ARC Book Review-Sheik Retold

Sheik Retold
Victoria Vane, E.M. Hull
Vane Publishing
276 Pages
Historical Romance
ASN: B00EV516XU
Authors Website 

Synopsis
**TRADE PAPERBACK EDITION**
The Desert was Never Hotter!
A haughty young heiress for whom the world is a playground... A savage son of the Sahara who knows no law but his own...When pride and passion vie for supremacy, blistering desert days are nothing compared to sizzling Sahara nights...

"There will be inquiries." I choked out. "I am not such a nonentity that nothing will be done when I am missed. You will pay dearly for what you have done."
"Pay?" His amused look sent a cold feeling of dread through me. "I have already paid... in gold that matches your hair, my gazelle. Besides," he continued, "the French have no jurisdiction over me. There is no law here above my own."
My trepidation was growing by the minute. "Why have you done this? Why have you brought me here?"
"Why?" He repeated with a slow and heated appraisal that made me acutely, almost painfully, conscious of my sex. "Bon Dieu! Are you not woman enough to know?"

Pride and passion vie for supremacy between a haughty young heiress and a savage son of the Sahara in this fresh new telling of E.M. Hull's romance classic

My Review

Book Review-The Pleasure Of Your Kiss

The Pleasure Of Your Kiss
Burke Brothers (1)
Teresa Medeiros
Pocket Star Books
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2012
506 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5789-3
Author's Website

Synopsis
Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he's hired to rescue his brother's kidnapped fiancée from a sultan's harem. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.

The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey that takes them from the delicious intrigues of a sultan's court to the glittering ballrooms of London, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.

My Review (may contain spoilers)

Summary 
Clarinda is on her way, to her forthcoming marriage to a Duke, one of the most eligible bachelors. Even though she doesn't love him, she cares for him and respects him. She knows that it is time for her to settle down and have a family. On her voyage however, she and her friend end up being kidnapped by corsair pirates. When Ashton is informed by his brother the Duke, that Clarinda Cardrew has been sold into a harem, he knows he doesn't have much choice but to rescue her. Ashton has always loved Clarinda but never felt worthy of her so left her in England, but now he finds out she is engaged to his brother and that she can never be his. However he is the only one that is capable enough to find her and rescue her so he heads to the harem where she is located. What he doesn't expect is to know the Sultan that has possession of her which only results in complicating things further. He never though that he would find himself so drawn to Clarinda, or to find their love rekindled into a powerful desire that could threaten to destroy both of them in the process.

The Hero (Ashton Burke) 
Ashton Burke, as the youngest son of the Duke, was always labeled as second best. His parents never considered him to be worthy of their respect. When he was young, Clarinda followed him around like a puppy dog. But when she blossoms into a woman, he falls madly for her. He then realizes that he can't have her. He must build a life and a fortune so he can have her. He never thought it would take ten years before he would see her again. He knows that he has hurt her deeply. When he finds out that she is engaged to his brother of all people, he doesn't know if he will be able to let her go when he finally finds her safe and unharmed. But his love for her is stronger than ever and may be the key to freeing them both.

The Heroine (Clarinda Cardew)
Clarinda has deeply loved Ashton since she was a little girl. When he abandoned her, she knew he would be leaving her for good, that he would never return. Now ten years later, she is engaged to his brother, the Duke. But on her way to the wedding, her ship is attacked by pirates, and she is kidnapped, and sold to a Sultan. But the Sultan saved her life, and is now about to marry the man, and still is untouched by him after three months living in his harem. But she knows that time is short, until Ashton arrives onto the scene. When she sees him she is astounded that he is here. He starts to slowly seduce her once more, and she is more than ever afraid that he will break her heart again.

My Thoughts 
After snatching this up from the local library, I was very thrilled to read this one. I have always enjoyed every book I have read from this author. From her older books to her more recent ones, her writing has only gotten better in my view. There were so many things that I loved about "The Pleasure Of Your Kiss". First I want to talk about the characteristics about each characters. Ashton is quite a rake, traveled all over the world and takes pleasure where he can find it. Even though he has a very tough exterior he also has a bit of a soft side once you get past the outer shell. He can be very gentle and passionate. He is a charming character that makes me sigh whenever I think about him. Clarinda I found to be a very spirited character. She is very strong willed, intelligent and independent and doesn't apologize for anything. I truly admired her most of the time. Now the plot was full of intrigue and intensity. I just loved a good harem romance, but this one was a bit different. There was also a side story romance that was charming. I fell completely in love with Poppy and the Sultan.  I felt like the way that Medieros puts this book together was priceless. Such a vivid description of a romance that is full of depth and mesmerizing scenes. A uniquely depicted story that will thoroughly entertain you straight to your toes. A Sensual adventure!! (I can hardly wait for  Max's story....jumping up and down in anticipation)


First Line 
"Oh Clarinda! Have you seen the latest edition of the Snitch? I picked one up at the docks before we sailed and there's an absolutely delicious article about Captain Sir Ashton Burke!"

