Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed
Author: Felicitas Ivey
Series: Dreamspun Desires
Heroes: Fathi and Ikraam
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 212 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: November 15, 2017
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: A billionaire and a Bedouin girl—each with a shocking secret.
Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is a workaholic businessman, too busy running the family’s companies to even think about marriage. Too bad he never told his grandfather he’s gay, because Grandfather just announced a childhood betrothal—to a Bedouin girl Fathi never heard about before.
Ikraam din Abdel was raised as a woman by his avaricious and abusive older sister, who didn’t want him to be their father’s heir. He’d never thought to be married either, and is surprised when his sister informs him of his betrothal.
When Fathi and Ikraam meet, they are drawn to each other in a manner neither of them expected. As the plans for their wedding progress, they both realize they need to tell the other the truth. But can they, with both cultural taboos and family pressures to deal with?
Review:
Fathi may be a workaholic businessman but that doesn’t leave much time to have a personal life. When his grandfather announces Fathi’s been betrothed since he was a child, he’s really not sure what to think except that how could he ever marry a woman when he’s gay? What Fathi doesn’t know is his betrothed, Ikraam, has a secret of her own.. or his. He’s been raised as a woman because his abusive older sister didn’t want him to become heir to his father’s tribe. When they meet, they’re both intrigued by their betrothed which causes them to feel a bit guilty and confused for the secrets they’re keeping. When Ikraam’s sister’s scheming turns dangerous, will they be able to get passed the consequences of their secrets?
O.M.G. I LOVED THIS BOOK. When I first started it, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had read the blurb but it starts off a little slow so I was waiting for something to happen and BAM. As soon as Fathi started to get into the arrange marriage, I started to get into the book. I loved that he was worried about his betrothed and what would happen to her since he was gay and I loved that he still wanted to give her everything he could. Ikraam was a little harder for me to like because I couldn’t understand why he never revealed himself to the tribe but then when he started to stand up for himself and show that he does have a backbone, I really started enjoying him. When they get together and start to know each other, I really loved how they were together and how much of a gentleman Fathi was.
So while I absolutely ADORED this book, I had two minor issues. One, I wish we could have experienced Ikraam and Fathi on their wedding night. They had great chemistry but it would have been great to experience it. Second, I felt the epilogue was a little weird considering it had mostly to do with Fathi’s assistant who was in love with him. I thought it was odd. I would have rather seen Fathi and Ikraam enjoying their honeymoon than them shoving their marriage in her face.
In the end, this was an amazing story. It starts off a little slow but picks up really quickly. I loved Ikraam and Fathi and their little angst over getting married. They both have their secrets but I really enjoyed them getting to know each other. It’s definitely a bit of a slow-burn story. Give it a go if you’re looking for something a little light but with a little angst and no sex.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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