Synopsis
Sometimes the most precious treasures exist in the most barren and inhospitable of places …
Harriet Montague is definitely too much of a gentlewoman to be frequenting the backstreet taverns of Algiers. But her father has been kidnapped whilst on an expedition to the tomb of an ancient desert queen, and she’s on a mission to find the only person who could save him.
It’s just unfortunate that Lucas Saintclair, the man Harriet hopes will rescue her father from scoundrels, is the biggest scoundrel of the lot. With a bribe in the form of a legendary pirate treasure map, securing his services is the easiest part – now Harriet must endure a treacherous journey through the desert accompanied by Saintclair’s band of ruffians.
But on the long, hot Saharan nights, is it any wonder that her heart begins to thaw towards her guide – especially when she realises Lucas’s roguish façade conceals something she could never have expected?
Sequel to Angel of the Lost Treasure.
Marie Laval
Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire with her family. She works full-time as a modern languages teacher, and in her spare times loves writing romance and dreaming about romantic heroes. She writes both historical and contemporary romance, and her historical romance The Lion’s Embrace won the Gold Medal at the Global eBook Awards 2015 (category Historical Romance). She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her native France, as well as her passion for history and research, very much influences her writing, and all her novels have what she likes to call ‘a French twist’!
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FREE Audio Story
Listen to a fabulous, heart-warming FREE short story from Marie Laval.
Message on a Pebble by Marie Laval narrated by Gordon Griffin. Click the play button to listen.
Wow! Another fabulous historical romance from Marie Laval. I’m always in awe of the way Marie can combine such great characters, storylines and locations. Queen of the Desert does all that in spades. We meet another member of the Saintclair, Lucas, a hero to die for, and the feisty heroine Harriet who needs his help in finding her father. A real page turner from start to finish. Thank you Marie.
Very exciting story set in the Sahara. Harriet’s archaeologist father has been kidnapped whilst exploring in the desert. Harriet and her father’s protege Archie hire a local guide to try to ransom her father. However can they trust their guide, Lucas, and can looks be deceptive. Thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling story and its unforgettable characters.
Loved this book! It combines travel, history, romance and crime. All my favourite genres in one. It is a well crafted novel which lets you follow Harriet’s adventures as she sets out to rescue her ransomed father. There is plenty of love interest with both Archie and Lucas in Algeria and the UK. The encounters with bandits and hostile tribesmen throw the leading characters together in unexpected ways, and the wilderness and heat of the desert is so well described you’ll need a glass at your side!
If you enjoy a rollicking romp with added gore, then this is for you. I can’t decide if it is an adventurous romance, or a romantic adventure – but with a sparky heroine, hunky hero, villains apparently under every grain of sand in the Sahara, it has all the ingredients for an enjoyable cosy evening or two by the fire (or anywhere/anytime!) We also meet up again with other characters (no spoilers) as a bonus. An easy recommendation from me.