Lucy Monroe - The Sheikh's Bartered Bride

THE CHARACTERS: Hakim bin Omar al Kadar is a man driven by honor, duty and loyalty to his family - the Royal Family of Kadar. His duty includes convincing Catherine Benning to marry him. Catherine spent her childhood and teen years as a social outcast because of physical problems she could do nothing about. By the time she was able to alter her appearance, she no longer trusted people, particularly men, enough to pursue her dreams of love and having her own family. She begins the book vulnerable, but she's a strong woman and her growth forces Hakim to look at his own motivations and feelings.

THE SETTING: This book takes place almost equally in Seattle, WA and the imaginary Middle Eastern country of Kadar. I had a tremendous time making up my own Middle Eastern country with its very own Royal Family as well as traditions and customs. And setting parts of the story in nearby Seattle was a lot of fun too.

THE STORY: Hakim is the alpha hero we all dream about. Sexy. Intelligent. Bent on doing what is best for all the people he cares about, including a quickly recalcitrant Catherine. While Catherine learns to trust beyond betrayal and Hakim learns to love beyond duty, they both test the limits of the emotion that simmers between them.

Reviews & Reader Comments

what REVIEWERS are saying...

To read the complete review, click on the hyperlink at the end of the quote.

No one writes contemporary romance like this author. The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride is just another reason on a long list, why I read her work over and over again! - The Road to Romance

...a must-read and another great addition to my keeper shelf. - CataRomance

...a sensual, fanciful tale of a modern-day marriage of convenience. - Romance Junkies

Lucy Monroe excels at the short and the sexy, and with The Sheikh's Bartered Bride, she's upped the sensual ante for future sheikh romances. 4.5 Stars - The Romance Readers Connection

Once again Lucy Monroe shows why she is gaining more and more fans with each book. The Sheikh's Bartered Bride will tug at your heartstrings in a way that only Ms Monroe can do. It will definitely heat up your cold winter nights. ~ The Best Reviews

"Lucy Monroe has created a story that captures your attention and keep you turning the pages. " - Blue Ribbon Reviews

"Lucy Monroe once again has told a beautiful love story with The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride. I was up later than normal so I could finish this book. As for my bookshelf, it is a keeper. I loved it!" 5 Stars - A Romance Review

"Get yourself a copy of The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride and travel to Jawhar with Hakim and Catherine. Settle back and enjoy another terrific book from Lucy Monroe." - Writers Unlimited

what READERS are saying...

"I have just read your book The Sheikhs Bartered Bride, and I just had to write to tell you how much I loved it. It was like being on an emotional roller coaster, but so well worth it, I just loved the way you had written it. You could visualize everything from the characters down to the tents in the desert. <snip for length> So I have to say thank you for writing such a great book, and I look forward to reading more of your books, and if they're anything like this one I can't wait. You have give me hope that at 31 I may yet find the man of my dreams, so again thank you! Here's to more romance in the world and men like Hakim." ~ Clare from England (NB: From Lucy...it was so special sharing this letter because I remember feeling exactly as Clare did...receiving hope from romance and an assurance that there were "good men out there" because fiction, or not...someone had written about them. I am now married to my "alpha at the end of the book" and will never forget the gift of hope romance brought into my own life.)

"Hi Lucy I just got around to reading the sheikhs bartered bride and I could not put it down the story line was great and I fell in love with the characters. I read the book in 4 hours; I just wanted you to know you have a beautiful gift of writing looking forward to other books from you." ~ Take care and God bless, Tracie T

"I loved TSBB, it went right on my keeper shelf." ~ Shari

"Just wanted to let you know that I treated myself to TSBB and read it last night as my escape from and reward for painting, painting, painting. It was the first Presents I've ever read, Lucy. Oh, it was just loads of fun. I read until 2. I'm definitely thinking about Sheikhs today, as I wield my paint brush!" ~ HelenB

"I just finished reading The Sheikh's Bartered Bride. It is a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it. I have read most of your harlequin romances and I find them very sensual and cannot stop reading them over and over. I am looking forward to reading your next novel soon in May 2005. Thank you Lucy for providing such wonderful romances." ~ Rajula

"Hi Lucy, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed The Sheikh's Bartered Bride. I liked how Catherine was befuddled by Hakim and his intentions. But even though shy she had a strong core that came through. And Hakim---sigh.. What an awesome hero. Very alpha but willing to concede to hear the other side." ~ JudyF

"Lucy, I read SBB yesterday and absolutely loved it. I especially liked how Catherine's self-confidence evolved. I'm looking forward to your next one." ~ Lisa F

"I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed your book. I didn't want it to end...I wanted more. It was funny, sexy and a really wonderful valentine book. Thank you for all your talent in writing." ~ Mary Ann

"Hello, I have just started reading Harlequin Presents books and picked up The Sheikh's Bartered Bride. I absolutely loved it, it was such a good book I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I went to my local Used Book Store and picked up all the Harlequin books there by you. thank you for writing such wonderful books, I have found a new fav author. :)" - Jessie B

"Lucy, I just finished your latest HP and it was wonderful. I'm not a huge fan of sheikh stories because usually the alpha male is so unrelenting in getting his way, used to having everyone do his bidding. But Hakim was very different. <snip spoiler> Another keeper :)" ~ Stacey

"I really liked it. It was as sweet as The Italian’s Suitable Wife although Hakim is very different than Rico. What I like in both of these books is that in spite of their overall shyness the heroines have backbone even faced with such dominant alpha guys …. Hakim was very tender with Catherine – like all Lucy’s heroes." ~ Aysin

"Hey Lucy, Did I tell you I just finished reading this one? OHHHH Man I loved it! It was just so good. Thanks for another great read! I just can't wait to get my hot little hands on The Greek's Innocent Virgin." ~ Karri

"Lucy, I read "The Sheikh's Bartered Bride" (got a copy from a reader in Yalta). Loved it! Very glad I did not have to wait until it was issued in the U.S." ~ Lidia

"Lucy - Just finished your Sheik's bartered bride. What an AWESOME read. I got this and a few other presents while we were on vacation in London." ~ Bookaholic

"Lucy, I just finished the book. It was excellent. I cried and cried while reading. There were times when I wanted to slap him and comfort her. You have such talent. I loved every moment of reading." - Pat

"Hi Lucy,I received "Married to a Greek Tycoon" and enjoyed it very much. Also finally had a chance to read "The Sheikh's Bartered Bride" and also enjoyed it. Thanks for all your work. Keep writing!" ~ Best, Paz

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The Sheikh's Bartered Bride by Lucy Monroe