Never Seduce a Sheikh

This book was a truly amazing romance..They both had to overcome major tramatic experience to find love.

I don't think Isma'il expected to feel what he felt for Lily and that was wanting to be her protector, "who?" His voice had gone hoarse, violence like acid in his blood. "Who did that to you? How? When?" Isma'il I think he tries to deny the attraction, the boy tries everything to turn her off him, "for one thing I have no protection. For another, I do not have anything to put down over the sand." His blue eyes held hers. "And for a third, I will not have sex with a virgin on a sand dune." When they're together he doesn't want to let her go, "his arm tightened instinctively, holding her still. "Stay," he ordered in a low voice. "We don't have to get up just yet." I loved this book.

Sheikh Isma'il Zahara has plans for his country, and he knows his people and will do whatever it takes to stay in command and do what is good, which is why he must always be in control. He has plans for his country's oil, and is looking for someone that will help and aid his country. Lily Harkness, is a CEO and businesswoman, she gets the job done, and has dealt with many arrogant men, but she isn't ready for this commanding sheikh who rattles her. Lily has desires that she hides even from herself, she has a dangerous past that she wouldn't dare reveal to anyone, but Isma'il shows her desire and a seduction so deep he takes control of her heart and soul...but will she be able to do the same with this Shekih that exudes power and command...

Never Seduce A Sheikh is a contemporary romance, and deals with quite a bit of some darker issues that if you are looking for a light read, this isn't it. It has some darker elements that really suck the reader in and make you think about certain issues. In the beginning of the story, its all about business and transactions and agreements, the Shekih shows Lily that there is more to life than a contract. Lily is fully invested in gaining this oil agreement, so she doesn't see the bond forming between them until she can't resist him. Both Lily and Isma'il have dark pasts, but in this erotic romance, we see them share every dark secret, and there is quite a power in this story that draws you in. This story is a shorter read, so you will just breeze through it the moment you get into it, which for me happened very quickly and I just couldn't get enough. The characters are very vividly written and the author does a splendid job in portraying them in a way that captures you. And even though I am not a huge fan of erotica, I like more romance in the story, however in this one, I felt like there was quite a bit of intensity in the romance department, and how this story is all about overcoming and facing the past to embrace the love they share. A enthralling read to take hold of you and not let go!! A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY!!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

I'm not usually one for Sheik books or any of those tropes, but hello, Jackie Ashenden wrote a book, and I'm damn well going to devour it!

So although this was a different kind of book for me, I still enjoyed it immensely. Jackie has a way with writing such believable, tortured, and sexy characters that it doesn't matter what's going on. You're going to be hooked, no matter what.

As always, the subjects touched on are dark, which is something I crave in my reading. I always appreciate Jackie's characters and their backstories.

Wonderfully done, as always!

Told in lyrical prose, “Never Seduce a Sheikh” is a story of redemption and exorcising one’s personal demons.

Two people, Oil baronness Lily Harkness and Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara are bound by only one thing – the oil business. Strong on the outside and formidable to many, both of them hide secrets that if anyone knew about it, it will be a big crack in their finely crafted armors. So, why are they exchanging these secrets that could eventually hurt them?

Two very strong characters; and in the book lingo, they are both alphas. So, how can they even be lovers, let alone fall in love with each other?

And that is where Jackie Ashenden’s mastery of her craft shows. To have Lily and Isma'il fall in love without losing their alpha status. An easy enjoyable read!

“Never Seduce a Sheikh” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content

A different story than I've read before. Both characters are strong and successful in their own right, but still each have their own demons to battle.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

ARC provided via NetGalley by Tule Publishing for an honest review.

I loved this story. It was short, but intense. The romance between these two was HOT and off the charts. We have to powerful people put together and boy do they explode in the romance department! It's a real captivating story that you will read in no time, as I did. Jackie Ashenden writes a very vivid and commanding story you can't help but be drawn to. HIGHLY recommend this read!

A good plot and unique characters. GOOD!

Oil baroness Lily Harkness is determined to win the oil contract for her company.

Sheikh Ismail will do whatever it takes to save his country. When he meets Lily she is not what he expects at all. And when Lily meets Ismail he has her feeling things she had buried away and denied.

This is a story of two damaged souls fighting demons from their past and saving each other.

Lily Harkness goes to Dahar to convince the Sheikh to give their oil business to her family's oil company. It was very interesting from the start how they were both trying to ignore the attraction to one another, and when they eventually gave in to that, it was very sweet. The romance between these two was HOT and off the chartsI loved this story. It was short, but intense. The romance between these two was HOT and off the charts. We have to powerful people put together and boy do they explode in the romance department! It's a real captivating story that you will read in no time, as I did. Jackie Ashenden writes a very vivid and commanding story you can't help but be drawn to. HIGHLY recommend this read!

