Customer Reviews

The Sheikh's Forbidden Virgin (Harlequin Presents)

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Kate Hewitt takes her readers on an extremely romantic journey through the desert in The Sheikh's Forbidden Virgin. While reading this exciting adventure, an adventure it surely was, I actually felt like I was in Zaraq, in its markets, the palace and in a desert storm. As for Calista where Princess Kalila is to be wed, the same applied, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, riding in the desert with the sun beating down and fantasizing of being with a rugged sheikh. The author succeeded in giving me my fantasy and then some.

Kalila had known from a very young age that she would have to marry the future king of Calista. An arranged marriage by her father and Zakari's father. She had just finished college in London and now she has to return home and to her duty. She mourns the fact that both of her parents married for love and she wants the same for herself. But duty prevails and she must go through with it. She hasn't seen her future husband since she was twelve years old. Now this future king is due to come and claim her in Zaraq. However, he doesn't come, he sends his brother Arif who is a very rugged, handsome and aloof prince.

Arif is the brother everyone looks to, the protector and an extremely honourable prince. One immediately senses the attraction between Arif and Kalila, a forbidden one because of course nothing can come of it because she is soon to become the wife of his brother. Arif holds a lot inside, has dreams of a horrible kidnapping which ended in the result of one of his brothers disappearing, never to be found. However, he adores his country and family and is determined to take Kalila home to his brother.

Kalila resists the marriage and escapes by horseback and rides off into a dust storm the day they are to leave. She is confused because first of all she hasn't heard from her bridegroom and she's attracted to Arif. Of course Arif follows and they have to spend the night in the desert in a tent. They act on their attraction and in the morning Arif is furious with himself. He can't believe he has betrayed his brother and the burden is heavy on his heart. However, Kalila is pleased it's happened even though she's lost her virginity and is to marry the King. She feels it was precious and sacred.

Once in Calista, still no King, no message and Kalila is more confused. She is lonely and misses her time with Arif. It was such a sad time for them both and really a sad time for this reader because once you read this wonderful book you will be cheering them on and hoping to see them together. Each time they meet or go sightseeing, it's a battle for them both not to look or touch, it's heartbreaking.

Kate Hewitt is such a talented author and this sheikh book was a little different from others I've read because I felt I could actually live the fantasy. It's such a sweet romance, even though their emotions for each other were a little rocky at times. The Sheikh's Forbidden Virgin was a wonderful addition to The Royal House of Karedes series. The author recently stated in an interview "I liked how star-crossed my lovers were - their situation seemed truly hopeless, and yet love prevailed - of course"! Kate Hewitt more than succeed with her goal.

Princess Kalila Zadar was pledged at an early age to marry King Zakari of Calista. Kalila has mixed feelings about the arrangement, for she had always dreamed of finding a mate that would provide her a true and lasting love. She fears that Zakari will see their marriage as one of an obligation instead of a love match.

Prince Aarif Al'Farisi receives an e-mail from his brother Zakari who wishes that he would go and escort his betrothed to their homeland for the impending marriage since he is tied up with other business. Aarif knows that he could not refuse his brothers request. At a young age, he had failed his family and still wears the scars of the horrific day as a constant reminder. That one day still haunts his memories; since then he has always put his family's needs far above his own life.

Kalila is disappointed when her intended does not show up to escort her to his homeland. She sees it as a sign that Zakari doesn't see her as a high priority. She devises a plan to run away from his brother Aarif.

Aarif manages to foil Kalila's escape plans. The two find themselves trapped in the hot desert in the middle of a sand storm. The turbulent conditions ignite a forbidden desire they both give into out of need and acceptance.

After Aarif claims Kalila's virginity he knows it is his duty to reveal that has transpired to his brother. Kalila acceptance of his scarred body awakens feelings he never thought he would experience. He questions whether he will be able to step aside and allow his brother to claim the woman he wishes to build a future with.

Kate Hewitt is an exceptional romance author. With every book that I discover from this talented author, I grow more in love with her writing style. The Sheik's Forbidden Virgin is the perfect way to spend a cool winter's night. You will fall in love with Aarif and Kalila and find yourself holding your breath in anticipation of when these two lost loves will be able to unite.