Kristi Gold: Oh, That Sheikh Mystique…

Sheikh Romance… those stories featuring dashing Arabian monarchs with untold wealth and an abundance of sex appeal.   I've published seven to date, all falling under the Harlequin Desire line.  Now a confession—before I was invited to write my first sheikh book in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Lone Star Jewels series, I knew they were extremely popular, but I had no idea why.  I had never read one, much less even remotely considered writing one.  In fact, when I received the outline and learned that I'd been assigned an Arabian hero, I darn near hyperventilated.  After I recovered, I realized I had been given a golden opportunity to prove that I could meet the challenge head-on.   And frankly, it did prove to be quite a challenge in the beginning, especially when I discovered I'd be pitting a hero archetype I'd never written against a twenty-two-year-old virgin.  Talk about stretching the bounds of my reality.  But that's what fiction is all about, right? 

So I armed myself with a colloquial Arabic language book, and the novice attitude I would write the best sheikh ever, then went about designing a hero who was both alpha and honorable.  I suddenly began to realize those traits were actually common among all the heroes I had written to that point.  And I've always been partial to strong, sassy heroines, so what better kind of woman to take on that ultra-macho rich guy?   Then exactly what makes the sheikh romance different? 

After gaining some experience, I began to liken these Arabian love stories to contemporary historicals.  First of all, a sheikh's formal speech sets him apart from—let's say—a cowboy, and his mores definitely might seem antiquated to most women.  Enter that modern heroine who has no problem putting him in his place, even if she has trouble resisting his charisma.  Also, exotic (fictional) locales can come into play, though I've written several set in the U.S.  But even taken out of his element, the sheikh hero still remains an enigma—dark, maybe a little dangerous, and sexy as hell.  However, in my stories, super-alpha does not mean a license to be verbally or physically abusive.  I don't feature harems or kidnapping or captivity, but I have been known to use some tongue-in-cheek references to those very things.  I don't mention religion ever, or introduce politics beyond that which I have made up in regard to ruling their make-believe kingdoms.  I have included an imaginary phallic fertility mountain, which bodes well for unintended baby-making.  And above all, I always incorporate two people who find love with each other against insurmountable odds.

All that said, I honestly believe the sheikh mystique—and undeniable appeal—comes from introducing readers to a fantastical world of wealth, sensuality and of course, that greatly anticipated happily-ever-after.  But I certainly can't speak for all readers, so tell me why you personally love those sheikh romances?   I'm giving away three sets of the first two Arabian Heat releases - The Return of the Sheikh and One Night with the Sheikh.  Leave a comment for a chance to win!

***Janine. is the winner!  Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing address!***