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International Bad Boys #2
Never Seduce a Sheikh
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
The International Bad Boy Series
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked by Katherine Garbera
Book 2: Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
The International Bad Boy Series
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked by Katherine Garbera
Book 2: Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
95 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
497 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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rare-dnf
September 24, 2019"Never Seduce a Sheikh" is the story of Lily and Isma'il.
Hmm..Nope.
Our h is a strong independent career woman who ends up meeting the pompous chauvinistic hero for a business deal involving his country's oil rights. Immediately the hero explains to her how Arabs don't like career women, so the heroine is forced to feminize herself and talk about marriage to impress the old conservatives. Anyways, the hero and heroine end up bonding over their respective tragic pasts and attraction starts taking hold of them.
And the rest I skimmed/DNF.
I was BORED. No chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unnecessary self monologues. Cringeworthy depiction of Arab culture.
I'm done.
DNF
Unrated.
Hmm..Nope.
Our h is a strong independent career woman who ends up meeting the pompous chauvinistic hero for a business deal involving his country's oil rights. Immediately the hero explains to her how Arabs don't like career women, so the heroine is forced to feminize herself and talk about marriage to impress the old conservatives. Anyways, the hero and heroine end up bonding over their respective tragic pasts and attraction starts taking hold of them.
And the rest I skimmed/DNF.
I was BORED. No chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unnecessary self monologues. Cringeworthy depiction of Arab culture.
I'm done.
DNF
Unrated.
June 8, 2019
It was silly and didn't like heroine pursued the H but not bad for an erotica.
September 29, 2014
I love Jackie Ashenden, but I think I won't be reading any more sheikh books. Even in the hands of someone I consider to be an extremely talented writer with a flair for fairly representing non-Western cultures, this book's orientalism and cursory attention to Islam annoyed me. While it wasn't as bad as others I've read, the sheikh-as-powerful-exotic-rich-guy is just a trope I'm never going to get. That said, it's an interesting romance between two powerful people.
Sheikh Isma'il ibn Khalid al Zahar is the new ruler of a Middle Eastern country who has recently replaced his father, a man who was both a brutal dictator and an awful father. He is seeking a partnership with an oil company that will not only make good use of his country's natural resources, but will take both the environment and his people's welfare into account.
Lily Harkness has just taken over as CEO of her family's oil company from her father. A completely Type A person, she was first an Olympic swimmer and now a CEO in a competitive and male-dominated industry. She too is eager to prove herself as the competent successor to her father.
Both Isma'il and Lily have been hurt: Isma'il by his father and Lily by her former swimming coach. They both have their defense mechanisms and there are real, practical reasons why they shouldn't act on their attraction to each other. Of course, when a trip into the desert puts them out of the public eye and in close proximity to one another, they can't help but give into their mutual attraction. These were two fascinatingly broken characters handled deftly and the resolution to their romantic dilemmas were both dramatic and satisfying.
That said, there was a scene where neither character has protection handy and they decide to go at it anyway, something which happens sometimes in romances, but always annoys me, particularly when it isn't explicitly germane to the plot, which it isn't here. And even though Lily seems at first to be completely committed to her work, where she has fought long and hard to prove herself, she agrees to give it all up to become Isma'il's wife without a single qualm. Not that it wouldn't also be satisfying work, but it seemed out of character for Lily not to discuss it with her father or even really pause much before agreeing.
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either, especially in comparison with some of Ashenden's other works. If you're into sheikhs and looking for a bit more emotional and plot complexity than your average one, this might be a good choice. But if you're not a fan of this specific trope, I'm not sure I'd recommend this book.
Sheikh Isma'il ibn Khalid al Zahar is the new ruler of a Middle Eastern country who has recently replaced his father, a man who was both a brutal dictator and an awful father. He is seeking a partnership with an oil company that will not only make good use of his country's natural resources, but will take both the environment and his people's welfare into account.
Lily Harkness has just taken over as CEO of her family's oil company from her father. A completely Type A person, she was first an Olympic swimmer and now a CEO in a competitive and male-dominated industry. She too is eager to prove herself as the competent successor to her father.
Both Isma'il and Lily have been hurt: Isma'il by his father and Lily by her former swimming coach. They both have their defense mechanisms and there are real, practical reasons why they shouldn't act on their attraction to each other. Of course, when a trip into the desert puts them out of the public eye and in close proximity to one another, they can't help but give into their mutual attraction. These were two fascinatingly broken characters handled deftly and the resolution to their romantic dilemmas were both dramatic and satisfying.
That said, there was a scene where neither character has protection handy and they decide to go at it anyway, something which happens sometimes in romances, but always annoys me, particularly when it isn't explicitly germane to the plot, which it isn't here. And even though Lily seems at first to be completely committed to her work, where she has fought long and hard to prove herself, she agrees to give it all up to become Isma'il's wife without a single qualm. Not that it wouldn't also be satisfying work, but it seemed out of character for Lily not to discuss it with her father or even really pause much before agreeing.
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either, especially in comparison with some of Ashenden's other works. If you're into sheikhs and looking for a bit more emotional and plot complexity than your average one, this might be a good choice. But if you're not a fan of this specific trope, I'm not sure I'd recommend this book.
September 21, 2014
Okay, I enjoyed this but towards the end it got a little silly. I would give this more of a 3.5 stars.
The heroine I liked well enough as well as the hero. There romance was pretty well developed except towards the end. I really had a hard time with the hero and heroines resolution od their relationship towards the end. It seemed contrived, repetitive and somewhat childish. I felt it was partly done this way to extend the book.
But all in all it was an okay read.
The heroine I liked well enough as well as the hero. There romance was pretty well developed except towards the end. I really had a hard time with the hero and heroines resolution od their relationship towards the end. It seemed contrived, repetitive and somewhat childish. I felt it was partly done this way to extend the book.
But all in all it was an okay read.
October 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a honest review.
This was the first book I've read where one of the main characters was a sheikh. I really enjoyed his character. Loved the customs and setting.
I thought too much time was spent on their issues. WAY too much!! It would have been nice to have read some interactions between them that were fun and exciting that didn't lead to flash backs of the past.
This was the first book I've read where one of the main characters was a sheikh. I really enjoyed his character. Loved the customs and setting.
I thought too much time was spent on their issues. WAY too much!! It would have been nice to have read some interactions between them that were fun and exciting that didn't lead to flash backs of the past.
October 23, 2014
A fantastic story of redemption and healing. The H/h are both troubled scarred souls that are both overwhelmed by an immediate attraction. Neither feels acting on the attraction is a good idea but controlling the attraction becomes too hard. This is a wonderfully written story that kept me turning page after page. I definitely recommend it!
December 17, 2021
Ooof! Talk about problematic to the Nth degree.
It becomes quite a truth-telling landscape when we can rewind time, in even the smallest of increments ( say, like 3-5yrs ) and dig through what romantic tropes will trigger our sense of genuine romance, love and some heartfelt honesty.
Think about how naive and innocent we were to ideals, generation into generation...what we love of a 1950s era to what we can tolerate in a 2014 era..then for a 2021era.
This book has flaws. Just like it's characters. I do not enjoy a heroine like Lily...and in the face of Simone Biles and the other victims of Larry Nassar...this plot point background for her is...well, it needs to be given space, patience and room to breathe, for mistakes and falters to still happen.
Years of therapy and routine tools to be given for Lily to deal with her panics & anxiety. Not a single night to several good violent rough sex acts where she can "fight off", or resist, her lover are worthy exploits to break through her trauma.
Like Lily was somehow "mannish" and sexless as a CEO-- especially at a towering 6ft, in heels? but also...and once she is in front of the Hero...whatever she used as a protective cover or shield no longer is viable. Now she has to cower and conform to BE LIKE OTHER "FEM" WOMEN.
Also, not a healthy choice to have Damaged healing Damaged. The Hero needs his own round of intense and immerse therapy. The countless times he kept seeing blood disturbed me to such a level of serious worry for the heroine's life...then she keeps insisting that the rough, kinky sex she demands from him is what is best. For both.
And, look, she talks out of multiple sides of her mouth...from saying how important her CEO job was to the oil contracts w/ Dahar...to using the Female wiles she hid since 16yrs old needed to surface to "charm" men...and then how she willingly threw herself at the Hero even when she got the contract...causing not only her reputation to be in question, but also setting off a major conflict of interest...you wonder how the brilliant, smart & savvy mind can wither in the scope of the story all for the sake of romantic notions.
And, I suppose, erotic, kinky sex with a Shiekh, which is the entire point of most of these books in this series.
It becomes quite a truth-telling landscape when we can rewind time, in even the smallest of increments ( say, like 3-5yrs ) and dig through what romantic tropes will trigger our sense of genuine romance, love and some heartfelt honesty.
Think about how naive and innocent we were to ideals, generation into generation...what we love of a 1950s era to what we can tolerate in a 2014 era..then for a 2021era.
This book has flaws. Just like it's characters. I do not enjoy a heroine like Lily...and in the face of Simone Biles and the other victims of Larry Nassar...this plot point background for her is...well, it needs to be given space, patience and room to breathe, for mistakes and falters to still happen.
Years of therapy and routine tools to be given for Lily to deal with her panics & anxiety. Not a single night to several good violent rough sex acts where she can "fight off", or resist, her lover are worthy exploits to break through her trauma.
Like Lily was somehow "mannish" and sexless as a CEO-- especially at a towering 6ft, in heels? but also...and once she is in front of the Hero...whatever she used as a protective cover or shield no longer is viable. Now she has to cower and conform to BE LIKE OTHER "FEM" WOMEN.
Also, not a healthy choice to have Damaged healing Damaged. The Hero needs his own round of intense and immerse therapy. The countless times he kept seeing blood disturbed me to such a level of serious worry for the heroine's life...then she keeps insisting that the rough, kinky sex she demands from him is what is best. For both.
And, look, she talks out of multiple sides of her mouth...from saying how important her CEO job was to the oil contracts w/ Dahar...to using the Female wiles she hid since 16yrs old needed to surface to "charm" men...and then how she willingly threw herself at the Hero even when she got the contract...causing not only her reputation to be in question, but also setting off a major conflict of interest...you wonder how the brilliant, smart & savvy mind can wither in the scope of the story all for the sake of romantic notions.
And, I suppose, erotic, kinky sex with a Shiekh, which is the entire point of most of these books in this series.
August 18, 2023
Esta es una de esas novelas que compro porque viene de una autora que me suele gustar (Ashenden), y le vi reseña de cinco estrellas de un sitio que sigo (Harlequin Junkie). Y eso a pesar de que es «una de jeques».
Es un tópico que no me suele gustar. Y no porque sea muy harlequinero, no. Yo soy una gran fan de las novelas genéricas. Entre cientos, miles, de novelas anodinas, encuentras de vez en cuando joyas estupendas del formato corto.
No, mi problema son los jeques en sí como idealización del exotismo. Siguen el modelo de E. M. Hull, El Árabe: muchacha inglesa algo intrépida que cae en brazos del jeque que la lleva a su reino oriental. La fierecilla domada trufada de orientalismo, vaya.
Aquí la aguerrida amazona es Lily Harkness, una ejecutiva australiana que quiere conseguir para su empresa los derechos de explotación del petróleo de Dahar. Isma'il ibn Khalid al Zahar acaba de ascender al trono y tiene que demostrar que es diferente a su tiránico padre.
Lo que me incomoda de este tipo de novela es, creo yo, que se trata de tipos que quieren «modernizar» sus países, pero sin llevar a ellos la democracia ni nada parecido a una respetable monarquía parlamentaria moderna. Por otro lado, algo tan obvio como la religión brilla por su ausencia. Aquí, además, hay mucha tontería. Los dos tienen sus traumitas. Ella es una de esas improbables vírgenes de chiquitantos años, y el final es todo lo estereotipado que te puedas imaginar. La feroz ejecutiva con ansias de demostrar su valía que encuentras al principio de la novela se pierde totalmente al final.
Creo que de Ashenden me gustan sobre todo sus novelas eróticas. Having Her me sigue pareciendo de lo mejorcito del género.
Estas otras novelas me parecen contemporáneas tipo harlequín solo que subidas de tono. No les encuentro el gusto. Eso sí, la tensión sexual no resuelta, y luego las escenas sexis, son estupendas.
Es un tópico que no me suele gustar. Y no porque sea muy harlequinero, no. Yo soy una gran fan de las novelas genéricas. Entre cientos, miles, de novelas anodinas, encuentras de vez en cuando joyas estupendas del formato corto.
No, mi problema son los jeques en sí como idealización del exotismo. Siguen el modelo de E. M. Hull, El Árabe: muchacha inglesa algo intrépida que cae en brazos del jeque que la lleva a su reino oriental. La fierecilla domada trufada de orientalismo, vaya.
Aquí la aguerrida amazona es Lily Harkness, una ejecutiva australiana que quiere conseguir para su empresa los derechos de explotación del petróleo de Dahar. Isma'il ibn Khalid al Zahar acaba de ascender al trono y tiene que demostrar que es diferente a su tiránico padre.
Lo que me incomoda de este tipo de novela es, creo yo, que se trata de tipos que quieren «modernizar» sus países, pero sin llevar a ellos la democracia ni nada parecido a una respetable monarquía parlamentaria moderna. Por otro lado, algo tan obvio como la religión brilla por su ausencia. Aquí, además, hay mucha tontería. Los dos tienen sus traumitas. Ella es una de esas improbables vírgenes de chiquitantos años, y el final es todo lo estereotipado que te puedas imaginar. La feroz ejecutiva con ansias de demostrar su valía que encuentras al principio de la novela se pierde totalmente al final.
Creo que de Ashenden me gustan sobre todo sus novelas eróticas. Having Her me sigue pareciendo de lo mejorcito del género.
Estas otras novelas me parecen contemporáneas tipo harlequín solo que subidas de tono. No les encuentro el gusto. Eso sí, la tensión sexual no resuelta, y luego las escenas sexis, son estupendas.
March 16, 2018
3.5 stars
Never Seduce a Sheikh was an overall good book. Usually it's just the hero or the heroine who have troubled pasts. In this story, both Lily and Isma'il have pasts that haunt them. Lily comes off as the cool CEO, not wanting to let anyone in, and trying to prove herself. Isma'il is trying to get his country to trust him after his father abused his authority.
The chemistry between the two was hot. Lily is such a strong character, and so glad that she decided to fight for what she wanted. Isma'il is a brooding alpha dom. The only downfall I see to this is that, along with most other sub/dom books out there, they paint the dom in a bad way. Not every dom has a violent past that he's trying to work through and this is the way to make it happen. Luckily in this book, there really isn't a sub. Lily and Isma'il's characters truly compliment each other. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short hot read
Never Seduce a Sheikh was an overall good book. Usually it's just the hero or the heroine who have troubled pasts. In this story, both Lily and Isma'il have pasts that haunt them. Lily comes off as the cool CEO, not wanting to let anyone in, and trying to prove herself. Isma'il is trying to get his country to trust him after his father abused his authority.
The chemistry between the two was hot. Lily is such a strong character, and so glad that she decided to fight for what she wanted. Isma'il is a brooding alpha dom. The only downfall I see to this is that, along with most other sub/dom books out there, they paint the dom in a bad way. Not every dom has a violent past that he's trying to work through and this is the way to make it happen. Luckily in this book, there really isn't a sub. Lily and Isma'il's characters truly compliment each other. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short hot read
January 7, 2018
4 surprised me stars
I have read this author before but her motor city royals and Texas bounty series are very different from this one.
I was looking for something different and I definitely found it.
I loved that they were both damaged by different life experiences ,I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will absolutely be trying more of this authors books.
I have read this author before but her motor city royals and Texas bounty series are very different from this one.
I was looking for something different and I definitely found it.
I loved that they were both damaged by different life experiences ,I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will absolutely be trying more of this authors books.
April 21, 2018
This is not the first Sheikh book I have read. I really do enjoy them every time I do. I think I like the power play in the books. This is a good love story of a sheikh who struggles with his inner demons. But when he meets Lily his world is even more of a challenge with this confident female. Both have their own struggles. I would recommend this book to friends :)
November 14, 2018
Exciting Cinderella Reality
This is without a doubt a wonderful love story of two strong willed people shedding their past hurts for s brilliant tug of war of passion & love! Love always trumps does it not!!!
This is without a doubt a wonderful love story of two strong willed people shedding their past hurts for s brilliant tug of war of passion & love! Love always trumps does it not!!!
March 8, 2020
Loved how two hurting people helped the other heal and find each other
August 5, 2020
🤨 - 3★s - So much potential but fell short for me overall
August 9, 2020
Good
I loved this broken sheikh who finds a ceo who is also extremely broken. Can they both put each other back together and find their inner piece of mind?
I loved this broken sheikh who finds a ceo who is also extremely broken. Can they both put each other back together and find their inner piece of mind?
September 26, 2020
I liked the story. The characters we're interesting. And just like all stories she jumps
into bed with the guy as soon as possible. I
was hoping for them to get to know each other...
into bed with the guy as soon as possible. I
was hoping for them to get to know each other...
July 4, 2021
Loved the strong female arc!
September 19, 2022
Intense
Enjoyed reading the story from beginning to end. Did not want to put the book down but sleep got in the way ... Lol ... Looking forward to enjoying the series.
Enjoyed reading the story from beginning to end. Did not want to put the book down but sleep got in the way ... Lol ... Looking forward to enjoying the series.
September 28, 2014
Some Arabian nights, 2 wounded souls, some silk scarves wrapped wrists, delicious dominance & beloved surrender are wrapped up in this luscious romance bow!
Lily Harkness is a damaged soul & hides behind her business clothes & her new position as CEO of Harkness Oil. She now only trust 1 male, her father, because at the age of 16 her swim coach forced a kiss on her, until blood filled her mouth & then tore her clothes, but THANK YOU GOD, he was scared away before he raped her. The lack of trust is always with her, but the hate she feels for herself will never go away.
Sheikh Isma'il Khalid al Zahara is now the ruler of his oil rich nation of Dahar. His father, Khalid, damaged everything & everyone in his ruthless wake. He beat his land, his people, his wife & even his son! Isma'il 1st order of business is to heal his country by wiping his Father's footprints off its sand. He is free of his Father's fists, but he will always have to keep his inner darkness under lock & key.
These 2 lost souls meet on a airstrip tarmac & they will never be the same again. Lily is here to get the oil leases in his country & prove herself to the board. Isma'il senses challenge in her by her refusing to be treated like a female, but will that challenge find it's way into his bed. At his palace's meet & greet cocktail party, she must be relaxed, graceful & approachable, all things she is not. She must keep her wall up, but he is slowly chipping it away with his push & pull. Isma'il just wants to have a taste, but when he touches her back, she stiffens & pushes away.
In the desert to get the tribes acceptance of the oil leases, they bare the ugliness of their abuses. Lily wants Isma'il, but he holds back because he is afraid to lose his careful CONTROL. She slips on her BIG GIRL pants, goes to his tent & seduces him, but Isma'il demands it's his hard demanding way or no way. Her sweet submission makes his inner darkness slowly begin to leak out, so he destroys her heart, instead of destroying her soul. Does Lily leave the desert & never return? Can Isma'il see that Lily is the balm that will heal his soul? Will a Sheikh & a powerful Oil CEO romance work? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Or will they both need to give & take?
This is my 1st Ms. Ashenden romance, but not my last. Her hero & heroine were 2 tormented souls that needed help healing their wounded souls. Isma'il was an unusual male of our & any time because he wanted to HEAL his country's open, puss-filled wound before his own. Lily (my new fav name in romance) was abused by a trust male figure & that made her build a moat, around her drawbridge, to her 100 foot castle wall around her heart, but also made her doubt yourself! Trust, forgiveness & acceptance were the main themes of this romance, but Ms. Ashenden helped them heal with making love. Lily & Isma'il never had sex, but had a deeply moving, "at the cellular level" loving in each other's arms. The yumminess was still there with the tying her wrists, his demanding orders, commanding hair pulling (on both sides), naughty spankings & many hard & deep thrusts, but each second of it was much needed healing! This tale had an Arabian flavor to it which made me feel the heated sun on my skin, made me look for chapstik, put on sun screen (I am a walking blister), see yummy mirages & fall in love with all things Arabic & the only thing missing were stinky camels. In other words, Ms. Ashenden submerged me into her Arabian world & I may have been kicking, screaming & fighting, but so glad I went on her heart wrenching & healing desert adventure. I have to give Ms. Ashenden my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this emotional rollercoaster romance & can't wait for the next adventure!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Lily Harkness is a damaged soul & hides behind her business clothes & her new position as CEO of Harkness Oil. She now only trust 1 male, her father, because at the age of 16 her swim coach forced a kiss on her, until blood filled her mouth & then tore her clothes, but THANK YOU GOD, he was scared away before he raped her. The lack of trust is always with her, but the hate she feels for herself will never go away.
Sheikh Isma'il Khalid al Zahara is now the ruler of his oil rich nation of Dahar. His father, Khalid, damaged everything & everyone in his ruthless wake. He beat his land, his people, his wife & even his son! Isma'il 1st order of business is to heal his country by wiping his Father's footprints off its sand. He is free of his Father's fists, but he will always have to keep his inner darkness under lock & key.
These 2 lost souls meet on a airstrip tarmac & they will never be the same again. Lily is here to get the oil leases in his country & prove herself to the board. Isma'il senses challenge in her by her refusing to be treated like a female, but will that challenge find it's way into his bed. At his palace's meet & greet cocktail party, she must be relaxed, graceful & approachable, all things she is not. She must keep her wall up, but he is slowly chipping it away with his push & pull. Isma'il just wants to have a taste, but when he touches her back, she stiffens & pushes away.
In the desert to get the tribes acceptance of the oil leases, they bare the ugliness of their abuses. Lily wants Isma'il, but he holds back because he is afraid to lose his careful CONTROL. She slips on her BIG GIRL pants, goes to his tent & seduces him, but Isma'il demands it's his hard demanding way or no way. Her sweet submission makes his inner darkness slowly begin to leak out, so he destroys her heart, instead of destroying her soul. Does Lily leave the desert & never return? Can Isma'il see that Lily is the balm that will heal his soul? Will a Sheikh & a powerful Oil CEO romance work? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Or will they both need to give & take?
This is my 1st Ms. Ashenden romance, but not my last. Her hero & heroine were 2 tormented souls that needed help healing their wounded souls. Isma'il was an unusual male of our & any time because he wanted to HEAL his country's open, puss-filled wound before his own. Lily (my new fav name in romance) was abused by a trust male figure & that made her build a moat, around her drawbridge, to her 100 foot castle wall around her heart, but also made her doubt yourself! Trust, forgiveness & acceptance were the main themes of this romance, but Ms. Ashenden helped them heal with making love. Lily & Isma'il never had sex, but had a deeply moving, "at the cellular level" loving in each other's arms. The yumminess was still there with the tying her wrists, his demanding orders, commanding hair pulling (on both sides), naughty spankings & many hard & deep thrusts, but each second of it was much needed healing! This tale had an Arabian flavor to it which made me feel the heated sun on my skin, made me look for chapstik, put on sun screen (I am a walking blister), see yummy mirages & fall in love with all things Arabic & the only thing missing were stinky camels. In other words, Ms. Ashenden submerged me into her Arabian world & I may have been kicking, screaming & fighting, but so glad I went on her heart wrenching & healing desert adventure. I have to give Ms. Ashenden my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this emotional rollercoaster romance & can't wait for the next adventure!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
October 11, 2016
I found this to be a problematic read but it did engage me and made me think long after I finished it - which I feel is an accomplishment given my current sad-sack-reading-mood. The hero felt a little like a throwback to me and the heroine is supposed to be a "tough businesswoman" type - but I felt like the author kept whittling away at her over the course of the story. The skewered power dynamics also make this a bit of an uncomfortable read at times.
Still, it kept me engaged and when I looked at it through the lens of "throwback" - it mostly worked for me. But my recommendation is very, very reserved. This will not be for everyone.
Still, it kept me engaged and when I looked at it through the lens of "throwback" - it mostly worked for me. But my recommendation is very, very reserved. This will not be for everyone.
July 23, 2015
This won't be a spoiler free review.
I honestly couldn't wait to finish this one, and not because I was just flying through it. While this kind of plot might work for some people, it was far too angsty for me. I mean, where's the relatability factor here between us normal schmucks and the main characters? Already one is a CEO and the other a sheikh, so we have some distance there, but then one was sexually assaulted and the other brutally beaten (and goes on to nearly kill his abuser)? I mean, come on. I just couldn't get into that because I couldn't relate to either in really any way. And no, I don't think I need to relate to every character who has had something awful happen to them, but other facets of their personality could still speak to me.
Was that the case here?
I felt Lily and Isma'il's relationship was somewhat forced in the romance department. I almost would have liked them to cry on each other's shoulder, then, maybe with some time passing (because, hey, the Arab world takes AGES to get projects going), they could fall for each other when they are in a somewhat better place. There'd still be some angst about their issues, but it wouldn't be so freakin' heavy for the entire book. The conversations were really repetitive as each side worked through their issues too. As another review said, I could almost predict what they were going to say to each other. I absolutely disliked that Isma'il wanted Lily to fear him. It didn't sit right with me, and it didn't endear him to me as a character.
Plus the sex. I couldn't get on board with Lily being sexually assaulted as a teen, then being okay that her first sexual experience basically replicated that. Her "fighting back" didn't make it any better for me. It just felt... weird. I enjoy rough scenes, but it didn't feel right here. Just a personal opinion, I suppose.
Having grown up in the Middle East, I did my fair share of attending desert safari dinners with visiting family members. We even lived across the street from Arab royalty, albeit behind some really high walls and probably intense security. I was apprehensive going into a story with this title. While it wasn't bad (to me, a Westerner who only grew up in Arab culture, not someone who lived it), it kind of just felt like a watered down version of everything. Not good. Not bad. Just lukewarm -- though I could appreciate the way the desert scenes were written. The author really painted a nice picture there.
The one thing I take away from this is that I really loved the author's style. I'll 100% be looking into more of her books, because her writing was fabulous. She really creates fantastic imagery, and makes me feel. I just... the plot wasn't working for me.
BUT I LOVE THE WRITING STYLE. I LOVE IT.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants tons and tons of angst. Angsty conversation. Some angsty sex. Angsty car rides.
Angst.
I honestly couldn't wait to finish this one, and not because I was just flying through it. While this kind of plot might work for some people, it was far too angsty for me. I mean, where's the relatability factor here between us normal schmucks and the main characters? Already one is a CEO and the other a sheikh, so we have some distance there, but then one was sexually assaulted and the other brutally beaten (and goes on to nearly kill his abuser)? I mean, come on. I just couldn't get into that because I couldn't relate to either in really any way. And no, I don't think I need to relate to every character who has had something awful happen to them, but other facets of their personality could still speak to me.
Was that the case here?
I felt Lily and Isma'il's relationship was somewhat forced in the romance department. I almost would have liked them to cry on each other's shoulder, then, maybe with some time passing (because, hey, the Arab world takes AGES to get projects going), they could fall for each other when they are in a somewhat better place. There'd still be some angst about their issues, but it wouldn't be so freakin' heavy for the entire book. The conversations were really repetitive as each side worked through their issues too. As another review said, I could almost predict what they were going to say to each other. I absolutely disliked that Isma'il wanted Lily to fear him. It didn't sit right with me, and it didn't endear him to me as a character.
Plus the sex. I couldn't get on board with Lily being sexually assaulted as a teen, then being okay that her first sexual experience basically replicated that. Her "fighting back" didn't make it any better for me. It just felt... weird. I enjoy rough scenes, but it didn't feel right here. Just a personal opinion, I suppose.
Having grown up in the Middle East, I did my fair share of attending desert safari dinners with visiting family members. We even lived across the street from Arab royalty, albeit behind some really high walls and probably intense security. I was apprehensive going into a story with this title. While it wasn't bad (to me, a Westerner who only grew up in Arab culture, not someone who lived it), it kind of just felt like a watered down version of everything. Not good. Not bad. Just lukewarm -- though I could appreciate the way the desert scenes were written. The author really painted a nice picture there.
The one thing I take away from this is that I really loved the author's style. I'll 100% be looking into more of her books, because her writing was fabulous. She really creates fantastic imagery, and makes me feel. I just... the plot wasn't working for me.
BUT I LOVE THE WRITING STYLE. I LOVE IT.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants tons and tons of angst. Angsty conversation. Some angsty sex. Angsty car rides.
Angst.
September 24, 2014
4.5 Stars
I’ve not read romances involving Sheikhs before, so I have no point of reference for comparison. I have to say, after reading this one, I will definitely be watching for them. I loved the exotic setting. Jackie Ashenden is a very descriptive writer. I felt like I was seeing the things that she described. It was very different and intriguing. I like to take a trip to somewhere I’m not familiar with, and that’s how reading this book felt.
Sheikh Isma’il Zahara is VERY appealing presence – from his size to his gravitas, he is like a magnet to Lily Harkness – CEO of Harkness Oil Company. She doesn’t understand why she is so drawn to him. This has NEVER happened to her before. She has a ghost from her past that still haunts her, which has always kept her at arms distance from men. What is it about this one that is so different? The Sheikh also has past demons that he struggles to control. This beautiful woman brings those out in him, as well.
As the story progresses, Isma’il and Lily open up to each other. When he finds out about her past, he wants to protect her, and show her that she deserves better. He senses the fragile woman behind the tough CEO façade that she projects. She does not believe in using her femininity in the male dominated world that she works in. She wants to be treated as an equal. This conflicts with the feelings she is developing for him.
The sexual chemistry between these two characters is HOT, HOT, HOT! I think the sexual tension between them was the gasoline on the fire. The underlying darkness added to the tension. When they get together, you can almost see fireworks! The emotions are real…in every sultry detail. Their chemistry is much more than sexual, though. You can see Isma’il and Lily as partners – working for the common good of his country. They seemed to genuinely care about the people of Dahar.
NEVER SEDUCE A SHEIKH is an excellent contemporary romance, providing all of the necessary components of a great read - strong characters, solid plot, well-paced events and a whole lot of steam. Ashenden is amazingly talented at incorporating emotion with the physical that fairly sizzles with heat. I strongly recommend this book!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve not read romances involving Sheikhs before, so I have no point of reference for comparison. I have to say, after reading this one, I will definitely be watching for them. I loved the exotic setting. Jackie Ashenden is a very descriptive writer. I felt like I was seeing the things that she described. It was very different and intriguing. I like to take a trip to somewhere I’m not familiar with, and that’s how reading this book felt.
Sheikh Isma’il Zahara is VERY appealing presence – from his size to his gravitas, he is like a magnet to Lily Harkness – CEO of Harkness Oil Company. She doesn’t understand why she is so drawn to him. This has NEVER happened to her before. She has a ghost from her past that still haunts her, which has always kept her at arms distance from men. What is it about this one that is so different? The Sheikh also has past demons that he struggles to control. This beautiful woman brings those out in him, as well.
As the story progresses, Isma’il and Lily open up to each other. When he finds out about her past, he wants to protect her, and show her that she deserves better. He senses the fragile woman behind the tough CEO façade that she projects. She does not believe in using her femininity in the male dominated world that she works in. She wants to be treated as an equal. This conflicts with the feelings she is developing for him.
The sexual chemistry between these two characters is HOT, HOT, HOT! I think the sexual tension between them was the gasoline on the fire. The underlying darkness added to the tension. When they get together, you can almost see fireworks! The emotions are real…in every sultry detail. Their chemistry is much more than sexual, though. You can see Isma’il and Lily as partners – working for the common good of his country. They seemed to genuinely care about the people of Dahar.
NEVER SEDUCE A SHEIKH is an excellent contemporary romance, providing all of the necessary components of a great read - strong characters, solid plot, well-paced events and a whole lot of steam. Ashenden is amazingly talented at incorporating emotion with the physical that fairly sizzles with heat. I strongly recommend this book!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
This intriguing and sultry romance is the story of Isma'il and Lily. Sheikh Isma'il is determined to better his country and fix the legacy of his brutal father's reign. When he meets Lily, he desires not only to negotiate a business plan to have her company obtain oil rights in his country, but to have her as well. Can an affair between them lead to something more?
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the desert setting - it's hot, dry, dusty, and the author has done a wonderful job of portraying the atmosphere in her descriptions. Everything from the clothing to the food to the atmosphere is laid out in meticulous detail so that you really feel that you are there. Isma'il is exactly as one would expect for a desert ruler - strong, competent, handsome, direct. At the same time he is sensitive to the needs of his people and comes across as a caring man as well. He has experienced the brutality of his father's reign in a personal way and this has shaped his desire to make things better for his people. Lily was also an intriguing character - beautiful,full of determination and grit, wanting to prove to others and herself that she can be a strong businesswoman in a male dominated world. Her difficulties in using her femininity to get what she wants are a result of past sexual trauma and Isma'il senses the fragility that she tries to hide, making him all the more determined to show her how desirable she is and to be her protector.
The sexual chemistry between them sizzles and the love scenes are steamy and seductive. Isma'il knows his way around women and seduces Lily with intent and desire, one she is incapable of resisting. I enjoyed reading the scenes between them and the development of their feelings for each other.
Overall I found this to be an entertaining and riveting read, the sexual tension ratcheting up the story from the beginning. The setting, characters and plot were well written and made for a great story. 4.5 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the desert setting - it's hot, dry, dusty, and the author has done a wonderful job of portraying the atmosphere in her descriptions. Everything from the clothing to the food to the atmosphere is laid out in meticulous detail so that you really feel that you are there. Isma'il is exactly as one would expect for a desert ruler - strong, competent, handsome, direct. At the same time he is sensitive to the needs of his people and comes across as a caring man as well. He has experienced the brutality of his father's reign in a personal way and this has shaped his desire to make things better for his people. Lily was also an intriguing character - beautiful,full of determination and grit, wanting to prove to others and herself that she can be a strong businesswoman in a male dominated world. Her difficulties in using her femininity to get what she wants are a result of past sexual trauma and Isma'il senses the fragility that she tries to hide, making him all the more determined to show her how desirable she is and to be her protector.
The sexual chemistry between them sizzles and the love scenes are steamy and seductive. Isma'il knows his way around women and seduces Lily with intent and desire, one she is incapable of resisting. I enjoyed reading the scenes between them and the development of their feelings for each other.
Overall I found this to be an entertaining and riveting read, the sexual tension ratcheting up the story from the beginning. The setting, characters and plot were well written and made for a great story. 4.5 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
September 14, 2014
Sheikh Isma'il Zahara has plans for his country, and he knows his people and will do whatever it takes to stay in command and do what is good, which is why he must always be in control. He has plans for his country's oil, and is looking for someone that will help and aid his country. Lily Harkness, is a CEO and businesswoman, she gets the job done, and has dealt with many arrogant men, but she isn't ready for this commanding sheikh who rattles her. Lily has desires that she hides even from herself, she has a dangerous past that she wouldn't dare reveal to anyone, but Isma'il shows her desire and a seduction so deep he takes control of her heart and soul...but will she be able to do the same with this Shekih that exudes power and command...
Never Seduce A Sheikh is a contemporary romance, and deals with quite a bit of some darker issues that if you are looking for a light read, this isn't it. It has some darker elements that really suck the reader in and make you think about certain issues. In the beginning of the story, its all about business and transactions and agreements, the Shekih shows Lily that there is more to life than a contract. Lily is fully invested in gaining this oil agreement, so she doesn't see the bond forming between them until she can't resist him. Both Lily and Isma'il have dark pasts, but in this erotic romance, we see them share every dark secret, and there is quite a power in this story that draws you in. This story is a shorter read, so you will just breeze through it the moment you get into it, which for me happened very quickly and I just couldn't get enough. The characters are very vividly written and the author does a splendid job in portraying them in a way that captures you. And even though I am not a huge fan of erotica, I like more romance in the story, however in this one, I felt like there was quite a bit of intensity in the romance department, and how this story is all about overcoming and facing the past to embrace the love they share. A enthralling read to take hold of you and not let go!! A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY!!
Never Seduce A Sheikh is a contemporary romance, and deals with quite a bit of some darker issues that if you are looking for a light read, this isn't it. It has some darker elements that really suck the reader in and make you think about certain issues. In the beginning of the story, its all about business and transactions and agreements, the Shekih shows Lily that there is more to life than a contract. Lily is fully invested in gaining this oil agreement, so she doesn't see the bond forming between them until she can't resist him. Both Lily and Isma'il have dark pasts, but in this erotic romance, we see them share every dark secret, and there is quite a power in this story that draws you in. This story is a shorter read, so you will just breeze through it the moment you get into it, which for me happened very quickly and I just couldn't get enough. The characters are very vividly written and the author does a splendid job in portraying them in a way that captures you. And even though I am not a huge fan of erotica, I like more romance in the story, however in this one, I felt like there was quite a bit of intensity in the romance department, and how this story is all about overcoming and facing the past to embrace the love they share. A enthralling read to take hold of you and not let go!! A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY!!
October 4, 2014
This is a well written story about two broken people coming together to help each other.
Lily Harkness has a past that haunts her. She proves she can still be tough by working in a men's profession as CEO of Harkness Oil and Petroleum. She arrives in Dahar seeking exclusive rights of the country's oil reserves. What she doesn't expect is to have to deal with one very stubborn Sheikh.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara has a past that he wishes to keep to himself. He is just trying to rebuild his country right now and doesn't need any distraction, least of all one stubborn beautiful blond named Lily Harkness. But, he is intrigued by her. How will he be able to keep this strictly business?
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. One warning is the sex scenes tend to be a bit on the dark side. So, if you're squeamish about that sort of thing, maybe this isn't for you. If you enjoy it or want to experiment with something spicy like this, then this is a excellent book for you.
Merged review:
This is a well written story about two broken people coming together to help each other.
Lily Harkness has a past that haunts her. She proves she can still be tough by working in a men's profession as CEO of Harkness Oil and Petroleum. She arrives in Dahar seeking exclusive rights of the country's oil reserves. What she doesn't expect is to have to deal with one very stubborn Sheikh.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara has a past that he wishes to keep to himself. He is just trying to rebuild his country right now and doesn't need any distraction, least of all one stubborn beautiful blond named Lily Harkness. But, he is intrigued by her. How will he be able to keep this strictly business?
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. One warning is the sex scenes tend to be a bit on the dark side. So, if you're squeamish about that sort of thing, maybe this isn't for you. If you enjoy it or want to experiment with something spicy like this, then this is a excellent book for you.
Lily Harkness has a past that haunts her. She proves she can still be tough by working in a men's profession as CEO of Harkness Oil and Petroleum. She arrives in Dahar seeking exclusive rights of the country's oil reserves. What she doesn't expect is to have to deal with one very stubborn Sheikh.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara has a past that he wishes to keep to himself. He is just trying to rebuild his country right now and doesn't need any distraction, least of all one stubborn beautiful blond named Lily Harkness. But, he is intrigued by her. How will he be able to keep this strictly business?
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. One warning is the sex scenes tend to be a bit on the dark side. So, if you're squeamish about that sort of thing, maybe this isn't for you. If you enjoy it or want to experiment with something spicy like this, then this is a excellent book for you.
Merged review:
This is a well written story about two broken people coming together to help each other.
Lily Harkness has a past that haunts her. She proves she can still be tough by working in a men's profession as CEO of Harkness Oil and Petroleum. She arrives in Dahar seeking exclusive rights of the country's oil reserves. What she doesn't expect is to have to deal with one very stubborn Sheikh.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara has a past that he wishes to keep to himself. He is just trying to rebuild his country right now and doesn't need any distraction, least of all one stubborn beautiful blond named Lily Harkness. But, he is intrigued by her. How will he be able to keep this strictly business?
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author. One warning is the sex scenes tend to be a bit on the dark side. So, if you're squeamish about that sort of thing, maybe this isn't for you. If you enjoy it or want to experiment with something spicy like this, then this is a excellent book for you.
December 12, 2014
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
Cute, nice texture and two excellent protagonists.
At the beginning of the book I loved shamelessly Isma'il and I had a little underestimated Lily, which eventually turns out to be a really tough and combative woman, I liked her a lot.
Isma'il is very charming and alluring as often are these sheikhs in their books, but at some point goes into crisis with himself, he's haunted and Lily has to fight alone for their story.
In this I was disappointed a little bit with him, but still remains a good story.
Thank to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for the book.
Rating: 3 1/2 star
Carino, bella trama e due ottimi protagonisti.
All'inizio del libro tifavo spudoratamente per Isma'il e avevo un po' sottovalutato Lily, che invece alla lunga si rivela veramente una donna tosta e combattiva, mi è piaciuta molto.
Isma'il è davvero molto affascinante e seducente come spesso lo sono questi sceicchi nei loro libri, ma ad un certo punto va in crisi con se stesso ed è Lily a lottare per la loro storia.
In questo mi ha deluso un po', ma comunque rimane una bella storia.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Harlequin per il libro.
VOTO: 3 Stelle e 1/2
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
Cute, nice texture and two excellent protagonists.
At the beginning of the book I loved shamelessly Isma'il and I had a little underestimated Lily, which eventually turns out to be a really tough and combative woman, I liked her a lot.
Isma'il is very charming and alluring as often are these sheikhs in their books, but at some point goes into crisis with himself, he's haunted and Lily has to fight alone for their story.
In this I was disappointed a little bit with him, but still remains a good story.
Thank to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for the book.
Rating: 3 1/2 star
Carino, bella trama e due ottimi protagonisti.
All'inizio del libro tifavo spudoratamente per Isma'il e avevo un po' sottovalutato Lily, che invece alla lunga si rivela veramente una donna tosta e combattiva, mi è piaciuta molto.
Isma'il è davvero molto affascinante e seducente come spesso lo sono questi sceicchi nei loro libri, ma ad un certo punto va in crisi con se stesso ed è Lily a lottare per la loro storia.
In questo mi ha deluso un po', ma comunque rimane una bella storia.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la Harlequin per il libro.
VOTO: 3 Stelle e 1/2
September 25, 2014
Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
how did Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara meet?
Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
will Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara be more than friends?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden is a 4 stars book.
more books by Jackie Ashenden.
The Billion Dollar Bachelor: A Billionaire's Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
The Billionaire Biker: A Billionaire's Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
Falling for Finn by Jackie Ashenden
The Billion Dollar Bad Boy: A Billionaires Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.
Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
how did Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara meet?
Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?
How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?
will Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara be more than friends?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden is a 4 stars book.
more books by Jackie Ashenden.
The Billion Dollar Bachelor: A Billionaire's Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
The Billionaire Biker: A Billionaire's Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
Falling for Finn by Jackie Ashenden
The Billion Dollar Bad Boy: A Billionaires Club Story (The Billionaire's Club: New York) by Jackie Ashenden
October 13, 2014
Lily Harkness was a gold medal swimmer, and a CEO of a major oil company and she was in Dahar to make an oil deal, a big one. However life was different in Dahar and things she thought she had buried seemed to be bubbling to the top of her life. What was she trying to prove? Who was she trying to prove it to and by the end of this trip to Dahar would she still be the same woman? Or would this trip make her more assured?
Sheikh Isma’il ibn Khalid al Zahar was determined to rid his country of his father’s legacy. A bitter, evil and destructive man Isma’il was terrified his father’s DNA filled with those lovely things had somehow tainted him. Isma’il just wanted what was best for his country, his people, an oil deal would help. What he wasn’t counting on was this western woman who stirred everything in him.
These two scarred and scared people didn’t know why fate had brought them together or how explosive their relationship could be, only that once they started down this path they were destined to follow. Now the only question is as things start coming to the light will they be burned together forever or be half way around the world from one another?
Ms. Ashenden has got the heat with this book. OMG is really all I can say. The romance is so good, the heat is HOT and subtle elements of BDSM as well. This is not a book for the faint of heart but this is not a book to be missed either. While it’s the first of it’s kind put out by Tule Publishing it is something that will hit fans of multiple genres. I don’t give out 5 stars often but the path this took me down deserves even more.
Sheikh Isma’il ibn Khalid al Zahar was determined to rid his country of his father’s legacy. A bitter, evil and destructive man Isma’il was terrified his father’s DNA filled with those lovely things had somehow tainted him. Isma’il just wanted what was best for his country, his people, an oil deal would help. What he wasn’t counting on was this western woman who stirred everything in him.
These two scarred and scared people didn’t know why fate had brought them together or how explosive their relationship could be, only that once they started down this path they were destined to follow. Now the only question is as things start coming to the light will they be burned together forever or be half way around the world from one another?
Ms. Ashenden has got the heat with this book. OMG is really all I can say. The romance is so good, the heat is HOT and subtle elements of BDSM as well. This is not a book for the faint of heart but this is not a book to be missed either. While it’s the first of it’s kind put out by Tule Publishing it is something that will hit fans of multiple genres. I don’t give out 5 stars often but the path this took me down deserves even more.
June 25, 2016
I found Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden to be quite unique and thought-provoking. It is the love story between new CEO Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara. Lily needs to convince the sheikh and his government that her oil company is the best for their country's needs. She is a very strong and independent woman who has to work twice as hard in order to be successful in a male dominated industry. After taking over the country from his tyrannical father, Isma'il has to prove to his ministers and tribesmen that he is a good person that wants what is best for their country.
Lily and Isma'il have one major commonality that pulls them together, being hurt by someone who they loved and trusted. It is Lily who lets down her barriers first, after Isma'il gets her to realize that she is not a victim. Isma'il's epiphany follows shortly thereafter, as he slowly comes to grips with his actions. Their relationship evolves concurrently with their personal well-being. Mind-blowing sex brings them even closer together and helps dissipate their respective demons.
The pace of the story was a little slow for my tastes and the plot was slightly repetitive. I did enjoy the connection between Lily and Isma'il and that both characters were strong, smart and sexy. Their ability to sense each others emotional needs kept me engaged.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley.
Lily and Isma'il have one major commonality that pulls them together, being hurt by someone who they loved and trusted. It is Lily who lets down her barriers first, after Isma'il gets her to realize that she is not a victim. Isma'il's epiphany follows shortly thereafter, as he slowly comes to grips with his actions. Their relationship evolves concurrently with their personal well-being. Mind-blowing sex brings them even closer together and helps dissipate their respective demons.
The pace of the story was a little slow for my tastes and the plot was slightly repetitive. I did enjoy the connection between Lily and Isma'il and that both characters were strong, smart and sexy. Their ability to sense each others emotional needs kept me engaged.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley.
October 28, 2014
Lily Harkness has something to prove. Tapped as CEO of Harkness Oil when her father retires, she is a woman in a man's world, especially when she travels to Dahar to secure oil rights for her company. She will do what it takes to prove herself, and won't let being a woman be a detriment.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara also has something to prove. His father was a cruel man, and he is determined to prove to his people that he can be a strong leader doing what is best for the country without his father's cruelty and violence.
Both Lily and Isma'il have things in their past that have hurt them and they are fighting to overcome, while proving themselves worthy of their positions. The chemistry and interactions between the two were strong from the beginning, and I enjoyed Lily's fight to keep herself and her company in the top spot, even realizing she had to take Isma'il's advice on how to deal with the men in power positions in his country. I also enjoyed the growing friendship and respect the two had for each other.
When their relationship changed, is when the story lost its appeal to me. I enjoyed the interaction between the two, as well as the character development. It was a well-written story, but in the end wasn't my cup of tea.
Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara also has something to prove. His father was a cruel man, and he is determined to prove to his people that he can be a strong leader doing what is best for the country without his father's cruelty and violence.
Both Lily and Isma'il have things in their past that have hurt them and they are fighting to overcome, while proving themselves worthy of their positions. The chemistry and interactions between the two were strong from the beginning, and I enjoyed Lily's fight to keep herself and her company in the top spot, even realizing she had to take Isma'il's advice on how to deal with the men in power positions in his country. I also enjoyed the growing friendship and respect the two had for each other.
When their relationship changed, is when the story lost its appeal to me. I enjoyed the interaction between the two, as well as the character development. It was a well-written story, but in the end wasn't my cup of tea.
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