Title: Saving The Sheikh
Never Seduce A SheikhSynopsis
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn’t so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She’s used to living in a man’s world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she’s not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma’il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country’s oil and it’s not just about the money. But he’s intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who’s come to his country to strike a deal. He can’t help but wonder what’s beneath her icy facade.
Lily’s desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma’il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
My Review
Sheikh Isma’il Zahara has plans for his country, and he knows his people and will do whatever it takes to stay in command and do what is good, which is why he must always be in control. He has plans for his country’s oil, and is looking for someone that will help and aid his country. Lily Harkness, is a CEO and businesswoman, she gets the job done, and has dealt with many arrogant men, but she isn’t ready for this commanding sheikh who rattles her. Lily has desires that she hides even from herself, she has a dangerous past that she wouldn’t dare reveal to anyone, but Isma’il shows her desire and a seduction so deep he takes control of her heart and soul…but will she be able to do the same with this Shekih that exudes power and command…
Never Seduce A Sheikh is a contemporary romance, and deals with quite a bit of some darker issues that if you are looking for a light read, this isn’t it. It has some darker elements that really suck the reader in and make you think about certain issues. In the beginning of the story, its all about business and transactions and agreements, the Shekih shows Lily that there is more to life than a contract. Lily is fully invested in gaining this oil agreement, so she doesn’t see the bond forming between them until she can’t resist him. Both Lily and Isma’il have dark pasts, but in this erotic romance, we see them share every dark secret, and there is quite a power in this story that draws you in. This story is a shorter read, so you will just breeze through it the moment you get into it, which for me happened very quickly and I just couldn’t get enough. The characters are very vividly written and the author does a splendid job in portraying them in a way that captures you. And even though I am not a huge fan of erotica, I like more romance in the story, however in this one, I felt like there was quite a bit of intensity in the romance department, and how this story is all about overcoming and facing the past to embrace the love they share. A enthralling read to take hold of you and not let go!! A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY!!
My Grade
4 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Blazing
Sheik RetoldSynopsis
**TRADE PAPERBACK EDITION**
The Desert was Never Hotter!
A haughty young heiress for whom the world is a playground… A savage son of the Sahara who knows no law but his own…When pride and passion vie for supremacy, blistering desert days are nothing compared to sizzling Sahara nights…
“There will be inquiries.” I choked out. “I am not such a nonentity that nothing will be done when I am missed. You will pay dearly for what you have done.”
“Pay?” His amused look sent a cold feeling of dread through me. “I have already paid… in gold that matches your hair, my gazelle. Besides,” he continued, “the French have no jurisdiction over me. There is no law here above my own.”
My trepidation was growing by the minute. “Why have you done this? Why have you brought me here?”
“Why?” He repeated with a slow and heated appraisal that made me acutely, almost painfully, conscious of my sex. “Bon Dieu! Are you not woman enough to know?”
Pride and passion vie for supremacy between a haughty young heiress and a savage son of the Sahara in this fresh new telling of E.M. Hull’s romance classic
My Review
Diana, is a heiress, and has plans for adventure. She was raised practically as a tom boy since her brother raised her when her parents died. Diana doesn’t think about consequences or what may happen to her on her planned trip in the desert. On her way to her destination, her group is ambushed and she is captured by the Sheik Abdul. Abdul is bitter against the English, but when he saw Diana at a ball in France, he knew he had to have her. So now after he manipulated and worked his power so he could have Diana in his clutches, he wonders if what he has done is a smart move, when it might cost him his heart. Diana is outraged when she finds herself kidnapped, and is determined to show the Sheik just who he kidnapped. But Abdul is different from any other man, he is fierce and determined and has a cruel shell, but when the passion flares between them, and she starts to lose her heart, she realizes that he is anything but cruel. He is passionate, gentle, and needs love.
Sheik Retold is a retelling of a story by Victoria Vane by the older tale by E.M. Hull that was written in the early 1900’s. I never have read the original, but I was very intrigued by this one. So when I saw this one in Netgalley, I knew I needed to try it out. I do love a solid Sheik romance, and I have to say that Victoria Vane did a stellar job. I was a bit worried it would be so modernized but it wasn’t in any way. Of course it did have some pros and cons I liked and disliked, but overall a very solid romance story that held me captive from page one.
The story begins with seeing Diana being her spoiled self. I felt at first she was shallow and didn’t care about anyone but herself. Then when she gets captured, so many things she did, I just shook my head and said “girl, don’t you know anything, you do not bait a tiger!!!) LOL I had quite a few laughs seeing her growing pains. You see her change though from being stuck up and spoiled, to being more of a heroine that you start to admire. You see how she starts to become more gentle, and even though she still has her spirit, she knows what battles to fight and learns to compromise. Abdul, is one sexy hero, that is a bit damaged in a few ways. He is very bitter against the English, and once you understand the reasons, you become more understanding in the reasons why he treats Diana the way he does. In the beginning you don’t know whether you love him or hate him. But once it got about a third of the way through, you see so many good qualities that he tries to hide beneath his tough exterior. There is a bit of intensity throughout the story, and I would say this would rank among my favorites as far as desert sheik romances go. I felt like I was right next to these characters, and all the descriptions felt so real to me.
Overall a captivating retelling of a sheik romance that steals your heart. It will put you on edge, and pull you magically into this story of a desert setting, with a sexy yet damaged hero, a heroine who is feisty and strong willed, and a love story that will be instilled in your memory!! A ADVENTURE NOT TO BE MISSED OUT ON!!
My Grade
4 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Mass Market PaperbackSynopsis
Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he’s hired to rescue his brother’s kidnapped fiancée from a sultan’s harem. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.
The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey that takes them from the delicious intrigues of a sultan’s court to the glittering ballrooms of London, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.
My Review (may contain spoilers)
Summary
Clarinda is on her way, to her forthcoming marriage to a Duke, one of the most eligible bachelors. Even though she doesn’t love him, she cares for him and respects him. She knows that it is time for her to settle down and have a family. On her voyage however, she and her friend end up being kidnapped by corsair pirates. When Ashton is informed by his brother the Duke, that Clarinda Cardrew has been sold into a harem, he knows he doesn’t have much choice but to rescue her. Ashton has always loved Clarinda but never felt worthy of her so left her in England, but now he finds out she is engaged to his brother and that she can never be his. However he is the only one that is capable enough to find her and rescue her so he heads to the harem where she is located. What he doesn’t expect is to know the Sultan that has possession of her which only results in complicating things further. He never though that he would find himself so drawn to Clarinda, or to find their love rekindled into a powerful desire that could threaten to destroy both of them in the process.
The Hero (Ashton Burke)
Ashton Burke, as the youngest son of the Duke, was always labeled as second best. His parents never considered him to be worthy of their respect. When he was young, Clarinda followed him around like a puppy dog. But when she blossoms into a woman, he falls madly for her. He then realizes that he can’t have her. He must build a life and a fortune so he can have her. He never thought it would take ten years before he would see her again. He knows that he has hurt her deeply. When he finds out that she is engaged to his brother of all people, he doesn’t know if he will be able to let her go when he finally finds her safe and unharmed. But his love for her is stronger than ever and may be the key to freeing them both.
The Heroine (Clarinda Cardew)
Clarinda has deeply loved Ashton since she was a little girl. When he abandoned her, she knew he would be leaving her for good, that he would never return. Now ten years later, she is engaged to his brother, the Duke. But on her way to the wedding, her ship is attacked by pirates, and she is kidnapped, and sold to a Sultan. But the Sultan saved her life, and is now about to marry the man, and still is untouched by him after three months living in his harem. But she knows that time is short, until Ashton arrives onto the scene. When she sees him she is astounded that he is here. He starts to slowly seduce her once more, and she is more than ever afraid that he will break her heart again.
My Thoughts
After snatching this up from the local library, I was very thrilled to read this one. I have always enjoyed every book I have read from this author. From her older books to her more recent ones, her writing has only gotten better in my view. There were so many things that I loved about “The Pleasure Of Your Kiss”. First I want to talk about the characteristics about each characters. Ashton is quite a rake, traveled all over the world and takes pleasure where he can find it. Even though he has a very tough exterior he also has a bit of a soft side once you get past the outer shell. He can be very gentle and passionate. He is a charming character that makes me sigh whenever I think about him. Clarinda I found to be a very spirited character. She is very strong willed, intelligent and independent and doesn’t apologize for anything. I truly admired her most of the time. Now the plot was full of intrigue and intensity. I just loved a good harem romance, but this one was a bit different. There was also a side story romance that was charming. I fell completely in love with Poppy and the Sultan. I felt like the way that Medieros puts this book together was priceless. Such a vivid description of a romance that is full of depth and mesmerizing scenes. A uniquely depicted story that will thoroughly entertain you straight to your toes. A Sensual adventure!! (I can hardly wait for Max’s story….jumping up and down in anticipation)
First Line
“Oh Clarinda! Have you seen the latest edition of the Snitch? I picked one up at the docks before we sailed and there’s an absolutely delicious article about Captain Sir Ashton Burke!”
Favorite Quote
“Tutored?” Feeling his wariness grow, Ash glances at Luca, who was hanging on Farouk’s every word as if it would be his last. “In what subject, may I ask?”
Before Farouk could reply, Clarinda lifted her head, looked Ash dead in the eye, and said coolly “Pleasure, Captain Burke. How to give…and how to receive it.”
My Grade
4.5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Other Books In The Series
The Temptation Of Your Touch
The Panther And The Pearl
Doreen Owens Malek
Kindle E Book
Single Title
Leisure Publishing
Published 1994 Republished Apr 2012
400 Pages
Victorian Historical Romance
Synopsis
THE AMERICAN BEAUTY
When an innocent excursion to Constantinople took an unexpected twist, Sarah Woolcott found herself a prisoner in the harem of young and virile Kalid Shah. Headstrong and courageous, Sarah was determined to resist the handsome foreigner whose arrogance outraged her-even as his tantalizing touch promised exotic nights of fiery sensuality.
THE TURKISH PRINCE
Never had he encountered a woman who inflamed his desire like the blonde Westerner with the independent spirit. Although she spurned his passionate overtures, Kalid vowed to tempt her with his masterful skills until she became a willing companion on their journey of exquisite ecstasy!
My Review
Summary
When Sarah visits her cousin and his wife in Persia, she is intrigued by the culture, and volunteers to teach at the Sultan’s Harem. But then she catches the eye of Kalid, a Prince. So Kalid buys her from the Sultan, because she intrigues him in a way that no woman has. Sarah is shocked to discover she belongs to Kalid, and even though he is gorgeous and mesmerizing, but she refuses to give in to his seduction, because she is a person not a possession…but when he kisses her all her common sense and revolve goes out the window, and she feels herself opening up to him despite her inner protests and knows that she is falling in love with him…
The Hero
Kalid, was raised in Persia and this culture, having a harem is second nature to him. However when he was younger he was able to go to school in England, and he has always had a attraction to strong independent women. Having feeling bored with his own harem and life, until he see’s Sarah and he knows he must have her, and will do anything to keep her in his life…
The Heroine
Sarah, is shocked to discover that she is a captive now, and part of Kalid’s harem. She has no idea how she will be able to resist him before long. Sarah more than anything wants to leave, but knows that’s near to impossible. However there is something strong happening between them, she can feel it, and before long she know it she is in love with the scoundrel, and doesn’t want to live a life without him even if that means giving up her previous life….
My Thoughts
This was the first novel that I have read from this author, and I just fell in love with this story. It starts out a little slow but eventually the story really kicks into gear, and I found myself not able to put it down. I have always had a weakness for Sheikh’s love stories, and this is probably at the top of my favorites now….Kalid is very arrogant and holds power in his hands….but as the story progressed you start to just fall in love with him as the hero. Sarah is very strong willed and determined and I just loved how she stands up to Kalid with no fear….and I just enjoyed seeing these two fall for each other….it was a heartwarming romance, that will tickle your toes as you read…and warm your heart!!! A beautiful story set in a exotic place!!! Definitely looking forward to reading more from this breathtaking author who creates wonderful stories to capture the heart!!
My Grade On This Story
4.5 Blossoms
Lord Of The Desert
Hutton & Co Series (3)
Diana Palmer
Harlequin
Paperback
Published 2000
377 Pages
Contemporary Romance
ISBN 0-373-77022-7
Synopsis
From seduction in the royal sheikhdom to high adventure in the hot Arabian desert comes a breathtaking love story by international bestselling author Diana Palmer….
Sheltered small-town girl Gretchen Brannon was out of her element when she aligned herself with Sheikh Philippe Sabon, the formidable ruler of Qawi. They came from different worlds, yet she found a soul mate in the powerful, sensual man who’d suppressed his passions for far too long — and harbored a secret anguish. Nevertheless, he made the virtuous young woman aware of her own courage…and, in turn, she aroused his sleeping senses as no other woman could.
However, now that Gretchen’s heart belonged to the Lord of the Desert, danger loomed when she became the target for vengeance by the sheikh’s most diabolical enemy. In a final showdown that would pit good against evil, could love and destiny triumph…?
Summary:
Gretchen along with her closest friend Maggie, goes on a vacation to Morocco. When her friend has to leave unexpectedly and asks her to stay for the job that Maggie was offered. Gretchen, at first, only plans on staying for the vacation, because she doesn’t believe in lies or deceit and she doesn’t know if she could do that even to a Sheikh. When a mysterious yet sensual man bumps into her, and sparks fly, along with some kisses, and before Gretchen knows it she finds herself starting to care for Philippe, yet she senses deep pain and secrets in him, and when his true identity is revealed and other secrets, her feelings for Philippe only are strengthened, and even though there is a great danger if they are together, they both can’t bear to lose one another.
The Hero (Phillipe Sabon)
Phillipe, is a powerful man with much perseverance to get to where he is today, and after nine years of misery knowing he could never marry or have a family, he is even more at a loss when he finds Gretchen, who is everything he needs in his bleak life. Even though he seems to have power and wealth, he doesn’t have love at least until he felt the power of her kiss or her gentle kiss or that spark in her beautiful eyes, he knew he was lost from the moment she bumped into him and he knows he can’t ever let her go.
The Heroine (Gretchen Brannon)
Gretchen, has been sheltered much most of her life and is still a virgin, which is pretty unheard of in the states, but when she meets Phillipe, she sees respect and admiration in his gaze for her purity. Gretchen, has been living a boring and pretty much a blah kind of life, and after recently been abandoned by her boyfriend and losing her mother, she needs something more in her life, and she finds what has been missing when she meets Philippe, because he is the chance for a happily ever after, if she will just reach out and fight for what she wants.
My Thoughts
Lord Of The Desert is part of a five book series by Diana Palmer, and this is the first book that I have ever read from this author and I have to say I was pretty impressed, so impressed I plan on reading more of her books the next chance that I get. I had heard of her of course…I mean who hasn’t….but I am a bit picky about contemporary and since I don’t read it too often, I haven’t read her until now, but when I read the blurb for this one, I knew I just had to read it, and I am so glad that I did!!! I think I loved everything about this book, the story line, the characters, the passion and excitement, the conflicts, and above all the powerful romance that just set my heart pounding….One of my favorite aspects of this story was the conflict, which I don’t want to spoil so I won’t share it (you will just have to read it to find out) however its the type of conflict that you rarely if ever see in a romance story and I just loved seeing the approach about it, and definitely developed a deeper aspect to the story…Overall I think I just loved every thing about Lord Of The Desert, A Treasure that was a pure delight!!!
My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms
Other Books In This Series
Once in Paris
Paper Rose
Texas Ranger
Desperado
Addicted To Romance 