Judith’s review of The Sheikh’s Redemption by Olivia Gates.
“He would claim the throne. And her… “For Prince Haidar Aal Shalaan, taking the reins of a kingdom in chaos is a matter of honor. Not that his rivals to the throne would be defeated easily. And then there is Roxanne Gleeson, the one woman whose memory he cannot erase, the lover who once rejected him. Now she pretends a cold disdain for their once-and still-desperate passion. But he will not be denied either the throne of his motherland or Roxanne back in his bed. One is his birthright, the other his heart’s desire. And together they are…his redemption.
This is a story of intricate and complicated novel built around a Middle Eastern family whose family loyalties are stressed and split and where friendship has turned to disdain and in a case or two, hatred. Brother is pitted against brother and both feel the anger of their once best friend, all seeking to regain power and position in order to save an ancient kingdom. In the center of the fray is a beautiful American who was once lover of one of the contenders and who has now returned to the area as a diplomat of sorts.
This is a book that could be confusing unless the reader puts one’s mind to the task of keeping the characters straight, sorting out the context of the struggle for power, and keeping straight the emotions and tensions that make Roxanne and the Prince’s affair the hot and sexy relationship it is. It is a story that highlights the fact that passion can live quietly for a very long time but once it is re-kindled, it will burn just as bright as previously. Yet in spite of the renewal of their passionate affair, there are still issues that keep them on tenterhooks with each other. The political confusion and intrigue is also a critical factor in whether or not there is any future for them together.
I have not read any of Ms Gate’s previous work but am impressed that she has developed a story that takes a strong mind and deft touch to produce successfully. And it would be my recommendation to potential readers that it would be difficult to enjoy unless one goes into the book prepared to keep lots of story strands straight from the beginning. There are strong feelings here; no half-way measures given by those who are involved in the hidden intrigue. From beginning to end this was a reading experience that demanded I give all my attention, and as a result, it turned out to be immensely satisfying reading experience.
I like the light-hearted stuff and there is a place for the fun and fluffy in romance fiction. But once in a while a novel comes along that is demanding and complicated and I look forward to those kinds of books. They are the ones I go back and re-read because I don’t think anyone ever comprehends everything about such a book the first go around. So I will be re-visiting this novel and am quite confident that it will be just as fascinating the second time through.
I give it a rating of 4.25 out of 5
You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.
This book is available from Harlequin Desire. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
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