Carmen and Farooq were lovers, a three month arrangement which came to an abrupt ending when Carmen discovered she was pregnant and sent Farooq away because they had no future. Sixteen months later Farooq discovers his daughter's existence and insists that Carmen marry him and return to his country but is there any hope their feelings will have survived their separation. How will Farooq react when he learns she can't have any more children? Will Carmen have to accept that
Farooq has to marry a second bride to save his country from war?
I've mentioned before that I don't like alpha males, I don't like Sheikhs and I'm sick of secret baby stories
. (You can hear Olivia going "oh my God" from here
)
So we have Farooq who's definitely an alpha Sheikh with a nine-month
old daughter he's only just discovered. He's been hurt by Carmen and is
determined to have his revenge (and how many times have I said I don't
like revenge stories?
)
And yet I fell in love with Farooq from the very first page, when I
understood how strong his feelings for Carmen were, I felt so
devastated for him that she had got the wrong message and was pushing
him away, and that she already knew him so well that she knew EXACTLY
what to say to convince him. Yes Farooq is a Sheikh and used to command
and everyone obeying when he says Jump, and yet he didn't get my
hackles up because his love and respect for Carmen shone through. He
told himself he wanted revenge and he came up with elaborate plans but
when push came to shove he couldn't go through with them. And how could
I but feel sorry for the marvellous moments he missed in the first nine
months of Mennah's life, but also that he realised what else he'd
missed, and that he regretted he hadn't been there to support Carmen
and didn't harp just on the good times he missed. I loved Carmen's
scene with the brothers, it made me very impatient for their stories to
come out (two whole months to wait between each brother
) Then when
things started going well (plan for several gallons of iced water to
cool you down after the love scenes
)
and I'd feasted my senses on the descriptions of the palace and the
wedding and everything, there's the problem about her hysterectomy and
how he'll react when he finds out, and the problem of the state
marriage and how Carmen will react to that.
Now y'all know how happy I was to have another Damian episode
because I just love Damian, well (don't tell him Olivia) Farooq is
snapping at his heels in the popularity stakes and I strongly suspect
Shehab and Kamal will be very close behind. So much for not being a fan
of Sheikhs and alpha heroes
.
This definitely qualifies as the first in the April raining men
challenge. Olivia can rain men on me any time she likes, Farooq and his
brothers definitely fit my bill! I suppose that the fact that I bought
the ebook straight away because I couldn't wait any longer once I'd
read the excerpt speaks for itself, as does the fact that I got dug in
the minute I got home from work and then blogged it straight away
despite interruptions with DH wanting me to cook the dinner, put the
kids to bed and generally take care of everything so that he can read
the book he's been impatiently awaiting since yesterday (you'll notice
I finished my book, and he's not even on chapter three of his 
) Some of us just get our priorities right - everyone's fed and the boys are in their bedrooms supposedly asleep
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Great Review
Sadhbh - Hey - it's a great review! Just one thing though:
you wrote - How will Farooq react when he learns
she can't have any more children? Will Carmen have to accept that Farooq has to marry a second bride to save his country from war?
I'm assuming this is because Carmen has given him a daughter and he needs a male heir?
And I agree with you...it's okay, I just checked and Olivia is not on-line at the moment
... but I don't like alpha males either!
But Damian...ooohhhhh...And I know it's because of the way Olivia wrote him...loving Calista while realizing that she probably couldn't love him back because of his own actions. That gets me every time - especially when the guy admits his feelings before the end of the book!
About ST...so if it wasn't published, how could you read it?
www.anitamaedraper.blogspot.com
www.newsfromthepews.blogspot.com
Sadhbh!!!!!!
You really know how to play with a girl's nerves, don't you?
Phew!!! (where's the enervated with relief emoticon when you need one??
) And I'm SO glad you continued to love him througout the book. 
So happy that scene whetted your appetite for them. If you loved Farooq, just wait until you meet Shehab, then Kamal.
Oh, my! This is definitely going into the excerpt I'll put on my website from your review, with a link back here, of course, for everyone to read that fabulous review in full!!!
I'M sure not telling Damian Farooq is now almost on par with him, and from one book, too.
But then, you know Damian, he seems to find out everything anyway... 
As for Shehab and Kamal, after you meet them for real in their own books, you can tell me in September if you have an order of preference, in total confidentiality of course. 
(but then they're all such far-reaching lords of all they survery, they'd probably find out the results of our survey. 
)
But omigod, this most of all stuns me. That any hero can compete with Damian in your eyes.
Farooq is that potent, eh?
This has just got to be the best compliment an author can get, that I made you like the very things you dislike. Yay.
And I'm delighted to keep raining men on you. I planning on a constant downpour.
And I'm just THRILLED by your review. I was really bating my breath over this book's reception. I'm also thrilled the excerpt had that effect.
Thank you so much, Sadhbh, for buying the book and blogging about it that
quickly. My! Has anyone ever told you your reading speed, and the
precision and attention to detail in which you do it in,
is humbling? This has to be a super power!
And OK, I've got a question I have to ask. I get it that alpha males aren't everyone's cup of tea, and they're not yours (or Anita Mae's) So how do you love Damian that much (and in your case, now Farooq, too) who're both the ultimate in alphaness, to coin a word?
But you won't see me complaining.
I'm just so thrilled you liked the book and Farooq and that much. 
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Olivia - there's a particular category of alpha males
that seem to be domineering and arrogant and self-important and
disrespectful of women and the h and the H spend their time trading
insults and fighting and yet on page 190 they do a complete turnaround
because they're suddenly in love
That's the kind of "alpha" male
as much as he likes 
)
I can't stand, but as I've said Farooq doesn't fit that bill. His
respect for Carmen came across from the start and he only got angry
with her because she shot him down in flames, so how could I not love
him, he didn't do anything to trigger my "bad" hot buttons (he can
trigger the other hot buttons
Hugs
Sadhbh
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
now more than ever
looking forward to getting my hands on it
Christa ~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Challenge Blog
My Shelfari Page
Alpha Males
Sadhbh, that's it! that's it!
You nailed it when you said '...yet on page 190 they do a complete turnaround because they're suddenly in love.
Usually when I read books with alpha males, I get the impression that the author is excusing his 'jerkiness' because that's the way alpha males are supposed to behave.
But when Olivia writes, she proves that a man can be the king of his own castle without stepping on his subjects. I respect men like that. I also respect men who aren't afraid to show their feelings prior to page...what was it?...oh yes...190.
After reading Olivia's comments, I realized that when I wrote my book review of Radical Cure, I barely mentioned Damian. Now, I'm trying to figure out why and I think I've got it.
I'm used to getting in the heads of the H as well as the h and this wasn't happening with the 1st person thing. Usually it takes me a while to get the hang of it but not this time...like I said in the review, I couldn't put it down and was totally drained when I did.
Where does Damian come in when I couldn't get his POV? I'm surprised to say this, but ...sssshhh...I didn't even miss it. I'm whispering here because I don't want the editors to hear that remark and have everyone go back to just the h's POV.
What I really think is that Olivia has designed a new hybrid alpha male. One who embodies all the best of being a man of substance. I mean, those nano thingies must be good for something other than making you sick, huh?
www.anitamaedraper.blogspot.com
www.newsfromthepews.blogspot.com
and thanks to Penni who silently agrees with all I've
said
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Yes, well, why not keep the
Yes, well, why not keep the conversation in one place? Besides, I finally remembered how to make a link from my review to yours, so it's there and people don't have to hunt you down -- one click, and here they are! I'm sure it works b/c that's how I got here!
I'm thinking I might like Olivia's Desires best . . . I'll have to read her current medical and more Desires before I let you know for sure
.
Penn
Join the 2008 Book (Reading) Challenge!!! It’s for a good cause and it’s FUN!
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Sadhbh...LOL
You said
Well, I don't know, Sadhbh, I wouldn't call such men alpha males. These sounds like bullys-cum-jerks who've come into the world without senses of humor and perspective installed.
To me, alpha males are too secure to want to keep proving they're above all who breathe, too truly superior they don't feel the need to lord it over all others (not without a very good reason, and no other method to fulfill their goal)! They might have had reason to distrust women's motivations towards them, but they innately like and respect women, don't lump them all in one generalization, and they are exhilarated when they meet their match, want to be there for her to help her realize her full potential. They're powerful, protective, cherishing...and they can laugh at their own mistakes, even when they know they don't have shortcomings. And they say sorry beautifully, and confess and prove their love memorably. THAT'S the kind of alpha male I write.
So glad Farooq, being a sheikh and all, managed to hit all your "good" hot buttons. Just the ones I was aiming for.
Can't wait for your opinion of Shehab and Kamal!!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Anita Mae!!
I'm thrilled this is how you see my alpha males, because this is exactly what I want to put across, what I believe a true alpha male is. If I can't 'like' the guy, thoroughly, no matter how hot he is, he becomes patently resistible.
OMG, you wrote a review of Radical Cure???? When? Where?
Ooooh!!!
But that was 'good' drained??
So you don't feel you missed knowing anything about Damian seeing him only through Calista's eyes and thoughts and his out loud actions and words. I'm simply thrilled yet again that another reader loved Damian without being inside his head.
