Unwiderstehliche Küsse

Burke Brothers #1

by Teresa Medeiros

Gefährlich, verführerisch und unglaublich heiß!

Clarinda Cardew ist gefangen im Harem eines Sultans. Befreien soll sie ausgerechnet Ashton Burke – der legendäre Abenteurer, dem sie einst das Herz stahl. Clarinda weiß, Ashton ist ihre einzige Chance auf Rettung, doch ihr Herz wünscht sich so viel mehr. Gemeinsam gefangen in einem Palast des sinnlichen Vergnügens, flammt die alte Leidenschaft zwischen ihnen wieder auf. Und beide erkennen, dass die verführerischste Lust von allen die Liebe selbst ist …

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

New York Times bestseller Teresa Medeiros wrote her first novel at the age of twenty-one and has since gone on to win the hearts of both readers and critics. All of her books have been national bestsellers, featured on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She currently has over 10 million books in print.

She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.

GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 1/18/2012: Pocket Books contacted me thanking me for my review and participating in their blog tour of this novel. hahahaha So now I know why the book showed up on my doorstep.

Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!

I read this a few weeks back but I decided to take some time to sort my thoughts so that this may actually make some sense rather than having me come across as some crazed silly lunatic fan-girl.

The Storyline
Clarinda and Ashton were childhood friends but as the years progressed, so did their feelings for each other. One night, Ashton sets out to leave his home and Clarinda behind but she catches him in a nearby meadow and the feelings that they had kept restrained for so long were finally let loose.

’...the spark of animosity between them had finally flared into something so combustible it had threatened to incinerate them both.’

Ashton inevitably still leaves her behind and Clarinda is heartbroken beyond all reason. As time passes and stories of Ashton are heard at home, it becomes apparent to Clarinda that he's not coming back for her so she becomes engaged to his brother, Max. Clarinda and her best friend Poppy set sail to meet up with Max for their wedding when their ship is boarded and the two women are captured by the Corsairs. Fearing the worst, the two end up being bought by the sultan Farouk and they are taken to his palace in the desert as his 'guests'. Despite the fact that he is incredibly kind to both of them, they are still not allowed to leave. Max hires his brother Ashton to rescue Clarinda from the sultan not knowing the position he's putting Ashton and Clarinda both in.

Thoughts
Teresa Medeiros books were the first romance books I ever read and inevitably got me hooked from that point on. I have yet to be disappointed by her; her books never lack in originality and are always entertaining. Considering this is a 500+ book I think that says a lot for her writing. I loved the exotic Middle East setting and that the majority of the storyline was spent there.

Her characters are always vibrant and full of life. You couldn’t help but love Ashton, even though there were times that you really wanted to hate him. It was painfully obvious how much Ashton and Clarinda cared for each other but he was a fool and left her and never returned.

’No matter how much it galled him, Clarinda belonged to his brother now. He had promised to return her to Max, and that was exactly what he was going to do. With any luck, Max would never find out what had transpired between Ash and Max’s bride-to-be in the meadow that morning.’

On top of loving the main characters, her secondary characters were just as fabulous. Poppy was definitely my favorite character and I loved not only the friendship between her and Clarinda but her infatuation with Farouk (and vice-versa!) was simply adorable.

If you enjoy romance novels, this one definitely needs to be on your list. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and you may even shed a tear. (I know I did!) There was a sneak peek at the end of the next book in this series (yes! A series! yay!) featuring Max. I can't wait. :D

One final note: I received a copy of this book in the mail from Simon & Schuster a week before release with no note or anything. I have no idea who to thank for this, I don't recall entering any contests for it, but I’ll have you know I was so excited I did a little dance. And giggled. A lot. So whoever you are, book fairy at Simon & Schuster, thank you.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing that Teresa Medeiros has a new romance novel being released, being the big romance novel fan that I am, I just had to pick up this book! Well, Teresa Medeiros’ newest book “The Pleasure of Your Kiss” really took me on a wild and sensual ride that I had never been on when reading other romance novels and has now gotten me looking forward to other new romance novels from Teresa Medeiros!

Clarinda Cardew was on her way to England to marry the rich and powerful duke Maximillian Burke, but then she and her friend Penelope Montmorency (Poppy) are ambushed by pirates and she ends up in the arms of a rich and powerful sultan of Morocco called Zin al-Farouk (Farouk) who happens to own a luminous harem! At the same time, legendary adventurer Ashton Burke is summoned by his brother Maximillian Burke to go and retrieve Clarinda from the sultan’s clutches. Unfortunately, Ashton Burke used to have a blossoming romance with Clarinda Cardew years ago until he broke her heart by leaving her for unknown reasons and when he actually goes on the quest to retrieve Clarinda from the sultan, he will soon realize that his romance with Clarinda will soon blossomed again in a shocking way that could change their world forever!

Again, after I had heard that Teresa Medeiros was making another romance novel, my inner fan-girl soul was kicked up into high gear and I just had to get this book! Well, after reading this book, I was impressed that Teresa Medeiros’ writing is better than ever as this romance novel was clearly more unusual than the usual romance novels I usually pick up! For one thing, this romance novel takes place in a harem, which I did find a bit unusual to put into a romance novel since the story would usually focus on the two romantic interests in the story. However, I felt that having the story take place in a harem added a nice touch to the story and provided so much uniqueness from the standard romance novel. I just loved almost all of the characters involved in this novel as Teresa Medeiros made each character truly stand out from each other. Clarinda Cardew was a truly inspiring heroine as she is shown to be a strong willed woman who refuses to let anyone run her life. Also, just hearing about how she was struggling in trying to move on with her life when Ashton Burke left her years ago was a truly heartbreaking aspect of her character that made me really feel sorry for her and I usually wished her the best during this story. Ashton Burke was a truly unique type of hero as he is known as an adventurer and I loved the way that he can outsmart any enemy he comes across and gets what he wants. I also loved his devil-may-care attitude that he has become so famous for and it was interesting in seeing how he wanted to rekindled the love that he and Clarinda had lost when he left her years ago. But the relationship I was more invested in was between Farouk and Poppy since Ashton and Clarinda were spending the majority of the book trying to rekindle their relationship. Farouk and Poppy’s relationship with each other was more interesting because it was set up more like the two of them gaining interest in each other rather than regain their lost love and it was interesting in seeing how Poppy is able to break down Farouk’s serious nature by offering him sweets most of the time.

For anyone who does not like sex scenes, there are a couple of explicit sex scenes in this book, so it would be best to skim over these scenes. Also, just a brief nitpick, but I wanted to see more romance scenes between Clarinda and Ashton since the majority of the book is spent on Ashton trying to rescue Clarinda from the sultan. Now, I did not mind too much about the part where Ashton is trying to rescue Clarinda, but I wanted to hear more “sexy” talk between the two characters so I could actually melt away in ecstasy whenever I hear these two characters flirting with each other.

