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Sedikhan #3
The Trustworthy Redhead
#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen gives readers a sensational story of man who has everything . . . except the trust of the woman he adores.
Billionaire Alex Ben Raschid can’t remember the last time he heard the word “no.” As Houston’s economic powerhouse and heir to a vast, oil-rich Middle Eastern sheikdom, Alex is used to getting what he wants. And when he lays eyes on Sabrina, the sensuous redhead hired to belly dance for his party, he wants her . . . and immediately sets out to possess her—heart and soul. But it is clear that his virile and arrogant manner will never win him Sabrina’s heart. Could Alex ever be humble enough to sway her?
From an early age, Sabrina Courtney has had to fend for herself. And ever since the man who has always been like a brother to her suffered a medical tragedy, she’s been caring for him, too. Paying the bills with her NoveltyGram job, keeping them both afloat—that’s what matters to the trustworthy redhead. So when Alex begins to ferociously pursue her, Sabrina is unimpressed. She’s certain that the mansion, the Italian sports car, and the smoldering eyes get him everything he wants and more from other women, but Sabrina is not like other women. She cannot even imagine falling for the billionaire—until she does.
Billionaire Alex Ben Raschid can’t remember the last time he heard the word “no.” As Houston’s economic powerhouse and heir to a vast, oil-rich Middle Eastern sheikdom, Alex is used to getting what he wants. And when he lays eyes on Sabrina, the sensuous redhead hired to belly dance for his party, he wants her . . . and immediately sets out to possess her—heart and soul. But it is clear that his virile and arrogant manner will never win him Sabrina’s heart. Could Alex ever be humble enough to sway her?
From an early age, Sabrina Courtney has had to fend for herself. And ever since the man who has always been like a brother to her suffered a medical tragedy, she’s been caring for him, too. Paying the bills with her NoveltyGram job, keeping them both afloat—that’s what matters to the trustworthy redhead. So when Alex begins to ferociously pursue her, Sabrina is unimpressed. She’s certain that the mansion, the Italian sports car, and the smoldering eyes get him everything he wants and more from other women, but Sabrina is not like other women. She cannot even imagine falling for the billionaire—until she does.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1984
42 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
229 books7,371 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 28, 2015
The Trustworthy Redhead is the 3rd book in Iris Johansen’s Sedikhan Series.
This is a sheikh romance….
So here we have Alex Ben Rashid heir to a vast, oil-rich Middle Eastern sheikdom, Sedikhan, billionaire, suave, good looking, arrogant with a penchant for red-haired beautiful women.
Sabrina Courtney, our heroine is hired by Honey, Princess Rubinoff (remember her from the previous book, The Golden Valkyrian??) to deliver a special present for Alex’s birthday party. Now, one of the many jobs Sabrina has is that of a belly dancer…
And that’s where things becoming a bit weird for me. In the previous book, Alex was a totally different guy from what he’s here!!!! His behavior is beyond strange. He immediately wants her, becomes jealous, demands she becomes his lover and even goes as far as having her fired from her job when she refuses his demand that she quit her job!!!!! I was somewhat turned off by this guy/hero!!! Yeah, he had a horrible childhood and he doesn’t trust anyone…blah blah blah…but really!!!! That’s no reason for his behavior towards women…and believe me there are a lot of them in his life…..in fact, his reaction to Sabrina’s initial “brush-off”….sleeping with other women…but wait, he does tell her that it was not that great..right…he’s nothing but a
I liked Sabrina….well not so much the way she behaved around Alex….but she had such a caring heart….how loving and patient she is towards her damaged friend!!! Actually the scenes with David, her friend are really sad and heartbreaking.
There were some really interesting hot and sensual moments between Alex & Sabrina
I liked the plot and the settings and there are some very endearing and likeable characters.
I did enjoy the return of some of the characters from the previous books.
If you are interested, read my reviews on the series so far here -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
So, continuing onto the next book in the series and checking out what the next Sedikhan adventure come my way!!
This is a sheikh romance….
But it’s not exactly the usual sheik living in the desert, who kidnaps the virginal heroine and makes her fall in love with him…..you know those stories…
No, this sheik is a more westernized one…he lives in Houston, USA….and yes, he did live in his desert kingdom when he was a young kid…but he’s more of a metro sexual guy….though he is an oil baron!!!!
So here we have Alex Ben Rashid heir to a vast, oil-rich Middle Eastern sheikdom, Sedikhan, billionaire, suave, good looking, arrogant with a penchant for red-haired beautiful women.
Sabrina Courtney, our heroine is hired by Honey, Princess Rubinoff (remember her from the previous book, The Golden Valkyrian??) to deliver a special present for Alex’s birthday party. Now, one of the many jobs Sabrina has is that of a belly dancer…
Oops,,,,sorry, this is not the right bellygram dancer sent as a present for Alex…Sabrina is a red-haired gorgeous woman….something like this
Anyway, after the sensual belly dance, Alex is totally hooked!!!! I guess that was Honey’s plan all along!!!
And that’s where things becoming a bit weird for me. In the previous book, Alex was a totally different guy from what he’s here!!!! His behavior is beyond strange. He immediately wants her, becomes jealous, demands she becomes his lover and even goes as far as having her fired from her job when she refuses his demand that she quit her job!!!!! I was somewhat turned off by this guy/hero!!! Yeah, he had a horrible childhood and he doesn’t trust anyone…blah blah blah…but really!!!! That’s no reason for his behavior towards women…and believe me there are a lot of them in his life…..in fact, his reaction to Sabrina’s initial “brush-off”….sleeping with other women…but wait, he does tell her that it was not that great..right…he’s nothing but a
Yes, a man-whore!!! Never mind that it’s the 80’s!!!! The only thing that saved him in my eyes was that in the end he does redeem himself!!!!! Mind you, I would have loved a bit more GROVELLING…!!!!!
I liked Sabrina….well not so much the way she behaved around Alex….but she had such a caring heart….how loving and patient she is towards her damaged friend!!! Actually the scenes with David, her friend are really sad and heartbreaking.
There were some really interesting hot and sensual moments between Alex & Sabrina
….like someone wrote in their review…..kind of sweet and vanilla version of Fifty Shades of Grey!!!!!
I liked the plot and the settings and there are some very endearing and likeable characters.
I did enjoy the return of some of the characters from the previous books.
If you are interested, read my reviews on the series so far here -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
So, continuing onto the next book in the series and checking out what the next Sedikhan adventure come my way!!
December 6, 2021
“The Trustworthy Redhead” is the story to Alex and Sabrina.
So this book drove me to blinding rage many at times.
We know from the previous book that our great hero likes redheads and asks his SIL Honey for the same.
Well she delivers in the form of Sabrina, who performs a belly dancing gram on his birthday, and he gets obsessed.
I’ve said it before, I like possessive stalkery heroes- but this one was just infuriatingly ridiculous. He gets her fired from job, calls her all sorts of name, threatens and stalks her, sleeps with other women to forget her, and then when he succeeds of getting her in bed thanks to a storm, still is only interested in sex.
The heroine “tries” to fight back by not addressing his misconceptions, but she’s easily seduced by the lovemaking and his craziness and gives in.
The heroine does confront him about the ow issue but ofcourse, it’s her insecurities as per him and then boom.. sex.
I’ve never got the “I’ll sleep around for you” trope and it will always annoy me.
Gah
Unsafe
1/5
-----------
Reread: update rating 4/5
So this book drove me to blinding rage many at times.
We know from the previous book that our great hero likes redheads and asks his SIL Honey for the same.
Well she delivers in the form of Sabrina, who performs a belly dancing gram on his birthday, and he gets obsessed.
I’ve said it before, I like possessive stalkery heroes- but this one was just infuriatingly ridiculous. He gets her fired from job, calls her all sorts of name, threatens and stalks her, sleeps with other women to forget her, and then when he succeeds of getting her in bed thanks to a storm, still is only interested in sex.
The heroine “tries” to fight back by not addressing his misconceptions, but she’s easily seduced by the lovemaking and his craziness and gives in.
The heroine does confront him about the ow issue but ofcourse, it’s her insecurities as per him and then boom.. sex.
I’ve never got the “I’ll sleep around for you” trope and it will always annoy me.
Gah
Unsafe
1/5
-----------
Reread: update rating 4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2008
I picked this book up from a bookshelf in our building where people leave books for others to take. My intent was to take the cover and frame it - after all it's called "the trustworthy redhead" and has a bellydancer on the cover.
Well, I thought, I may as well read it, too. I like a bodice (or, in this case, bedlah) ripper as much as the next girl from time to time.
This. Is. Awful. I admit - I would seldom review a book unless I'd read the whole thing, however, within the first 30 pages, the male romantic lead had: trapped the leading lady in a room and informed her she wasn't leaving until she answered all of his questions(the way it was written gave me chills, and not in a good way), grabbed her by the neck to make her hold still, and then stalked her to a gig and demanded she get into his car (with the implicit message he'll do violence to her coworker if she didn't).
That's not the lead in for a romance to me, it's more like a horror/suspense novel.
Yes, I've read the romance novels where the overbearing guy overwhelms the chick with his love and yadayada - but this guy... I don't care how sympathetic a figure he may be painted as later on in this book I can't get past the fact that the first time our heroine met this guy he grabbed her by the neck and she's more interested in getting into his car then calling the police! I guess it's permitted because later he'll sweep her off her feet and fix all of her money problems. Yeah. No.
Well, I thought, I may as well read it, too. I like a bodice (or, in this case, bedlah) ripper as much as the next girl from time to time.
This. Is. Awful. I admit - I would seldom review a book unless I'd read the whole thing, however, within the first 30 pages, the male romantic lead had: trapped the leading lady in a room and informed her she wasn't leaving until she answered all of his questions(the way it was written gave me chills, and not in a good way), grabbed her by the neck to make her hold still, and then stalked her to a gig and demanded she get into his car (with the implicit message he'll do violence to her coworker if she didn't).
That's not the lead in for a romance to me, it's more like a horror/suspense novel.
Yes, I've read the romance novels where the overbearing guy overwhelms the chick with his love and yadayada - but this guy... I don't care how sympathetic a figure he may be painted as later on in this book I can't get past the fact that the first time our heroine met this guy he grabbed her by the neck and she's more interested in getting into his car then calling the police! I guess it's permitted because later he'll sweep her off her feet and fix all of her money problems. Yeah. No.
January 28, 2021
I read this book a couple of times in the 80’s and 90’s. Before I Noticed lesbian fiction. It brought back nostalgia. There is a lot of stuff in there it that couldn’t be written now. He was very forceful and intimidating. But I needed a break from...I don’t know, and this one helped.
February 18, 2016
I always enjoy a jealous possessive hero!
July 30, 2021
2.25⭐ Read for Mk's Sedikhan Update on DQBTalkBooks.
Link when episode is available.
Link when episode is available.
November 20, 2012
When I picked this book up at the library, I was unaware that it was a re-print of a book first published in 1984, which explained a lot, and is the basis for my rating, which otherwise would have been 1 star. Nothing really works in this story: the characters are flat, the dialogue is painful, and there's not much plot.
I have read other Iris Johansen books over the years, and have always felt that she tells a good story, but this wasn't one of them. It's sort of a Disney-fied version of FSoG -- you should just read the real thing.
I have read other Iris Johansen books over the years, and have always felt that she tells a good story, but this wasn't one of them. It's sort of a Disney-fied version of FSoG -- you should just read the real thing.
Read
August 4, 2013The early draft of Fifty Shades of gray, but with a slightly more interesting female lead and without the kinky sex/bdsm.
September 19, 2021
Its an age of story thing but still very entertaining.
I do not want to even admit to how long ago I originally owned and read the paperbacks for this series.
Found the series in eBook format when browsing my library, just not this one so rereading my old version as I decided to have a nostalgic reading trip.
I still distinctly remember TOUCH THE HORIZON which stars David, who plays a large part in this story. It was the first book I read in this series and I reread it quite a few times. Even years later it still remains a happy memory.
I have reviewed some of these over the years but I was pleasantly surprised to find more have been written. I always wanted to read Clancy’s story so I am rereading these in order until I get to him.
I did enjoy this still but it is an age of story thing, that Alex is such an arrogant womanising hero. The fact he has sex with other women whilst pursuing Sabrina is tasteless and upsetting.
Sabrina is likeable and has a very strong character. Her looking after David for two years, whilst only a young woman herself, shows how loyal and dedicated she is to those she loves.
She does give Alex a run for his money but doesn’t make a big fuss about the hurt caused by the other women.
But she does the really silly act of driving into a flooded river, even though she was warned the bridge could be underwater, then to compound that error, stands in the middle of the road to flag down a car.
Still so poignantly sad the circumstances surrounding David in this book but I do love reading his story.
I do not want to even admit to how long ago I originally owned and read the paperbacks for this series.
Found the series in eBook format when browsing my library, just not this one so rereading my old version as I decided to have a nostalgic reading trip.
I still distinctly remember TOUCH THE HORIZON which stars David, who plays a large part in this story. It was the first book I read in this series and I reread it quite a few times. Even years later it still remains a happy memory.
I have reviewed some of these over the years but I was pleasantly surprised to find more have been written. I always wanted to read Clancy’s story so I am rereading these in order until I get to him.
I did enjoy this still but it is an age of story thing, that Alex is such an arrogant womanising hero. The fact he has sex with other women whilst pursuing Sabrina is tasteless and upsetting.
Sabrina is likeable and has a very strong character. Her looking after David for two years, whilst only a young woman herself, shows how loyal and dedicated she is to those she loves.
She does give Alex a run for his money but doesn’t make a big fuss about the hurt caused by the other women.
But she does the really silly act of driving into a flooded river, even though she was warned the bridge could be underwater, then to compound that error, stands in the middle of the road to flag down a car.
Still so poignantly sad the circumstances surrounding David in this book but I do love reading his story.
May 27, 2019
I read the first few pages and decided to check it out from the library. I read another 15 or so and gave up. The hero is way too arrogant, pushy. Took an almost instant dislike to him so... Also, here we go again with another book where the woman is in her early 20's and the man is in his 30's. In this case, there is a 12 year difference in age. Don't mind it now and then but there are way too many books out there like this, it's annoying.
I went back and finished it. I skimmed a little. I don't know why I bothered with it, it was a waste of time. A dated romance novel with nothing to recommend it.
I went back and finished it. I skimmed a little. I don't know why I bothered with it, it was a waste of time. A dated romance novel with nothing to recommend it.
August 27, 2019
Good read
I read all the Sedikhan series and others, some aspects may seem out of place, in terms of views, but really it's the characters and ideals, in this one, I suppose the idea of trust, and innocent ideal view David has that puts this book on keeper shelf to reread. Ms Johansen books can reflect how views were at that time, yet still create stories worth reading years in this case decades later.
I read all the Sedikhan series and others, some aspects may seem out of place, in terms of views, but really it's the characters and ideals, in this one, I suppose the idea of trust, and innocent ideal view David has that puts this book on keeper shelf to reread. Ms Johansen books can reflect how views were at that time, yet still create stories worth reading years in this case decades later.
Read
July 11, 2022This book was published in 1984. I was six years old so I don’t remember but was women treated this crappy back then? Granted, I understand that this is fiction but come on!! Alex was so controlling and verbally abusive and she just ran into his arms. Calling her a bitch and a whore was just awful. He practically kidnapped her and she still loves him. Throughout this whole book, 2 words kept coming to mind: RESTRAINING ORDER!! I have it 1 star because I couldn’t believe how stupid she was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
I got to page 207 and called it quits. I like the other books in the Sedikhan series. This one l do not mainly because of Alex. He is rude, arrogant, chauvinistic and delights in making threats in order to have Sabrina do what he wants, go where he wants.
