Not all Sheik romances feature harems, but harem romances–the old-school kind of harem romances–those set in North Africa, Anatolia, the Middle East, and parts of India are, generally speaking, “sheik” romances. (Or Pasha, Mughal Caliph)
The Sheik by Edith M. Hull, published in 1919, is as influential to the modern romance genre as Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps, even more so.
It was a blockbuster of a success, despite its many detractors. While some modern readers may cringe at its depiction of women, sexual roles, and racial attitudes, The Sheik remains a compelling read one hundred years after its publication. 5 stars
In Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small a beautiful Irish woman in the Elizabethan Tudor era experiences adventures and love with many men.
This review is of Desert Slave, a standalone novel by Miranda North. On the trip Juliette is kidnapped by Bedouin pirates. She is later given to Deric Raleigh. (Zebra Heartfire, May 1989). 2.71 stars.
In Diane Dunaway’s sheik romance, Desert Hostage, Karim kidnaps Juliette after he finds out she’s his enemy’s daughter. The swoon-worthy hero makes the book a keeper.
Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson is yet another middling Viking romance that disappoints. Written in the late ’70s at the height of the bodice ripper era, you’d expect this Viking romance to rapacious and fun, but I found it rather ho-hum. 2 stars
