Yusra Amin is a single mother struggling to make ends meet. One day, she receives an unexpected visit from Bashir Warsame, a billionaire tycoon who tells her her son AJ isn’t hers. Not only that, but AJ and Bashir’s nephew Zaire were swapped at birth. As soon as Yusra and Bashir meet their respective biological sons, they instantly connects with them. In order for both Bashir and Yusra to have full access to their children, Bashir makes a proposition to Yusra: having a marriage of convenience. Something that could be beneficial for both, since they aren’t interested in love and relationships… Until they fall for each other. Will their marriage survive now that their hearts have taken control of their relationship?
After her failed first marriage with an insecure and controlling man who dumped her (rejecting all his responsibilities towards his son in the process) after he destroyed her self esteem, Yusra doesn’t want to risk her heart loving someone again. Bashir, on his part, had a traumatic childhood as a refugee in his native Somalia that left him orphaned as a kid. Losing his loved ones affected him to the point he left his uncle’s family behind so he can’t suffer more loss in his life. But when his cousin Imran, the one he considered his brother, and his wife died, Bashir didn’t hesitated taking care of their baby.
Bashir and Yusra are a good couple and pretty alike in personality. They’re very religious and family oriented even when Bashir distances himself from his family. The difference lies in their way to deal with emotions; while Yusra is an open book, Bashir’s hermeticism keeps him unreachable. They have chemistry and their attraction to each other is real, but I felt their romance a bit off in specific parts of the plot, not to mention, although beautifully pure, it kinda deflated at the end.
One of the most fascinating things this book has is its cultural aspects. As a Black Muslim couple originally from Somalia and living in Uganda, being the latter and Zákynthos, Greece, where the story takes place, Bashir and Yusra shows us some of the religion’s traditions and rituals. Yet I wanted to see more about Uganda outdoor settings. On the other hand, since Bashir’s defense mechanism keeps important people in his life at arm’s length, we don’t have a lot of secondary characters. His blood family and Yusra’s are reduced to mere mentions. Also, we see Bashir’s mentor in Greece in a few scenes, shining in their supportive roles. But I really wanted to see more the kids, especially their interactions with Bashir.
This is my first book from Ms. Sheik, and it gave me a good impression of her writing. The plot runs smoothly, with fantastic transitions. I have to admit that, although the pace and the reading was impecable, the cronological times pace was inconsistent in moments where the passing of the weeks is lengthened. That said, the author brought a beautiful love story, highlighting her fantastic work with the baby swap/marriage of convenience topics. And the epilogue was marvelous.
ARC given by Ms. Sheik via Booksprout. Thanks for your trust.
About the Book
Release Date: June 27, 2023
ASIN: B0BGJ5RRWP
Published By: Harlequin Romance
Series: None
Genre: Contemporary Romance
eBook, 201 pages
When a shocking proposition comes from a handsome billionaire, will this single mom say yes and unite their families forever? Find out in the latest Harlequin Romance by Hana Sheik.
A shocking revelation…
and proposal?
Struggling single mother Yusra is shocked when handsome billionaire Bashir turns up, claiming their children were swapped at birth! She’s fiercely protective of her son, AJ, and refuses to give him up. But when she meets little Zaire, she can’t deny the connection she feels. For their sons’ sakes Bashir makes a proposition: marry and move in together! They expected to fall in love with their sons, but falling for each other…?
From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
About the Author
Hana Sheik falls in love every day reading her favorite romances and writing her own happily ever afters. She’s worked as a data entry operator, customer service rep, telemarketer, and ghostwriter—but being a romance author is hands-down the best job ever! She calls the Great White North (Canada) her heart and home, and lives there with her family.
She loves to hear from readers.
Find Hana at: hanasheik.com
Twitter: @hanasheikbooks
Facebook: @HanaSheikAuthor
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