Customer Reviews

Kismet

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh fights his desire for legendary courtesan, Allegra Synnford. She isn't immune to the mysterious man either but denies her attraction for what he could mean to her. Attending her friend's wedding in Morocco leads Allegra into Shaheen's arms and ultimately there is little either can do to resist their attraction. But past circumstances and experiences have taught each that guarding their feelings gives them strength and control over their lives. Just the way they want it.

Allegra is a strong woman who relishes her independence,and she believes giving into Shaheen will only make her vulnerable and that's not something she will ever allow. Shaheen's been burned in the past which leads him away from his native England to live with his adoptive people. He's not about to let another courtesan work her way under his skin, but he's not above bargaining for a taste of her.

Things heat up and secrets unfold when an old adversary forces Shaheen into realizing what Allegra really means to him. And Allegra accepts she's powerless to deny what's between them. She prides herself in her strength and determination, but quickly recognizes she doesn't have a chance against her destiny.

Monica Burns takes her readers to the exotic Moroccan desert in this recent release. Lovingly described, the setting is a sensual pleasure, but the storytelling will have readers reluctant to put the book down. I loved the clear descriptions and the intensity of emotions throughout each scene, and the electricity running between the hero and heroine kept me wanting more. If you're a lover of historical romance, treat yourself to this one. It's an exciting contribution to the genre.

Allegra Synnford is a survivor. Taught at a very young age that life is what you make of it, she's become the master of her own destiny. Wanting for nothing, she travels to Morocco to attend the wedding of a friend, not knowing that her life will forever be changed.

Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has a secret that, if revealed, could trigger a war, destroying everything he loves. Only with Allegra can he find peace even though, at the best of times, his time with her is bittersweet because he's plagued by a past that he cannot outrun.

Shaheen and Allegra find in each other what both of them have so desperately wanted yet been afraid to feel--love. With love comes vulnerability and when Shaheen's past threatens his future, he's forced to make a very difficult decision.

Shaheen can keep Allegra safe by sending her away, but that will garner her hatred. Hatred he can live with but her death would destroy his soul. In the end, his choice will leave its mark on their lives. Will he listen to his head or to his heart?

Kismet is an extraordinary book and I can't thing of a better way to kick off 2010 than by buying a copy. I write this review knowing that I will be unable to do Monica Burns' latest release justice because Ms. Burns is a master at keeping her readers completely engaged from first page to last.

Allegra is an amazing woman who's made the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is an unparalleled lady--intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Shaheen possesses great strength and his emotions run deep. I was enchanted by the way Ms. Burns revealed the light, teasing, fun and flirtatious sides of the characters when both had experienced so much pain and suffering. My emotions ran the gamut along with theirs as I laughed, I cheered, and more than once, I cried.

The interactions between Allegra and Shaheen are like a tensely played chess game, their words, as they try to keep each other at a distance, conflicting with the chaos rioting through their bodies at their close contact. Every scene is so vividly described that you experience all of the emotions of the characters--their fear, uncertainty, and desire. Their attraction was a tangible heat, scorching the tips of my fingers as I turned pages--I simply could not read fast enough!

After reading the bio posted on Ms. Burns' website, I was afforded a deeper understanding into the wealth of emotions she poured into Kismet. Tenacious, sassy heroines and strong, sexy heroes are her signature style and she's boldly penned one of the best books I've read in years. Thank you Monica Burns for sharing your story and that of Allegra and Shaheen--you've left your mark on this reader and I excitedly look forward to your future releases!

I must say it is great to read a turn of the century romance in an exotic setting. Monica's descriptions had me wanting to jump on a plane and go ride a camel or sleep in a tent in the desert. She really does have a wonderful historical fiction voice. The way she builds up the attraction between her hero and heroine shows her skill as an author and I can assure you there is a great deal of this in Kismet.

Allegra Synnford is a courtesan from London, England who has come to Marrakech, Morocco to attend her friend Isabella's wedding to Major Brant Hastings. Allegra is relived to have a vacation because she is a bit stressed out. Her niece Cordelia is set to marry the Earl of Bledsoe. Cordelia doesn't have a clue that Allegra was forced to work in a brothel because her mother sold her when she was a barely a teen. Allegra went on to tone her skills and became the mistress of Arthur, the former Earl of Bledsoe who died in her bed from a heart attack. Cordelia's fiancé is the nephew of Allegra's dead lover and Allegra is concerned that Arthur's widow may find out about Cordelia's family connection to her. Controversy and gossip follows Allegra wherever she goes, even to Morocco, which may seem a bit odd, but Allegra has quite the reputation. A man would do anything to spend one night in her arms because she is so skillful in the art of pleasure.

Allegra appreciates fine horse flesh and when she first arrives by train she spots an out of control horse. Without any concern for her safety, she is almost trampled by the horse, but rescued by a tall man who has a powerful presence surrounding him. This all happens in a moment and Allegra is intrigued by her savior even though he is all dressed in black, and his face covered with only his brown eyes showing. From that moment on, Allegra's life will change, perhaps because of fate or possibly because of kismet...

The man who rescues Allegra will do whatever he can to have one night in her bed. He is Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh and serves Sheikh Mahmoud. Shaheen is also negotiating treaties between the different Bedouin tribes, as well as working with the French and Spanish governments to make everything run smoothly. Shaheen is very powerful in his own right and proud to be a part of the Amazigh nation. But Shaheen hides another identity. Shaheen was born in England and is a Viscount who left because his father disowned him due to the death of his brother James. Shaheen lives with the guilt over James' death daily and will never return to England. But a distant cousin, Charles Shaftsbury, has come to Morocco looking for Shaheen. He knows who he really is and coincidently happens to be an old lover of Allegra's.

Shaheen assumes that Allegra won't refuse him because she is a whore after all. He corners her one night and tells her his wish, which really insults Allegra. She thinks he is rude, too egotistical and too possessive in his regard towards her. Allegra has dealt with men like Shaheen in the past and thinks she can simply turn her nose up in the air and walk away. She may find Shaheen desirable but refuses to be owned. Allegra gives Shaheen a merry chase and after a dare, that shows Allegra's skill at eating a banana, Shaheen backs down. But then Allegra is kidnapped by Mahmoud's brother, Sheikh Yusuf Nassar. Nassar is a disturbing and sick individual who believes women are cattle and live to serve him. Even though Allegra can see Nassar is not right in his mind, she stands up for herself and won't let him near her. Unfortunately her actions have consequences and with that she is placed in great danger. But, the one man she first refused comes to her rescue and in turn he will expect Allegra to pay him back with her body and sexual techniques. Shaheen will no longer be pushed to the side and will enjoy the delights found in between Allegra's thighs. Unfortunately for Shaheen, Allegra undermines him at every turn. Bedding a woman like Allegra is a welcomed fight Shaheen looks forward to, where not only his body will be satisfied but as well as his heart.

Kismet is a steamy, well written historical romance with two strong willed and very stubborn characters. Shaheen is very alpha and some of the things he says and does to Allegra may make you want to slap him across the face. But Monica makes sure we see what type of man he is inside and why he acts the way he does. I can promise you that Allegra is no wilting violet and she has quite the mouth on her. Her outspoken nature gets her into trouble. What she goes through at the hands of Nassar is horrible but Shaheen is partly responsible because he believes that Allegra would be better without him.

Shaheen's non-stop guilt over his past ruins everything between Allegra and himself up to the very last moment. Shaheen has some of those "Too Stupid To Live" moments. Allegra is a wonderful, "I am woman, hear me roar" heroine. She keeps Shaheen on her toes and fights because she refuses to be a victim. She has taken life by the horns and made a life for herself on her own terms. She is a survivor and will continue to be. I wish there were more types of heroines like Allegra being written in historical romances.

I found Kismet to be great reading even though there were some parts I was confused with because past events were mentioned that may make a reader think this is a book in a series, even though it is a stand alone. But even with those small issues, Kismet is a solid, nicely written passionate desert romance that tales place in Morocco 1893 with a heroine who won't take any crap from anyone, including the sheikh who wants to own her body and soul.

Katiebabs

Allegra, a renowned former courtesan and Sheik Shaheen (an Englishman who has run away from his painful past) play out their thrilling love story in the desert sands of Morocco. I really liked the beginning and felt they were a well-matched couple. The love scenes are smoking. Plenty of tension and emotion. But maybe I'm tired of Alpha males who are Tortured Heroes. Seen one, seen them all. More than once I thought Shaheen was incredibly stupid and after that he lost his luster. Allegra, though, is a wonderful fully developed heroine, strong, brave and admirable. Lovely writing, though I was at times confused when a pronoun didn't match the last named character.

4.5 stars. Great historical romance, highly entertaining! Quick summary--The heroine, Allegra, is a courtesan visiting her friend in Morocco who gets spirited away in a blood feud between tribes. The hero, Shaheen, aka Robert, a long-lost Viscount, has spent 15 years in the desert after running away from his heritage. They find a grand passion in the desert. The plot moves quickly and it never drags spurred along by the blood feud. On the characters--Shaheen is HOT. He's rough around the edges, borderline misogynist, treats Allegra somewhat crudely, but has his big redemption by the end. Do you believe he does love her by the end? Absolutely. Allegra is clever and courageous. Her character is a little flatter than Shaheen's. While it's explained why she's a courtesan, she seems just a tad too jaded. She's the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars. The sex scenes are hot, driven by Shaheen's desire. Allegra's seems less believable. You'll like this book if you like strong men who take charge. Alot of their relationship is based on mutual sexual attraction. So you probably won't like this so much if you like romance leads who gradually grow attached to each other over time.

