Book Blurb
Being trapped in a marriage of convenience in a desert kingdom, where duty and tradition reign as supreme as the sheikh, is the worst thing that could happen to freedom-loving Anna Whitman. However she has no choice but to agree to Sheikh Zahir Al-Zaman’s demands when he kidnaps her son.
Duty, loyalty and tradition are the driving forces in Zahir’s life. He’s fought for them all his life and now finds himself obsessed with a woman who appears to be the opposite of everything he values. In order to control his obsession with Anna he believes he needs to possess her. And he’s prepared to go to any lengths to do so—even using Anna’s child to blackmail her into marriage.
But Zahir will not force her into his bed; he has his strategies for seduction. Despite an intense attraction, Anna is not going to make it easy for him. Even when she begins to understand him, and his culture that seemed so restrictive at first, she won’t have a relationship with him based on lies. But how can she reveal her secrets when they will shatter the beliefs he holds most dear?
Duty, loyalty and tradition are the driving forces in Zahir’s life. He’s fought for them all his life and now finds himself obsessed with a woman who appears to be the opposite of everything he values. In order to control his obsession with Anna he believes he needs to possess her. And he’s prepared to go to any lengths to do so—even using Anna’s child to blackmail her into marriage.
But Zahir will not force her into his bed; he has his strategies for seduction. Despite an intense attraction, Anna is not going to make it easy for him. Even when she begins to understand him, and his culture that seemed so restrictive at first, she won’t have a relationship with him based on lies. But how can she reveal her secrets when they will shatter the beliefs he holds most dear?
“You can’tt ake him away from me. You can’t.” She stepped towards him and clutched his arm in desperation, gathering the loose folds of his robe like a dying woman gripping tight to a lifeline. He stilled instantly as if electrified. He turned slowly to face her. His eyes were lowered, in disdain, she imagined. “What do I have to do to make you see?”
“You can do nothing.” He raised his hand slowly to hers, still clutching the soft silk of his robe, and then pressed it against hers. For one long moment she thought she might have got through—touched something inside of him—but then his hand grasped hers and dragged it away. “Begging won’t get you anywhere.”
“Then what will?” He was silent and she pressed her advantage. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain. “Zahir, you can’t take him. He’s my life.” She shook her head and he closed his eyes briefly as her hair swept his cheek. He trapped a strand between his fingers but didn’t let it fall.
“And what is your life to me? Life in the desert, life at war, is worth only what it can be bargained for. What,” he added softly, “would you give in return for your son?”
“You want to bargain?” she asked, incredulous.
“Yes.”
“What do you want?”
“You.”
He let his hand trail down her arm.
“Why would you possibly want me when you have so little respect for me?”
He smiled.“Respect? More like unfinished business.”
Diana has kindly offered three e-copies of The Sheikh's Bargain Bride. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This book sounds very interesting. I'll definitely be picking it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to a new author.
Lisaguertin at yahoo dot com
Hi Diana, I like and love everything aboout sheikh, Zahir is a alpha man, and why you pick name for the heroine Anna? maybe you can choose another name..:D
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway.
I love the alpha part of the sheikh. Thanks for sharing your book. Sounds like a wonderful read.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Hi Lisa G & Cecilia, thanks for your comments. Yes, Zahir is very alpha, but, as Teresa said in her post yesterday, the alpha sheikh also has an emotional vulnerability which is only revealed to us (and him) when he falls in love. And Zahir has quite an emotional journey to make before he reaches his 'Happy Ever After'.
ReplyDeleteI'm always interested in when readers think a hero is too alpha. I think the extract above shows Zahir at the height of his alphaness (if that's a word). He does have justification for it and he certainly softens. When do you think an alpha hero is too alpha?
As to my heroine's name, I have a friend called Anna and have always loved the name. It just conjured up my blonde, beautiful American heroine.
Thanks again, Diana
Many many years ago I'd sneakily read my mum's romance books and a lot of them were of tall handsome dark eyed dashing Sheiks.A weakness for Sheiks must run in the family because I love them still :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the excerpt and want to read the rest!
Irene Jackson
I think it's the alpha part of the Sheiks. They know what they want and they will do anything to get it.
ReplyDeletethanks for the great post and congrats on the new release! I like sheiks b/c they are mysterious and adventurous :)
ReplyDeleteI like that they are typically portrayed as the tall, dark, handsome, mysterious & very alpha hero who expects to be obeyed at the snap of this fingers! & the clash & fireworks that happen when they came up against the heroine!
ReplyDeleteI think they are hot, mysterious, handsome, tall dark and alpha.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed sheikh books. I think the first one I read was by Alexandra Sellers and I was hooked. I have always enjoyed the Susan Mallery ones too. I think it's the power and charisma of the sheikh.
ReplyDeleteLoved the blurb and excerpt. I am putting this on my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love'em for the simple fact that they are sexy and very alpha.
ReplyDeleteI love the alpha_ness of the sheik.Your book sounds like a great read I look forward to diving into it .Have a fantastic weekend
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments. I agree. Sheikh books are compulsive reading for anyone who likes an outrageously alpha, alpha male with all the attributes you've mentioned above: sexy, powerful, charismatic, mysterious, ruthless. And being incredibly handsome (in a rugged way) and rich doesn't hurt either!
ReplyDeleteHope you all have a great weekend!
Diana
The book sounds good. I like sheikhs because they're dangerous and alpha.
ReplyDeleteI read a book by another author (Brenda Jackson) where the main character fell head over heels in love with a sheikh. It was very romantic! I'm hoping this book is the same?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the Brenda Jackson book but my heroine, Anna, certainly falls madly in love with Zahir. But it's an intensely emotional road they both have to travel before they can admit to their deep love for each other and get together permanently. I don't like to make things easy for my characters!
DeleteThank you for the spotlight and for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteFor me the best part of the Sheikh is that they are Alpha males, there is something thrilling, yet fascinating about a strong, sexy alpha male.
Absolutely!!
DeleteAs a teenager I saw the movie Sahara with Brooke Shields. When the Sheikh came swooping in, I was a goner, lol. In my fantasies they're always tall, dark, handsome, mysterious and extremely sensual alpha males, who would stop at nothing to get the woman they desire. Zahir sounds like one of those types :)I haven't read a story with a Sheikh as a main character yet, so thank you for this feature. I found a new book to add to my TBR and a new author to follow.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen that film, Michelle, must check it out.
DeleteZahir certainly is one of those powerful alpha males—he knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. But then he falls in love... Hope you enjoy the book.
This sounds like a good story. I enjoyed the excerpt. I love a sexy alpha male.
ReplyDeletelorimeehan1@aol.com
This definitely sounds like my kind of book. A romance with a sexy sheikh and quite a lot of angst!
ReplyDeleteI have added it to my wishlist ☺
Because they are hot, mysterious and rich..LOL!!
ReplyDeleteThey Are Hot Oh Yea I Have It On My Wish List.
ReplyDeleteSheikhs have gobs of money.
ReplyDeleteLove the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteSheikhs's have the power and money, got to luv em.
ReplyDeleteStrong sexy and very very loyal. Definetely one for
ReplyDeletemy TBR list.
divavixenqueen(at)gmail(dot)com
Love sheiks because they're alpha & sexy & you can't help but be turned on by their hint of possessiveness, dominant nature & jealousy.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great excerpt. I want to read this one bad.
ReplyDeleteByerc Smith July 35, 2012 11;31 AM
ReplyDeleteHi Diana. I love the sheiks because they're sexy,smart hot,mysterious, loyal and rich..
Can't wait to read it.
Thank for the giveaway.
Kindle foemat
bvcsmith4@hotmail.com
Loved the excerpt. ! A sexy alpha male always does it for me,, the eyes ! and the body !! hmmmm what more could you want ! lol.
ReplyDeleteI have not read the Sheikh's Book but this Excerpt sounded very interesting. I'll definitely adding this Book to my "to buy" list.
ReplyDeleteWhy I would love Sheikhs is because they are so Alpha Male & that REALLY does it for me. ;) Iknow, I'm soooo Bad!!!
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your very generous giveaway. Thank You.
Take Care & Stay Naughty,
PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com
Thanks, everyone, for your comments. It's great to know there are so many people out there who appreciate a good (or bad!) sheikh.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Diana