The Sheikh's Diamond

Sheikh's Wedding Bet Series, Book 1

By: Leslie North

Narrated by: Rose DeMarco

Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Sheikh Masoud Khalidizack is terminally bored by palace life. With his elder brother inheriting his father's responsibilities and his younger brother treating life like one big party, he often feels left behind. When a family friend suggests a bet to see which brother will be left unwed at the end of the year, Masoud thinks it is impossible to lose and he's already making plans on what to do with the prize - Muharraq Island.

That all changes with the arrival of headstrong Fleur Summers, a beautiful archaeologist bent on finding the legendary Solomon Diamond. It was once part of the Khalidizack family's heritage, but now it is lost to history. Her reputation depends on finding it and putting it into a museum, but the distractingly handsome Sheikh who hired her certainly isn't helping. In fact, Masoud intends to restore the diamond to its rightful place - in the Khalidizack palace.

Now, they have to overcome their mutual mistrust and simmering attraction to find the artifact that could bring glory to them both. In a race against ruthless rivals that spans continents, finding the prize will bring them together or destroy one of their lives.

©2016 Leslie North (P)2016 Leslie North

A great mix between adventure and romance

Ok this is a first for me. It is my first book involving Sheikh Romance and I must admit I kind of liked it. I have received an audio version from the author in exchange for an honest review so my rating is for the overall quality of the story and writing + narrator.

Starting with the big list of positives, I really really enjoyed the adventures Fleur and Masoud embark when deciding to find Solomon's diamond. In this exotic context, the sheikh becomes attracted to the archaeologist Fleur Summers. Her passion and her devotion towards uncovering history have aroused his interest. Travelling with her for days to find a precious jewel that will secure his family’s ruling only gets him more attracted to her and thus his desire to have her. This mix of adventure and passion is great and give the story of big big plus. It's simply something new and refreshing.

Analyzing a little the characters, Sheikh Masoud Khalidizack is used to women falling for him, especially for his money. When he meets someone clearly focused on something else but his looks and wealth, he becomes intrigued and even more committed to have her. Fleur is so caught up in continuing her parents’ research on the diamond that the romantic involvement does not seem as important as her mission to prove the existence of the jewel. Yes, definitely she sees the gorgeous man in front of her but she understands she only needs her to find a diamond and she needs him to approve for research on his land.

For the most part of the book, the focus is on finding the diamond, but when this is out of the way that is a shift towards the romantic aspect. Sort of like “Business first, pleasure later”.

Now here come some things I did not quite enjoy. From writing perspective, I would have wanted a little more insight into the sheikh’s culture, except the wealth. Also in the beginning, it all starts with a bet between the brothers and one would think this was a focus point as well. But no, until the end of the book I completely forgot about it. So for this story the bet was not significant at all. It may be for the other books in the series. We shall wait and see. Last on my list of dislikes is the narrator. I could not relate to her interpretation of Masoud and most of the other male characters. I had the impression everybody was angry or ironical, probably because there's a lot of muttering. The sheikh was more like a grumpy man.

To close up, I am going with 4 stars for the story but 3 for the narrator. An adventure with a lot of romance is a perfect combination for a great read. Hope you like it at least as much as I did.

Cute Story

The author, Leslie North, did a great job of writing a fairly short romance story that takes place in the middle east. Fleur is such a down-to-earth, young, beautiful lady that isn't all that sophisticated. Masoud is rich, handsome, but not really interested in finding a wife. Fleur brings excitement to his bored life. Nice, wholesome book. The narrator did a good job of distinguishing between the characters. Enjoyed this little romance.

A little adventure with some hot sexy fun

What about Rose DeMarco’s performance did you like?

Good character voices, the male voices were well done and excellent pacing, Rose did a great job of bringing the story to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

That's exactly what I did, a great way to spend an afternoon. I wouldn't mind a second afternoon spent the same way, hopefully the next book is just as good.

Any additional comments?

Talk about a speedy romance! The premise of looking for Solomon's diamond and all the related historical information included was really interesting.

I liked the characters interaction, especially within the Sheikh's family and the story was interesting and engaging.

Note: This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Ok

This book was narrated by a woman who's voice sounded like a teenager. It was too soft and did not engage me in the story. This was a quick read and it appears that the story was quickly done as well. Perhaps with a different narrator, I would have gotten more out of it. Three bored sons at a party make a bet on who will be the last one to marry. Then one of them has the woman who has sneaked onto their land is given a bath and taken to dinner in the mine. She is scatterbrained and talks throughout the entire meal. This is their love story. Only three plus hours so if you have nothing else to do and want a quick love story filled with a history lesson then listen to this. I got this book via audiobook boom.

Interesting way to find a date

This was a pretty interesting read with the mystery/adventure of it all. I loved hearing Rose read. She has a unique voice and it made this story special. The chemistry and romance between Masoud and Fleur was enjoyable. I can't wait to hear more about what happens with the other brothers losing the bet and the interesting turns that will take.

cute romance story

this book is about the Sheikh's and the archaeologist that fell in love while digging up the dessert. good narrator. I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom

Adventurously sweet

What made the experience of listening to The Sheikh's Diamond the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. It wasn't over the top innone area over another it was evenly balanced.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that the romance element wasn't the entire book but played out more naturally as the story progressed as a background element.

What about Rose DeMarco’s performance did you like?

She gave a great performance, the only thing that was a bit distracting for me was when she would speak as the sheiks she would pause in between each word sometimes, to make them sound slower. I don't know if this was done to make them distinctive or what but it broke the flow of dialogue for me as a listener.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Digging for diamonds but finding love.

Any additional comments?

This story was enjoyable because it was full of information and fabled legends and story teller elements as well as romance. I honestly feel the blurb cuts the story short. It is adventurous and while the romance is an element it simmers in the background rather than focuses on it solely. I would recommend this fora quick listen. I received this audiobook for free from audiobook boom for my unbiased review.

Enjoyed this happy ending

I was given this book in return for my honest unbiased opinion. I really liked this book and enjoyed the narration. It had a few hot scenes but overall it was a cute story.

Really predictable

I enjoyed the effort to give a little history to the story. But for me it was just to ridiculously predictable. There lacks a real reason a rich wealthy man would jump into bed with a nobody who he knows nothing about. Add to that the time line?? Instant love and marriage proposal? I get it's a short story but it was for me at least just too much of what everyone else writes again and again. I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Fun Adventure & Sweet Romance

This audiobook is a short story about an intelligent archeologist working on her Doctoral Thesis and a wealthy Sheikh. It's a pretty fast romance but an enjoyable story.

The narrator did a fairly good job bringing the story to life.

There is adventure, drama, betrayal and romance. Sweet Romance with a HEA and no Cliffhangers.

**This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion**