Kismet

Monica Burns always delivers!

Allegra Synnford is a survivor. Taught at a very young age that life is what you make of it, she's become the master of her own destiny. Wanting for nothing, she travels to Morocco to attend the wedding of a friend, not knowing that her life will forever be changed.

Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has a secret that, if revealed, could trigger a war, destroying everything he loves. Only with Allegra can he find peace even though, at the best of times, his time with her is bittersweet because he's plagued by a past that he cannot outrun.

Shaheen and Allegra find in each other what both of them have so desperately wanted yet been afraid to feel-love. With love comes vulnerability and when Shaheen's past threatens his future, he's forced to make a very difficult decision.

Shaheen can keep Allegra safe by sending her away, but that will garner her hatred. Hatred he can live with but her death would destroy his soul. In the end, his choice will leave its mark on their lives. Will he listen to his head or to his heart?

Kismet is an extraordinary book and I can't thing of a better way to kick off 2010 than by buying a copy. I write this review knowing that I will be unable to do Monica Burns' latest release justice because Ms. Burns is a master at keeping her readers completely engaged from first page to last.

Allegra is an amazing woman who's made the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is an unparalleled lady-intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Shaheen possesses great strength and his emotions run deep. I was enchanted by the way Ms. Burns revealed the light, teasing, fun and flirtatious sides of the characters when both had experienced so much pain and suffering. My emotions ran the gamut along with theirs as I laughed, I cheered, and more than once, I cried.

The interactions between Allegra and Shaheen are like a tensely played chess game, their words, as they try to keep each other at a distance, conflicting with the chaos rioting through their bodies at their close contact. Every scene is so vividly described that you experience all of the emotions of the characters-their fear, uncertainty, and desire. Their attraction was a tangible heat, scorching the tips of my fingers as I turned pages-I simply could not read fast enough!

After reading the bio posted on Ms. Burns' website, I was afforded a deeper understanding into the wealth of emotions she poured into Kismet. Tenacious, sassy heroines and strong, sexy heroes are her signature style and she's boldly penned one of the best books I've read in years. Thank you Monica Burns for sharing your story and that of Allegra and Shaheen-you've left your mark on this reader and I excitedly look forward to your future releases!

Monica Burns always delivers!!

Allegra Synnford is a survivor. Taught at a very young age that life is what you make of it, she's become the master of her own destiny. Wanting for nothing, she travels to Morocco to attend the wedding of a friend, not knowing that her life will forever be changed.

Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has a secret that, if revealed, could trigger a war, destroying everything he loves. Only with Allegra can he find peace even though, at the best of times, his time with her is bittersweet because he's plagued by a past that he cannot outrun.

Shaheen and Allegra find in each other what both of them have so desperately wanted yet been afraid to feel-love. With love comes vulnerability and when Shaheen's past threatens his future, he's forced to make a very difficult decision.

Shaheen can keep Allegra safe by sending her away, but that will garner her hatred. Hatred he can live with but her death would destroy his soul. In the end, his choice will leave its mark on their lives. Will he listen to his head or to his heart?

Kismet is an extraordinary book and I can't thing of a better way to kick off 2010 than by buying a copy. I write this review knowing that I will be unable to do Monica Burns' latest release justice because Ms. Burns is a master at keeping her readers completely engaged from first page to last.

Allegra is an amazing woman who's made the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is an unparalleled lady-intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Shaheen possesses great strength and his emotions run deep. I was enchanted by the way Ms. Burns revealed the light, teasing, fun and flirtatious sides of the characters when both had experienced so much pain and suffering. My emotions ran the gamut along with theirs as I laughed, I cheered, and more than once, I cried.

The interactions between Allegra and Shaheen are like a tensely played chess game, their words, as they try to keep each other at a distance, conflicting with the chaos rioting through their bodies at their close contact. Every scene is so vividly described that you experience all of the emotions of the characters-their fear, uncertainty, and desire. Their attraction was a tangible heat, scorching the tips of my fingers as I turned pages-I simply could not read fast enough!

After reading the bio posted on Ms. Burns' website, I was afforded a deeper understanding into the wealth of emotions she poured into Kismet. Tenacious, sassy heroines and strong, sexy heroes are her signature style and she's boldly penned one of the best books I've read in years. Thank you Monica Burns for sharing your story and that of Allegra and Shaheen-you've left your mark on this reader and I excitedly look forward to your future releases!

exciting late Victorian romance

Desert tribal leader Sheikh Shaheen left behind his Viscount title in England due to a courtesan that caused an estrangement with his father. He vowed to never return to England and never trust any woman again although a desert prophesy that he scoffs at claims he will be burned by a woman of fire.

Courtesan Allegra Synnford grew up in a Marrakech brothel where she learned how to seduce men to do her bidding especially keep her safe. She is extremely careful in selecting her protectors as wealth is not enough. When Shaheen and Allegra meet in 1893 Marrakech, their attraction scorch the desert, but his loathing and distrust of courtesans keep them apart until an enemy Nassar kidnaps her; forcing him to look deep in his soul as he tries to rescue his beloved.

This is an exciting late Victorian romance starring two people used to staying in charge of themselves and others especially with relationships losing control when they meet. Shaheen and Allegra are terrific lead characters whether they are in Marrakech, the Sahara in French Morocco or England. The support cast including the villain and the nomadic Berber/Amazigh tribes enhance a terrific captivity historical.

Harriet Klausner

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