Overall, even though I wanted more romance between Clarinda and Ashton, “The Pleasure of Your Kiss” is a truly unique and brilliant book that romance novels fans will eat up for many years to come!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5 Estrellas. No sé muy bien cómo opinar sobre este libro. Creo que ha tenido un poco de todo, cosas que me han gustado, otras que no... Bueno, lo principal es que me ha convencido gracias a la prosa de su autora. No son muchos los libros que he leído de Teresa Medeiros, pero todos me han gustado, más o menos. Leer sus libros es como sumergirte en un cuento de hadas adaptado a la novela romántica.

Lo que le ha ganado a "El placer de un beso" es sin duda su ambientación. La mayor parte del libro ocurre en el palacio de un sultán de Marruecos, y por una vez salimos de los asfixiantes salones de baile londinenses y de sus días grises y lluviosos.

El planteamiento del argumento es muy simple, Ashton y Clarinda se conocen de toda la vida, él era el hijo segundón de un duque, y ella la exasperante hija del acaudalado y burgués vecino. Junto al hermano mayor de Ash, Maximillian, crecieron como compañeros de juegos, pero la relación de Ash y Clarinda llegaría a ser algo más con el tiempo. Pasaron de amigos a amantes, hasta que llegó el momento de la realidad, y él como hijo segundón no tenía nada que ofrecerle a la protagonista, de modo que se alistó en el ejército para hacer algo importante con su vida.

Clarinda jamás perdonó a Ash que la abandonara. Han pasado nueve años, y finalmente Clarinda ha decidido casarse, con Maximillian, su hermano mayor, que tanto ayudó a Clarinda en ausencia de Ash. Maximillian se encuentra en Birmania y Clarinda se embarca junto con su mejor amiga Poppy, para encontrarse con su prometido y casarse, pero en las costas africanas su barco es apresado por piratas del norte de África.

Han pasado unos meses y Maximillian encuentra a su hermano Ash en Marruecos, le contrata para que encuentre y rescate a su prometida, comprada por el sultán de El Jadida. De éste modo, Ashton y su compinche Luca se infiltrarán de un modo inusual en dicho palacio, y harán las delicias de los habitantes del palacio, entre ellos el propio sultán, Farouk.

Clarinda no lo tiene fácil, es hermosa y exótica entre tanta mujer que se halla en el harén del sultán, está destinada a ser su siguiente esposa y Farouk la tiene consentida. Lo que menos espera, nueve años después, es que sea Ash quien venga a rescatarla.

A favor del libro, como he dicho, está la ambientación, me ha parecido estupenda; al igual que el ritmo narrativo de la novela, pasa rápido y es imposible aburrirte. Lo que menos me ha gustado, sobre todo al principio era la relación de sus protagonistas, no me apañaban demasiado, y no me caían especialmente bien, sobre todo Clarinda. Pero al final de la novela sus caracteres cambian para bien. Algo que también me ha gustado, pero me ha chocado bastante, es la relación de Poppy, la amiga de Clarinda con el sultán, me hacía gracia, pero a la vez me daba por pensar si realmente podía considerarse una historia romántica secundaria.

Lo mejor, creo que ha sido el final, ha sido muy chocante y me ha dejado con unas ganas tremendas de saber el por qué de las decisiones de Max y por qué lo hizo, pero sobre todo por conocer la historia del mayor de los Burke, ése hombre frío, snob y estirado que siempre me gusta leer en las novelas románticas.

[Alejandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entre 1,5-2 ⭐️
Bastante insufrible, la verdad. Qué pena, con lo que me gustó Tuya hasta el amanecer. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Leeré el siguiente que lo tengo en papel, a ver si mejora la cosa.

[Ariannha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corta, sencilla, entretenida.
Lo mejor de todo la ambientación.

[Laura V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5/5

Tiene dos cosas que odio:

★ Reencuentro (porque la idea de tantos años perdidos siempre me pone el pelo de punta)
★ Dos hermanos enamorados de la misma chica (simplemente no way)

Dos cosas a favor:

★ Teresa Medeiros es una de mis autoras favoritas.
★ El que esté ambientada en Marruecos le da un tinte interesante.

Cosas que salieron mal:

★ Personajes secundarios planos, poco interesantes, flojos y sin sustancia.
★ De Marruecos solo tiene el nombre porque acá no se nota ningún choque de culturas.

Trama:

★ Dos personas que luego de nueve años se reencuentran en circunstancias indeseables para ambos, se ven enfrentados a los errores que cometieron de jóvenes y ante la disyuntiva de qué harán de ahora y en adelante y si todos esos años que pasaron separaros sirvieron para algo, volviéndolos mejores personas y si podrán evitar cometer los mismos errores.
Estos dos no vuelven a enamorarse, solo retoman desde donde lo dejaron.

Cosa que salió terriblemente mal:

★ El final. Hasta el final Ash no tiene planes de quedarse con Clarinda. Él estaba dispuesta a dejarla ir por segunda vez y Clarinda no tiene intenciones de revelar cosas que son necesarias revelar. Es obvio que ambos no se dijeron mucho. PERO Clarinda SI estaba dispuesta a casarse con el hermano de Ash.
No estoy de acuerdo con la forma en que hicieron que el dejar plantado al hermano de Ash en el altar haya sido lo mejor, porque resultara que él no era tan bueno como parecía. No tuvo sentido. Era un momento doloroso para los tres. Pero Max se marcha luego de revelar su parte en el asunto y Clarinda y Ash hacen como si no hubiera pasado nada y ¡SE CASAN! No se sintió nada lindo, de hecho estaba como de más que estuvieran tan alegres con la idea cuando cinco minutos antes ella estaba segura de decirle YES I DO a Max y quince minutos antes Ash se despidiera de nuevo para siempre de Clarinda.

Otra cosa que me pica es que al final, Clarinda le echa la culpa de la separación a Ash. Ash volvió, pero era lo bastante joven y tonto para no comprender lo que veía y volvió a escaparse. Pero Clarinda también fue lo bastante estúpida como para callar algo que Ash merecía saber de inmediato. ¿Por orgullo está bien que ella lo haga, pero por vergüenza él no? Por ende, ¿la mayor culpa es de Ash solo porque no adivinó algo que no tenía forma de adivinar? NO ME JODAS.

El libro hasta ese momento no estaba mal, las riñas entre ambos eran graciosas, aunque no románticas, pero se leía. Pero no entiendo porqué ese final, y esa villanización hacia a ese secundario solo para hacerle más fácil el que escogiera a uno sobre otro.

[Jewel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, that was a total waste of time.

I think it's all that Harem setting that annoyed me the most. It was stereotyped and exaggerated so much, I mean who is Farouk anyway to have all that, I'm being a bit of a history geek, but during that time the Sultan of Morocco was Adbdulrahman, I'm quite sure they only had one, so that would make Farouk a Sheikh really, and Morocco!! since when did they have such extravagance.

And ALL that talk about pleasure, as if it's all they did over there, they live it, they teach it, they practice it, they breath it. I should have known from the title.

I tried to tell myself it's all not meant to be serious, but I couldn't enjoy it.

i skipped so much because it was just all eye rolling for me.

I did, however like Poppy, she was a fun character.

I've enjoyed Teresa Medieros books before, so I will not let this book stop me from reading more.

[♥ℳelody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful setting! Loved the Moroccan backdrop, Teresa did an exceptional job painting the Middle Eastern desert, the sights, sounds and the character interactions and culture there. Everything felt so vivid and very real, I loved all the attention paid to every finite detail in the Moroccan culture. The palace, the harem, the desert weather, the hammam, the concubines and dancing girls. Fun and so enchanting! Really loved the Sultan, Farouk and the surprise side love story between him and Clarinda's best friend the bespectacled cheerful Poppy. So so charming and adorable! Those two honestly stole the show for me in this as far as couples. I kept wanting to skim pages in hopes of catching another scene between them. I kept wishing we got more page time with them and their HEA near the end was a little bit rushed. The overall ending of the story was dragged out a *little* too long and I did struggle to feel the connection between Ash and Clarinda for some reason. I don't know why, there was a whole lot of tension and sexual chemistry between the two but I just struggled to feel that oomph, something for them, Clarinda in particular. I think part of it was the whole 'we loved each other when we were kids' lovers reunion that I'm personally not a fan of. I struggled to believe the idea of these two longing and dreaming about each other for 9 years straight especially over their one brief awkward tumble in the meadows when they were teens. And I wasn't crazy about the whole reasoning/misunderstanding behind why Ash left all those years ago. Meh.

I have to say the reason I'm giving this a 3 star is because of the last 2/3rds of the book. I was for sure going to give this a 4 star until I came to the end of the book. After Ash and Clarinda make an escape, the sultan catching up with them, Farouk's quick decision regarding Poppy, etc...I didn't feel satisfied enough, I felt a little bit underwhelmed to be honest. First, like I said earlier I really wanted more page time with Farouk actually courting Poppy and falling for her, most of it seemed to happen off the page and his feelings for her were never really voiced until the very end where he's kind of cajoled in to asking her to stay (I didn't like that, I was hoping for more) in front of an audience no less. The second reason, once Ash and Clarinda are free to go, the whole drama with Ash's brother Alex just seemed to drag on tirelessly and took a while to come to a conclusion. The confrontation at the very end for me wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be (given all the build up) especially with the surprise secrete revealed by Clarinda, which by the way felt too contrived for me. Like these two didn't have enough misunderstandings and secrets to deal with, this had to be thrown in there too? Yikes. Too much. And then you have 3 characters spilling everything in literally the last 3 pages of the book. It just became silly and exhausting. The ending just wasn't as satisfying as I was expecting it to be given how engaging the rest of the story was up until that point. But still, it was a very wonderful book. These were my own personal gripes, the rest of the story was very fun and enjoyable with tons of adventure and laughs. The banter in this was wonderful! The quick wit and humor was very charming and very Medeiros. Ash and his sidekick Luca cracked me up. :)

[Kristin (MyBookishWays Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/01/...

When Clarinda Cardew is kidnapped off a ship by the Corsairs, she’s sure that she and her best friend and companion, Poppy, will be sold as slaves into a fate worse than death. However, they are rescued (after a fashion) by the handsome sultan Farouk, and whisked off to his palace in the desert. Keep in mind, it’s 1834, and women aren’t treated quite the way they are today. Farouk is enchanted by his new English Rose, and affords her all the luxury that his wealth has to offer, but she is essentially his prisoner, even if he calls her his guest. Clarinda is no shrinking violet though, and she realizes that she’ll have to get with the program in order to eventually orchestrate her escape, even if that means being taught the art of sensual delight in service to the sultan. Luckily, her first love, Ashton Burke, is coming to her rescue. If only it weren’t for that pesky engagement to his brother, Max…

The Pleasure of Your Kiss is my very first Regency romance, and in the spirit of trying new things in the new year, especially with books, I was happy to dive in. I’m so glad I did! The author is a pro at sexual tension, and Clarinda and Ash’s back story isn’t as black and white as you’re led to think in the beginning, and this is played to the utmost effect. When Ash’s brother, Max (yeahhh, about that…) hires him to find Clarinda and rescue her from the sultan, Ash doesn’t feel like he can refuse, but he’s terrified to see the girl that broke his heart almost 10 years earlier. Clarinda feels the exact same way about Ash though, and it’s this tension that really keeps you glued to the pages. Well, that’s not the only thing. The Moroccan locale is rich and exotic, and created the perfect backdrop for Clarinda and Ash’s drama. I also really appreciated that Farouk wasn’t made out to be terrible villain that you usually see in these kinds of scenarios. He’s a product of his upbringing (and the pressures of his station), and he genuinely has feelings for Clarinda. However, Clarinda’s best friend Poppy only has eyes for Farouk, and this storyline was great fun for me since I couldn’t help but fall in love with the charming, underappreciated, and romantic Poppy. The Pleasure of Your Kiss also made me laugh, frequently, and that’s always a plus for me. Ms. Medeiros is a pro, and it certainly shows in her writing. Yes, I love my dark fantasy and grey characters, but I’m a romantic at heart, and sometimes I like my happy endings. I found myself grinning like a fool at the end of The Pleasure of Your Kiss, and most of the pleasure is in getting there. This story reminded me a bit of an Indiana Jones movie crossed with Romancing the Stone (with some naughty thrown into the mix-I mean, come on, it takes place in a harem), and I enjoyed it immensely. Confident writing, exotic locations, and characters you can fall in love with mark this as a must read for romance, and adventure fans alike. I’m so happy I gave this one a try!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ah Teresa.......

Teresa Medeiros manages to make me shed tears more often than any other romance authors. Something in her stories always speaks to my sentimental self. This story is one of unrequitted love, going on 9 years long. When Clarinda was just 17 and Ash 21. Ash left to make a better future, to become worthy of Clarinda. In doing so, he lost her. Or so he thought.

I cannot say more without making the review spoilery. Suffice it to say that all is not what it seems and both had reasons to believe that the person they loved chose something or something over them. They had misunderstanding but were not cruel to each other. Sometimes writers are so hung up giving us a big misunderstanding to create the tention and make the lead characters treat each other like garbage. So unromantic. But Teresa Medeiros always manage to show that caring side of both lead characters.

The "exotic" setting is indeed intriguing. I was not so impressed with the secondary romance but it was written with wit so I tolerated it well enough. The harem setting did not do much for me but since that is how the story is supposed to play out, I went along. Clarinda and Ash alone could have carried the story without these fancy tropes, I feel. But the writer wrote the book this way, I respectifully accept her literary decisions.

I was surprised how fast I finished the story. This book has more than 500 pages. But I skipped a lot of the descriptions. They were just not necessary for the story and I think that is the missing star.

All in all, classic Teresa Medeiros. I enjoyed reading the book because of her style and the loving characters she created. I do feel the relationship could have been depicted in a more heart-wrentching way but I feel that she stopped short before reaching that point. So this book leaves me with the feeling that it is a good story that could have been so wonderful.

[Angelc · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

From the summary, I wasn't sure I would like the setting and plot of a sultan's harem, but I really enjoyed this book as soon as I started reading. This is a true romantic fantasy book because all of the negatives of the harem are really glossed over and it focuses on the good aspects, so you can really be swept away.

The lead characters were very nice but I really loved the supporting characters of Poppy and Farouk. They were so complex, much more than meets the eye, and it was fun unraveling the different aspects of their personalities. My question is, why can't these different types of multifaceted, flawed characters ever be the leads?

I love the type of plot where the heroine and hero are childhood sweethearts and then they are reunited. It always warms my heart. So much history is added to the story that it's so easy to believe in their love story.

Some parts of the harem tale were over the top but I suppose it all tied into the full on fantasy of the novel. If anything, these aspects were a little much for me and otherwise, this book would have received 5 stars for me.

This was my first book by Medeiros, but her fast paced and easy to read style have won me over. It definitely won't be my last book by this author.



book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rane: Reviewing The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros with friend, and fellow sleep-deprived reader Erika!

Erika: It's Rane's fault. Seriously. She picked the book.

R:*takes a bow* This was our recent buddy read we both ended up really loving. TPOYK was my second book I've read by TM and while the first book I read by her: Yours Until Dawn had a not so great character development ending, not so in the case in TPOYK.

This was a fast paced, romantic adventure with lots of sexy fun, plus if it turned out not so great at least I could share in my misery with Erika *bats eyelashes at Erika*

E: Does the eyelashes batting mean I haven't said thank you for choosing the book? *suspicious* Oh well, thanks my buddy! You made a perfect choice *hugs*

I actually didn't know what to expect from the book since it was my first read by the author. I was surprised. TPOYK was a thrilling, exotic, and hilarious romantic adventure. Once I started, I just couldn't stop. Not even for sleep. And so, for the first time in our history, I finished a book sooner than Rane! Whoooyoooo! (Sorry Rane, I couldn't help it. I know you'll put the blame on the repair guys. But still, I finished first bwahahaha....)

R: Ah Ha! Now I know why you always finish later, it's insurance to make sure it's a good book hmm!? Clever Girl!

“Do you dream of a day when you’ll be able to draw breath again without feeling as if you’ve swallowed a bag of ground glass?” She came to a halt directly in front of Farouk, stabbing a finger at his massive chest.
“Because that’s what love is. And that’s how it feels when everything you love the most is torn from your arms.”

R: Nothing makes a story for me then great characters, and TPOYK has two shining stars in Ash and Clarinda. Two complex, multifaceted characters who have their flaws but makes them all that more alluring to the reader, as you slowly undercover their shared past as childhood sweethearts and what lead them and their separate paths and reunited again. The banter between the two at times were funny to hot, as they plan their escape of the sultan's palace to learning about one another again.

Clarinda was one of those strong female leads who doesn't annoy you with their pity party, but makes due and fights with their wits and smarts. At times it was very heartbreaking at the glimpses of the past between her and Ash that were shown and the love and later heartbreak. It only went to show the true strength that was in Clarinda.

Ash was a rascal with a capital R. With his devil may cry attitude that got him in and out of trouble. It was alot of fun to see the working of his mind and some of the close calls he came across. Ash also suffer from the heavy burden and heartbreak over a small misunderstanding. He never stopped loving Clarinda and it's shown over and over again in his actions, words and thoughts when he meets her again and even before. Seeing them together was like watching two fireworks go off and what a show it was. Plus, second chances at love always grab at my heart strings.

E: Unlike Rane, I'm not a fan of story about second chance in love. So it's always a pleasant surprise when a romance which theme I hardly like turns out to be amazing. And oh yeah Teresa Medeiros did a splendid job with the characters! Clarinda and Ash have a past together and it was more complicated than what I had thought. At first they entertained me with angst and hilarious banter. It takes time to know what had really happened between them when they were young and so in love.

I believe none of us wants a weak heroine. The question is, what makes a heroine strong? The answers may be different between each reader. For Rane, Clarinda was a strong heroine because she was smart, instead of self-pitying over the past she made due and fought with her wits. I adored Clarinda because of it. As for what made her strong in my eyes, it was her ability to forgive someone who had walked away from her. I'd have thought Clarinda was a fool if I had found Ash was unworthy of her forgiveness. Alas, Ash may not be romantic, but he wasn't a selfish man. When a man can make me believe he truly loves the woman with unpredictable ways... *sniff* He doesn't need to say it out loud to be my favorite hero.

R: *nods* Plus, let's not forget about the rest of the great cast, that made the story that much better was the secondary characters. They all held great appeal and were not just given some black and white two-dimensional personality from Clarinda's BF Poppy to the kind-hearted sultan Farouk, to Ash's brother Max, all could hold their own on the stage but didn't take away from our main couple but only added it. I'm looking forward to Max's story after what we learn about him...No doubt Erika and I will be back reviewing that book as well to see his change...

E: Definitely. Max was something. Oh I was completely in love with all the characters! Except Farouk's uncle. It's rather hard to say which supporting characters is my favorite. Each of them are there to spice up the story. Max and Farouk intrigued me. Poppy was such a sweetheart, naive but not foolish. While Yasmin and Luca... I don't know what to say. I'm laughing now just remembering them.

R: It's funny Erika but I wanted to kick Ash in the nuts in the beginning but at the end I wanted to huggle him tight and kick MAX in the nuts instead!

E: I know! I wanted to smack Max too! But Rane, honestly I also cared for him. He was so lonely... Besides, he's going to be a duke! *dollars eyes* Really looking forward to his story. And it's a good thing Rane that you didn't do anything harmful to Ash. I would protect him, you know.

R: I know, me to, call me a sucker for second chances, and it just went to show what a great author TM is and character Ash was for us to wanna huggle him and protect him in the end and forgive him! I still really liked Max cause he sounds pretty hot, and I wouldn't mind healing his broken heart with luvvvveee he sounds like a very changed man in the sneek peek of his book.



R: Erika and I got our Indiana Jones hats out when it came to the action packed pace of the book, from the start of pirates raiding a ship to the race across the desert. TM never let up and really showcased the harsh beauty of the time era where everything was new, but still blossoming from the old and the new world and area being discovered.I was hooked, and lost sleep wanting to read another page! Not to say, for me, TM didn't stumbled a bit with the lack of harsh treatment in the harems. Sex did play a big role in harems, of course, but TM sort of skimmed over alot of parts, to focus of the characters. I think it would have been a tab better to have seen more of the inner working and politics that were in the sultan's golden cage of a palace.

E: Yes I was really enjoying the book from the start because of the fresh setting of this historical romance. The adventure begins with some actions of the pirates on the sea. Then the journey continue to the exotic beauty of the Moroccan palace and desert where we are introduced to some of their cultures and traditions. Although I wasn't disappointed with how the palace's intrigues took it's role in the story arc, I hoped there had been more glimpses of the conflicts among the wives of the Sultan.

I agree with Rane, TM worked very carefully with building the trust between Ash and Clarinda before they decided to take another steps ahead together. Therefore there were moments when I felt the story kind of dropped some pace but it didn't last long before it took off again with great tension and a bunch of surprises.

R: I loved the surprises the best Erika, as TM made everything new and fresh and didn't give you all what you expected and that in itself was a bonus...I did so enjoy the massage and hot baths scenes between Ash and Clarinda *grins grins*

E: Ah... the massage and hot bath scenes.... Naughty Rane. Dayamn, it's suddenly hot here.



R: The Pleasure of Your Kiss was truly a grand adventure, filled with many great surprises, far off lands and a second chance at love. I'm very happy I picked up another Teresa Medeiros book and had a great buddy to read it along with in Erika. I'm looking forward to Max's story, and maybe dragging Erika into reading more of TM's backlist with me *sly grin*

E: Rane, sorry to ruin your fun but you don't need to drag me into reading TM books. She is officially my auto buy author (Reading them with you is another problem because you're such a speedy reader! *white flag* But since you're my lovely buddy, I think I can be persuaded :P). The Pleasure of Your Kiss actually had more than one thing that could have turned me off. But TM had blended it with the all the right formulas: Diversity among the characters, romance which rely upon emotional tension instead of sexual tension, and reasons for why everything in the story has to happen. Needless to say, I really had a great time reading this. I'm waiting for Max's book with high expectation and hopefully Rane, we will have another exciting adventure!

R: I'll have my Indiana Jones hat at the ready Erika! So what are you giving The Pleasure of Your Kiss?

E: My exotic stars, of course ;)

R: *hugs* Thank you for reviewing with me Erika, now about that book backlist....*grins*

E: The pleasure is mine, Rane *big thanks and hugs* Now, when will the repair guys have something to repair there... again *chuckles*

Rane: Erika:

[Dija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book to death. Here's hoping I get around to reviewing it soon...

[Neus Gutiérrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

No me gustan los libros de piratas, ni corsarios, ni viajes en barco. No es culpa de las autoras, lo sé, pero es que excepto la saga Mallory no he leido uno bueno o que me haya sorprendido para bien.

Algo que no puedo controlar, y que obviamente nada tiene que ver ni con la obra ni con la autora, es que yo me mareo muchísimo y odio los barcos. Para mi no es nada exótico ni excitante estar en un barco, y menos en un velero de esa época que en una tormenta es un puñetero cascarón oscilando en el atlántico. No, no. Llenándose de agua. Olores. Es que me parece de historia de terror.

Lo segundo es que estos libros suelen tener de protas a señoros bastante machistas, contrabandistas, racistas, punteros, esclavistas... Y ni puta gracia. Me da igual que sea la época, no tienes porque romantizar eso 🙃

Y lo tercero es que si bien la parte pirata siempre me ha parecido interesante, odio a los corsarios. Por si no lo sabéis, corsario era aquel pirata que se unía a la corona británica y esto le daba asilo y protección. Ser pirata y trabajar para una monarquía como la inglesa, es como ser anarquista y afiliarte a un partido de derechas 🙄

Así que ya con el inicio del libro ibamos mal. Es verdad que Medeiros no presenta el típico señoro imposible unga unga, y que su historia pues dentro de lo factible... Esta bien. Pero incluso siendo objetiva pese a mis gustos, lo que ofrece es bastante normalito y hay muchos otros libros más potentes.

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS

LOVED IT

Clarinda fell in love with the rogue next door and Ashton broke her heart when he promised to return to her once he had made his fortune. He never returned but his exploits found their way back to her ears. When his reckless way almost kill him, he must reach out to his estranged brother, Max who has comforted Clarinda previously and they become engaged even though she has never forgot about Ashton. Clarinda is on her way to Max when the ship is attacked and she captured, then sent on to a harem! Ashton is recruited to help rescue her by Max and he doesn't realize that this is that same girl he loved. Yes, you can imagine the the not so cute meet that takes place.

I adore Teresa Medieros' writing style and I am thrilled that she has written such a fun historical romance. You may know her from her paranormal romances, but her latest combines all of her strengths. Clarinda is a feisty heroine while Ashton is the perfect foil and she can give as good as she gets. Oh, the double entendre there! The best part of the story is that while improbable, in this world it all could happen and the author makes it so incredibly believable. Ash, ever the adventurer puts Clarinda through many trial rather than just hand her over to his brother. At times, I almost felt sorry for him since he is just so lost when it comes to where his heart should be. Thank you, Ms. Medieros, for taking me away for a few wonderful hours.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in Teresa Medeiros Burke Brothers series. Clarinda Cardew, along with her good friend, Poppy, is on a ship that is attacked by pirates and she ends up in a sultan's harem. Her fiance hires his brother, Ashton Burke to rescue her. When Ashton gets there and he's not certain if she even wants to be rescued. Anyway, Ashton gets busy trying to figure out how he is going to rescue her and ends up saving the sultan's life a few times.

Fun, silly, and witty but didn't really work for me. It had it's moments here and there but I never really cared for the characters, except for Poppy. I loved Poppy! I'm also not a big fan of the harem scene. But towards the end it picked up enough for me to finally finish it. I would recommend it with reservations.

[Lisarenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarinda Cardew was on the way to her wedding when tragedy struck. The ship she was sailing on was attacked by pirates. The Cosairs were notorious for raiding ships in the Mediterranean and selling the women they captured at the slave markets of North Africa and Arabia--if they were lucky. As fate would have it Clarinda and her best friend, Poppy, were the lucky ones...

"Once we arrived in Algiers," she continued, "they dragged us to the underground slave market in chains. They stripped us of our gowns, leaving us in nothing but our undergarments."

Sold to Zin al-Farouk, the Sultan of El Jadida, her fiance, Captain Maximillian Burke desperately tries to find a way to get her back. Left with no other choice, he seeks out the aid of his brother, Captain Ashton Burke. Ash and Clarinda have a past, one Max hopes will never rekindle. Ash was Clarinda's only hope.

Sometimes, however, even those known for doing the impossible can't. When Ash finally finds Clarinda he finds he may be in over his head. He might not survive this quest.

Farouk beamed like a proud papa. "My Clarinda has spent the last few months being tutored by some of the women who once served my father in his harem."

"Tutored?" Feeling his wariness grow, Ash glanced a 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 it...and how to receive it."...

"Her tutors assure me she is an apt and eager pupil and will soon be ready to retrieve my attentions and become my wife."

Clarinda was smart and brave. She kept her head during everything that went on and never gave up hope that she'd be rescued. The way she handled herself with the other woman of the harem was admirable. Plus, she showed her loyalty when she persuaded Farouk to also purchase her friend Poppy.

Captain Sir Ashton Burke had a reputation of being the ultimate rake. His exploits, both romantic and military, were legendary and documented in the scandal sheets. He was nicknamed 'Sir Savage' by the men under his command for his "ferocious skill in single combat." Clarinda described Ash as having, "amber irises rimmed in black and flecked with sparks of the purest gold, a devil-may-care dimple slashed in one lean cheek, beautifully sculpted lips that always seemed to be on the verge of quirking in a teasing smile before softening to steal a kiss... or a defenseless heart." He was impossibly good looking.

I loved how both Clarinda and Ash started out wary of each other. The heat between them, however, couldn't be denied and was extremely flammable. It practically lept off the pages. Course I suppose that could have had something to do with turbulence from my plane, but when I decided to investigate that theory (yes, it was a hardship) and reread it later, I confirmed it was definitely the romance heating up the pages. lol On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWER rating - a cold shower might be necessary. Need I say more? Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol

Why is the book entitled 'The Pleasure of Your Kiss'? Well, I believe it has to do with the following conversation:
"Is it true what the scandal sheets say about you, Captain Burke? That when you rescued the Hindustani princess, you turned down a fortune in gold and precious gems?"

"I did." His gaze dropped to her lips. "And all for the pleasure of a kiss."

"Then who am I to deny you such a reward?"

This was such a fun and enjoyable read. I actually read it while stranded at an airport for 6 hours. Anything that can distract me from the fact my plane is late, stop me from getting upset with my unruly children and keep me up for the two hour flight (1:00 AM to 3:00 AM) is definitely a noteworthy book. I loved the dynamics of the Harem. I adored Poppy and her quirky personality. I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and the mystery of what exactly happened between Ash and Clarinda. Overall, this book gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. It has a delightful combination of humor, drama and romance.

Pictures of El Jadida. It's a real place! (Yes, I know, I'm revealing my lack of geographic knowledge. )


If would like to see more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com I'd greatly appreciate it. :)

[Patrícia · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...

Finalista do Prémio Rita por oito vezes, vencedora do Waldenbooks Award for Bestselling Fiction duas vezes e do Romantic Times Award for Best Historical Love and Laughter, Teresa Medeiros é um nome que está constantemente na lista de bestsellers do New York Times, USA Today e Publishers Weekly, sendo das poucas autoras que consta da Lista de Honra das Romance Writers of America. Publicado em 2011, The Pleasure of Your Kiss, o mais recente trabalho de Teresa é o início de uma nova série cuja continuação será publicada no próximo mês.
Escritora desde os 21 anos, Teresa já escreveu vinte e três livros de sucesso e deixou há muito a vida de enfermeira para trás para se puder dedicar à escrita dos seus romances. Já vendeu mais de dez milhões de cópias e os seus livros encontram-se traduzidos em dezassete línguas. Uma das autoras mais queridas do género, Teresa tem somado sucessos e prémios ao longo da sua carreira. Actualmente vive no Kentucky com o marido e dois gatos.
Longe da clausura de uma sociedade fechada, cheia de regras e etiquetas, existe um outro mundo, um mundo exótico com outras regras, outra forma de pensar, um mundo que parece ter parado no tempo e que traz ao de cima os desejos mais fundos da tua alma, que te mostra que longe de corpetes, conversas de circunstância e controlo das emoções, podes ser tu mesma e que nesta parte do mundo não há limitações sobre a pessoa que amas e perdeste e que, contra tudo o que podias prever, reencontrarás num ambiente de sedução e misticismo, onde poderás esquecer o passado e reescrever o futuro.
Nove anos separam-na da menina que foi e daquele que partiu, nove anos depois dirige-se a um mundo pelo qual o seu amor ansiou e onde ela agora poderá recuperar o coração que ele partiu mas neste lado do globo existem aventuras que ela nunca pensou viver, perigos perdidos no tempo e uma vida que ela apenas leu nos livros mas essa vida é diferente, mais perigosa, mais sedutora. Quase uma década depois, ele ainda anseia por ela e o vasto mundo que viu não chegou para se perdoar nem para esquecer os olhos verdes que ainda o perseguem de noite e, nem os mil pecados e lascívia deste local escondido, o conseguem fazer amar outra vez. Amigos de infância, primeiros amores, Clarinda e Ashton partilharam mais do que as picardias da amizade um dia. Partilharam beijos e sonhos mas segredos e ambições separaram-nos e a tragédia e o desgosto perseguiu-os até os seus olhares se reencontrarem mais uma vez no mais improvável dos lugares. Mais do que o típico casal deste tipo de livros, Clarinda e Ashton são uma lufada de ar fresco. Donos de uma personalidade forte, incapazes de ceder à vontade do outro mas nunca indiferentes ao que sentem, eles acabam por ser uma conjugação equilibrada que nos proporciona uma história de amor magnífica que nos fará devorar este livro até a última página.
Personagens complexas, cheias de humor e sensibilidade, são o que encontrarão neste livro de Medeiros. Tão diferentes como os mundos ou as regras da casa onde foram criados, as suas personagens estão longe de ser estereotipadas, são antes irreverentes, misteriosas e tão belas quanto apaixonadas, cada uma à sua maneira. Numa história cheia de intrigas e seduções, onde o ambiente das Mil e Uma Noites é a chave para uma narrativa de sucesso, mais do que uma história de amor, este livro é um livro de aventuras onde as emoções estão sempre ao rubor e nem sempre têm a ver com desejo. Com desenvolvimentos inesperados que acabam por apimentar e dar força à história, Teresa consegue criar um livro único num género repetitivo. Através de uma escrita deliciosa, cheia de humor mordaz e tentação, a autora leva-nos a outro lugar através das suas descrições quentes e exóticas que nos farão lembrar mistério e liberdade.
Quanto à parte romântica da história, nenhuma romântica poderá desiludir-se com o amor de Clarinda e Ashton. Ela é a representante certa do sexo feminino, cheia de poder e garra e ele é o inebriante aventureiro, cheio de carisma que nunca deixou de estar louco por ela. Entre discussões acesas e momentos de puro desejo, eles irão arrepiar-nos e emocionar-nos, fazendo-nos torcer por eles do início ao fim. Gostava de ter visto mais do outro par romântico mas ainda guardo esperança que seja para outro livro.
Quando o amor é a palavra de ordem mas já se sente farta de ler sobre o mesmo, pegue neste livro e volte a apaixonar-se, volte a sonhar e leia até não puder mais. Um livro que merecia ser traduzido para a nossa língua e que penso iria agradar todas as leitoras e não só.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! The sensual exotic setting, the daring adventure, the unforgettable characters, the emotional moments, the laugh-out-loud moments, the sexy moments and the sharp, witty dialogue.

My favourite quote:

"I've seen creatures in the Indian rain forest so wondrous and rare they haven't had names since the Garden of Eden. I've ridden an elephant across the African veldt with nothing but grass as far as the eye could see. I've watched the sun rise and set over the ancient pyramids of Giza. I've travelled the world over and seen sights so incredible most men would never even dare to dream of them." He turned to look at her, his eyes smoldering like smoky topazes in the starlight. "But I've never seen anything that could compare to you."

VERDICT: A GREAT READ, FUNNY AND SEXY

RATING: ★★★★★

[Nonieღserenity2bliss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I genuinely do not know how to make of this one. I thought it was unnecessarily long. I don't find it exciting or swoon-worthy. I am more intrigue with the second couple, Poppy and the Sultan, Farouk. I thought they have more chemistry and pack more heat than Ash and Clarinda. I was more interested in Maximillian, Ash's brother than Ash himself. I might read Max's story in The Temptation of Your Touch but I'm still a bit indecisive about it because in the end, I'm not sure that I like the author's style of writing.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Original review posted at Romancing Rakes***


Excuse me while I intermittently hum the theme song to Indiana Jones and I Dream of Jeannie while throwing in a few bars of A Whole New World from Aladdin as I type out this review. Don't mind me. *humming and typing*

Kidnapped on the high seas and sold to a sultan at market on the way to her wedding, Miss Clarinda Cardew and her friend Penelope "Poppy" Montmorency were only looking for one last grand adventure before settling down to become dull, respectable ladies of society. Poppy has high hopes of the dashing, legendary Captain Ashton Burke coming to rescue them from the sultan's harem. Clarinda brushes it off, painting Burke to be only that: a legend, nothing more.

No woman was worth dying for but Ashton Burke was in a bit of a pickle. He had helped a woman escape from her abusive husband only to find himself standing before a firing squad. Before he meets his maker, his brother Maximillian rescues him. His fiancee's been kidnapped and sold to a sultan. He wants Ash to bring her back. He would do it himself but being a chief director of the East India Company, he must think of how that would reflect on him and the company if goes barging in, gun ablazing.

Ash can't believe his brother is this passionate over a woman. Once he learns who she is, he's torn between wanting to rescue her and telling his brother to go to the devil. His relationship with his brother isn't as great as it was when they were children. Ash tells his brother that he will rescue Clarinda. Only if he pays him. Of course a man in love will pay whatever is asked of him. Ash is shocked by this.

So off he goes with his friend Luca to kidnap the sultan and use him as ransom to trade for Clarinda. Well, it seems Luca and Ash aren't the only one's after the sultan. Ash saves his life and realizes that the sultan is none other than the poor pudgy foreign boy his classmates used to beat up at Cambridge: Frankie or rather, Farouk. Farouk invites them to stay at his palace for saving his life. However, his uncle isn't all that happy about it. He's old school and thinks that his brother was a fool to have made peace with a warring tribe.

In a flurry of gauzy material, Clarinda rushes back into Ash's life. She's not too happy to see Ash even if he is there to rescue her. Who is this woman?! Ash had hyped her up to be a shrewish young girl that would dog his every step and make his life miserable. This couldn't be the same woman dressed in barely covering there material. Could it?

Clarinda and Poppy have been in Farouk's palace for three months. During that time, resident mean girl Yasmin, once the sultan's favorite and soon-to-be wife until Clarinda came along, torments them. She walks around in almost nothing, makes catty remarks about the next time the sultan sends one of the concubines to bathe the Englishman it would be her and she would please him.

Playing off of each other, Ash and Clarinda try to match each other witty remark for witty remark. Jealousy inciting action for jealousy inciting action. They constantly try to one up each other, hilarity and sexiness ensue. Old feelings resurface as Ash and Clarinda must play it up for the sultan and his court.


Farouk wants to make Clarinda his wife but she needs "lessons" from the women of his harem in the art of pleasure before he beds her. You know, so that she won't come to his bed as a total innocent. Clarinda pulls the whole '1001 Nights' thing saying that she's a virgin and needs those lessons. Too bad she's lying. As Ash went out to make a name for himself so that he could marry Clarinda, she rushes out to beg him to stay and they end up having sex in a meadow. (How romantical?) But that was years ago.


Meanwhile, Farouk doesn't understand why Poppy looks at him all googly-eyed. He doesn't know what to do with her. He finds her in his favorite place to be alone and is a bit confused. These tingly feelings are foreign to him. After two attempts on his life and Ash being there to save him each time, he shows his gratitude by offering Ash anything he wants. Hmm...anything? Perhaps Farouk should have re-thought that offer.

Ash wants Clarinda in a bad way. He keeps telling himself that she belongs to his brother. Max would give her his name so that the ton wouldn't gossip about her (at least in hearing distance) kidnapping and turning up in a sultan's harem. Max would provide for Clarinda in a way that Ash couldn't. Each stolen kiss, each smoldering stare, each light caress only magnifies their need for each other until it all comes to a sinfully wicked night together. Now Ash must find a way to get all of them (Clarinda, Poppy, Luca and himself) out of the sultan's palace and back to his brother so that Max can marry Clarinda. But can he really give her up. Again?

FAVORITE QUOTE:

She was still amazed by how quickly modesty deserted one in this place, especially around the other women and eunuchs who guarded them. Back home an accidental flash of a petticoat hem was enough to cause a scandal and condemn a woman to a loveless marriage. Here the women often paraded around the harem in little but their sandals and a smile.

