The world of sheikh's makes for an interesting cultural environment - although the romantic approach is rather stilted, awkward, and sometimes, have to say it, juvenile. It's like no one has any experience but are going for it anyway. Some may like the atmosphere and culture aspect - but romance fans may be disappointed.

Such a good read on love, tradition and learning that it is okay to change the way things have been going on for generations. Zak and Lale are the cutest kids ever and ai am glad they had a front row seat in this book.

Leslie North is a really good romance writer. When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Willow and Hadi. Willow is a teacher and Hali is sheikh. Hadi come to his daughter’s school to hear how she is doing. Willow explains his daughter is doing great, being best friends with her nephew, who just happens to be Hadi’s son. He didn’t know he had a result with a one night stand with Willow’s sister, who is deceased. Hadi must work through the decisions he must make about his son, explaining it to his family, explaining it to his country, and figuring out how to be a great father to his son. There is an attraction to Willow and Hadi, they explore it. They fall in love.

Willow Mandrake is a single mom to her nephew Zak. Sheikh Hadi is a widower and dad to his daughter Lale. Willow is Lale's teacher and also Zak's best friend. During a parent teacher conference Willow informs Hadi that he is Zak's father from a one night stand he had with Willow's sister before he married Lale's mom. Hadi insists she move to the palace. They have a paternity tests that shows Zak is his son. Hadi realizes that Willow could solve another problem for him and that is marry him to solve an ancient prophecy. Willow agrees but struggles with Hadi's parenting style and all the different customs. Of course in the end you have your HEA. I always enjoy every book I read by Leslie North. They are well written books that I can read in one setting. Highly recommend any of her books.

Received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my honest opinion.

The Sheikh's Wedding Series is a new series by Ms. North and this is the first installment of the collection. As with all of Ms. North's books, the story caught my attention from the beginning and held my attention till the end. The storyline flowed smoothly and had an entertaining plot with some interesting twists. Sheikh Hadi is a widower who had a one night stand years ago before marrying which resulted in a son he never knew about. He learns of his son from his daughter's teacher, Willow, who is the boy's aunt as well as his adoptive mother. Hadi brings them to his palace for their safety and also to get to know his son. He wants him to learn all the customs and traditions of his country. Hadi and Willow don't see eye to eye on what is best for his son, which makes for some very interesting drama! Each will have to learn to concede to the other for any chance at forming a family.
The story was well-written with strong characters and kept my interest the entire time. Very good story!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Another lovely romance from leslie north, have now read numerous books by north and enjoy them all, this one was no exception

Nice read about complicated relationships with extended family and love. Had slight difficulties because the story would jump to different situations without connections. Enjoyed it.

Sheikh's surprise son by Leslie North.
The sheikh's wedding series book 1.
Years ago, Sheikh Hadi Toma allowed himself one night of freedom, one night to be a normal young man. Little did Hadi know, his one night of passion resulted in a son—a son who has been adopted by his daughter’s quirky, pink-haired teacher, Willow
A brilliant read. I do love this author. I knew I would love this book. Hadi and Willow were my favourite. I loved the cover too. 5*.

Leslie North has written a sweet story surrounding these characters. You still get a strong sheikh, a sensitive heroine and two endearing children all finding their way through challenges and building relationships. I thought she was quite successful in going deeper into the story, showing all sides while crafting a strong story-line that had me wanting to see it to its conclusion sooner than later. A little different than some of her other story lines, with more time spent on the the secondary characters (the children) but making it more believable with smiles thrown in. I think you will enjoy this one.

Sheikh's Surprise Son (Sheikh's Wedding #1) by Leslie North
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Publication Date: December 30, 2021

Sheikh's Surprise Son is the first book in the Sheikh's Wedding trilogy by Leslie North. This romance is filled with beautiful culture, tradition and history.

I loved the story of a surprise family coming together with a romance written in the stars. I definitely swooned a little reading this one.

If you are looking for a heartfelt, steamy romance with a sheikh this book is for you! I can't wait to see what's next in the trilogy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An interesting romance embracing major culture clashes as well as working in royal traditions. The fights and squabbles between parents and children are all too familiar and realistic as are the wise words that the parents try to live their lives by. An education, made me think as well as a touching romance.

So happy to continue enjoying leslie north,s books this was no exception. Lost count of how many of their books i.ve read at this point .

The desert stars align for passion and romance…

Years ago, Sheikh Hadi Toma allowed himself one night of freedom, one night to be a normal young man. Little did Hadi know, his one night of passion resulted in a son—a son who has been adopted by his daughter’s quirky, pink-haired teacher, Willow.

It isn’t long before Hadi realizes Willow might solve a major problem. He’s duty-bound to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and must marry during an upcoming astronomical event. Who better to marry than his son’s adoptive mother? Now he just needs to convince Willow. But is he marrying her for love? Or just to satisfy his superstitious family’s wishes…

Willow may not be her son’s biological mother, but she’s fiercely protective of her little boy. Can Hadi, a gruff, taciturn man, learn to be a patient, caring father? Sure, he’s the sexiest man she’s ever met, but that’s not the point. Still, it’s hard to keep her priorities straight when she gazes into the Sheikh’s smoldering eyes…

Leslie North pens a beautiful and mesmerizing tale of love and passion, that is deep-rooted with tradition. The love story between Hadi and Willow is relatable and moves at a breakneck speed. The picture-perfect family portrait is completed by Zak and Lale - who add so many layers of innocence to the whole plotline.

This story was able to deliver on so many aspects - Second chance at love, traditions, folklore (the whole belief in stars, prophecies), and the expectations from heirs.

The only feedback where the book could have done better was to maybe allow Hadi and Willow's love to grow more naturally. It is an insta love kind of a trope and did not give us much glimpse into what Hadi and Willow thought of each other (except from the physical body responses).

All in all, a good read!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, I believe the first book. I liked this book, the characters are interesting and the location was fun. I liked that Hadi accepted his responsibility so well, and the culture clash seemed realistic. I loved Willow=her commitment to her son Zak. Overall, a quick read but fascinating-I love the cultural diversity. 3.5 stars

This is Hadi and Willow’s story. Hadi is a sheikh and Willow is his daughter’s teacher. She is raising her sister’s son who is Hadi’s illegitimate son. They have to move in to the palace for everyone’s safety. Hadi has high expectations for his children. Are they too high. Hadi and Willow fall in love and plan to marry. Will his traditions tear them apart? I loved the story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

If there's one thing Leslie North knows, it's how to craft a strong, sexy sheikh. Her heroes are deeply rooted in tradition and her heroines are strong, caring, and never fail to bring out the man behind the sheikh. ⁣
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I loved the progression of this book - from Sheikh Hadi finding out he's got a son he didn't know about to meeting the boy's aunt, Willow (who has pretty much become his adoptive mother) and then falling in love! And Hadi's daughter Lale is absolutely adorable! ⁣
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I'd classify this book as more of a slow-burn/forced proximity romance than anything else. Willow and Zak (the surprise son) move into the palace mostly for their safety and so Zak can learn how to be a future sheikh. But as the two are pushed together for the sake of the children, a romance ensues.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC

This is a romance story, I guess it is... but it was really entertaining the least. This is the story of Hadi a Sheihh a the nest successor of what? I quite don't know is not actually disclosed that much. Before he was married to another woman he had a one night stand with Fern and they went their marry way. A few years later , we do not know what happened with his current wife, we only know he has a daughter, he was at her school and he teacher confess to him that one of the Kids Zak is his and she is the sister of Fern, the news spread and both Willow and Zak move in to the Palace. and well we get into meeting the family and the need of them to fulfill a prophecy to get married. not gonna go any further, but this book is really entertaining and I read through out the day. This turned to be very romantic and a HEA is guaranteed at the end thanks to Lela, Willow and Zak being loved and having a great connection.

Note: This is a weird setting, is not quite clear where this is...How we went to a Private school in the middle of the city to a Palace?. At this point I believe this is a character driven book.

As my rating system goes I gave this book 3 stars, I really really enjoyed it and looking forward to read more books from the author.

Sheikh's Surprise Son, was a book that I finished however did not enjoy much. The kids were the best part of the story. I had a hard time with both, Hadi and Willow. Hadi was too stern and unbending. Willow was too eager to please everyone.