The Royal Sheikh, Katheryn Lane (3.5 stars)

From Amazon: Clare McKay is a dedicated architect with no time for womanising men. That is, until she accidentally meets Sheikh Rafiq Al Kahil, an Arabian prince, known in the international press as the Playboy Prince. Clare is intent on not falling for his seductive charm, but when he asks her to design a mansion, he presents her with an offer that she can’t refuse. Once she finds herself alone with him in the Arabian desert, how long will she be able to hold out against his advances? And will he be able to cast aside his womanising past for her, as well as a secret engagement to an Arabian Princess?

Beautiful scenery and an enjoyable romance are the basis for The Royal Sheikh. Clare McKay is focused on her career as an architect, working long hours and ignoring her personal life. A chance meeting brings Sheikh Rafiq Al Kahil into her life, and neither one of them can ignore the sparks.

Rafiq is used to getting what he wants and thinks Clare will be no exception. He lures her in but is surprised by her commitment to her career and her initial refusal to give into him. He’s intrigued, but it’s more than that.

Both Clare’s boss and best friend, Louise, caution her against falling hard and fast for the Playboy Prince, but she’s too far gone. The beautiful setting of Rafiq’s home country and his charm further cement her budding feelings.

Rafiq and Clare dig in their heels when a series of misunderstandings occur. The reader sees two strong-willed people fighting the overwhelming feelings taking over. Rafiq isn’t just a playboy, he’s a son with lots of responsibility who has been burned one too many times by people looking out for their own needs.

At times, I wanted Clare to be stronger, play hard to get a little more. But I appreciated Clare’s stand in the end; it proved the Sheikh’s worth and commitment while also strengthening her character.

The Royal Sheikh doesn’t really stray from the romance novel formula, but it’s a quick read and engaging story. For those who love a romantic tale with interesting lead characters, pick up The Royal Sheikh and prepare to be swept away.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Note: I’m being a bit nit-picky with my 3.5 versus 4, but there were some sections with awkward dialogue and prose that kept me from committing to a full 4 (although it will show as a 4 on Amazon, thanks to rounding up).

Find out more about Katheryn Lane on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Moving From One Book to the Next: Musing Mondays

Another Musing Mondays prompt from Should be Reading:

How far along are you in your current read before you start thinking about what you’ll read next?

According to my Kindle, I'm 76% done with The Royal Sheikh by Katheryn Lane. I have mixed feelings about the percentage complete bar at the bottom of my Kindle reads. I like seeing my progress by looking at the pages on either side of my bookmark, and the percentage bar isn't quite the same. But, it's also less obvious with the Kindle how much reading I still have to do. With bigger books, I find the Kindle less daunting.

But I digress...

Before Kindle, I had books lined up next to my bed in order of how I wanted to read them. This is another way the Kindle is throwing me off. Since I have reading obligations (book club, reviews), I have to now keep a calendar and notes with books to read next.

Except for time management purposes, I am not thinking of the next book I'm going to read until I finish my current read. I like to focus. I have tried, with little success, to read multiple books. I'm too easily distracted, so I'm comfortable knowing I'm a one-book-at-a-time kind of gal.

Now that I rarely go to a bookstore, almost all of the ones near me have closed down (sniff, sniff), I don't tend to get distracted by a new book. I stick with my planned order.

How about you? Do you plan your next book, or grab whatever strikes your fancy?