by Sandra Marton, author of The Sheikh’s Defiant Bride
Harlequin Presents makes a promise to readers and it’s a BIG promise!
Presents says it will deliver the very best romantic fiction in the world. Okay, I’m biased… but I believe it does. Our books can transport a woman from the pressures of her daily life to a fantasy-land of excitement. Passion and seduction, guaranteed, we say.
And we mean it.
In the sophistication of a Presents world, gorgeous, powerful, wealthy heroes find themselves baffled by independent, stand-up heroines. It’s a place in which a man and woman can generate enough heat to start a fire and, in the process, find love that will bring them enduring happiness.
I try, always, to deliver on the Presents promise. An exciting setting. A stirring conflict. Heart-pounding passion. And, always, an Alpha hero to die for.
Maybe that’s what I love about Presents sheikhs. They’re always Alphas! Mine surely are. They’re also a little arrogant, a little too sure of themselves. They know what they want and nothing will stop them from getting it. Not a one of them has ever met a woman he can’t have…
Wrong.
There’s always one special woman who will defy that conviction. And when she does, the chase is on.
Tariq, the Crown Prince of Dubaac in my October Presents, THE SHEIKH’S DEFIANT BRIDE, has everything a man could possibly want. Rugged good looks. Money. Power. Homes in Manhattan and in his native country. And, of course, Tariq has women. Though he works hard, he plays hard, too. Marriage, family… those things are a long way off.
Then, overnight, fate intervenes. Tariq’s beloved older brother dies in an accident, leaving Tariq heir to the ancient throne of the kingdom of Dubaac. It’s the worst kind of wake-up call, a reminder that life can change in a heartbeat. Tariq loves his country and knows his duty.
He must find a wife and produce an heir of his own.
Well, thinks the sheikh who has everything, how difficult can that be?
Do I hear you laughing? Yes, you’re right. Finding a wife, the proper kind of wife, turns out to be almost impossible. There are lots of women who want to marry him. The problem is that he can’t seem to find one he wants to marry. He has high standards. He wants a wife who will be beautiful and bright but he also wants one who will understand that he is in charge at all times.
Madison Whitney is beautiful. She’s bright. She’s also about as likely to let a man run her life as it is to snow in the hot desert sands of Dubaac.
Still, these two are attracted to each other. Okay, that’s too wimpy a word. They are hot for each other but nothing can come of that heat because, you see, Tariq’s about to use modern technology to guarantee himself a future heir and Madison’s going to use the same technology to have a baby without the inconvenience of a husband…
But life doesn’t always go as we intend.
An extraordinary twist of circumstance leaves Madison pregnant with Tariq’s child. Tariq, with imperial arrogance, assumes Madison will agree to give her baby to him when it is born. Madison says if that’s what he thinks, he’s out of his mind. Tariq, a logical man, reconsiders. He comes up with what he’s sure is a perfect solution.
He’ll marry Madison.
To his amazement, Madison laughs in his face.
So much for Mr. Nice Guy.
Tariq is a sheikh. A prince. He will do whatever it takes to claim his unborn child and if that means kidnapping Madison and forcing her into marriage by first taking her into his bed, so be it.
What neither of them counts on is that the passion they share will change everything.
THE SHEIKH’S DEFIANT BRIDE is the first book in my new three book mini series, THE SHEIKH TYCOONS. The trilogy tells the stories of Tariq, Khalil and Salim, three old friends who are the rulers of fantastic kingdoms in a place called The Nations. They’re powerful, passionate men.
They’re also as sexy as sin.
Please look for THE SHEIKH’S DEFIANT BRIDE in October. I’ll stop by again to tell you more about the other two books: THE SHEIKH’S WAYWARD WIFE in November, and THE SHEIKH’S REBELLIOUS MISTRESS in December. I hope you enjoy all three and remember to check my website, http://www.sandramarton.com, for updates.
With Love,
Sandra
Hi Sandra
I adored Tariq and Madison. He is an all time GREAT ‘Sheikh’. His arrogance holds no bounds, he treats Madison with disdain with his decision to take her baby, his eventual ‘discovery’ of Madison was lovely. His horror of possibly, being exposed to the world to have actually stored some of his sperm, was hysterical. I loved that.
You are a master of the art of story-telling. There isn’t one of your books, that isn’t fab.
I don’t want to spoil it for our North American readers, we in the UK have had read it already, but be assured my friends, you will fall in love with him. Unforgettable!!
xx Karen
Ooooh, I love sheikhs!!!! I’m all over this one when it appears on the shelf. Sounds fabulous, Sandra!!!
Another sizzling hot desert romance from a master. I loved it.
Sandra, this sounds so fabulous! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Thanks for sharing!
I returned home late last night from an incredible two weeks spent on a luxurious cruise (with my husband, my very own hero) that took us from Athens to Istanbul. It was one of the most amazing, most romantic trips ever. And then I awoke, this morning, to your wonderful comments about my sheikh, Tariq, and the woman who changes his life. Karen and Heidi, I am SO glad you enjoyed the book! Lynn and Mira, I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.
This place–iheartpresents–is such a joy, isn’t it? It’s just remarkable to be able to share our love of the special Passion we find in Presents/Modern with readers and writers all around the world!
I’m going to try and upload some photos of my trip to my website before the week is over… and, of course, I’ll stop by here, to join (happily!) in conversation.
Love,
Sandra
Hi Sandra – cant wait to read it – I’m sure it will be a great read …. like all your other books (can you tell I’m a fan
)
Wow – your cruise sounds fabulous
Cheers, Joanne
Sandra Marton rocks!
Sounds like another winner-Sandra! Can’t wait to read it!!! Not only do you have a storytelling gift–you’re such a sweetheart as well.
Hugs!
MARIAN STEVENS
Sandra, I love your books–and no wonder your settings have such authenticity, with your world-wide travels! I can’t wait to see pictures of you in Istanbul. I hope you’re posting some soon?!
*hugs*
Jennie
Just picked up my October Presents this evening and your Sheikh is at the top of the pile. I’m sure it will be another wonderful read.
Looking forward also, to hearing how you enjoyed Istanbul. It’s one of my favorite places to be, full of history, culture and great food.
Chris.
Welcome back Sandra – I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to see the photos.
Like Karen, I’ve already read Tariq’s story (why is there no ‘smilie’ for fanning a very hot face? ) And now I’m waiting impatiently for the next instalment of this trilogy to appear on the shelves.
Kate
Sandra, I’m sold! Your heroes are always irresistible, and it sounds like the heroine in this story is really a girl to be reckoned with. What a fantastically modern twist on the time-honoured Presents promise– I’m adding this one to my lovely Amazon order, to be sent the moment after my current manuscript goes off to my editor!
Glad that you had a lovely trip and (selfishly) hoping it’s inspired lots more books!
Wow, the story sounds fabulous, I will be looking out for it!
Glad to hear you had a wonderful holiday too with your own personal hero, like the others I hope it has inspired more marvellous stories!
Your post was a great masterclass to me as a hopeless yet hopeful writer in how to capture the flavour and tone of the book in very few words. There are only 430 words in your summary of the story, but I can see the characters as vividly as if they were real people in the room with me, and have the feel of their situation and conflict, plus your personal voice is so strong and vivid. I’m going to save it in my “How to write a synopsis or query letter” folder as a perfect example.
Thank you Sandra!
Thank you for all these wonderful comments! Truly, nothing brings more joy to the heart of a writer than knowing her stories have made people happy. As for all the nice things you’ve said about me… believe me, I feel the same way about you. Even though some of us haven’t met, we’re old friends.
Chris, was it you who left that lovely comment about Turkey on my blog? And yes, oh yes, the cruise was fabulous! I’ve been downloading pix and hope to get at least a few online today. As for new ideas… they poured in during this trip. How could they not, when I saw such beautiful places, felt such history all around me, and, uh huh, saw several really hunky Greek (and Turkish) heroes???
Mulberry, I am so glad to hear my summary was useful to you. It is, absolutely, very difficult to “get” characters described and understood in just a few words, in fact, I’ve always found it one of the toughest things to do. That makes your comments especially meaningful to me.
With love,
Sandra
Yes that was me who left a comment on your blog, Sandra. I’m so glad you enjoyed Istanbul. I absolutely love the city, the views of the Blue mosque, and the Aya Sofia Mosque, the Topkapi and Dolmabache Palaces, so much history and the Grand Bazaar is fabulous.
I’ll just bet the ideas were flowing in, and I can only imagine the Greek and Turkish heroes!
Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Chris.
Sandra,
So jealous of your Athens-Istanbul trip. I haven’t been there for years and loved it. Topkapi Palace is perfect for dreaming of wonderful middle eastern princes.
Sorry to be posting so late (have had my head down all week with revisions). Just wanted to say how thoroughly I’m looking forward to you your sheikh stories. I love them, and ones you’ve written…I know I’ve got a treat in store!
Cheers,
Annie