#BlogTour The Sheikh's Bought Wife (Wedlocked!) by @Sharon_Kendrick @HarlequinBooks @BookTrib #MMBBR

To the horror of my parents, I left school at sixteen and held a bewildering variety of jobs: I was a London DJ (in the now-trendy Primrose Hill), a decorator and a singer. After that I became a cook, a photographer and, eventually, a nurse. I waitressed in the south of France, drove an ambulance in Australia, saw lots of beautiful sights but could never settle down. Everywhere I went I felt like a square peg—until one day I started writing again and then everything just fell into place. I felt like Cinderella must have when the glass slipper fit!

Today, I have the best job in the world, writing passionate romances for Harlequin. I like writing stories which are sexy and fast-paced, yet packed full of emotion—stories that readers will identify with, laugh and cry along with.

My interests are many and varied—chocolate and music, fresh flowers and bubble baths, films, cooking and trying to keep my home from looking burglarized! Simple pleasures—you can’t beat them!

I live in Winchester, one of the most stunning cities in the world, but don’t take my word for it—come see for yourself! I regularly visit London and Paris. Oh, and I love hearing from my readers all over the world…so I think it’s over to you! 


*Bio and photo from Goodreads.

“I adore Sharon Kendrick's sexy, sparkling take on a Cinderella story—it's a must-read!”—USA TODAY bestselling author Lynne Graham

The desert king's outrageous proposal! 

Marry a sheikh in return for a hefty financial reward? Shy researcher Jane Smith would normally have laughed in Zayed Al Zawba's handsome face. Except it's only for six months and the money will rescue her sister who's mired in debt… 

Sheikh Zayed will do anything to inherit Kafalah's neighboring oil-rich lands, even wed plain Jane: he'll never long to consummate a marriage with her! But Zayed hasn't bargained on Jane's frumpy clothes hiding delicious curves…or her quick mind and untouched beauty teasing and tempting him beyond his wildest imaginings!

Early Summer Rituals: The author talks about what they enjoy doing outside when the weather finally starts getting warmer.

·         When the weather starts getting warmer, I get out and walk in the countryside.  I love listening to the sounds of the birds and watching all the flowers coming into bloom.  Whatever the weather, I get something out of it.  Walking doesn’t cost anything and often you won’t see another person for hours and hours – it fills me with an incredible sense of freedom, as well as making me grateful to be alive.  Oh, and it helps give me inspiration if my story has reached an infuriatingly stubborn point! 

THE SHEIKH’S BOUGHT WIFE by Sharon Kendrick

What is your favorite part about writing The Sheikh’s Bought Wife?

I felt very fortunate with this particular story because it almost seemed to write itself.  Both characters came to me fully formed and were eager to tell their story.  I must add that this does not happen very often!

What was challenging about writing this book?

The challenging part was in making an outrageous and misogynistic hero come good at the end.  Also, it was crucial to the story that Jane really did fall in love with Zayed, because he is the kind of man she despises.  But then she gets to know him…

How would you describe the relationship between Zayed and Jane?

I would describe Zayed and Jane’s relationship as tempestuous.  He is a playboy and she is a prude.  He loves sex and she’s never had sex.  They are both distrustful around each other but then the layers begin to get peeled away and what you are left with is a red-hot love-affair which was never intended to happen.

How did you come up with their names? Do they mean anything specific?

Character names are very important to me and this book was no different in that respect.  One of the meanings of Zayed is “in abundance” and I thought that was very appropriate because he certainly has lots of things in abundance….sex appeal, money & land, for starters.  The one things he’s never had is love.

Jane was chosen specifically because the heroine is plain – but of course, by the end of the book we discover that she is the most beautiful woman in the world in the eyes of her Sheikh!

How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I sometimes spend weeks mulling over an idea and once it has grown I try to add to it.  I go and watch films and read books and magazines.  Whichever country I use (or invent) for the story, I then try to immerse myself in it.  Often, I use only a fraction of the things I’ve researched but the knowledge I’ve gained helps inform my writing.

How long does it typically take for you to write a book?

I write four books for Harlequin every year, for the best-selling Presents imprint.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

I would be a potter!  I absolutely love working with clay.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be writer?

When I was about seven years old my teachers always used to read my stories out loud.  I discovered that writing was the thing I was best at – and, even better – I loved it.  I still do.

What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

I love creating characters and conflict and inventing a different world every time I write a book.  Bringing two warring lovers together for a dramatic and mutually satisfying ending to their story is a great feeling. 

What book are you currently reading right now?

I’m reading THIS MUST BE THE PLACE, by Maggie O’ Farrell – who is the most superb writer and comes from Ireland (where my mother was born).  I am also reading ITALIAN IN 30 DAYS, because I’m supposed to be learning the language at evening class.  I’m not very good but I try!