That brings me to a decision I've been grappling with. I've been writing an alternate history paranormal, and I've written the first 100 pages in 1st POV, intending the whole book to be this way. But I've been toying with turning it into a multiple POV book, thinking that this might improve its chances and have a wider audience embrace it if such a chance comes to pass. What do you all think?
OK. Now THIS is an incredible statement. The kind of quote an author dreams to have on her books and promo. Can I quote you?
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Christa
I hope you enjoy it when you finally get your hands on it!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Penn!!
You wrote a review of The Desert Lord's Baby???
OK, it just occured to me if I type my name in the search I'd come up with everything that mentioned my name? With the reviews included? If yes, and this is how you ladies find everything around here, all I can suy is...Doh!
I'm thrilled you think so. My Desires have been the most pure writing pleasure I've ever had (since I didn't interrupt the writing for research) and I'm glad it showed and transferred my pleasure to you.
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Oh no another alpha male discussion!
The problem is, as Vince has argued convincingly, that everyone uses the term, alpha male, but the term has a different meaning for everyone, making the term inappropriate for discussing the hero's behavior. I wish this term could be retired and several different terms inaugurated, one for each of the "alpha male" definitions. *sigh* Never gonna happen.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
LOL FF
Yep, it's an eternal discussion. I said what an alpha male is to me, the kind of hero I write, and though my heroes have been very different, they had thos equalities at their core. But I guess the only male I don't like to give the term alpha is the intentionally nasty one. But then it could be argued, in each story's case, that he had reason, was under false impressions, that he was lashing out to defend his heart...etc. and that he redeems himself beautifully at the end. And in this case, well...it all comes down to another eternal statement. It's all in the execution.
And oooh, CONGRATS on being March's Member of the Month!!!!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Merci Olivia!
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
This one is on
This one is on it's way to me so hopefully I'll have it in my hands soon. After all this discussion I can't wait to read it.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Deb!
Did you see my message in the comments on Sadhbh's Shock Therapy review?
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Alpha's in Med's
Interesting discussion re Alpha's.
I was wondering if you agreed Olivia that medical romance heroes fit this "nice" Alpha bill perfectly. Highly successful men that have risen to the top of their field, confident and commanding but have that compassionate side to them that makes them so much more likeable, hopefully lovable....
Amy
Found: A Father For Her Child. Carrie and Charlie's story OUT NOW. Also on e-book.
Join the medrom authors at their hot new blog Love Is The Best Medicine. www.medicalromance.blogspot.com
I certainly agree with you Amy!
the alpha heroes in the Meds are awesome ... perfectly balanced ....
I love alpha heroes ... but then I'm biased, I have my very own! LOL ..... it's rare I'll have a problem with any of the alpha heroes in any of the lines, including Presents ... I'm not overly fond of the "ruthless revenge" stories, esp. some that have carried over to Desire, those can be particalarly harsh ... usually I'll have a problem if the author doesn't give enough insight into the heroes psyche, esp. in the older Presents where the heroes POV was rarely given ....
but back to Olivia's alphas! .... oh my
... I just adore experiencing their thoughts ... Olivia does great angst!
~~ KatherineT ~~ I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it!
~~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Amy
Indeed, I agree, Amy! A Medical hero is an alpha in his purest form, powerful, resourceful, take-charge, highly skilled and refined through and through. But I believe it's the protection and compassion that he is so well equipped to provide that make him unique among all alpha males.
I once wrote an article about what makes a Medical hero a so sexy and irresistible. Hmm...I should have it on my website...
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Katherine
Thrilled you like my alphas. AND my angst.
I can't wait for your opinion on my Desire alphas!!!
As for getting inside the heroes heads and psyches, I'm really curious to see how you'll react to my Bombshell alpha, Damian, if you ever get around to reading the books. Since we're never in his head, I wonder how you'll react to him, what you'll think of the way I presented him through the heroine's eyes and senses, and through his own actions and words.
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Please do
Hey Olivia - please do put the article on your website. I'd love to read it.
Amy
Found: A Father For Her Child. Carrie and Charlie's story OUT NOW. Also on e-book.
Join the medrom authors at their hot new blog Love Is The Best Medicine. www.medicalromance.blogspot.com
okay...
okay, okay... I am convinced and will give this one a try, Sadhbh!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge Blo
Debi - tell you what if you don't like it, I'll buy it back off
you for the full price - I can't say fairer than that!
But I think my wallet is safe
Hugs
Sadhbh
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
The verdict is in....
and your wallet is safe!!!
And I've now decided I'm going to play close attention to what you say about alpha males as you summarized exactly what my fears were about this book and yet the hero really shined!
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge Blo
I'm glad for Olivia
Hugs
Sadhbh
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs