REVIEW: A Cinderella for the Desert King by Kim Lawrence

In A Cinderella for the Desert King by Kim Lawrence, when Abby finds herself kidnapped by desert bandits, she’s lucky that the mysterious Zain comes to her rescue. Unfortunately though, the only way to escape her captors is to marry him. Once she’s free, they go their separate ways until Abby discovers she’ still married to the powerful sheikh who is now heir to the throne. Summoned to be Zain’s queen, she finds herself overwhelmed by the glitz and glamour of his world and she’s not sure she wants to stay forever. Will Zain be able to prove to Abby that she’s the woman he wants forever or will she walk away before he breaks her heart?

Her chin lifted but she didn’t react to his challenge. “I admire your principles,” he said, a scornful curl turning his smile mocking. “But are you really in the enviable position to refuse money?”
“You make it sound as though everything…everyone…is a commodity or has a price.”
“Oh, in my experience they do, cara, they do.”
“Then I pity you. I never want to be that cynical.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m impressed, especially when you consider that you are supporting your grandparents.”

What an absolutely compelling and fascinating read Ms. Lawrence has delivered in this story where the main characters were interesting due to their back stories and the obstacles they face to be together; and the dialogue drew me in from the very beginning and had me loving the main characters, as it seems Abby doesn’t have much of a choice but to accept the hero’s deal to be his queen. Will she be the queen he needs? Will she be able to deal with his world of glitz and glamour? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as the heroine is resilient and appreciative of the hero rescuing her. Yet, finding herself married to him isn’t what she had in mind, especially when she can’t even take care of herself and those she cares about without feeling like she’s failing. Will she ever be able to repay the debt she owes her grandparents, especially after everything that’s happened that she believes is completely her fault?

With the dialogue, it was entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories, as both the hero and heroine were betrayed by their exes and find it difficult to trust. Yet, in saying that, the heroine is resilient, courageous, independent, feisty and I liked that she was willing to help the hero, even though she didn’t know the first thing about interacting with people in his world of glitz and glamour. I also liked that she was willing to do anything for family, even if it means taking on a career she never imagined she’d have. While the hero, he’s never had the best of relationships with other members of his family, which is proven by what his brother tried to do to him and then his interactions with his father that make it palpable he’s been let down by people that should care more about him. I also liked that he took a chance on the heroine, even though she could be his undoing since she’s not of his world. Will Abby be able to win the people of his country over? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the challenge the heroine provided him because he needs a good challenge.

”I’ve forgotten my phone…hold on…” He paused. “What are you scared of?”
“I’m not scared…just…people are going to be curious, to ask questions.”
“I feel confident that they won’t, but if they do simply refer them to me.”
Her little chin lifted in challenge once more. “I don’t need a man to speak for me! Do you even know how sexist that sounds?”
“You were the one playing helpless,” he pointed out. The term grated on Abby.

Overall, Ms. Lawrence has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance delightful, as Abby and Zain begin to realize that it’s all right to need someone as desperately as they need each other; and the ending had me loving the way Abby stands up for herself against someone that wants her gone and the way Zain is determined to show Abby that she’s the right woman for him, which is proven by his words that had me ready to cry happy tears. I would recommend A Cinderella for the Desert King by Kim Lawrence, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, the marriage of convenience trope or books by authors Clare Connelly, Cathy Williams, Chantelle Shaw and Sharon Kendrick.

Book Info:

Publication: July 17th, 2018 | Harlequin Presents |

Saved by a vow… Crowned as his queen!

To escape desert bandits, Abby Foster pledged herself to a mysterious stranger–sealing the deal with a searing kiss! Months later, she discovers she’s still married. And her “husband,” who is now heir to the throne, summons her to his side! But being swept into Zain’s world of glamour–and exquisite pleasure–is overwhelming for shy Abby. Can this innocent Cinderella ever become this powerful sheikh’s queen?