OVERALL: Teresa Medeiros, I love you. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty, laugh out loud banter between Ash and Clarinda as they try to one up each other during their time in the palace. What I enjoyed the most was Poppy, being starry-eyed and pining for the Farouk. I kept rooting for her, wanting her to win him over with her genuineness and realness. He couldn't see that because he was so infatuated with Clarinda since she was such a novelty in his court. Action, adventure, romance, danger, a second chance at love, secrets, a handsome sultan, a dashing hero, a resourceful and intelligent heroine, the bookish best friend and the resident mean girl all wrapped in a gorgeous oasis-like pleasure dome. The little teaser at the end for Max's story makes me want to know more. Max was a background player in this book. The older brother concerned with doing what society deems proper. There's a sexy, sinful man just waiting to get out.


***review copy provided by publisher***

[MisskTarsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teresa Madeiros es una autora que me hace sentir como en una montaña rusa, tiene libros que odio y libros que me encantan como este.

Clarinda es secuestrada por piratas y vendida a un sultán marroquí. El cual comienza a prepararla como esposa al pensar que es una dama inglesa virgen, lo que no sabe es que ella hasido comprometida años antes por el valeroso capitán Burke, el cual, viene en camino a rescatarla para que sea la esposa de su hermano.

Me gustó mucho la historia del sultán y Poppy. :3

[Cata · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 estrelas

The Pleasure of Your Kiss é o terceiro livro que leio de Teresa Medeiros. Esta é uma autora que ainda não me desiludiu, mas após ter lido Yours Until Dawn- considerado por muitos O melhor livro dela até agora- confesso que iniciei a leitura um tanto ou quanto apreensiva.

Não sei quanto a vocês, mas a sinopse deu-me a entender que a acção decorria em Marrocos e em Inglaterra em partes iguais [ou quase], mas isso não se verificou. Diria que é mais 90% Marrocos- 10% Inglaterra.

Pela sinopse também pensei que fosse detestar o Sultão, mas a verdade é que gostei imenso do Farouk.

Quanto à história em si, é simplesmente deliciosa! Está bem estruturada, bem desenvolvida e -o que valorizo bastante- foi escrita de maneira completamente envolvente. E isso é extremamente importante porque se há coisa que não gosto num livro, é quando me sinto desligada/excluída da história.

Além disso, despoletou em mim um leque variado de emoções/ reacções. Comoveu-me e deixou-me ansiosa por saber mais e mais e fez-me rir [adorei as picardias entre o casal], chorar e suspirar.

Só falhou mesmo o final, que achei demasiado apressado e um tanto ou quanto forçado. O pior de todos, foi o final do Max que me deixou completamente insatisfeita... até me deparar com o excerto do próximo livro do qual Max é protagonista *Yay!! There's still hope for Max *

Geralmente abstenho-me de fazer recomendações, até porque as pessoas têm gostos diferentes e há sempre um risco associado a estas situações, mas neste caso sinto que o posso recomendar a todas as fãs do género, porque acredito sinceramente que não desiludirá.

Queria agradecer à Mafi o empréstimo do livrinho!!

BTW, tenho de começar a poupar para comprar o do Max. É mais uma série para me desgraçar ;_;

[Mina De Caro (Mina's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros.
This was my first Teresa Medeiros novel and I had great expectations, considering her fame and the excellent reviews. But something about the first part of this book made it really difficult for me to get into it. Over the first one hundred pages I have been tempted so many times to put it aside momentarily and get back to it later on. I couldn't warm up to it and to the main characters, Clarinda and Ashton. But I decided not to give up and I am glad I did: things get more interesting and the pace picks up speed in the second part of the book. I started to like the two protagonists only at the very end when extremely painful secrets and memories about their past relationship come to the surface. What really caught my interest was the storyline involving the two secondary characters, Poppy and Farouk, with their love for good food, the gratification they both found in eating pastries and their similar taste for poetry and experiences as bullied kids. So sweet and romantic...I rather wished the main plot evolved around them and their relationship: can you imagine the incredible sensuality and connection between love and food, not to mention the incredibly hot scenes you could create with the aid of sugar, honey and custard cream? All in all, I always appreciate a love story with a happy ending. I look forward to seeing Max in the sequel The Temptation of Your Touch.

[Borders Broad · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5*) This book requires a total commitment in the suspension of belief in both story and characters. For ten years Ashton Burke has tried to escape the love of his life, Clarinda, by running from the past. Clarinda who is to married to his brother, Max, is captured by pirates who sell her and her bff Poppy to a sultan; A man who happens to have gone to school with Ashton. Sorry, but the cheese factor only gets worse from here. The sultan, Farouk, known as "Frankie" at Eton was an overweight, picked on simp who is now rock hard and dangerous, but not really. The secondary romance of Poppy and Frankie was silly. The star crossed lovers plight of the main protagonists, the unearthed secrets and the eventual resolution equals Lisa Kleypas 'lite'.

[Lucimar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teresa Medeiros me fez dar muitas risadas com os protagonistas desse livro. Eles se conheciam desde crianças e viviam sempre brigando. Mas quando ela tinha 19 anos, eles descobriram que se amavam. Mas Ash achava que tinha que oferecer algo melhor para ela e partiu em busca de fortuna. Dez anos depois eles se reencontram novamente, com um mundo de abismo entre eles, pois ela detesta e não o perdoou por tê-la abandonado. E agora ela está noiva do irmão mais velho dele e ele terá que resgatá-la de um harém.
Teresa Medeiros nos proporciona uma agradável leitura, com personagens secundários excelentes - Farouk e Poppy, Luca e Yasmim,tornam esta trama mais ainda encantadora. Cenas "calientes" ótimas. 4 estrelas porque adoro um epílogo e achei que este merecia...

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FUN!

Corsairs, Sultans on horseback, a wild rescue...yes, FUN!

Clarinda is off to marry her fiance, with her good friend Poppy at her side. Too bad the Corsairs decide to attack...and then to sell the women into slavery.

Good thing the Sultan finds Clarinda intriguing...and a good thing the girl can LIE, and bat those eyelashes.

LOTS of UST...and then the fun REALLY begins!

Captain Ashton Burke has come to rescue her, for his brother. BUT, they have a past, and neither one of them can get past it.

Yes, FUN.

[Monique Takens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Alleen jij mag mij redden - Candlelight Historische roman 1019 .
Het verhaal op zich zou ik eigenlijk drie sterren geven maar door de ongebruikelijke achtergrond ( sultan , Marokko ) en de gedetaieerde weergave van de gebruiken in een harem is het toch vier sterren geworden .

[Ania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.

[Anita M. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by Teresa Medeiros but this is one of my favorites