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La Révoltée Du Harem
Atmosphère envoûtante où les brûle-parfums le disputent aux effluves d'aromates. Le harem ! Merveille de bassins et de verdure ! Alanguie sur les coussins, Shahar disparaît sous la gaze, la soie et les pierreries. Dans ce sanctuaire inviolable, elle attend son Seigneur, celui qui la fera sienne selon son bon plaisir... Pourtant Shahar n'a rien d'une odalisque. Capturée sous les falaises de Douvres, emmenée par un navire corsaire sur la côte barbaresque, la jeune Anglaise n'apprécie guère le privilège d'appartenir au sérail de Jamil Rashid, le dey de Barikah. Situation intolérable ! Mais au-delà de la révolte, les jours passant, est-elle si sûre de vouloir retrouver cette impossible liberté? Le harem n'est-il pas une lanterne magique qui fait de cette prison de nacre, le royaume des mille et une nuits ?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
364 people are currently reading
2593 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Lindsey
152 books7,301 followersJohanna Helen Howard was born on March 10, 1952 in Germany, where her father, Edwin Dennis Howard, a soldier in the U.S. Army was stationed. The family moved about a great deal when she was young. Her father always dreamed of retiring to Hawaii, and after he passed away in 1964 Johanna and her mother settled there to honor him.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
June 5, 2012
Didn`t like it at all! Couldnt even finish it...i finally had to put the book down. As a muslim myself i HATED the desrcription of the turks and muslims. As if all muslim men are barbaric and harems are common and bigamy is common. I can go on and on about the misconception...WHAT I HATED THE MOST! THEY USED A VERSE OF THE QURAN TO RELATE TO ISLAM AND WIFE BEATING!!!!!!!Do your reasearch and youll know its wrong! Pissed me off...
April 19, 2020
I love this book. I know it is politically incorrect and everybody form the feminists till the day-to-day [normal] women will have a field day with this one.
I liked the hero :D and his assumption that he could keep the heroine as a mistress and his childhood friend to marry :D He really was so... hopeful[yep, that's the word :))]?
Re-read: July 2014
This is my favourite book to read when I want a harem book :D
Re-read: May 2015
I needed a reread
Reread: 28 January 2017
Re-reading is good for the soul :P
I liked the hero :D and his assumption that he could keep the heroine as a mistress and his childhood friend to marry :D He really was so... hopeful[yep, that's the word :))]?
Re-read: July 2014
This is my favourite book to read when I want a harem book :D
Re-read: May 2015
I needed a reread
Reread: 28 January 2017
Re-reading is good for the soul :P
September 3, 2013
I would have given it 2 stars if it wasn't for the girl. She was delightful and I felt like I completely understood why she did what she did. She was entitled to it. And yet, after all she'd been through, her heart was still kind and good and innocent. I loved the way she was portrayed, and how she felt guilty after the assassination attempt at Derek's life when she only tried to help, how she still loved Jamil after all that she thought he'd done and her uninhibited show of love when she finally came to know who he was. She is spirited, independent and yet with just the right amount of goodness and innocence.
As for the plot, I'll say it again - Johanna Lindsey is a hell of an author. The plot was very well written, intricate and so very smooth. I'd forgotten how good she was.
The romance between them was good, although I felt repulsed by the whole harem theme.
Now for the Arab theme. Did I mention how much I hate novels that portray Muslim traditions and cultures so very wrongly? They give a completely wrong idea about the Muslim religion. It's not just this book. Any historical or contemporary romance that I've read about the Arab culture always portrays it wrongly, when in fact, the reality of Islam is so much different and sweeter. Aye, four wives are allowed, but you have to consider that it was an era where there were wars and men were killed, leaving hundreds of wives unprotected and without a guardian. Four wives were permitted not because a man has to have diverse tastes, but because of all those war widows left unprotected and starving.
Islam is not treating women unjustly, in fact it emphasises on how well Muslim husbands should behave with their wives and to 'live with them on a footing of kindness and equality' (Quran, 4:19). The Prophet himself did house chores along with his wives. He encouraged spending time with one wife, playing games and such with her. The Prophet even indulged in racing with his wife 'Aisha a couple of time.
Islam is to treat everyone with equality and courtesy and kindness, no matter the race or social standing. Everyone is to be treated justly. And these teachings were taught 1400 years ago, a time where such behaviour was outlandish.
Islam is to have a smile ready for everyone, no matter how hard your troubles are. Islam is to be humble and polite and all that is good. Islam is to avoid violence and anger at all costs. Islam is to be loving and patient in your dealings with your parents, respectful with elders, and helpful to the everyone. Islam is to visit the sick of your community and attend funerals for condolence. Islam is greeting everyone with blessings and peace. Islam is to be sincere, truthful, honest and honourable in all your dealings with people.
Islam is essentially a religion of peace and humbleness and understanding and equality. Islam is not violence. It, in fact, promotes peace rather than violence. Something like 'you can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar'? Yes, that is exactly what Islam is about. It is all about respecting others and being kind. Islam is a wonderful religion, if only people tried to find out the truth about it they'd know.
Okay, I'm sorry about defensive mode. It's just that every time I see a novel that has so incorrectly portrayed the Muslim culture, I get angry. Islam is just quite the opposite of that. Islam is sweet and light and wonderful.
As for the plot, I'll say it again - Johanna Lindsey is a hell of an author. The plot was very well written, intricate and so very smooth. I'd forgotten how good she was.
The romance between them was good, although I felt repulsed by the whole harem theme.
Now for the Arab theme. Did I mention how much I hate novels that portray Muslim traditions and cultures so very wrongly? They give a completely wrong idea about the Muslim religion. It's not just this book. Any historical or contemporary romance that I've read about the Arab culture always portrays it wrongly, when in fact, the reality of Islam is so much different and sweeter. Aye, four wives are allowed, but you have to consider that it was an era where there were wars and men were killed, leaving hundreds of wives unprotected and without a guardian. Four wives were permitted not because a man has to have diverse tastes, but because of all those war widows left unprotected and starving.
Islam is not treating women unjustly, in fact it emphasises on how well Muslim husbands should behave with their wives and to 'live with them on a footing of kindness and equality' (Quran, 4:19). The Prophet himself did house chores along with his wives. He encouraged spending time with one wife, playing games and such with her. The Prophet even indulged in racing with his wife 'Aisha a couple of time.
Islam is to treat everyone with equality and courtesy and kindness, no matter the race or social standing. Everyone is to be treated justly. And these teachings were taught 1400 years ago, a time where such behaviour was outlandish.
Islam is to have a smile ready for everyone, no matter how hard your troubles are. Islam is to be humble and polite and all that is good. Islam is to avoid violence and anger at all costs. Islam is to be loving and patient in your dealings with your parents, respectful with elders, and helpful to the everyone. Islam is to visit the sick of your community and attend funerals for condolence. Islam is greeting everyone with blessings and peace. Islam is to be sincere, truthful, honest and honourable in all your dealings with people.
Islam is essentially a religion of peace and humbleness and understanding and equality. Islam is not violence. It, in fact, promotes peace rather than violence. Something like 'you can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar'? Yes, that is exactly what Islam is about. It is all about respecting others and being kind. Islam is a wonderful religion, if only people tried to find out the truth about it they'd know.
Okay, I'm sorry about defensive mode. It's just that every time I see a novel that has so incorrectly portrayed the Muslim culture, I get angry. Islam is just quite the opposite of that. Islam is sweet and light and wonderful.
June 24, 2021
Reread 6/2021
This didn’t hold up as well on a second read. I still enjoyed it as a whole but had a difficult time believing the hero deeply loved the heroine this time around. His assertion that he wanted the heroine as a wife instead of a mistress came too late—near the very end: after his fiancé and childhood friend conveniently dumped him for his friend, and only after said friend made it obvious he was interested in the fiancé. Hero didn’t want to be the one to end his engagement because he didn’t want to hurt his fiancé’s feelings. (But it’s okay if he hurts the heroine?!) In hero’s mind his reasoning was that he wouldn’t have loved the heroine any less just because she was his mistress and not his wife. This outlook had to do with his upbringing. The positive to this situation is that hero’s love for the other woman felt brotherly and platonic in form. He just hadn’t previously realized this.
His womanizing also bothered me more even though it occurred before he met the heroine. I’m holding a grudge because I’m not a fan of heroes who regard their heroines as second best. In this case, hero’s secret mission and his fiancé seemed to hold more importance.
Original review
4.5 stars
I thought this was entertaining. The storyline was light yet interesting. Chantelle and Derek had really good chemistry, and the banter between them made me smile. I liked Chantelle's spirit and sarcastic sense of humor. Derek was a likable, sexy hero. He's a bit of a philanderer at the start of the book, but once he meets Chantelle he has eyes only for her.
The major downside to this story is that the two don't actually meet and, therefore, the romance doesn't begin until almost halfway through the book. It takes a while for the circumstances responsible for Derek and Chantelle's meeting to coincide. Regardless, I still enjoyed the slow start which to me just reinforces my belief in Johanna Lindsey's talent as a storyteller.
This didn’t hold up as well on a second read. I still enjoyed it as a whole but had a difficult time believing the hero deeply loved the heroine this time around. His assertion that he wanted the heroine as a wife instead of a mistress came too late—near the very end: after his fiancé and childhood friend conveniently dumped him for his friend, and only after said friend made it obvious he was interested in the fiancé. Hero didn’t want to be the one to end his engagement because he didn’t want to hurt his fiancé’s feelings. (But it’s okay if he hurts the heroine?!) In hero’s mind his reasoning was that he wouldn’t have loved the heroine any less just because she was his mistress and not his wife. This outlook had to do with his upbringing. The positive to this situation is that hero’s love for the other woman felt brotherly and platonic in form. He just hadn’t previously realized this.
His womanizing also bothered me more even though it occurred before he met the heroine. I’m holding a grudge because I’m not a fan of heroes who regard their heroines as second best. In this case, hero’s secret mission and his fiancé seemed to hold more importance.
Original review
4.5 stars
I thought this was entertaining. The storyline was light yet interesting. Chantelle and Derek had really good chemistry, and the banter between them made me smile. I liked Chantelle's spirit and sarcastic sense of humor. Derek was a likable, sexy hero. He's a bit of a philanderer at the start of the book, but once he meets Chantelle he has eyes only for her.
The major downside to this story is that the two don't actually meet and, therefore, the romance doesn't begin until almost halfway through the book. It takes a while for the circumstances responsible for Derek and Chantelle's meeting to coincide. Regardless, I still enjoyed the slow start which to me just reinforces my belief in Johanna Lindsey's talent as a storyteller.
March 8, 2010
One of my Guilty Pleasure books, this one won't appeal to everyone. It just so happens that I have a fondness for sheik books, and this is my favorite, even if the hero is just pretending to be a sheik.
June 2, 2021
Oh my god. What do i even say. this book was horrible. It was an insult to my religion and women. For your information i being a muslim have never heard wife beating allowed in our religion. Honest to god i have never seen another religion respect women more than Islam. It physically hurt me and angered me to read this book. I could not even finish it. I usually love Johanna Lindsey books, but never has a book angered me so than this book. let me tell you. First of all, concubines are not even allowed in Islam, much less beating them. Second of all, it is such a grave insult to make up versus of the quran and use them like this. This is why people believe such bullshit about Islam. If you cant provide true information then dont base you stories on lies.
January 21, 2016
Pues le doy 5 porque me ha dado lo que prometía, sin pichotismos, manteniendo la esencia de los personajes y con el alddklfkdjdlñalfkssk justo. Señora Lindsey, cuando quiere, usted sabe. La reseña: http://alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.com...
January 26, 2016
Juas, lo que he disfrutado con este viejunismo. La Lindsey sin darle al porro no parece ella y esta novela es muestra de ello. "Comedida" sería la palabra clave, con sus calorreos bien colocados y hasta en off (bueno, eso ya no me gusta tanto... Quiero tema, Lindsey!). Y Derek es un maromazo hecho a mi medida, chatas.
La novela pierde una estrella por el camino por la resolución, excesivamente fácil y rápida. Más páginas y un poco más de enjundia y es redonda. Aún así me lo he pasado genial leyendo! Qué gustazo un nadismo de vez en cuando
La novela pierde una estrella por el camino por la resolución, excesivamente fácil y rápida. Más páginas y un poco más de enjundia y es redonda. Aún así me lo he pasado genial leyendo! Qué gustazo un nadismo de vez en cuando
December 19, 2020
3,5 estrellas. Mi último libro del #RetoRita4 #RitaFabio ha sido un acierto. Hacía tiempo que no leía un libro de Johanna Lindsey y la verdad es que me ha gustado bastante. Escrito hace la friolera de 32 años, se le nota la edad, sobre todo en el florido lenguaje utilizado a la hora de describir miembros y orgasmos (tumescencia, pináculo de éxtasis pulsante). La autora se toma su tiempo para presentar a los protagonistas y ponernos en situación, algo muy de agradecer en esta época donde prima el pim pam fuera y en la que el desarrollo de los personajes, más allá de cómo lucen exteriormente, brilla muchas veces por su ausencia.
La trama es entretenida, ojo que trata temas muy controvertidos, y la pareja protagonista me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo Chantelle, una heroína nada moñas, arrojada y consciente de su valor como persona. Ambos son hijos de su tiempo y sus culturas, mucho más Derek que Chantelle (algunas de sus asunciones me daban ganas de matarlo), algo que entiendo que no guste a algunas lectoras, pero que a mí, en esta historia en concreto, si me ha convencido. Pena que la resolución sea tan precipitada y algo atropellada.
#popsugar20 Reto 31: Un libro con “oro”, “plata” o “bronce” en el título
La trama es entretenida, ojo que trata temas muy controvertidos, y la pareja protagonista me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo Chantelle, una heroína nada moñas, arrojada y consciente de su valor como persona. Ambos son hijos de su tiempo y sus culturas, mucho más Derek que Chantelle (algunas de sus asunciones me daban ganas de matarlo), algo que entiendo que no guste a algunas lectoras, pero que a mí, en esta historia en concreto, si me ha convencido. Pena que la resolución sea tan precipitada y algo atropellada.
#popsugar20 Reto 31: Un libro con “oro”, “plata” o “bronce” en el título
December 9, 2015
What an awful book. I picked it up figuring that while I never really love any of Lindsay's books, they always at least moderately entertain me. Not the case with this one. I guess I don't like romances that take place in harems, but I was willing to give this one a shot. Chantelle is an heiress but not yet of age, and her greedy guardian is trying to force her to marry a stranger. She tries to flee and is captured by white slavers. Her new master, however, is actually an Englishman temporarily pretending to be the Dey.
I could barely get through it, and really had to skim most of it. Way too much was spent on intrigue and boring dialogue related to the assassins, etc. I prefer a romance to stay way more focused on the romance, without so much focus on the backstory and subplots. The two main characters didn't eve meet until nearly halfway through the book. The few scenes that half-caught my attention didn't hold it for long. I didn't particularly like Chantelle, and I didn't at all like Derek. I had forgotten just how much I hate Lindsay's male characters. I think she means for them to be not very likable at first, for instance Derek's liberal views on being promiscuous, so that we can like them more later as the fall in love and become better human beings. Only I can never believe they have actually improved in any way and hate them through the end. It isn't very satisfying for me, seeing a man I detest "live happily ever after" after acting like a selfish, manipulative, condescending jerk with the heroine.
I could barely get through it, and really had to skim most of it. Way too much was spent on intrigue and boring dialogue related to the assassins, etc. I prefer a romance to stay way more focused on the romance, without so much focus on the backstory and subplots. The two main characters didn't eve meet until nearly halfway through the book. The few scenes that half-caught my attention didn't hold it for long. I didn't particularly like Chantelle, and I didn't at all like Derek. I had forgotten just how much I hate Lindsay's male characters. I think she means for them to be not very likable at first, for instance Derek's liberal views on being promiscuous, so that we can like them more later as the fall in love and become better human beings. Only I can never believe they have actually improved in any way and hate them through the end. It isn't very satisfying for me, seeing a man I detest "live happily ever after" after acting like a selfish, manipulative, condescending jerk with the heroine.
April 20, 2020
3.5*
Me ha tenido muy entretenida, aunque no me ha gustado que tarden tanto en interactuar los protagonistas, no se conocen hasta el 50% de la historia, y de hecho me ha parecido que es un poco narrativa, algunas cosillas me las he ido saltado, aunque la historia en sí me ha gustado bastante.
Me ha tenido muy entretenida, aunque no me ha gustado que tarden tanto en interactuar los protagonistas, no se conocen hasta el 50% de la historia, y de hecho me ha parecido que es un poco narrativa, algunas cosillas me las he ido saltado, aunque la historia en sí me ha gustado bastante.
January 19, 2014
Twin brothers Derek (Sinclair) and Jamil were separated at age 12. Jamil remained in in his homeland with his enslaved English mother, wife of the Dey of Barikah, while Derek is sent to England by his mother so that her father will have an heir to the Marquessate. Nineteen years pass and someone is intent on assassinating Jamil who is now the Dey and Pasha of a harem of 40+ wives and concubines. Jamil sends a coded message saying: I. Need. You. to Derek who immediately leaves for Barikah and once he arrives, he agrees to be the "secret" stand-in for Jamil while he seeks to find out who is trying to kill him.
*SPOILERS...SPOILERS* My major issues with this book:
Concurrently with the above, a lovely English girl, Chantelle, is abducted off the coast of England by corsairs who are on their way back to Barikah and of course they will sell her to the highest bidder once they get her there and - you got it - she will wind up in Jamil's harem else how will she meet Derek Sinclair so that he can eventually return her to England.
1) One of Jamil's favorites, Mara, is used as a "whipping" girl when he becomes frustrated and needs to let off steam. Oh, but it's okay because she can only get sexual pleasure after she has been beaten and bruised. Oh but, wait a minute, Jamil isn't actually doing the beating - he's having one of his slaves take care of it so Jamil is apparently excused.
2) Derek uses the maidservants in his grandfather's home in England as his "harem" but as he explains to a guest - the women don't belong to him exclusively.
Although Jamil gives Derek permission to "use" his wives, he doesn't actually want him to. Jamil therefore buys Chantelle hoping Derek will leave his favorites alone because whichever wives Derek actually beds while pretending to be Jamil will have to be sold once Jamil returns to his harem. Jamil's strategy actually works because Derek becomes fascinated with Chantelle which leads to problem Number 3: Derek has no intention of taking Chantelle home so he leads himself to believe that the only way to help Chantelle is to relieve her of her virginity and therefore, she will be removed from Jamil's harem and be allowed to marry.
And to make it all worse, Derek has a fiancee, Caroline, back home who he has known since she was a little girl and is his best friend, no less. Honestly, would a person treat their worst enemy the way he has treated Caroline by continuing to have sex with his private little harem of maids although poor Caroline probably believes he has been faithful to her since their betrothal and now Derek is purposely seducing Chantelle so that he can relieve her of her virginity - but of course he is only doing Chantelle a huge favor.
I have been a of fan Ms. Lindsey's Malory books but Silver Angel is probably the most disgusting regency romance (if one could call it that) I have read. Don't waste your time or your money.
*SPOILERS...SPOILERS* My major issues with this book:
Concurrently with the above, a lovely English girl, Chantelle, is abducted off the coast of England by corsairs who are on their way back to Barikah and of course they will sell her to the highest bidder once they get her there and - you got it - she will wind up in Jamil's harem else how will she meet Derek Sinclair so that he can eventually return her to England.
1) One of Jamil's favorites, Mara, is used as a "whipping" girl when he becomes frustrated and needs to let off steam. Oh, but it's okay because she can only get sexual pleasure after she has been beaten and bruised. Oh but, wait a minute, Jamil isn't actually doing the beating - he's having one of his slaves take care of it so Jamil is apparently excused.
2) Derek uses the maidservants in his grandfather's home in England as his "harem" but as he explains to a guest - the women don't belong to him exclusively.
Although Jamil gives Derek permission to "use" his wives, he doesn't actually want him to. Jamil therefore buys Chantelle hoping Derek will leave his favorites alone because whichever wives Derek actually beds while pretending to be Jamil will have to be sold once Jamil returns to his harem. Jamil's strategy actually works because Derek becomes fascinated with Chantelle which leads to problem Number 3: Derek has no intention of taking Chantelle home so he leads himself to believe that the only way to help Chantelle is to relieve her of her virginity and therefore, she will be removed from Jamil's harem and be allowed to marry.
And to make it all worse, Derek has a fiancee, Caroline, back home who he has known since she was a little girl and is his best friend, no less. Honestly, would a person treat their worst enemy the way he has treated Caroline by continuing to have sex with his private little harem of maids although poor Caroline probably believes he has been faithful to her since their betrothal and now Derek is purposely seducing Chantelle so that he can relieve her of her virginity - but of course he is only doing Chantelle a huge favor.
I have been a of fan Ms. Lindsey's Malory books but Silver Angel is probably the most disgusting regency romance (if one could call it that) I have read. Don't waste your time or your money.
July 25, 2023
It was 4-stars til the end where the hero got saved from making an actual choice. That’s annoying. 🙄
February 10, 2013
What an awful book this is.It's just too boring for my taste,infact the story was so awful i felt like a fool reading it.As soon as i completed this book i felt like drowsing into coma or to bang my head against a wall or to scream in frustration.This book has no chemistry no story line nothing,it's just waste of your time and nothing. The hero was the biggest looser i have read before and the heroine was hot headed fool,their chemistry was mediocre and nothing interesting to mention about this book.So people, my sincere advise would be to avoid reading this piece of crap at any cost and save yourself from the torture.
WHAT THIS BOOK DID TO ME IN THE END
WHAT THIS BOOK DID TO ME IN THE END
August 24, 2020
No va a ser de mis preferidos de la autora, pero me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba cómo introduce al lector en esa sociedad, para nada a la que estamos acostumbrados. El final me parece de golpe muy precipitado y muy cortado, como si me faltaran algunas páginas. No lo deja abierto, está bien así, pero ñeee, quería algo más 😂 Aún así es muy bonito.
En cuanto a carácter de cada personaje y su buena dosis de orgullo (la justa y necesaria) me parece muy bien llevado, suele hacer siempre unas protagonistas independientes, o que acaban siéndolo cuando se deshacen de ciertas cadenas, y unos protagonistas que aparentan ser más insensibles de lo que son realmente. Y todos acaban encajando igual de bien 😂
En cuanto a carácter de cada personaje y su buena dosis de orgullo (la justa y necesaria) me parece muy bien llevado, suele hacer siempre unas protagonistas independientes, o que acaban siéndolo cuando se deshacen de ciertas cadenas, y unos protagonistas que aparentan ser más insensibles de lo que son realmente. Y todos acaban encajando igual de bien 😂
March 3, 2024
Kidnapping, sold into a harem, twin swapping, fake Identity, assassin on the loose, eunuchs and the longest set up of any book I've ever read whewww. BUT even with the old school cringe 80's stereotypes of other cultures, this was such a compelling read. I was cackling at the bonkers plot, but also couldn't put it down. But the setup took much too long it was like 140 pages before the MCs met. And the pacing was super wonky and everything was rushed at the end.
This is indefinitely one of those books that must be read with the old school goggles on.
3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥/5
Tropes
Kidnapping
Alpha hero
Fake Identity
TW: talk of rape and SA
This is indefinitely one of those books that must be read with the old school goggles on.
3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥/5
Tropes
Kidnapping
Alpha hero
Fake Identity
TW: talk of rape and SA
April 7, 2013
It took too long for the hero and heroine to meet for the first time and then the ending was rushed. It is a pity because the book has real potential. This is the kind of book where you ask yourself "Is this it? Where is the rest of the book?".
January 22, 2014
This is one of those stories that falls apart if you think about it, so brains off please!
But if you go into the book knowing that, knowing it's about a woman who is sold into a harem and somehow finds love, and if you're in the mood for such a story... go for it!
But if you go into the book knowing that, knowing it's about a woman who is sold into a harem and somehow finds love, and if you're in the mood for such a story... go for it!
January 11, 2016
I read this one years ago and nearly forgot about it, so it did not make it on my Goodreads pile ... but as I really liked it and now saw Alys review, I just had to rate it because as I said ... I really liked it :)
September 16, 2020
I have read a few of her books and enjoyed them but this one was a disappointment. The abrupt ending and acceptance of all just didn't sit with me. I never really got to like Derrik.
Someone liked my review above LOL so I thought I would expand on Johanna Lindsey. Some of her books could be really be sexist, and so unPC but they are set in a time period that is NOT today. Some of her books are FAVORITES of mine even though they are harsh to read in some ways with today's sensibilities. That is not why I read them. I don't think most historical romance readers do as it was sexist times. We read them to ultimately to escape. This book just didn't sit well with me and I remember the premise and characters YEARS after reading it. I sometime forget books days after reading them, whether loved, hated or indifferent. So this made an impression and it wasn't a good one. Thing is I can remember most of the books I read of Johanna Lindsey, because they made an impression. That's how good of a writer she was.
That being said, Johanna Lindsey was one of my favorite authors in historical romance as she could pull the heart strings on these stories even when the characters really are battered or treat one another poorly at some point. They come around and it is always emotional. I say was one of my favorite, not because the books are not favorites anymore, but because she passed away last year October 2019.
https://johannalindsey.wordpress.com/...
This is the only book of Johanna Lindsey, that I read, that I gave lower than 4 stars, I may have been harsh as I loved or really like her other books no matter how offensive in places they may have been. I am saddened to hear of her passing.
Someone liked my review above LOL so I thought I would expand on Johanna Lindsey. Some of her books could be really be sexist, and so unPC but they are set in a time period that is NOT today. Some of her books are FAVORITES of mine even though they are harsh to read in some ways with today's sensibilities. That is not why I read them. I don't think most historical romance readers do as it was sexist times. We read them to ultimately to escape. This book just didn't sit well with me and I remember the premise and characters YEARS after reading it. I sometime forget books days after reading them, whether loved, hated or indifferent. So this made an impression and it wasn't a good one. Thing is I can remember most of the books I read of Johanna Lindsey, because they made an impression. That's how good of a writer she was.
That being said, Johanna Lindsey was one of my favorite authors in historical romance as she could pull the heart strings on these stories even when the characters really are battered or treat one another poorly at some point. They come around and it is always emotional. I say was one of my favorite, not because the books are not favorites anymore, but because she passed away last year October 2019.
https://johannalindsey.wordpress.com/...
This is the only book of Johanna Lindsey, that I read, that I gave lower than 4 stars, I may have been harsh as I loved or really like her other books no matter how offensive in places they may have been. I am saddened to hear of her passing.
June 22, 2012
I purchased this book on Ebay in a "lot" of other Historical Romances. I had read two other Johanna Lindsey novels and liked both of them. However, this one sat on my shelf for a good while. I am trying to go all digital, so I'm finally getting some of my older books out to read. I thought Silver Angel would be either a Western or Pirate themed novel that Johanna Lindsey is famous for. I have never read a romance novel about Harems etc. Copyrighted in 1988, I knew this was a popular theme during that time. I really don't know what I feel about this novel. Mostly, I wasn't all that into it. I never really warmed up to Derek. I still think that Chantelle was robbed of her virtue, although she did manage to keep her pride, for the most part. I don't think I would have stayed with Derek no matter was the situation. He just didn't prove himself to me. The theme of this book would give a feminist a stroke. But, I think it should put off any woman. I didn't feel romantic at any time while reading this book and for the most part felt angry. I guess this theme isn't for me. I know harems existed, and women were purchased as slaves, but it's not romantic. However, I did just keep turning those pages. I guess it was morbid curiosity, but I had to know how it all turned out. Of course the ending was supposed to have been a "happily ever after", but I felt Chantelle gave in too easily after everything Derek had done to her. Obviously, not one of my favorite JH novels. That doesn't mean I won't try any of her others. This one just wasn't for me.
December 23, 2010
I really enjoyed this one from start to finish (I've discovered that I've a weakness for harem BRs).
However, I do have a bone to pick with it:
After all the attempted assassination drama (which led the protagonists to one another), we come to find out the who/what/why behind it and it was really, really weak. In fact, it was rather eyeroll-worthy, especially with how it was all resolved. I won't go into details (you'll have to read the book, dahlinks), but suffice to say that I'm not a fan of wrapping things up in a neat little bow at the end of a story, especially when a major external conflict is not only the catalyst for said story, but also the fuel that keeps the reader interested. In this case, said conflict was just too easily resolved and then swept under the rug in two or three pages. That always guarantees a star reduction in my rating of a book.
So, authors, maybe do with one less love scene in your book and put a little more stock into that final conflict resolution, OTAY? It will score you that one little extra star from Yours Truly. :P
However, I do have a bone to pick with it:
After all the attempted assassination drama (which led the protagonists to one another), we come to find out the who/what/why behind it and it was really, really weak. In fact, it was rather eyeroll-worthy, especially with how it was all resolved. I won't go into details (you'll have to read the book, dahlinks), but suffice to say that I'm not a fan of wrapping things up in a neat little bow at the end of a story, especially when a major external conflict is not only the catalyst for said story, but also the fuel that keeps the reader interested. In this case, said conflict was just too easily resolved and then swept under the rug in two or three pages. That always guarantees a star reduction in my rating of a book.
So, authors, maybe do with one less love scene in your book and put a little more stock into that final conflict resolution, OTAY? It will score you that one little extra star from Yours Truly. :P
April 20, 2010
This one of Johanna Lindsey’s best outside the Malory saga. Chantelle Burke is a head-strong, beautiful woman. Her father has died leaving her guardian, a wastrel, trying to take her money by forcing her hand in marriage. She is fleeing to go back to her aunt, and she is kidnapped on the shore of England. She tries to escape and is recaptured and finds herself on a Turkish ship bound for sale. She is horrified at the prospect of being sold as a slave for someone’s harem. She is horrified at Jamil, the man who buys her. She is confused and is openly courted in an English manner with a man she thinks is Jamil. Jamil’s brother, Derek Sinclair, is an English lord and is playing the leader for his twin brother. Derek, on the other hand, is enchanted and plans to carry her off with him. Through many trials and tribulations they realize some things about themselves and find themselves in England again. This was a complex out of the ordinary romance that makes you see the other side of the times.
February 23, 2021
I have not read a book by this author in years. I Love books that take place in this era, I enjoy books with harems, concubines and so forth. The female character, Chantelle Burke is a beautiful platinum blond, her new name is Shahar. The male character, her new owner Jamil is a very handsome man with green eyes and jet black hair.
This book has is an easy read, an okay storyline, I liked the suspense and secrets. But since I'm used to reading another author who wrote these types of books with attention to details, and steamy loves scenes.
Also, I don't understand why people get so offended by a book that is for entertainment? I am not politically correct.
This book has is an easy read, an okay storyline, I liked the suspense and secrets. But since I'm used to reading another author who wrote these types of books with attention to details, and steamy loves scenes.
Also, I don't understand why people get so offended by a book that is for entertainment? I am not politically correct.
March 17, 2008
Chantelle Burke was kidnapped and sold into slavery to a Pasha's harem. She, of course, cannot give in to her desire for her "master". Not a great fan of the harem setting but I liked this one.
March 16, 2013
modern things in the bk-platinum-blond hair.the last straw.made a big stink.made no bones about it.
i cant stand when there are modern expressions in historical bks.
-im very disappointed to find out that the guy is actually an english earl ¬ an arab as we've been led to believe.i thought this book would be taking place in the desert.&that the guy would be an arab.cause you never find books like that.
so he's seeing one of the servants.how lovely.
comments like these drive me up the wall.&raise my blood pressure to dangerous heights. -"this girl obviously belonged to derek sinclair,for the sensual look she gave him as she set the tray down was extremely intimate."
"we dont keep harems here,mores the pity," he answered. "but if we did,i suppose you cud say she would be a part of mine.however,shes not for my exclusive use,if you know what i mean." wow.&this is the main guy.johanna sure knows how2 write up some likeable love interests.
&the guy is ENGAGED.wth?!
"the trouble was,she was afraid he made every woman feel that way,&he had had so many women, so many woman at the same time.he used 2tell her about each and every conquest." this is his fiance,in case u were wondering.
"she knew he had given up his mistresses when he proposed to her,and that included half the maids in his grandfathers house." why in **** would we wanna read in the guys fiances perspective,who is not the main character?!
johanna makes dereks fiance have "doubts about the wedding" even though she professes to love him,just to "make it right." even though they wont end up married,that doesnt change the fact that he's engaged. &lettin go of one woman doesnt change his notorious past either.so,no,johanna, i am not appeased at all.
marshall enters the story &im like yes! maybe hes the main guy character.hes more likeable-cause he's nothin like derek.so im thinkin maybe he'll be the 1 who gets with chantelle,because theres been so many guy characters in the story so far that its impossible to tell who's going to be the love interest.but oh no! marshal is in love with derek's fiance.yes you heard correct.doesnt that just work out nicely? so now it'll be okay when derek breaks it off with caroline.because she doesnt rlly love him,and lord knows he doesnt love her.&then there is someone who loves carolina-marshall,so she can end up with him.works out too perfectly if u ask me.as in this plot is totally unrealistic.
how crappier can this pathetic excuse of a romance book possibly get?!
we'll ur about to find out very shortly.like i did.
dereks fiance caroline "knew he had given up his mistresses when he had proposed2 her,&that included half the maids in his grandfathers house.it wasnt that she didnt think he could be faithful to her." several pages later he's "crooking a finger" at a maid because it was his "last night on land before weeks @sea ¬hing but male companionship." awww, you poor baby. how will you ever manage on the ship?
"it didnt matter which maid she happened 2be.he knew them all intimately."
"she gigggled again as he led her toward his room.it was a sound he didnt mind,a sound he had grown up with,having been raised in a harem.that he loved woman in general was natural after such an upbringing.he had been afraid that his one regret in coming to england would be that he would nvr have his own harem.it hadnt exactly become a regret,not with a bevy of housemaids at his disposal, servants accustomed to pleasing a master.yet he did miss the sensuality of the east,where a man rarely devoted his affections to only one woman."
u seem to be doing the same thing in england,buddy.so idk wut ur talking about.hes what i like to call a bastard.plain &simple.
comments like these kill me.
hes unfaithful to his fiance &2 the girl hes gunna end up with.if the guy gets with any girl in the book before he meets the main character,its cheating in my book.
"the ladies of quality here demanded eternal devotion4themselves exclusively.it was unthinkable,&yet he accepted this western idiosyncrasy." apparently not,you lying jackass. you're cheating on caroline so you obviously dont "accept this western idiosyncrasy."
"he expected it in caroline.in fact,he knew she now thought him faithful to her.that he wasnt was not cause for guilt,however.not that he didnt adore her.he did. if they had been in the east,she would be known as his ikbal, his favorite.but she was more than that.she was also his dearest friend,an occurence that could nvr have come about in the east,where women were not thought of as companions.so he fully intended2 make himself a good husband 2her by english standards,2give her no cause4grief.he would just have2 practice discretion."
this guy is a walking contradiction.u say u accept western idiosyncrasy,which would mean ur only with 1 woman at 1 time,but u cheat on her so that isnt true.then u say u "fully intended2 make urself a good husband2 her by enlgish standards" but then say ur goin2 practice discretion,which wud mean ur gunna cheat.so ur not only a scumbag bastard.ur a lying scumbag bastard.
i fail to understand why FEMALE authors write about men like this.to write about 1 like this is like sayin u wanna end up w/a guy like this.who's gunna be unfaithful,who's been w/ a million girls. i just dont understand it.
so u adore her.then how the heck do u fall in love with chantelle?!
"but that was for l8r.he hadnt taken his one and only wife yet.right now he was facing the long journey to Barikah,and a long time coming b4 he found anyone as accomodating as clair."
i swear johanna writes some of the most unlikeable male characters ever2 be read about.
he ends up with chantelle,which means she'll be living in his grandfathers home.where hes slept with half the maids.where he "knows them all intimately." how awful.i mean cud u imagine?!
&how does he get over this kick where he cant be faithful 2 one woman alone?! cause he seems pretty adamant in his disgusting habits.
i feel sorry that the main character has to end up with a guy like that.
&i thought his identity would be a big secret.but how can it be when we know derek is the 1 who goes after chantelle.so we know hes the 1 she ends up with.thanks johanna.u ruined all my hopes for this book.
how is this scumbag ever supposed2 be faithful to chantelle when he isnt even faithful to his fiance right now? whom is supposedly his best friend.
i dont care to finish this story because hes a snake in the grass.not romance book material at all. idk why authors write about bastards like this,as if we like ppl like that.
screw this plot.screw the characters.screw the book.actually wanted2 read what happens to chantelle but not when shes ending up with derek.
after the last four books ive read by johanna-all crappy-i just need2 stay away from her books altogether.
i cant stand when there are modern expressions in historical bks.
-im very disappointed to find out that the guy is actually an english earl ¬ an arab as we've been led to believe.i thought this book would be taking place in the desert.&that the guy would be an arab.cause you never find books like that.
so he's seeing one of the servants.how lovely.
comments like these drive me up the wall.&raise my blood pressure to dangerous heights. -"this girl obviously belonged to derek sinclair,for the sensual look she gave him as she set the tray down was extremely intimate."
"we dont keep harems here,mores the pity," he answered. "but if we did,i suppose you cud say she would be a part of mine.however,shes not for my exclusive use,if you know what i mean." wow.&this is the main guy.johanna sure knows how2 write up some likeable love interests.
&the guy is ENGAGED.wth?!
"the trouble was,she was afraid he made every woman feel that way,&he had had so many women, so many woman at the same time.he used 2tell her about each and every conquest." this is his fiance,in case u were wondering.
"she knew he had given up his mistresses when he proposed to her,and that included half the maids in his grandfathers house." why in **** would we wanna read in the guys fiances perspective,who is not the main character?!
johanna makes dereks fiance have "doubts about the wedding" even though she professes to love him,just to "make it right." even though they wont end up married,that doesnt change the fact that he's engaged. &lettin go of one woman doesnt change his notorious past either.so,no,johanna, i am not appeased at all.
marshall enters the story &im like yes! maybe hes the main guy character.hes more likeable-cause he's nothin like derek.so im thinkin maybe he'll be the 1 who gets with chantelle,because theres been so many guy characters in the story so far that its impossible to tell who's going to be the love interest.but oh no! marshal is in love with derek's fiance.yes you heard correct.doesnt that just work out nicely? so now it'll be okay when derek breaks it off with caroline.because she doesnt rlly love him,and lord knows he doesnt love her.&then there is someone who loves carolina-marshall,so she can end up with him.works out too perfectly if u ask me.as in this plot is totally unrealistic.
how crappier can this pathetic excuse of a romance book possibly get?!
we'll ur about to find out very shortly.like i did.
dereks fiance caroline "knew he had given up his mistresses when he had proposed2 her,&that included half the maids in his grandfathers house.it wasnt that she didnt think he could be faithful to her." several pages later he's "crooking a finger" at a maid because it was his "last night on land before weeks @sea ¬hing but male companionship." awww, you poor baby. how will you ever manage on the ship?
"it didnt matter which maid she happened 2be.he knew them all intimately."
"she gigggled again as he led her toward his room.it was a sound he didnt mind,a sound he had grown up with,having been raised in a harem.that he loved woman in general was natural after such an upbringing.he had been afraid that his one regret in coming to england would be that he would nvr have his own harem.it hadnt exactly become a regret,not with a bevy of housemaids at his disposal, servants accustomed to pleasing a master.yet he did miss the sensuality of the east,where a man rarely devoted his affections to only one woman."
u seem to be doing the same thing in england,buddy.so idk wut ur talking about.hes what i like to call a bastard.plain &simple.
comments like these kill me.
hes unfaithful to his fiance &2 the girl hes gunna end up with.if the guy gets with any girl in the book before he meets the main character,its cheating in my book.
"the ladies of quality here demanded eternal devotion4themselves exclusively.it was unthinkable,&yet he accepted this western idiosyncrasy." apparently not,you lying jackass. you're cheating on caroline so you obviously dont "accept this western idiosyncrasy."
"he expected it in caroline.in fact,he knew she now thought him faithful to her.that he wasnt was not cause for guilt,however.not that he didnt adore her.he did. if they had been in the east,she would be known as his ikbal, his favorite.but she was more than that.she was also his dearest friend,an occurence that could nvr have come about in the east,where women were not thought of as companions.so he fully intended2 make himself a good husband 2her by english standards,2give her no cause4grief.he would just have2 practice discretion."
this guy is a walking contradiction.u say u accept western idiosyncrasy,which would mean ur only with 1 woman at 1 time,but u cheat on her so that isnt true.then u say u "fully intended2 make urself a good husband2 her by enlgish standards" but then say ur goin2 practice discretion,which wud mean ur gunna cheat.so ur not only a scumbag bastard.ur a lying scumbag bastard.
i fail to understand why FEMALE authors write about men like this.to write about 1 like this is like sayin u wanna end up w/a guy like this.who's gunna be unfaithful,who's been w/ a million girls. i just dont understand it.
so u adore her.then how the heck do u fall in love with chantelle?!
"but that was for l8r.he hadnt taken his one and only wife yet.right now he was facing the long journey to Barikah,and a long time coming b4 he found anyone as accomodating as clair."
i swear johanna writes some of the most unlikeable male characters ever2 be read about.
he ends up with chantelle,which means she'll be living in his grandfathers home.where hes slept with half the maids.where he "knows them all intimately." how awful.i mean cud u imagine?!
&how does he get over this kick where he cant be faithful 2 one woman alone?! cause he seems pretty adamant in his disgusting habits.
i feel sorry that the main character has to end up with a guy like that.
&i thought his identity would be a big secret.but how can it be when we know derek is the 1 who goes after chantelle.so we know hes the 1 she ends up with.thanks johanna.u ruined all my hopes for this book.
how is this scumbag ever supposed2 be faithful to chantelle when he isnt even faithful to his fiance right now? whom is supposedly his best friend.
i dont care to finish this story because hes a snake in the grass.not romance book material at all. idk why authors write about bastards like this,as if we like ppl like that.
screw this plot.screw the characters.screw the book.actually wanted2 read what happens to chantelle but not when shes ending up with derek.
after the last four books ive read by johanna-all crappy-i just need2 stay away from her books altogether.
October 2, 2014
I've never been able to remember what my first romance novel was. To be honest, I still don't, but I was listening to a podcast today where someone said they had started with Johanna Lindsey and I realised this may well have been mine. It's certainly one of the few I particularly remember where I found it (in a relative's book collection when I was staying with them) and when I read it. So I was tempted to reread it. The fact it was cheap on Kindle convinced me and so here goes. I wonder what I'll think.
------------------------
Hmmm, well that was ... interesting.
I enjoyed the beginning set up section and I enjoyed the end. I loved the brothers and their reunion with their mother at the end.
But the whole harem, forced-seduction part in the middle? Yeah, not so much. I skimmed my way through that part. I knew it was there when I started reading, and I was interested to see what 45-year old me would think of it. I was prepared to be kind of embarrassed that I still liked it, but am rather relieved to find I didn't. It didn't make me desperately hate the entire book, but it wasn't something I needed to read either. I was happy to skim it, enjoy the family interaction and situation with Derek and Jamil and put up with Chantelle.
Because, good grief but she was annoying. I get that that the book was written a long time ago (1988, so what, 26 years ago) and her holding fast to her virginity and modesty was the way things were written, but she was stupid about it and I found myself shaking my head over it all. All the fear about what was going to happen to her was really uncomfortable too, because while it didn't turn out that way, that's because this is a romance novel. It wasn't nice at all.
I just recently read Nalini Singh's Rock Addiction where the hero and heroine, who are thoroughly and mutually enjoying each other, when "caught out" about their relationship and sex life, stand tall and acknowledge it because there is no shame in what they've been doing together. I loved that part of that book; it was the best thing in a book with a lot of really good things in it.
I can't go back to books full of fear, forced seduction and shame over it. And I'm very glad to discover that about myself.
------------------------
Hmmm, well that was ... interesting.
I enjoyed the beginning set up section and I enjoyed the end. I loved the brothers and their reunion with their mother at the end.
But the whole harem, forced-seduction part in the middle? Yeah, not so much. I skimmed my way through that part. I knew it was there when I started reading, and I was interested to see what 45-year old me would think of it. I was prepared to be kind of embarrassed that I still liked it, but am rather relieved to find I didn't. It didn't make me desperately hate the entire book, but it wasn't something I needed to read either. I was happy to skim it, enjoy the family interaction and situation with Derek and Jamil and put up with Chantelle.
Because, good grief but she was annoying. I get that that the book was written a long time ago (1988, so what, 26 years ago) and her holding fast to her virginity and modesty was the way things were written, but she was stupid about it and I found myself shaking my head over it all. All the fear about what was going to happen to her was really uncomfortable too, because while it didn't turn out that way, that's because this is a romance novel. It wasn't nice at all.
I just recently read Nalini Singh's Rock Addiction where the hero and heroine, who are thoroughly and mutually enjoying each other, when "caught out" about their relationship and sex life, stand tall and acknowledge it because there is no shame in what they've been doing together. I loved that part of that book; it was the best thing in a book with a lot of really good things in it.
I can't go back to books full of fear, forced seduction and shame over it. And I'm very glad to discover that about myself.
April 3, 2015
I don't know what is wrong with me, but I'm sure I started to have bad luck with books, I just keep picking terrible books after I read an amazing book, and this one was sure one that I disliked!! I love Johanna Lindsey, her books are amazing, so it was a shock to read one that was the exact opposite!!! I really didn't like it, at all!! I mean, there were so many issues for me in this book. For one, I hate slavery, no matter their type, so it was really disturbing!! However, that was something I was prepared for, I wanted to know how this type of romantic story will turn out to be. But, this book was not romantic at all! In fact it was - to simply put it - unromantic, uninteresting and bad, but the ending was the worst!! As far as this, any romantic books I've read had a good ending, no matter how much I didn't like the rest of the book they always managed a somewhat good/ satisfying ending! But this book was unsatisfying in every way!!!
Over all, the book was not at all for my liking, and in some way I regret reading it!!!!
Over all, the book was not at all for my liking, and in some way I regret reading it!!!!
April 25, 2009
Just like other Lindsey's books... with a drop dead georgeous hero and a beautiful heroine. A cheesy, simple storyline, but who cares? That's not what I'm looking for in romance novel.
What I didn't like is harem description in Turki's world. As if it's a custom in Muslim's world. Heck, no! It's a country tradition, not related to religion. And yes, it's just privileged to the riches, who can buy as many slaves as he want.
Anyhow, I like Defy Not The Heart better than this novel.
What I didn't like is harem description in Turki's world. As if it's a custom in Muslim's world. Heck, no! It's a country tradition, not related to religion. And yes, it's just privileged to the riches, who can buy as many slaves as he want.
Anyhow, I like Defy Not The Heart better than this novel.
August 30, 2013
I detested the so-called hero in this too much to give this anything other than one star. Perhaps that's unfair since this book was written in 1988 and different tropes were popular then, but this was as close to a DNF book as I've encountered lately.
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