Desert Warrior by Nalini Singh

This is the second story that is in the double book ("Lord of the Abyss") by Nalini Singh.  You will not be disappointed if you buy this double book.  It is a reprint of her August 2003 Silhouette Desire book.
Jasmine Coleridge seems to have a self-esteem problem.  She also wants to design clothing.  Tariq al-Huzzein Donovan Zamanat is the Sheik of Zulheil and knows what he wants.  They also knew each other 4 years ago.
There is an intensity between Jasmine and Tariq right from the start.  Mina is the lamb to Tariq's lion.  Tariq treats Mina as a possession and Mina just wants to be loved.  The story appears to be contemporary but because of where the story takes place it would also fit in as a historical romance.  The desert doesn't seem to change very much.  Almost like time stands still - the desert is almost untouched by the outside world.
Tariq's claiming of Mina is very sensual.  You see Mina blossom under Tariq's touch.  The reader also gets a chance to see how romantic sleeping under the stars can be.  It may give you some ideas about getting romantic with your significant other.
The past keeps getting in between Tariq and Mina's relationship.  You will have to keep reading to see if the couple can "weather the storm".  There is a saying "Love conquers all".  Will their love be able to?
The hunks in some of the romance novels always have a way of saying the wrong thing and his lady-love ends up slipping back into her shell.  As I was reading, I had hoped that Tariq wouldn't follow suit - but he did.  Now I have to hope that Mina puts him in his place.
Nalini likes to tease her readers.  Will Mina's love be enough?  Will Tariq realize what he has before it's too late?  Nalini also adds in the evil sister.  You will have to read the story to find out what she does and if she destroys the love that the couple has for each other.
If you are a hopeless romantic, you will love this book.  I'm used to reading Nalini's paranormal romances but this was a very nice change.  The only disappointment I had was that the second story doesn't have its own cover.  With Nalini's description of what Tariq looks like, you would love to see an actual picture.  But you will not be disappointed if you go and buy the double book (unless you already own the original from 2003).
I give "Desert Warrior" 4 1/2 stars.