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Desert Rogues #4
The Sheik and the Runaway Princess
When half-American Princess Sabra (aka Sabrina Johnson) is kidnapped by Prince Kardal Khan while searching for the legendary City of Thieves, she soon realizes that his heated touch makes her body betray her recklessly. She doesn't want to feel cared for in her captor's tender embrace. After living a lonely life, rejected by her father—King Hassan—and treated dismissively by her mother, all she's ever wanted was someone to love her. But falling for the sexy Sheik, otherwise known as the Prince of the City of Thieves, was simply out of the question! The virile Sheik didn't consider kidnapping Sabrina an act of theft; he was claiming what was rightfully his. Unbeknownst to the fiery beauty, she had been betrothed to be his wife!
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
107 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
839 books15.3k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 30, 2010
I really loved Kardal, Sabrina and their romance, but the nonsense regarding his parents bugged me big time and prevented me from giving this book a higher rating.
October 26, 2016
Mostly an average book.
Sabrina the princess is brought up in the west. She studies and alternates her life between divorced parents in two parts of world.
When her father, the king decides for an arranged marriage, she gets angry and leaves the palace in a huff, alone to find the City of thieves. Then gets trapped in the storm and meets Kardal, the prince of the city. Sparks fly..and mysteries are solved.
I was mostly bored with this one. Though I enjoyed the other books of the series, these two seemed annoying and Kardal wasn't likable to me at all.
Safe read
2.5/5
Sabrina the princess is brought up in the west. She studies and alternates her life between divorced parents in two parts of world.
When her father, the king decides for an arranged marriage, she gets angry and leaves the palace in a huff, alone to find the City of thieves. Then gets trapped in the storm and meets Kardal, the prince of the city. Sparks fly..and mysteries are solved.
I was mostly bored with this one. Though I enjoyed the other books of the series, these two seemed annoying and Kardal wasn't likable to me at all.
Safe read
2.5/5
March 22, 2016
Princess Sabra is kidnapped by Prince Kardal Khan while searching for the legendary City of Thieves, but she doesn't know that the man who kidnapped her is her fiance. Romantic emotional love story with two loving characters! I love this author!
August 24, 2020
He odiado al rey Hassan desde el minuto uno, ¿Cómo puedo tener una actitud semejante para con su hija, y luego pegar un cambio tan brusco en otro de los libros que forman la saga? Al menos el rey Gibón no tuvo otra salida, pero Hassan no tiene excusa...
August 11, 2011
Ok, I will say it again. I LOVE SHEIK’S.
God damn I wish I knew why they appeal to me so much, but they just do. The desert locations, dominant, passionate and aggressive men are all so completely different from my sad little life in Wagga Wagga.
I think there must be some romantic, time warp thingy that I fall into whenever I start a Sheik book – because realistically most of the stories are about arrogant, head strong men that think love is something a woman feels to pass the time and all they want to do is dominate them into every form of submission.
But funnily enough I see their dominance as pulse racing protectiveness and think their lack of wanting love is just a hurdle easily manoeuvred by seduction.
I had a smile on my face throughout this whole book. Kardal was a cheeky, smart ass and I loved the way he reluctantly fell in love with Princess Sabra. Sabrina showed a lot of backbone but the relationship she has with her father was truly upsetting. He deserved a good kick up the butt.
I also felt that the romantic story of Kardal’s mother Cala was an added bonus.
God damn I wish I knew why they appeal to me so much, but they just do. The desert locations, dominant, passionate and aggressive men are all so completely different from my sad little life in Wagga Wagga.
I think there must be some romantic, time warp thingy that I fall into whenever I start a Sheik book – because realistically most of the stories are about arrogant, head strong men that think love is something a woman feels to pass the time and all they want to do is dominate them into every form of submission.
But funnily enough I see their dominance as pulse racing protectiveness and think their lack of wanting love is just a hurdle easily manoeuvred by seduction.
I had a smile on my face throughout this whole book. Kardal was a cheeky, smart ass and I loved the way he reluctantly fell in love with Princess Sabra. Sabrina showed a lot of backbone but the relationship she has with her father was truly upsetting. He deserved a good kick up the butt.
I also felt that the romantic story of Kardal’s mother Cala was an added bonus.
June 15, 2013
When half-American Princess Sabra (aka Sabrina Johnson) is kidnapped by Prince Kardal Khan while searching for the legendary City of Thieves, she soon realizes that his heated touch makes her body betray her recklessly.
She doesn't want to feel cared for in her captor's tender embrace. After living a lonely life, rejected by her father--King Hassan--and treated dismissively by her mother, all she's ever wanted was someone to love her. But falling for the sexy Sheik, otherwise known as the Prince of the City of Thieves, was simply out of the question!
The virile Sheik didn't consider kidnapping Sabrina an act of theft; he was claiming what was rightfully his. Unbeknownst to the fiery beauty, she had been betrothed to be his wife!
This was my favorite of the 'Desert Rogue' series so far. I loved the way the story moved, and the characters were wonderful. Sabrina is an ornery, brilliant, understanding, and loving woman. It would do us all to take a little bit after her. I am disappointed that i can only give a 5 star.... But on
paper i can give it a 10!!!!!
She doesn't want to feel cared for in her captor's tender embrace. After living a lonely life, rejected by her father--King Hassan--and treated dismissively by her mother, all she's ever wanted was someone to love her. But falling for the sexy Sheik, otherwise known as the Prince of the City of Thieves, was simply out of the question!
The virile Sheik didn't consider kidnapping Sabrina an act of theft; he was claiming what was rightfully his. Unbeknownst to the fiery beauty, she had been betrothed to be his wife!
This was my favorite of the 'Desert Rogue' series so far. I loved the way the story moved, and the characters were wonderful. Sabrina is an ornery, brilliant, understanding, and loving woman. It would do us all to take a little bit after her. I am disappointed that i can only give a 5 star.... But on
paper i can give it a 10!!!!!
October 25, 2019
To quote your future father-in-law, she was my moon and stars. "There was passion between us, but more than that, there was a meeting of the minds. There was no one I wished to speak with more, no one else who understood me and whom I could understand. I would not have minded her seeing me ill or weak. I could trust her with my heart."
October 10, 2024
This is a thoroughly fun romance with two equally strong, proud royals. The Prince of Thieves is determined to "tame" his future wife. Meanwhile, Sabrina just wants to find someone to love her. As they spend time together, Kardal discovers that he might have been wrong about Sabrina. And Sabrina learns that sometimes love means making hard decisions . . .
November 27, 2017
An average book, will keep and possibly read again in the future but not a “loved” shelf quality.
February 15, 2020
I hated everything about this book. The hero was a misogynistic asshole and the heroine was sort of tstl. I also hated the way this book was written and all of the sub plots. Jesus.
June 10, 2023
Very nice, quick read. A predictable Harlequin romance, but that is why I read it. I love Harlequin romances, very predictable and have a happily ever after. Sometimes that is all you need.
January 1, 2024
Amo las historia de Jeques en especial esta es una de mi favoritas💖
July 18, 2011
This was my second book that I have read by Susan Mallery. I would have to say that she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I couldn't put this book down.
Princess Sabra aka Sabrina has four brothers and divorced parents. One parent being the King of a country in the middle east and her mother who lives a lively lifestyle in California. Sabrina is ignored by both of her parents and is sent to private schools and then is pushed from one parent to another as they both believe she is a problem. One day Sabrina's father tells the high spirited girl that she is to be bethrothed to a Prince. Sabrina is so angry that she doesn't wait to see who it is and the next day decides to go out and look for the City of Thieves.
While out in the desert she unfortunately is suddenly surronded by a bad dust storm. She loses her horse and camel but manages to save herself. She decides that she must start to walk toward the north west to find her home again. After a short time in the heat of the desert, she starts to see things that aren't really there. All of a sudden she thinks she sees horses and riders whom she feels will save her. She is taken against her will and tied up to the leader of the group.
She is blindfolded and taked to a city which turns out to be the City of Thieves. She is put in slave bracelets and put into a bedroom with no modern conviences.
She starts to talk to her captor, Kardal, who turns out to be the Prince of the city. They have several ups and downs and she falls for him totally. He actually is herbethrothed, but doesn't tell her because he has read and heard that she is a spoiled brat that doesn't listen. He wants to see if she is a match for him before he makes a final decision on the marriage contract.
The whole idea blows up in his face when she finds out about the marriage contract by herself and she leaves him.
The story goes in all different directions and is very good reading and in the end, I was very happy with the outcome.
I highly recommend this book for any fan of Ms. Mallery or of historical romance.
Princess Sabra aka Sabrina has four brothers and divorced parents. One parent being the King of a country in the middle east and her mother who lives a lively lifestyle in California. Sabrina is ignored by both of her parents and is sent to private schools and then is pushed from one parent to another as they both believe she is a problem. One day Sabrina's father tells the high spirited girl that she is to be bethrothed to a Prince. Sabrina is so angry that she doesn't wait to see who it is and the next day decides to go out and look for the City of Thieves.
While out in the desert she unfortunately is suddenly surronded by a bad dust storm. She loses her horse and camel but manages to save herself. She decides that she must start to walk toward the north west to find her home again. After a short time in the heat of the desert, she starts to see things that aren't really there. All of a sudden she thinks she sees horses and riders whom she feels will save her. She is taken against her will and tied up to the leader of the group.
She is blindfolded and taked to a city which turns out to be the City of Thieves. She is put in slave bracelets and put into a bedroom with no modern conviences.
She starts to talk to her captor, Kardal, who turns out to be the Prince of the city. They have several ups and downs and she falls for him totally. He actually is herbethrothed, but doesn't tell her because he has read and heard that she is a spoiled brat that doesn't listen. He wants to see if she is a match for him before he makes a final decision on the marriage contract.
The whole idea blows up in his face when she finds out about the marriage contract by herself and she leaves him.
The story goes in all different directions and is very good reading and in the end, I was very happy with the outcome.
I highly recommend this book for any fan of Ms. Mallery or of historical romance.
June 26, 2012
Sabrina Johnson is technically Princess Sabra of Bahania, but her self-centered and wild mother brought her along when she moved back to the United States and her father, King Hassan, disregards her both for being female and because he assumes she is like her mother. Instead she is an academic with more interest in archeology and history than shopping and parties, or worse, the arranged marriage that her father has planned. When she gets caught in a desert sandstorm while looking for the mythical City of Thieves, she is found and captured by Kardal, who is not only the Prince of Thieves but her betrothed. /
While she does not recognize him as "the troll prince" - her nickname for the fiance she has never met - he recognizes her immediately but does not confess his title or their impending nuptials. Pretending to hold her as a slave and intending to mold her into a more suitable bride, Kardal gets to know Sabrina beyond the rumors and assumptions. Unfortunately that doesn't prevent him from stealing her innocence, and even the Prince of Thieves is not above punishment for dishonoring a princess that way. /
Both have abandonment issues (Kardal has never been acknowledged by his father, King Givon of El Bahar). Sabrina's phone call to her father killed me - the first tears I've shed so far in this series. Kardal and Sabrina were both sympathetic and admirable, although flawed. The princess definitely comes across as borderline perfect, other than her temper, but she's likeable to get away with it. I loved the resolution and that there is some sort of reconciliation for all of the characters, although it's going to be a long process for Sabrina and Hassan.
While she does not recognize him as "the troll prince" - her nickname for the fiance she has never met - he recognizes her immediately but does not confess his title or their impending nuptials. Pretending to hold her as a slave and intending to mold her into a more suitable bride, Kardal gets to know Sabrina beyond the rumors and assumptions. Unfortunately that doesn't prevent him from stealing her innocence, and even the Prince of Thieves is not above punishment for dishonoring a princess that way. /
Both have abandonment issues (Kardal has never been acknowledged by his father, King Givon of El Bahar). Sabrina's phone call to her father killed me - the first tears I've shed so far in this series. Kardal and Sabrina were both sympathetic and admirable, although flawed. The princess definitely comes across as borderline perfect, other than her temper, but she's likeable to get away with it. I loved the resolution and that there is some sort of reconciliation for all of the characters, although it's going to be a long process for Sabrina and Hassan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2013
I had a few problems with this book and was a little lost at first. It’s strange that Kardal has the same last name as the other sheikh’s mentioned on the previous books, but his ife is completely different and his also a prince of the desert. It took me some time to actually understand the reasons, but I don’t believe it was necessary for him to use his father name.
Other point I did not like was the way Kardal treated Sabrina. Yes, she was raised on the States but that does not mean she’s a bad person, but every moment he could, he acused her of something terrible, like lying cheating. I did not like also the way prince Hassan treated her. She’s his daughter and if she does not act as he expected why did he let her go. As a king his children should all be raised in the palace, but he let Sabrina mother take her to the States and still she want’s treated really good.
I hated the way Kardal lied to her the entire and still considered her to be spoiled. He does as he wants and she is always wrong according to his rules. I think he deserved to suffer a little more to actually understand what it felt for Sabrina to discover another lying person in her life.
Other point I did not like was the way Kardal treated Sabrina. Yes, she was raised on the States but that does not mean she’s a bad person, but every moment he could, he acused her of something terrible, like lying cheating. I did not like also the way prince Hassan treated her. She’s his daughter and if she does not act as he expected why did he let her go. As a king his children should all be raised in the palace, but he let Sabrina mother take her to the States and still she want’s treated really good.
I hated the way Kardal lied to her the entire and still considered her to be spoiled. He does as he wants and she is always wrong according to his rules. I think he deserved to suffer a little more to actually understand what it felt for Sabrina to discover another lying person in her life.
August 13, 2016
I'll start with the good: the ending of this novel is very strong, and I appreciated the efforts to introduce a side love story as well as a side plot re historical artifacts.
Now for the bad:
- Kardal is rather horrible to Sabrina in the beginning. Why is he stripping in front of her if the culture they come from is so conservative?
- Kardal ends up liking Sabrina more after it turns out she's a virgin, but he himself is not. Hypocritical much?
- Givan, a character from previous books in the series, is an emotional cheater and this is celebrated. Umm. :/
- Kardal pretends Sabrina is his slave, and while the ending resolution to this is clean and funny, the whole thing is pretty bizarre/awkward considering this isn't some bdsm novel.
Overall, this book has good ideas that could have led to an amazing novel, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
Now for the bad:
- Kardal is rather horrible to Sabrina in the beginning. Why is he stripping in front of her if the culture they come from is so conservative?
- Kardal ends up liking Sabrina more after it turns out she's a virgin, but he himself is not. Hypocritical much?
- Givan, a character from previous books in the series, is an emotional cheater and this is celebrated. Umm. :/
- Kardal pretends Sabrina is his slave, and while the ending resolution to this is clean and funny, the whole thing is pretty bizarre/awkward considering this isn't some bdsm novel.
Overall, this book has good ideas that could have led to an amazing novel, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
May 25, 2010
Princess "Sabra" Sabrina of Bahania never thought that she would die because of her impulsive desisions. But then, why was she alone in middle of the dessert, during a sandstorm, having lost her horse and food? The fact that her father decided to arrane her marriage.
In her way to discover the City of Thieves, she is facing death but Kardal saves her but now she has to become his slave.
Princesses and Princes have to face love and restore the relationships with their families
In her way to discover the City of Thieves, she is facing death but Kardal saves her but now she has to become his slave.
Princesses and Princes have to face love and restore the relationships with their families
November 7, 2016
It was OK, but not anything special.
Princess Sabrina has run away to find the fabled City of Thieves, but instead finds herself taken captive by a desert sheik. Kardal recognizes her and, believing the tabloid articles about her, forces her to become his slave.
I really didn't like Kardal at all- any time! There were twists & turns that added to the story, but there really was no redemption in my mind.
Princess Sabrina has run away to find the fabled City of Thieves, but instead finds herself taken captive by a desert sheik. Kardal recognizes her and, believing the tabloid articles about her, forces her to become his slave.
I really didn't like Kardal at all- any time! There were twists & turns that added to the story, but there really was no redemption in my mind.
May 19, 2020
I really enjoyed Sabrina, but Kardal is one of those royal bullies one cannot really like. More than that, he comes across as mean for nearly half the book. I'm not sure what was the point of this story, other than to give a hint of the movie and book, The Sheik, but I was disappointed in the whole concept. I expected better from both Kardal and his mother, Cala.
March 4, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Sabrina and Kardal were amazing characters. Susan Mallery has obviously been writing wonderful books long before I knew of her. So happy that I found her books. I'm even happier that I have the pleasure of owning this book instead of borrowing it from the library. Now I can read when ever I want.
April 16, 2013
One of the better books in this series. Nothing fantastic, but entertaining enough. It kind of bugs me just how similarly arrogant and sexist all the princes are at the beginning of these novels. Of course, they turn round by the end, but they certainly aren't my idea of an ideal hero.
May 3, 2014
want more!!!!!!
August 17, 2012
I LOVED IT!!!!!!!
June 4, 2011
This was my favorite so far! Not sure why. I just really enjoyed the story, and I liked the prince a lot. Ok, I may not have liked him in real life, but on paper he sizzled!
August 27, 2012
Only okay for me. I have to wonder why some of these are rated so high. Susan Mallery is a decent writer but not all her novels are equal. Just sayin'.
November 24, 2012
Diantara semua buku di seri ini... Aq suka yg ini... Aku suka cerita awalnya... cerita perjodohan yg sangat menarik... rekomend banget utk dibaca
January 21, 2016
I enjoyed reading.
January 1, 2017
Awesome ending. Can't wait to read the next story.
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December 2, 2017Miniseries: Desert Rogues
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews