket as proof. Tariq is devastated and tells her she's made a fool of him for the last time. They are returning to Zulheina and he's taking a second wife. She pleads with him to trust her, that she loves him and would never leave him. He leaves and she decides that she must go. She will not share him with another woman. He realizes he's overreacted and that she would never do this to him again. He returns home to find she's gone and left a note saying how much she loves him but cannot watch him make a life with someone else. He tracks her down and tells her he would never take another wife that he's always loved her and there would never be another woman in his life. They work out their issues and return home together where they share their lives together, their country, people, and now a baby boy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
Warning: This review/rating is based on my feelings, thoughts, likes and dislikes. You should read the book to form your own opinion/thoughts. Read on!
Rating: 4 Stars
Cover: I like it
Cliffhanger: I think is the last one...
So, one day while visiting my cousin went to a goodwill in her hometown, they had a lot of books, huge section, i was just looking when i saw "Nalini Singh", obviously i grabbed it and didn't let go. It had not only one story but 2, this one and Lord Of The Abyss.
This is not a paranormal book and i was skeptical if i'd enjoy it, but i did and a lot.
Jasmine fell in love at 18 to a sheik prince Tariq, her family bullied her to the point that she broke his heart by leaving him. Now, 4 years later, she returns to his homeland and offer her shoulder for him to cry after his parents deaths.
She doesn't receive a warm welcome, she sees a man whose heart was ripped out of his chest and now is only a shell, nothing of the man Jasmine fell in love with is there. She sees the error of her ways, but she still has a bit of spine to not let him squish her under his boot.
It takes them a lot of time to break down the walls they both developed in 4 years. There is a lot of fear to overcome and her family doesn't help.
It was heartbreaking to read this, but i knew they had to go through this in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tariq had to understand what made her leave him and she had to forgive herself and learn to love the new Tariq, warts and all.
I heard somewhere this is Nalini's first book. I hope she decides to return to this world.
Rating: 4 Stars
Cover: I like it
Cliffhanger: I think is the last one...
So, one day while visiting my cousin went to a goodwill in her hometown, they had a lot of books, huge section, i was just looking when i saw "Nalini Singh", obviously i grabbed it and didn't let go. It had not only one story but 2, this one and Lord Of The Abyss.
This is not a paranormal book and i was skeptical if i'd enjoy it, but i did and a lot.
Jasmine fell in love at 18 to a sheik prince Tariq, her family bullied her to the point that she broke his heart by leaving him. Now, 4 years later, she returns to his homeland and offer her shoulder for him to cry after his parents deaths.
She doesn't receive a warm welcome, she sees a man whose heart was ripped out of his chest and now is only a shell, nothing of the man Jasmine fell in love with is there. She sees the error of her ways, but she still has a bit of spine to not let him squish her under his boot.
It takes them a lot of time to break down the walls they both developed in 4 years. There is a lot of fear to overcome and her family doesn't help.
It was heartbreaking to read this, but i knew they had to go through this in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tariq had to understand what made her leave him and she had to forgive herself and learn to love the new Tariq, warts and all.
I heard somewhere this is Nalini's first book. I hope she decides to return to this world.
dnf
July 4, 2018Why the hell did she come back if she wasn’t sure.
Unnecessary drama.
And what was that second wife drama, which was not needed.
Sorry this one is not for me.
Unnecessary drama.
And what was that second wife drama, which was not needed.
Sorry this one is not for me.
September 29, 2014
Harlequin at its best
I will pretty much read anything romantic this lady writes. I am a fan of Nalini Singh written books.This is her earlier book . So going in i knew it would not be at her best. Its not a perfect book. But i could ignore it all and just enjoy the book for what it was. An alpha sheikh who is totally in love with Jasmine the h. Its their story of falling in love again when jasmine comes back to his life after 4 yrs of separation. Tariq goes all alpha male on her.
I enjoy reading harlequin of my fav authors. Its a blast from the past for me.I grew up reading them and i still enjoy them once in a way. What i love about them is that they are simple love stories.Their lack of complexities is what i enjoy.
I will pretty much read anything romantic this lady writes. I am a fan of Nalini Singh written books.This is her earlier book . So going in i knew it would not be at her best. Its not a perfect book. But i could ignore it all and just enjoy the book for what it was. An alpha sheikh who is totally in love with Jasmine the h. Its their story of falling in love again when jasmine comes back to his life after 4 yrs of separation. Tariq goes all alpha male on her.
I enjoy reading harlequin of my fav authors. Its a blast from the past for me.I grew up reading them and i still enjoy them once in a way. What i love about them is that they are simple love stories.Their lack of complexities is what i enjoy.
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