Favorite Quote 
"Tutored?" Feeling his wariness grow, Ash glances at Luca, who was hanging on Farouk's every word as if it would be his last. "In what subject, may I ask?"
Before Farouk could reply, Clarinda lifted her head, looked Ash dead in the eye, and said coolly "Pleasure, Captain Burke. How to give...and how to receive it."

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
 The Temptation Of Your Touch

Book Review-The Panther and the Pearl

The Panther And The Pearl
Doreen Owens Malek
Kindle E Book
Single Title
Leisure Publishing
Published 1994 Republished Apr 2012
400 Pages
Victorian Historical Romance 

Synopsis 
THE AMERICAN BEAUTY
When an innocent excursion to Constantinople took an unexpected twist, Sarah Woolcott found herself a prisoner in the harem of young and virile Kalid Shah. Headstrong and courageous, Sarah was determined to resist the handsome foreigner whose arrogance outraged her-even as his tantalizing touch promised exotic nights of fiery sensuality.

THE TURKISH PRINCE
Never had he encountered a woman who inflamed his desire like the blonde Westerner with the independent spirit. Although she spurned his passionate overtures, Kalid vowed to tempt her with his masterful skills until she became a willing companion on their journey of exquisite ecstasy!

My Review
Summary 
When Sarah visits her cousin and his wife in Persia, she is intrigued by the culture, and volunteers to teach at the Sultan's Harem. But then she catches the eye of Kalid, a Prince. So Kalid buys her from the Sultan, because she intrigues him in a way that no woman has. Sarah is shocked to discover she belongs to Kalid, and even though he is gorgeous and mesmerizing, but she refuses to give in to his seduction, because she is a person not a possession...but when he kisses her all her common sense and revolve goes out the window, and she feels herself opening up to him despite her inner protests and knows that she is falling in love with him...

The Hero 
Kalid, was raised in Persia and this culture, having a harem is second nature to him. However when he was younger he was able to go to school in England, and he has always had a attraction to strong independent women. Having feeling bored with his own harem and life, until he see's Sarah and he knows he must have her, and will do anything to keep her in his life...

The Heroine 
Sarah, is shocked to discover that she is a captive now, and part of Kalid's harem. She has no idea how she will be able to resist him before long. Sarah more than anything wants to leave, but knows that's near to impossible. However there is something strong happening between them, she can feel it, and before long she know it she is in love with the scoundrel, and doesn't want to live a life without him even if that means giving up her previous life....

My Thoughts 
This was the first novel that I have read from this author, and I just fell in love with this story. It starts out a little slow but eventually the story really kicks into gear, and I found myself not able to put it down. I have always had a weakness for Sheikh's love stories, and this is probably at the top of my favorites now....Kalid is very arrogant and holds power in his hands....but as the story progressed you start to just fall in love with him as the hero. Sarah is very strong willed and determined and I just loved how she stands up to Kalid with no fear....and I just enjoyed seeing these two fall for each other....it was a heartwarming romance, that will tickle your toes as you read...and warm your heart!!! A beautiful story set in a exotic place!!! Definitely looking forward to reading more from this breathtaking author who creates wonderful stories to capture the heart!!

My Grade On This Story 
4.5 Blossoms 

 
 

Book Review-Lord Of The Desert

Lord Of The Desert
Hutton & Co Series (3)
Diana Palmer
Harlequin
Paperback
Published 2000
377 Pages
Contemporary Romance
ISBN 0-373-77022-7

Synopsis
From seduction in the royal sheikhdom to high adventure in the hot Arabian desert comes a breathtaking love story by international bestselling author Diana Palmer....

Sheltered small-town girl Gretchen Brannon was out of her element when she aligned herself with Sheikh Philippe Sabon, the formidable ruler of Qawi. They came from different worlds, yet she found a soul mate in the powerful, sensual man who'd suppressed his passions for far too long -- and harbored a secret anguish. Nevertheless, he made the virtuous young woman aware of her own courage...and, in turn, she aroused his sleeping senses as no other woman could.

However, now that Gretchen's heart belonged to the Lord of the Desert, danger loomed when she became the target for vengeance by the sheikh's most diabolical enemy. In a final showdown that would pit good against evil, could love and destiny triumph...?

Summary:
Gretchen along with her closest friend Maggie, goes on a vacation to Morocco. When her friend has to leave unexpectedly and asks her to stay for the job that Maggie was offered. Gretchen, at first, only plans on staying for the vacation, because she doesn't believe in lies or deceit and she doesn't know if she could do that even to a Sheikh. When a mysterious yet sensual man bumps into her, and sparks fly, along with some kisses, and before Gretchen knows it she finds herself starting to care for Philippe, yet she senses deep pain and secrets in him, and when his true identity is revealed and other secrets, her feelings for Philippe only are strengthened, and even though there is a great danger if they are together, they both can't bear to lose one another.

