Customer Reviews

The Sheikh's Chosen Wife (Harlequin Presents)

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I continue to believe that Michelle Reid is unsurpassed in the "Harlequin Presents" stable of writers, and her latest offering certainly supports that belief. "The Sheikh's Chosen Wife" is richly detailed, with complex characters, an exotic setting and a multi-layered plot. It also allows us to revisit two of my all-time favorite characters from ANY book - Sheik Raschid Al Kadah and his wife, the former Evangeline Delahaye, from Reid's book "The Mistress Bride" (Harlequin Presents #2056, October 1999).

As with most of Reid's books, the story in "The Sheikh's Chosen Wife" begins well into the main couple's relationship. Sheikh Hassan ben Khalifa Al-Qadim and Leona Frayne have been married for six years, separated for the last year. I very much enjoy this aspect of Reid's writing, and it is a technique she utilizes frequently. Because the two protagonists know each other, intimately, it allows the author to deal with the deeper and more complex issues in a relationship. And this one is complex indeed - a barren English wife to an Arabian sheikh, he the heir to his father's seat of power. Reid does a masterful job of portraying the Arab culture, while contrasting that with the fact that the sheikh was educated at Eton and married a western wife.

To say much more would begin reveal the twists and turns of story's layered plot. It is the story of passionate people, deeply in love and challenged by forces and responsibilities beyond their control. It is a story of family, of loyalty, of duty and of friendship. The writing is intense, and allows us to view the action from several viewpoints. I read the book in one sitting, and anticipate revisiting it as I make it a part of my permanent collection. I was also excited to read that two sequels to this story will follow: "Ethan's Temptress Bride" in September 2002; and "The Arabian Love-Child" in December 2002, which will be the story of Rafiq, Hassan's brother.

I always recommend Michelle Reid, but this book may be her best yet. It will be a great way to begin your summer reading!

couldn't believe my eyes while I was reading this book. It had the main 2 characters Raschid & Evie from "The mistress bride" in it. This story takes place about 6 years after.

This story is so heartbreaking. Leona has been seperated from her husban Sheikh Hassan for a year. They have been married for 5 years, but in that time Leone has been unable to conceive. Hassan kidnaps his wife, to keep her safe, because Hassan discovers a plot to force his hand. Some Sheikh's have decided that Hassan should take a second wife so he can produce the son & heir his country needs. Needless to say they already have wife number 2 waiting in the wings.

Hassan does not see it that way, even his wife thinks he should divorce her, so what hope does he have. Only Allah.....

As many other readers, it was a wonderful surprise to meet again with Eve and Rashid from "The Mistress Bride". This book had an excellent plot, original story and involves a deep and passionate relationship between Hassan and Leona. The dialogues are great and the story is very organized in its various layers.
I highly recommended it as well as its following sequels: Ethan's temtress wife, The Arabbian Love Child, and A Passionate Marriage.

This is one of the most romantic books i have ever read. Forget that i almost emptied a box of tissues. It was worth every sniff, every drop of my tears, from the beginning to the end, here are two people who know they love each other and showed it to each other unconditionally. I love it when reading about men like Hassan, possessive but not in an bullying way. The passion between the characters was amazing.
Michelle Reid did her thing with this book. What i love most about it was nothing could stop these two people from loving each other no matter the obstacles.

The Sheikh's Chosen Wife by Michelle Reid
Harlequin Presents # 2254 - June 2002
Hot-Blooded Husbands ~ Book 1 of 4

Leona's scared witless when she and her father's business partner, Ethan are abducted. And then she's furious to discover that it's Sheikh Hassan ben Khalifa Al-Qadim, her estranged husband, who has kidnapped her. Hassan had reluctantly given Leona this year away but now there is unrest in the sheikhdom, and Leona is at risk. Releasing Ethan, Hassan keeps Leona on his yacht and makes her promise to return to him for the remaining months of his father's frail life. Leona knows that once Khalifa dies, Hassan must divorce her. She cannot give him the heir that he needs, and the other ruling families are eager for him to take a second wife. Hassan will not divorce Leona, as she is his other half but will he bow to the pressure and take another wife as is his right, or will he give up his right to be Crown Prince.

Another emotionally powerful love story by Ms. Reid. Hassan's love for Leona runs deep and he will not give her up. Leona knows that he will lose everything if she stays and they do not have a child. Both Hassan and Leona are incredibly passionate characters whose love for one another wars with duty and responsibility. The secondary characters were richly developed as well. It was a pleasure to meet again Raschid and Evie from the The Mistress Bride and to meet Rafiq and Ethan who will have their own stories. Hassan and Leona's love story will remain with me for some time, and I'm sure I will be reading this one again and again. :D

other books in this series ....
A Passionate Marriage - Harlequin Presents # 2307 - March 2003
The Arabian Love-Child - Harlequin Presents # 2290 - December 2002
Ethan's Temptress Bride - Harlequin Presents # 2272 - September 2002

I have to confess its has been a long time since I read any Harlequin Presents, but I happen to see "The Sheikh's Chosen Wife" by Michelle Reid and decided to buy it. I am so happy that I did. This was a great story with strong characters facing modern problems.The writing was great and the passion between the main characters was very believible. Can't wait to read more from Michelle Reid.

Back Cover description: She can save her marriage-by getting pregnant! A year has passed since Leona left her husband, Sheikh Hassan ben Khalifa Al-Qadim. She misses him very much, but what was the point of staying when she'd failed to deliver the one thing Hassan needed-a child and heir? When Hassan tricks her into returning to him, Leona is furious and puzzled. Why does he want her by his side again and back in his bed?

I read these out of order, so I knew what happened, but I still couldn't stand Leona's constant harping on not being pregnant. She keeps saying she loves the guy, but she wasn't helpful at all. Not a story I would read again or keep. Read ARABIAN LOVE-CHILD. It's better.

Michelle Reid is a fantastic romance writer, but this is far from her best. I could not even finish this book! The plot was incredibly boring and predictable. Hopefully, her next piece will be on the level of one of her previous: The Price of a Bride.