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The Karimi Siblings #1
Veiled Desire
This title was previously published as "Veiled Desire."
Look, but don’t touch…
Leyla Karimi can’t keep her eyes off the hunky guy living in the house behind her. How couldany woman resist ogling Dr. Mason Barrett, especially when he makes it so easy by parading around in his skin and skivvies?
If it was only their age difference, she would have made a move a long time ago. Except Mason is more than a neighbor. He’s her baby brother’s oldest friend. It’s not like they can have a casual fling and walk away in the morning.
Mason’s been doing a little lusting—okay a lot—for quite some time. When he catches Leyla peeking, it’s a sure sign she could finally be ready to heat up his nights with loving. One taste of her lips, though, and he doesn’t want a “little” of anything. He wants it all.
Unwilling to jeopardize a lifetime of friendship for a one-night stand, Leyla is reluctant to throw caution to the wind. When he’s kissing her senseless, though, it’s hard to remember all the reasons why she should hold back…
Contains a hot hero who doesn’t mind baring it all in the name of love, a heroine who doesn’t settle for less, a sweet romance, steamy sex in a car and more good lovin’ in bed.
Look, but don’t touch…
Leyla Karimi can’t keep her eyes off the hunky guy living in the house behind her. How couldany woman resist ogling Dr. Mason Barrett, especially when he makes it so easy by parading around in his skin and skivvies?
If it was only their age difference, she would have made a move a long time ago. Except Mason is more than a neighbor. He’s her baby brother’s oldest friend. It’s not like they can have a casual fling and walk away in the morning.
Mason’s been doing a little lusting—okay a lot—for quite some time. When he catches Leyla peeking, it’s a sure sign she could finally be ready to heat up his nights with loving. One taste of her lips, though, and he doesn’t want a “little” of anything. He wants it all.
Unwilling to jeopardize a lifetime of friendship for a one-night stand, Leyla is reluctant to throw caution to the wind. When he’s kissing her senseless, though, it’s hard to remember all the reasons why she should hold back…
Contains a hot hero who doesn’t mind baring it all in the name of love, a heroine who doesn’t settle for less, a sweet romance, steamy sex in a car and more good lovin’ in bed.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2009
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448 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 2, 2017
A cute novella starring an Iranian woman falling for her brother's best friend. Loved it!
June 15, 2016
This is a pretty short, angst-free read. The two characters, Mason and Leyla, have known one another for ages. Mason, four years younger than Leyla, is the best friend of her brother, Sasha. (Note: Although I shelved this as "older-brothers-friend," Sasha is younger than her. The brother's friend part applied, so I decided to put it on that shelf.) While I would've liked it to have been longer in order to develop the characters, I liked that Rai didn't feel the need to add unnecessary drama with a denial of feelings or drag it out.
I really liked the two characters. They're likeable and not assholes or annoying in any way (at least that I found). I only have two complaints. One, which I think is more a personal reading preference so it might not bother others, is the difference in experience between the two. Leyla has only ever been with one man, who was an ex-fiance. Mason, although clearly stated to not be a manwhore, does have more experience. This didn't bother me as insanely as I thought it would've since his past experiences are never thrown in the reader's face or brought up in any way, just two or so mentions of how he's not promiscuous. Plus, I liked that Mason hadn't been with anyone since he'd formed an attraction to Leyla a couple of months ago.
The only other slight complaint I had has to do with the writing.
While I liked the writing for the most part, there were sentences like these once in a while that just sounded...odd, I guess. There's technically nothing wrong with them, but they seemed so clunky in comparison to the rest. Maybe it's just that some of the words don't fit in creative writing? I dunno...somewhat instructional? Telling not showing? I don't quite know how to explain it, but it just stuck out to me as I was reading and sounded super out of place.
But anyway, it was a pretty decent read overall and I will be reading the second! If you're in the mood for something angst-free and pretty breezy—yet still sexy—this might be something to look in to.
(Btw: It's since been re-released as Falling For Him, which I'm grateful for because the cover is muuuuch better. Not sure if there are any other changes.)
I really liked the two characters. They're likeable and not assholes or annoying in any way (at least that I found). I only have two complaints. One, which I think is more a personal reading preference so it might not bother others, is the difference in experience between the two. Leyla has only ever been with one man, who was an ex-fiance. Mason, although clearly stated to not be a manwhore, does have more experience. This didn't bother me as insanely as I thought it would've since his past experiences are never thrown in the reader's face or brought up in any way, just two or so mentions of how he's not promiscuous. Plus, I liked that Mason hadn't been with anyone since he'd formed an attraction to Leyla a couple of months ago.
The only other slight complaint I had has to do with the writing.
Somewhat used to the ride from this morning’s shenanigans, she merely locked her legs around his waist and twined her arms around his neck, glorying in his strength. She wasn’t very heavy, but he really made it seem effortless.
Since they were face-to-face anyway, she decided to test his strength by keeping his mouth occupied while he walked.
While I liked the writing for the most part, there were sentences like these once in a while that just sounded...odd, I guess. There's technically nothing wrong with them, but they seemed so clunky in comparison to the rest. Maybe it's just that some of the words don't fit in creative writing? I dunno...somewhat instructional? Telling not showing? I don't quite know how to explain it, but it just stuck out to me as I was reading and sounded super out of place.
But anyway, it was a pretty decent read overall and I will be reading the second! If you're in the mood for something angst-free and pretty breezy—yet still sexy—this might be something to look in to.
(Btw: It's since been re-released as Falling For Him, which I'm grateful for because the cover is muuuuch better. Not sure if there are any other changes.)
November 3, 2017
Sometimes you just need a quick cute and sexy novella.
I don't feel like writing a 500 words review for a basic f/m NA novella, but know that it was good - I wasn't expecting all the sex scenes, but hey, that's NA, what did I expect really? - it dealt with consent, a bit of women empowerment, and had a childhood friends to lovers trope which I really liked. It's nice for once to have a nice guy falling for someone he's known his whole life, there were no big secrets between them and that's always much appreciate.
FIY : the main female character Leyla is of Iranian descendance and is 4 years older than Mason.
3.5
I don't feel like writing a 500 words review for a basic f/m NA novella, but know that it was good - I wasn't expecting all the sex scenes, but hey, that's NA, what did I expect really? - it dealt with consent, a bit of women empowerment, and had a childhood friends to lovers trope which I really liked. It's nice for once to have a nice guy falling for someone he's known his whole life, there were no big secrets between them and that's always much appreciate.
FIY : the main female character Leyla is of Iranian descendance and is 4 years older than Mason.
3.5
September 12, 2013
Originally posted at Love in the Margins.
Leyla Karimi can’t help herself. If her smoking-hot neighbor’s going to walk around in his underwear with no blinds in the windows while she’s sitting on her back patio one night after work, well, she’s just going to go ahead and watch. Nevermind that Dr. Mason Barrett is four years her junior and her younger brother’s best friend. She’s just going to look with her eyes, not with her hands. No harm, no foul, right?
Only problem is that Dr. Hottie’s noticed his audience, and he’s not about to forget anytime soon. He’d believed his crush on his buddy’s sister wasn’t reciprocal and that she saw him as a little brother. Now that he’s seen her watching him with hungry eyes, everything’s changed. And he’s about to make his move.
First things first, I guess. I’m friendly with this author on Twitter and she gave me a copy of this book and a couple others. I started following her after reading a few of her books and liking her voice and the way she writes multicultural romance. Rai writes stories with characters from many different backgrounds without making a plot point out of it. They are what they are, and that’s that. In a genre where characters from marginalized populations are often used as teachable moments, I find this sort of multiculturalism refreshing.
So anyways, the book. Veiled Desire is an erotic novella packing equal amounts of heat and romance. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, so the conflict is of the “is this worth the threat of losing this friendship” and “her brother is totally gonna freak out” variety. It’s not a terribly stiff conflict, but it’s just right for the story length. They acknowledge their mutual desire, they act on it, they discover sexual compatibility, and then they ride off to the promise of the condomless sex of HEA. It’s really all I could ask of an erotic novella.
I really enjoyed the way Rai handled Leyla’s sexuality. Due to some mixture of growing up in an Iranian family and being busy with work and family responsibilities as an adult, she’s a 31 year old woman who’s had only one sexual partner. Despite this inexperience, she has full control of her sexuality. She masturbates, owns vibrators and knows what she likes. While out to dinner with Mason she whispers into his ear, “I want to do that to you. When we’re done here, I just want to get you alone and watch you come for me.” Leyla is a grown-up woman with a grown-up’s understanding of her sexuality. Mason may be more experienced, but they hook up as equals. It was satisfying to read an erotic romance where a heroine’s inexperience isn’t fetishized.
Unfortunately, some of the sex was a no for me. I found their first hookup kind of too much, too fast and there’s some food sex involving chocolate cheesecake and a nipple. But one scene in particular kind of bothered me. In it, Mason has penetrated Leyla without a condom. When she objects, saying she’s not on the pill, visions of babies dance in his head and this happens:
Final Assessment: Anyone looking for a good, quick erotic romance with a solid emotional connection should not be disappointed. You just might need to suspend your belief in spots. B-
Leyla Karimi can’t help herself. If her smoking-hot neighbor’s going to walk around in his underwear with no blinds in the windows while she’s sitting on her back patio one night after work, well, she’s just going to go ahead and watch. Nevermind that Dr. Mason Barrett is four years her junior and her younger brother’s best friend. She’s just going to look with her eyes, not with her hands. No harm, no foul, right?
Only problem is that Dr. Hottie’s noticed his audience, and he’s not about to forget anytime soon. He’d believed his crush on his buddy’s sister wasn’t reciprocal and that she saw him as a little brother. Now that he’s seen her watching him with hungry eyes, everything’s changed. And he’s about to make his move.
First things first, I guess. I’m friendly with this author on Twitter and she gave me a copy of this book and a couple others. I started following her after reading a few of her books and liking her voice and the way she writes multicultural romance. Rai writes stories with characters from many different backgrounds without making a plot point out of it. They are what they are, and that’s that. In a genre where characters from marginalized populations are often used as teachable moments, I find this sort of multiculturalism refreshing.
So anyways, the book. Veiled Desire is an erotic novella packing equal amounts of heat and romance. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, so the conflict is of the “is this worth the threat of losing this friendship” and “her brother is totally gonna freak out” variety. It’s not a terribly stiff conflict, but it’s just right for the story length. They acknowledge their mutual desire, they act on it, they discover sexual compatibility, and then they ride off to the promise of the condomless sex of HEA. It’s really all I could ask of an erotic novella.
I really enjoyed the way Rai handled Leyla’s sexuality. Due to some mixture of growing up in an Iranian family and being busy with work and family responsibilities as an adult, she’s a 31 year old woman who’s had only one sexual partner. Despite this inexperience, she has full control of her sexuality. She masturbates, owns vibrators and knows what she likes. While out to dinner with Mason she whispers into his ear, “I want to do that to you. When we’re done here, I just want to get you alone and watch you come for me.” Leyla is a grown-up woman with a grown-up’s understanding of her sexuality. Mason may be more experienced, but they hook up as equals. It was satisfying to read an erotic romance where a heroine’s inexperience isn’t fetishized.
Unfortunately, some of the sex was a no for me. I found their first hookup kind of too much, too fast and there’s some food sex involving chocolate cheesecake and a nipple. But one scene in particular kind of bothered me. In it, Mason has penetrated Leyla without a condom. When she objects, saying she’s not on the pill, visions of babies dance in his head and this happens:
Hell, no wonder the human race procreated like crazy. It took a strong man to deny this biological urge. “I won’t come inside of you.” Even as he said it, he recognized the ridiculousness of the words.I couldn’t read this without thinking of The Myth of the Boner Werewolf. It may be a genre staple as shorthand for father material or as proof of how powerful his attraction to the heroine is, but it renders the hero into a sort of unthinking animal I can’t get down with.
Her laugh was half amused, half regretful. “Dr. Barrett, you know better.”
He did know better, but he just did not fucking care. That was the problem. For a solid twenty seconds, he didn’t say anything, didn’t move, couldn’t move. The walls of her pussy rippled around him where he was buried so still inside of her. He swore he could feel every tissue, every inch of her. He released her hips and clenched his teeth. “Climb off. I can’t do it.”
She seemed as reluctant as he was to separate their bodies, but he guessed she was just stronger than he was, because she dismounted and knelt on the bed next to him.
Final Assessment: Anyone looking for a good, quick erotic romance with a solid emotional connection should not be disappointed. You just might need to suspend your belief in spots. B-
June 16, 2010
Mason and Leyla are neighbors that have known each other since childhood. When their parents all died in a car accident, Mason pretty much moved in with Leyla and her brother Sasha. She was the strong one who got them through difficult times. Now, as adults they have stayed close but things are about to change. Leyla can see into Mason’s house from her patio, and what she sees is Mason strutting around in his undies..and oh what a body he has. As she guiltily watches him, he calls her and totally embarrassed, she pretends not to be at home. But as they talk on the phone, she can’t help but still peek at him and notices certain parts of him getting bigger. She suddenly realizes the attraction might be on both sides. With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, Mason and Leyla decide to take that next step – and smexiness ensues!
When presented with an erotic novella, I always get nervous. I need more than just sex – I need that emotional connection that a novella doesn’t always give time to provide. BUT – Alisha Rai does an amazing job building up the emotions. These two have known each other for so long, and they are both attracted to each other, the next step is a relationship. Mason is so sweet – and such a dirty talker in bed! A great combination. He sneaks in Leyla’s house and leaves her cake and flowers, and is such a gentleman and becomes nervous when it is time to broach the subject of dating. But when he convinces her he doesn’t see her as his mom, and she convinces him she doesn’t see him as a brother, let the nakey time begin! Get him in bed and he is ALL about the dirty talking. It’s been awhile since I have read sex scenes that have been this well done.
And
I rolled my eyes a bit with Leyla’s overprotective brother Sasha. When he finds out his beloved sister is dating his best friend, he goes way over the top. But, just as I was ready to throttle him, Sasha comes up with a list of rules for Mason to follow and it made me laugh out loud. One of the rules being:
Veiled Desire is an erotic novella that has great dialogue, warm characters, and romance that will leave you turning the fan on high. I definitely recommend.
When presented with an erotic novella, I always get nervous. I need more than just sex – I need that emotional connection that a novella doesn’t always give time to provide. BUT – Alisha Rai does an amazing job building up the emotions. These two have known each other for so long, and they are both attracted to each other, the next step is a relationship. Mason is so sweet – and such a dirty talker in bed! A great combination. He sneaks in Leyla’s house and leaves her cake and flowers, and is such a gentleman and becomes nervous when it is time to broach the subject of dating. But when he convinces her he doesn’t see her as his mom, and she convinces him she doesn’t see him as a brother, let the nakey time begin! Get him in bed and he is ALL about the dirty talking. It’s been awhile since I have read sex scenes that have been this well done.
“One day, I want to spend just an hour or two sucking your breasts. Will you let me do that?”
And
“Get on your hands and knees. And brace yourself. This is going to get a little rough.”
I rolled my eyes a bit with Leyla’s overprotective brother Sasha. When he finds out his beloved sister is dating his best friend, he goes way over the top. But, just as I was ready to throttle him, Sasha comes up with a list of rules for Mason to follow and it made me laugh out loud. One of the rules being:
Four, if I ever hurt her or make her cry, you will give me a gun, and I must shoot myself. Five, if I fail to shoot myself, I give you permission to do it on my behalf.”
Veiled Desire is an erotic novella that has great dialogue, warm characters, and romance that will leave you turning the fan on high. I definitely recommend.
March 26, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I read this book back when it was first released in 2010 under the title Veiled Desire and Alisha Rai has always been a go-to author for me. I love that she's been writing multicultural/interracial romances before most and in addition in this book she took on the younger man/older woman troupe as well as little brother's best friend. She packed a whole lot of potential issues into this book and while both characters struggled a bit with the way they were feeling towards each other; it was obvious that despite their previous relationship they both were ready to explore the attraction, admiration and love between them.
I flat out love the way Mason Barrett finally made Leyla Karimi own up to her attraction to him and the way neither one of them beat around the bush once they both discovered they were on the same page. Knowing each other so well; they were comfortable with each other and it showed in the way they went from friends to lovers without reservation or fear. I was a bit disappointed in Leyla's brother Sasha's reaction, but the fact that neither Leyla nor Mason let it get in their way showed the level of commitment they had already developed and intended to see through to the end.
As always Ms. Rai offers up some scorching hot intimate moments and since both characters had been waiting, they made up for time nicely. However it was hard not to see that these two both wanted more from each other and were willing to do what it takes to make it happen.
Flirty, fun, and sexy Falling For Him by Alisha Rai remains a favorite of mine to this day.
I read this book back when it was first released in 2010 under the title Veiled Desire and Alisha Rai has always been a go-to author for me. I love that she's been writing multicultural/interracial romances before most and in addition in this book she took on the younger man/older woman troupe as well as little brother's best friend. She packed a whole lot of potential issues into this book and while both characters struggled a bit with the way they were feeling towards each other; it was obvious that despite their previous relationship they both were ready to explore the attraction, admiration and love between them.
I flat out love the way Mason Barrett finally made Leyla Karimi own up to her attraction to him and the way neither one of them beat around the bush once they both discovered they were on the same page. Knowing each other so well; they were comfortable with each other and it showed in the way they went from friends to lovers without reservation or fear. I was a bit disappointed in Leyla's brother Sasha's reaction, but the fact that neither Leyla nor Mason let it get in their way showed the level of commitment they had already developed and intended to see through to the end.
As always Ms. Rai offers up some scorching hot intimate moments and since both characters had been waiting, they made up for time nicely. However it was hard not to see that these two both wanted more from each other and were willing to do what it takes to make it happen.
Flirty, fun, and sexy Falling For Him by Alisha Rai remains a favorite of mine to this day.
May 28, 2016
Ew cover but happy ovaries! o^___^o
April 29, 2021
so much smut & so little plot but what was i even expecting
January 10, 2019
A cute older woman, friends-to-lovers IR.
Leyla is a 31 year old woman who starts of peeping on her younger brother's best friend. She has basically raised the boys 10 years ago, but now Mason is no longer the chubby surrogate younger brother. He's one hunky doctor, who cooks. Mason is only 4 years younger, but along with the unspoken rule not to sleep with your best friend's sister, Leyla has been a mother-figure since the death of his father. The real complication is Mr. younger brother, neither wants to hurt him.
It's short and steamy, covering all bases, though never going beyond. It's not spectacular, but it is nice to read. It has all my favorite themes, but I was really hoping for more family tension. Maybe that's just me, but there was not enough complication.
I really didn't like the book cover. Mason is so much hotter in my head and Leyla is not nearly that voluptuous in her descriptions.
A decent read. Makes you feel all gooey inside, but it was too run of the mill. It could have been outstanding if the culture was exoticized or had more family tension. I liked it but the IR factor had no impact at all. there was no culture difference since they practically grew up together (or she actually raised him for part of the time).
Leyla is a 31 year old woman who starts of peeping on her younger brother's best friend. She has basically raised the boys 10 years ago, but now Mason is no longer the chubby surrogate younger brother. He's one hunky doctor, who cooks. Mason is only 4 years younger, but along with the unspoken rule not to sleep with your best friend's sister, Leyla has been a mother-figure since the death of his father. The real complication is Mr. younger brother, neither wants to hurt him.
It's short and steamy, covering all bases, though never going beyond. It's not spectacular, but it is nice to read. It has all my favorite themes, but I was really hoping for more family tension. Maybe that's just me, but there was not enough complication.
I really didn't like the book cover. Mason is so much hotter in my head and Leyla is not nearly that voluptuous in her descriptions.
A decent read. Makes you feel all gooey inside, but it was too run of the mill. It could have been outstanding if the culture was exoticized or had more family tension. I liked it but the IR factor had no impact at all. there was no culture difference since they practically grew up together (or she actually raised him for part of the time).
November 8, 2024
i really enjoyed Alisha Rai's Hate to Want You earlier this year and thus looked for something of hers when i wanted a romance this week. sadly enough, for me, this started as mediocre and then turned to annoying. i like that it's about an Iranian woman and in theory i like the "siblings best friend" well enough. and she's strong and fierce and knows what she wants, which i love. but it just didn't click. and i hate it when during sex something happens to make someone realise they just really want to reproduce or "fill this person with sperm." also the brother shows up and is extremely possessive was not my favourite, even though Leyla isn't the woman to condone this, she doesn't know it all either, and i felt like too much got a pass.
im probably being nitpicky and maybe i just wasn't feeling novellas? i do still really look forward to having/taking the time to listen to the next two Forbidden Hearts books, i still believe they'll be amazing
im probably being nitpicky and maybe i just wasn't feeling novellas? i do still really look forward to having/taking the time to listen to the next two Forbidden Hearts books, i still believe they'll be amazing
March 8, 2019
eu não acredito que tô falando isso de um livro de romance erótico mas é rápido demais.
daria pra desenvolver melhor a relação entre os dois personagens, que vão de amigos-quase-irmãos para amantes-eternos um pouco do nada demais. o cara poderia ser menos padrãozinho mas talvez isso tenha a ver com outras coisas, inclusive questões de interracial couples.
faltou ou contextualizar melhor todo o rolê do irmão dela ou mudar essa parte. me incomodou bastante a ponto de não ter vontade de ler o outro volume da série (que justamente gira em torno do personagem).
se pá tem livros mais interessantes da autora.
daria pra desenvolver melhor a relação entre os dois personagens, que vão de amigos-quase-irmãos para amantes-eternos um pouco do nada demais. o cara poderia ser menos padrãozinho mas talvez isso tenha a ver com outras coisas, inclusive questões de interracial couples.
faltou ou contextualizar melhor todo o rolê do irmão dela ou mudar essa parte. me incomodou bastante a ponto de não ter vontade de ler o outro volume da série (que justamente gira em torno do personagem).
se pá tem livros mais interessantes da autora.
September 22, 2015
Short but appealing erotic novella about a woman who finds herself suddenly attracted to her younger brother's friend, who she had practically raised along with her brother when their parents all died in a car accident when she was 16. But now she's 31, and he's 27, and a doctor, and pretty damn hot. And he's moved into the house right behind hers, and is walking around with very few clothes on. Leyla's pretty conservative when it comes to sex and relationships, though, and she really doesn't want to screw up her brother's friendship with his best friend Mason by getting all lustful towards him.
Even though this is so short, we get Mason's POV here, too, a man who's been harboring a crush on his erstwhile sister for a year, and rented the house next to hers in the hopes of pushing their friendship into something deeper. But only when he spies Leyla spying on him does the usually laid-back Mason work up the courage to make his move.
Leyla's Iranian background makes it particularly difficult for younger brother Sasha to even acknowledge his sister might be dating, never mind having sex with his best friend, so of course when he finds out, fists start to fly.
Fav line: "I know I'm weird. I should be able to have sex with you because that's what an empowered woman would do—take her pleasure where she wants it".... "You, not strong? I can't believe you would think that. Having sex with a man doesn't prove your strength. You're the strongest woman I've ever met." (Kindle LOC 599, 602)
Even though this is so short, we get Mason's POV here, too, a man who's been harboring a crush on his erstwhile sister for a year, and rented the house next to hers in the hopes of pushing their friendship into something deeper. But only when he spies Leyla spying on him does the usually laid-back Mason work up the courage to make his move.
Leyla's Iranian background makes it particularly difficult for younger brother Sasha to even acknowledge his sister might be dating, never mind having sex with his best friend, so of course when he finds out, fists start to fly.
Fav line: "I know I'm weird. I should be able to have sex with you because that's what an empowered woman would do—take her pleasure where she wants it".... "You, not strong? I can't believe you would think that. Having sex with a man doesn't prove your strength. You're the strongest woman I've ever met." (Kindle LOC 599, 602)
November 11, 2011
After reading only one book by Ms Rai, I knew she would quickly become one of my favorite authors. This book lives up to that expectation in every way. Mr Rai's writing pulls you into the story from the very first page. The characters are so well written and so well rounded, it makes you feel as if you're right there with them.
Some books you can't wait to reach the ending because you just don't connect all that well with the characters, and some books you just want to last forever. Alisha Rai's books you want to never end. Her characters are always "real" and they have their issues. Sometimes you want to smack them upside their head, but at the end of it, you can't help but just fall in love with them.
The only downfall I saw in this book was the somewhat lax editing from the editor. Basic grammar mistakes and misspelled words. Easy enough to catch, but they ruin the experience somewhat when they're not caught.
Everyone who loves contemporary romance should have at least one Alisha Rai book on their shelf, be it in their living room or a virtual one.
Some books you can't wait to reach the ending because you just don't connect all that well with the characters, and some books you just want to last forever. Alisha Rai's books you want to never end. Her characters are always "real" and they have their issues. Sometimes you want to smack them upside their head, but at the end of it, you can't help but just fall in love with them.
The only downfall I saw in this book was the somewhat lax editing from the editor. Basic grammar mistakes and misspelled words. Easy enough to catch, but they ruin the experience somewhat when they're not caught.
Everyone who loves contemporary romance should have at least one Alisha Rai book on their shelf, be it in their living room or a virtual one.
February 3, 2017
This was such a small romance book but dear Romance gods where you are, thank you for creating romance books. Alisha Rai brings something sexy and yet sweet to the table. Leyla and Mason were perfect from the very start and I seriously became addicted to Alisha Rai's writing. Funny, relatable, and simply too romantic for someone not to read. It's an amazing and sizzling story of her brother's best friends. Let's also not forget she's four years older than him!!!! *cue the swooning* My age gap kink in books is showing.
Overall my heart gave out multiple times during Falling for Him. I'm so in love I can read anything Rai writes.
Full review soon on the blog.
Overall my heart gave out multiple times during Falling for Him. I'm so in love I can read anything Rai writes.
Full review soon on the blog.
August 4, 2017
Not my usual thing - I usually like a lot more plot, a lot less sex. But this really worked for me. The characters were both likeable (although the brother was annoyingly patriarchal), the conflict nicely understated, the resolution satisfying. I admit, I skimmed the sex, so this was a VERY short read for me. But it was sweet.
March 10, 2019
Short and not much angst. They get together fairly quickly and it’s all lovey dovey. I wasn’t a fan of the brother’s aggressiveness but the sex scenes were hot and I love a brother’s best friend trope.
June 21, 2015
2.5 stars
September 24, 2019
Working my way through Alisha Rai's backlist and this was short and sweet - I see a difference in richer character development and plot in her later recent titles (of which I've only read 2, but still) - I suspect it's maturity and confidence in her craft over time or it may well bethe shorter almost novella-like format that's the driver.
July 22, 2017
Frothy, delightful read. Took me maybe an hour to read. Great at the end of the night with a glass of wine. Definitely made me giggle.
March 13, 2017
Cute but very short, and as such, felt rather rushed.
May 17, 2020
Would you allow you best friend to date your sister?
Well in this novel that is exactly what happens after they end up being neighbors. Neighbors that hang out together, look through each others windows, and have feelings for each other. This is a beautiful romance between two characters that grew up together and finally found their person in each other!
Well in this novel that is exactly what happens after they end up being neighbors. Neighbors that hang out together, look through each others windows, and have feelings for each other. This is a beautiful romance between two characters that grew up together and finally found their person in each other!
October 13, 2015
So...this was an impulse buy for me today, and Lord knows I don't need to buy any more books impulsively as I have enough books to last me more than ten lifetimes. But...I just couldn't resist. Gorgeous cover? Check. Slightly older woman, younger man? Check. Interracial? Check. Taboo in the "your brother is my best friend" kind of way? Check. Fantastic price? Check. So...you can see why I was hard-pressed not to one click. Anyways, now that I've justified my purchase to you (or at least to myself), let me get on with my review.
God, this book was fantastic. I loved both Leyla and Mason. Their chemistry was fiery and off the charts. They were cute and strong together. I loved that Leyla was strong and confident enough in herself to know she was not into casual sex. I loved that she took steps to protect herself and make sure Mason was on the same page as she in regards to this. I loved that they each had this pull between them that they kept ignoring until they couldn't. I also loved that Mason respected Leyla and her beliefs to understand what she was looking for and give it to her.
Of course, given that Leyla was Mason's best friend's sister, there was the inevitable moment when he found out. This moment was over-the-top funny and ridiculous and I just wanted to hit Sasha (Leyla's brother). I don't think I'd have been as accommodating as Mason if it happened to me. But I guess he understood the "bro code" and just took his punishment. Oh well... There were other laugh-out-loud moments involving Mason and Sasha that were just over the top that, once again, I wanted to smack Sasha and make him see sense. He sure took the over protective brother thing to new heights, and given that he has his own story, I can't wait to read it. Here's hoping he gets his own comeuppance (in a hilarious and funny way of course; no lasting damage needed).
I'll tell you, this was such a fantastically written, funny, hot, sweet, romantic book and I'm sure glad I took a chance and 1-clicked it. You should too! ;)
God, this book was fantastic. I loved both Leyla and Mason. Their chemistry was fiery and off the charts. They were cute and strong together. I loved that Leyla was strong and confident enough in herself to know she was not into casual sex. I loved that she took steps to protect herself and make sure Mason was on the same page as she in regards to this. I loved that they each had this pull between them that they kept ignoring until they couldn't. I also loved that Mason respected Leyla and her beliefs to understand what she was looking for and give it to her.
Of course, given that Leyla was Mason's best friend's sister, there was the inevitable moment when he found out. This moment was over-the-top funny and ridiculous and I just wanted to hit Sasha (Leyla's brother). I don't think I'd have been as accommodating as Mason if it happened to me. But I guess he understood the "bro code" and just took his punishment. Oh well... There were other laugh-out-loud moments involving Mason and Sasha that were just over the top that, once again, I wanted to smack Sasha and make him see sense. He sure took the over protective brother thing to new heights, and given that he has his own story, I can't wait to read it. Here's hoping he gets his own comeuppance (in a hilarious and funny way of course; no lasting damage needed).
I'll tell you, this was such a fantastically written, funny, hot, sweet, romantic book and I'm sure glad I took a chance and 1-clicked it. You should too! ;)
November 20, 2015
Cute Novella But Setup was Better Than the Whole Story
FINAL DECISION: I loved the beginning of this story with the slightly older woman opening her eyes to her younger brother's friend when she ogles him through his window. I didn't think the rest of the story was as memorable as the beginning.
THE STORY: Leyla Karimi unintentionally spies her male neighbor in his underwear and it makes her heart pound. The complication is that her neighbor, Mason Barrett, is also her younger brother's best friend and they have known each other since she was fourteen and he ten. Now Leyla is looking at Mason in a new way but doesn't know that she wants to.
OPINION: I thought the beginning of this novella was fantastic. I loved the setup, the complication of Mason and Layla knowing each other forever, and her fears of messing up their friendship. As the story went on, however, I found it less compelling as the story reverted to a more standard story. I never felt any depth of the characters and unfortunately, the beginning was the best part.
WORTH MENTIONING: Sexy, sexy voyeurism.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FALLING FOR HIM is the first book of the Karimi Siblings duo.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2.5 stars.
FINAL DECISION: I loved the beginning of this story with the slightly older woman opening her eyes to her younger brother's friend when she ogles him through his window. I didn't think the rest of the story was as memorable as the beginning.
THE STORY: Leyla Karimi unintentionally spies her male neighbor in his underwear and it makes her heart pound. The complication is that her neighbor, Mason Barrett, is also her younger brother's best friend and they have known each other since she was fourteen and he ten. Now Leyla is looking at Mason in a new way but doesn't know that she wants to.
OPINION: I thought the beginning of this novella was fantastic. I loved the setup, the complication of Mason and Layla knowing each other forever, and her fears of messing up their friendship. As the story went on, however, I found it less compelling as the story reverted to a more standard story. I never felt any depth of the characters and unfortunately, the beginning was the best part.
WORTH MENTIONING: Sexy, sexy voyeurism.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FALLING FOR HIM is the first book of the Karimi Siblings duo.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2.5 stars.
June 23, 2010
Leyla and Mason have been friends since they were kids, in fact, she raised him. Along with her younger brother. So that might explain why Leyla's older brother Sasha is super over protective of his older sister. Both Leyla and Mason have a secret, they're both lusting for each other. It only got worse when Mason decided to rent the house behind Leyla's when she decided to move out on her own.... and he didn't bother to invest in blinds or curtains for his home.
The story was short... but to the point. We get the background of both Leyla and Mason, what they do for a living, what they're like and their history together. But we also feel that raw, intense lust they have for each other and you're wondering who will make the first move? The chemistry between the two is unmistakable and I enjoyed watching their feelings slowly unravel.
Since the book wasn't that long, there really isn't much to say... I do wish that it were a little bit longer. Definitely a good quick read, I'm interested in reading more of Alisha Rai's work!
The story was short... but to the point. We get the background of both Leyla and Mason, what they do for a living, what they're like and their history together. But we also feel that raw, intense lust they have for each other and you're wondering who will make the first move? The chemistry between the two is unmistakable and I enjoyed watching their feelings slowly unravel.
Since the book wasn't that long, there really isn't much to say... I do wish that it were a little bit longer. Definitely a good quick read, I'm interested in reading more of Alisha Rai's work!
October 24, 2021
Me gusta el estilo de Alisha Rai. Aquí, en formato corto y muy sexi. Leyla se siente atraída por Mason, su vecino y mejor amigo de su hermano menor. Sí, ella es un poco mayor que él. ¿Su mayor placer? Espiarlo mientras anda por su casa en gayumbos. Poco se imagina ella que Mason también está colado por ella desde hace un tiempo y que es perfectamente consciente del voyerismo de Leyla. La parte sexi, entre estos dos, es estratosférica, ¡qué bien sabe contar estas cosas Rai! Conflicto apenas hay: estos dos se quieren desde hace años, se llevan bien y de repente se ven con otros ojos, se ponen al tema y todo les sale fantástico. El único problema será cómo reaccionará Sasha, el hermano, cuando se entere. Este es un tópico que nunca entenderé, que a un tipo le siente mal que su hermana salga con este o aquel. Me incomoda un poco, como si hubiera celos sexuales o algo así, algo impropio entre hermanos. Así que esa parte final me resultó más mñé. Pero vamos, que lo que es en formato corto, contemporánea y sexi, resulta una lectura rápida y estupenda.
April 14, 2017
Falling for Him is a short and not particularly challenging read. I appreciate the diversity of the cast, but found the story very bland and un-engaging nevertheless. Even the smutty parts didn't particularly hold my attention. I started reading this book some time ago, and just lost interest. I finally finished reading it so I could clear it off my kindle.
if I remember correctly, the stories in this set are Rai's early work touched up and re-released under different titles, which may explain why they're missing something her later (and kinkier) work has. This really wasn't bad. The main characters were perfectly nice, and they had some explicit scenes. It was just kinda boring (and the brother is kind of a clueless ass, IMO). meh.
if I remember correctly, the stories in this set are Rai's early work touched up and re-released under different titles, which may explain why they're missing something her later (and kinkier) work has. This really wasn't bad. The main characters were perfectly nice, and they had some explicit scenes. It was just kinda boring (and the brother is kind of a clueless ass, IMO). meh.
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November 28, 2017Question:
Hi Amanda!
I recently started reading romance and have had a great time trying new authors and different sub-genres. While I find that I have no problem finding great historical romance that is in my wheelhouse (strong female lead, great side characters, steamy and not cheesy sexy times), I haven’t had the same luck with contemporary romance. From what I’ve read so far I have discovered that I tend to like my contemporary romance with a good dose of humor. Suzanne Elizabeth Phillips has been the only author that has consistently written contemporary romance that I really enjoy. So if you could help me find a few titles or authors that write great funny contemporary romance I would be forever grateful!
Thanks,
Amara.
Recommended by: Amanda Nelson
Hi Amanda!
I recently started reading romance and have had a great time trying new authors and different sub-genres. While I find that I have no problem finding great historical romance that is in my wheelhouse (strong female lead, great side characters, steamy and not cheesy sexy times), I haven’t had the same luck with contemporary romance. From what I’ve read so far I have discovered that I tend to like my contemporary romance with a good dose of humor. Suzanne Elizabeth Phillips has been the only author that has consistently written contemporary romance that I really enjoy. So if you could help me find a few titles or authors that write great funny contemporary romance I would be forever grateful!
Thanks,
Amara.
Recommended by: Amanda Nelson
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February 26, 2017My friends are making their way through Alisha Rai's backlist after falling in love with Wyatt and Tatiana from Bedroom Games, so now I'm scrambling to catch up on the ones I haven't read!
Falling for Him was fairly short. As with her other books, the protagonists felt so real and honest and like people you could easily befriend. I love the way her heroes are always making sure the heroines are well fed, so Mason leaving food in Leyla's refrigerator for her to find when she returns from work was just the loveliest thing ever.
Falling for Him was fairly short. As with her other books, the protagonists felt so real and honest and like people you could easily befriend. I love the way her heroes are always making sure the heroines are well fed, so Mason leaving food in Leyla's refrigerator for her to find when she returns from work was just the loveliest thing ever.
July 10, 2022
Loved the hero's unwavering commitment to the heroine. Love the fantastic communication between the heroine and hero. The third act conflict was typical of a brother's best friend romance, but there was no conflict between the hero and heroine. However, this was the weakest of all the Alisha Rai's books that I've read. The sex scenes were not as hot as that of the author's other works. The character development felt rushed. But I'm glad there was no third act conflict between the two main characters.
September 24, 2013
Heard about this novella through Ridley's blog, Love in the Margins, and I'm glad I did.
Very hot, especially the opening scene of the book. Drew me right in, and it was a quick read. I liked that the heroine was of Iranian background, which is a nice change of pace. That means she's not interested in a one night stand, basically, which is just fine with her baby brother's best friend, who's been in secretly in love with her for months.
Very hot, especially the opening scene of the book. Drew me right in, and it was a quick read. I liked that the heroine was of Iranian background, which is a nice change of pace. That means she's not interested in a one night stand, basically, which is just fine with her baby brother's best friend, who's been in secretly in love with her for months.
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