The Hero (Phillipe Sabon)
Phillipe, is a powerful man with much perseverance to get to where he is today, and after nine years of misery knowing he could never marry or have a family, he is even more at a loss when he finds Gretchen, who is everything he needs in his bleak life. Even though he seems to have power and wealth, he doesn't have love at least until he felt the power of her kiss or her gentle kiss or that spark in her beautiful eyes, he knew he was lost from the moment she bumped into him and he knows he can't ever let her go. 

The Heroine (Gretchen Brannon)
Gretchen, has been sheltered much most of her life and is still a virgin, which is pretty unheard of in the states, but when she meets Phillipe, she sees respect and admiration in his gaze for her purity. Gretchen, has been living a boring and pretty much a blah kind of life, and after recently been abandoned by her boyfriend and losing her mother, she needs something more in her life, and she finds what has been missing when she meets Philippe, because he is the chance for a happily ever after, if she will just reach out and fight for what she wants.

My Thoughts 
 Lord Of The Desert is part of a five book series by Diana Palmer, and this is the first book that I have ever read from this author and I have to say I was pretty impressed, so impressed I plan on reading more of her books the next chance that I get. I had heard of her of course...I mean who hasn't....but I am a bit picky about contemporary and since I don't read it too often, I haven't read her until now, but when I read the blurb for this one, I knew I just had to read it, and I am so glad that I did!!! I think I loved everything about this book, the story line, the characters, the passion and excitement, the conflicts, and above all the powerful romance that just set my heart pounding....One of my favorite aspects of this story was the conflict, which I don't want to spoil so I won't share it (you will just have to read it to find out) however its the type of conflict that you rarely if ever see in a romance story and I just loved seeing the approach about it, and definitely developed a deeper aspect to the story...Overall I think I just loved every thing about Lord Of The Desert, A Treasure that was a pure delight!!!

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In This Series 
Once in Paris
Paper Rose
Texas Ranger
Desperado

Book Review- The Golden Barbarian

The Golden Barbarian(Sedikhan Series)
Iris Johansen
Bantam, 316 Pages, Published April 1992
Sheik Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-553-29604-3

Synopsis:
FROM THE HALLS OF A PALATIAL PRISON TO THE HOT SANDS OF AN ENDLESS DESERT...

Here is a timeless story of love and adventure set among hills of gold, warring tribes, and fabled kingdoms -- the story of a fearless princess and a barbarian sheikh....

SHE WAS A RAVISHING PAWN IN A GAME OF POLITICS AND PASSION....

Flaunting the oppressive destiny decreed for her by the kingdom of Tamrovia, Princess Theresa Christina Rubinoff struck a sensual bargain with a handsome barbarian chieftain. She vowed to play his seductive game, surrendering herself to his will, all the while determined to fight for her independence in a land that considered women only as playthings.

HE WAS A DESERT WARRIOR KING, DRIVEN BY PASSION AND PRIDE....

Mysterious as the desert night, rich as Midas, Galen ben Rashid swept Tess away to his palace in exotic Sedikhan, offering her freedom in exchange for the marriage that would join their kingdoms. A man surrounded by enemies, he would make her a slave to his passion in order to bind her to his side, little knowing that when he took the captivating princess as his bride, he would lose his heart....

My Review:
This timeless love story starts out with  the willful and independent Princess Theresa Christina Rubinoff has been in a convent for quite some time now. When her cousin Sacha gets her out, she is relieved to say the least. However she doesn't want to have to go back to court and face her father once again. Tess and her father have always rubbed the wrong way to say the least, since Tess is a free spirit, her father has always been a bit harsh with her. However when Galen Ben Raschid convinces Tess to marry him and bear him a son to help him unite with the other tribe leaders, and then she will be free to go anywhere she wants after her three years are up, she agrees. Having ached for being able to be free to choose her own path in life, much more desirable than the plan her father would have set for her. However, she never realized how much her life would change once being married to a barbarian chieftain whose way of life is very different from what she is accustomed to. But despite all the dangers surrounding them, there is a profound love that will blossom beneath the desert sun.

I truly enjoyed reading The Golden Barbarian, and it flew by so quickly, and by the end I was disappointed that the story was over, I was wanting more and more, but a book can only last so long right? Its been quite some time since I have read anything from Iris Johansen, and after reading this one I am eager for more of her books. I love her historicals, she has such a talent to portray the historic events and scenery surround the story, and it comes alive for the reader. Its very exhilirating for me, to read this one, because I felt so enraptured like I was actually in the story and seeing it all come to reality. The characters and the plot are so vividly written it really astounded me about how much I was drawn into it.

My Grade For This Book
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
The Golden Valkyrie
The Trustworthy Redhead
Capture The Rainbow
Touch The Horizon
A Summer Smile
And The Desert Blooms
Always
Everlasting
Till The End of Time
Last Bridge Home
Across The River Yesterday
Star Light, Star Bright
Man From Half Moon Bay
Blue Blue Skies and Shining Promises
Magnificent Folly
Notorious
A Tough Man To Tame