Good book that I actually finished (I don't waste precious time forcing myself to finish books I'm not crazy about) I love the locale of Egypt and England and the historical era. The characters were complex and emotions and history were essential to the conflicts in this book. The love scenes were wonderful and satisfying after all the suspense about it. (I hate books that build you up and say nothing.)

All the characters were intriguing and I especially loved Badra. No, she wasn't a mixed breed (with a European) or noble or wealthy or anything. She was a poor regular egyptian woman with brown hair and eyes (a rarity in romance novel although it is how most people look)and was sold as a concubine. This is one of the few times I've actually read about a regular human being like myself (I'm not egyptian but I still related to her)overcoming her fears and finding love with a good man (I love that he is English and light-eyed, good contrast). I definitely recommend this book.

I was so looking forward to enjoying my time on maternity leave with a good sexy romance novel...and this book just could not deliver on any level. In fact, I am tempted to quit reading reviews in order to determine which books to buy since the reviews were quite fine for this novel...and I am not sure how these reviewers could possibly be talking about the same book that I tried to read. The sexy scenes were so poorly written and constructed that they could not thrill a love-starved teenager let alone a more mature audience. Two thumbs down for this one and I will not be attempting her other novels either.

Fans of Bonnie Vanak's sensuous - and riveting - "The Tiger and the Tomb" won't be disappointed by her latest effort. Again set against the mysterious and exotic world of 19th-century Egypt, Ms. Vanak gives her readers another irresistible hero and determined, strong-willed heroine.

I was turned off by the sexual abuse of child Badra, but the reader heals from this initial repulsion even as the heroine does. Ms. Vanak handles this trauma truthfully and with good taste, a pitfall that has ruined many another otherwise excellent book. I highly recommend this writer's works. Her talent for hot, sexy romance blends so well with thrilling adventure. Check out "The Tiger and the Tomb" if you haven't already.

This was my first Vanak book and I am ordering 2 more. The ending was a surprise, and was wonderful. I hope Ms. Vanak expands in another book, the story of Rashid. He would make another interesting book. I would highly reccomend this book. History seemed very accurate and at times, I wanted to reach through the book and help them with the battles.

A wonderful story that flowed from start to finish.Our hero Khepri is adopted by the khamsin when his parents are killed in Egypt.Badra the heroine is rescued from a sadistic sheik and given sanctuary by these warriors.Khepri is given the responsibility of protecting Badra but forbidden to touch her.He consequently falls in love with her and worships her from afar in true courtly love fashion for a time.Badra returns his love but is afraid to show this because of the horrors of her past.Khepri believing she doesn't love him returns to England vowing to forget her.They are reunited,and face obstacles to their love which they overcome.I enjoyed this book because the hero and heroine were sympathetic characters.The hero wasn't arrogant and overbearing which is a plus in my book as I get tired of reading about these types of men who ride roughshod over their heroine's feelings.After being rejected by Badra Khepri was hurt but he was still very protective of her,he did not seek to get any form of revenge on her,very chivalric like a knight of old.he's my favorite hero to date.Badra's story is sad and I'm glad the author did not have her getting over her traumatic experiences very quickly.There was a progression from her facing what happened to her,talking to khepri about it and being able to make love with Khepri-superbly done.This book is a sad love story but it's beautifully written.There are enough truly romantic moments in that it doesn't become morbid.I will be buying The Tiger and the Tomb and The Falcon and the Dove by the same author because of this book.