The Sheikh's Pregnancy Proposal (Harlequin Desire) Mass Market Paperback – May 5, 2015

It's been awhile since I've read a Fiona Brand story, but in the past her books were sexy and well-written. They are still well-written, but now are lacking in the sizzle department. There are a lot of fade to black sex scenes in this book. Now I don't need Fifty Shades of Grey, but a little chemistry between the main couple in a romance book would seem appropriate. This novel was much too sweet for me, especially since it's in the Desire line. I'm not sure if this was a fluke, but I don't think I'll be checking out her other newer titles if this is a trend. I'll just reread her older books.

Sarah is a twenty-eight year old history teacher who hasn't had good luck with men. She's had two engagements not work out. Now she has taken a good look at her life and doesn't like what she sees, so she is determined to make a change. She gives herself a makeover and heads off to the Zahir consulate for a reception. There she meets a good looking man named Gabe, who really gets her motor going. When she has car trouble later that evening, he offers to drive her home.Gabe is the heir to the Zahir throne, and as such is expected to marry. He had been married young to his childhood sweetheart, but the marriage hadn't been a happy one. His wife had been even younger than him and hadn't been mature enough to handle the life they had to lead. She was clingy and selfish and gave him no peace. She died tragically when she ran off in a fit of temper. Since then, Gabe has sworn that he would never allow his emotions that much control over him again. He is currently being pressured to marry again, and as he really doesn't care who, he accepts suggestions from his father. The night before his engagement is due to be announced he spots Sarah from across the room and is intrigued. One thing leads to another, and they share a passion filled night together. He can make no promises to her and leaves without telling her who he is, and doesn't contact her again.Four months later he hasn't been able to forget her. When he finds out she's pregnant he knows that he must be a part of her life. He is willing to do whatever is necessary to get her to marry him, except to give her his heart.I really liked Sarah. She is independent and self reliant. I loved seeing her step out of her comfort zone that night and go after what she wanted - Gabe. Though she tries to tell herself that she not going to hold out for love, there is an instant connection with him and she can't help picturing a real relationship with him. When he disappears the next day, she forces herself to move on without him. When she discovers she's pregnant, she attempts to find out who he is and contact him, but is unable to do so. When he shows up unexpectedly, she is furious that it only appears to be because of the baby. She has to decide if she can marry him knowing that he doesn't love her. I really loved seeing her try to hold strong against his intentions while he tries to convince her that what they have is enough.I liked Gabe's protectiveness, which was evident even when he was trying to stay away from her. He also couldn't get her off his mind, much to his dismay. Even so, when he found out about her pregnancy, he was quite happy for the excuse to break his engagement and plan to marry Sarah instead. It was equally amusing and frustrating to see him try to convince himself that all he felt for her was lust. I loved the way that he finally saw the truth, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him in action as he tried to win her back.

***4.5 Stars***I absolutely loved this book. There was no way I could turn in for the night until I finished every last word!Sarah Duval is a history teacher who has had no luck in love. She is a 29 year old virgin who has a strong desire to give her body along with her heart to the one man she falls in love with and who loves her in return. Too bad she hasn't met him yet. She has become frustrated with relationships and has suffered through several broken engagements. Tired of waiting for 'The One' who she will most likely never meet she has given up her ideal dream of love, marriage and children. Tonight Sarah is throwing caution to the wind, dressing sexy, with perfect hair and make-up, far from her school teacher facade. She is determined to lose her virginity very soon and get it out of the way as she arrives at the Zahiri consulate in Wellington, New Zealand to view artifacts and weaponry.Sheikh Kadin Gabriel ben Kadir has traveled to be present when the artifacts are displayed at the consulate. A beautiful woman catches his eye and they are both immediately drawn to each other. After a few events and not knowing who this gorgeous man is he ends up driving her home after her car broke down. She invited him in and BAM! it happened. They connected in a big way and both drawn to each other like magnets. Gabe has a dilemma. For his country to survive he must find a wealthy bride to marry so he can infuse money into it. His family has chosen a bride for him...almost half his age, someone he has nothing in common with. He thinks of Sarah constantly but he is now legally engaged and money has changed hands.Four months pass and Sarah has heard nothing from Gabe and she has been and still is broken hearted, crushed. Gabe has had security watching her every move so he can make sure she is ok and also watching out for a pregnancy since they got carried away and forgot protection. Four months after they met he finds out she is pregnant and he knows he cares deeply for her...but he is breaking his own rules. Marriage is a convenience, no love or emotion allowed. He doesn't realize it yet but the rules are out the window.This is a must read and I will be rereading it in a few months. Pick up this book and enjoy the ride as you find out what happens to the Prince, the fiancee, Sarah and his country....oh wait....Sarah's ex boyfriend shows up again too and he is a bit scary/crazy.Why did I knock off half of a star? Gabe and Sarah had such an intense connection and the day after he met her and made unprotected love to her he went ahead and got engaged. What troubled me so was that the least he could have done was not commit to the engagement until he knew if she was pregnant or not. Sarah's heart and soul were crushed as she went four months without a single word from him. She felt so strongly that he was different and that their union was very special. It broke her heart to realize he so callously tossed her aside. Then he is informed by one of his guards/contacts that she is indeed pregnant and WHAM! he was there pronto. Four months and too little too late in that instance. It was just a shame he completely dumped her without any explanation and caused her to doubt herself and her choices. His actions made her doubt the male species all over again after she was so sure they had a true connection. That hurt me as much as the book portrayed Sarah's hurt.