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Club Volare #1
Sold to the Sheikh
Stella Spencer is grateful for any job she can get after her divorce, even if it's at her friend's exclusive BDSM club. And Club Volare proves the perfect place to hide while she mends a shattered heart--until she interrupts an auction scene, and the powerful Sheikh Bashir al Aziz bin Said decides that Stella is the woman that he wants.
At Club Volare for one last wild weekend before his family requires him to settle down, Sheikh Bashir doesn't expect to find a woman he can trust, or a woman who challenges him. But Stella Spencer is a challenge, all right: both vulnerable and guarded, beautiful and insecure, and a closet submissive. Only, Bashir is convinced she's hiding something.
Stella is afraid to open her heart to love again after the way she's been hurt, but Sheikh Bashir wants to be the Dom to show her who she truly is--and Sheikh Bashir always gets what he wants.
At Club Volare for one last wild weekend before his family requires him to settle down, Sheikh Bashir doesn't expect to find a woman he can trust, or a woman who challenges him. But Stella Spencer is a challenge, all right: both vulnerable and guarded, beautiful and insecure, and a closet submissive. Only, Bashir is convinced she's hiding something.
Stella is afraid to open her heart to love again after the way she's been hurt, but Sheikh Bashir wants to be the Dom to show her who she truly is--and Sheikh Bashir always gets what he wants.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2012
428 people are currently reading
2481 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Cox
40 books669 followersI have an overactive imagination and too much time on my hands, and the result is...well, lots of books! Which is probably better than the alternative. ;)
I love writing steamy and erotic romances, some dark, some light, but always about something that moves me. And, because I'm totally a sucker, love tends to win out. Everyone deserves a happy ending. :)
My contemporary BDSM erotic romance series, Club Volare, has hit the genre bestseller charts on Amazon a few times, which is just awesome. Right now there are two books, Sold to the Sheikh and Tied to the Tycoon, with a third, Disciplined by the Dom, due in February 2013. And I've also got this paranormal series in the very beginning stages of development that I'm super excited about. When I'm not writing those, I'm gonna be reading -- if you've got any good recs, send them my way!
And if you want to hear about those new releases when they come out, you can sign up for my New Releases list here (I *only* use it for that; I hate spam so much!).
Lots of love, and happy reading!!
x Chloe
I love writing steamy and erotic romances, some dark, some light, but always about something that moves me. And, because I'm totally a sucker, love tends to win out. Everyone deserves a happy ending. :)
My contemporary BDSM erotic romance series, Club Volare, has hit the genre bestseller charts on Amazon a few times, which is just awesome. Right now there are two books, Sold to the Sheikh and Tied to the Tycoon, with a third, Disciplined by the Dom, due in February 2013. And I've also got this paranormal series in the very beginning stages of development that I'm super excited about. When I'm not writing those, I'm gonna be reading -- if you've got any good recs, send them my way!
And if you want to hear about those new releases when they come out, you can sign up for my New Releases list here (I *only* use it for that; I hate spam so much!).
Lots of love, and happy reading!!
x Chloe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
November 26, 2019
Errr...
So I picked this book upon the realization I had not read any "sheikh trope" ever (yet) and a friend recommended this one. So, okay. Erotica. Bdsm. Why not?
The premise was alright, the writing was decent, but I just couldn't get into the story.
An insecure heroine finds herself tied with a very dominant man over the course of a weekend. Actually, here we're being told the heroine is being "sold" to a man to do with her as he pleases. The author makes sure to let us know through the heroine's rambling thoughts that she shouldn't like being treated like this but she actually does... Just to stay on the safe side of the taboo.
Beside the fact this book has nothing to do with what I think I was looking for in reading a "sheikh trope", I feel I should say that I'm drawing the line at fisting. Pardon the pun but I just can't handle that kind of scene, especially as an opener (bad pun, bad pun!) for the MCs sexual encounters.
The pace was really odd too, Sheikh Bashir "bought" Stella services for one weekend but it felt like they spent a week together. ILYs are exchanged within 48 hours of time, like an evidence and our unsecure heroine becomes suddenly secure in her new found role of perfect submissive for the Sheikh.
This was neither a pleasing, enjoyable and certainly not memorable read, I'm afraid.
Sheikh romance recommendations are welcome! Thank you.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
So I picked this book upon the realization I had not read any "sheikh trope" ever (yet) and a friend recommended this one. So, okay. Erotica. Bdsm. Why not?
The premise was alright, the writing was decent, but I just couldn't get into the story.
An insecure heroine finds herself tied with a very dominant man over the course of a weekend. Actually, here we're being told the heroine is being "sold" to a man to do with her as he pleases. The author makes sure to let us know through the heroine's rambling thoughts that she shouldn't like being treated like this but she actually does... Just to stay on the safe side of the taboo.
Beside the fact this book has nothing to do with what I think I was looking for in reading a "sheikh trope", I feel I should say that I'm drawing the line at fisting. Pardon the pun but I just can't handle that kind of scene, especially as an opener (bad pun, bad pun!) for the MCs sexual encounters.
The pace was really odd too, Sheikh Bashir "bought" Stella services for one weekend but it felt like they spent a week together. ILYs are exchanged within 48 hours of time, like an evidence and our unsecure heroine becomes suddenly secure in her new found role of perfect submissive for the Sheikh.
This was neither a pleasing, enjoyable and certainly not memorable read, I'm afraid.
Sheikh romance recommendations are welcome! Thank you.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
February 3, 2015
3 stars
Sold to the Sheikh was just an okay read for me, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great or memorable either. I felt as if the demand of teaching and learning about the lifestyle is more than just a weekend worth, and to expect a new "submissive" (regardless if she is is submissive by nature) to give total submission over the course of a couple days was a little unbelievable. Stella has some major insecurities, preoccupying her mind, but it's what draws the Sheikh in. One of the first scenes in the book, was kind of a what-the-fuck-did-I-just-read-that kinda moment, shocking and attention grabbing for sure, but it also had me crossing my legs in sympathy, lol. Oh well, on to the next.
You cannot love until you can truly see…
Sold to the Sheikh was just an okay read for me, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great or memorable either. I felt as if the demand of teaching and learning about the lifestyle is more than just a weekend worth, and to expect a new "submissive" (regardless if she is is submissive by nature) to give total submission over the course of a couple days was a little unbelievable. Stella has some major insecurities, preoccupying her mind, but it's what draws the Sheikh in. One of the first scenes in the book, was kind of a what-the-fuck-did-I-just-read-that kinda moment, shocking and attention grabbing for sure, but it also had me crossing my legs in sympathy, lol. Oh well, on to the next.
November 11, 2012
3.50 stars
Story: FAIRLY GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY/ Sex-citingly FUN
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length: 2401 Kindle
I can honestly say, I enjoyed this story. Reading the first chapter sent a shiver throughout my body as we're meeting Sheikh Bashir for the first time. Sexy and commanding with a dominating presence, once the Sheikh saw what he wanted and went after it, that was a turn on from that moment on. Stella is divorced, as she was left by her ex husband. Broken by this, this allowed her to not think highly of herself. Though she felt this way about herself, she started working at Club Volare, a BDSM club. Mistaken for a participant of the club, The sheikh sees her and wants her. This started a weekend of dominating, learning and sex.
I definitely love the encounters between the Sheikh and Stella, as a Dom and sub relationship starts. With a dominating man and a woman who is broken in love, they both complimented each other in this dominating and controlled BDSM story. Apart from the first chapter, I am a fan of the restaurant scene as it was sexually exciting.
I have a few dislikes, but nothing major. Although we were learning about Stella, I wish to have learn more about the Sheikh. He seem to have carried the title, but wanted more Sheikh from him, if I'm making sense. I would have loved to have read a scene about him with Stella back in his homeland to get a bit more of who he is. There was also a scene in the restaurant that I wanted closure on from Stella and her past. Also, the ending was cute and nice, but felt as though something was missing. But in the author's defense, I have to remind the reader, this torrid affair is taken place within a few days. These issues will not hinder you from liking the story, depending on your taste. I would definitely recommend as a try out book. I would even read the rest of the series as my interest was teased a bit with Club Volare and it's members.
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
Story: FAIRLY GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY/ Sex-citingly FUN
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length: 2401 Kindle
I can honestly say, I enjoyed this story. Reading the first chapter sent a shiver throughout my body as we're meeting Sheikh Bashir for the first time. Sexy and commanding with a dominating presence, once the Sheikh saw what he wanted and went after it, that was a turn on from that moment on. Stella is divorced, as she was left by her ex husband. Broken by this, this allowed her to not think highly of herself. Though she felt this way about herself, she started working at Club Volare, a BDSM club. Mistaken for a participant of the club, The sheikh sees her and wants her. This started a weekend of dominating, learning and sex.
I definitely love the encounters between the Sheikh and Stella, as a Dom and sub relationship starts. With a dominating man and a woman who is broken in love, they both complimented each other in this dominating and controlled BDSM story. Apart from the first chapter, I am a fan of the restaurant scene as it was sexually exciting.
I have a few dislikes, but nothing major. Although we were learning about Stella, I wish to have learn more about the Sheikh. He seem to have carried the title, but wanted more Sheikh from him, if I'm making sense. I would have loved to have read a scene about him with Stella back in his homeland to get a bit more of who he is. There was also a scene in the restaurant that I wanted closure on from Stella and her past. Also, the ending was cute and nice, but felt as though something was missing. But in the author's defense, I have to remind the reader, this torrid affair is taken place within a few days. These issues will not hinder you from liking the story, depending on your taste. I would definitely recommend as a try out book. I would even read the rest of the series as my interest was teased a bit with Club Volare and it's members.
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
May 29, 2022
This is actually the second time i’ve read Sold to the Sheik.
The first time,i wasn’t on GR,and i never left a review,so i’m going to make up for it now.
The short version is,it’s a hot story that builds up to a delicious and explosive end that left me very satisfied.
What i liked was that Bashir didn’t take anything for granted.
He took his time to take in Stella’s reactions to his words and actions.
Ok,he had been burned by a bad relationship,and felt the need to make sure she was honest.
But her reactions pleased him,and he soon felt protective of her.
He may have been a little….weary….but he could see the real Stella,and she was a girl he liked.
He could see a future with her….until then things went horribly wrong….
What i liked too,was that Stella still had a kind heart in spite of her history.
And when Bashir picked her,she may have been reluctant at first,but she was brave enough to take a chance.
To at least have a good experience with a man for once in her life.
The way he treated her gave her hope she’d get her wish.
For one,he didn’t jump her and leave her as soon as he got what he wanted.
No,he took his time to get to know her….
Sure,there was that little detail about giving him everything,about submitting completely to him before they’d have sex,but that didn’t seem as hard as she first thought….right?
And then things went horribly wrong….
The build-up of this story was well done.
Ok,there was no sex for a while,but Bashir made up for that by playing with Stella in a delicious way.
And once they got going,it was worth the wait.
They did have to take a few hurdles to get their hea,but i was happy with the endresult,that’s for sure!
The first time,i wasn’t on GR,and i never left a review,so i’m going to make up for it now.
The short version is,it’s a hot story that builds up to a delicious and explosive end that left me very satisfied.
What i liked was that Bashir didn’t take anything for granted.
He took his time to take in Stella’s reactions to his words and actions.
Ok,he had been burned by a bad relationship,and felt the need to make sure she was honest.
But her reactions pleased him,and he soon felt protective of her.
He may have been a little….weary….but he could see the real Stella,and she was a girl he liked.
He could see a future with her….until then things went horribly wrong….
What i liked too,was that Stella still had a kind heart in spite of her history.
And when Bashir picked her,she may have been reluctant at first,but she was brave enough to take a chance.
To at least have a good experience with a man for once in her life.
The way he treated her gave her hope she’d get her wish.
For one,he didn’t jump her and leave her as soon as he got what he wanted.
No,he took his time to get to know her….
Sure,there was that little detail about giving him everything,about submitting completely to him before they’d have sex,but that didn’t seem as hard as she first thought….right?
And then things went horribly wrong….
The build-up of this story was well done.
Ok,there was no sex for a while,but Bashir made up for that by playing with Stella in a delicious way.
And once they got going,it was worth the wait.
They did have to take a few hurdles to get their hea,but i was happy with the endresult,that’s for sure!
April 12, 2022
4.5 stars!
Stella Spencer has been dealt an unlucky card in life and her most recent bad card was her divorce from a man that tossed her out like trash. Stuck at sea with no mooring and direction, her friend gives her a job at her exclusive BDSM club named Volare.
However, she accidentally interrupts a scene and the dominant and handsome Sheikh Bashir immediately takes notice of the quiet and seemingly unaware submissive beauty. He wants Stella in his bed and doesn’t take no for an answer. A contract is signed for a weekend and Stella is his.
Stella challenges Bashir and his dominant nature and his heart takes notice which he wasn’t prepared for. Bashir pushes Stella just enough to let her guard down and open up to him so even if they only have a weekend…she will trust that he will give her what she needs. But Stella has been burned before and Bashir has a past of his own he may be unwilling to share. Will the two of them come together in the best of ways? Or will it all crumble? After all, a true and meaningful relationship comes from mutual trust and respect.
This was surprisingly emotional and passionate for an erotic story. I don’t usually read BDSM but decided to pick this up and I am so glad I did. Stella was like a wounded animal that I think everyone can relate to on some level…hurt but always pushing forward with steel armor. Bashir was her anchor and knew exactly what she needed and she in turn knew exactly what to give him despite not being familiar with the BDSM world.
I loved reading how Bashir used BDSM and a foundation of trust to build a deep intimacy that translated beautifully in and out of the bedroom. They didn’t actually have sex until the end so the whole story was like an erotic slow burn. It was incredibly hot. Bashir learned who she was and what made her tick through the whole story and in turn Stella learned about herself. It was a wonderful story about self discovery, forgiveness, self love and the beauty in letting go and giving yourself to someone. Just as Bashir helped Stella, she too gave him what a Dom needed and he wasn’t stupid enough to let her go. I loved their passion and patience. Both characters had an authenticity about them that I enjoyed reading.
Overall, there were a few moments that pushed my boundaries but I loved Bashir so much that somehow it worked. The conflict at the end was predictable and rushed and I wish there had been an epilogue but Stella and Bashir were the perfect match. If you like lighter BDSM stories, then I highly suggest giving this one a try.
“I have been watching you, Stella. Studying you. And it is my responsibility to know you. Do you trust that I have done that? That I would only do what is best for you—for us—even if you yourself do not know what that is?”
Stella Spencer has been dealt an unlucky card in life and her most recent bad card was her divorce from a man that tossed her out like trash. Stuck at sea with no mooring and direction, her friend gives her a job at her exclusive BDSM club named Volare.
However, she accidentally interrupts a scene and the dominant and handsome Sheikh Bashir immediately takes notice of the quiet and seemingly unaware submissive beauty. He wants Stella in his bed and doesn’t take no for an answer. A contract is signed for a weekend and Stella is his.
“Remember that I own you, Stella,” he said. “Remember that you are mine, that you are here to serve me, that you will feel what I tell you to feel, when I tell you to feel it. We begin tonight.”
Stella challenges Bashir and his dominant nature and his heart takes notice which he wasn’t prepared for. Bashir pushes Stella just enough to let her guard down and open up to him so even if they only have a weekend…she will trust that he will give her what she needs. But Stella has been burned before and Bashir has a past of his own he may be unwilling to share. Will the two of them come together in the best of ways? Or will it all crumble? After all, a true and meaningful relationship comes from mutual trust and respect.
This was surprisingly emotional and passionate for an erotic story. I don’t usually read BDSM but decided to pick this up and I am so glad I did. Stella was like a wounded animal that I think everyone can relate to on some level…hurt but always pushing forward with steel armor. Bashir was her anchor and knew exactly what she needed and she in turn knew exactly what to give him despite not being familiar with the BDSM world.
I loved reading how Bashir used BDSM and a foundation of trust to build a deep intimacy that translated beautifully in and out of the bedroom. They didn’t actually have sex until the end so the whole story was like an erotic slow burn. It was incredibly hot. Bashir learned who she was and what made her tick through the whole story and in turn Stella learned about herself. It was a wonderful story about self discovery, forgiveness, self love and the beauty in letting go and giving yourself to someone. Just as Bashir helped Stella, she too gave him what a Dom needed and he wasn’t stupid enough to let her go. I loved their passion and patience. Both characters had an authenticity about them that I enjoyed reading.
Overall, there were a few moments that pushed my boundaries but I loved Bashir so much that somehow it worked. The conflict at the end was predictable and rushed and I wish there had been an epilogue but Stella and Bashir were the perfect match. If you like lighter BDSM stories, then I highly suggest giving this one a try.
“I cannot wait any longer,” he said into her ear, his voice choked and hoarse. “You are mine.”
December 11, 2012
This book is another tough one for me to rate. It has several problems - which I'll go into in a bit - but the bottom line is, I really enjoyed it. A wonderful fantasy, the wounded, insecure woman meeting the man who sees the diamond no one else has, and is able to read her needs and make her whole. I admit some embarrassment at just how much I like this tried and true plot.
In this case, there was a contemporary setting for a fantastical story with several highly implausible plot devices. It is generally easier for me to suspend disbelief in stories like this, when the setting is as fantastical as the events. For the most part, however, I was able to let go and simply enjoy the story.
If anything, I think the author overreached in this instance, trying to put too much psychology into the story, which at times veered into unnecessary psychobabble. The Sheikh is able to read Stella due to extensive study of facial reading techniques. This attempt to scientifically explain that which is simply part of the fantasy (true love brings perfect knowledge - or pretty darn close to perfect anyway), just didn't work for me.
As for the BDSM, it didn't feel quite right. Perhaps it was the idea that each scene was purposefully chosen for a specific outcome - rather than just because it felt good. The Sheikh comes off as awfully self sacrificing for a guy that spent big bucks to have a woman at his beck and call for a weekend. It was in this area that I had the hardest time suspending disbelief.
I also felt that there were too many extraneous characters and past situations that were covered superficially, when it would have made a better story to more fully explain fewer events. As it was, I often had the sense that I'd missed something, or just wasn't "getting it".
So, despite a few rough patches, I've rounded up to 4 stars for an enjoyable story with a sexy Sheikh doing sexy things to our intrepid heroine on the way to a satisfying, if somewhat abrupt happy ever after.
In this case, there was a contemporary setting for a fantastical story with several highly implausible plot devices. It is generally easier for me to suspend disbelief in stories like this, when the setting is as fantastical as the events. For the most part, however, I was able to let go and simply enjoy the story.
If anything, I think the author overreached in this instance, trying to put too much psychology into the story, which at times veered into unnecessary psychobabble. The Sheikh is able to read Stella due to extensive study of facial reading techniques. This attempt to scientifically explain that which is simply part of the fantasy (true love brings perfect knowledge - or pretty darn close to perfect anyway), just didn't work for me.
As for the BDSM, it didn't feel quite right. Perhaps it was the idea that each scene was purposefully chosen for a specific outcome - rather than just because it felt good. The Sheikh comes off as awfully self sacrificing for a guy that spent big bucks to have a woman at his beck and call for a weekend. It was in this area that I had the hardest time suspending disbelief.
I also felt that there were too many extraneous characters and past situations that were covered superficially, when it would have made a better story to more fully explain fewer events. As it was, I often had the sense that I'd missed something, or just wasn't "getting it".
So, despite a few rough patches, I've rounded up to 4 stars for an enjoyable story with a sexy Sheikh doing sexy things to our intrepid heroine on the way to a satisfying, if somewhat abrupt happy ever after.
July 6, 2025
Finished Reading September 6, 2014
Sold to the Sheikh by Chloe Cox
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
3.75 Stars
Very erotic and one of the books that got me addicted to Chloe Cox's work.
I had read a couple of her shorts & wanted to see what she would do with a novel.
I was not disappointed.
Chloe Cox you naughty girl you did it again!
Sold to the Sheikh is a MASTERPIECE of Pure Erotica!
Adults Only Need Apply.
And only adults who truly enjoy naughty and erotic romance books.
This is not Dark Erotica.
It is definitely BDSM and will steam up your ereader.
Can't wait to read Married to the Master! I still follow this series and she has made some spinoff series from it.
🎵 My only complaint with any of the stories in this series is the editing errors.
There aren't many, but there are enough to catch my eye.
Purchased from Amazon June 12, 2014
Sold to the Sheikh by Chloe Cox
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
3.75 Stars
Very erotic and one of the books that got me addicted to Chloe Cox's work.
I had read a couple of her shorts & wanted to see what she would do with a novel.
I was not disappointed.
Chloe Cox you naughty girl you did it again!
Sold to the Sheikh is a MASTERPIECE of Pure Erotica!
Adults Only Need Apply.
And only adults who truly enjoy naughty and erotic romance books.
This is not Dark Erotica.
It is definitely BDSM and will steam up your ereader.
🎵 My only complaint with any of the stories in this series is the editing errors.
There aren't many, but there are enough to catch my eye.
Purchased from Amazon June 12, 2014
January 14, 2014
So I have to add fisting to the list of things I find creepy in general and doubly so on the first sexual encounter, especially without a prior conversation. The other items on this list are lube-less anal, asphyxiation, and pantie gagging. Thanks for that, book.
I never quite got inside Stella's head. My reaction to her actions was generally "Whaa?" It all felt far-fetched and bizarre and I've managed to buy into weirder relationships.
I never quite got inside Stella's head. My reaction to her actions was generally "Whaa?" It all felt far-fetched and bizarre and I've managed to buy into weirder relationships.
December 17, 2012
Bashir al Aziz bin Said has one last weekend of freedom before he has to actually grow up and be the person his family needs him to be. So he decides to spend it at Club Volare - the hottest sex club in Manhattan. A fairly simple plan, really: pick out a submissive from one of the many the club offers and spend the weekend with her. The Club is quite happy to make the arrangements.
And he chooses Stella. Only the thing is, she is not a submissive, she is a hostess. In the time she has been there, she has avoided the Black Room and all the BDSM stuff. In fact, she has avoided almost everything going on inside the club. 6 months ago her marriage fell apart and since then she has avoided just about everything.
Not a whole lot of BDSM in this because Stella isn't ready and Bashir isn't going to push more too far. A few twists and turns but a nice little story.
And he chooses Stella. Only the thing is, she is not a submissive, she is a hostess. In the time she has been there, she has avoided the Black Room and all the BDSM stuff. In fact, she has avoided almost everything going on inside the club. 6 months ago her marriage fell apart and since then she has avoided just about everything.
Not a whole lot of BDSM in this because Stella isn't ready and Bashir isn't going to push more too far. A few twists and turns but a nice little story.
August 25, 2016
Damn damn damn! This could have been a full 5*...
Everything in this was great: nicely sensuous and erotically written BDSM, fully SSC/RACK, inventive with practices not so commonly described, written deeply inside the submissive and dominant minds of the participants, a couple to root for, each with their own set of insecurities, a clever turn of phrase and thankfully little use of pussy and none of cream, some inventive flirting, it all was great.
Until the near end, when Ms Cox pulled a rabbit from a hat to provide a startling final crisis which was completely separated from the rest of the book in voice and tenor. A rush job. A deus ex machina.
Up to 93%: 5*
93-100%: 1*
Evens out in weighed calculation at 3.5, or so, rounded up.
Damn.
DAMN!
Everything in this was great: nicely sensuous and erotically written BDSM, fully SSC/RACK, inventive with practices not so commonly described, written deeply inside the submissive and dominant minds of the participants, a couple to root for, each with their own set of insecurities, a clever turn of phrase and thankfully little use of pussy and none of cream, some inventive flirting, it all was great.
Until the near end, when Ms Cox pulled a rabbit from a hat to provide a startling final crisis which was completely separated from the rest of the book in voice and tenor. A rush job. A deus ex machina.
Up to 93%: 5*
93-100%: 1*
Evens out in weighed calculation at 3.5, or so, rounded up.
Damn.
DAMN!
November 30, 2012
I enjoyed it. It didn't set me on fire but I did enjoy it. There's good character development of both main characters; they both have some pretty deep seated issues regarding intimacy neither of which feels contrived. I would've liked some other characters in the mix for more than a few seconds-the focus is centered on Bashir & Stella. And I swear it seems like this is the longest "weekend" on record. Maybe I'm a cynic but for a guy to shell out 50K for her he sure was a gentleman, much to her chagrin naturally. This book has elements of BDSM (fisting...EEP! & some very public/on display sex-double EEP!) but it seems a bit of a stretch to call this a BDSM book; it's far more romantic. It's a solid 3. I might read the next one since apparently this is yet another series, hopefully it won't be a trilogy. I'm about trilogied out.
January 1, 2013
This is one of my new favourites. Loved the story, loved the writing and I found the editting on the book was done very well. I know very little about BDSM, but found that the practice is described tastefully and informative. Will definately be recommending this book to others. I can honestly Imagine a life with no emotional limitations a case of no guts no glory.
November 18, 2016
Much better written than 50 shades but still not my cup of tea. I didn't know it would be one of these again. *Eye roll* can I get something a little less extreme exhibitionist and controlling. Sheesh.
June 23, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live 7/14)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sD9FTw
Sold to the Sheikh was an entertaining read, though, damn it had me chanting 'fuck her fuck her fuck her' more than once. There was a hell of a lot of foreplay as Sheikh Bashir and Stella spend a weekend in kinky exploits at Club Volare after he literally buys her time and the privilege of being with him.
I really liked both Bashir and Stella and the somewhat taboo set up of him basically paying her for a weekend of sex after buying her at a club auction she'd stumbled into when walking through the wrong door one night. Both were nice people and felt realistic, honest and natural despite their unusual meet cute. I enjoyed getting to know both of them. Their strengths and their insecurities and seeing them both change and grow a bit during their time together.
Now the sexy bits. There's some definite sexy going on but dear lord talk about a serious case of sexual frustration. At least for his cock. And, well, maybe me. lol For a BDSM erotica things go so slow. Yeah there's some fisting and some public nudity and orgasms and a bit of finger action but actually sealing the deal? It took forfuckingever. And then was a bit lackluster since it happened in two fairly detail-less paragraphs. *hangs head in reader girl frustration*
I really liked the bones of the story, the characters and setting but in almost all aspects I needed just a little... more. There are some hot scenes--like her being on display for the club and getting a little action--that had potential to really make a girl squirm but that just didn't go quite far enough.
While Sold to the Sheikh didn't completely wow me it was still an enjoyable read and a pleasant way to spend a couple hours. I'll definitely be giving Cox another read and look forward to spending some more time in Club Volare. It's an interesting place and quite posh for a BDSM club and it really caught my attention.
March 23, 2018
I borrowed the audiobook for Sold to the Sheikh via Kindle Unlimited. It was on the shorter side so I figured it wouldn't be a waste of too much time if I didn't care for it. It’s the first in the Club Volare series, and starts off pretty routinely for what I’ve read in this genre. An innocent(ish) female-in this case Stella Spencer, who gets a job at Club Volare after going through a divorce-meets a wealthy Dom who decides to introduce her to the world of BDSM. In this book, that Dom is Sheikh Bashir, and he decides to fork over $50,000 to spend the weekend with Stella, choosing her over any other willing BDSM participant because of something he sees in her eyes when they first meet, etc etc.
Continuing with the formula, the female MC is at first uncomfortable and embarrassed about everything, before the Dom slowly brings down her walls and converts her to a BDSM lover. And they all live happily ever after.
I knew what I was getting into with this book. I wasn’t expecting mind-blowing excitement or surprises, and my expectations were pretty much met. I admit however that Stella began to grow on me about an hour or so into the book. She was ditched by her husband and still carries the pain of his rejection, as well as memories of a painful childhood. She’s a sweet character and I liked her.
Sheikh Bashir is a pretty typically written Dom. He promises Stella that he’ll have her begging by the end of the weekend. He pushes her boundaries and forces her to do things she’d never do under normal circumstances. He does his research on Stella and makes a few grand gestures based on what he learns. He isn’t cruel or Alpha-like. He comes across more determined and protective. He also has a personal history that keeps him from giving his heart to anyone.
You can pretty much guess how the book ends but it was a decent read. The Audible narrator did a great job, it’s not easy to find a good erotica narrator and she’s definitely one of the better ones. The writer gave sufficient backstories to both characters and I liked the two of them together. I think the worst I can say about the book is that it’s just not overly memorable.
The blurb for the third book Disciplined by the Dom sounds pretty interesting so I think I might continue with the series if I need to bust out of a reading/listening slump.
Continuing with the formula, the female MC is at first uncomfortable and embarrassed about everything, before the Dom slowly brings down her walls and converts her to a BDSM lover. And they all live happily ever after.
I knew what I was getting into with this book. I wasn’t expecting mind-blowing excitement or surprises, and my expectations were pretty much met. I admit however that Stella began to grow on me about an hour or so into the book. She was ditched by her husband and still carries the pain of his rejection, as well as memories of a painful childhood. She’s a sweet character and I liked her.
Sheikh Bashir is a pretty typically written Dom. He promises Stella that he’ll have her begging by the end of the weekend. He pushes her boundaries and forces her to do things she’d never do under normal circumstances. He does his research on Stella and makes a few grand gestures based on what he learns. He isn’t cruel or Alpha-like. He comes across more determined and protective. He also has a personal history that keeps him from giving his heart to anyone.
You can pretty much guess how the book ends but it was a decent read. The Audible narrator did a great job, it’s not easy to find a good erotica narrator and she’s definitely one of the better ones. The writer gave sufficient backstories to both characters and I liked the two of them together. I think the worst I can say about the book is that it’s just not overly memorable.
The blurb for the third book Disciplined by the Dom sounds pretty interesting so I think I might continue with the series if I need to bust out of a reading/listening slump.
August 16, 2016
Just not my cup of tea.
A friend told me to read this because it was hot and sexy. I think I found out more than I wanted to about my friend's interest by reading this. I so wanted to DNF when . That was just *shivers* not what I think as hot and sexy. My insides hurt after reading that and the whole not attractive in my books. I can read most BDSM/Dom books and not feel uncomfortable but this one just made me want to crawl out of my skin. Why? I haven't quite figured it out but I will sooner or later.
For some people this is their kind of book but for me it's just a thumbs down.
One of the reasons I am coming to find (and adding to this review) on why I don't like the book is that these two mc don't know each other yet they are falling in love. How can that be? I couldn't fall in love with the Sheikh. He was too blah. He was very attractive but only his looks though. Personality was just eh and reading his side of the story was just meh. Now Stella's side was a bit more gripping but not a lot.
I am confused on why these two fell in love so fast and how bloody long is this weekend that they are sharing? It seems to last forever. I understand that they are getting to know each other but still it seems a little to fast.
A friend told me to read this because it was hot and sexy. I think I found out more than I wanted to about my friend's interest by reading this. I so wanted to DNF when . That was just *shivers* not what I think as hot and sexy. My insides hurt after reading that and the whole not attractive in my books. I can read most BDSM/Dom books and not feel uncomfortable but this one just made me want to crawl out of my skin. Why? I haven't quite figured it out but I will sooner or later.
For some people this is their kind of book but for me it's just a thumbs down.
One of the reasons I am coming to find (and adding to this review) on why I don't like the book is that these two mc don't know each other yet they are falling in love. How can that be? I couldn't fall in love with the Sheikh. He was too blah. He was very attractive but only his looks though. Personality was just eh and reading his side of the story was just meh. Now Stella's side was a bit more gripping but not a lot.
I am confused on why these two fell in love so fast and how bloody long is this weekend that they are sharing? It seems to last forever. I understand that they are getting to know each other but still it seems a little to fast.
April 21, 2014
I've read one other book from this series and loved it so when this bookie became free I of course jumped on it and get it. Bashir he's well a very dominant boy, "and now, the time for introductions is over," he said, and the smile faded from his face. His eyes flashed, and a muscle in his jaw twitched once, twice. "Take off your dress," he commanded." He also likes to make sure Stella knew who she belonged to, "its says that I own you, Ms. Spencer." He stepped forward quickly, before she had a chance to object, and put the flat of his hand on her soft, taut stomach. Her eyelids fluttered, but she looked rigidly ahead. She was hot to the touch. "It says that you are mine, to do with as I please." The boy doesn't mess around when it comes to the important things, "so let's start with an easier question," he said. "Have you ever been properly effed?" He's also not one to be liked left alone waiting for his girl, "and now she was showering. Bashir paced the hall in front of the women's locker room like a caged animal, at war with his growing, demanding di**." He's also not one for words at certain times, "I did not kidnap you for conversation," he said eyes glinting. He grabbed her breasts and raked his hands down the length of her body, unzipping her jeans and pulling them off in one impressive motion. He frowned at her panties, then ripped them off." I think I'll need to get more books from this series.
November 1, 2012
Wonderful and entertaining D/s tale. Tall, dark and handsome uber rich Sheikh Bashir needs a new submissive. Stella feeling ugly and unworthy after being divorced is working at Club Volare as a hostess is picked by the Sheikh. How demented could he be but the money for being his date could help her financially precarious position.
She bites the bullet and gets one surprise after another. Loved this couple and the scenes were HOT. if you enjoy BDSM stories especially D/s ones I know you will enjoy this book.
She bites the bullet and gets one surprise after another. Loved this couple and the scenes were HOT. if you enjoy BDSM stories especially D/s ones I know you will enjoy this book.
December 9, 2012
I will start by saying I will read anything that has to do with a Shiekh it is one o my sick fantasies, but this book was just ok for me. I loved the Shiekh but I didn't feel as much chemistry as I would have liked. Stella was a strong character and I liked her but there just felt like something was missing maybe. I like BDSM books but this one just didn't do it for me. I would defineately try this author again and I would say this was a good read but I think I just had too high expectations before I started.
April 23, 2014
Freebie read, just OK. Think it could have been beefed up a bit. How two people can miraculously fall in love within a weekend (although seemed longer) is a bit of a stretch. Also, they jumped right into BDSM, would have liked a more gradual believable intro. Took a while for 'consummation' as well. Had promise, decent writing, just nothing stood out to me about their relationship. Would have liked more context and details.
January 26, 2014
This had a good storyline butttttttt... I like my male leads to be possessive ( I don't know if it's just me). The Sheikh just allowed way too many people see and touch Stella (even for a life style this was a bit much for me) and because I had a problem with that the story didn't really sit well with me. :-\
December 17, 2012
I enjoyed the flow of this book very much and the way the main characters unfolded before your eyes. Something I would recommend to others and will have me reaching for the next volume in this series.
December 2, 2012
I was fine with the premise of the story,another experience Dom/inexperience sub story. But I felt like the story was rushed and not 'fleshed'out enough to get me to connect with the character's!
April 17, 2013
Love this book. Sheikh Bashir is the man. He shows Stella things about herself that she didn't know. After she walks in on him looking for someone to spend the weekend with he chooses her and brings her into the Dom/sub world. Eventually they fall in love. Good read.
April 14, 2017
I really did enjoy this read, I found it hard to put down. Totally lost myself in this story, well written, except I was so disappointed by the end. I just felt it was rushed and finished so abruptly.
We followed their love building from beggining to end, and then after the usual break, they get back together in a different way, but I just felt, wam bang and it was over with.
Stella is a divorcee who has had a rough life, she works in a bdsm club, but has never partaken, but a Sheik sees her and decides he must have her. He purchases her for a weekend. She goes along with it for the money, not realising her true submissive nature. The sex is this book is wild. He even fists her which is hot, and I'm not sure totally possible standing, but it was very hot. They both have an intense relationship, him training her. But then when they finically have sex, he pays her and seemingly leaves. He's arrrested, which I found a bit unbelievable, and we do not find out the consequences of this big mistake. I would have like to have seen that!. He gets back with Stella, and both declare their love. Hen it ends, I just wanted more...so much more.
It would have been 5 stars if it wasn't for this ending. I just thought or felt the author had had enough of this couple, and thought, right I want to be onto the next. This maybe not the case, but it does go on to tell you about the next book, Lola and Roman, who own and run the BDSM club that Stella was the hostess to. Lola had introduced Stella to the Shiek, so it looks like it's a series set around the club.
I would read this again, and I will read the rest, as I found this a good feel book, one I lost myself in. An easy read.
We followed their love building from beggining to end, and then after the usual break, they get back together in a different way, but I just felt, wam bang and it was over with.
Stella is a divorcee who has had a rough life, she works in a bdsm club, but has never partaken, but a Sheik sees her and decides he must have her. He purchases her for a weekend. She goes along with it for the money, not realising her true submissive nature. The sex is this book is wild. He even fists her which is hot, and I'm not sure totally possible standing, but it was very hot. They both have an intense relationship, him training her. But then when they finically have sex, he pays her and seemingly leaves. He's arrrested, which I found a bit unbelievable, and we do not find out the consequences of this big mistake. I would have like to have seen that!. He gets back with Stella, and both declare their love. Hen it ends, I just wanted more...so much more.
It would have been 5 stars if it wasn't for this ending. I just thought or felt the author had had enough of this couple, and thought, right I want to be onto the next. This maybe not the case, but it does go on to tell you about the next book, Lola and Roman, who own and run the BDSM club that Stella was the hostess to. Lola had introduced Stella to the Shiek, so it looks like it's a series set around the club.
I would read this again, and I will read the rest, as I found this a good feel book, one I lost myself in. An easy read.
October 11, 2018
Listened to the audiobook on my commutes to and from work. Wow, Bashir is one sexy Sheikh.
Thank you Chloe Cox for making the audiobook available on Kindle Unlimited! There are many books in this series, and I'll read/listen to all of them.
Thank you Chloe Cox for making the audiobook available on Kindle Unlimited! There are many books in this series, and I'll read/listen to all of them.
December 23, 2024
I loved the book
Great read, but I need a little longer ending.
I really enjoyed the description and the twist in the book.
Great read, but I need a little longer ending.
I really enjoyed the description and the twist in the book.
January 3, 2025
Predictable. Good storyline and editing. Just not my favorite genre.
September 8, 2013
I'm so glad I fell upon this series (thanks to Maryse). I started with book 6 because really, who can resist a rockstar Dom, and was impressed enough with the writing to come back to the beginning.
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I can't say that I liked this book as much as I did Savage Rhythm but I did definitely enjoy it. The writing and flow are good and it moved along quickly, which I appreciate. I don't need or want 200 extra pages of unnecessary filler, there's too many books in my TBR list for that nonsense. ;) I like that while these ARE BDSM club books, they don't feel like hard core BDSM to me. The elements are all there, and they're definitely kinky but sometimes the more intense BDSM books are a bit much for me where as this was just enjoyable.
The plot is a little underdeveloped and could be expanded on I think but it was very good for what it is. I can't say the Sheikh was my favorite guy but he did have his moments.I like that the book wasn't full of drama or characters who are unwilling/able to admit and go for what they want. After the 2 books I read recently where the whole purpose was to cause emotional trauma and angst, this was refreshing.
The story behind her next book in the series sounds awesome and I'm jumping right into it.
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I can't say that I liked this book as much as I did Savage Rhythm but I did definitely enjoy it. The writing and flow are good and it moved along quickly, which I appreciate. I don't need or want 200 extra pages of unnecessary filler, there's too many books in my TBR list for that nonsense. ;) I like that while these ARE BDSM club books, they don't feel like hard core BDSM to me. The elements are all there, and they're definitely kinky but sometimes the more intense BDSM books are a bit much for me where as this was just enjoyable.
The plot is a little underdeveloped and could be expanded on I think but it was very good for what it is. I can't say the Sheikh was my favorite guy but he did have his moments.I like that the book wasn't full of drama or characters who are unwilling/able to admit and go for what they want. After the 2 books I read recently where the whole purpose was to cause emotional trauma and angst, this was refreshing.
The story behind her next book in the series sounds awesome and I'm jumping right into it.
December 26, 2012
I received this as a free book by a new to me author and features the first volume (word taken from the book listing) in 'Club Volare'.
This short first volume had a good premise start that interested me a lot. The problem with short introductory reads though is that the author has a limited opportunity to create a fictional world and cast of characters that sets the stage for any followup books for the reader. Superficially this book set the stage but not to point that any one character was developed enough for me to understand and/or connect to. The male lead character, Shiekh Bashir, started out mysteriously and dangerous and I had high hopes for him. However, as the story went on he fluctuated and become more of a disgruntled bored rich boy player. I never really got why he 'bought' Stella in the first place. There are some really well written parts of this book that shined but were offset by ones that didn't live up to the potential that they could have.
There are some yummy scenes with Dom Bashir that were worth reading this book for alone but as to the storyline I can't say that I'm a fan. But this new to me author has real promise in my own personal opinion that she has a future as an author to be on the look out for.
This short first volume had a good premise start that interested me a lot. The problem with short introductory reads though is that the author has a limited opportunity to create a fictional world and cast of characters that sets the stage for any followup books for the reader. Superficially this book set the stage but not to point that any one character was developed enough for me to understand and/or connect to. The male lead character, Shiekh Bashir, started out mysteriously and dangerous and I had high hopes for him. However, as the story went on he fluctuated and become more of a disgruntled bored rich boy player. I never really got why he 'bought' Stella in the first place. There are some really well written parts of this book that shined but were offset by ones that didn't live up to the potential that they could have.
There are some yummy scenes with Dom Bashir that were worth reading this book for alone but as to the storyline I can't say that I'm a fan. But this new to me author has real promise in my own personal opinion that she has a future as an author to be on the look out for.
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