A Sultan's Ransom

The 2nd book in the Shadow Soldiers series lives up to its predecessor and finds it's own place in a reader's heart. Sheik Rafiq Zayed is a hero that will be long remembered. He's strong, determined, but a heart of a warrior for sure, and when he loves, he does it with no holds barred. It was one of my favourite qualities about him--one of many. Rafiq heads back into dangerous territory--his birthplace that holds many secrets, painful memories and his worst enemy--to stop the deadly virus that threatens mankind. The simple plan of placing a device within a main computer to track information, is the beginning of something extraordinary. Unbeknownst to Dr. Paige Sterling, she's been working on the deadly virus manifications for years and now she holds the key that could stop it. Rafiq takes Paige as his prisoner, in the beginning, with hopes that she'll assist his organization to find an antidote. But Rafiq's past and the laws of Haman threaten them both and they have to leave or be discovered. As the hours count down to the deadly virus being exposed, Rafiq and Paige also fight for their lives. Lives are threatened, hearts are in danger and citizens of Haman and in the U.S. might never be the same... Again, Loreth Anne White brings readers no holds barred action, adventure, powerful heroes and imagery that is wonderfully transcribed. Rafiq's character is memorable and incredible. He couldn't go home again, didn't want to, but he did--to save the world. He's a man's man who beneath the tough façade is soft-hearted and will cherish the woman who captures his heart. Paige holds her own against Rafiq as they spend more time together and wants to fight back against those that used her. The combination of the two warriors that they are, makes for memorable excitement. What I enjoy most about this author's work thus far, is that the heart of her characters, their hopes and dreams--though sometimes shattered--are told with style, grace and dignity. The heroes have dark pasts that have altered their lives--were instrumental in each of them joining the French Foreign Legion and signing on for five years(sometimes more)--and the heroines also have their own demons to slay as well. Ms. White hasn't put a rosy spin on these stories as some might. Though they are romance and done exceptionally well, in the end, there is still the danger of the deadly virus and it's not just a pat situation. Each book can stand alone, but do lead into one another. Ms. White hooks her readers and captures us, making us dire in waiting to find out the final outcome and sets the stage with amazing characters. Sultan's Ransom is emotional, gripping, and passionate. This reader anxiously awaits book three of this series. This is one series that will forever have a home on my keeper shelf.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Sultan's Ransom by Loreth Anne White. In fact, stayed up all night reading it. This book has the perfect combination of action, suspense and romance. I loved the rich description and emotional undertones of the story. Don't miss this book!!! I look forward to the next in Loreth's Shadow Soldiers.