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Dr. Penina Ross learns that the stranger she shared a brief connection with the other day is a new surgeon at the hospital where she works. And now everybody wants to know who he is, and from what part of Heaven, the hunky and enigmatic angel fell. But Penina knows, if she’s smart, she'll stay far away from Dr. Jake Sparrow—if that’s even his real name. She has a habit of attracting and falling for liars and cheaters, and that's exactly who the secretive Dr. Sparrow feels like to her. However, at times she catches him staring at her from across the room, and when he does, her heart races like the wind. He’s so seductive, so yummy, which is why Penina can no longer resist him. Then, one day she discovers what he’s been hiding, and his secret hits closer to home than she could ever imagine.
Dr. Penina Ross learns that the stranger she shared a brief connection with the other day is a new surgeon at the hospital where she works. And now everybody wants to know who he is, and from what part of Heaven, the hunky and enigmatic angel fell. But Penina knows, if she’s smart, she'll stay far away from Dr. Jake Sparrow—if that’s even his real name. She has a habit of attracting and falling for liars and cheaters, and that's exactly who the secretive Dr. Sparrow feels like to her. However, at times she catches him staring at her from across the room, and when he does, her heart races like the wind. He’s so seductive, so yummy, which is why Penina can no longer resist him. Then, one day she discovers what he’s been hiding, and his secret hits closer to home than she could ever imagine.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
1062 people are currently reading
1003 people want to read
About the author
Z.L. Arkadie
104 books498 followersZ.L. Arkadie is stepping into a new era of emotionally rich, upmarket romance that sweeps you away and thrills your heart in the best possible way. Her upcoming stories promise the kind of passion, longing, and intensity that pull you out of the everyday and into something unforgettable. For readers who crave stories that ache, soar, and stay with you—this is where it begins.
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June 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/30/2020)! 🎁
April 30, 2020
No spoilers!
What the he ll???
This ends on a serious "Why would you stop there?"
To me, it's a bit more than a cliffhanger
It was ...
Abrupt
Yes, I'm a bit shocked and ranting -
I was so lost in the story I actually thought I was missing part of the book -
The abrupt return to reality sort of threw me
I was invested from the first alluded brush off
The tension between our two mc's is off the charts
and the way Sparrow deals with it - torn between smacking him upside the back of his head and dousing him with cold water
It was full of all those subtle clues - you know the little breadcrumbs that are sprinkled with a false sweetness just to lure you in then
BAM - the plot twist!!!
"Every bad guy had a good side, and every good guy had a bad side. It was the percentage that determined their character. "
Dr. Sparrow has a complete wardrobe of skeletons in his closet.
When we first meet him he seems all kinds of arrogant but if you listen closely you hear him whisper "hello".
That told me more about him than anything that followed.
He had his reasons.
Do I agree with his methods?
Nope
But he wasn't being malicious for the sake of cruelty.
"Know thyself. Always try to be aware of who you are. It's not going to be easy but do it. "
Pen is a survivor. She has her issues and as the story unravels we get to know her past a bit more. The events that made her the compassionate and driven Dr. that she is today.
She is pretty easy going and honest with herself, for the most part.
A tad stubborn but in a good way.
Their paths are about to collide and the resulting implosion just might obliterate both their worlds
Yeah, the secrets are that big.
I read an ARC copy.
My rating is based on the belief scene errors and edits will be corrected before publishing.
What the he ll???
This ends on a serious "Why would you stop there?"
To me, it's a bit more than a cliffhanger
It was ...
Abrupt
Yes, I'm a bit shocked and ranting -
I was so lost in the story I actually thought I was missing part of the book -
The abrupt return to reality sort of threw me
I was invested from the first alluded brush off
The tension between our two mc's is off the charts
and the way Sparrow deals with it - torn between smacking him upside the back of his head and dousing him with cold water
It was full of all those subtle clues - you know the little breadcrumbs that are sprinkled with a false sweetness just to lure you in then
BAM - the plot twist!!!
"Every bad guy had a good side, and every good guy had a bad side. It was the percentage that determined their character. "
Dr. Sparrow has a complete wardrobe of skeletons in his closet.
When we first meet him he seems all kinds of arrogant but if you listen closely you hear him whisper "hello".
That told me more about him than anything that followed.
He had his reasons.
Do I agree with his methods?
Nope
But he wasn't being malicious for the sake of cruelty.
"Know thyself. Always try to be aware of who you are. It's not going to be easy but do it. "
Pen is a survivor. She has her issues and as the story unravels we get to know her past a bit more. The events that made her the compassionate and driven Dr. that she is today.
She is pretty easy going and honest with herself, for the most part.
A tad stubborn but in a good way.
Their paths are about to collide and the resulting implosion just might obliterate both their worlds
Yeah, the secrets are that big.
I read an ARC copy.
My rating is based on the belief scene errors and edits will be corrected before publishing.
April 16, 2020
Dr. Penina Ross is tired of picking boyfriends who are afraid of the truth. Yet, the man who has quickly captured her mind, heart & very soul has already told her that he has secrets that he is not willing to share with her any time soon. Confused by his hot & cold attitude while warring with her conscience, Penina has some difficult choices to make regarding Jake Sparrow.
I was sucked into this book almost immediately as I read the first few lines. Arkadie crafted a story line that was twisted and had so many possible turns but ultimately was so intriguing that I couldn't help but read & read & read to find out as much as possible.
I loved the cliffhanger ending (shocking!) and I am super excited about how book 2 will play out. I am also eager to see where all the new players will fit.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
I was sucked into this book almost immediately as I read the first few lines. Arkadie crafted a story line that was twisted and had so many possible turns but ultimately was so intriguing that I couldn't help but read & read & read to find out as much as possible.
I loved the cliffhanger ending (shocking!) and I am super excited about how book 2 will play out. I am also eager to see where all the new players will fit.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 4, 2021
please don't write a book if you're not going to finish it ??
May 1, 2020
Amazon
Universal
Dr. Penina Ross is about done with her neurosurgery residency when a mysterious hot neuro comes aboard and sets off everyone's radar. Sure, most of them are women who think he's hot, but Penina thinks there's something secretive about him and she's not all about secrets since her ex had secrets that ended up hurting her, badly. Plus, he's not exactly kind to her, so Penina doesn't allow him to distract her the way he's distracting everyone else. Until a situation arises that has him offering up his place to her and suddenly that attraction she didn't want to admit, is springing up all over his posh dwelling.
But yet, even as they're engaging in a secretive relationship, Jake still isn't really opening up to her, and Penina is wondering just what is going on and where they're headed. And then, and THEN, that crazy cliffhanger happened and now I am furious that I'll have to wait til God only knows when to find out what happens next!
I liked Seduction mainly because of Penina. She's awesome - smart and kind and compassionate and brightened up the entire story. I'll admit that Jake isn't exactly my favorite character, but I'm hoping he will open up more and show off I hope a warmer side in the next installment.
ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.
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May 16, 2020
He's a man of mystery, but can her heart survive the truth? Seduction is as unpredictable as it can get. Jake is the new guy in town. Pen is determined to find out all his secrets. Can she handle the answers. Arkadie keeps emotions invested in this mind blowing mystery.
May 15, 2020
This book should be called walls and secrets! Penina is a brilliant young neurosurgeon. She has worked her whole life to prove she belongs at the top of the food chain. She is completing her residency and waiting on word is she will get the Fellowship she wants. Penina is ready to start her life. Her past is filled with a boyfriend who was serial cheater, a mother who has abandoned her and basically disappeared. Penina more than anything just wants a family of her own. She has been on her own since she went to boarding school at 13. An attraction to the new attending Neurosurgeon leads her on a path to questioning herself.
Penina, is a great character. At first you think she is pretty much a one-dimensional character, an attractive doctor. What you soon learn is she is more than that. She has scars from living life with her addicted mother, being left at boarding school at age 13, a relationship with an aunt who isn’t overly engaging or affectionate. Penina has no clue who her father is or any sort of back ground information.
At the end of her residency she is names to the team of a new attending Neurosurgeon, Dr. Jake Sparrow. He is sexy, smart, and successful, but there is also something more, he is keeping secrets. Penina is super attracted to Jake, but his secrets are making it hard for to engage with him.
Jake’s character is a little hard to like. You know he is hiding something dark and you just don’t want that to spill out on to Penina. I had hard time with them being together. Their attraction is intense, their passion is intense, but as the reader you know that Jake could hurt Penina. She has worked so hard to be successful you do not want Jake to drag her down.
This is the first half of their story. So many twists and turns, it was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. I am really hoping for a HEA here for both characters, but I am not sure I need them to end up together. This was a 4/5 read for me. This was my first experience with Z.L. Arkadie and I will be back to check out more of their offerings.
Penina, is a great character. At first you think she is pretty much a one-dimensional character, an attractive doctor. What you soon learn is she is more than that. She has scars from living life with her addicted mother, being left at boarding school at age 13, a relationship with an aunt who isn’t overly engaging or affectionate. Penina has no clue who her father is or any sort of back ground information.
At the end of her residency she is names to the team of a new attending Neurosurgeon, Dr. Jake Sparrow. He is sexy, smart, and successful, but there is also something more, he is keeping secrets. Penina is super attracted to Jake, but his secrets are making it hard for to engage with him.
Jake’s character is a little hard to like. You know he is hiding something dark and you just don’t want that to spill out on to Penina. I had hard time with them being together. Their attraction is intense, their passion is intense, but as the reader you know that Jake could hurt Penina. She has worked so hard to be successful you do not want Jake to drag her down.
This is the first half of their story. So many twists and turns, it was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. I am really hoping for a HEA here for both characters, but I am not sure I need them to end up together. This was a 4/5 read for me. This was my first experience with Z.L. Arkadie and I will be back to check out more of their offerings.
December 10, 2020
The only thing wrong with this is that it is a two volume story. But I forgave that and happily went on to read the second book. This book snatched me up from the beginning and didn't let me go until the HEA. I'll definitely read more by this author. The characters were real. The pacing was very good. The sex was steamy, frequent and graphic. A neurosurgeon resident and the new attending neurosurgeon have overwhelming chemistry from the first glance. She's just finished with a cheating boy.friend, so she's looking for open and honest. He's got more secrets than Nancy Drew books. But that doesn't seem to be enough to keep them apart. Keeping it from the rest of the hospital staff is amusing until it causes problems. Then the outside world intrudes and some of his secrets are exposed. Can their love survive the intrusion of reality and his family? Recommended
November 22, 2020
This book is not complete. It ends on a cliffhanger and forces you to buy another book. It doesn't even include a completed arc. I felt cheated and would not have read the book had I known beforehand. Having said that, if I know it's a cliffhanger book and the story and writing are stellar, I'll happily buy the next book because I know the author can deliver.
With that out of the way ... I would have bought the next book in this series IF
- the writing had been stellar, which it wasn't. There were too many repeated words and phrases, making the characters sound all the same. I read a ton of romance and suspense, and the bar is high.
- the characters were well-rounded and appeared as intelligent as they should be, since they are neurosurgeons. Jake, especially, came across to me as stiff and awkward. I did not feel the chemistry between the couple.
The premise was decent, which drew me to the book, and the final somewhat-of-a-reveal a nice surprise, but getting there was too much of a slog. I have one more novel to read by this author, so, one more chance. If that novel is no better than this, that's it.
With that out of the way ... I would have bought the next book in this series IF
- the writing had been stellar, which it wasn't. There were too many repeated words and phrases, making the characters sound all the same. I read a ton of romance and suspense, and the bar is high.
- the characters were well-rounded and appeared as intelligent as they should be, since they are neurosurgeons. Jake, especially, came across to me as stiff and awkward. I did not feel the chemistry between the couple.
The premise was decent, which drew me to the book, and the final somewhat-of-a-reveal a nice surprise, but getting there was too much of a slog. I have one more novel to read by this author, so, one more chance. If that novel is no better than this, that's it.
May 10, 2021
I know that this book is about two neurosurgeons banging, but it was too dorky for me. When the h talked about her “intravaginal, penile-aroused orgasm,” it was so unsexy. Then H made her come like 10 times in a row—c’mon, people. When I don’t find the MCs hot, I can’t get into the book. The weird sub plot of who H really is was not worth the nerd sex.
August 5, 2022
duet. i read it through Amazon (kindle) and the book cover was totally different and i prefer it actually. i don't like the one they are showing here on Goodreads. just my preference there. good read. high four-star rating for me. not a five ...high high four. the end of book 1 is a totally cliffhanger. book 1 is FREE on Amazon right now. so, i had to get book 2 the end of the duet cause i was so curious. where the heck are we heading?? where will it end??! so, i had to pay $5.99 ...which okay ...free was book 1 but it is a jump for me. i don't know Z.L.'s writing ...so i am taking a leap of it will be good ...please don't let me down. has anyone ...had the issue on Amazon of it buying books?? then i have to call Amazon help line ...explain i didn't buy the book and getting a credit?? it has been happening numerous times lately. kind of frustrating. apparently, my thumb scrolling it having the power. didn't realize that scrolling on the kindle could or can be so pricy. in more ways than one. strange, no?? u having this problem as well? i asked the help man and he said oh yeah this happens sometimes. but u use to be able to do refunds yourself ...not it is a call-in situation??! i am wondering what the heck is going on with Amazon these days ...ebooks are getting a bit odd??!
crap... i lost the list again ...trying to find the order of these books. now i get it ...no wonder i am like who are these other (i will say that when i am reading this duet ...all the first books within each series/duet are FREE on Amazon ...i didn't know that, maybe you were or are in the same boat??!) brothers in this duet ... (i always wish that i was reading a book series/duet when others are doing so. maybe you are new to this author, these series/duets ...i started with Asher's book ...which apparently is kind of like the 3rd series. i just found it on Amazon for free ...wonder if it was Bookbub? any who ...it was Free, the first book and now i am hooked and wish to know more about these characters. these brothers. wonder why Asher only has 2 books. wonder if the other brothers will be as cool? interesting? sexy hot? etc.)
"A Dark Billionaire Family Romance Series
Jasper's Story:
Intrigued (Book 1)
Desire (Book 2)
Claimed (Book 3)
Spencer's Story:
Enthrall (Book 1)
Impulse (Book 2)
Bliss (Book 3)
Bonus Book! Exposed (Spencer & Jada Bonus Book)
Asher's Story:
Seduction (Book 1)
Embrace (Book 2)
Bryn's Story:
Destined"
if you know more about this author, her books, etc. please write and tell me what to read. i am loving that so many of the first books are FREE. don't miss out folks!! get to reading.
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can some1 explain that i have the book "Legacy of Secrets (The Sterling Family Saga Book 1)" by: Z.L. Arkadie (i know a lot of this authors books have had their names changed, or they are listed differently now?? different book cover and such?? i wonder??! book reviewer here and i wanna review, but when you can't find the book?? i am totally blow off the map?? WHAT?????????????????? ??????????? ????????????? ??????) ...but it is not here on Goodreads to review?? i can't find it on Amazon either?? can you hear the "Twilight Zone" (whenever i say this i wonder if kids of this day and age i am not talking Edward and Bella ...this is an old black & white version of a tv show ...great music and so entertaining) tune playing??????????????????????????? this is so weird. how did i get the book?? odd.
crap... i lost the list again ...trying to find the order of these books. now i get it ...no wonder i am like who are these other (i will say that when i am reading this duet ...all the first books within each series/duet are FREE on Amazon ...i didn't know that, maybe you were or are in the same boat??!) brothers in this duet ... (i always wish that i was reading a book series/duet when others are doing so. maybe you are new to this author, these series/duets ...i started with Asher's book ...which apparently is kind of like the 3rd series. i just found it on Amazon for free ...wonder if it was Bookbub? any who ...it was Free, the first book and now i am hooked and wish to know more about these characters. these brothers. wonder why Asher only has 2 books. wonder if the other brothers will be as cool? interesting? sexy hot? etc.)
"A Dark Billionaire Family Romance Series
Jasper's Story:
Intrigued (Book 1)
Desire (Book 2)
Claimed (Book 3)
Spencer's Story:
Enthrall (Book 1)
Impulse (Book 2)
Bliss (Book 3)
Bonus Book! Exposed (Spencer & Jada Bonus Book)
Asher's Story:
Seduction (Book 1)
Embrace (Book 2)
Bryn's Story:
Destined"
if you know more about this author, her books, etc. please write and tell me what to read. i am loving that so many of the first books are FREE. don't miss out folks!! get to reading.
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can some1 explain that i have the book "Legacy of Secrets (The Sterling Family Saga Book 1)" by: Z.L. Arkadie (i know a lot of this authors books have had their names changed, or they are listed differently now?? different book cover and such?? i wonder??! book reviewer here and i wanna review, but when you can't find the book?? i am totally blow off the map?? WHAT?????????????????? ??????????? ????????????? ??????) ...but it is not here on Goodreads to review?? i can't find it on Amazon either?? can you hear the "Twilight Zone" (whenever i say this i wonder if kids of this day and age i am not talking Edward and Bella ...this is an old black & white version of a tv show ...great music and so entertaining) tune playing??????????????????????????? this is so weird. how did i get the book?? odd.
April 11, 2020
This is part one in a trilogy that has lots of twists. A story filled with a drama, medical diagnosis, and smexy good times.
Dr. Ross "Pen" is in the final days of her residency when Dr. Sparrow arrives at her hospital. He's quite the mystery offering little information about himself and doesn't treat her the nicest in the hospital, but when their apartment complex has a fire he offers up a place to stay stating it's a "friends". Even though she has mixed feelings, she takes up his offer. Dr. Ross is presumably the best neurosurgeon in residence, but Dr. Sparrow continues to shun her eventually to find out his attraction to her is so strong he cannot work in the same OR as her or he might make a mistake. Their relationship evolves from there and there are more twists to the story,
but...
and this is a big but for me....
I had a hard time getting past the pompous way he treated her, which might have been fine for tension, but the fact that she let him, saying it was fine to let a guy walk all over her career sort of grated on me.
Both doctors are neurosurgeons. We are talking top level in education and in their craft. For Pen to be a pushover in an instant for Jake felt wrong, but this is just my opinion.
As their relationship tries to evolve, Dr. Ross has lots of questions. Dr. Sparrow keeps his life close to the vest. He's a man full of secrets for lots of reasons. This is part one and those reasons will be forthcoming as the trilogy continues.
Dr. Ross "Pen" is in the final days of her residency when Dr. Sparrow arrives at her hospital. He's quite the mystery offering little information about himself and doesn't treat her the nicest in the hospital, but when their apartment complex has a fire he offers up a place to stay stating it's a "friends". Even though she has mixed feelings, she takes up his offer. Dr. Ross is presumably the best neurosurgeon in residence, but Dr. Sparrow continues to shun her eventually to find out his attraction to her is so strong he cannot work in the same OR as her or he might make a mistake. Their relationship evolves from there and there are more twists to the story,
but...
and this is a big but for me....
I had a hard time getting past the pompous way he treated her, which might have been fine for tension, but the fact that she let him, saying it was fine to let a guy walk all over her career sort of grated on me.
Both doctors are neurosurgeons. We are talking top level in education and in their craft. For Pen to be a pushover in an instant for Jake felt wrong, but this is just my opinion.
As their relationship tries to evolve, Dr. Ross has lots of questions. Dr. Sparrow keeps his life close to the vest. He's a man full of secrets for lots of reasons. This is part one and those reasons will be forthcoming as the trilogy continues.
April 15, 2020
Penina Ross is a resident surgeon in New Orleans, well-liked and hard working. She is almost done with her residency when Jake Sparrow comes on board as an attending. Dr. Sparrow is attractive and enigmatic. Touted as a genius in the operating room but he makes a point of turning Penina away from his surgeries. When a fire at the apartment building that they both live in forces Penina to find alternative housing. Jake offers up his "friend's" penthouse. This starts a quiet affair between Penina and Jake where things aren't as they seem and Jake isn't as open as he should be.
The opening of this book is a little slow as it sets up the meeting between and coming together of Jake and Penina. They dance around each other for a while with Penina cautious of getting involved with the secretive Sparrow. The story picks up when they start sleeping with each and Jake's secrets start coming out.
The chemistry between the two characters is strong. Penina, the ambition yet caring doctor and Jake the hotshot attending make for an interesting couple. The suspense of who Jake really is and, more importantly, Penina, leads to a cliffy guaranteed to make you grit your teeth, this first in the trilogy sets up a solid story that looks like it will only get better.
The opening of this book is a little slow as it sets up the meeting between and coming together of Jake and Penina. They dance around each other for a while with Penina cautious of getting involved with the secretive Sparrow. The story picks up when they start sleeping with each and Jake's secrets start coming out.
The chemistry between the two characters is strong. Penina, the ambition yet caring doctor and Jake the hotshot attending make for an interesting couple. The suspense of who Jake really is and, more importantly, Penina, leads to a cliffy guaranteed to make you grit your teeth, this first in the trilogy sets up a solid story that looks like it will only get better.
January 22, 2023
This is why it is important to read books in a sequence. As I continue on my free Kindle books binge, I stumbled on this book and I just dive right in. Needless to say, I was confused. Frequently.
In my defense though, you can still write the novel so as a reader, we can understand the present as well. Also, what's the rush?
Or better yet, there is a way to do an odd character. His behavior is odd but I don't know that he is odd.
Also, are we going to ignore that their first conversation was laced with inappropriate behaviour that could have seen Jake facing a sexual harassment lawsuit?
Also, where are we going and what are we doing because I am getting whiplash with all the storylines I have to keep up with and that doesn't even include all the odd things going on.
I really don't want to read all the books in the series before this one because there are a lot of them and the writing isn't that captivating but I do want to see what weirdness these two do next because I never know what they are going to say or do.
Also, Jake Sparrow? Really? Because I just kept feeling like watching Pirates of the Caribbean and I am certain I said Jack a couple of times instead of Jake.
In my defense though, you can still write the novel so as a reader, we can understand the present as well. Also, what's the rush?
Or better yet, there is a way to do an odd character. His behavior is odd but I don't know that he is odd.
Also, are we going to ignore that their first conversation was laced with inappropriate behaviour that could have seen Jake facing a sexual harassment lawsuit?
Also, where are we going and what are we doing because I am getting whiplash with all the storylines I have to keep up with and that doesn't even include all the odd things going on.
I really don't want to read all the books in the series before this one because there are a lot of them and the writing isn't that captivating but I do want to see what weirdness these two do next because I never know what they are going to say or do.
Also, Jake Sparrow? Really? Because I just kept feeling like watching Pirates of the Caribbean and I am certain I said Jack a couple of times instead of Jake.
April 27, 2020
4 1/2 Star read. Dr. Penina Ross (Pen for short) is in her final year of residency in New Orleans. Dr. Jake Sparrow starts at her hospital and much as she would like to be on his team during surgery he never seems to pick her. She feels a strong attraction to him he's such a mystery. He doesn't want to start anything with her since he's her boss. One night her apartment block has a fire and she needs to stay somewhere for a few days until its safe to go back. Jake offers her to stay in his friend's apartment where he also lives. She jumps at the opportunity and stays there. The attraction between the two gets stronger can Jake hold back or will he risk everything since he's her boss. Jake has lots of secrets he's hiding. Will his past come back to haunt him and ruin everything.
I received a copy (thank you) to do an honest review for Naughty Nightie Book Blog. I loved this read and there were plenty of thrills, excitement, mystery, and hotness to hold your attention. You need to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. This story does end in a cliff hanger so be warned. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
I received a copy (thank you) to do an honest review for Naughty Nightie Book Blog. I loved this read and there were plenty of thrills, excitement, mystery, and hotness to hold your attention. You need to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. This story does end in a cliff hanger so be warned. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
April 8, 2020
Seduction is book 1 in The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Trilogy; I admit when I started this book, I didn’t realise it was a trilogy one that I defiantly couldn’t put down.
Dr Penina Ross is a very dedicated Dr would is has finally gotten out of a horrible relationship and is now focusing on the end of her training and stepping into the roles she has always wanted; but when she meets Dr Sparrow everything changes.
Dr Jake Sparrow AKA Asher Christmas is hiding a secret, just not one but more than anyone should. With a family legacy that no one wants he wanted a fresh start, but when his fresh start collides with his past he is left with more questions than answers.
I personally enjoyed this story, I was on edge from the moment I started, Arkadie is a new to me author and has left me hanging for book 2.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Dr Penina Ross is a very dedicated Dr would is has finally gotten out of a horrible relationship and is now focusing on the end of her training and stepping into the roles she has always wanted; but when she meets Dr Sparrow everything changes.
Dr Jake Sparrow AKA Asher Christmas is hiding a secret, just not one but more than anyone should. With a family legacy that no one wants he wanted a fresh start, but when his fresh start collides with his past he is left with more questions than answers.
I personally enjoyed this story, I was on edge from the moment I started, Arkadie is a new to me author and has left me hanging for book 2.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
April 29, 2020
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED LOVED LOVED this story so much. Dr. Penina Ross hasn't had much luck with boyfriends, because maybe just maybe her picker is broken. The latest man occupying her mind is Dr. Jake Sparrow, who has made no secret about the fact that he has secrets. Not only that, but he's now a new hire where she works, and everyone wants a piece of him, while she's trying to get him out of her head but he's not making it easy with his confusing (enraging to me) push & pull when it comes to her. There are twists all over the place, leaving me to drop f-bomb after f-bomb, leading up to the cliffy which has me dying inside needing more, so yeah, this was a great start to what seems to be shaping up as a fantastic trilogy. I'm keeping this review short & sweet as I don't want to give anything else away, so just hit those one click buttons, because I promise you won't be sorry! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
April 30, 2020
This is a new author to me and I definitely will be reading more of her work! Her characters are well developed and the storyline is intriguing. Pen is just finishing her residency of neurosurgery in New Orleans when Jake comes in as the attending of neurosurgery at the same hospital. Jake treats her abysmally pushing her out of surgeries that he is on but when a fire ravages Pen’s apartment he offers her a place to stay. The chemistry and sexual tension between the two is off the charts but Jake has his secrets and keeps them close to the vest. just when the tension is building and I was really invested in the story it just abruptly ends. I know it’s a part of a duet inside a trilogy and I expected a cliffy at the end but I was really disappointed in the abruptness of it all. I was really wondering if my Kindle copy got entirely downloaded but atlas it did so I am waiting for the next installment. Overall this is an excellent story.
April 30, 2020
Seduction by Z.L. Arkadie is the First book in The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Duet Series. This starts the story of Jake Sparrow and Penina 'Pen' Ross. Penina is finally out of a bad relationship and also coming to the end of her residency in a New Orleans Hospital. Then Jake comes to the New Orleans hospital as a attending Dr in the same filled at Penina. Penina has a intimidate attraction to Jake but he is harsh towards her especially at work. Although she would love to be a part of his surgical team he always over looks her. When she is displaced from her home due to a fire, Jake offers up his friends Penthouse where he is staying too. Although after house they run hot with their feelings, during the day Jake turns cold toward her. This does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment in their story...which I can't wait to read!
August 27, 2025
Favorite Quote – “I grew up having to be emotionally stable—or perish. What others think about me belongs to them, not to me.”
Rating – 🌟🌟����🌟🌟
Spicy – 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Date Read – 8/27/2025
#93/2024
Main Characters – Dr. Jake Sparrow (Asher Blackstone) & Dr. Penina Ross
Author – Z.L. Arkadie 😍😍😍😍😍
Title – Seduction
Series – The Secret Billionaire Duet: Book 1
Duet/Interconnected Series
Genre – Contemporary Billionaire Workplace Romance
Tropes – *CLIFFHANGER* - Suspense – AlphaMale – Forced Proximity – Grey/Greyish – Secret Identity – Secret Relationship – Strong FMC
Story - 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
Chemistry - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Banter - 💬🗨️💬
Plot - 📚📚📚📚
Side Characters -👨🤝👩👨🤝👩👨🤝👩
Hero – Dr. Jake Sparrow (Asher Blackstone) - 📘📘📘📘
Humor - 😂😂😂
Jealousy - 😡😡
He Grovels - 🙏🙏🙏
Growth - 🏋️♂️🏋️♂️🏋️♂️
Heroine – Dr. Penina Ross - 📕📕📕📕
Humor - 😂😂😂
Strength - 🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️
Sweetness - 🍬🍬🍬🍬
Sassy - 😉😉
Rating – 🌟🌟����🌟🌟
Spicy – 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Date Read – 8/27/2025
#93/2024
Main Characters – Dr. Jake Sparrow (Asher Blackstone) & Dr. Penina Ross
Author – Z.L. Arkadie 😍😍😍😍😍
Title – Seduction
Series – The Secret Billionaire Duet: Book 1
Duet/Interconnected Series
Genre – Contemporary Billionaire Workplace Romance
Tropes – *CLIFFHANGER* - Suspense – AlphaMale – Forced Proximity – Grey/Greyish – Secret Identity – Secret Relationship – Strong FMC
Story - 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
Chemistry - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Banter - 💬🗨️💬
Plot - 📚📚📚📚
Side Characters -👨🤝👩👨🤝👩👨🤝👩
Hero – Dr. Jake Sparrow (Asher Blackstone) - 📘📘📘📘
Humor - 😂😂😂
Jealousy - 😡😡
He Grovels - 🙏🙏🙏
Growth - 🏋️♂️🏋️♂️🏋️♂️
Heroine – Dr. Penina Ross - 📕📕📕📕
Humor - 😂😂😂
Strength - 🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️🏋️♀️
Sweetness - 🍬🍬🍬🍬
Sassy - 😉😉
May 16, 2020
Seduction is the first book in The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Duet Series and it’s amazing! Penina (Pen) is at the end of her residency of neurosurgery in New Orleans when Jake (Asher Christmas) starts as the attending of neurosurgery. Pen is attracted to Jake, but she was just getting out of horrible relationship. Jake is quite a mystery and doesn’t offer much information about himself. Pen would love to be part of his surgical team, but he seems to push her out of his surgeries. When Pen’s apartment is damaged from a fire Jake offers her a place to stay. The chemistry and attraction between these two is palpable. This book has twists and turns, mystery, and chemistry. The ending sure took me by surprise, but I loved this story and can’t wait to read the next book.
July 15, 2022
Wow, Wow, Amazing... Seduction
Dr. Jake Sparrow, aka Asher Christmas, is this exceptionally brilliant Neuro Surgeon. Him and Penina Ross meet, when she's on her way home to her condo after having a hard night in her department of the hospital. Dr Penina Ross is a Neuro Surgeon also. She speaks to him but she thinks he is not going to speak to her, but he does as she's going into the building where her condo is. Penina is in the last year of her residency as a Neuro Surgeon. So they really find out that they are attracted to one another and so the story begins. There's drama, lies, secrets and betrayal. I hope that Dr. Jake and Dr. Penina Ross can fight all the forces against them. I highly recommend this book 📚📖,bit is awesome.
Dr. Jake Sparrow, aka Asher Christmas, is this exceptionally brilliant Neuro Surgeon. Him and Penina Ross meet, when she's on her way home to her condo after having a hard night in her department of the hospital. Dr Penina Ross is a Neuro Surgeon also. She speaks to him but she thinks he is not going to speak to her, but he does as she's going into the building where her condo is. Penina is in the last year of her residency as a Neuro Surgeon. So they really find out that they are attracted to one another and so the story begins. There's drama, lies, secrets and betrayal. I hope that Dr. Jake and Dr. Penina Ross can fight all the forces against them. I highly recommend this book 📚📖,bit is awesome.
February 22, 2025
Half of a book
This book has to many cliffhangers. It is not a complete story which answers your questions, but instead a series of events happening with no conclusion. I like series about the same couple where each book has a beginning, a story,
and an ending which answers the questions asked in the book. Unfortunately, this one does not. I like series about the same people, where the author sets up a storyline and follows it through and that book has a satisfactory ending. Then the next book, sets up a different storyline and does the same thing. Not the case with this partial book. I realize this is a marketing ploy, but I have never thought it was a good one. Quite frankly, it causes me to write the author off of my list.
This book has to many cliffhangers. It is not a complete story which answers your questions, but instead a series of events happening with no conclusion. I like series about the same couple where each book has a beginning, a story,
and an ending which answers the questions asked in the book. Unfortunately, this one does not. I like series about the same people, where the author sets up a storyline and follows it through and that book has a satisfactory ending. Then the next book, sets up a different storyline and does the same thing. Not the case with this partial book. I realize this is a marketing ploy, but I have never thought it was a good one. Quite frankly, it causes me to write the author off of my list.
May 1, 2020
Wow…..just WOW! Each book in the Christmas series is as exciting to read as the first. I absolutely love this author’s books, once I start reading I cannot put them down. Jake aka Asher is not how I first perceived him in the previous books. Frankly I did not like him. He was whiney and seemed like he always wanted what his brothers had. I really like how his character has transformed. Dr. Jake Sparrow and Dr. Penina Ross have hot chemistry but there are dark secrets that unfold. I was SHOCKED at the ending of this book. Will they overcome their secrets? This series is captivating from the beginning. I cannot wait for the second book. You will not be disappointed.
July 15, 2020
Seduction....
The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Duet, One(The Dark Christmases book 8). A fanfreakingtastic, intriguing read. Penina is smart, sexy and flawed doctor. Jake Sparrow aka Asher Christmas is, a Christmas and let's face it messed up as all hell. That family is to the 10th power crazy town. Please read the other family's story as well. They are individual reads but oh so worth the journey. This story is so full of twists and turns with plenty of WTF drama that I can't say anymore. Also hell sexy with off the charts chemistry. No spoilers from me but read on people, read on. Love this book into the next one.
The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Duet, One(The Dark Christmases book 8). A fanfreakingtastic, intriguing read. Penina is smart, sexy and flawed doctor. Jake Sparrow aka Asher Christmas is, a Christmas and let's face it messed up as all hell. That family is to the 10th power crazy town. Please read the other family's story as well. They are individual reads but oh so worth the journey. This story is so full of twists and turns with plenty of WTF drama that I can't say anymore. Also hell sexy with off the charts chemistry. No spoilers from me but read on people, read on. Love this book into the next one.
January 30, 2021
STRENGTH and Fortitude
Great book, strong characters! Scenes will have readers questioning what they just read, and staying up late to find out!
Why does Dr. Sparrow, dislike Dr. Ross, Penina, so much? As a resident with less than two months to complete her surgical residency, she finds Dr. Sparrow attitude towards her confusing, irritating and just wrong. What the hell, just met the man!
Penina is a strong woman, and doesn’t need a man in her life. Especially since her radar for weeding out assholes has failed her too many times in her past! But as far as chemistry between them, she feels that in spades!
Now on to book two!
Great read! Enjoy!
Great book, strong characters! Scenes will have readers questioning what they just read, and staying up late to find out!
Why does Dr. Sparrow, dislike Dr. Ross, Penina, so much? As a resident with less than two months to complete her surgical residency, she finds Dr. Sparrow attitude towards her confusing, irritating and just wrong. What the hell, just met the man!
Penina is a strong woman, and doesn’t need a man in her life. Especially since her radar for weeding out assholes has failed her too many times in her past! But as far as chemistry between them, she feels that in spades!
Now on to book two!
Great read! Enjoy!
January 10, 2024
CLIFFHANGER!
I was engrossed by this story ... and it ended on a cliffhanger. I detest cliffhangers and would not have downloaded the book if I had known it was only half a story. I feel duped.
That said, the story is well-written. It's great to have a heroine who's not a dummy, not clumsy, not indigent. She's a skilled neurosurgeon. The hero is also a neurosurgeon as well as a billionaire in hiding and rather preoccupied by his "little head." Well, I suppose it wouldn't be a romance if he weren't.
I was engrossed by this story ... and it ended on a cliffhanger. I detest cliffhangers and would not have downloaded the book if I had known it was only half a story. I feel duped.
That said, the story is well-written. It's great to have a heroine who's not a dummy, not clumsy, not indigent. She's a skilled neurosurgeon. The hero is also a neurosurgeon as well as a billionaire in hiding and rather preoccupied by his "little head." Well, I suppose it wouldn't be a romance if he weren't.
June 12, 2025
I was a bit torn on this one; I loved the FMC. She seemed cool & had a really dry, self deprecating sense of humor. The MMC felt a bit dry & he was forever brooding. There is instalove which isn’t my fav trope, so take what I say with a pinch of salt.
There is a lot of talk of “intravaginal” orgasms & the spice scenes were stilted, but I couldn’t tell if that was actually satire.
Overall, it was meh. Even though the book ends on a cliff hanger & there’s a suspense storyline - I’m not motivated to chase it - which pretty much says it all.
There is a lot of talk of “intravaginal” orgasms & the spice scenes were stilted, but I couldn’t tell if that was actually satire.
Overall, it was meh. Even though the book ends on a cliff hanger & there’s a suspense storyline - I’m not motivated to chase it - which pretty much says it all.
May 4, 2020
I was so intrigued towards the end of it, that just when it starts to unfold, then I remembered its a duet. Now I need to wait for the continuation. I can’t wait for the next book because I need to know what happened to Jake and Penina.
Jake's keeping a lot of secrets, especially about who he truly is. But dang, the two of them together were so hot. But of course, because of the secret Jake's always so on guard and kept his distance. Then Penina discovered the truth that happened to her mom and where she come from. What will happened once the secrets are out?
Jake's keeping a lot of secrets, especially about who he truly is. But dang, the two of them together were so hot. But of course, because of the secret Jake's always so on guard and kept his distance. Then Penina discovered the truth that happened to her mom and where she come from. What will happened once the secrets are out?
May 4, 2020
I read this out of order. Apparently, Jasper's trilogy should be read first. Or a least I felt I missed certain details by starting with this one. Maybe I overlooked the recommended order. I really hadn't read a lot of MS. Arkadie's books since The Lords series. I must say, this is a little darker than what I prefer to read. If you like reading about overcoming tragic childhood issues, it may be the series for you.🙂
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