KISMET is the first historical romance novel I've read that featured a Sheikh for a hero and its really changed my preconceived thoughts - judgements - on Sheikhs. My initial mental reaction at the word Sheikh was the combined thoughts of harem and misogynist but I've realized that this is really an uneducated response. Sheikh is an honorific term that can be applied to both men and women and literally means a person of age or an elder. A Sheikh is a learned or educated person who seeks knowledge and is respected by a community. Hmmm...I don't know where to attribute my first thoughts with regard to Sheikhs but I'm happy to no longer be ignorant of the word's true meaning.

On to the review...

Fifteen years ago, Sheikh Shaheen came to the harsh Moroccan desert to die only to find a new reason to live with the Amazigh. A people of strong values and tradition, the Amazigh live and love a vital land that can be both giving and cruel. It's in this barren wilderness that Shaheen builds a new life that allows him to bury the painful heartache of the name Viscount Newcastle and its association with the family he left behind in England. But when a world renowned courtesan arrives in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, Shaheen is doomed to meet his destiny and be forced to face his dreaded past whether he's ready for it or not.

Allegra Synnford is a woman shaped by a crime she didn't commit. Barely at the brink of womanhood, Allegra was sold into prostitution by the same person that should have been willing to die to protect her - her mother. But Allegra is nothing if not a survivor and she's come a long way from that black pit of hell to pull herself up in the world by shaping her destiny with one careful choice at a time. Now, confident in her independence after securing the right to choose her lovers, Allegra travels to Morocco for a friends wedding. It's there that she's confronted by the one and only man that poses a serious threat to enslaving her heart and soul.

Within moments of Shaheen meeting Allegra, his emotions tailspin into complete turmoil. Having already acquired a healthy disdain for women, a courtesan has the ability to spark a deep seeded hatred within Shaheen along with the sickening feeling of guilt for he'd once been terribly wronged by a woman of Allegra's ilk resulting in a tragedy that has blackened his soul. Combined, these vicious emotions poison his thoughts and his words making him highly distrustful of Allegra but despite all this, he can't make himself stay away. When Allegra is snatched by a particularly evil rival Sheikh whilst in a seedier end of Marrakech, Shaheen wastes no time and even less thought before he's riding across the desert to save her.

Vibrant and compelling, Allegra is nearly broken by the disgusting Sheikh Nassar and is even further humiliated by Shaheen's retrieval of her. Just like her horrific past, Allegra is bartered and sold to Shaheen. Little does Shaheen know that while his strategy to save Allegra was universally degrading, he'd inadvertantly dug up the horrifics of her past resulting in an incredible emotional impact and igniting a deep distrust. He also underestimates Allegra's desire to return to Marrakech and to her home in England. Her greatest fear is Shaheen and his impact on her. He's a magnificent threat to all the independence that she's built but Shaheen is blinded and befuddled by his fierce craving for Allegra and no matter how tangible her desperation to leave becomes, he can't let her go. Instead he embarks on seducing her and removing her skilled courtesan mask. He's determined to tear past all the shielding layers that hide the real Allegra which is exactly what she fears and is so desperate to flee from. But it's hard to continue to deny what your soul desires and after a tough fight, Allegra succumbs to Shaheen's seduction.

Finally, in a moment of pure beauty, both Shaheen and Allegra drop their shields but fate is not yet content to leave the pair in peace. Once again the evil Sheikh Nassar is circling closer but this time it's with a fatal intent. As war looms on the horizon and Shaheen fears for Allegra's safety, he devises the fastest way of removing her from camp and returning her to England: Breaking her heart. Tearing to shreds the tenuous trust and burgeoning love, Shaheen destroys Allegra - reducing her to nothing but a woman of undiluted anger. Eventually his intentional destruction becomes all for not for in another twist of fate Allegra is kidnapped once again by Nassar but this time he has no intention of selling her.

Shaheen was an arrogant hero but a hero nonetheless. He did his best to keep Allegra safe but with his heart blinded by the emotions that consume him, Shaheen makes many mistakes - some of them are even repeat offenders. He's constantly underestimating Allegra's strength and haphazardly pushes her near her breaking point before he realizes that he couldn't live with himself if he actually "broke" her. Yet Shaheen continued to show major trust issues and its not until he's destroyed Allegra's heart that he finally allows himself to open his own heart to her. It was a bit nerve-wrecking waiting for him to learn from his mistakes and I almost thought the book would end with him unchanged but Shaheen surprised me greatly. His self-inflicting punishment at Allegra's feet had me near tears and it was more than apparent that he recognized his mistakes and that he was deserving of forgiveness. For the first time Shaheen doesn't barge in and demand but instead waits for Allegra to decide their fate and for Shaheen, that's a big deal.

While both characters are incredibly stubborn, Allegra really embodied the true meaning of the word but primarily in a survival sense. Incredibly, she knows when to let go and its only at the times that benefit her soul. With Sheikh Nassar, she stubbornly clings tight to her survival instincts and her desire to live free making her uneasily broken. Conversely with Shaheen, Allegra was stubborn in her refusal of his advances when he arrogantly, and at times cruelly, made hasty assumptions about her character. When she realizes the reason for his initial disdain, her soul hurts for him but she doesn't relinquish it because of guilt, but for love.

KISMET is an epic romance that brings to life the vibrant land of Morocco and its people. Amazingly colorful, one feels like they're right there with the characters riding speedy Arabians across the desert sands. The romance is passionate and the end is heartbreaking, leaving the reader in a puddled mush of tears and smiles. If you're a historical romance reader looking for something new, edgy and passionate, look no farther than KISMET.

Desert tribal leader Sheikh Shaheen left behind his Viscount title in England due to a courtesan that caused an estrangement with his father. He vowed to never return to England and never trust any woman again although a desert prophesy that he scoffs at claims he will be burned by a woman of fire.

Courtesan Allegra Synnford grew up in a Marrakech brothel where she learned how to seduce men to do her bidding especially keep her safe. She is extremely careful in selecting her protectors as wealth is not enough. When Shaheen and Allegra meet in 1893 Marrakech, their attraction scorch the desert, but his loathing and distrust of courtesans keep them apart until an enemy Nassar kidnaps her; forcing him to look deep in his soul as he tries to rescue his beloved.

This is an exciting late Victorian romance starring two people used to staying in charge of themselves and others especially with relationships losing control when they meet. Shaheen and Allegra are terrific lead characters whether they are in Marrakech, the Sahara in French Morocco or England. The support cast including the villain and the nomadic Berber/Amazigh tribes enhance a terrific captivity historical.

Harriet Klausner

Allegra Synnford is a courtesan whose sensual renown is without comparison. When she arrives in Morocco, she is deeply affected by the chance meeting with a powerful and intensely sexy sheikh.

Sheikh Shaheen has been of the Amazigh tribe for many years. Formerly an English noble, he's now found home amongst the honor bound natives of the Moroccan desert. When he realizes the beauty he met in the train station is none other than a courtesan he's determined not to allow yet another paid lover be the cause of his downfall again.

Factions heat up around him and war seems inevitable in the desert. While Shaheen refuses to give into the charms of the sweet seductress, he realizes he'll do anything to keep her safe... even at the cost of his own heart.

This story starts off strong and doesn't let up until the very last page! Full of action, mystery, romance and lush scenery, readers will have to make sure they've carved a heavy block of time before sitting down to read Kismet, as once the cover is lifted, not much else will get done. The tension between Allegra and Shaheen is magical and as seductive as a brilliant jewel. With each other they find they're able to unwittingly be their true selves and that revelation stuns. Ramping up all attempts at impersonal interaction to avoid emotional entanglement only serves to let each see just how much the other truly means.

Keep tissues handy. The ending will have even the most stout of readers bawling like a child. An amazing, keeper of a story guaranteed to satisfy and is a thoroughly recommended read during these long, sultry summer nights!

Courtesy of Fallen Angel Reviews ([...])

"Kismet" by Monica Burns is a grand desert romantic fantasy, a world where the unexpected is the norm, both in world affairs and affairs of the heart! A hero hiding from his past, and a heroine hiding from her true self, are well met in the sizzling heat of the Moroccan landscape. Bold, beautiful, and at times brutal in intensity, "Kismet" is an unforgettable romance read! Prepare yourself to be swept away by the powerful imagery and storytelling magic of Monica Burns!

TheStory
Sheikh Shaheen has been running from his past for 15 years. He hides with the Amazigh people in Morocco. When a temptress shows up to attend a wedding, Allegra brings up bad memories for Shaheen. A courtesan is the reason he left London. Despite his pre-conceived notions, Allegra changes his mind about everything he thinks he knows. He can't stay away from her. When she is kidnapped by his enemy he goes and rescues her, but is unable to let her go. His past is threatening everything he loves dear right now, he must maintain his cover. In order to do that he must keep Allegra at this side. They learn each other slowly and truly.

Thoughts
This wasn't what I thought it would be like. It's a good story though. It isn't an erotica novel, it's a historical sensual romance. Actually the majority of the book Allegra can't stand Shaheen. They fight constantly, till about 2/3 of the book. I do like Allegra, I like that she has morals and values and respects herself despite the way she grew up. Shaheen is a good strong character. I liked them together. The story was entertaining and fast paced. Allegra got her happily ever after... Kismet means fate... and it was