The more l read l hoped things would change and he would soften. He didn't and instead became a bigger jerk in my eyes.
I didn't finish the book. For me it's not one of her best.
The more l read l hoped things would change and he would soften. He didn't and instead became a bigger jerk in my eyes.
I didn't finish the book. For me it's not one of her best.
October 18, 2023
Perfect For It’s Time
This is a perfect example of the early 80’s category romance. Does it have outdated ideas about women, consent and cultural appropriation? Absolutely. But at the time, it was revolutionary in its portrayal of a strong FMC not just falling under the spell of a strong MMC. The story has held up fairly well, and is still a good read.
This is a perfect example of the early 80’s category romance. Does it have outdated ideas about women, consent and cultural appropriation? Absolutely. But at the time, it was revolutionary in its portrayal of a strong FMC not just falling under the spell of a strong MMC. The story has held up fairly well, and is still a good read.
February 5, 2022
Alex and Bree
Every time I think I understand your books, you throw a wrench my way. I loved this book! J loved the love story, and the story about David as well. I've been reading your books forever it seems and they just keep getting better.
Every time I think I understand your books, you throw a wrench my way. I loved this book! J loved the love story, and the story about David as well. I've been reading your books forever it seems and they just keep getting better.
May 29, 2017
Started out good and interesting....failed to hold my interest half way through though
August 20, 2017
And more!
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars
September 30, 2018
Not one of her better books: must of been in her early writing career; really stupid plot!
May 4, 2019
Adoravo questa serie
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars
The hero is a stalker and an a***hole but I enjoyed it. I am probably in a masochistic mood
The hero is a stalker and an a***hole but I enjoyed it. I am probably in a masochistic mood
August 4, 2022
Am conflicted with thus book he was a bulling and she falls in love nooo
September 7, 2015
Sabrina Courtney has alway fend for herself and ever since the man who always was like a brother suffer a medical tragedy she needs all the her job at NoveltyGram as a bellydancer and was hire to preformed at birthday party of billionaire Alex Ben Raschid. Alex can't remember the last time he was told no and had fight for what he wanted. and what he wanted more then is Sabrina but she is unimpressed. they both have a lesson to learn on trusting.
November 29, 2012
I don't know. Maybe this was too much a straight romance or something. And normally I love books by this author. I didn't like this. Asshole controlling rich guy, smart, gorgeous poor virgin. Just too cliche or something. I skimmed the last third, only to find out about the damaged friend, David.
April 3, 2016
Romantic
The story was romantic and I really liked the way that the two main characters met. Also having David to care for made it more interesting. It was a little too unbelievable at times but still enjoyable.
The story was romantic and I really liked the way that the two main characters met. Also having David to care for made it more interesting. It was a little too unbelievable at times but still enjoyable.
February 23, 2010
นิยายรักหวานๆ สั้นๆ อ่านสบายๆ ค่ะ
อ่านนิยายชุดนี้ไปสี่เล่ม (1-4) ชอบเล่มนี้เล่มเดียว เล่มอื่นเฉยๆ อะค่ะ
อ่านนิยายชุดนี้ไปสี่เล่ม (1-4) ชอบเล่มนี้เล่มเดียว เล่มอื่นเฉยๆ อะค่ะ
December 24, 2012
Titre vf : L'orient des désirs
January 10, 2013
Lighthearted reading. I did not like Alex's pet name for Sabrina.
January 14, 2013
Totally unbelievable storyline. I wanted to scream when he takes her to the airport and won't even "let" her explain to the people who are depending on her. Don't waste your time.
November 6, 2015
Kept waiting for something to happen - there could have been drama but...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews