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The Westmorelands #1, 17
Wrapped in Pleasure: Delaney's Desert Sheikh / Seduced by a Stranger
Two Westmoreland novels—one classic and one new—from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Brenda Jackson
Delaney's Desert Sheikh
A mix-up in Delaney Westmoreland's vacation plans forces her to share a cabin with a tall, dark and oh-so-handsome sheikh who is bent on her seduction. Jamal Ari Yasir intends to school Delaney in sensuality for his own pleasure. But instead of loving and leaving her, he becomes enraptured by an irresistible and unforgettable passion for his sexy-as-sin roommate. Can the arrogant sheikh convince his secret lover that they are fated for more than just a summer fling?
Seduced by a Stranger
Johari Yasir has no interest in returning to her homeland to marry a man she's never met—at least, not without sowing some wild oats first. And when a handsome charmer offers to whisk her away in his private plane, she impulsively accepts. Rasheed Valdemon is shocked that his bride-to-be would fly off with someone she barely knows— even though he's the one doing the asking. More surprising is his hunger for this lovely, rebellious woman. Yet what will happen when she realizes she's been seduced by the man who's destined to be her husband?
Delaney's Desert Sheikh
A mix-up in Delaney Westmoreland's vacation plans forces her to share a cabin with a tall, dark and oh-so-handsome sheikh who is bent on her seduction. Jamal Ari Yasir intends to school Delaney in sensuality for his own pleasure. But instead of loving and leaving her, he becomes enraptured by an irresistible and unforgettable passion for his sexy-as-sin roommate. Can the arrogant sheikh convince his secret lover that they are fated for more than just a summer fling?
Seduced by a Stranger
Johari Yasir has no interest in returning to her homeland to marry a man she's never met—at least, not without sowing some wild oats first. And when a handsome charmer offers to whisk her away in his private plane, she impulsively accepts. Rasheed Valdemon is shocked that his bride-to-be would fly off with someone she barely knows— even though he's the one doing the asking. More surprising is his hunger for this lovely, rebellious woman. Yet what will happen when she realizes she's been seduced by the man who's destined to be her husband?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 15, 2009
49 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
899 books3,603 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 29, 2020
Technically dnf-ed this one. I only read the first out of two stories. I picked this up only because I had it in my phone for quite some time.
This is basically a cheap (fan)fic that managed to get published. I'm sad I spent 3 days on it.
This is basically a cheap (fan)fic that managed to get published. I'm sad I spent 3 days on it.
March 14, 2010
It's not my usual brand of romance (read...erotica), but both stories were very good. The chemistry between the H/h is both stories was palpable. This is my second story by Brenda Jackson, the first beingIrresistible Forces, which was a kindle freebie, and I haven't been disappointed with either.
I like that Ms. Jackson writes stories about African-American characters that are educated, don't use slang for every word, and aren't perpetuating every racial stereotype in the book.
I believe that I will continue with her Westmoreland series and find out more about those hunky brothers.
Now, the only thing I didn't like in the story was in "Seduced by a Stranger", which was the second story in the book. The heroine kept referring to her privates as her "ruby" and that was VERY annoying. She's a grown woman, surely, she can think of something better to call it. That was my only complaint.
I like that Ms. Jackson writes stories about African-American characters that are educated, don't use slang for every word, and aren't perpetuating every racial stereotype in the book.
I believe that I will continue with her Westmoreland series and find out more about those hunky brothers.
Now, the only thing I didn't like in the story was in "Seduced by a Stranger", which was the second story in the book. The heroine kept referring to her privates as her "ruby" and that was VERY annoying. She's a grown woman, surely, she can think of something better to call it. That was my only complaint.
January 16, 2010
ALL I can say is put me on the next plane to Tahran and/or Mowaiti...I'm off to find me a Sheikh of my own...LOL...Mrs. Jackson has done it AGAIN...I was TOTALLY wrapped up in the PLEASURE of Monty & Jo's INTENSELY passionate mutual attraction...and if you have NEVER read Delaney's Desert Sheikh then you are in for two HOT & SPICY delightful treats...WARNING: Have man or ICE WATER at hand ;-)
December 22, 2009
What a hot story! There was no lack of romance in this book. It was so hot, I felt my own temperature rising. The characters were fun, and I enjoyed the bringing together of two cultures. There were so many good points to this book, and am happy that I am continuing with the next in the series, Seduced by a Stranger.
A very entertaining read, for any romance lover out there!! Definitely on my recommendation list!
A very entertaining read, for any romance lover out there!! Definitely on my recommendation list!
March 4, 2017
Two for One in this story.
Delaney's Desert Sheikh - 2/5- Delaney and Jamal, a Sheikh from an obscure Middle-Eastern country, end up sharing the same cabin up in the mountains. Delaney is a feisty, educated and modern independent woman who just finished med school. Jamal is every bit the chauvinist who believes women should be seen and not heard and that women should only be wives or mistresses (and no man should only have one at a time). So Jamal comes across as a pretty disgusting piece of humanity given his views on things - and for me, that kind of personality seriously decreases the attractiveness of the character. He's pro infidelity, anti women's rights, and thinks Delaney, just because she's there, should be willing and able to pleasure him as soon as he demands it. I don't care how hot a guy is, if his personality is reprehensible, he becomes ugly. That is something I couldn't get past. So even though I think he's the least attractive hero ever written at this point, Delaney doesn't think so....even though she hates his views, she melts into goo everytime he touches her.
Initially, Delaney is pretty admirable, sticking up for herself and making it clear that she has principles. She states that she will not be "third in a man's life" after his wife and his mistress. And yet, out of nowhere she begins to see him as "honorable" presumably since he won't deviate from his country's plan of marrying (thus necessitating mistresses?) and all of a sudden she's in love with him and throwing away all her principles so she can be his mistress for the month (while knowing he already has one at home and will be returning to her after he'd done with her). What happened to her fucking self-respect anyway? So Jamal does turn himself around and eventually falls in love with her, I couldn't forgive him his original personality nor her for abandoning self-respect.
Oh and some of the tongue stuff is weird. IMHO tongue is not sexy when the heroine is practically choking on it...
Seduced by a Stranger - 2/5 - Continuing with Jamal's family, we come to his little sister Johari, who is just finished with school and has to return to Tahran to go through with her arranged marriage to Sheikh Valdemon. But she doesn't want to go through with it yet. She wants two weeks to just have some fun, so she runs off. Her fiancee is not amused and goes after her, but when he finds her he decides to have a little fun, seduce her and show her that he's in control before sending her back home to marry him. Monty does just that. He strings her along, seduces her and in all aspects becomes a reprehensible jackass. I couldn't warm up to him at all. He's a lot like Jamal actually. When Johari indicates that she'd like to learn how to please a man so that her future husband won't need to go to his many mistresses (that he already has and she knows about), he has to do some quick thinking to get what he wants (sex) but not promise that she can be successful, since he has no intention of being faithful during their marriage. He lies to her, laughs at her behind her back and dreams of how he'll have control and put her in her place once they're married. Isn't he dreamy?
Johari in the meantime, is TSTL. What idiot girl goes off alone with a complete stranger the day after meeting him? And I don't just mean she went to a separate room or another club - she hops a plan and travels to his private villa in Brazil the day after meeting him because "she trusts him?" This is how women get murdered by serial killers. Not. smart. at. all. Now as naive as she is, she falls for him hook, line and sinker. It isn't until the end of their time together that Monty starts to realize he shouldn't have lied to her and that maybe she woudln't forgive him so easily. Well, he had nothing to worry about. Sure she gets a bit pissy, but she forgives him within 10 minutes of finding out what he'd done. RME. The man needed to feel a lot more pain than that.
Delaney's Desert Sheikh - 2/5- Delaney and Jamal, a Sheikh from an obscure Middle-Eastern country, end up sharing the same cabin up in the mountains. Delaney is a feisty, educated and modern independent woman who just finished med school. Jamal is every bit the chauvinist who believes women should be seen and not heard and that women should only be wives or mistresses (and no man should only have one at a time). So Jamal comes across as a pretty disgusting piece of humanity given his views on things - and for me, that kind of personality seriously decreases the attractiveness of the character. He's pro infidelity, anti women's rights, and thinks Delaney, just because she's there, should be willing and able to pleasure him as soon as he demands it. I don't care how hot a guy is, if his personality is reprehensible, he becomes ugly. That is something I couldn't get past. So even though I think he's the least attractive hero ever written at this point, Delaney doesn't think so....even though she hates his views, she melts into goo everytime he touches her.
Initially, Delaney is pretty admirable, sticking up for herself and making it clear that she has principles. She states that she will not be "third in a man's life" after his wife and his mistress. And yet, out of nowhere she begins to see him as "honorable" presumably since he won't deviate from his country's plan of marrying (thus necessitating mistresses?) and all of a sudden she's in love with him and throwing away all her principles so she can be his mistress for the month (while knowing he already has one at home and will be returning to her after he'd done with her). What happened to her fucking self-respect anyway? So Jamal does turn himself around and eventually falls in love with her, I couldn't forgive him his original personality nor her for abandoning self-respect.
Oh and some of the tongue stuff is weird. IMHO tongue is not sexy when the heroine is practically choking on it...
Seduced by a Stranger - 2/5 - Continuing with Jamal's family, we come to his little sister Johari, who is just finished with school and has to return to Tahran to go through with her arranged marriage to Sheikh Valdemon. But she doesn't want to go through with it yet. She wants two weeks to just have some fun, so she runs off. Her fiancee is not amused and goes after her, but when he finds her he decides to have a little fun, seduce her and show her that he's in control before sending her back home to marry him. Monty does just that. He strings her along, seduces her and in all aspects becomes a reprehensible jackass. I couldn't warm up to him at all. He's a lot like Jamal actually. When Johari indicates that she'd like to learn how to please a man so that her future husband won't need to go to his many mistresses (that he already has and she knows about), he has to do some quick thinking to get what he wants (sex) but not promise that she can be successful, since he has no intention of being faithful during their marriage. He lies to her, laughs at her behind her back and dreams of how he'll have control and put her in her place once they're married. Isn't he dreamy?
Johari in the meantime, is TSTL. What idiot girl goes off alone with a complete stranger the day after meeting him? And I don't just mean she went to a separate room or another club - she hops a plan and travels to his private villa in Brazil the day after meeting him because "she trusts him?" This is how women get murdered by serial killers. Not. smart. at. all. Now as naive as she is, she falls for him hook, line and sinker. It isn't until the end of their time together that Monty starts to realize he shouldn't have lied to her and that maybe she woudln't forgive him so easily. Well, he had nothing to worry about. Sure she gets a bit pissy, but she forgives him within 10 minutes of finding out what he'd done. RME. The man needed to feel a lot more pain than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2010
Wrapped in Pleasure is the second book that I've read by Brenda Jackson. This book contains two novels/stories - Delaney's Desert Sheikh and Seduced by a Stranger. I enjoyed reading both stories due to the fact that the main characters were African American and Middle Eastern. There aren't many romance novels that feature African American women. And I've never read a romance novel where the main male characters are of Middle Eastern descent. Both stories were quick easy reads. The leading women were independent and headstrong. The men were domineering, sexy and sultry. The sex was okay, a little on the cheesy side. The men in both stories loved French kissing to the point where each kissing scene had the men shoving their tongues down the women's throats. Because of this, I skimmed through the majority of the love making scenes. I had the same issue with a previous Brenda Jackson novel that I had read and reviewed, Irresistible Forces. I guess that's her thing; it's not mine. In both novels, the women were virgins and I was taken aback by how quickly they gave their virginity to the men they were with. And another issue I had with the novels was the disregard of using protection. I know this is a romance novel and it's all about the sexual tension and interaction between the characters but the lack of condom use to prevent diseases and pregnancy turned me off. You can be sexy and still be safe.
January 2, 2016
This was truly a work of fiction. BJ created these strong sounding women with all these principles and stance who all crumbled when faced with a few biceps and triceps. A bit disappointing. Light read for a lazy afternoon. Had to recheck the publication date to ensure it really was written in the 20th century. A very naive take on romance but then I'm an ole cynic who's been bitten a few times.
September 12, 2011
Not my favorite by this author, book 1 Delaneys Desert Sheikh was a very good read. However book 2, Seduced by a Stranger, I found to be hard to get through, it didn't capture my attention like most of her books. I needed more of a story line like most of the other books I've read from this author, instead there was too much sex which for me made it boring until about the last two chapters
April 4, 2013
I was looking for something in the romance department, easy reading. It was definitely that, little cheesy and smutty. Not the most well written book I've ever read, it was ok.
July 27, 2021
Liked the first book but not the second book.
January 25, 2025
DELANEY'S DESERT 🏜 SHEIKH: This is the 8th book I read by Brenda Jackson. I loved Delaney's character & I loved how Jamal's father let his son marry the woman he loved. It definitely worth buying. SEDUCED BY A STRANGER: I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 4 because the storyline or the characters didn't grab my interest.
June 5, 2020
That KISS
May 20, 2021
Kindle Customer
Really enjoyed both and have read several times. She is one of my favorite romance novelist. Enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed
Really enjoyed both and have read several times. She is one of my favorite romance novelist. Enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed
February 22, 2018
There are 2 stories in this book written by Brenda Jackson.
"Delaney's Desert Sheikh"
Delaney Westmoreland is looking forward to going on her vacation. She arrives at her vacation cottage and finds out there is someone else there. Sheikh Jamal Ari Yasir is handsome and sensual. He makes plans to seduce her and they end up sharing their vacation destination. When the vacation ends, will he decide to keep her in his life and in his arms for good?
"Seduced by a Stranger"
Johari Yasir is due to marry a man in her home country whom she has never met. She thinks she has dodged her family who are watchful of her for two weeks of freedom. She goes out dancing and meets a man who she has instant chemistry with. She takes a chance on having fun with him. Sheikh Rasheed Valdemon has found his fiancé. He is surprised when she accepts his offer, especially when he is a stranger to her. He decides to teach her a lesson on the proper etiquette of being his wife. In the end he is the one who learns a lesson.
Love Ms. Jackson's books. This one is no exception.
"Delaney's Desert Sheikh"
Delaney Westmoreland is looking forward to going on her vacation. She arrives at her vacation cottage and finds out there is someone else there. Sheikh Jamal Ari Yasir is handsome and sensual. He makes plans to seduce her and they end up sharing their vacation destination. When the vacation ends, will he decide to keep her in his life and in his arms for good?
"Seduced by a Stranger"
Johari Yasir is due to marry a man in her home country whom she has never met. She thinks she has dodged her family who are watchful of her for two weeks of freedom. She goes out dancing and meets a man who she has instant chemistry with. She takes a chance on having fun with him. Sheikh Rasheed Valdemon has found his fiancé. He is surprised when she accepts his offer, especially when he is a stranger to her. He decides to teach her a lesson on the proper etiquette of being his wife. In the end he is the one who learns a lesson.
Love Ms. Jackson's books. This one is no exception.
September 29, 2012
Story: GOOD
Intimacy Level: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
5 STAR
Deleany's story, that book never gets old to me and I always love reading the coming together of both characters. This is a very engaging story and the way the characters are developed throughout the book. I also have to say the introduction of Thorn, Delaney's brother, in the book soooooooooooooo sexy as well as all her brothers make for a good book and start a wonderful series.
4 STARS
Seduced by a stranger, now I love this book but not the paste of it certain parts were ok to me but still a wonderful read. I have read Deleany's story so long ago I forgot who Johari was but after re reading Deleany's story it refreshed my memory. But I still enjoyed everything as it all was a good read.
Would recommend both book, especially Deleany's story.
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
Intimacy Level: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
5 STAR
Deleany's story, that book never gets old to me and I always love reading the coming together of both characters. This is a very engaging story and the way the characters are developed throughout the book. I also have to say the introduction of Thorn, Delaney's brother, in the book soooooooooooooo sexy as well as all her brothers make for a good book and start a wonderful series.
4 STARS
Seduced by a stranger, now I love this book but not the paste of it certain parts were ok to me but still a wonderful read. I have read Deleany's story so long ago I forgot who Johari was but after re reading Deleany's story it refreshed my memory. But I still enjoyed everything as it all was a good read.
Would recommend both book, especially Deleany's story.
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
August 2, 2014
My first introduction to the Westmoreland clan was Delaney's story and there is much note taking taking place. Delaney knows what she wants and she has worked hard to make those choices for herself. Now, she takes it all in and runs with it not matter the consequences.
Johari Yasir is young, head strong and not ready to return to her homeland to marry a man she's never me. Now steps in her idea of sowing some wild oats first and maybe getting a little experience to take to her new husband. Rasheed Valdemon makes her idea possible but there is something that Johari does not understand.
I found both stories of Sheikh love to be both beautiful and inspiring in a sense, not the religious type.
Johari Yasir is young, head strong and not ready to return to her homeland to marry a man she's never me. Now steps in her idea of sowing some wild oats first and maybe getting a little experience to take to her new husband. Rasheed Valdemon makes her idea possible but there is something that Johari does not understand.
I found both stories of Sheikh love to be both beautiful and inspiring in a sense, not the religious type.
August 28, 2012
Seduced by a stranger was good but unrealistic she went away with a mere stranger and had sex with him not knowing she was suppose to be married to another I don't know if that was a smart thing to do but it was a good fantasy. Thats what I love about it sometimes you wanna read something thats just perfect in every way. Foe entertainment purposes. I would say that for sure. The desert Sheikh was a good read as well very entertaining I'm glad to still hear tidbits about the characters in each book they kind of tie in together giving subtle up dates on Jamal and Delaney's marriage and there kids. I will be reading the next books about Delaney's brothers.
December 10, 2010
Delaney's Desert Sheikh
This story was cute and charming. I love Delaney's 'take no crap' attitude and I adore these two characters together. Very good story, really not much more to say. This is my first foray into arabesque romance, and I quite liked it, very steamy.
Seduced by a Stranger
This story was also cute but I definitely Johari risked way to much by running off on her own and leaving with a complete stranger, she is lucky it turned out to be who it was. This one was cute and charming as well.
This story was cute and charming. I love Delaney's 'take no crap' attitude and I adore these two characters together. Very good story, really not much more to say. This is my first foray into arabesque romance, and I quite liked it, very steamy.
Seduced by a Stranger
This story was also cute but I definitely Johari risked way to much by running off on her own and leaving with a complete stranger, she is lucky it turned out to be who it was. This one was cute and charming as well.
November 14, 2013
Okay.. "Delaney's Desert Sheikh" and "Seduced by a Stanger" were both short, sweet and wonderful reads. I underestimated the power of the Sheikhs in both their rulings and their mastery of seduction. I admire the fact that both Johari and Delaney are strong willed women who are not submissive to all the likes and expectations of a man. Both Rasheed and Jamal have found that love comes before duty and in Monty's case, they can be a package deal. I can't wait to read the rest of the Westmorelands!!
May 16, 2010
I was thrilled to get my hands on the 1st story in the Westmoreland series. I am not a new fan of Mrs. Jackson but I am a new fan to this series. Her writing is so passionate that I can never put her books down. You can really feel the chemistry from her characters which makes it easy to fall in love with each one of her alpha men. Her books make me laugh, sigh, and bring me satisfaction at the end of the story. I hope to continue to read her books for many more years!
July 30, 2014
2nd review - These are two of my favorite books in both the Westmoreland and Madaris's series. I love me some Sheikhs. They are both beautiful love stories with strong alpha males. The love scenes are hot and sexy. I first read these books January 25, 2013. But in reading the Madaris Family and Friends I felt the need to revisit. Must read!!!
1st review - Love both stories. They a both a must read. I laugh so much I think I will read them again.
1st review - Love both stories. They a both a must read. I laugh so much I think I will read them again.
September 5, 2016
I love romance novels, this being one of many that I enjoyed.
She portrayed each character so well, that I could vividly picture exactly how each of them would look. BJ has written a long time, her first story being released a year after I was born and I've gone and read that story at least a few dozen times LOL. This overall was a great romance, and not to mention the chemistry was HOT HOT HOT! She definitely made me want to jump on a plane and go and find my own Sheikh!
xoxo
She portrayed each character so well, that I could vividly picture exactly how each of them would look. BJ has written a long time, her first story being released a year after I was born and I've gone and read that story at least a few dozen times LOL. This overall was a great romance, and not to mention the chemistry was HOT HOT HOT! She definitely made me want to jump on a plane and go and find my own Sheikh!
xoxo
August 4, 2014
I only read Seduced by a Stranger to go along with the Madaris. Monty sure played a cleverr trick on Johari because she did not report back to her country in order to start making wedding preparations to become his wife. He thought that she would teach her a lesson, it in the end he learned one and they both fell in love. A very intriguing love story.
December 7, 2015
Seduced by a Stranger was the most riveting and complex of the entire Westmoreland series up until this point. Brenda Jackson took a turn from the ordinary fairytale storyline to one of intense frustration and excitement all in one. The complexities of love and control are more than present in this book. In one word, outstanding
March 8, 2010
This book was divided in two different stories but the same premise. It was about love between Arab and African-American. A good love story between a man and a woman who fight the odds of different religions and different racial backgrounds.
May 1, 2012
This is one hot read! Never have i enjoy sheikh stories until this book...I enjoyed both stories from beginning to end. There were parts in the book that had be laughing out loud. Especially the seductions at the cabin in Delaney's story and Johari's rebellious ways
June 21, 2013
Once again Brenda Jackson does not let you down in the field of ROMANCE. As you can see this is a double header with a flavor of sheikhs and queens with all the riches, private ISLANDS, and not having a care in the world.
February 11, 2010
very good
March 1, 2016
Very good read.
January 14, 2011
Delaney's Desert Sheikh - ***
Seduced By A Stranger - *****
Seduced By A Stranger - *****
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews