Inherited for the Royal Bed is the latest book by fabulous author Annie West. I always eagerly await her newest release, and I have never been disappointed. This is her usual delightful story, featuring two delightful – and sometimes funny, sometimes a little irritating – characters. Sayid is the new Emir of Halarq. Another handsome, dashing sheikh (sigh!!). Raised as a royal but not expecting to inherit the throne. As he settles in as Emir he feels a strong duty to his country and his people and is determined to care more for them and less for the privilege and excess of his position than the previous ruler, his uncle, did. Something else he did not expect to inherit? His very own concubine in the person of 17-year old Lina. Even though Lina is just on the cusp of womanhood when they meet there is an immediate, undeniable attraction between them. But Sayid is honorable and frankly appalled at the idea of owning a person, and sends Lina away to be educated. The fun begins when she returns four years later, not the scared, meek young girl, but a beautiful, feisty, independent woman, with ideas – lots of ideas – of her own. And that attraction is still there, stronger than ever.

Their encounters throughout the book are . . . delightful: “Whatever it was (about him), it made sensation fizz and burst through her veins. Was she ill? Coming down with a fever? She’d never felt like this before.” Or - “And you wanted to touch them?” “Ha! I'd rather touch a flea-ridden, spitting camel with diarrhoea than one of them.” And – “I’ve decided I want . . . more from marriage.” “More than me?” Sayid and Lina come from the same culture, but from different worlds. His incredulity that she could possibly want more than him is hilarious. But also serious and heartbreaking because neither one of them has figured out yet how to make this work.

I start smiling as soon as I start an Annie West book and don't stop until after the final page is turned. How can I not when I read something like this, “A smile skated across his face and Lina caught her breath. In repose his face was serious yet handsome. But when he smiled it felt like angels danced in her soul.” Sigh again!! Thanks to the author for providing a copy of Inherited for the Royal Bed and taking me on another joyful journey to another exotic place where there are people you come to care about. ( )