What do you think?
Rate this book
Sedikhan #6
A Summer Smile
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen comes a classic tale of thrilling adventure and unbound passion, as two people embark on a journey through terror and desire….
At twenty-one, Zilah Dabala has already survived a harrowing past. Now she’s convinced she can handle anything on her own—even being held hostage by a terrorist group. But Daniel is determined to rescue her. And soon their escape ignites an intimacy neither has ever known. Once Daniel learns Zilah’s tragic secret, however, he fears she may be lost to him forever. He’s defied death many times over—but can he teach a young woman the healing power of love?
Daniel Seifert has spent his life on the edge of danger, carrying out high-risk security missions across the globe. But it’s more than adventure that compels him to tempt fate yet again—it’s a young woman in a photograph, a woman whose warm, wise-beyond-her-years smile gives Daniel the inexplicable feeling that he’s found something he’s been searching for all along.
At twenty-one, Zilah Dabala has already survived a harrowing past. Now she’s convinced she can handle anything on her own—even being held hostage by a terrorist group. But Daniel is determined to rescue her. And soon their escape ignites an intimacy neither has ever known. Once Daniel learns Zilah’s tragic secret, however, he fears she may be lost to him forever. He’s defied death many times over—but can he teach a young woman the healing power of love?
Daniel Seifert has spent his life on the edge of danger, carrying out high-risk security missions across the globe. But it’s more than adventure that compels him to tempt fate yet again—it’s a young woman in a photograph, a woman whose warm, wise-beyond-her-years smile gives Daniel the inexplicable feeling that he’s found something he’s been searching for all along.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
104 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
227 books7,347 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 28, 2017
“A Summer Smile” is the story of Zilah and Daniel.
We’ve met Zilah in the previous book as a child, who unfortunately went through the worst a child can
She was sent by David to live with his parents, and later the west to recover.
Years later, she visits Sedikhan, only to be kidnapped by the enemies of David, and has to be rescued by the maverick and James Bond like Daniel.
Initially he resists her allure, but soon the adrenaline combined with their mutual lust makes them give into their desires.. only for the H to find out about her past and regret his “decision”.
I really enjoyed this story. So yeah the hero was bit overbearing (all IJ heroes are) and very jealous (as said before)- but he genuinely felt for the heroine and when he thinks he could have coerced her (he didn’t)- he doesnt let her go- instead deciding to keep her with him- so she can fall for him and choose him.
The heroine herself was a survivor- and I really admired her courage and bravery. She went for what she wanted, no blames- and was just a sweet person.
Their lovemaking was hot and beautifully written, and some meaningful scenes were full of feels.
There was a side story about Phillip and Pandora, and it will be interesting to see how that shapes up.
Safe
4.5/5
We’ve met Zilah in the previous book as a child, who unfortunately went through the worst a child can
She was sent by David to live with his parents, and later the west to recover.
Years later, she visits Sedikhan, only to be kidnapped by the enemies of David, and has to be rescued by the maverick and James Bond like Daniel.
Initially he resists her allure, but soon the adrenaline combined with their mutual lust makes them give into their desires.. only for the H to find out about her past and regret his “decision”.
I really enjoyed this story. So yeah the hero was bit overbearing (all IJ heroes are) and very jealous (as said before)- but he genuinely felt for the heroine and when he thinks he could have coerced her (he didn’t)- he doesnt let her go- instead deciding to keep her with him- so she can fall for him and choose him.
The heroine herself was a survivor- and I really admired her courage and bravery. She went for what she wanted, no blames- and was just a sweet person.
Their lovemaking was hot and beautifully written, and some meaningful scenes were full of feels.
There was a side story about Phillip and Pandora, and it will be interesting to see how that shapes up.
Safe
4.5/5
March 23, 2022
. 5⭐️ Absolute 🐕💩
Read for DQBTalkBooks Sedikhan Update.
Link when available
Read for DQBTalkBooks Sedikhan Update.
Link when available
April 30, 2013
I was hoping for a short but powerfully packed story but what I got was a short story lacking in the normal punch Iris Johansen brings to her books. The most exciting part of the story was Daniel's ear and the plane blowing up. Zilah was naive and immature, considering how fast she had to grow up.
August 6, 2011
Not too bad. A quick read that was rather heavy on the romance. I really liked the character of Pandora. She's really quirky and I hope to see more of her in another book.
April 17, 2018
The book was worth the quarter that I paid for it.Predictable plot, little description of exotic somewhere setting, Pandora was the only interesting character, and she was not in it enough to keep my interest. It was an OK vacation read that was a way to pass time.
Read
April 30, 2023Zilah is held hostage by terrorists, and Daniel is compelled to save her. After this first meeting, their lives are intertwined. In such a short time, they need to overcome their own tragic pasts and make the leap towards each other.
June 4, 2018
An earlier book by Johansen....romance. Book was OK, but I did not like the setting
June 25, 2018
Alışveriş yaptığım bir siteden hediye gelmişti, yarım bıraktığım ve bir daha elime almayacağım kitaplardan biri olacak.
May 30, 2019
Touching. Finding a rainbow after the rain.
July 13, 2019
I guess this is a romance novel, but I enjoyed it just the same.
November 8, 2020
Really wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t know how I finished this book.
July 20, 2022
Great
This series is so interesting. The characters are familiar and yet some new players have been added for the continued intrique.
This series is so interesting. The characters are familiar and yet some new players have been added for the continued intrique.
January 29, 2023
Meh. Romance novels not my cup of tea but I do enjoy reading most of what an author pens. Her Eve Duncan series is quite good.
November 2, 2024
This was not one of Johansens best. I found the story flat, and unegaging.
August 13, 2025
I wanted your love not your damn pity
October 9, 2025
Surprisingly enjoyable.
March 30, 2013
Zila Dubala has experienced a troubled young life, but has been able to heal over time. Then she is kidnapped by a terrorist group, but Zila is confident that she can handle just about anything that will come her way. Zila knows that she must find a way to escape before its too late, however she never expected that Daniel Seifert would be coming to her rescue. When Daniel hears of the plan to rescue a Zila Dubala, he is more than eager, in want for adventure and danger, and this certainly covers all aspects. After being stuck in a office for some time, he knows he needs to get out into action. When he rescues the beautiful Zila, he discovers a desire to claim her for his own. However as they are on the run from the terrorists, they both discover a heated passion that flares up between them, as well as a tender love as they learn to trust in one another and learn the healing power of true love that can heal the deepest of scars.
This was such a exhilirating read!!! I also listened to this one, instead of reading it. I just love the way the narrator, Traci Svensgaard, portrays the story out to the listener. This narrator does all of the Iris Johansen Audio Books that I have listened to so far, and she is amazing, and I would recommend her to everyone that enjoys listening to Audio Books. I think what I enjoyed the most about this book, was how intense their relationship develops, and not only on the sexual attraction, but the emotional relationship between Zila and Daniel. It does have a emotional effect on the reader. The plot is a exciting one as well, with the suspense of Zila and Daniel on the run from Terrorists, it has a certain thrilling aspect to the story, that only adds spice to it. The only aspect of the story I didn't like was that there is a secret that Zila keeps from Daniel, and I just felt that she kept it from him far too long, and I personally thought she should have told him much sooner than she did. However despite that, this was a wonderful romance, a classic tale of adventure and passion!
This was such a exhilirating read!!! I also listened to this one, instead of reading it. I just love the way the narrator, Traci Svensgaard, portrays the story out to the listener. This narrator does all of the Iris Johansen Audio Books that I have listened to so far, and she is amazing, and I would recommend her to everyone that enjoys listening to Audio Books. I think what I enjoyed the most about this book, was how intense their relationship develops, and not only on the sexual attraction, but the emotional relationship between Zila and Daniel. It does have a emotional effect on the reader. The plot is a exciting one as well, with the suspense of Zila and Daniel on the run from Terrorists, it has a certain thrilling aspect to the story, that only adds spice to it. The only aspect of the story I didn't like was that there is a secret that Zila keeps from Daniel, and I just felt that she kept it from him far too long, and I personally thought she should have told him much sooner than she did. However despite that, this was a wonderful romance, a classic tale of adventure and passion!
Want to read
November 12, 2014Kitap seçerken daha önce okumadığım bir kitap olsun istedim.Elime ilk gelen kitaplardan biriydi.Sonra arka yüzüne bakınca bir arkadaşımında daha önceden okuduğunu hatırladım.Kitabı okumaya 17 ekimde başladım ve 23 ekimde bitirdim.Açıkçası beni yoran bir kitap değildi.Sürükleyici bir kitaptı.Özellikle baş karakterlerin birbiriyle uyumu , onların tasvirleri ve başlarından geçen geçen olaylar başarı ile aktarılmıştı.Ama bu başarı sadece Zilah ve Daniel içindi.Diğer karakterler dengesiz bir şekilde ele alınmıştı.Evinde kaldıkları şeyh ve onun korumasındaki kız Pandora güzel bir şekilde tanıtılmış fakat konu olaylara gelince bir atılım sağlanmamıştır. Bu eksiklik benim kafamda bir çok soru işareti doğurdu.Konu çok güzel bir şekilde akacak iken sanki sayfa sayısını kısa tutmak için bir anda bitirilmiş.Birde her şey özet şeklinde gelişmiş gibi.Uzun bir zaman dilimi alınıyor fakat anlatımda buna rastlayamazsınız.Dediğim gibi insanı çok yormayan bir temposu var. Zilah ve Daniel 'ın aşk hikayesi hızlı şekilde ilerliyor bazı sorunların ardından tekrar mutlu sonla bitiyor yani kocaman bir yaz gülüşüyle...
February 5, 2008
ok, first of all, the ONLY reason i got thru THIS book so quickly, is because i was on semi-bed rest. there IS an advantage to having a life long condition, ya know?! 8^) thank God, there's one!!!
anyway ...
this book surprised me. was the first one of her's i think i've read that didn't have a whole governmental, or medical, conspiracy theme going on. not that that was a BAD thing, just surprised me.
it was quick, lighter than most of her's, and more romance than mystery, really. again, nothing wrong w/ that.
i REALLY liked that it wasn't as full of so many 4-letter words. i'm not a prude, even use the nasty things myself sometimes. BUT, on the other hand, there's been a LOT of books lately, where there really was no call for the swear words used. and at times, it even made me question the writer's command of the english language. i mean, there ARE a lot of other words out there, MANNYYY others!
anyway ...
as i said, a good quick light read. no better than her others, no worse than her others, just different than the others of her's i've read.
anyway ...
this book surprised me. was the first one of her's i think i've read that didn't have a whole governmental, or medical, conspiracy theme going on. not that that was a BAD thing, just surprised me.
it was quick, lighter than most of her's, and more romance than mystery, really. again, nothing wrong w/ that.
i REALLY liked that it wasn't as full of so many 4-letter words. i'm not a prude, even use the nasty things myself sometimes. BUT, on the other hand, there's been a LOT of books lately, where there really was no call for the swear words used. and at times, it even made me question the writer's command of the english language. i mean, there ARE a lot of other words out there, MANNYYY others!
anyway ...
as i said, a good quick light read. no better than her others, no worse than her others, just different than the others of her's i've read.
April 2, 2017
Mostly typical romance. Engaging characters, action, sex, happy ever after. Suited the mood I was in when I chose it. A fast read -just what I wanted for the moment.
October 9, 2009
This story is so dumb I just can't believe someone actually wrote it, another someone published it, another recorded it,,,, and the final idiot on the list -- ME -- bought the darn thing and tried to listen to it.
May a thousand fire ants take up housekeeping in my house if I ever buy another empty excuse for a romance novel again!
May a thousand fire ants take up housekeeping in my house if I ever buy another empty excuse for a romance novel again!
April 5, 2011
Some have been lamenting the lack of back story to The Desert Blooms. This is where you'll find it. Pandora Madchen and Philip El Kabbar are secondary characters in this book which brings the story of Daniel Seifert and Zilah Dabala. Pandora and Androcles, a tiger cub she has rescued and adopted add an interesting counterpoint to the romance of the main couple.
September 29, 2008
A reprint of a chapter in Johansen's Loveswept series centering around fascinating characters from a fictional country in the Mideast. A wonderful mix of romance and paranormal elements (written well before the current explosion) filled with strong female and male characters.
February 3, 2016
A long time fan of Iris Johansen, it is interesting to see her writing styles change over the years. I remember find this book almost 14 years ago. I can see hints of how she started to add the suspense part which becomes the Eve Duncan series of today. This story is not as memorable.
July 22, 2013
เนื้อเรื่องน่าสนใจกว่าเรื่องรักระแวง เพียงแต่มันสั้นๆเลยดูง่ายๆไม่มีอะไรซับซ้อนมากมาย ความรักพระ-นางน่ารักดี แต่ก็อย่างที่บอกว่ามันสั้นเงยดูไม่พีคเต็มที่ เรื่องนี้จริงๆอยากให้ 3.5 แต่มันเลือกไม่ได้อ่ะเลยปัดให้เป็น 4 ไปล่ะกัน
April 15, 2014
A Summer Smile" by @Iris_Johansen has Daniel rescuing a friend of a friend Zilah. Once he finds out her past he wonders if he could help her be able to learn trust and to love and be love. 2nd time I read the book. It's worth it 5☆
September 20, 2019
I read this one in 1985 while I was expecting our third child, I did enjoy it very much during the boys nap time. Though it may not stand the test of time, it is still a quick and enjoyable read. It is heavier on the physical romance that the mystery, but don't allow that to put you off.
March 1, 2008
good fast read litte erotic
July 21, 2008
This was an alright book. It was the man rescues the girl and they fall madly in love type of novel. I'm not huge on romance but Iris Johansen is one of my favorites so I thought I'd give it a try.
January 18, 2009
Oh boy. What can I say, this was the epitome of an 80's romance novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews