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Imprisoned by a Vow
Signed, sealed…forever!
Being sold into marriage by her stepfather is Leila's one chance to escape. But instead of freedom, Leila finds herself bound by deep passions ignited by her inscrutable new husband.
Australian billionaire Joss Carmody knows the rules of this game—he'll shower his new wife with diamonds and in return he'll use her land to expand his business. That's all he ever wanted from this exchange, but he hadn't banked on the attraction Leila awakens.
Then the one night that was supposed to slake their desire, binds them beyond the signatures on their marriage contract….
Being sold into marriage by her stepfather is Leila's one chance to escape. But instead of freedom, Leila finds herself bound by deep passions ignited by her inscrutable new husband.
Australian billionaire Joss Carmody knows the rules of this game—he'll shower his new wife with diamonds and in return he'll use her land to expand his business. That's all he ever wanted from this exchange, but he hadn't banked on the attraction Leila awakens.
Then the one night that was supposed to slake their desire, binds them beyond the signatures on their marriage contract….
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
94 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Annie West
903 books339 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!
You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com
I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.
Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 26, 2014
Imprisoned by a Vow has Annie West's characteristic intense writing and a compelling story. Readers who enjoy a romance between two troubled souls will probably enjoy it.
While I liked this story and I gave it four stars, it doesn't quite appeal to me the way some of this author's other books have. I think part of it was I didn't quite care for Joss for most of the book. While I love a rugged, tough hero, I like them to have more accessibility than Joss had, especially in this kind of book. I can understand a cold as ice, impenetrable spy, but a businessman with that much ice around his heart was a little harder to reconcile.
I think that Leila makes this story. Her struggles to regain the sense of self destroyed by her cruel stepfather and her strong spirit in the face of very crushing emotional and mental abuse spoke to me. Honestly, I think she was much too good for Joss. I was hoping he would realize that a lot sooner than he did. It took him a bit too long. The ending was nice, but I would have preferred a more drawn out redemption process.
Joss goes from being Man of Ice to I Might Have a Heart way too quickly at the end. Yes, he does show some caring touches to Leila, but she was always able to explain them away as acts he did for his own convenience. As a reader who strongly appreciates "the gesture" as showing love, even as much as the words, his gestures didn't speak loudly enough for me in this book.
The passion is well written, as always. And Leila's journey of coming back into herself was inspiring. Annie West doesn't tend to disappoint this reader. While she didn't disappoint me with Imprisoned by a Vow, per se, I just wanted a little more out of her hero than I got.
But overall, a very good marriage of convenience turns to love story.
While I liked this story and I gave it four stars, it doesn't quite appeal to me the way some of this author's other books have. I think part of it was I didn't quite care for Joss for most of the book. While I love a rugged, tough hero, I like them to have more accessibility than Joss had, especially in this kind of book. I can understand a cold as ice, impenetrable spy, but a businessman with that much ice around his heart was a little harder to reconcile.
I think that Leila makes this story. Her struggles to regain the sense of self destroyed by her cruel stepfather and her strong spirit in the face of very crushing emotional and mental abuse spoke to me. Honestly, I think she was much too good for Joss. I was hoping he would realize that a lot sooner than he did. It took him a bit too long. The ending was nice, but I would have preferred a more drawn out redemption process.
Joss goes from being Man of Ice to I Might Have a Heart way too quickly at the end. Yes, he does show some caring touches to Leila, but she was always able to explain them away as acts he did for his own convenience. As a reader who strongly appreciates "the gesture" as showing love, even as much as the words, his gestures didn't speak loudly enough for me in this book.
The passion is well written, as always. And Leila's journey of coming back into herself was inspiring. Annie West doesn't tend to disappoint this reader. While she didn't disappoint me with Imprisoned by a Vow, per se, I just wanted a little more out of her hero than I got.
But overall, a very good marriage of convenience turns to love story.
April 18, 2014
A beautiful love story by Annie West.
The classic arrange marriage trope with a fresh take that makes it such a delightful read.
Joss, an Australian billionaire alpha male has negotiated an arranged marriage to Leila, a woman from a small Arab country. He wants the oil fields that she inherited from her deceased father and she wants to escape the prison she has been living under her abusive stepfather.
Whilst she knows the reason for the marriage, he, however is unaware of her reasons to agreeing to it.
I adored Leila from the very beginning. A woman traumatized by past events in her life, struggling to overcome so many obstacles she’s faced with such strength and courage was truly remarkable.
Although I was not that crazy about Joss at the start, he really grew on me to such an extent that by the end I was totally smitten. The sensitivity and caring he showed in helping Leila face her demons was really amazing. At the same time, he also had to jump over his own “hurdles” in coming to terms with his past and understanding why he cut himself off loving anyone.
The story also touched on the sensitive subject of bulimia/anorexia in a much understated manner.
Two tortured and sad souls finding each other – slowly getting to know each other, finding their HEA together. They just pull you into their lives and keep you wanting to see them being happy.
A well-written, poignant and emotional and uplifting story that shows you that LOVE CONQUERS ALL!!
The classic arrange marriage trope with a fresh take that makes it such a delightful read.
Joss, an Australian billionaire alpha male has negotiated an arranged marriage to Leila, a woman from a small Arab country. He wants the oil fields that she inherited from her deceased father and she wants to escape the prison she has been living under her abusive stepfather.
Whilst she knows the reason for the marriage, he, however is unaware of her reasons to agreeing to it.
I adored Leila from the very beginning. A woman traumatized by past events in her life, struggling to overcome so many obstacles she’s faced with such strength and courage was truly remarkable.
Although I was not that crazy about Joss at the start, he really grew on me to such an extent that by the end I was totally smitten. The sensitivity and caring he showed in helping Leila face her demons was really amazing. At the same time, he also had to jump over his own “hurdles” in coming to terms with his past and understanding why he cut himself off loving anyone.
The story also touched on the sensitive subject of bulimia/anorexia in a much understated manner.
Two tortured and sad souls finding each other – slowly getting to know each other, finding their HEA together. They just pull you into their lives and keep you wanting to see them being happy.
A well-written, poignant and emotional and uplifting story that shows you that LOVE CONQUERS ALL!!
August 9, 2018
Traumatized heroine. Aloof hero. Forced marriage.
The angst at the beginning was off the charts, but as others have noted, the ending left something to be desired. The hero's need to protect himself from love just seemed ridiculous after everything the heroine went through. I mean, man up, hero. You were great in observing and drawing out a heroine who had severe agoraphobia after being kept in solitary confinement by her evil stepfather*, so surely you can handle a little affection.
I don't agree with putting the characters through an Oppression Olympics to see who has the worst backstory, but the hero's inability to love seemed like self-indulgence/old habit compared to what the heroine went through.
H/h were great together. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship - until the end.
Triggers: emotional abuse, domestic abuse, eating disorders discussed
(*Stepdad also starved her and kept her cut off from everyone for two years after he destroyed her mother.)
The angst at the beginning was off the charts, but as others have noted, the ending left something to be desired. The hero's need to protect himself from love just seemed ridiculous after everything the heroine went through. I mean, man up, hero. You were great in observing and drawing out a heroine who had severe agoraphobia after being kept in solitary confinement by her evil stepfather*, so surely you can handle a little affection.
I don't agree with putting the characters through an Oppression Olympics to see who has the worst backstory, but the hero's inability to love seemed like self-indulgence/old habit compared to what the heroine went through.
H/h were great together. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship - until the end.
Triggers: emotional abuse, domestic abuse, eating disorders discussed
(*Stepdad also starved her and kept her cut off from everyone for two years after he destroyed her mother.)
August 22, 2018
Angst ridden, low energy romance between the angsty heroine and the equally angsty hero.
The heroine has been beaten down over the years by her stepfather who has isolated her to the point she is for all practical purposes agoraphobic. This MOC with the emotionally shutdown hero is just what she needs to escape.
Well, eventually they have sex, and it's just the Rx for both as she can actually go down the elevator (that's not a euphemism) when the hero distracts her with a make out session and his Grinch-like heart grows a little. Despite being quite virginal, the heroine takes to sex like a duck to water and the passion is written nicely.
I can take angst as long as the hero is not an utter, cruel cad, and the evil-doer gets a comeuppance.
The hero does do a tad too much inner monologuing about the heroine's entitled life growing up which it was not, of course, and he pushes the poor-pitiful me envelope a little too long. The evil-doer's comeuppance is pretty benign, but this is a nice filler.
The heroine has been beaten down over the years by her stepfather who has isolated her to the point she is for all practical purposes agoraphobic. This MOC with the emotionally shutdown hero is just what she needs to escape.
Well, eventually they have sex, and it's just the Rx for both as she can actually go down the elevator (that's not a euphemism) when the hero distracts her with a make out session and his Grinch-like heart grows a little. Despite being quite virginal, the heroine takes to sex like a duck to water and the passion is written nicely.
I can take angst as long as the hero is not an utter, cruel cad, and the evil-doer gets a comeuppance.
The hero does do a tad too much inner monologuing about the heroine's entitled life growing up which it was not, of course, and he pushes the poor-pitiful me envelope a little too long. The evil-doer's comeuppance is pretty benign, but this is a nice filler.
July 8, 2013
Really enjoyed this one. Heroine's stepfather is abusive and controlling and sells her in marriage to hero as part of a business deal and she is fine with it because she wants to get away from him. The hero needs a wife in name only because after the horrific childhood he had he has no intention of getting tied down and taking care of someone. At first he thinks the heroine is a rich spoiled woman who only cares about shopping but then slowly he starts noticing her, how she is afraid of going out and not at all like what he imagined.
We see them get involved sexually but it's obvious it's more, the hero comes home from work to her, tries to help her with her anxiety, teaches her to drive and stands up to her stepfather and then she gets pregnant, the very thing the hero didn't want and he acts without thought, hurting her and she leaves. Of course he comes back, afraid and missing her. All in all a good HP.
We see them get involved sexually but it's obvious it's more, the hero comes home from work to her, tries to help her with her anxiety, teaches her to drive and stands up to her stepfather and then she gets pregnant, the very thing the hero didn't want and he acts without thought, hurting her and she leaves. Of course he comes back, afraid and missing her. All in all a good HP.
July 5, 2013
The heroine agrees to marry the hero as a means to escape her horrible stepfather who has abused her for years. The hero sees her as a trophy wife and thinks she is just another spoilt rich heiress. He doesn't want kids or emotional entanglements. But soon after their marriage he realizes Leila is a strong intelligent woman who has suffered a lot in the hands of her father. The hero is caring and treats Leila with love and respect but he is of course too stupid to realize his feelings and he ends up pushing her away when he finds out she is pregnant.
Heartwarming romance! The connection between Joss and Leila was deep and the chemistry sizzling. Loved both characters. Leila especially was a true survivor, a compassionate admirable woman whose courage and determination to overcome obstacles made me tear up.
Heartwarming romance! The connection between Joss and Leila was deep and the chemistry sizzling. Loved both characters. Leila especially was a true survivor, a compassionate admirable woman whose courage and determination to overcome obstacles made me tear up.
July 31, 2017
As my memory and nothing are the same... I don't know if GR erased my review or I forgot to review it.
But I loved it both times, of that I'm sure. I was going to skim it to be able to do the shelving but sooner than later I started reading it and enjoying it because #TeamLeila
More on the story and my feelings exactly in Alex is the romance fox's review
But I loved it both times, of that I'm sure. I was going to skim it to be able to do the shelving but sooner than later I started reading it and enjoying it because #TeamLeila
More on the story and my feelings exactly in Alex is the romance fox's review
July 29, 2013
Oh my stars. I absolutely loved this one! It was angsty and romantic and there was a wonderful groveling scene (and boy, Joss needed to grovel. A lot). Both Joss and Leila had rough childhoods that led to some major problems - for her it was anxiety and fear and for him it was emotional. But, they helped each other face those problems and overcome them. This was just great!
June 3, 2016
I would have rated this higher if it hadn't been for the ending, everything was going really well until we got to that part :( ....I know there are a limited amount of pages in these books but it really could have done with a bit more fleshing out!
July 15, 2016
Great start, sappy ending. Glad to have met my first Middle-Eastern Harlequin heroine though. Even if she comes from a fictional land :)
January 2, 2014
I really enjoy Annie West's work. I think she is one of the better current HP authors out there and her work appeals to me. This book was no exception. This story is about a young woman who is abused at the hands of her step-father and sold into marriage to a stranger who wants to further his personal ambitions. She agrees to the marriage as a way to escape the tyranny and abuse from her step-father.
The chemistry between the H/h was hot and had me sighing. Watching her begin to place trust in the hero and allowing him to help her heal was very touching.
I only have two negatives, thus the 3 stars versus 5 stars.
1) The writing style. There seemed to be a lot of internal dialogue that moved the plot forward rather than the actual interaction between the H/h. I haven't noticed that before in any other AW work, but it was very prevalent here. Unfortunately that style of writing doesn't work for me.
2) The ending was just too abrupt. I know there is a page limitation. I know there are deadlines. However, I find this happening a lot, not only in my HPs, but other current work. Needless to say, it is frustrating. After investing so much time to read the book, I would like to see an ending that matches the intensity of the rest of the book. In this case, she forgave him too easily. For someone who had suffered such cruel abuse, it just rang false. He needed to work much harder to EARN her love and trust back.
The chemistry between the H/h was hot and had me sighing. Watching her begin to place trust in the hero and allowing him to help her heal was very touching.
I only have two negatives, thus the 3 stars versus 5 stars.
1) The writing style. There seemed to be a lot of internal dialogue that moved the plot forward rather than the actual interaction between the H/h. I haven't noticed that before in any other AW work, but it was very prevalent here. Unfortunately that style of writing doesn't work for me.
2) The ending was just too abrupt. I know there is a page limitation. I know there are deadlines. However, I find this happening a lot, not only in my HPs, but other current work. Needless to say, it is frustrating. After investing so much time to read the book, I would like to see an ending that matches the intensity of the rest of the book. In this case, she forgave him too easily. For someone who had suffered such cruel abuse, it just rang false. He needed to work much harder to EARN her love and trust back.
July 24, 2013
Hmmm. I am not sure my rating accurately reflects how I feel about this here story, so lemme attempt an explanation.
Joss, business man extraordinaire, enters into an arranged marriage with the stepdaughter of a mogul from the Middle East. The guy gets to use Joss's influence and in return Joss gets some land for oil fields that he'd been eyeing. Leila agrees to the marriage because she wants to get away from her controlling stepfather, who's emotionally abusive.
Most certainly the best thing was the heroine, Leila. When Joss called her a survivor or a fighter or a strong character, I could believe it. She stood her ground, and would not allow herself to be disrespected by Joss, or anyone else, at anytime. And even in the situations where she was helpless, took ownership of her circumstances. She agreed to marry the stranger, instead of waiting another year or so before she could legally come into her own. She chose her life as best she was able, and that alone makes her magnificient.
Less good was Joss. He was most definitely less of a douchebag than a great many HP heroes have been, but was a curiously flat character. Perhaps I can talk like this because I've never experienced it, but it was sooooo weird to hear him deride all women because his mother was selfish and swear off family because his parents were horrible. I didn't see him pop off on men because his dad was a douche- it was just women (because his mom was a douche). I also found it strange that in this whole wide world of 7 billion people, he hasn't come across any couple or any family that made him want one, or at least made him understand that happy families exist, or that good men and women populate the planet too. He inner-monologued about how untrustworthy and mercenary women in his past were, but never demonstrated to me any reason why they wouldn't be. If you only seek out women for flings and give them stuff (read: money and expensive things) later, why should I be sorry that you only met women who were interested in financial remuneration? You weren't offering them anything but money in exchange for a good time, why should they offer you any more? You ain't worth it, dude.
Additionally, St. Leila. I love Leila's character, but she was the sole paragon in the book. Joss's mother was mean; his poor helpless sister we're told, became anorexic; the other rich men's wives were trophy wives and plastic human beings, not worthy of respect. All but St. Leila. Eh.
Finally, while I liked the initial period of adjustment Leila and Joss had, I do think the declaration of love and ensuing scenes were a little rushed. We definitely needed more time to let it sink in. But then, there's only so much you can do in 192 pages.
I quite enjoyed myself, even if my rating doesn't reflect it. Too many problems to let it slide by on just enjoyment. But still recommended :)
Joss, business man extraordinaire, enters into an arranged marriage with the stepdaughter of a mogul from the Middle East. The guy gets to use Joss's influence and in return Joss gets some land for oil fields that he'd been eyeing. Leila agrees to the marriage because she wants to get away from her controlling stepfather, who's emotionally abusive.
Most certainly the best thing was the heroine, Leila. When Joss called her a survivor or a fighter or a strong character, I could believe it. She stood her ground, and would not allow herself to be disrespected by Joss, or anyone else, at anytime. And even in the situations where she was helpless, took ownership of her circumstances. She agreed to marry the stranger, instead of waiting another year or so before she could legally come into her own. She chose her life as best she was able, and that alone makes her magnificient.
Less good was Joss. He was most definitely less of a douchebag than a great many HP heroes have been, but was a curiously flat character. Perhaps I can talk like this because I've never experienced it, but it was sooooo weird to hear him deride all women because his mother was selfish and swear off family because his parents were horrible. I didn't see him pop off on men because his dad was a douche- it was just women (because his mom was a douche). I also found it strange that in this whole wide world of 7 billion people, he hasn't come across any couple or any family that made him want one, or at least made him understand that happy families exist, or that good men and women populate the planet too. He inner-monologued about how untrustworthy and mercenary women in his past were, but never demonstrated to me any reason why they wouldn't be. If you only seek out women for flings and give them stuff (read: money and expensive things) later, why should I be sorry that you only met women who were interested in financial remuneration? You weren't offering them anything but money in exchange for a good time, why should they offer you any more? You ain't worth it, dude.
Additionally, St. Leila. I love Leila's character, but she was the sole paragon in the book. Joss's mother was mean; his poor helpless sister we're told, became anorexic; the other rich men's wives were trophy wives and plastic human beings, not worthy of respect. All but St. Leila. Eh.
Finally, while I liked the initial period of adjustment Leila and Joss had, I do think the declaration of love and ensuing scenes were a little rushed. We definitely needed more time to let it sink in. But then, there's only so much you can do in 192 pages.
I quite enjoyed myself, even if my rating doesn't reflect it. Too many problems to let it slide by on just enjoyment. But still recommended :)
October 9, 2018
"Imprisoned by a Vow" is the story of Leila and Ross.
Leila has been imprisoned by her cruel stepfather Gamil for ages. After he broke her mother's spirit and she passed away, he now uses mental and physical torture to abuse Leila, who craves freedom.
The escape, however, comes in the form of a marriage contract to Joss Carmody.
Joss desires the oil fields his bride has inherited, Leila desires emancipation from her painful life. Soon they are bound in a marriage of convenience- which starts off being purely in name basis, but soon turns into something more..
A well written book with two scarred souls as its leads.
Our heroine's spirit has been beaten but not broken by her cruel stepfather. She suffers from claustrophobia, social anxiety amongst many others problems, and struggles to make sense of her newfound liberation. Afraid to trust and always putting on a brave face, she finds herself falling for the quiet and caring hero, who comes with his own set of issues- ignorant parents, suffering sister, extreme trust issues.
Most of this book is the heroine emerging from her cocoon and finding herself, and the rest is finally finding happiness with the hero. There is moderate angst, especially when he refuses to acknowledge his feelings and separation, but soon all ends in a reconciliation and HEA.
Enjoyable read.
Safe
3.75/5
Leila has been imprisoned by her cruel stepfather Gamil for ages. After he broke her mother's spirit and she passed away, he now uses mental and physical torture to abuse Leila, who craves freedom.
The escape, however, comes in the form of a marriage contract to Joss Carmody.
Joss desires the oil fields his bride has inherited, Leila desires emancipation from her painful life. Soon they are bound in a marriage of convenience- which starts off being purely in name basis, but soon turns into something more..
A well written book with two scarred souls as its leads.
Our heroine's spirit has been beaten but not broken by her cruel stepfather. She suffers from claustrophobia, social anxiety amongst many others problems, and struggles to make sense of her newfound liberation. Afraid to trust and always putting on a brave face, she finds herself falling for the quiet and caring hero, who comes with his own set of issues- ignorant parents, suffering sister, extreme trust issues.
Most of this book is the heroine emerging from her cocoon and finding herself, and the rest is finally finding happiness with the hero. There is moderate angst, especially when he refuses to acknowledge his feelings and separation, but soon all ends in a reconciliation and HEA.
Enjoyable read.
Safe
3.75/5
July 10, 2013
IMPRISONED BY A VOW by USA Bestselling author Annie West is Harlequin Presents 2013 release.
Joss Carmody is a billionaire and he can have anything he want. Yet he does a deal with Leila’s stepfather to marry her for oil-rich land. He just has to shower her in diamonds and finance her shopping trips.
Yet, she is not going out shopping. Why? Now Joss is intrigued by his wife. And he feels drawn toward her. The spark between them is very real. Would he be able to unravel the enigma his wife was?
IMPRISONED BY A VOW is as much a story about recovering from past grief as it is about the unquenchable desire between Leila and Joss. Reading of Leila’s past hurts packs an emotional punch so powerful that you wouldn’t be able to stem the tears. It truly is a romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension adding to the page turning quality of the book.
Annie West’s story-telling makes the characters come alive on the pages and the reader is personally involved in their happiness and craves the resolution as deeply as they do. Highly recommended for all lovers of sizzling sensuality and romance.
Joss Carmody is a billionaire and he can have anything he want. Yet he does a deal with Leila’s stepfather to marry her for oil-rich land. He just has to shower her in diamonds and finance her shopping trips.
Yet, she is not going out shopping. Why? Now Joss is intrigued by his wife. And he feels drawn toward her. The spark between them is very real. Would he be able to unravel the enigma his wife was?
IMPRISONED BY A VOW is as much a story about recovering from past grief as it is about the unquenchable desire between Leila and Joss. Reading of Leila’s past hurts packs an emotional punch so powerful that you wouldn’t be able to stem the tears. It truly is a romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension adding to the page turning quality of the book.
Annie West’s story-telling makes the characters come alive on the pages and the reader is personally involved in their happiness and craves the resolution as deeply as they do. Highly recommended for all lovers of sizzling sensuality and romance.
June 7, 2021
I liked the heroine, she has so much to overcome. His mommy and daddy issues overshadow too much of the book, but once he realizes what she’s been through, he’s very protective.
August 2, 2013
Leila hates the idea that she is basically being sold into marriage, but anything would be better than staying with her abusive stepfather. She will even let the man chosen for her, believe she loves nothing but spending his money. Nothing could be further from the truth. She just wants to escape the hell she has been living in.
Growing up with parents that liked to use their children as pawns in their personal war with each other helped mold Joss Carmody into the man he is today. He does not love, has no emotions and never thought he would marry. But this is to be a marriage on paper. That is until his wife starts grabbing his attention. He soon realizes the wife he believed to be a spoiled shopaholic, never even leaves the penthouse.
I really enjoyed how these two tortured souls found each other. I enjoyed the passion that grew between these two. I loved how Joss helped Leila overcome her issues. And the things he did to right the wrongs she had suffered. While I had issue with how Joss left. I think the author did a really good job of showing he really was scared, having never experience true love from anyone.
4.5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from The Author in exchange for an honest review.
Growing up with parents that liked to use their children as pawns in their personal war with each other helped mold Joss Carmody into the man he is today. He does not love, has no emotions and never thought he would marry. But this is to be a marriage on paper. That is until his wife starts grabbing his attention. He soon realizes the wife he believed to be a spoiled shopaholic, never even leaves the penthouse.
I really enjoyed how these two tortured souls found each other. I enjoyed the passion that grew between these two. I loved how Joss helped Leila overcome her issues. And the things he did to right the wrongs she had suffered. While I had issue with how Joss left. I think the author did a really good job of showing he really was scared, having never experience true love from anyone.
4.5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from The Author in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2014
★★★★☆ As Lady D. says, Leila makes this story.
December 30, 2014
I ADORED the beginning of this book. Seriously. Crazy adored it. But the ending was so...not good! WAHHHHHHHHHH!
The beginning of this book deserved a better ending.
Beginning: 5 stars
End: 1.5 stars
I guess 3.5 stars?
Wah.
The beginning of this book deserved a better ending.
Beginning: 5 stars
End: 1.5 stars
I guess 3.5 stars?
Wah.
October 6, 2015
A great 3-stars book!
October 5, 2017
3.75 Stars
September 6, 2013
We all know the story of being sold into marriage, it is usually for the sake of family honour or a business deal or even just because it is tradition.
No matter the reason, the outcome is never the same nor does anyone actually take the time to stop and think of how it is affecting the person being sold. Their emotions are overshadowed by the end goal and everyone around them simply just sees their dreams coming true.
In the new read from Annie West she takes the old and certainly done before marriage in the name of business story and gives it a whole new meaning , bringing it to life with strong characters, vivid backdrops and let's it all unfold in a complete different manner than the stories of the same concept usually do, she also does a brilliant job at letting those forgotten emotions stand up and take action!
The read tells of Leila, to escape her abusive stepfather she will do anything, even marry a stranger and to make him happy she will even pretend she is like all other spoiled rich daughters going on the one shopping spree after the other spending his cash wherever she goes. It will after-all not set her free from her prison of always doing what she it told but it will get her away from her stepfather and that is the first most important step to freedom.
The man of the moment to take her away from it all is You-re-hot-but-all-you-are-to-me-is-the-bait Joss. He sees Leila as a means to up his business and she sees him as her way out without any emotional mess, that is until they find themselves in 'confined spaces' and the chemistry is so hot it simply cannot be ignored. Soon the sheets are burning hotter than the Sahara desert and stronger than any other bond, but when love comes knocking they both need to face facts, for Leila this is easy but to convince the cold hearted I-only-warm-up-in-bed Joss is a fight she might never win.
The character of Leila was simply fantastic, I loved every single thing about her! She was strong and determined in order to survive but at the same time a go with the flow woman in order to escape, keeping her emotions to herself and only letting them rise when the moment truly calls for it. To me as reader this was a very realistic link as even I have found that when trapped into a corner and there is a way out, not the perfect way but yes unfortunately into another trap, you take it, for it is the first step to eventually getting to the end of being trapped. It makes you stronger, more versatile and certainly lets you learn what your limits are. The author really let this shine through in the actions and outcomes for Leila and by the end of the read I could not be more prouder of Leila and her amazing fight to live another day attitude.
The character of Joss was not the usual type I find in the Harlequin Presents reads, he was not as most of them are, after the business and the bonus score of having a beautiful woman in his bed, no he was more focused on the business point blank! The reasoning behind these actions were very interesting and reflected just how much one's childhood can influence your decisions as adult. I simply adored the manner the author used Leila in to let Joss come around and be that kind of hero all romance readers want, but she also did so with a little twist, she let him change but only to a certain extent and not fully, by the end of the read I had the hero I wanted but he still had plenty of gung-ho left to give the read a spicy live will never be the same feel. Brilliant job Annie!!
The backdrop settings and dialogue were passionately described, beautifully incorporated and stunningly brought to life. I am taking away a message of walking from one trap right into another simply to escape does not always have the outcome you may think it will, you might find yourself fighting a battle far worse than before with no way out, there simply will not be another corner to duck around to, making you face facts and stand to the end. And letting the actions from years before allow to shape you into a cruel, cold hearted human being is denying yourself the chance at happiness.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of Annie West romances! A passionate, sensual, emotional read with a delicious outcome and a very strong message of love conquers all!
5/5 star review
" Trapped by the bonds of marriage, forever bound by love'
No matter the reason, the outcome is never the same nor does anyone actually take the time to stop and think of how it is affecting the person being sold. Their emotions are overshadowed by the end goal and everyone around them simply just sees their dreams coming true.
In the new read from Annie West she takes the old and certainly done before marriage in the name of business story and gives it a whole new meaning , bringing it to life with strong characters, vivid backdrops and let's it all unfold in a complete different manner than the stories of the same concept usually do, she also does a brilliant job at letting those forgotten emotions stand up and take action!
The read tells of Leila, to escape her abusive stepfather she will do anything, even marry a stranger and to make him happy she will even pretend she is like all other spoiled rich daughters going on the one shopping spree after the other spending his cash wherever she goes. It will after-all not set her free from her prison of always doing what she it told but it will get her away from her stepfather and that is the first most important step to freedom.
The man of the moment to take her away from it all is You-re-hot-but-all-you-are-to-me-is-the-bait Joss. He sees Leila as a means to up his business and she sees him as her way out without any emotional mess, that is until they find themselves in 'confined spaces' and the chemistry is so hot it simply cannot be ignored. Soon the sheets are burning hotter than the Sahara desert and stronger than any other bond, but when love comes knocking they both need to face facts, for Leila this is easy but to convince the cold hearted I-only-warm-up-in-bed Joss is a fight she might never win.
The character of Leila was simply fantastic, I loved every single thing about her! She was strong and determined in order to survive but at the same time a go with the flow woman in order to escape, keeping her emotions to herself and only letting them rise when the moment truly calls for it. To me as reader this was a very realistic link as even I have found that when trapped into a corner and there is a way out, not the perfect way but yes unfortunately into another trap, you take it, for it is the first step to eventually getting to the end of being trapped. It makes you stronger, more versatile and certainly lets you learn what your limits are. The author really let this shine through in the actions and outcomes for Leila and by the end of the read I could not be more prouder of Leila and her amazing fight to live another day attitude.
The character of Joss was not the usual type I find in the Harlequin Presents reads, he was not as most of them are, after the business and the bonus score of having a beautiful woman in his bed, no he was more focused on the business point blank! The reasoning behind these actions were very interesting and reflected just how much one's childhood can influence your decisions as adult. I simply adored the manner the author used Leila in to let Joss come around and be that kind of hero all romance readers want, but she also did so with a little twist, she let him change but only to a certain extent and not fully, by the end of the read I had the hero I wanted but he still had plenty of gung-ho left to give the read a spicy live will never be the same feel. Brilliant job Annie!!
The backdrop settings and dialogue were passionately described, beautifully incorporated and stunningly brought to life. I am taking away a message of walking from one trap right into another simply to escape does not always have the outcome you may think it will, you might find yourself fighting a battle far worse than before with no way out, there simply will not be another corner to duck around to, making you face facts and stand to the end. And letting the actions from years before allow to shape you into a cruel, cold hearted human being is denying yourself the chance at happiness.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of Annie West romances! A passionate, sensual, emotional read with a delicious outcome and a very strong message of love conquers all!
5/5 star review
" Trapped by the bonds of marriage, forever bound by love'
September 27, 2013
The arranged marriage theme is popular in romance novels published in the English speaking world. The very idea of being married off to someone one hasn't picked for oneself tends to fill the western mind with thoughts of horror and revulsion. Yet it's a way of life for many of our sisters in eastern cultures. As a westerner living in Asia, I've attended numerous weddings, man of which were arranged by the parents of the couple rather than by the couple themselves. And surprisingly for us, many of them work out well, no less well than marriages in our so called 'free society'.
However, in the case of Bakhari lass Leila, this is not the case. Instead of choosing a partner for his stepdaughter who would suit her personality and expectations, her stepfather has coldheartedly married her off to a business associate for his own personal gain. That's totally wrong. The system of arranged marriages is not meant to work that way. One wonders what made handsome alpha male Joss Carmody opt for marriage which has a prenup which reads more like a business deal. That's because he suffered emotional abuse as a child and wants the business benefits of marriage without the messy emotional and potentially damaging (in his view) involvement.
But Leila has also been mentally and emotionally abused. Mental cruelty is so strange. It leaves no bruises on the skin, but it scars the mind. The abuse Leila suffered played with her mental and physical health. Yet having grown up in a healthy, happy family, she knows there is something better out there. Her thinking is clear and she has realistic expectations of life.
When they marry, Joss and Leila are two pretty messed up individuals, but the healing power of love can help heal their wounds and make them whole again. How they make it work is a fascinating read. Of the two characters, I preferred Leila. Joss freaked me out with his 'no pregnancy' clause in the prenup. Men who want to enjoy the benefits of a relationship without responsibility for the outcome raise my feminist ire. But heck, he's Leila's man, not mine and it's her job to turn him around. Believe me, she was more than up to the job. It was lovely to catch up on Zahir and Soraya, another couple who featured in an earlier Annie West read which I enjoyed immensely, DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY. I also closed this book, IMPRISONED BY A VOW happily at the end, delighted to have enjoyed another great read from Annie West.
That's how I always feel when I read this author. Satisfied and happy. Go grab this one while it's still in print, if you like quality romance reads. And if you can't get your hands on the print, the ebook is available.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
5/5
However, in the case of Bakhari lass Leila, this is not the case. Instead of choosing a partner for his stepdaughter who would suit her personality and expectations, her stepfather has coldheartedly married her off to a business associate for his own personal gain. That's totally wrong. The system of arranged marriages is not meant to work that way. One wonders what made handsome alpha male Joss Carmody opt for marriage which has a prenup which reads more like a business deal. That's because he suffered emotional abuse as a child and wants the business benefits of marriage without the messy emotional and potentially damaging (in his view) involvement.
But Leila has also been mentally and emotionally abused. Mental cruelty is so strange. It leaves no bruises on the skin, but it scars the mind. The abuse Leila suffered played with her mental and physical health. Yet having grown up in a healthy, happy family, she knows there is something better out there. Her thinking is clear and she has realistic expectations of life.
