THE SHEIKH'S DISOBEDIENT BRIDE – Jane Porter
Harlequin Presents #2542
ISBN: 0-373-12542-9
June 2006
Series Romance
Ouaha in Africa 's Sahara Desert

Fiercely independent freelance photographer Tally Devers craves adventure.  After years of living in poverty while caring for her younger siblings, Tally has no desire to set down roots.  She longs to be free to travel the world.  Her trip to Africa is going to be the greatest adventure of her life -- if she survives it.

Desert Sheikh Zein Hassim el–Tayer, or Tair, protects his country and his home with lethal force.  When he rides into Ouaha and sees a western woman traveling with bandits, and taking pictures, he grabs her and carries her to his home in the desert.  Who is this woman who fights him at every step?  Is she in league with the terrorists or just an innocent victim caught in the crossfire? Something about this independent woman attracts Tair and he decides he might never let her go.

Tally refuses to believe that Tair will hold her hostage and not release her.  She attempts to escape numerous times, and only succeeds in endangering her life.  Tair saves her repeatedly, but Tally will not relent.  When he tells her she will be his wife, Tally is more determined than ever to escape.  Tair is sexy and strong, and Tally is drawn to him, but she will never relinquish her independence, not even for love.

THE SHEIKH'S DISOBEDIENT BRIDE is a fast paced and passionate romance about two people who seem to be completely unsuited to each other.  Tair is a taciturn man who reveals no emotions, but carries painful scars on his body and in his heart.  Tally has fought hard for her life and independence, and the attraction she feels for Tair terrifies her.  He is the man who kidnapped her and then decided to keep her -- allowing no room for discussion.  The attraction between Tair and Tally sizzles and the emotional turmoil Tally suffers is realistic. Less realistic is her capitulation to Tair's desires and wishes, but this is a romance, so it's to be expected.

THE SHEIKH'S DISOBEDIENT BRIDE will entertain those who enjoy stories about opposites attracting and sexy men who do not give up until they obtain their hearts' desires.

Terrie Figueroa