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The Chatsfield #1
Sheikh's Scandal
When the Sheikh comes to town ...
Determined to confront the father who abandoned her, Liyah accepts the position of chambermaid at his exclusive Chatsfield Hotel, London. Liyah must serve VIP visitor Sheikh Sayed bin Falah al Zeena and see to his every whim — and those of his harem!
With his engagement irrevocably and publicly broken, all Sayed wants is to cast off the shackles of duty and embrace the desires and needs that only one woman can satisfy! Sayed knows Liyah’s blood is heated by the same desert sands as his own, making her irresistible… But could their one night together result in scandal for the proud Sheikh?
Welcome to The Chatsfield, London!
**************************
Collect all 8 titles in The Chatsfield, London miniseries:
Sheikh's Scandal, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Lucy Monroe
Playboy's Lesson, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Melaine Milburne
Socialite's Gamble, by Michelle Conder
Billionaire's Secret, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Chantelle Shaw
Tycoon's Temptation, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Trish Morey
Rival's Challenge, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Abby Green
Rebel's Bargain, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Annie West
Heiress's Defiance, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Lynn Raye Harris
Determined to confront the father who abandoned her, Liyah accepts the position of chambermaid at his exclusive Chatsfield Hotel, London. Liyah must serve VIP visitor Sheikh Sayed bin Falah al Zeena and see to his every whim — and those of his harem!
With his engagement irrevocably and publicly broken, all Sayed wants is to cast off the shackles of duty and embrace the desires and needs that only one woman can satisfy! Sayed knows Liyah’s blood is heated by the same desert sands as his own, making her irresistible… But could their one night together result in scandal for the proud Sheikh?
Welcome to The Chatsfield, London!
**************************
Collect all 8 titles in The Chatsfield, London miniseries:
Sheikh's Scandal, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Lucy Monroe
Playboy's Lesson, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Melaine Milburne
Socialite's Gamble, by Michelle Conder
Billionaire's Secret, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Chantelle Shaw
Tycoon's Temptation, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Trish Morey
Rival's Challenge, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Abby Green
Rebel's Bargain, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Annie West
Heiress's Defiance, by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Lynn Raye Harris
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2014
81 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Monroe
608 books1,569 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 8, 2014
*cue Barry White music*
Sayed's body was so close his outer robes brushed her. Her breath came out in a shocked gasp.
I'm waiting for the infomercial advertising an erotic Snuggie. I'll be the first one to order.
Since I can not account for any sort of cultural accuracy, I will skip right on past how correct the story representation was and get right to the heart of the matter - WHERE was the harem? There was a harem mentioned in the book's synopsis. I think that was about the same amount of mention in the book as well. I was wanting to see a man who had a bunch of women at his beck and call. Because I'm weird like that. It sounded kind of cool though, the idea of a story where a man has a ton of women, but notices one who isn't rolling with his crew. Right?
This man wasn't a player. He didn't even really have pimp skills. Aaliyah called him an alpha, but I didn't see it outside of a few "you will not question me" moments. He was just a normal, nice, and hot guy who happened to be good in the bedroom. Hey, I'm not complaining. I look for these types of men in stories because they are rare breeds...but I think I was expecting something else completely.
The guy hadn't had sex in 3 years. What???
Where was that harem again?
Anyway, back to the story. Sheikh's Scandal was surprisingly a lot of fun. This couple bonded over shots (alcohol, not gunfire) and conversation. I liked how down-to-earth their coupling was. Even though there was a very strange "need you now, even though I just met you" vibe to start, these two took some time to laugh it up and get to know each other, even as they were looking at moving forward to doing the horizontal bed dance.
I'm sure at least a few of us can relate to that exact scene. Those are some fun times, indeed. Drinks make people looser? Who knew? Oh wait, we all did.
I'm writing a review for the publisher, so it's probably not in my best interest to mention that I associate Harlequin presents books with standard cheese-of-the-month. But in Sheikh's defense, this actually worked in the book's favor, since I knew going into the read to expect a fair amount of cheese.
The cheese didn't bother me. Fun times can cancel out some of the predictability. Plus, a little cheese can add to the entertainment factor. I like the idea of having a drinking game every time the words "big hands" or "big body" are used.
She'd never heard of brown fire before. (used to describe Sayed's eyes)
Neither had I. Because fire isn't ever brown.
Electric shocks had gone straight to his instant erection.
Is this supposed to be a good thing? It actually sounds quite painful to me.
"I've never had sex in an elevator," she admitted like it was a deep, dark - even shameful - secret.
Neither have I. I also haven't had sex on a roller-coaster, OR on the back of a horse. I FEEL SO ASHAMED! Do I get points back for having had sex on top of a hay bale stack or on top of a police car?
"You were smoother than jazz."
"Smoother than jazz? Really?"
She shrugged. "No music is smoother."
"Perhaps I should be happy you didn't compare me to custard."
Yep. They did go there.
Desire riding him harder than a runaway camel in the desert.
No matter how many times I read that sentence, it comes out sounding perverted in my head and I picture the camel riding the guy.
See? It was all kind of amusing.
All kidding aside, the story was sweet and held my interest. For what it was, I liked the read. The basic theme of falling for a man himself and not his power and position is a love story that will resonate with many readers. I would want to try out this theme again sometime - but ONLY if there's a harem present.
Thanks Ash for jumping in and reading with me!
This book provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from the pre-published version and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
February 28, 2014
3 STARS
A modern day fairytale between the emir of a fictional Middle Eastern country and the Chatsfield Hotel’s chambermaid tasked to provide his entourage hospitality? Where the heroine, Liyah, is the pragmatic, illegitimate daughter of the hotel’s owner and the hero, Sayed, is an entitled, elitist snob betrothed to someone of equal pedigree?
The thing with these kinds of romance novels is that you come in to the story with certain expectations and this book’s cover in particular already warns you of the cheese factor ahead (and it certainly delivered on that promise)… but outside of that, Sheikh’s Scandal actually managed to surprise me. The sex was pretty reined in and fell into the treacly category more than smut; while the insta-lust was undeniably ridiculous, I could also excuse it given the circumstances the H and h were under ; both protagonists had tolerable personalities — him being honourable and purpose driven and her being an independent and sensible woman… well outside the Sayed Sphere of Sexual Splendor anyway.
It was easy to escape into these little triumphs this book achieved and enjoy it for what it is.
Then of course there’s that.
Not to mention the attempt to shed some cultural depth to Sayed’s character with his strange metaphors and turns of phrases. Blatant lies are not identified as bullshit in Zeena Sahra, they’re camel dung! Because you know… camels, man.
It was bizarrely fascinating, the way it’s like method writing as opposed to method acting. Points for the effort, I suppose?
I was actually quite confused what kind of a fictional nation of Zeena Sahra is, because critical me finds it a contradictory mess of traditional and modern. Not to mention the fact that both of Sayed’s deceased family members died from a bomb and he’s mostly concerned whether he got the chambermaid pregnant or not and how will he perform his royal duties when he gets a raging boner at the very sight of Liyah. It’s brilliant to create a nation and culture for the hero to rule and be conflicted over because it saves the effort of research on the part of the author. But keeping what little details you chose to show consistent would have been much better.
I wasn’t a big fan of how things ended between Liyah and Chatsfield but that may just be the vindictive bitch in me talking.
I do fully disclose that I have an unhealthy obsession towards a certain attractive emirati who allegedly got deported for being too beautiful. I mean, have you seen the ridiculous levels of pretty on this guy????
The opportunity to imagine that guy doing, erm honourable things, several times, probably accounts for most of the stars I’m blindly giving this book.
Okay, it probably accounts for ALL the stars I’m giving this book.
Even if this has been aptly labeled by Stacia as an awesome drinking game waiting to happen.
ARC provided by the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.
Also on BookLikes.
A modern day fairytale between the emir of a fictional Middle Eastern country and the Chatsfield Hotel’s chambermaid tasked to provide his entourage hospitality? Where the heroine, Liyah, is the pragmatic, illegitimate daughter of the hotel’s owner and the hero, Sayed, is an entitled, elitist snob betrothed to someone of equal pedigree?
The thing with these kinds of romance novels is that you come in to the story with certain expectations and this book’s cover in particular already warns you of the cheese factor ahead (and it certainly delivered on that promise)… but outside of that, Sheikh’s Scandal actually managed to surprise me. The sex was pretty reined in and fell into the treacly category more than smut; while the insta-lust was undeniably ridiculous, I could also excuse it given the circumstances the H and h were under ; both protagonists had tolerable personalities — him being honourable and purpose driven and her being an independent and sensible woman… well outside the Sayed Sphere of Sexual Splendor anyway.
It was easy to escape into these little triumphs this book achieved and enjoy it for what it is.
”I hope you are ready for this.”
She did, too.
He stopped in front of her. “I am breaking a three-year fast. Prepare yourself. I plan to feast on you.”
Then of course there’s that.
Not to mention the attempt to shed some cultural depth to Sayed’s character with his strange metaphors and turns of phrases. Blatant lies are not identified as bullshit in Zeena Sahra, they’re camel dung! Because you know… camels, man.
It was bizarrely fascinating, the way it’s like method writing as opposed to method acting. Points for the effort, I suppose?
I was actually quite confused what kind of a fictional nation of Zeena Sahra is, because critical me finds it a contradictory mess of traditional and modern. Not to mention the fact that both of Sayed’s deceased family members died from a bomb and he’s mostly concerned whether he got the chambermaid pregnant or not and how will he perform his royal duties when he gets a raging boner at the very sight of Liyah. It’s brilliant to create a nation and culture for the hero to rule and be conflicted over because it saves the effort of research on the part of the author. But keeping what little details you chose to show consistent would have been much better.
I wasn’t a big fan of how things ended between Liyah and Chatsfield but that may just be the vindictive bitch in me talking.
I do fully disclose that I have an unhealthy obsession towards a certain attractive emirati who allegedly got deported for being too beautiful. I mean, have you seen the ridiculous levels of pretty on this guy????
The opportunity to imagine that guy doing, erm honourable things, several times, probably accounts for most of the stars I’m blindly giving this book.
Okay, it probably accounts for ALL the stars I’m giving this book.
Even if this has been aptly labeled by Stacia as an awesome drinking game waiting to happen.
ARC provided by the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.
Also on BookLikes.
February 1, 2018
RE-READ
I just loved their interactions. I forgive his passive stance the morning after, his romanticism make up for it. End that super perfect ending with everything wrapped up in the pinkiest package that every HP should aspire in a HEA.
Ummm, anybody knows if Yusuf has his own book?
FIRST READ
4.5 stars
Lucy Monroe is now one of my favorites, she refreshes the typical plots with scenes I've never read in an harlequin before. Also, she writes heroines I love, which is difficult to achieve.
Aaliyah Liyah (for the mere mortals, her family can call her by her given name) and her mom, that's how it's always been, but her mom suddenly dies and Liyah's only mission is to find her father (the one that being married seduced a young and innocent girl ¬¬). Of course in HP-land the opportunity of working in the hotel owned by her father was presented and there she is in charge to make sure the emir Sayed has a pleasurable stay in the Chatsfield.
And that's all I'm going to say about the story.
Now, a little warning: If you're looking for an alpha or alpha-jerk you won't find him here. Yes, he is arrogant, has some alpha moments BUT he is not an alpha, otherwise the whole scene of the interrogatory the morning after wouldn't have happened. I didn't mind that though, there's enough drama in Liyah's life already.
And a complaint: I needed Gene Chatsfield's blood, lots of it!
I just loved their interactions. I forgive his passive stance the morning after, his romanticism make up for it. End that super perfect ending with everything wrapped up in the pinkiest package that every HP should aspire in a HEA.
Ummm, anybody knows if Yusuf has his own book?
FIRST READ
Lucy Monroe is now one of my favorites, she refreshes the typical plots with scenes I've never read in an harlequin before. Also, she writes heroines I love, which is difficult to achieve.
And that's all I'm going to say about the story.
Now, a little warning: If you're looking for an alpha or alpha-jerk you won't find him here. Yes, he is arrogant, has some alpha moments BUT he is not an alpha, otherwise the whole scene of the interrogatory the morning after wouldn't have happened. I didn't mind that though, there's enough drama in Liyah's life already.
And a complaint: I needed Gene Chatsfield's blood, lots of it!
October 16, 2018
"Sheikh's Scandal" is the story Aaliyah and Sayed.
A very Cinderella inspired, OTT sweet love story with
-A h working as a chambermaid to finally meet her father, who owns the hotel and who's identity was revealed only when her mother passed away
-Her meeting the hero, who's the Sheikh of Zeena Sarha, and experiencing instant lust that is reciprocated
-The h getting dumped by his fiance and having a drunken ONS with the H, who was also coincidentally reeling from her father's rejection
-A no glove love incident
-Whisking the heroine away to homeland for possible pregnancy
-Continued passion
-Very, very mild drama followed by HEA
This book had almost no angst. In the end everything was resolved and tied up with a neat bow, and the couple didn't fight their feelings, family was supportive, and confessed their feelings with minimal coercion.
Safe
3.5/5
P.S. A good drinking game for those who enjoy alcohol is to take a shot whenever the H refers to himself as the "Emir"
A very Cinderella inspired, OTT sweet love story with
-A h working as a chambermaid to finally meet her father, who owns the hotel and who's identity was revealed only when her mother passed away
-Her meeting the hero, who's the Sheikh of Zeena Sarha, and experiencing instant lust that is reciprocated
-The h getting dumped by his fiance and having a drunken ONS with the H, who was also coincidentally reeling from her father's rejection
-A no glove love incident
-Whisking the heroine away to homeland for possible pregnancy
-Continued passion
-Very, very mild drama followed by HEA
This book had almost no angst. In the end everything was resolved and tied up with a neat bow, and the couple didn't fight their feelings, family was supportive, and confessed their feelings with minimal coercion.
Safe
3.5/5
P.S. A good drinking game for those who enjoy alcohol is to take a shot whenever the H refers to himself as the "Emir"
March 16, 2014
This is a good start to the Chatsfield stories. There are 8 books in the series, written by different Harlequin authors.
The blurb of the book pretty much sums up what the story is about but it is slightly misleading in that the Sheikh is supposed to be bringing a harem. I think it is important to the character and integrity of the Sheikh that this matter is cleared up. Yes, rooms are set aside for the harem but in fact the sheikh doesn’t have a harem and has been celibate since the announcement of his engagement 3 years ago. The rooms are set aside for his fiancée’s staff and other administrative staff the Sheik may have with him.
Although Sayed is attracted to Liyah he resists temptation because he believes in staying faithful to his fiancée who is very soon to become his wife. BUT said fiancée runs off with another man effectively breaking the engagement so Sayed sees no reason to deny himself especially as he finds Liyah in his ex-fiancée’s room drinking. Liyah is trying to drown her sorrows because her ‘father’ has denied all knowledge of knowing her mother, refused to acknowledge her as his daughter and called her a liar. Sayed and Liyah decide to spend the night together with no strings attached but unfortunately in their rush they do not use protection a couple of times meaning Liyah could be pregnant so making it necessary that she travels back home with him until they discover if their night of passion brings consequences.
I really like Lucy Monroe and she is one of my Harlequin auto-buy authors, she tells a good story which is well written and easy to read. Although this story/plot has been told many times in Harlequin-Land Ms Monroe still managed to make it an interesting and enjoyable read….So it is well worth picking it up, making yourself nice and comfy with a glass of wine and lose yourself in reading all about The Chatsfield, Sayed and Liyah.
I am looking forward to reading the next Chatsfield story Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne which is due for release in May of this year.
The blurb of the book pretty much sums up what the story is about but it is slightly misleading in that the Sheikh is supposed to be bringing a harem. I think it is important to the character and integrity of the Sheikh that this matter is cleared up. Yes, rooms are set aside for the harem but in fact the sheikh doesn’t have a harem and has been celibate since the announcement of his engagement 3 years ago. The rooms are set aside for his fiancée’s staff and other administrative staff the Sheik may have with him.
Although Sayed is attracted to Liyah he resists temptation because he believes in staying faithful to his fiancée who is very soon to become his wife. BUT said fiancée runs off with another man effectively breaking the engagement so Sayed sees no reason to deny himself especially as he finds Liyah in his ex-fiancée’s room drinking. Liyah is trying to drown her sorrows because her ‘father’ has denied all knowledge of knowing her mother, refused to acknowledge her as his daughter and called her a liar. Sayed and Liyah decide to spend the night together with no strings attached but unfortunately in their rush they do not use protection a couple of times meaning Liyah could be pregnant so making it necessary that she travels back home with him until they discover if their night of passion brings consequences.
I really like Lucy Monroe and she is one of my Harlequin auto-buy authors, she tells a good story which is well written and easy to read. Although this story/plot has been told many times in Harlequin-Land Ms Monroe still managed to make it an interesting and enjoyable read….So it is well worth picking it up, making yourself nice and comfy with a glass of wine and lose yourself in reading all about The Chatsfield, Sayed and Liyah.
I am looking forward to reading the next Chatsfield story Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne which is due for release in May of this year.
April 2, 2014
This is the first book of the Chatsfield series. It is a sweet story about Sheikh Sayed who is engaged to be married but his fiancee left him for another man. He is staying at the Chatsfield Hotel, where our heroine Liyah is working as a chambermaid. Her real reason for working there is to find and confront her birth father after her mother's death. They have a one night stand and Sayed is afraid that Liyah could be pregnant so she travels back to the desert with him.
Good read. Hero is not alpha. He is super nice, honorable and a true gentleman. Liyah is not your typical bitchy hysterical HP heroine. She is strong but sweet, loving and vulnerable. I always like this author's heroines and Liyah is not an exception. I would have given this 5 stars but heroine taking the morning after pill and the lack of an epilogue left a bad taste in my mouth.
Can't wait to read the next Chatsfield story Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne!
Good read. Hero is not alpha. He is super nice, honorable and a true gentleman. Liyah is not your typical bitchy hysterical HP heroine. She is strong but sweet, loving and vulnerable. I always like this author's heroines and Liyah is not an exception. I would have given this 5 stars but heroine taking the morning after pill and the lack of an epilogue left a bad taste in my mouth.
Can't wait to read the next Chatsfield story Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne!
October 16, 2014
The 1st book in the series and it's like a Cinderella meets her Prince Charming...the chambermaid and the Sheikh
The Chatsfields seem an interesting family and I am probably going to read this series...but this story lacked something for me.
It"s not that I didn"t like the mc's....just felt they had no real connection or sexual chemistry together.
I found it a bit of a struggle to finish this one....not a bad book but just not that great.
The Chatsfields seem an interesting family and I am probably going to read this series...but this story lacked something for me.
It"s not that I didn"t like the mc's....just felt they had no real connection or sexual chemistry together.
I found it a bit of a struggle to finish this one....not a bad book but just not that great.
April 19, 2014
To best enjoy this heart-warming, light and fluffy contemporary fairy tale romance, I suggest a soft and comfy couch or lounge chair, a gentle fire or the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Lucy Monroe has written a sweet, only slightly convoluted love story that is a romantic’s delight. Sheikh’s Scandal is pure Harlequin Romance! Liyah, a wonderful and caring young woman from the States takes a job at the posh and elegant Chatsfield Hotel in London with only one agenda besides providing the proper ambience and cultural service to dignitaries from the Middle Eastern country of Zeena Sahra. Liyah is determined to finally meet the father who had a brief affair with her recently deceased mother, leaving her mother shamed and disowned by her Zeena Sahra family.
Meanwhile the future leader of Zeena Sahra, along with his entourage and his fiancé have their own political upheavals to deal with when Sayed’s fiancé secretly dashes off with another. As only a true romance writer can do, Lucy Monroe places the chambermaid and the royal in the perfect situation to find comfort in each other’s arms and a magnetic pull they both try to deny, further complicated by the slim possibility that Liyah could be pregnant. What to do? Hide away in Zeena Sahra until the pregnancy can be proven or not, of course. In the end, will it really matter? Where there is love, there is a way through anything, right?
Lucy Monroe sticks to the romantic side of this tale, leaving the drama of international issues and fathers in denial as mere emotional potholes on the way. With two wonderfully likable main characters and a wonderfully wise royal family in the wings, Ms. Monroe gives us a true fairy tale type romance for a perfect getaway from the world we call reality. Nothing deep, nothing to truly ponder, just a straight to the heart love story.
I received an ARC edition from Harlequin Presents in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373132393
Genre: Contemporary Romance - Adults
Print Length: 192 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Meanwhile the future leader of Zeena Sahra, along with his entourage and his fiancé have their own political upheavals to deal with when Sayed’s fiancé secretly dashes off with another. As only a true romance writer can do, Lucy Monroe places the chambermaid and the royal in the perfect situation to find comfort in each other’s arms and a magnetic pull they both try to deny, further complicated by the slim possibility that Liyah could be pregnant. What to do? Hide away in Zeena Sahra until the pregnancy can be proven or not, of course. In the end, will it really matter? Where there is love, there is a way through anything, right?
Lucy Monroe sticks to the romantic side of this tale, leaving the drama of international issues and fathers in denial as mere emotional potholes on the way. With two wonderfully likable main characters and a wonderfully wise royal family in the wings, Ms. Monroe gives us a true fairy tale type romance for a perfect getaway from the world we call reality. Nothing deep, nothing to truly ponder, just a straight to the heart love story.
I received an ARC edition from Harlequin Presents in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
ISBN: 9780373132393
Genre: Contemporary Romance - Adults
Print Length: 192 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 22, 2014
Enjoyable read and liked this couple together.Sweet story with low level angst,just what I wanted to read tonite.
March 10, 2021
I liked how the hero was very honorable and stayed faithful for 3 years during his engagement even when he didn't love his fiance. Talk about morals and honor. He said that he lives by his own high standards of morality and rightfullness. The heroine wasn't bad either . After reading some disappointing books by this author ,I'm glad this one is wasn't .
February 6, 2019
Sweet romance.
June 30, 2021
It could have been a really good book, but something ruined it for me.
Guess what?
The heroine took the morning after pill.
She asked for it.
She had a ons with the emir and they had once unprotected sex, but he was supportive and offered to wait until they knew if she was pregnant. She wasn't forced at all and the hero didn't think she was a gold digger or that she wanted to trap him.
This demeaned the entire situation, reducing their night together to a shallow meeting.
It should have been something more meaningful, since there's an insta lust like no other.
The hero was sweet and caring through all the book.
I'm not saying I'm against this kind of pill in real life, I know there are difficult situations and a woman must havealways a choice, but this should be a romantic book, not real life and the heroine didn't hesitate one second.
I understand that the author wanted to picture an heroine who wasn't interested in trapping the emir, and that eventually they married for love and not for the baby, but since she's the author, she could have chosen another way, it is not necessary that one time without protection should result in a pregnancy.
I found it painful to read in a romantic book meant to be light and fun.
And too much dialogue during sex means they are not so involved in what they are doing...
Guess what?
The heroine took the morning after pill.
She asked for it.
She had a ons with the emir and they had once unprotected sex, but he was supportive and offered to wait until they knew if she was pregnant. She wasn't forced at all and the hero didn't think she was a gold digger or that she wanted to trap him.
This demeaned the entire situation, reducing their night together to a shallow meeting.
It should have been something more meaningful, since there's an insta lust like no other.
The hero was sweet and caring through all the book.
I'm not saying I'm against this kind of pill in real life, I know there are difficult situations and a woman must havealways a choice, but this should be a romantic book, not real life and the heroine didn't hesitate one second.
I understand that the author wanted to picture an heroine who wasn't interested in trapping the emir, and that eventually they married for love and not for the baby, but since she's the author, she could have chosen another way, it is not necessary that one time without protection should result in a pregnancy.
I found it painful to read in a romantic book meant to be light and fun.
And too much dialogue during sex means they are not so involved in what they are doing...
May 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting. Totally fell for the emir. He was alpha but not too alpha. And his family was refreshing/surprising. I highly recommend this book! :-)
May 4, 2014
Sheikh Sayed of Zeena is ready to make the ultimate commitment, marry and be happy, but then suddenly his fiance calls off their engagement.
His 'drowning of sorrows' comes in the form of a hotter than the desert sun night with chambermaid Liyah.
Liyah 's father refuses to acknowledge her and she has had more than just a rough life, so of course getting down and dirty with a sexy irresistible sheikh is just what she needs to forget a road she failed to find a happy ending to.
But in their haste to forget their troubles they forget the most important rule of one night stands, and when morning comes Sayed makes the decision to take Liyah and the possible child she might be bearing back to his home.
And if she is carrying his child the answer will be a simple one of marriage. But will his people except Liyah into their lives and more importantly will Liyah be prepared to marry a man who does not love her?
The character of Sayed was kind, caring, sweet and sensitive and not the over bearing ' I am all powerful and you shall do what ever I want you to do simply because of who I am ' kind. Yes he does all but command Liyah to travel back with him, but he does it is what I found a very gentle manner. I loved that he takes everyone's feeling into consideration, a true gentleman that makes your heart melt with every word. Him not revealing feelings before he is absolutely certain was a stunning touch from the author. It showed that it is always important to never mislead people when we ourselves are not sure of what is going on. Keep it under wraps till you are certain or else only heartache will come, lies are never the answer.
The character of Liyah was the one that broke my heart. I wanted to cry my eyes out for her past and just hug her and tell her that she has a place where she belongs , she just needs to give it time. She was also very strong yet vulnerable at the same time. This showed me that we can all be strong but not so strong that we come off as mean. There is a certain balance needed when trying to show you are not strong enough to break apart at the slightest problem but that you are not made of steal and still have a heart when it comes to other things in life when caring is needed.
I am no big fan of sheikh related reads, but ever so now and then I do find a author that does it all just right. Bringing me a sheikh hero that hits all the right notes, and from now on Lucy Monroe will be on my auto to buy list. I enjoyed the drama unfolding between Sayed and Liyah, it had the right balance of dramatic emotional upsets and romantic passion and that perfect hint of sweetness.
I am taking away a message of life will take us to the one we are meant to be with when we least expect it to happen, and even if seems the forces are against you, hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel or in the case of this read there is water at end of a long dry dessert road.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with a sweet flare and heartfelt emotion.
4.5 star review
" One night of scandalous behavior leads to a lifetime of love, passion and a new life"
His 'drowning of sorrows' comes in the form of a hotter than the desert sun night with chambermaid Liyah.
Liyah 's father refuses to acknowledge her and she has had more than just a rough life, so of course getting down and dirty with a sexy irresistible sheikh is just what she needs to forget a road she failed to find a happy ending to.
But in their haste to forget their troubles they forget the most important rule of one night stands, and when morning comes Sayed makes the decision to take Liyah and the possible child she might be bearing back to his home.
And if she is carrying his child the answer will be a simple one of marriage. But will his people except Liyah into their lives and more importantly will Liyah be prepared to marry a man who does not love her?
The character of Sayed was kind, caring, sweet and sensitive and not the over bearing ' I am all powerful and you shall do what ever I want you to do simply because of who I am ' kind. Yes he does all but command Liyah to travel back with him, but he does it is what I found a very gentle manner. I loved that he takes everyone's feeling into consideration, a true gentleman that makes your heart melt with every word. Him not revealing feelings before he is absolutely certain was a stunning touch from the author. It showed that it is always important to never mislead people when we ourselves are not sure of what is going on. Keep it under wraps till you are certain or else only heartache will come, lies are never the answer.
The character of Liyah was the one that broke my heart. I wanted to cry my eyes out for her past and just hug her and tell her that she has a place where she belongs , she just needs to give it time. She was also very strong yet vulnerable at the same time. This showed me that we can all be strong but not so strong that we come off as mean. There is a certain balance needed when trying to show you are not strong enough to break apart at the slightest problem but that you are not made of steal and still have a heart when it comes to other things in life when caring is needed.
I am no big fan of sheikh related reads, but ever so now and then I do find a author that does it all just right. Bringing me a sheikh hero that hits all the right notes, and from now on Lucy Monroe will be on my auto to buy list. I enjoyed the drama unfolding between Sayed and Liyah, it had the right balance of dramatic emotional upsets and romantic passion and that perfect hint of sweetness.
I am taking away a message of life will take us to the one we are meant to be with when we least expect it to happen, and even if seems the forces are against you, hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel or in the case of this read there is water at end of a long dry dessert road.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with a sweet flare and heartfelt emotion.
4.5 star review
" One night of scandalous behavior leads to a lifetime of love, passion and a new life"
April 20, 2015
I knew I should have avoided reading this book.. As of yet, I haven't been able to find an author who has credible or even slight understanding and knowledge about the middle eastern culture... not that you find many who understand Greek, Italian or Spanish culture either but the inaccuracy and the kind of world they come up with belongs to another planet, although this book wasn't as bad as some of the other ones I have read but it was still bad. It was so funny to find a male name given to a female character in the book. the clothing articles which was talked about for pages were right out of wiki. The culture, customs, relationship between the Sheik and his entourage, his family,...discussed in the book showed severe lack of understanding of it. The chemistry between the lead character was almost none existence.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book! Both Sayed and Liyah were likable; they weren’t annoying, and there wasn’t any dumb or unnecessary drama. The chemistry between them was hot and radiated off the pages – and not just the sexual chemistry. These two were so good together – they complimented each other. Another thing I liked about this book was the secondary characters; they are so well done. Everyone, even if they only have two or more scenes or something, is wonderfully realized. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series!
May 8, 2014
This is going to be such an incredible series! And not unexpectedly Lucy Monroe has once again used her incredible talent to write a totally engrossing story of two people who grab your heartstrings and pull you into their story of honor, commitment and the strength to follow their destiny!! Wouldn't or should I say couldn't sit it down once I started it (usually what happens when I pick up a book written by Ms. Monroe)
December 20, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin Books through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
As a small paperback tale of passion, this is mostly what one might expect. The dialogue is tolerable, as there are some advancing complexities between the characters as they get to know each other, and there is no such thing as mediocre sex.
The back of the paperback says that "Sheikh Sayed of Zeena Sarha [sic] and his harem of beautiful women are staying at the exclusive opulent Chatsfield Hotel, London..." It is not immediately noticeable that the name of the country is spelled wrong on the back of the book, since it is a fictional country anyway. What is more noticeable is that there is not actually a "harem of beautiful women" in this story. On page 9, it's stated that the entire concierge floor of the hotel has to be reserved for these women; on page 22, it is clarified that these women are "different female staff members of the prince's entourage" and "the emir's fiancée and her mostly female traveling companions." This is a little confusing: Are the women attending the prince and/or his fiancée? What does it mean to be "mostly female"? Do all the women stay on the concierge-turned-harem floor, regardless of whether they primarily associate with the prince or with his fiancée, thus banding by their gender rather than by their professional or social role? Does the Zeena Sahran culture find that gender segregation (the word harem meaning "forbidden") is adequately achieved by simply staying on a different hotel floor? Why is the future emira allowed to have some traveling companions who are non-female? Where are the eunuch guards? All of these questions are easily sidelined, however, since none of these women actually appear in the story, despite supposedly taking up an entire floor of the hotel.
This is because the two main characters are too busy bedding each other for there to be any time to worry about other characters who might be doing things other than having really great semi-protected sex. Their tryst is sparked when the emir's fiancée (who we never meet) inexplicably runs off and elopes with another man. The 36-year-old emir has been celibate for three years as a matter of personal honor in anticipation of his marriage, and suddenly there is no marriage to be had, so his three years of "sexual desert" on behalf of someone he was never excited about anyway are proven to have been wasted. Without a moment's delay, he is immediately filled with lust for the chambermaid, and apparently there is no personal honor lost in restraining that impulse. The chambermaid, for her part, is invested in proving that she is the equivalent of an American princess--the illegitimate child of a tycoon--a piece of information which, if true, now carries the added benefit of making it slightly less likely that her royal lover will drop her like an old bath towel after he scratches his three-year itch.
The brief discussion of the medical workings and ethical meaning of "emergency birth control" (page 100) is muddled, but since it is contained within the dialogue of two characters in crisis, and they are permitted not to know what they're talking about, it's OK.
What is nice about this book is that the chambermaid heroine is independent-minded enough to talk back to the prince and tell him when he sounds like an elitist ass -- which is pretty much every time he opens his mouth, except when he's telling her that she's hot -- so he gets taken down a notch a lot.
Happily ever after!
As a small paperback tale of passion, this is mostly what one might expect. The dialogue is tolerable, as there are some advancing complexities between the characters as they get to know each other, and there is no such thing as mediocre sex.
The back of the paperback says that "Sheikh Sayed of Zeena Sarha [sic] and his harem of beautiful women are staying at the exclusive opulent Chatsfield Hotel, London..." It is not immediately noticeable that the name of the country is spelled wrong on the back of the book, since it is a fictional country anyway. What is more noticeable is that there is not actually a "harem of beautiful women" in this story. On page 9, it's stated that the entire concierge floor of the hotel has to be reserved for these women; on page 22, it is clarified that these women are "different female staff members of the prince's entourage" and "the emir's fiancée and her mostly female traveling companions." This is a little confusing: Are the women attending the prince and/or his fiancée? What does it mean to be "mostly female"? Do all the women stay on the concierge-turned-harem floor, regardless of whether they primarily associate with the prince or with his fiancée, thus banding by their gender rather than by their professional or social role? Does the Zeena Sahran culture find that gender segregation (the word harem meaning "forbidden") is adequately achieved by simply staying on a different hotel floor? Why is the future emira allowed to have some traveling companions who are non-female? Where are the eunuch guards? All of these questions are easily sidelined, however, since none of these women actually appear in the story, despite supposedly taking up an entire floor of the hotel.
This is because the two main characters are too busy bedding each other for there to be any time to worry about other characters who might be doing things other than having really great semi-protected sex. Their tryst is sparked when the emir's fiancée (who we never meet) inexplicably runs off and elopes with another man. The 36-year-old emir has been celibate for three years as a matter of personal honor in anticipation of his marriage, and suddenly there is no marriage to be had, so his three years of "sexual desert" on behalf of someone he was never excited about anyway are proven to have been wasted. Without a moment's delay, he is immediately filled with lust for the chambermaid, and apparently there is no personal honor lost in restraining that impulse. The chambermaid, for her part, is invested in proving that she is the equivalent of an American princess--the illegitimate child of a tycoon--a piece of information which, if true, now carries the added benefit of making it slightly less likely that her royal lover will drop her like an old bath towel after he scratches his three-year itch.
The brief discussion of the medical workings and ethical meaning of "emergency birth control" (page 100) is muddled, but since it is contained within the dialogue of two characters in crisis, and they are permitted not to know what they're talking about, it's OK.
What is nice about this book is that the chambermaid heroine is independent-minded enough to talk back to the prince and tell him when he sounds like an elitist ass -- which is pretty much every time he opens his mouth, except when he's telling her that she's hot -- so he gets taken down a notch a lot.
Happily ever after!
June 5, 2014
This is the second of the of The Chatsfield series I have read, it has turned out to be an outstanding series I plan on reading them all. There are few men that are hotter than a Sheikh, they are so controlling, manly and strong. Deep down all of us women dream of having a man like this, do we really want a controlling man most likely not but oh the dreams we have. It is a lovely fairy tale Sheikh meets lower class women, sheikh must have. Truly a wonderful, fuzzy, touching outstanding read.
Have you ever meet someone and couldn’t take your eyes off them? Just with one look know how hot life would be with the other? For Sayed and Liyah one look was all it took for them to know they wanted each other. Both knew this could never be, the Sheikh was engaged, Liyah knew she was out of his class. Things happen, things get in the way and one night of love can be devastating, one wrong choice and it can change your life. I know each of us has had one time we wish we could do over, change things, and rethink them. It is so in Sayed and Liyah but there is no redo button and life must go on.
Sayed is a stand up guy, he has principals which he stand by, the story shows this from the very beginning. His life must take a path that has been planned out since birth, he will follow that path at every cost. He will not let his people down, he will do all that is requested of him for his people. But one night that all changed and he lets his wants and needs take over which leads him down a path he had never planned for. He is a wonderful character with outstanding traits that not only make him a better man but better than most man. I love his character, how he stood up for his country, parents, his people, and what he believed in without demeaning those around him. Yes he has a harem but does not use it the way most men do. He is the faithful type and was raised to not demean women. Sayed stand behind his word and his deeds, one night he made a mistake he will stand by it and make it better no matter what. He refuses to think of it as a mistake when all those around him feel it is, he will be the man he was raised to be and stand beside his women. I love this!
Liyah is looking for one thing and that is meeting and getting to know her father. She has no time for men and has never let a man get close. She has had a very strong up bring, her mother told her to save herself for marriage and that is what she is going to do. She is so drawn to Sayed but knows it would never work, they would never have a chance. But one night with her father changes all that, she finds things out about her mother that changes how she feels and deals with issues and she is going for broke.
This choice just might break her and chance her life forever. Liyah is a very strong character who takes care of herself and doesn’t need a man to live her life. Life is tough and her choice may lead to paths she would rather not take but take them she will. If she most go down the road alone she will.
I really do not think I can tell anymore of the story without giving it away. I recommend this book for a night you want nothing heavy, just a sweet, sexy, glowing, wonderful read that you just want the stress to go away. For a night that you just truly want a Harlequin Romance like it use to be when you picked up a Harlequin and just knew it was going to give you a wonderful fairy tale of love and romance one that will reach your soul and curl your toes. That will leave you with a feeling of peace and love.
Have you ever meet someone and couldn’t take your eyes off them? Just with one look know how hot life would be with the other? For Sayed and Liyah one look was all it took for them to know they wanted each other. Both knew this could never be, the Sheikh was engaged, Liyah knew she was out of his class. Things happen, things get in the way and one night of love can be devastating, one wrong choice and it can change your life. I know each of us has had one time we wish we could do over, change things, and rethink them. It is so in Sayed and Liyah but there is no redo button and life must go on.
Sayed is a stand up guy, he has principals which he stand by, the story shows this from the very beginning. His life must take a path that has been planned out since birth, he will follow that path at every cost. He will not let his people down, he will do all that is requested of him for his people. But one night that all changed and he lets his wants and needs take over which leads him down a path he had never planned for. He is a wonderful character with outstanding traits that not only make him a better man but better than most man. I love his character, how he stood up for his country, parents, his people, and what he believed in without demeaning those around him. Yes he has a harem but does not use it the way most men do. He is the faithful type and was raised to not demean women. Sayed stand behind his word and his deeds, one night he made a mistake he will stand by it and make it better no matter what. He refuses to think of it as a mistake when all those around him feel it is, he will be the man he was raised to be and stand beside his women. I love this!
Liyah is looking for one thing and that is meeting and getting to know her father. She has no time for men and has never let a man get close. She has had a very strong up bring, her mother told her to save herself for marriage and that is what she is going to do. She is so drawn to Sayed but knows it would never work, they would never have a chance. But one night with her father changes all that, she finds things out about her mother that changes how she feels and deals with issues and she is going for broke.
This choice just might break her and chance her life forever. Liyah is a very strong character who takes care of herself and doesn’t need a man to live her life. Life is tough and her choice may lead to paths she would rather not take but take them she will. If she most go down the road alone she will.
I really do not think I can tell anymore of the story without giving it away. I recommend this book for a night you want nothing heavy, just a sweet, sexy, glowing, wonderful read that you just want the stress to go away. For a night that you just truly want a Harlequin Romance like it use to be when you picked up a Harlequin and just knew it was going to give you a wonderful fairy tale of love and romance one that will reach your soul and curl your toes. That will leave you with a feeling of peace and love.
June 20, 2014
I absolutely enjoyed this book I have always believed in love at first sight even if when the two meet do not realizes this them selves this has some really hot and steamy loves scenes when Sayed saw Liyah he was instantly drawn to her as he was instantly drawn to him but he was betrothed and would not be unfaithful to his betrothed so he tried to deny his feelings then when unforseen events conspire he is no longer betrothed and needs a drink Liyah in a similar situation and needing a drink takes refuge in the emire's fiance's room and the end up alone and in bed thinking she may be pregnant he takes her home and no mater how hard he trys to stay away he can not although he dose not see it his mother dose and it turns it a Cinderella story with one exception being they can not keep their hands off one another I would love to see another book with Stayed and Liyah this a wonderful love story that I could not put down and read to the wee morning hours
June 22, 2014
I have to say that I enjoyed book two, which I just recently read, more than I did this one. In fact I was slightly disappointed, which is a shame because I usually love Lucy Monroe books, but this one just missed the mark for me.
And it wasn't a bad book or boring or anything like that it just didn't do it for me or more accurately the love story aspect, which is a huge part of Harlequin Presents, just didn't do it for me. It just didn't feel right or what I wanted to feel while reading a love story. I was turned off by a few of things.
One the first time they make love, they were both under the influence of alcohol, and that's a big no no for me because I want both hero and heroine to have clear heads while they are doing the deed and not blame it on the alcohol later of why they gave into each other in the first place then say that it was a mistake that they slept together in the first place. I hate that in romance stories. I never want alcohol in an aspect in a love story. EVER! That's is a biggest pet peeve of mine. And it was here in its full glory here. Plus it kind of made me think less of Sayed because he knew Liyah was drunk yet he decided to make love to her anyway knowing full well she wasn't in her right mind, but he continued anyway because he wanted her and couldn't wait to have her. It made me question his motives and in fact whether he was a good guy or not or was he just pressing his advantage. (Later in this review I will talk about Sayed and his character and how he did redeem himself in my mind, but at first I was a little iffy with him) So that was a huge deal with me. I don't like drunk storylines. There's enough of that in reality I don't need it in my fiction to. So that was first off. So didn't enjoy that scene so much.
Secondly even though it was stated that they were severely attracted to one another, I didn't really feel it or maybe it was just too forced and faked for my liking. It just didn't seem natural and even though it was a fiction story, I still need it to be believable and feel natural as they fall into a romance, and I didn't get that here.
Thirdly, which kind of relates to point number two, was that it happened almost too quick for them to give into their attraction for one another. There was no slow burn or anticipation that added to the tension and angst of the book. I want that slow burn and have it drawn out a bit before they give into their passion for one another that is nearly exploding off the page, which is what makes a story interesting and make me want to turn page after page and getting my pulse to pound right along with them. I guess that was my biggest complaint was the lake of angst and tension between the two or if there was a bone of contention between the pair which wasn't a lot it was dealt with too easily and quickly and they would be back together again. If you have read my reviews in the past, you know how much I like me some angst between the couple in their love story, which keeps me glued to the page. This one didn't have it. So that was another thing that just didn't do it for me in their love story.
Fourthly, and again this kind of relates to the previous points above, I didn't believe in the romance or the fact that they fell in love. I saw no reason they fell in love with each other, okay maybe on Liyah's part, but not really on his. I just felt for him it was more physical than anything else. Now I could see where he was heading in that direction, but I didn't feel he was quite there yet. They needed a little more time in between. Now do I believe that Sayed cared about her? Absolutely. Was he heading in that direction? Yeah, but again in my view he wasn't there yet. I just feel like all he wanted to do was sleep with her and that was it. Maybe I am being too overly critical because there was evidence in the book that he cared deeply for her like helping her with her father and such and being protective of her and stuff like that, which some people might interpret as him being in love with her, and I could agree slightly on that point, but I just didn't feel it. That's just me.
Also and I kind talked about this above was the lack of conflict between the pair and when one came up it was easily dealt with. In fact the one point of contention between them was when he pushed her away and then made her believe that he didn't want to spend time with her, hurting her in the process (and breaking my heart for Liyah) where she just felt the lowest of lows at that point and making her feel even more alone. Having that in there kind of sparked my hope that the book would be better and become more angsty after that and I was looking forward that, but then a few pages later he realized the error of his ways and how he hated hurting her in the process they went to find her and make up. And she forgave him just like that despite the fact he punch her in the gut. Again I think she forgave him way too quickly where he didn't have to work at all to get her forgiveness. In fact they go into the desert for a romantic rendezvous where they spent their entire time making love. Really? After that. It was almost like what was the point with the whole scene where he made it seem like he didn't want to spend time with her in front of her mother plus he made Liyah seem like she wasn't good enough for him because she was of a lower class than him and making her feel like garbage like her father did when she approached him for the first time in her life. So it just made me wonder why it was even in there. It didn't need to be. So why put it in there? I don't get it. Now if most of the book had this conflict then I totally get and it would make it for an interesting story plus the fact that he would have to grovel a bit, but none of that happened. It kind of just felt stuck in there for filler. There really wasn't conflict in their relationship.
Now apart from the love story aspect of the story, which in my opinion was weak for the reason I gave above, there was some things I really liked and enjoyed.
The character of Sayed. Granted I wish he was a little more alpha for my taste and wished he didn't sleep with Liyah when they were both under the influence of alcohol, I did genuinely liked him. Even though he grew up with a loving and supportive family, he did have some issues deal with after the death of his brother, who was the one meant to be king one day after their father retired, but once he died Sayed was slated to take over and he took his duty very seriously and planned to be the emir. He even let himself be set up in an arranged marriage to a woman that would be a "perfect" queen for his country. And he even remained celibate for three years once their engagement became official even though they had been betrothed for awhile. And he was content to be the "perfect" son for his parents to make up for the fact that his brother was gone (though his parents never asked that of him and he put that on himself). So when his fiancée ran off with someone else and disrupting his perfect plans of a marriage then him taking over as king, his world ended up in a tailspin and the only where he could turn to was Liyah and gave into his attraction for her even though I thought it was the wrong time and place. For one the drunk part and two his fiancée just ran off and married someone else. Now granted he didn't love his fiancée but still. But despite all that, I really did like him. He was content to do the right thing both by his parents and Liyah. He was loyal. Smart. Good looking. Nice. And just a really caring individual and didn't want to see anyone hurt including Liyah. Plus he did little things to make her feel special with little endearments as well as listen to her when she talked about the loss of her mother and how she felt when her father rejected her after she finally met him. So he was a great hero and I did enjoy him as a character, and I wanted him to be happy. But again I wasn't sure he was in love with her yet, but he cared about her and wanted to keep her safe and I wanted him to have a happy life with her.
Another aspect that I did enjoy was Sayed's family. I loved both the king and queen and how they treated Liyah when she came home with Sayed. They really welcomed her with open arms and never judged her for a second for the position that she was in, mainly the fact that she could have been pregnant with Sayed's child. They never accused her of blackmail or her motives ever. They trusted her pretty much from the beginning and treated her like family right away. In fact Sayed's mother called Liyah, her daughter, which was really nice to see especially since Liyah had just lost her mother 4 months earlier. So they were very supportive of the union of Sayed and Liyah and knew they belonged together and even tried to help them come together. I just loved the scene with his mother yelling at him for pushing Liyah away and then his father coming in and commenting on his mother was pistol and was usually right in my most thing. I could just feel the love in that family and just how much they cared for of another. Usually in Presents, I see heroes with screwed up family lives or abusive parents so it was a nice change to see loving ones and I loved seeing it all play out.
There was conflict in the story, even though the conflict wasn't in my view in the romance because they came together so quickly and gave into their passions, but it more had to do with Liyah and her journey. Yes, that's usually part of a love story, but it just felt more overpowering in this one, which wasn't bad thing, but it overtook the romance in my opinion. Liyah was raised by her mother and it was strung into her from an early age that she must be proper woman who didn't focus or talk about sex and not to give into her passions until she was married, which was a result of how Liyah's father had treated her mother, having an affair with him when he was married that later on left her pregnant and alone. Liyah's mother didn't want that for her daughter so she pound those views into her daily and just wanted better for her daughter. Liyah's mother even made it seemed like her father knew about her and cared about her because he paid them a stipend. So this was drilled into her from an early age and she acted accordingly until she met Sayed that was who just totally overwhelmed her and she didn't stand a chance. But before that happened and they crossed paths, Liyah promised on Liyah's mother's deathbed that Liyah would seek out her father Gene Chatsfield and introduce herself as his daughter in hopes of building a relationship with him. So that was the promise she made an even though she didn't want to go through with it because she promised her mother she made her way to London to meet him, and did so when the opportunity came about. Basically they needed someone who knew the custom's of Sayed's country and basically serve Saye's needs in a way that wouldn't offend. Because this was a huge account for Gene Chatsfield and they didn't want to loose it. So they hired her as a head housekeeper to make Sayed happy. Her father didn't even know it was her coming to accept the job, but even when she made her presence known to her father he immediately rejected her leaving her feel wounded and in Sayed's arms. So she had to deal with that and not feeling good enough and Sayed did help her with that. But that the biggest conflict in the story not the love story, which I wanted to see more of.
As book a book it was okay, but as a love story not so much. I just wanted more tension between Sayed and Liyah and just more friction. The angst that she loved. Plus after reading book number two in the Chatsfield series, Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne which featured Lucca, Liyah's half brother, was almost perfect that this one paled in comparison. In the second book there was so much tension and passion and love between Lucca and his lady love that steam practically came off the pages that this one kind of fizzled. Even the passion and them giving into one another didn't really feel hot or smoking like I would've liked. There was just some element missing. Again that could have been with the alcohol in their first love scene together that clouded my judgment and made me view it not in a favorable light at all. In fact like I said it was a turn off. Plus like said I was comparing book two with book one so that doesn't help and also that I read them pretty close together so Playboy's Lesson was fresh in my mind and hard to get over and wrap my head around this new story. So it could have been my frame of mind, but I just wasn't jumping up and down with this book like I thought I would be. I wish I did. But it wasn't bad either. So it was just okay.
With that being said I have now read the first two books in this series and I look forward to reading the rest in the future. I am curious about these sibling and if or when they will all come together and reconcile with their father. I see some type of big reunion coming. I'm also looking forward to Lucilla and Christos story because I can see a blood bath coming between the two of them with lots of sexual tension to come. Unfortunately that's the last book in the series so I have a little while to wait, but I looking forward to reading each and everyone of their stories. Also heard that there will be a spinoff of this series that will come out sometime next year, and I am looking forward to that as well. Hopefully I will enjoy this series as well as the spinoff. Hopefully the other books will have more promising romances than this one did, and I'll just have to wait and see.
And it wasn't a bad book or boring or anything like that it just didn't do it for me or more accurately the love story aspect, which is a huge part of Harlequin Presents, just didn't do it for me. It just didn't feel right or what I wanted to feel while reading a love story. I was turned off by a few of things.
One the first time they make love, they were both under the influence of alcohol, and that's a big no no for me because I want both hero and heroine to have clear heads while they are doing the deed and not blame it on the alcohol later of why they gave into each other in the first place then say that it was a mistake that they slept together in the first place. I hate that in romance stories. I never want alcohol in an aspect in a love story. EVER! That's is a biggest pet peeve of mine. And it was here in its full glory here. Plus it kind of made me think less of Sayed because he knew Liyah was drunk yet he decided to make love to her anyway knowing full well she wasn't in her right mind, but he continued anyway because he wanted her and couldn't wait to have her. It made me question his motives and in fact whether he was a good guy or not or was he just pressing his advantage. (Later in this review I will talk about Sayed and his character and how he did redeem himself in my mind, but at first I was a little iffy with him) So that was a huge deal with me. I don't like drunk storylines. There's enough of that in reality I don't need it in my fiction to. So that was first off. So didn't enjoy that scene so much.
Secondly even though it was stated that they were severely attracted to one another, I didn't really feel it or maybe it was just too forced and faked for my liking. It just didn't seem natural and even though it was a fiction story, I still need it to be believable and feel natural as they fall into a romance, and I didn't get that here.
Thirdly, which kind of relates to point number two, was that it happened almost too quick for them to give into their attraction for one another. There was no slow burn or anticipation that added to the tension and angst of the book. I want that slow burn and have it drawn out a bit before they give into their passion for one another that is nearly exploding off the page, which is what makes a story interesting and make me want to turn page after page and getting my pulse to pound right along with them. I guess that was my biggest complaint was the lake of angst and tension between the two or if there was a bone of contention between the pair which wasn't a lot it was dealt with too easily and quickly and they would be back together again. If you have read my reviews in the past, you know how much I like me some angst between the couple in their love story, which keeps me glued to the page. This one didn't have it. So that was another thing that just didn't do it for me in their love story.
Fourthly, and again this kind of relates to the previous points above, I didn't believe in the romance or the fact that they fell in love. I saw no reason they fell in love with each other, okay maybe on Liyah's part, but not really on his. I just felt for him it was more physical than anything else. Now I could see where he was heading in that direction, but I didn't feel he was quite there yet. They needed a little more time in between. Now do I believe that Sayed cared about her? Absolutely. Was he heading in that direction? Yeah, but again in my view he wasn't there yet. I just feel like all he wanted to do was sleep with her and that was it. Maybe I am being too overly critical because there was evidence in the book that he cared deeply for her like helping her with her father and such and being protective of her and stuff like that, which some people might interpret as him being in love with her, and I could agree slightly on that point, but I just didn't feel it. That's just me.
Also and I kind talked about this above was the lack of conflict between the pair and when one came up it was easily dealt with. In fact the one point of contention between them was when he pushed her away and then made her believe that he didn't want to spend time with her, hurting her in the process (and breaking my heart for Liyah) where she just felt the lowest of lows at that point and making her feel even more alone. Having that in there kind of sparked my hope that the book would be better and become more angsty after that and I was looking forward that, but then a few pages later he realized the error of his ways and how he hated hurting her in the process they went to find her and make up. And she forgave him just like that despite the fact he punch her in the gut. Again I think she forgave him way too quickly where he didn't have to work at all to get her forgiveness. In fact they go into the desert for a romantic rendezvous where they spent their entire time making love. Really? After that. It was almost like what was the point with the whole scene where he made it seem like he didn't want to spend time with her in front of her mother plus he made Liyah seem like she wasn't good enough for him because she was of a lower class than him and making her feel like garbage like her father did when she approached him for the first time in her life. So it just made me wonder why it was even in there. It didn't need to be. So why put it in there? I don't get it. Now if most of the book had this conflict then I totally get and it would make it for an interesting story plus the fact that he would have to grovel a bit, but none of that happened. It kind of just felt stuck in there for filler. There really wasn't conflict in their relationship.
Now apart from the love story aspect of the story, which in my opinion was weak for the reason I gave above, there was some things I really liked and enjoyed.
The character of Sayed. Granted I wish he was a little more alpha for my taste and wished he didn't sleep with Liyah when they were both under the influence of alcohol, I did genuinely liked him. Even though he grew up with a loving and supportive family, he did have some issues deal with after the death of his brother, who was the one meant to be king one day after their father retired, but once he died Sayed was slated to take over and he took his duty very seriously and planned to be the emir. He even let himself be set up in an arranged marriage to a woman that would be a "perfect" queen for his country. And he even remained celibate for three years once their engagement became official even though they had been betrothed for awhile. And he was content to be the "perfect" son for his parents to make up for the fact that his brother was gone (though his parents never asked that of him and he put that on himself). So when his fiancée ran off with someone else and disrupting his perfect plans of a marriage then him taking over as king, his world ended up in a tailspin and the only where he could turn to was Liyah and gave into his attraction for her even though I thought it was the wrong time and place. For one the drunk part and two his fiancée just ran off and married someone else. Now granted he didn't love his fiancée but still. But despite all that, I really did like him. He was content to do the right thing both by his parents and Liyah. He was loyal. Smart. Good looking. Nice. And just a really caring individual and didn't want to see anyone hurt including Liyah. Plus he did little things to make her feel special with little endearments as well as listen to her when she talked about the loss of her mother and how she felt when her father rejected her after she finally met him. So he was a great hero and I did enjoy him as a character, and I wanted him to be happy. But again I wasn't sure he was in love with her yet, but he cared about her and wanted to keep her safe and I wanted him to have a happy life with her.
Another aspect that I did enjoy was Sayed's family. I loved both the king and queen and how they treated Liyah when she came home with Sayed. They really welcomed her with open arms and never judged her for a second for the position that she was in, mainly the fact that she could have been pregnant with Sayed's child. They never accused her of blackmail or her motives ever. They trusted her pretty much from the beginning and treated her like family right away. In fact Sayed's mother called Liyah, her daughter, which was really nice to see especially since Liyah had just lost her mother 4 months earlier. So they were very supportive of the union of Sayed and Liyah and knew they belonged together and even tried to help them come together. I just loved the scene with his mother yelling at him for pushing Liyah away and then his father coming in and commenting on his mother was pistol and was usually right in my most thing. I could just feel the love in that family and just how much they cared for of another. Usually in Presents, I see heroes with screwed up family lives or abusive parents so it was a nice change to see loving ones and I loved seeing it all play out.
There was conflict in the story, even though the conflict wasn't in my view in the romance because they came together so quickly and gave into their passions, but it more had to do with Liyah and her journey. Yes, that's usually part of a love story, but it just felt more overpowering in this one, which wasn't bad thing, but it overtook the romance in my opinion. Liyah was raised by her mother and it was strung into her from an early age that she must be proper woman who didn't focus or talk about sex and not to give into her passions until she was married, which was a result of how Liyah's father had treated her mother, having an affair with him when he was married that later on left her pregnant and alone. Liyah's mother didn't want that for her daughter so she pound those views into her daily and just wanted better for her daughter. Liyah's mother even made it seemed like her father knew about her and cared about her because he paid them a stipend. So this was drilled into her from an early age and she acted accordingly until she met Sayed that was who just totally overwhelmed her and she didn't stand a chance. But before that happened and they crossed paths, Liyah promised on Liyah's mother's deathbed that Liyah would seek out her father Gene Chatsfield and introduce herself as his daughter in hopes of building a relationship with him. So that was the promise she made an even though she didn't want to go through with it because she promised her mother she made her way to London to meet him, and did so when the opportunity came about. Basically they needed someone who knew the custom's of Sayed's country and basically serve Saye's needs in a way that wouldn't offend. Because this was a huge account for Gene Chatsfield and they didn't want to loose it. So they hired her as a head housekeeper to make Sayed happy. Her father didn't even know it was her coming to accept the job, but even when she made her presence known to her father he immediately rejected her leaving her feel wounded and in Sayed's arms. So she had to deal with that and not feeling good enough and Sayed did help her with that. But that the biggest conflict in the story not the love story, which I wanted to see more of.
As book a book it was okay, but as a love story not so much. I just wanted more tension between Sayed and Liyah and just more friction. The angst that she loved. Plus after reading book number two in the Chatsfield series, Playboy's Lesson by Melanie Milburne which featured Lucca, Liyah's half brother, was almost perfect that this one paled in comparison. In the second book there was so much tension and passion and love between Lucca and his lady love that steam practically came off the pages that this one kind of fizzled. Even the passion and them giving into one another didn't really feel hot or smoking like I would've liked. There was just some element missing. Again that could have been with the alcohol in their first love scene together that clouded my judgment and made me view it not in a favorable light at all. In fact like I said it was a turn off. Plus like said I was comparing book two with book one so that doesn't help and also that I read them pretty close together so Playboy's Lesson was fresh in my mind and hard to get over and wrap my head around this new story. So it could have been my frame of mind, but I just wasn't jumping up and down with this book like I thought I would be. I wish I did. But it wasn't bad either. So it was just okay.
With that being said I have now read the first two books in this series and I look forward to reading the rest in the future. I am curious about these sibling and if or when they will all come together and reconcile with their father. I see some type of big reunion coming. I'm also looking forward to Lucilla and Christos story because I can see a blood bath coming between the two of them with lots of sexual tension to come. Unfortunately that's the last book in the series so I have a little while to wait, but I looking forward to reading each and everyone of their stories. Also heard that there will be a spinoff of this series that will come out sometime next year, and I am looking forward to that as well. Hopefully I will enjoy this series as well as the spinoff. Hopefully the other books will have more promising romances than this one did, and I'll just have to wait and see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
Protagonistas: Liyad & Sayed
Profesiones: Doncella & Emir
País: País inventado & Londres
Profesiones: Doncella & Emir
País: País inventado & Londres
September 10, 2016
Finally!! A more than decent Sheikh story. Heck, forget above decent. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ok, let’s flail in an orderly fashion.
The rather modern customs and the language were great. There’s a thing with Arabs speaking English. It’s very proper, especially if we’re talking educated people. Most definitely royals. That was very well executed. The use of the words Melech and Melecha was surprising, but I loved them. Originally Hebrew words, they are used in Arabic for “ruler”.
I loved this story. I think Monroe captured the Arab culture beautifully. Sayed and Liyah were great personifications for the western woman and eastern man. There was sexual tension between the two of them from the very first moment they met and I loved how Monroe tiptoed around the forbidden acts and Liyah’s circumstances.
Sayed is fantastic. I liked that he had the typical macho reactions to some things, that he was vulnerable and idiotic as most men are. I loved that Liyah did what she had to do in order to watch her heart, but didn’t back down from his challenges. And I kind of liked Sayed’s bodyguard. Lol
There are several issued dealt with in this story; one main one that is not culturally related, but more a familial situation that I felt was a little frustrating, but pretty real, all things considered.
I wouldn’t have minded this story to be a little more developed depth wise, a little more weight for the characters that would somehow enhance their arc and give the swoons in the story (there are a few nice ones!) more of a “whoa” factor.
Bottom line: I think if Lucy Monroe decided to write another Sheikh romance, I wouldn’t hesitate reading it.
* My thanks to Harlequin via NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
The rather modern customs and the language were great. There’s a thing with Arabs speaking English. It’s very proper, especially if we’re talking educated people. Most definitely royals. That was very well executed. The use of the words Melech and Melecha was surprising, but I loved them. Originally Hebrew words, they are used in Arabic for “ruler”.
I loved this story. I think Monroe captured the Arab culture beautifully. Sayed and Liyah were great personifications for the western woman and eastern man. There was sexual tension between the two of them from the very first moment they met and I loved how Monroe tiptoed around the forbidden acts and Liyah’s circumstances.
Sayed is fantastic. I liked that he had the typical macho reactions to some things, that he was vulnerable and idiotic as most men are. I loved that Liyah did what she had to do in order to watch her heart, but didn’t back down from his challenges. And I kind of liked Sayed’s bodyguard. Lol
There are several issued dealt with in this story; one main one that is not culturally related, but more a familial situation that I felt was a little frustrating, but pretty real, all things considered.
I wouldn’t have minded this story to be a little more developed depth wise, a little more weight for the characters that would somehow enhance their arc and give the swoons in the story (there are a few nice ones!) more of a “whoa” factor.
Bottom line: I think if Lucy Monroe decided to write another Sheikh romance, I wouldn’t hesitate reading it.
* My thanks to Harlequin via NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
June 28, 2016
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.
This book was about as close to Cinderella as you can get without it being the story itself. Liyah works for the ultra prestigious Chatsfield hotel in London, but it is as a chambermaid. Sayed is the prince (sheik, in this case). The only difference is the fact that they have sex before they get married. I'll be honest, that disappointed me a lot.
I liked Liyah. She is tough, no nonsense on the outside but a marshmallow inside. Her life experiences have forced her to create that hard veneer but she also believes in the innate goodness of people.
Sayed is funny, without meaning to be. He is arrogant, lost, frightened, determined, and clueless all at the same time. Meeting Liyah is undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to him.
There is surprisingly little standing in Liyah's and Sayed's way, except their own preconceptions of each other and their places in the world. Consequently, there was very little to overcome for them and there is a significant lack of tension in the book. There is far more tension surrounding Liyah and her father/family and how that will play out.
All in all, it's a good book, just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
This book was about as close to Cinderella as you can get without it being the story itself. Liyah works for the ultra prestigious Chatsfield hotel in London, but it is as a chambermaid. Sayed is the prince (sheik, in this case). The only difference is the fact that they have sex before they get married. I'll be honest, that disappointed me a lot.
I liked Liyah. She is tough, no nonsense on the outside but a marshmallow inside. Her life experiences have forced her to create that hard veneer but she also believes in the innate goodness of people.
Sayed is funny, without meaning to be. He is arrogant, lost, frightened, determined, and clueless all at the same time. Meeting Liyah is undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to him.
There is surprisingly little standing in Liyah's and Sayed's way, except their own preconceptions of each other and their places in the world. Consequently, there was very little to overcome for them and there is a significant lack of tension in the book. There is far more tension surrounding Liyah and her father/family and how that will play out.
All in all, it's a good book, just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
July 16, 2015
At the death of her mother, Liyah is finally given a clue to her absent father's identity: he is Gene Chatsfield, a rich hotelier. Liyah goes to work for him in hopes of meeting him, but after he dismisses her attempt to tell him they're related with immediate claims that she's a lying golddigger, she runs into the arms of a visiting sheikh. After a torrid night of passion, the couple fears that she's gotten pregnant, so he brings her with him to his home country. While there they fall in love, have lots of (completely not described) sex, and eventually get married.
Liyah and Sayed are cute together, with banter and intimacies that are, if not completely naturalistic, at least provide some basis to believe they know each other. But aside from that, this felt very empty, and the ending is rushed.
Liyah and Sayed are cute together, with banter and intimacies that are, if not completely naturalistic, at least provide some basis to believe they know each other. But aside from that, this felt very empty, and the ending is rushed.
December 26, 2022
I loved this story. A rather sweet and sexy tale with a hero and heroine who were equally attractive and whom I wanted to see get their happy ever after.
The blurb was really misleading - no harem, no intention of having a harem and the hero has in any case been celibate for 3 years since his betrothal. His fiancé runs off and our h/H come together for their different reasons and find solace. Really fabulous, sensitive and funny encounter which leads to sex. They are honest and adult with each other and I loved that.
Whilst Said’s parents were lovely, her father Gene was horrible. I wanted better comeuppance for him!
This writer seems always to have heroes who are exceptionally sensitive about meeting the physical needs of their heroines. Said is definitely one such hero to Alliyah. Great story.
The blurb was really misleading - no harem, no intention of having a harem and the hero has in any case been celibate for 3 years since his betrothal. His fiancé runs off and our h/H come together for their different reasons and find solace. Really fabulous, sensitive and funny encounter which leads to sex. They are honest and adult with each other and I loved that.
Whilst Said’s parents were lovely, her father Gene was horrible. I wanted better comeuppance for him!
This writer seems always to have heroes who are exceptionally sensitive about meeting the physical needs of their heroines. Said is definitely one such hero to Alliyah. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2014
I won a copy of "Sheikh's Scandal" (The Chatsfield) by Lucy Monroe through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. This is the first book of seven in the series.
It is a sweet story about Sheikh Sayed who is engaged to be married but his fiancee left him for another man. He is staying at the Chatsfield Hotel, where our heroine Liyah is working as a chambermaid. Her real reason for working there is to find her birth father after her mother's death. When opportunity knocks, Sayed and Liyah have a one night stand and Sayed is afraid that Liyah could be pregnant so she travels back to the desert with him.
This is easy read, to cuddle up with a glass of wine and enjoy.
It is a sweet story about Sheikh Sayed who is engaged to be married but his fiancee left him for another man. He is staying at the Chatsfield Hotel, where our heroine Liyah is working as a chambermaid. Her real reason for working there is to find her birth father after her mother's death. When opportunity knocks, Sayed and Liyah have a one night stand and Sayed is afraid that Liyah could be pregnant so she travels back to the desert with him.
This is easy read, to cuddle up with a glass of wine and enjoy.
August 8, 2014
This is the first of the eight books in the series by different Harlequin’s authors. It is a good read with its main character not an alpha hero. He is considerate, honourable and s true gentleman while the heroin, a strong yet sweet and lovely. I love the fact that Sayed takes everyone’s feeling into consideration and the fact that he doesn’t want to reveal his feeling before he is sure make me love him even more. Liyah, on the other hand, is a lovely character who wants to get her biological father’s acknowledgement and it is truly heart-breaking to see her disappointment. Overall, it is a quick and easy with a taste of sizzling romance read for me.
May 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this story Sheikh Sayed is such a great hero patient and caring and so sure of himself and Liyah is strong but also naive in many ways she was bought up by her single Mother and when she goes to England to meet her father is shocked at his behaviour but there she meets Sayed and her life changes thei is the first book in the Chatsfield continuity story stories and I am very much looking forward to the others in thes series.
November 25, 2015
Criticizing this book would be like complaining that the plastic wrapped snack cakes I bought at CVS weren't a gluten-free, vegan, all organic, anti-oxidant, super-food.
I enjoyed it for what it was - steamy.
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