A fantastic story of redemption and healing. The H/h are both troubled scarred souls that are both overwhelmed by an immediate attraction. Neither feels acting on the attraction is a good idea but controlling the attraction becomes to hard. This is a wonderfully written story that kept me turning page after page. I definitely recommend it!

This intriguing and sultry romance is the story of Isma'il and Lily. Sheikh Isma'il is determined to better his country and fix the legacy of his brutal father's reign. When he meets Lily, he desires not only to negotiate a business plan to have her company obtain oil rights in his country, but to have her as well. Can an affair between them lead to something more?

I really enjoyed this story! I loved the desert setting - it's hot, dry, dusty, and the author has done a wonderful job of portraying the atmosphere in her descriptions. Everything from the clothing to the food to the atmosphere is laid out in meticulous detail so that you really feel that you are there. Isma'il is exactly as one would expect for a desert ruler - strong, competent, handsome, direct. At the same time he is sensitive to the needs of his people and comes across as a caring man as well. He has experienced the brutality of his father's reign in a personal way and this has shaped his desire to make things better for his people. Lily was also an intriguing character - beautiful,full of determination and grit, wanting to prove to others and herself that she can be a strong businesswoman in a male dominated world. Her difficulties in using her femininity to get what she wants are a result of past sexual trauma and Isma'il senses the fragility that she tries to hide, making him all the more determined to show her how desirable she is and to be her protector.

The sexual chemistry between them sizzles and the love scenes are steamy and seductive. Isma'il knows his way around women and seduces Lily with intent and desire, one she is incapable of resisting. I enjoyed reading the scenes between them and the development of their feelings for each other.

Overall I found this to be an entertaining and riveting read, the sexual tension ratcheting up the story from the beginning. The setting, characters and plot were well written and made for a great story. 4.5 stars!

4.5 Stars I’ve not read romances involving Sheikhs before, so I have no point of reference for comparison. I have to say, after reading this one, I will definitely be watching for them. I loved the exotic setting. Jackie Ashenden is a very descriptive writer. I felt like I was seeing the things that she described. It was very different and intriguing. I like to take a trip to somewhere I’m not familiar with, and that’s how reading this book felt.

Sheikh Isma’il Zahara is VERY appealing presence – from his size to his gravitas, he is like a magnet to Lily Harkness – CEO of Harkness Oil Company. She doesn’t understand why she is so drawn to him. This has NEVER happened to her before. She has a ghost from her past that still haunts her, which has always kept her at arms distance from men. What is it about this one that is so different? The Sheikh also has past demons that he struggles to control. This beautiful woman brings those out in him, as well.

As the story progresses, Isma’il and Lily open up to each other. When he finds out about her past, he wants to protect her, and show her that she deserves better. He senses the fragile woman behind the tough CEO façade that she projects. She does not believe in using her femininity in the male dominated world that she works in. She wants to be treated as an equal. This conflicts with the feelings she is developing for him.

The sexual chemistry between these two characters is HOT, HOT, HOT! I think the sexual tension between them was the gasoline on the fire. The underlying darkness added to the tension. When they get together, you can almost see fireworks! The emotions are real…in every sultry detail. Their chemistry is much more than sexual, though. You can see Isma’il and Lily as partners – working for the common good of his country. They seemed to genuinely care about the people of Dahar.

NEVER SEDUCE A SHEIKH is an excellent contemporary romance, providing all of the necessary components of a great read - strong characters, solid plot, well-paced events and a whole lot of steam. Ashenden is amazingly talented at incorporating emotion with the physical that fairly sizzles with heat. I strongly recommend this book!

*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Tule Publishing for an honest review**

I have read almost all of the novels that Jackie Ashenden has written and I have not read a book yet that I would rate below a four star. Jackie Ashenden has a one-click stop for me and so far it has not steered me wrong.

Both of our characters in this novel have a darkness in their past that they have not come to terms with, let alone talked with to another person. However both see a corresponding darkness and pain in the other that seems to set them free in more than just one way. Lilly thought she had put the incident behind her and moved on, only to realise that she had not, whilst Isma'il thought the darkness he hides was a bad thing and that he was tainted and therefore not worthy of Lily's kind of love.

Both find solace and comfort with the other and a cleansing that no other has given to them before. Their emotions run hot and Lily finds herself having to stand up for what she wants and pushing Isma'il not to run away.

A brilliant read that had me turning page after page and not being able to put the book down.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1065635721

Some Arabian nights, 2 wounded souls, some silk scarves wrapped wrists, delicious dominance & beloved surrender are wrapped up in this luscious romance bow!

Lily Harkness is a damaged soul & hides behind her business clothes & her new position as CEO of Harkness Oil. She now only trust 1 male, her father, because at the age of 16 her swim coach forced a kiss on her, until blood filled her mouth & then tore her clothes, but THANK YOU GOD, he was scared away before he raped her. The lack of trust is always with her, but the hate she feels for herself will never go away.

Sheikh Isma'il Khalid al Zahara is now the ruler of his oil rich nation of Dahar. His father, Khalid, damaged everything & everyone in his ruthless wake. He beat his land, his people, his wife & even his son! Isma'il 1st order of business is to heal his country by wiping his Father's footprints off its sand. He is free of his Father's fists, but he will always have to keep his inner darkness under lock & key.

These 2 lost souls meet on a airstrip tarmac & they will never be the same again. Lily is here to get the oil leases in his country & prove herself to the board. Isma'il senses challenge in her by her refusing to be treated like a female, but will that challenge find it's way into his bed. At his palace's meet & greet cocktail party, she must be relaxed, graceful & approachable, all things she is not. She must keep her wall up, but he is slowly chipping it away with his push & pull. Isma'il just wants to have a taste, but when he touches her back, she stiffens & pushes away.

In the desert to get the tribes acceptance of the oil leases, they bare the ugliness of their abuses. Lily wants Isma'il, but he holds back because he is afraid to lose his careful CONTROL. She slips on her BIG GIRL pants, goes to his tent & seduces him, but Isma'il demands it's his hard demanding way or no way. Her sweet submission makes his inner darkness slowly begin to leak out, so he destroys her heart, instead of destroying her soul. Does Lily leave the desert & never return? Can Isma'il see that Lily is the balm that will heal his soul? Will a Sheikh & a powerful Oil CEO romance work? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Or will they both need to give & take?

This is my 1st Ms. Ashenden romance, but not my last. Her hero & heroine were 2 tormented souls that needed help healing their wounded souls. Isma'il was an unusual male of our & any time because he wanted to HEAL his country's open, puss-filled wound before his own. Lily (my new fav name in romance) was abused by a trust male figure & that made her build a moat, around her drawbridge, to her 100 foot castle wall around her heart, but also made her doubt yourself! Trust, forgiveness & acceptance were the main themes of this romance, but Ms. Ashenden helped them heal with making love. Lily & Isma'il never had sex, but had a deeply moving, "at the cellular level" loving in each other's arms. The yumminess was still there with the tying her wrists, his demanding orders, commanding hair pulling (on both sides), naughty spankings & many hard & deep thrusts, but each second of it was much needed healing! This tale had an Arabian flavor to it which made me feel the heated sun on my skin, made me look for chapstik, put on sun screen (I am a walking blister), see yummy mirages & fall in love with all things Arabic & the only thing missing were stinky camels. In other words, Ms. Ashenden submerged me into her Arabian world & I may have been kicking, screaming & fighting, but so glad I went on her heart wrenching & healing desert adventure. I have to give Ms. Ashenden my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this emotional rollercoaster romance & can't wait for the next adventure!

NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.

***I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion***

Never Seduce a Sheikh is book #2 in the International Bad Boys series and it was very different than other books from Tule Publishing but I enjoyed reading it.

Lily Harkness is the CEO of Harkness Oil and she arrived to Dahar with one mission- to win the oil contract and to prove she can be a good CEO as her dad and the fact she is a woman shouldn't matter.

Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara is looking to rebuilding Dahar , to help his nation heal after years under his dad's cruel regime and show them that he's nothing like his dad.

When Lily and Isma'il first meet there are major sparks between them but they both try to ignore the attraction in order to stay focus on business but the longer they spend time together the harder it is.

Lily never though she'll be attracted to a man after the trauma she had as a 16 year old girl so her feeling towards Isma'il confuse her and she find herself opening up to him and sharing her secrets.

Isma'il has his own dark secrets that keep him from being with Lily but together they both try to overcome the past and find happiness.

I enjoyed reading about Lily and Isma'il and how they found out that they both have common ground and I felt the strong connection between them and I was happy to see them trying to overcome their past and move forward in life.

Never Seduce a Sheikh is a very sexy and emotional novella.

Sheikh Isma’il al Zahara has his own plans on how he wants to rule his country. Where he can rebuild his country and help his people to heal after the cruel reign of his father. He’s got a past that he’s buried deep within himself. Oil baronness Lily Harkness has a past that haunts her deeply; she buried it within herself and is determined for it not to ruin this opportunity for her company.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed reading it. I also look forward in seeing and reading more from this author. I loved that the writing doesn’t shy away from the darkness between the two characters, but rather goes through how they are feeling and really shows the reader what they were going through. I found the story quite captivating and a quick read.

A female oil tycoon in a sheikh's world to do business? She finds way to make it work, and along the way they find a way to heal each other by confronting the past while finding love.