Kismet

by Monica Burns

Book Overview

In the heat of the desert night, passion rises like a flame... Raised in a brothel, Allegra Synnford quickly learned that survival meant taking charge of her destiny. Now, as a renowned courtesan... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425232158
• ISBN13: 9780425232156
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

What did I miss?

I can't understand how this book got such rave reviews. Granted, the plot showed promise; but it was just so much of the same old conflicts throughout that I lost interest. It could have been a much better story so I was sorely disappointed - straight to the recycling bin for this one.

Kismet

Allegra Sanford has traveled across Europe in order to attend her best friend's wedding. A former courtesan, Allegra's life hasn't always been easy, but now she is in charge of her own destiny and no one will ever make her do anything she doesn't want to do again. Seeing Sheikh Shaheen at the train station, however, makes Allegra think a bit more about her decision. He has made it more than clear that he does not want to have anything to do with Allegra, no matter how many times they are together and no matter how much he desires to tie her to him. Shaheen is adamant about this decision until he gets word of his enemies' plans to use Allegra, so he deliberately makes her think that he no longer cares. But cares he does and now it is only Shaheen who can save Allegra, the woman he loves. Shaheen made me so mad. I was furious at him for the way he treated Allegra, especially when he was mean to her - I wanted to smack him and shake him and hurt his feelings. And then I kept reading and suddenly everything about Shaheen fell into place. While I didn't like his reasoning, I understood him and the way he tried to protect Allegra. Allegra was an awesome female heroine. She was smart, witty, strong, independent, and beautiful. She was exactly what Shaheen needed. Kismet is a great historical romance; erotic and intriguing all at the same time. Monica Burns' talent shines through on every page. I can't wait to read more from this author. In fact, I am admonishing myself as to why I have never read Monica Burns before! Kismet is definitely a keeper. Talia Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

5 Hearts from The Romance Studio!

The story idea was original and everything seemed to work together to create a tale that is, in my opinion, a must-read for any fan of historical fiction. I was so emotionally invested that by the end of the book, I was in tears and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next, while at the same time wanting to slow down so the story wouldn't end! Monica Burns has brought to life a story world that you won't want to miss. - Bonnie Jean

Desert Heat

Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh fights his desire for legendary courtesan, Allegra Synnford. She isn't immune to the mysterious man either but denies her attraction for what he could mean to her. Attending her friend's wedding in Morocco leads Allegra into Shaheen's arms and ultimately there is little either can do to resist their attraction. But past circumstances and experiences have taught each that guarding their feelings gives them strength and control over their lives. Just the way they want it. Allegra is a strong woman who relishes her independence,and she believes giving into Shaheen will only make her vulnerable and that's not something she will ever allow. Shaheen's been burned in the past which leads him away from his native England to live with his adoptive people. He's not about to let another courtesan work her way under his skin, but he's not above bargaining for a taste of her. Things heat up and secrets unfold when an old adversary forces Shaheen into realizing what Allegra really means to him. And Allegra accepts she's powerless to deny what's between them. She prides herself in her strength and determination, but quickly recognizes she doesn't have a chance against her destiny. Monica Burns takes her readers to the exotic Moroccan desert in this recent release. Lovingly described, the setting is a sensual pleasure, but the storytelling will have readers reluctant to put the book down. I loved the clear descriptions and the intensity of emotions throughout each scene, and the electricity running between the hero and heroine kept me wanting more. If you're a lover of historical romance, treat yourself to this one. It's an exciting contribution to the genre.

Kismet is a MUST READ!

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