When they marry, Joss and Leila are two pretty messed up individuals, but the healing power of love can help heal their wounds and make them whole again. How they make it work is a fascinating read. Of the two characters, I preferred Leila. Joss freaked me out with his 'no pregnancy' clause in the prenup. Men who want to enjoy the benefits of a relationship without responsibility for the outcome raise my feminist ire. But heck, he's Leila's man, not mine and it's her job to turn him around. Believe me, she was more than up to the job. It was lovely to catch up on Zahir and Soraya, another couple who featured in an earlier Annie West read which I enjoyed immensely, DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY. I also closed this book, IMPRISONED BY A VOW happily at the end, delighted to have enjoyed another great read from Annie West.
That's how I always feel when I read this author. Satisfied and happy. Go grab this one while it's still in print, if you like quality romance reads. And if you can't get your hands on the print, the ebook is available.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
5/5
October 8, 2013
Just for fun check out my pics of the book, I was so captured by i t I took it to a live taping of New Zealand's Got Talen hehehe http://rbh-contemporary.blogspot.co.n...
Annie West's Imprisoned by a Vow is an absolute masterpiece! A classic scenario of arranged marriage has been taken and completely turned on its head in so many ways to make it a delightful original and for-keeps re-read, which I have already done twice.
Leila's had her marriage arranged for her by her awful, abusive stepfather. Joss has agreed to marry Leila and in doing so has bought the oil fields she's inherited. Leila just wants to get as far away from Bakhara as she can and seems so excited to get to the airport she can barely walk.
Leila and Joss are both a means to an end for each other but it's not long before Joss is curious. It's odd Leila's not out spending money as he figures most wives do. In fact she has no money. She has an awful selection of clothes, has no intention of honoring her marriage contract and is so madly stubborn. Not to mention whenever they go anywhere Leila turns a whiter shade of pale.
I loved Leila, she's a brilliant character. She's had a hard time with her stepfather but he hasn't entirely crushed her spirit and this makes for some funny, engaging and heart breaking conversations and moments between her and Joss. Leila has escaped Bakhara but cant achieve her dreams because she still cant step foot out her front door.
Joss is one of my favorite heroes. His point of views really helped establish that he's a hard working, no nonsense kind of guy and even tho he doesn't have time for a wife the way he sets about helping Leila is brilliant.
In a fantastic little twist we meet up again with Sheikh Zahir of Bakhara from Defying Her Desert Duty. I loved that part and loved the appearance of a fave character from other Annie West stories.
Why is this book so original? To start with Leila isn't expected to sleep with Joss as part of the marriage. He isn't interested in kids, or a wife really, he just needs the oil fields to advance his business. Leila and Joss are amicable to each other and their friendship slowly grows from nothing into something that ends up meaning the world.
Imprisoned by a Vow is a beautifully crafted love story that has all the drama, humor and originality to capture me from the first page. The characters are fantastically likable and strong characters who suit each other to a T. The addition of Sheikh Zahir is a delightful surprise and its a fast paced, gripping read. I couldn't put it down and have read it twice. Top rating 5 stars for sure!!!
I'm lucky enough to have a signed copy as well as a Kindle copy.
Annie West's Imprisoned by a Vow is an absolute masterpiece! A classic scenario of arranged marriage has been taken and completely turned on its head in so many ways to make it a delightful original and for-keeps re-read, which I have already done twice.
Leila's had her marriage arranged for her by her awful, abusive stepfather. Joss has agreed to marry Leila and in doing so has bought the oil fields she's inherited. Leila just wants to get as far away from Bakhara as she can and seems so excited to get to the airport she can barely walk.
Leila and Joss are both a means to an end for each other but it's not long before Joss is curious. It's odd Leila's not out spending money as he figures most wives do. In fact she has no money. She has an awful selection of clothes, has no intention of honoring her marriage contract and is so madly stubborn. Not to mention whenever they go anywhere Leila turns a whiter shade of pale.
I loved Leila, she's a brilliant character. She's had a hard time with her stepfather but he hasn't entirely crushed her spirit and this makes for some funny, engaging and heart breaking conversations and moments between her and Joss. Leila has escaped Bakhara but cant achieve her dreams because she still cant step foot out her front door.
Joss is one of my favorite heroes. His point of views really helped establish that he's a hard working, no nonsense kind of guy and even tho he doesn't have time for a wife the way he sets about helping Leila is brilliant.
In a fantastic little twist we meet up again with Sheikh Zahir of Bakhara from Defying Her Desert Duty. I loved that part and loved the appearance of a fave character from other Annie West stories.
Why is this book so original? To start with Leila isn't expected to sleep with Joss as part of the marriage. He isn't interested in kids, or a wife really, he just needs the oil fields to advance his business. Leila and Joss are amicable to each other and their friendship slowly grows from nothing into something that ends up meaning the world.
Imprisoned by a Vow is a beautifully crafted love story that has all the drama, humor and originality to capture me from the first page. The characters are fantastically likable and strong characters who suit each other to a T. The addition of Sheikh Zahir is a delightful surprise and its a fast paced, gripping read. I couldn't put it down and have read it twice. Top rating 5 stars for sure!!!
I'm lucky enough to have a signed copy as well as a Kindle copy.
February 11, 2018
Well today we have 2 totally messed up characters in this hplandia outing. The H had mean parents who played their kids off against each other and gave them no love. The h had a lovely loving family then her dad died and mum remarried an psychotic control freak who emotionally tortured the mother and daughter until mum died. He then steals all of daughters money and marries her off - after locking her up and starving her to our emotionally dead H. She's happy to marry anyone just to escape and who can blame her. They seem to both get over their misconceptions of each other and develop a mutual liking and respect for each other after explaining their backgrounds then the h throws a spanner in the works by announcing she is in love with the H and she's fallen victim to the old hplandia magical mega love mojo because she's also pregnant despite precautions. H flips out and she moves out. Of course after a coup,s of months he can't keep away and he grovels back and is too easily forgiven. Still despite all this I would have liked to see an epilogue of her kicking ass on his board while they juggle lots of babies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2013
Really good.
The heroine agrees to a marriage to escape a evil stepfather. A Cinderella romance.
This romance isn't light. Heroine has to deal with her past and her new husband who she never met until the day before her marriage.
A compelling romance.
The heroine agrees to a marriage to escape a evil stepfather. A Cinderella romance.
This romance isn't light. Heroine has to deal with her past and her new husband who she never met until the day before her marriage.
A compelling romance.
July 11, 2013
This story is full of emotional and sensual tension. You would need tissues too!
I loved it!
I loved it!
January 26, 2015
4.5 in fact. I love when the heroines make the heroes look flat and weak. I love this book!!
August 19, 2014
4.5 stars
Another great read by Annie West who knows how to create emotional yet passionate reads with likable complex characters that tug at the heartstring for any Harlequin Presents as well as romance lovers alike. And that's what I want out of my romances and Annie West knows how to craft a beautiful and romantic yet passionate romance.
I just loved this book so much because it was a deep and complex story filled with drama, romance, angst, emotion, and passion that I expect and want from a romance. This was just a fantastic story with even more amazing characters that anyone would root for and be happy to see them getting their happily ever after.
This story was about a girl named Leila who was being forced to marry billionaire Joss by her controlling and abusive stepfather for the past two years. Gamil (stepfather)wasn't a nice man and had seduced her mother and later broke her mother until her mother lost the will to live then Gamil stole her inheritance and used her money to invest and get ahead in his own interests while controlling Leila at the same time and enacted punishments if she didn't behave. Gamil was the one who set up the marriage to Joss and "forced" her into this because Gamil wanted to raise his esteem in the eyes of the world with having Joss, a very respected man in the business world and great reputation, as his son in law, and he would make sure that would happen. Leila who was happy to get under his thumb was more than willing to marry Joss because she believed that would finally lead her to her freedom that she so desperately wanted for all these years with no more punishment. So she was more than willingly to go through with it for that alone and was more than happy to have just a paper marriage with Joss. She even vowed that she would not be intimate with him ever (this being a romance you know how that goes) and just live her own life and be free of her prison when she had lived with Gamil.
While Joss was more than willing to accept the marriage because he would be gaining the land that would have been Leila's inheritance once they married. He would do anything in his power to secure those right even marrying, which he vowed never to do in his life, but he would accept it and now have his own little host to help him get ahead in the world with her connections and he vowed as well to never let intimacy and lovemaking come into their marriage believing that it would mess up everything and it would screw with his ability to get ahead in the world.
Leila was relieved to be getting married and out of her stepfather's clutches but was worried that she was going from one dominating house to another and at first that was what it seemed like with Joss demanding she live with him and act as his host. He didn't care if she had affairs with other men as long as she kept it discreet and she didn't get pregnant because he would never accept a child in his life ever. But he needed her as his host and if she didn't comply she would be going back to her stepfather and that abusive environment. Feeling trapped once more, Leila agreed knowing she could never go back to her stepfather again, but even though Joss was the lesser of two evils she was still wary of him and knew she had to keep her weaknesses to herself so he didn't use it against her and she vowed never to tell him what happened at the hands of her grandfather.
And that was when the fun began. Lots of sexual tension between the two but also a lot of mistrust as well. Her with her secrets and him believing she was nothing but a gold digger after his money which was the reason she agreed to the marriage to a stranger in the first place. But the more he got to know her the more he learned he was wrong about her and allowed her to get under his skin and him becoming more and more protective of her especially once he saw her real fear of going out in public then his view totally shifted.
One of the reason I loved this book was the transformation of each character made within the story, and I also loved their character development. With the character of Leila I just loved her strength and how she didn't let the abuse that was enacted by her stepfather to break her like it broke her mother and how she vowed that she would find a way to break free someway somehow even if that meant marriage to a stranger. (She even tried to run away a few times only to be brought back and put in an isolation nearly starving). And even though she had that strength within her she definitely had some issues to overcome and who wouldn't with the abuse she faced at the hands of Gamil who put her in isolation for weeks on end and face his abuse for two years and be a prisoner in his home. So she had a lot to overcome and work through and she did with the help of Joss by her side. So she went through the emotional wringer not just with her falling in love with Joss but with her other issues as well. But her marriage to Joss helped her and she was able to let her guard down and let him in and tell him what she went through and what demons she was facing. And she let herself love and trust him, and took his strength and used it for her own, which was really a beautiful thing to see and see the change in her and her becoming this confident woman because of her love for Joss and overcoming the trauma that she faced at her stepfather's hands.
Now Joss, even though he did a bone head thing at the end that I could have wrang his neck for, I also loved as a character. Once he learned that Leila feared going out then he did everything in his power to help her overcome that even distract her by kissing her in an elevator, which I will talk about that scene later, just so she wouldn't freak out and have those panic attack she would have in that confined space after being in isolation for so long. Not that he didn't want to kiss her but it gave him the excuse to give into his passions for her, which then began the rollercoaster of their relationship. But anyway once he learned all this he did everything in his power to help her and did so with a tenderness and caring quality to him that was beautiful to see. I could see how he was getting more and more protective of her everyday and how much he did want to help her. He cared about her even if he didn't want to admit even to himself. And he was never overly cruel to her, though he kind of domineered her in the beginning but that didn't last long and he showed her kindness and tried to help her through her issues while the attraction between them began to build and build until they couldn't help but give in to it (more on that later). I just loved how he was a support system for her and vowed to make things right for her and he could see how by doing that he made her blossom and become the woman she should be, though that change doesn't happen overnight and it was nice to see that progression and growth over time with the help of Joss.
Now as for the love scenes/sexual tension. There was a lot of it, and combine that with the emotions that were going on and you get some great passion going on between the pair. Their chemistry was hot. But what I liked was that it built over time and though there was a slight interest on both their parts in the beginning it wasn't overwhelming and it just built and built until it finally exploded. And I liked seeing their passion grow overtime and not just have this instant sexual attraction right away because if that happened I think it would have been a little bit too unrealistic. But the way that Annie West did it was very well done and very well developed and I liked really seeing that progression over time because that just built up the anticipation as well as the tension between the two. When they finally kiss it wasn't necessarily because they were giving into their passion but more of a distraction for Leila who freaked out at being in the confined space of an elevator after spending time in captivity shortly before her wedding and getting that trapped feeling. Joss made it to distract her so he kissed her and even though it was meant to be distraction it didn't mean it wasn't hot because it was roasting hot once her initial shock of him kissing disappeared and she let her passions take over as did he and that made for a hot elevator kiss, as did another elevator kiss that just upped the intensity. Those kisses were just so steamy as was their first lovemaking scene. It was beautiful yet hot at the same time because not only were the passions free but there were deep emotions going on there as well, and I loved seeing them come play as well. And then the tenderness that came afterwards was beautiful just how he held and cherished her like she was his precious treasure and I loved seeing that signaling this was more than a physical thing between them.
My only complaint with the love scenes were there weren't more of them, or I should say there weren't more descriptive scenes they were more summarized because they made love a lot but usually it was just mentioned in a sentence or two and not going into great detail. I wanted to see the detail just to see the difference between their first time and the other times and just how their love was growing over time as they expressed themselves physically. I would have loved to see that, but that didn't happen. I wanted more.
But overall this was a very enjoyable and passionate read with a tender love story where two people grow and change as their love grows and grows. I loved how their love healed and helped one another and that this relationship for them was always more than just the physical aspect of their relationship. I liked how they helped one another and that their love really did conquer all, and they became better people because of that love. I recommend this to any fan of Harlequin Presents. You won't be disappointed in this emotional roller coaster ride full of passion and tenderness and deep emotions and wonderful character you can't help but love. Well done Annie West. And I will keep reading her in the future she has yet to disappoint me.
Another great read by Annie West who knows how to create emotional yet passionate reads with likable complex characters that tug at the heartstring for any Harlequin Presents as well as romance lovers alike. And that's what I want out of my romances and Annie West knows how to craft a beautiful and romantic yet passionate romance.
I just loved this book so much because it was a deep and complex story filled with drama, romance, angst, emotion, and passion that I expect and want from a romance. This was just a fantastic story with even more amazing characters that anyone would root for and be happy to see them getting their happily ever after.
This story was about a girl named Leila who was being forced to marry billionaire Joss by her controlling and abusive stepfather for the past two years. Gamil (stepfather)wasn't a nice man and had seduced her mother and later broke her mother until her mother lost the will to live then Gamil stole her inheritance and used her money to invest and get ahead in his own interests while controlling Leila at the same time and enacted punishments if she didn't behave. Gamil was the one who set up the marriage to Joss and "forced" her into this because Gamil wanted to raise his esteem in the eyes of the world with having Joss, a very respected man in the business world and great reputation, as his son in law, and he would make sure that would happen. Leila who was happy to get under his thumb was more than willing to marry Joss because she believed that would finally lead her to her freedom that she so desperately wanted for all these years with no more punishment. So she was more than willingly to go through with it for that alone and was more than happy to have just a paper marriage with Joss. She even vowed that she would not be intimate with him ever (this being a romance you know how that goes) and just live her own life and be free of her prison when she had lived with Gamil.
While Joss was more than willing to accept the marriage because he would be gaining the land that would have been Leila's inheritance once they married. He would do anything in his power to secure those right even marrying, which he vowed never to do in his life, but he would accept it and now have his own little host to help him get ahead in the world with her connections and he vowed as well to never let intimacy and lovemaking come into their marriage believing that it would mess up everything and it would screw with his ability to get ahead in the world.
Leila was relieved to be getting married and out of her stepfather's clutches but was worried that she was going from one dominating house to another and at first that was what it seemed like with Joss demanding she live with him and act as his host. He didn't care if she had affairs with other men as long as she kept it discreet and she didn't get pregnant because he would never accept a child in his life ever. But he needed her as his host and if she didn't comply she would be going back to her stepfather and that abusive environment. Feeling trapped once more, Leila agreed knowing she could never go back to her stepfather again, but even though Joss was the lesser of two evils she was still wary of him and knew she had to keep her weaknesses to herself so he didn't use it against her and she vowed never to tell him what happened at the hands of her grandfather.
And that was when the fun began. Lots of sexual tension between the two but also a lot of mistrust as well. Her with her secrets and him believing she was nothing but a gold digger after his money which was the reason she agreed to the marriage to a stranger in the first place. But the more he got to know her the more he learned he was wrong about her and allowed her to get under his skin and him becoming more and more protective of her especially once he saw her real fear of going out in public then his view totally shifted.
One of the reason I loved this book was the transformation of each character made within the story, and I also loved their character development. With the character of Leila I just loved her strength and how she didn't let the abuse that was enacted by her stepfather to break her like it broke her mother and how she vowed that she would find a way to break free someway somehow even if that meant marriage to a stranger. (She even tried to run away a few times only to be brought back and put in an isolation nearly starving). And even though she had that strength within her she definitely had some issues to overcome and who wouldn't with the abuse she faced at the hands of Gamil who put her in isolation for weeks on end and face his abuse for two years and be a prisoner in his home. So she had a lot to overcome and work through and she did with the help of Joss by her side. So she went through the emotional wringer not just with her falling in love with Joss but with her other issues as well. But her marriage to Joss helped her and she was able to let her guard down and let him in and tell him what she went through and what demons she was facing. And she let herself love and trust him, and took his strength and used it for her own, which was really a beautiful thing to see and see the change in her and her becoming this confident woman because of her love for Joss and overcoming the trauma that she faced at her stepfather's hands.
Now Joss, even though he did a bone head thing at the end that I could have wrang his neck for, I also loved as a character. Once he learned that Leila feared going out then he did everything in his power to help her overcome that even distract her by kissing her in an elevator, which I will talk about that scene later, just so she wouldn't freak out and have those panic attack she would have in that confined space after being in isolation for so long. Not that he didn't want to kiss her but it gave him the excuse to give into his passions for her, which then began the rollercoaster of their relationship. But anyway once he learned all this he did everything in his power to help her and did so with a tenderness and caring quality to him that was beautiful to see. I could see how he was getting more and more protective of her everyday and how much he did want to help her. He cared about her even if he didn't want to admit even to himself. And he was never overly cruel to her, though he kind of domineered her in the beginning but that didn't last long and he showed her kindness and tried to help her through her issues while the attraction between them began to build and build until they couldn't help but give in to it (more on that later). I just loved how he was a support system for her and vowed to make things right for her and he could see how by doing that he made her blossom and become the woman she should be, though that change doesn't happen overnight and it was nice to see that progression and growth over time with the help of Joss.
Now as for the love scenes/sexual tension. There was a lot of it, and combine that with the emotions that were going on and you get some great passion going on between the pair. Their chemistry was hot. But what I liked was that it built over time and though there was a slight interest on both their parts in the beginning it wasn't overwhelming and it just built and built until it finally exploded. And I liked seeing their passion grow overtime and not just have this instant sexual attraction right away because if that happened I think it would have been a little bit too unrealistic. But the way that Annie West did it was very well done and very well developed and I liked really seeing that progression over time because that just built up the anticipation as well as the tension between the two. When they finally kiss it wasn't necessarily because they were giving into their passion but more of a distraction for Leila who freaked out at being in the confined space of an elevator after spending time in captivity shortly before her wedding and getting that trapped feeling. Joss made it to distract her so he kissed her and even though it was meant to be distraction it didn't mean it wasn't hot because it was roasting hot once her initial shock of him kissing disappeared and she let her passions take over as did he and that made for a hot elevator kiss, as did another elevator kiss that just upped the intensity. Those kisses were just so steamy as was their first lovemaking scene. It was beautiful yet hot at the same time because not only were the passions free but there were deep emotions going on there as well, and I loved seeing them come play as well. And then the tenderness that came afterwards was beautiful just how he held and cherished her like she was his precious treasure and I loved seeing that signaling this was more than a physical thing between them.
My only complaint with the love scenes were there weren't more of them, or I should say there weren't more descriptive scenes they were more summarized because they made love a lot but usually it was just mentioned in a sentence or two and not going into great detail. I wanted to see the detail just to see the difference between their first time and the other times and just how their love was growing over time as they expressed themselves physically. I would have loved to see that, but that didn't happen. I wanted more.
But overall this was a very enjoyable and passionate read with a tender love story where two people grow and change as their love grows and grows. I loved how their love healed and helped one another and that this relationship for them was always more than just the physical aspect of their relationship. I liked how they helped one another and that their love really did conquer all, and they became better people because of that love. I recommend this to any fan of Harlequin Presents. You won't be disappointed in this emotional roller coaster ride full of passion and tenderness and deep emotions and wonderful character you can't help but love. Well done Annie West. And I will keep reading her in the future she has yet to disappoint me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
3.5 stars
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