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Gentleman Player
The best way to get over a man is to get under another one?
Not for this girl.
Check out my break-up list:
1. Get a new job
2. Move away
3. Don't add a new man to this list
There's no way I'm risking my heart again.
Until I meet a man hotter than sin,
And impossible to resist.
At least, that's what I tell myself when I wake up naked in his hotel suite.
He fills my nights with his dirty demands,
His wicked whispers make me blush.
But when the line between fun and serious blurs,
It becomes a twisted tale,
One that's almost as filthy as he is . . .
Gentleman Playboy is a captivating romance full of sinfully hot scenes, a super persuasive alpha, drama, giggles, and all the squirms. It's over 800 pages long!
Previously published under the Pretty Series title.
Not for this girl.
Check out my break-up list:
1. Get a new job
2. Move away
3. Don't add a new man to this list
There's no way I'm risking my heart again.
Until I meet a man hotter than sin,
And impossible to resist.
At least, that's what I tell myself when I wake up naked in his hotel suite.
He fills my nights with his dirty demands,
His wicked whispers make me blush.
But when the line between fun and serious blurs,
It becomes a twisted tale,
One that's almost as filthy as he is . . .
Gentleman Playboy is a captivating romance full of sinfully hot scenes, a super persuasive alpha, drama, giggles, and all the squirms. It's over 800 pages long!
Previously published under the Pretty Series title.
- GenresRomanceInternational
734 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2018
1234 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alam
43 books2,107 followersDonna Alam is a #7 Amazon Kindle store and USA Today bestseller. A writer of love stories with heart, humour, and heat, she aspires to sprinkle a little joy into the lives of her readers. When not bashing away at her keyboard, she can often be found hiding from her responsibilities with a book in her hand and a mop of a dog at her feet.
Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
Donna's Newsletter - https://subscribepage.com/e6z5p6
Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
Donna's Newsletter - https://subscribepage.com/e6z5p6
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 24, 2018
These two are just soo vapid an shallow I can’t take it any more...
I only made it to 25% of the book ...
Great, good leave your cheating d bag ex,leave the country even ,but to go to a extremely different foreign country where you don’t know the language and barely know any customs and where they have strict religious laws ? Laws where if your caught alone with a man you could go to jail or be harmed , you your just going run around with him drinking too much and having sex with him every chance you get w/out getting to know him at all ?
What. The .Heck!
When your hurting you can do crazy things,but letting a virtual stranger you know next to nothing about get you drunk and and have sex while your wearing the backless panties he sends you w/the cypress “bra” , when you’ve barely been in town a few weeks is just crazy....
The h knows she’s acting very very stupidly ,but uses her friends suggestion to live up a little and step out of her comfort zone as an excuse to do very dumb things while she tells herself not to think...
Now I give this three stars for length alone and the hard work I’m assuming went into this but as much as I don’t go for “clean romance “ cooks ,I don’t enjoy a book that feels all sex and very little plot....
Sure it’s only 25% of the book but there has been very little world building and all I know about the H and h soo far is they LOVE having sex together, the h doesn’t have good sense and I not very little about either of them and they know even less about each other. ...
The only person the huh spends any real time with is the H and he’s always just smirking ,snarking about something, and either trying to be funny or into her pants .... which he does way,way too easily ...
Not feeling the chemistry but then again I never do when a man is just I sexy he make her literally go stupid and unable to speak or communicate... which is entirely necessarily when your playing faux BDSM games with no rules or explanations...
Silly gullible h who doesn’t seem to have the sense God gave a goose...
I’d call this more sex than sense....
I only made it to 25% of the book ...
Great, good leave your cheating d bag ex,leave the country even ,but to go to a extremely different foreign country where you don’t know the language and barely know any customs and where they have strict religious laws ? Laws where if your caught alone with a man you could go to jail or be harmed , you your just going run around with him drinking too much and having sex with him every chance you get w/out getting to know him at all ?
What. The .Heck!
When your hurting you can do crazy things,but letting a virtual stranger you know next to nothing about get you drunk and and have sex while your wearing the backless panties he sends you w/the cypress “bra” , when you’ve barely been in town a few weeks is just crazy....
The h knows she’s acting very very stupidly ,but uses her friends suggestion to live up a little and step out of her comfort zone as an excuse to do very dumb things while she tells herself not to think...
Now I give this three stars for length alone and the hard work I’m assuming went into this but as much as I don’t go for “clean romance “ cooks ,I don’t enjoy a book that feels all sex and very little plot....
Sure it’s only 25% of the book but there has been very little world building and all I know about the H and h soo far is they LOVE having sex together, the h doesn’t have good sense and I not very little about either of them and they know even less about each other. ...
The only person the huh spends any real time with is the H and he’s always just smirking ,snarking about something, and either trying to be funny or into her pants .... which he does way,way too easily ...
Not feeling the chemistry but then again I never do when a man is just I sexy he make her literally go stupid and unable to speak or communicate... which is entirely necessarily when your playing faux BDSM games with no rules or explanations...
Silly gullible h who doesn’t seem to have the sense God gave a goose...
I’d call this more sex than sense....
August 12, 2022
First half of this book is good, but it's too long. I feel like it should have ended at 65%.
November 22, 2020
Now usually I complain about a book being too short, and would always prefer a longer book. This book is the exception. When I saw it was over 700 pages I thought there was going to be a really juicy plot, especially since the book is split into 3 parts. However, I was left very disappointed by the plot. There isn't much of one. I loathe to compare any book to 50 Shades, but it was basically 50 Shades set in Dubai. More sex than story. About 50% of this book could have been easily cut. Just taking out half or more of the sex scenes could accomplish most of that. I did like the Dubai setting, and I am a sucker for casual to serious type relationships. I was really hoping we would get a good look in to Emerati and Arab life, particularly with Kate as a foreigner and a woman entering this world. We more get a shallow look into this world, not too serious. The Part 1-3 thing was totally unnecessary since all parts were the same. The book was repetitive.
I did like Kai and his backstory, but Kate was another story. Was she supposed to be likeable? The author failed if that was her goal. I couldn't stand Kate, and her friend Niamh wasn't much better. Kate was supposed to be "relatable" I guess, with her crass sayings, clumsiness and plain looks. She was whiny and naive and a big hypocrite. I could go into detail about the times she was a terrible character, but I don't feel like it. This was just a very blah book, was way too long and had an unlikeable protagonist. However, if you need a book with lots of sex scenes and a hot Arab man set in a exotic location this is the book for you.
I did like Kai and his backstory, but Kate was another story. Was she supposed to be likeable? The author failed if that was her goal. I couldn't stand Kate, and her friend Niamh wasn't much better. Kate was supposed to be "relatable" I guess, with her crass sayings, clumsiness and plain looks. She was whiny and naive and a big hypocrite. I could go into detail about the times she was a terrible character, but I don't feel like it. This was just a very blah book, was way too long and had an unlikeable protagonist. However, if you need a book with lots of sex scenes and a hot Arab man set in a exotic location this is the book for you.
July 24, 2023
Feel like a trip to an exotic location where you'll get swept off your feet by a sexy as hell all-alpha, dirty-mouthed and charming playboy?
Well, Donna Alam has your first class ticket ready for boarding with this sassy, sexy and riotously funny story of Aussie school teacher Kate Saunders, who decides running away to the other side of the world is the best way to get over her cheating ex. And she figures an international girls school in Dubai is just the ticket to avoiding all things "men".
Great plan right? Well, she didn't factor in one very hot, very rich and privileged local with a filthy talented mouth!
Kai, is cultured and worldly, and used to getting what he wants. And he wants Kate! Preferably, in his bed, sans panties!
Cue a steamy tug of war of resolves and emotions, with plenty of hilarity thanks to some wonderful supporting characters and witty exchanges that Donna Alam is renowned for, and throw in a little continent hopping just to keep you on your toes and stamp your passport.
Donna has done a superb job in relaying her understanding of the UAE and Australian cultures and vernacular from her own experiences; her vivid scenes are rich in culture and geographical imagery making you feel like you're really there, and she also makes her characters so personally relatable.
Take the trip and lose yourself in this delicious romantic romp across the globe that is sure to wet your appetite for a little travel and lot of love!
Well, Donna Alam has your first class ticket ready for boarding with this sassy, sexy and riotously funny story of Aussie school teacher Kate Saunders, who decides running away to the other side of the world is the best way to get over her cheating ex. And she figures an international girls school in Dubai is just the ticket to avoiding all things "men".
Great plan right? Well, she didn't factor in one very hot, very rich and privileged local with a filthy talented mouth!
Kai, is cultured and worldly, and used to getting what he wants. And he wants Kate! Preferably, in his bed, sans panties!
Cue a steamy tug of war of resolves and emotions, with plenty of hilarity thanks to some wonderful supporting characters and witty exchanges that Donna Alam is renowned for, and throw in a little continent hopping just to keep you on your toes and stamp your passport.
Donna has done a superb job in relaying her understanding of the UAE and Australian cultures and vernacular from her own experiences; her vivid scenes are rich in culture and geographical imagery making you feel like you're really there, and she also makes her characters so personally relatable.
Take the trip and lose yourself in this delicious romantic romp across the globe that is sure to wet your appetite for a little travel and lot of love!
September 7, 2019
Seriously stupid girl who showed not an iota of sense. Dubai maybe the glamorous and acceptable side of the Middle East but even there, they take moral imperatives very seriously and the way the heroine behaved was utterly ridiculous. Kai was interesting. The book was far too long and I got so bored that I skimmed whole chapters. The sex scenes were well written but the rest of the story just went on and on and on. Sorry because a lot of work clearly went into the book and the writer has some good elements in it. Just far too long and rambling with a lot of really unpleasant characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
Kai and Kate are from different backgrounds but they keep running into each other. Kai is drawn to Kate even though she pushes him away. Kate hasn't had the best luck with men and sees Kai as a playboy. When she did finally give in and go out with him they connected however things weren't smooth sailing for them at all. The obstacles in their way were people from Kai past and his family. Will Kate be able to handle everything thrown at her?
This is a great story and once I started I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
This is a great story and once I started I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
November 16, 2018
Gentlemen Prefer Romance...They Just Don't Always Know It.
Gentleman Player, by the author Donna Alam is not good. It's fricking fantastic! I'm a sucker for pithy, snappy dialogue and this story is full of it. The fact that this was a long book did not come into play like I thought it would once I snuggled into the first few chapters and I was off with Kate on her adventure. Meeting Kai the playboy was not in Kate's wheelhouse. How should she handle such an enigmatic personality such as his? He does not hear the word No seldom, if ever.
I loved the comedic and romantic genre of this storyline and am wholeheartedly recommending it for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book.
Gentleman Player, by the author Donna Alam is not good. It's fricking fantastic! I'm a sucker for pithy, snappy dialogue and this story is full of it. The fact that this was a long book did not come into play like I thought it would once I snuggled into the first few chapters and I was off with Kate on her adventure. Meeting Kai the playboy was not in Kate's wheelhouse. How should she handle such an enigmatic personality such as his? He does not hear the word No seldom, if ever.
I loved the comedic and romantic genre of this storyline and am wholeheartedly recommending it for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book.
August 11, 2024
Having read a few of Donna Alam's other works (The Whittington's and the Love in London series), I was expecting Alam to bring a fair amount of sex and spice and sensuality when I embarked on the journey that is "Gentleman Player." What I absolutely did not expect was the level of eroticism that she delivered in this story and I am not even one bit sorry! I've explored erotica and BDSM in another book (cue The Naughty Pine by Sibylla Matilde), which did not disappoint as an introduction to the genre, and I can proclaim that Alam's writing in this work did not disappoint either. If you are looking for dirty, deviant, mad, hot sex and sensuality in your reading escapades, then you've come to the right place. Don't be shy - embrace the amazing world of sexuality and love between two consenting adults.
This is the story of Kate and Kai that takes place in Dubai (and a little bit in Australia). Alam explored the culture and the geographical environment throughout this book, which was a fun adventure to be on having never traveled to either country. I found myself intrigued by the way that Alam wove the tenets of the conservative culture into a progressive, strong-willed FMC who meets an equally progressive MMC that truly was her match and her his. Even in the D/s scenes, it was clear that Kai, while seeking and holding power over Kate in their sexual explorations, also surrendered himself to the love he had for her. He surrendered the power of his mind and body by allowing himself to become vulnerable to her sensual machinations ... and honestly, to his own love for Kate. #swoon
I could go on and on about the chemistry between Kate and Kai, even point to the specific chapters where you can find the amazing scenes of power, control, vulnerability, and outright love, but what's the fun in that. You must read this work.
From a mechanical perspective, there were countless errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, and so forth. This was a bit distracting and I tried to overlook it all, for the most part. Some of her other works have equally distracting errors that really took away from the journey, but this book wasn't plagued so viciously. Having said that, I do want to mention that there was a small inkling of what I perceived to be homophobia when the FMC was put off at herself about something and referred to herself as gay, as a slight. Alam did address homosexuality with a couple of fantastic gay male characters, but that progressive move was undermined by the prior suggestion of a homophobic narrative direction. Donna, please do better.
Also, this book is long (get your mind out of the gutter), like over 700 pages of whoa-hot-daddy/momma swoon-worthy heart-wrenching and happily-ever-after kind of long. #WorthIt
Having said all that, let me end by saying: Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 22, and CHAPTER EIGHTY-FREAKING-SEVEN !!!! ;) #woot
This is the story of Kate and Kai that takes place in Dubai (and a little bit in Australia). Alam explored the culture and the geographical environment throughout this book, which was a fun adventure to be on having never traveled to either country. I found myself intrigued by the way that Alam wove the tenets of the conservative culture into a progressive, strong-willed FMC who meets an equally progressive MMC that truly was her match and her his. Even in the D/s scenes, it was clear that Kai, while seeking and holding power over Kate in their sexual explorations, also surrendered himself to the love he had for her. He surrendered the power of his mind and body by allowing himself to become vulnerable to her sensual machinations ... and honestly, to his own love for Kate. #swoon
I could go on and on about the chemistry between Kate and Kai, even point to the specific chapters where you can find the amazing scenes of power, control, vulnerability, and outright love, but what's the fun in that. You must read this work.
From a mechanical perspective, there were countless errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, and so forth. This was a bit distracting and I tried to overlook it all, for the most part. Some of her other works have equally distracting errors that really took away from the journey, but this book wasn't plagued so viciously. Having said that, I do want to mention that there was a small inkling of what I perceived to be homophobia when the FMC was put off at herself about something and referred to herself as gay, as a slight. Alam did address homosexuality with a couple of fantastic gay male characters, but that progressive move was undermined by the prior suggestion of a homophobic narrative direction. Donna, please do better.
Also, this book is long (get your mind out of the gutter), like over 700 pages of whoa-hot-daddy/momma swoon-worthy heart-wrenching and happily-ever-after kind of long. #WorthIt
Having said all that, let me end by saying: Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 22, and CHAPTER EIGHTY-FREAKING-SEVEN !!!! ;) #woot
November 21, 2019
Very long but worth it
This very hard to get into. I started the book then stopped after the first chapter because it was confusing. A couple weeks later I decided to give it another try and I’m really happy I did. This book is like no other. The setting is based out of Dubai and I was caught up in the cultural difference. The h was an Aussie, and bestie was from Dublin. Not only was their slang a bit difficult to understand(hilarious though), but the vocabulary of the H made me use my dictionary a few times. The emotion was powerful when they made love. The characters really drew me in and I felt a connection with almost all of them (especially the bestie). I didn’t understand the Relationship between the H’s parents and wish there was a little more to that. I also didn’t understand why the H never introduced his sister or why the second wife of the dad was never introduced. I also have no idea why the H does not have a single friend.
Though I mostly enjoyed part 3 of the book, I would have been happy stopping at the end 2 with an added epilogue.
I know there is a lot of negative things in here, but I really recommend giving it a read. It really was great. Packed full of steamy sex scenes, funny, and I couldn’t put it down. 😁 Donna Alam is a great writer and it really shows here.
This very hard to get into. I started the book then stopped after the first chapter because it was confusing. A couple weeks later I decided to give it another try and I’m really happy I did. This book is like no other. The setting is based out of Dubai and I was caught up in the cultural difference. The h was an Aussie, and bestie was from Dublin. Not only was their slang a bit difficult to understand(hilarious though), but the vocabulary of the H made me use my dictionary a few times. The emotion was powerful when they made love. The characters really drew me in and I felt a connection with almost all of them (especially the bestie). I didn’t understand the Relationship between the H’s parents and wish there was a little more to that. I also didn’t understand why the H never introduced his sister or why the second wife of the dad was never introduced. I also have no idea why the H does not have a single friend.
Though I mostly enjoyed part 3 of the book, I would have been happy stopping at the end 2 with an added epilogue.
I know there is a lot of negative things in here, but I really recommend giving it a read. It really was great. Packed full of steamy sex scenes, funny, and I couldn’t put it down. 😁 Donna Alam is a great writer and it really shows here.
November 22, 2018
ONE SIZZLING-SAUCY ADVENTURE!!!
Holy crap! It's getting hot up in here! Talk about a whirlwind of emotions and events that really crank your tractor. Action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, page turning, smooth flowing read that's as riveting as it is captivating. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for adrenaline fueled experience. You get a full dose of drama, sizzling chemistry, lies, deceit, switching between love, lust and one explosive bound that keeps everything hot, steamy and flames of desire that.you can actually feel flow from each page. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together flawlessly. Donna steadily increases the tension and suspense you till it's palpable and electrifying. The characters are complex, well developed and believable with layer upon layer as the depth is revealed as it's slowly peeled back. The scenes are so graphically descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Donna did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Donna, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy crap! It's getting hot up in here! Talk about a whirlwind of emotions and events that really crank your tractor. Action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, page turning, smooth flowing read that's as riveting as it is captivating. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for adrenaline fueled experience. You get a full dose of drama, sizzling chemistry, lies, deceit, switching between love, lust and one explosive bound that keeps everything hot, steamy and flames of desire that.you can actually feel flow from each page. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together flawlessly. Donna steadily increases the tension and suspense you till it's palpable and electrifying. The characters are complex, well developed and believable with layer upon layer as the depth is revealed as it's slowly peeled back. The scenes are so graphically descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Donna did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Donna, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
January 19, 2022
I can't remember the last time I've been so grateful to finish a book, unless it was the previous DA book I just dnf'd. This was like two books in one, and not in a good way. I think I've had enough of this author for a while.
Half of the dialog in this book was a complete waste of time and did absolutely nothing to advance the story. It served only as a way for DA to show off her vast knowledge of several countries worth of slang that wasn't comprehensible in any language. I skimmed over 90% of it after the halfway point.
I'm writing this review right after finishing the book and I still can't remember the lame-ass female lead's name, but I intensely disliked her from about 60% on. I got whiplash from her constant "do I trust him?" thoughts and actions, while Kai ended up not being nearly as secretive as she thought he was. I liked him much more than I did her. I might have enjoyed this book more if half of it had been from his POV. I feel like I'm missing out when I only experience the story from one character's perspective.
The plot was too weak for a book of this length - this book should have been much, much shorter. Kai's cousin did make a halfway-decent villainous asshole, but Niamh and her associated conversations were too annoying to be enjoyable.
Half of the dialog in this book was a complete waste of time and did absolutely nothing to advance the story. It served only as a way for DA to show off her vast knowledge of several countries worth of slang that wasn't comprehensible in any language. I skimmed over 90% of it after the halfway point.
I'm writing this review right after finishing the book and I still can't remember the lame-ass female lead's name, but I intensely disliked her from about 60% on. I got whiplash from her constant "do I trust him?" thoughts and actions, while Kai ended up not being nearly as secretive as she thought he was. I liked him much more than I did her. I might have enjoyed this book more if half of it had been from his POV. I feel like I'm missing out when I only experience the story from one character's perspective.
The plot was too weak for a book of this length - this book should have been much, much shorter. Kai's cousin did make a halfway-decent villainous asshole, but Niamh and her associated conversations were too annoying to be enjoyable.
October 15, 2019
D A M N N ! ! ! 💣💣💥💥💥
Oh my, Kai you are burned into my book-boyfriend happy place 😍. I am so sad to have finished this book! It was long and intense but I needed that fix every day. Have written more of a review on Amazon.com.au but basically this book left me breathless. Thanks Donna, you’re da BOM!! 💋
Overall Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
✔️ Interesting and suspenseful plot
🤙🏼 Descriptive language around characters: Would have liked more. Didn’t know what Kate actually looked like until 3/4 way thru 🤷🏽♀️. Hair colour?
✔️ HOT alpha 💥💥💥
✔️ Broody alpha: Not so much broody as pensive 😏
✔️ Likeable female personality: Took me a while 😬
✔️ Strong female
✔️✔️✔️✔️Serious chemistry 🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥
✔️ Puts a ring on it
✔️✔️✔️ Humour: LOVE the Aus 🇦🇺😆
👍🏼 Spelling & grammar
👌🏼Correct use of the word “practice/practise”: Mostly on point!
✔️ Triggers: A bit of BDSM but not distressing.
Legend:
🔥🔥🔥 DAMN Girl! 💋💋💋
🔥🔥 That was nice, thanks 😊
🔥 Meh 😴
Oh my, Kai you are burned into my book-boyfriend happy place 😍. I am so sad to have finished this book! It was long and intense but I needed that fix every day. Have written more of a review on Amazon.com.au but basically this book left me breathless. Thanks Donna, you’re da BOM!! 💋
Overall Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
✔️ Interesting and suspenseful plot
🤙🏼 Descriptive language around characters: Would have liked more. Didn’t know what Kate actually looked like until 3/4 way thru 🤷🏽♀️. Hair colour?
✔️ HOT alpha 💥💥💥
✔️ Broody alpha: Not so much broody as pensive 😏
✔️ Likeable female personality: Took me a while 😬
✔️ Strong female
✔️✔️✔️✔️Serious chemistry 🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥
✔️ Puts a ring on it
✔️✔️✔️ Humour: LOVE the Aus 🇦🇺😆
👍🏼 Spelling & grammar
👌🏼Correct use of the word “practice/practise”: Mostly on point!
✔️ Triggers: A bit of BDSM but not distressing.
Legend:
🔥🔥🔥 DAMN Girl! 💋💋💋
🔥🔥 That was nice, thanks 😊
🔥 Meh 😴
January 17, 2022
Bit of a departure...
I have lived books by this author for a while, but this book was a bit of a departure from her usual. The story was of an Australian teacher who ran away to Dubai after catching her fiance shagging a stripper. While working as a teacher in Dubai, she meets a wealthy, handsome native businessman. There is powerful chemistry, which, in a fit to get over her betrayal, is acted upon. The author did agood job of highlighting some of the cultural clashes faced in both a largely Muslim but also extremely wealthy society. The departure was somewhat around this, but more the sexual end. This book had elements of dominance/submission, as well as some bondage and "punishment"/pain. I wouldn't say extreme, but more graphic and a different feel then i recall from the author's other books,, and the author still did her normal phenomenal job of building the emotion around the relationship, as well as smattering of humor.
I have lived books by this author for a while, but this book was a bit of a departure from her usual. The story was of an Australian teacher who ran away to Dubai after catching her fiance shagging a stripper. While working as a teacher in Dubai, she meets a wealthy, handsome native businessman. There is powerful chemistry, which, in a fit to get over her betrayal, is acted upon. The author did agood job of highlighting some of the cultural clashes faced in both a largely Muslim but also extremely wealthy society. The departure was somewhat around this, but more the sexual end. This book had elements of dominance/submission, as well as some bondage and "punishment"/pain. I wouldn't say extreme, but more graphic and a different feel then i recall from the author's other books,, and the author still did her normal phenomenal job of building the emotion around the relationship, as well as smattering of humor.
August 16, 2022
4.5!
For such a thick book I didn’t feel like I was reading such a tome.
I found Kai to be very enjoyable person to read about. I love the energy he gave off and how sure he was about his feelings and actions.
I found Kat to be spontaneous in the going to a new place and jumping into a situation that she previously never thought of. I did find some of her actions to be a little immature, but when we find out a certain thing about her it kind of makes sense. Why she reacts to certain things and it’s almost like ashamed of other things!
Overall I found this book to be very appealing and I can see the forbiddenness in it because of the cultural and religious ties.
Now I can see why people don’t like it because of the sneaking around in a country that doesn’t subscribe to women being open about their bodies and partners. But I also get that sometimes these things happened and this is just a fictional tale!
For such a thick book I didn’t feel like I was reading such a tome.
I found Kai to be very enjoyable person to read about. I love the energy he gave off and how sure he was about his feelings and actions.
I found Kat to be spontaneous in the going to a new place and jumping into a situation that she previously never thought of. I did find some of her actions to be a little immature, but when we find out a certain thing about her it kind of makes sense. Why she reacts to certain things and it’s almost like ashamed of other things!
Overall I found this book to be very appealing and I can see the forbiddenness in it because of the cultural and religious ties.
Now I can see why people don’t like it because of the sneaking around in a country that doesn’t subscribe to women being open about their bodies and partners. But I also get that sometimes these things happened and this is just a fictional tale!
November 27, 2018
Wow, it has taken me four days to read this incredibly written masterpiece by Ms. Donna Alam. I truly love a great romance as much as the next person, however, this release is so much more. Incredibly informative between the cultural differences and the secondary characters are easily envisioned and as well crafted as the main ones. I believe this release to be my favorite of Ms. Alam's. Kai and Kate go on one amazingly creative journey together to get to their happily ever after and along the way, you will fall in love with Ms. Alam's work and devotion to her reader's by sharing her imaginative mind with us.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Gentleman Player in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion and strongly recommend reading this impressive release. Wonderfully Riveting.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Gentleman Player in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion and strongly recommend reading this impressive release. Wonderfully Riveting.
November 20, 2021
Long and dirty ride pun intended
I read a lot of romance novels. So many, so often I profess I'm a bit ashamed. So when u say I have read all the tropes, I mean it. The Dom/sub genre often includes spanking, what sets this book apart is its long enough to explore more. From light bondage to ice to much more creative forms of playing, these characters go there. You also get to see the slow evolution of someone new to this life into someone really comfortable with it. The style of writing is good as well, it's polished and sophisticated enough to keep things interesting but not so flowery and poetic that you spend a lot of time deciphering the meaning in the words.
Yes I would recommend it. If you like romance and you like a little kink. And you want a romance book that gives a little bit more.
I read a lot of romance novels. So many, so often I profess I'm a bit ashamed. So when u say I have read all the tropes, I mean it. The Dom/sub genre often includes spanking, what sets this book apart is its long enough to explore more. From light bondage to ice to much more creative forms of playing, these characters go there. You also get to see the slow evolution of someone new to this life into someone really comfortable with it. The style of writing is good as well, it's polished and sophisticated enough to keep things interesting but not so flowery and poetic that you spend a lot of time deciphering the meaning in the words.
Yes I would recommend it. If you like romance and you like a little kink. And you want a romance book that gives a little bit more.
March 23, 2025
Sand In All The Right Places
Colour me surprised when I realized that this book is set in the Emirates. I knew that there was going to be a few culture shocks, but honestly, they were done fairly tastefully. My biggest issue that I had ongoing one reading this book was how certain parts of the BDSM scenes were conveyed. Trust and communication are such strong cornerstones in the world of kink and I feel though there was one too many instances where communication was lacking. So I suppose that could be a trigger warning for some in the future if you care to read this otherwise wonderful story.
The fact that both main characters sort of annoyed me to a certain extent, made them feel so very human. They clearly weren’t perfect both of them had such glaring flaws that I often had to take a break and sigh.
4/5 🌶️
This book was so very spicy and the spice was plentiful.
Colour me surprised when I realized that this book is set in the Emirates. I knew that there was going to be a few culture shocks, but honestly, they were done fairly tastefully. My biggest issue that I had ongoing one reading this book was how certain parts of the BDSM scenes were conveyed. Trust and communication are such strong cornerstones in the world of kink and I feel though there was one too many instances where communication was lacking. So I suppose that could be a trigger warning for some in the future if you care to read this otherwise wonderful story.
The fact that both main characters sort of annoyed me to a certain extent, made them feel so very human. They clearly weren’t perfect both of them had such glaring flaws that I often had to take a break and sigh.
4/5 🌶️
This book was so very spicy and the spice was plentiful.
November 24, 2018
This is an epic book; I usually read a book a day but it took me 6 days to finish this book. It was a combination of many Arabic words, many idioms from Australia, England and Ireland, and great word craft that I found myself rereading just to enjoy. Also the print length is 847 pages of detail relationship between Kia, a Dubai very rich young man fighting a controlling father, and Kate, a second grade teacher who has run away from her home in Australia to teach in an English school owned by Kai's mother. Lots of action, descriptions of life lived by foreigners in Dubai, and always the question of should Kate be trusting Kia. It has a great HEA ending. Alam is a favorite author; you'll love this book!
June 21, 2020
Hot Hot Hot! Need I say more??? Take a trip to the UAE in this tug and war of emotions as Kate & Kai dance around their emotions and draw to each other. Navigating extreme cultural, familial, social and relationship commitment differences is tough for any couple but to have it all and more proves that it with either break or cement what Kai & Kate have. Donna did a fabulous job of introducing both Aussie & UAE lifestyles too and how characters from such opposites may end up together. I laughed, sniffled, hoped and gritted my teeth through this book. I highly recommend any of Donna’s book, you’ll definitely feel yourself being sucked into the story and becoming invested in the characters and their journeys.
July 7, 2020
Roller coaster of emotions.....
Not the book. But rather how I felt about continuing to read it. This book is 700+ pages separated in 3parts. I wanted to DNF at about 20% but I kept going.
I liked the main characters enough, but part 1 was ridiculously and boringly overwritten. Useless, unnecessary prose that did not move the story forward at all.
Part 2 was the best of the book. Still needs work, and didn’t need to be as long as it was.
Part 3 was just ridiculous. Yes, you get to a HEA but the mechanics of the story and the writing again took a nose dive.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and sadly will be my last. The authors writing would definitely benefit from a better editor.
Not the book. But rather how I felt about continuing to read it. This book is 700+ pages separated in 3parts. I wanted to DNF at about 20% but I kept going.
I liked the main characters enough, but part 1 was ridiculously and boringly overwritten. Useless, unnecessary prose that did not move the story forward at all.
Part 2 was the best of the book. Still needs work, and didn’t need to be as long as it was.
Part 3 was just ridiculous. Yes, you get to a HEA but the mechanics of the story and the writing again took a nose dive.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and sadly will be my last. The authors writing would definitely benefit from a better editor.
February 2, 2022
this book is fantastic
I was completely blown away from this book, it’s so well written with such detail and emotion that you fall into the world.
Loved the characters and their backgrounds, especially the Australian touches. I really enjoyed the location setting of Dubai, along with the different cultural aspects - it was unique and fascinating.
The sexual tension and steamy scenes were hot AF, honestly so detailed and absolutely detailed. Loved the push/pull between them and how Kate was unsure about being pushed beyond her usual boundaries.
The twists and suspense in this book was so well written, I loved that unknown element of will they / won’t they.
Overall I completely loved this book and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
I was completely blown away from this book, it’s so well written with such detail and emotion that you fall into the world.
Loved the characters and their backgrounds, especially the Australian touches. I really enjoyed the location setting of Dubai, along with the different cultural aspects - it was unique and fascinating.
The sexual tension and steamy scenes were hot AF, honestly so detailed and absolutely detailed. Loved the push/pull between them and how Kate was unsure about being pushed beyond her usual boundaries.
The twists and suspense in this book was so well written, I loved that unknown element of will they / won’t they.
Overall I completely loved this book and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
November 18, 2018
Kate and Kai will set your Kindle on fire. They say the best way to get over a guy is to get under another one and that was exactly what Aussie turned Dubai schoolteacher did. Kai was a man with a talented mouth in more than one way. The book was full of humor and sensual delight. An insight into the UAE and Far Eastern culture. This book is full of drama and so many twists your head will spin. Their chemistry was off the charts and they fight their challenges and family dynamics on their way to an HEA. Well written with strong and interresting characters and an engaging story. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to review.
November 25, 2018
I love everything that Donna Alam has ever written, but Gentleman Player is arguably one of her best! Kai is a player with more charm than any man needs. Handsome, urbane, and with a careless grace, he embodies the slightly wicked man most of us secretly yearn for. I love the exotic setting. Donna breathes life into her stories. You can visualize everything. Her characters and their lives become real. Only someone who's lived it can write a story that moves off the page and into your heart!But before I could get a second chance… or even a single chance to talk to Travis again… Julie would end her life and change all of ours.
May 27, 2022
couldn’t wait for it to be over
I really wanted to like this book because I loved Kai. But man, it took forever to get through to the HEA. So much unneeded dialogue. And believe it or not, I actually got tired of all the sex. I love sex in these books…. but there can be too much of it as well and it just takes away from the story.
I found myself fast forwarding through a few chapters and I don’t feel like I missed a thing.
I like this author and will read more of her books. But if she says they contain 250,000 words… I’m running in the opposite direction.
I really wanted to like this book because I loved Kai. But man, it took forever to get through to the HEA. So much unneeded dialogue. And believe it or not, I actually got tired of all the sex. I love sex in these books…. but there can be too much of it as well and it just takes away from the story.
I found myself fast forwarding through a few chapters and I don’t feel like I missed a thing.
I like this author and will read more of her books. But if she says they contain 250,000 words… I’m running in the opposite direction.
November 19, 2018
Wow! This is a three part, pulse pounding extremely witty love story! Kate has fled to the UAE to teach after catching her cheating fiance in the act. She is determined to get a fresh start, no men involved. That all goes awry when she literally falls into the arms of Kai. That begins a drama filled, yet passionate love story complete with bitchy ex lovers, a villainous cousin, a fun/crazy best friend, a neighbor who has the hots for Kate...it such a great story that despite being in three parts I loved it!!
November 23, 2018
I love this author's Hot Scots series that is set in the United Kingdom: the humor, the romance, the steam and the flirty dialogue. This book has steam aplenty and fast and firty dialogue from the get go, but I just was not expecting a story set in the Middle East, with a crew of hard partying expat workers like the heroine's friends and neighbors, and wealthy, powerful locals like the lawyer hero. Not what I was expecting and not really my thing. So, no foul to the author or the story, I just wish the book blurb had been clear about the setting.
November 27, 2018
Hmmmm I don’t exactly know where to rate this book. On the heat level a definite 5. On the reality level a definite 3.
Being a fan of Alam’s writing, the premise and initial plot of this story is right up her alley. But the setting I had a hard time believing. Dubai, yes exotic and beautiful but also strict in its custom. And to be as “free” and Kai and Katie are seemed quite unlikely.. so a happy medium would be 4.
I received this book for s voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
Being a fan of Alam’s writing, the premise and initial plot of this story is right up her alley. But the setting I had a hard time believing. Dubai, yes exotic and beautiful but also strict in its custom. And to be as “free” and Kai and Katie are seemed quite unlikely.. so a happy medium would be 4.
I received this book for s voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
October 10, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Kate Saunders
Kai
----------------------------------
What happens?
Kate finds her fiance has cheated on her so escapes to Dubai to lick her wounds and get herself back to feeling happy.
She meets Kai and that is it.
Final thoughts
This was excruciating.
Would I read again?: Nope
Would I read this author again?: Usually her books are OK.
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Kate Saunders
Kai
----------------------------------
What happens?
Kate finds her fiance has cheated on her so escapes to Dubai to lick her wounds and get herself back to feeling happy.
She meets Kai and that is it.
Final thoughts
This was excruciating.
Would I read again?: Nope
Would I read this author again?: Usually her books are OK.
December 23, 2020
I tried my best to really get the connection, the chemistry, and to enjoy this book but I am truly disappointed. I don’t like the heroine plain and simple. Making too many stupid decisions, it seems like all she does is either having sex or getting intoxicated. Btw can she get any hornier? It’s like she only thinks nothing but her pants being wet or her nipples getting hard what the heck! The plot only revolves around sex nil real story here. Admittedly, I only reached up to 50% of the book and what an effort. 👎
November 16, 2018
It's hard to account for curve balls, especially when a woman can't see it coming. Kate is a teacher from Australia and an all girls school is a perfect way to avoid men... but she didn't count on Kai. A romance that invites a reader on and it's one that doesn't let go. The parts where culture mixes in is very welcome. Donna Alam gives a fantastic plot and great characters. Highly enjoyable, for sure. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
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