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Alex Talbot knew she was taking a huge risk presenting herself at the British Museum for her appointment with Lord Merrick. Only the feisty American owed this to her recently departed father and uncle and was not about to back down because of a prejudicial male dominant archeological society who wouldn’t consider taking her seriously as an accomplished Egyptologist. She was right about Lord Merrick, but fortunately Viscount Blakeney came to her aid. The fact sent her reeling because he was gorgeous, looking like he could be a pharaoh himself was something she’d have to get over. Other than for a promise to a dying grandparent, Blakeney – half Bedouin, half English, aka Sheik Altair Mazir would never have left the Egyptian desert to live six months a year in England – virtually a man without a country. Prejudice assaulted him from both sides, and he’d learned to trust no one, especially a woman. But something about Alex broke through his defenses, and began to melt the ice around his heart. With betrayal, danger and desire nipping at their heels, their ability to trust in each other and their passion would be tested to the limit. *** For anyone who hasn’t read Monica Burns before a bit of a warning is needed here. This is an author who really knows how to ignite the pages with some very explicit sexual content! With that said, I admit to finding it most stimulating and in this particular story extremely well done within the context of the plot – there being a time, a place, and the right moment without the leads jumping each other’s bones at every other turn of the page. Burns’ characters were both extremely well fleshed out, with background and motivations clearly exposed. As a female, Alex’s sole purpose was to be respected and accepted in a male dominated field for her intelligence, years of study and body of accomplishments. In her quest for acceptance she’d brushed aside any thoughts of love and marriage, realizing it would be worth the sacrifice and the end of all her dreams. Altair was also crafted with issues, while never fully accepted in either the Bedouin or the English world. As an English Viscount, Altair’s betrayal and public humiliation by his English fiancée had carved any warmth or trust in his heart leaving deep scars. Alas, in the world of the Bedouin, a world he truly felt comfortable in, he would always be considered a half-breed. Altair had a lot to overcome, and found his traitorous body hard to control around Alex, whom he’d immediately felt an arousing attraction to. The deep sensuality of their romance was absolutely divine. The author did a fine job with secondary characters that all played well against the adventuresome plot and journey to find the tomb of Per-Ramesses’ beloved Nourbese. Wonderful details kept the quest in tune with the budding passion and sensuality that Ms. Burns is so noted for. There were enough hints tossed along the way that I did have a good idea of who the villain of the piece would be but it was still a surprise to see that person turn so vicious. Ms. Burns has delighted me many times over and I am thrilled she continues to do so in this latest sensual historical adventure. New readers should be overjoyed in discovering a sparkling this newer sensual voice in historical romance. Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
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