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The Sheik and the Slave
Katharine Fairfax is a high bred lady who enjoys a privileged life as the youngest daughter of Lord Fairfax. But when she rebuffs an older man’s insulting proposition of becoming his mistress the man decides to exact a most frightening revenge.
Katharine is kidnapped from her comfortable home and family in England and taken to Arabia where she is sold to a powerful sheik.
Sheik Mohammed Aksam Al Sabid is captivated by Katharine from the first moment she is brought into his audience chambers by two Arab pirates. He pays an outrageous sum for her and intends the white woman to join his harem.
But Katharine demands to return home. When the sheik denies this request - a clash of wills begins.
While each struggle with their emotions, Katharine falls under the Arab's spell in a world of sand and heat. Mohammed is equally bewitched and decides that he will have no other woman but Katharine and ultimately disbands his harem to start a new life with her.
But there is someone within the sheik’s palace who does not want Katharine as Mohammed’s wife and will stop at nothing to tear the two apart.
Katharine is kidnapped from her comfortable home and family in England and taken to Arabia where she is sold to a powerful sheik.
Sheik Mohammed Aksam Al Sabid is captivated by Katharine from the first moment she is brought into his audience chambers by two Arab pirates. He pays an outrageous sum for her and intends the white woman to join his harem.
But Katharine demands to return home. When the sheik denies this request - a clash of wills begins.
While each struggle with their emotions, Katharine falls under the Arab's spell in a world of sand and heat. Mohammed is equally bewitched and decides that he will have no other woman but Katharine and ultimately disbands his harem to start a new life with her.
But there is someone within the sheik’s palace who does not want Katharine as Mohammed’s wife and will stop at nothing to tear the two apart.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Nicola Italia
23 books153 followersNicola spent her childhood in Los Angeles. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China and Central America.
She currently has twenty one novels available at Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.
https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China and Central America.
She currently has twenty one novels available at Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.
https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 18, 2025
Well I gave this an honest go. It honestly was starting to grow on me because the story is extremely bonkers and I can't help but love some of these absurd story lines.
Then the author introduced an on page rape scene. That is not personally the issue as I can handle reading those types of scenes... what became the issue is that the author wrote the character enjoying the rape and then just turning the scene into an orgy. That I am not okay with.
I'll even be adding this author to my No list because I can't be okay with someone writing a character enjoying a rape.
So DNF at 36% page 128/372. And yes I will be counting this for my Sheikh Bingo Square! Y'all can't make me read another Sheikh romance LOL.
Edit: The rape I speak of does not happen to the FMC. It is to another character but is graphic and yes very on page.
Then the author introduced an on page rape scene. That is not personally the issue as I can handle reading those types of scenes... what became the issue is that the author wrote the character enjoying the rape and then just turning the scene into an orgy. That I am not okay with.
I'll even be adding this author to my No list because I can't be okay with someone writing a character enjoying a rape.
So DNF at 36% page 128/372. And yes I will be counting this for my Sheikh Bingo Square! Y'all can't make me read another Sheikh romance LOL.
Edit: The rape I speak of does not happen to the FMC. It is to another character but is graphic and yes very on page.
May 13, 2015
***3.5*** Freaking Anxiety Attacking Stars!
Here I am enjoying this book, happily rooting for the author because I'm the girl that's all for the underdog. You hate it and rate it, then I know I'm going to most likely Love It!! At least that's how it usually works.
Well I got to about 40% before I started frowning. Promise, I was looking for some aspirin because my head hurt from all the drama, kidnappings, and a few silly plot moments. I mean one bad thing after the other started happening until the story seemed out of control. (I actually like out of control, to a point). Then.... I almost had a fit when it didn't look like the HEA would ever happen.
Good Lord, how many times can one be kidnapped. Everybody was thrusting their Co@ks into all kinds of holes, back-door holes, tight holes, loose holes, old holes, new holes, underaged holes, light holes, dark holes, anything that was of the female anatomy was being speared, but I actually liked that part too, depending on who it was and the situation.
I thought the book had some scenes that could have been left out between 40% and the end, but that's just me; I always want to hurry and get to the good stuff.
Decent read, so I don't get all the 1 star ratings. I often wonder if people sometimes jump on the bandwagon when a friend or something gives a bad review. Serious, look close, there is a pattern to it.
Anyway, happy readings.
Here I am enjoying this book, happily rooting for the author because I'm the girl that's all for the underdog. You hate it and rate it, then I know I'm going to most likely Love It!! At least that's how it usually works.
Well I got to about 40% before I started frowning. Promise, I was looking for some aspirin because my head hurt from all the drama, kidnappings, and a few silly plot moments. I mean one bad thing after the other started happening until the story seemed out of control. (I actually like out of control, to a point). Then.... I almost had a fit when it didn't look like the HEA would ever happen.
Good Lord, how many times can one be kidnapped. Everybody was thrusting their Co@ks into all kinds of holes, back-door holes, tight holes, loose holes, old holes, new holes, underaged holes, light holes, dark holes, anything that was of the female anatomy was being speared, but I actually liked that part too, depending on who it was and the situation.
I thought the book had some scenes that could have been left out between 40% and the end, but that's just me; I always want to hurry and get to the good stuff.
Decent read, so I don't get all the 1 star ratings. I often wonder if people sometimes jump on the bandwagon when a friend or something gives a bad review. Serious, look close, there is a pattern to it.
Anyway, happy readings.
September 27, 2015
Genre: Erotica Historical
Tags: Sodomy, Kidnapping, Harem, Need proofreading, Older man (it's barely mentioned but it's 18 yrs)
Content warnings:
Tags: Sodomy, Kidnapping, Harem, Need proofreading, Older man (it's barely mentioned but it's 18 yrs)
Content warnings:
April 27, 2015
Beautiful story, sensual erotica, highly charged!
I loved this book! It was sensual erotica with a real storyline, very believable and I really connected with the characters and found myself crossing my fingers that everything worked out for them and that they would be together in the end.
I noticed a lot of low ratings for this book from people who thought the book was "derogatory towards women" or who found there to be too much sex. I personally found this book to be very 'real' of what probably did happen in Arabia in a Harem back at the time when this book is set. The main character is also highly intelligent and strong willed, and the Sheik appreciates that about her. I don't want to spoil the book by telling what happens, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
I loved this book! It was sensual erotica with a real storyline, very believable and I really connected with the characters and found myself crossing my fingers that everything worked out for them and that they would be together in the end.
I noticed a lot of low ratings for this book from people who thought the book was "derogatory towards women" or who found there to be too much sex. I personally found this book to be very 'real' of what probably did happen in Arabia in a Harem back at the time when this book is set. The main character is also highly intelligent and strong willed, and the Sheik appreciates that about her. I don't want to spoil the book by telling what happens, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
August 5, 2014
This book was won for free through Goodreads Firsr Reads Guveaway.
The beginning of this book really pulled me in. I liked it from the first page...but then I started chapter 1. I thought this book was going to be more of a romance, but it is almost strictly erotica. Too much of it as well. Every single page.
Would not recommend.
The beginning of this book really pulled me in. I liked it from the first page...but then I started chapter 1. I thought this book was going to be more of a romance, but it is almost strictly erotica. Too much of it as well. Every single page.
Would not recommend.
April 11, 2015
All this book needed was an evil guy in a black cape and a stove pipe hat tying the struggling slave girl to the railroad tracks and then twirling his mustache as he laughed maniaciallly. I mean how many times can one person be abducted in a lifetime?
August 4, 2014
I received The Sheik and the Slave as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Kidnapped on the orders of a spurned suitor, beautiful, intelligent Kat Fairfax is shipped to Arabia to serve in the harem of Sheik Mohammad, a powerful, sexually dominant leader. Despite his sexual interest in (and activity with) many women, the stunning Englishwoman captivates him, while his power and prowess impresses Kat. As the two fall further into infatuation, forces--both English and Arabian--threaten to force them apart.
The author, Nicola Italia, sent me a lovely note with the book, which was a wonderful gesture. Because of this, I so badly wanted to like the novel. Unfortunately, it really wasn't my cup of tea. It's a lot of erotica, which I don't mind in small doses, but 300 pages of it was a little much for me, personally. Additionally, while I know modern historical romance novels are anachronistic in many ways, the idea that a solidly middle-class father would not only welcome his daughter and her illegitimate child back into the family with no ifs, ands, or buts, but also bless said daughter's marriage to said child's non-Christian father, really defies belief. I just think it would have been a stronger book if it had been more gritty and historical, and a less kinky bodice ripping.
Kidnapped on the orders of a spurned suitor, beautiful, intelligent Kat Fairfax is shipped to Arabia to serve in the harem of Sheik Mohammad, a powerful, sexually dominant leader. Despite his sexual interest in (and activity with) many women, the stunning Englishwoman captivates him, while his power and prowess impresses Kat. As the two fall further into infatuation, forces--both English and Arabian--threaten to force them apart.
The author, Nicola Italia, sent me a lovely note with the book, which was a wonderful gesture. Because of this, I so badly wanted to like the novel. Unfortunately, it really wasn't my cup of tea. It's a lot of erotica, which I don't mind in small doses, but 300 pages of it was a little much for me, personally. Additionally, while I know modern historical romance novels are anachronistic in many ways, the idea that a solidly middle-class father would not only welcome his daughter and her illegitimate child back into the family with no ifs, ands, or buts, but also bless said daughter's marriage to said child's non-Christian father, really defies belief. I just think it would have been a stronger book if it had been more gritty and historical, and a less kinky bodice ripping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2014
4+3/4 STARS!! Excellent Historical Romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There are a few dark scenes that might be disturbing to some, but, unfortunately, these things did actually happen at that time.
The story was amazingly well told and grabbed my attention from first page to last.
I look forward to reading Ms. Italia' s newest book, just released.
There are a few dark scenes that might be disturbing to some, but, unfortunately, these things did actually happen at that time.
The story was amazingly well told and grabbed my attention from first page to last.
I look forward to reading Ms. Italia' s newest book, just released.
Did Not Finish
April 12, 2015I don't think you could call this historical romance with the word "snatch" in it! I enjoyed the beginning but it fell apart after about chapter 3 for me. Too many POVs for one thing. I don't need to hear every characters POV, this book had literally everyones. Now I know why some books are free.
April 7, 2015
Based on vocabulary and dialog this books appears to have been written by a horny sixteen year old.
July 13, 2015
Hmm, I'm not sure quite what to say about The Sheikh and the Slave. I'm almost alittle embarrassed to even admit I read it. It reminds me so much of the old Bodice Rippers but more explicit. There is definitely a love story here though mixed within the heavy erotica. When I started reading this book I had a nasty summer cold/flu and read the first half while heavily medicated on NyQuil and nausea meds. I mention this because I'm not sure I would have given myself a chance to read far enough into the book to get beyond some very uncomfortable but somewhat scintillating scenes. I'm glad though that I did. Just past the half way point in the book the erotica takes a back seat and the love story becomes the focus. Were all the explicit scenes necessary? Hmm, again I'm not sure but it does allow us to see great change in the mind set of the Hero. At one point in the book (or really multiple times) I could not have ever thought I'd think of Mohammed as a Hero. My thinking may be just too western and possibly even puritanical to really wrap my head around Harems and the "Hero" buying and selling of a woman.
If you've enjoyed Bodice Rippers such as Kathleen Woodiwiss and even Jude Deveraux and Connie Mason, give this book a try. Be warned though this is not your mother's or grandmother's romance and very rarely did the author fade to black. There is a deep love story here as well as adventure and unusual settings. Please be aware though this book is not for everyone and definitely not for anyone under 18- really I'd say over 21 even. There are very controversial topics including rape and incest.
If you've enjoyed Bodice Rippers such as Kathleen Woodiwiss and even Jude Deveraux and Connie Mason, give this book a try. Be warned though this is not your mother's or grandmother's romance and very rarely did the author fade to black. There is a deep love story here as well as adventure and unusual settings. Please be aware though this book is not for everyone and definitely not for anyone under 18- really I'd say over 21 even. There are very controversial topics including rape and incest.
April 8, 2015
Oh no, I just got through the prologue and it's stuffing a modern girl into history. Also, some of the information is repeated enough to insult my intelligence. Argh and mixed modern language with old English! I will keep reading, maybe it will get better.
Bah! It felt like a narrator was telling me about everyone's thoughts with some dialogue thrown in to string along the story.
I will see how far I get. After 7% can I read any more?
The heroine is judged on her beauty and her upstart brains. She is hated and sold into slavery.
Some unsavory descriptive language regarding female and male anatomy that is definitely not historical. And now the story descends into sex with many different partners with the sheik(by the way most stories use sheikh). If this is supposed to be erotic it comes across as crass. Skimmed the rest. This girl is hated and hated and hated bleh.
Read other reviews if you like this kind of story.
Bah! It felt like a narrator was telling me about everyone's thoughts with some dialogue thrown in to string along the story.
I will see how far I get. After 7% can I read any more?
The heroine is judged on her beauty and her upstart brains. She is hated and sold into slavery.
Some unsavory descriptive language regarding female and male anatomy that is definitely not historical. And now the story descends into sex with many different partners with the sheik(by the way most stories use sheikh). If this is supposed to be erotic it comes across as crass. Skimmed the rest. This girl is hated and hated and hated bleh.
Read other reviews if you like this kind of story.
May 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone who would enjoy a well-written exotic romance.
Thumbs up!
Kathleen Fairfax is a young English woman excited about exploring the challenges of finding a loving husband.
When she spurns the attentions of a lecherous, vengeful suitor. She's kidnapped and sold into slavery. Shipped off to a foreign land, she's purchased by a rakishly handsome sheik and sparks fly.
Will she escape and find her way home?
Or will Sheik Sexy wear down her already diminishing defenses?
Kathleen has very little time to maneuver....
Thumbs up!
Kathleen Fairfax is a young English woman excited about exploring the challenges of finding a loving husband.
When she spurns the attentions of a lecherous, vengeful suitor. She's kidnapped and sold into slavery. Shipped off to a foreign land, she's purchased by a rakishly handsome sheik and sparks fly.
Will she escape and find her way home?
Or will Sheik Sexy wear down her already diminishing defenses?
Kathleen has very little time to maneuver....
June 24, 2017
If I could give this book a no stars rating I would have. How anyone can give this book a 4/5 star rating is beyond me, they must be getting paid to place the reviews. This book is horrendous! It has a stupid storyline with far too much badly dwritten sex scenes, rape and kidnappings. It was a tremendous struggle to finish this book! The author needs to either get some lessons in writing or never write another book.
February 25, 2024
The Sheik and the Slave (The Sheik and the Slave Saga Book 1)
The love story of Sheik Mohammed and Lady Katharine Fairfax. Lady Katharine is a well educated beautiful woman. When she refused to be a old Baron mistress he had her kidnapped and send to Arabia. Kat is sold to Mohammed who fall is love with her. She fight him and refused to submit to him. Will love win out and can Kat find her way home. Great story.
The love story of Sheik Mohammed and Lady Katharine Fairfax. Lady Katharine is a well educated beautiful woman. When she refused to be a old Baron mistress he had her kidnapped and send to Arabia. Kat is sold to Mohammed who fall is love with her. She fight him and refused to submit to him. Will love win out and can Kat find her way home. Great story.
March 30, 2019
It was a passionate love story. The flames of hunger and need leap from the pages. The relation of Mohammad and Kathrine is one of turmoil and passion. The story spans from the lush green of England to sand dunes of Arabia, two worlds colliding.
I highly recommend this book. A great read on a stormy night.
I highly recommend this book. A great read on a stormy night.
June 24, 2024
Jay813million
This book could have been reduced by at least 100 pages. I don't mind reading some erotica but the author seemed to go out of her say to describe every sex act possible. Premise was good but there is the cliche - less is better - which the author should ha d followed.
This book could have been reduced by at least 100 pages. I don't mind reading some erotica but the author seemed to go out of her say to describe every sex act possible. Premise was good but there is the cliche - less is better - which the author should ha d followed.
June 21, 2024
the idea of the story is good, but the book is 200 pages longer than it needed to be. the h is kidnapped 2 times and separated from the H more than they are together...and after awhile the story just dragged! it was simply tooooooo long!
December 27, 2017
Crazy ride to the end
There were many twists that were completely unexpected. There was no predictions the outcome like you can with other books.
There were many twists that were completely unexpected. There was no predictions the outcome like you can with other books.
January 14, 2019
Slave
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
July 10, 2019
Reminds me of Beatrice small
Not everyone likes these kind of angsty novels, but I sure do! This reminds me of a Beatrice small novel and I liked it very much!
Not everyone likes these kind of angsty novels, but I sure do! This reminds me of a Beatrice small novel and I liked it very much!
January 12, 2020
Katherine and Mohammed, smoky hot fiery sexually charged goodness all.in one book as well as romance infused as well.
Want to Read
December 13, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (12/13/2020)! 🎁
May 28, 2022
I loved every bit of it!!
March 30, 2020
I started reading this story years ago when it started on Literotica. It was captivating then. To be able to finish this was wonderful.
The MC is blond and seems to find trouble regardless of her circumstances. However, she is a strong and determined woman.
The Sheik is just that a Sheik who is married to a shrew.
It all comes together nicely.
The MC is blond and seems to find trouble regardless of her circumstances. However, she is a strong and determined woman.
The Sheik is just that a Sheik who is married to a shrew.
It all comes together nicely.
January 7, 2020
Massive let down
I was reading online and wanted to know the end. There are well written parts (the erotica) but the rest of the writing is amateur, the characters are underdeveloped, the explanations very long and repetitive (you can skip whole paragraphs and miss nothing). And for some reason the author writes every single person's POV. Had potential, especially the chemistry between the lead characters, but with the endless misunderstandings and multiple kidnappings (is there no other storyline?), it's an average read.
I was reading online and wanted to know the end. There are well written parts (the erotica) but the rest of the writing is amateur, the characters are underdeveloped, the explanations very long and repetitive (you can skip whole paragraphs and miss nothing). And for some reason the author writes every single person's POV. Had potential, especially the chemistry between the lead characters, but with the endless misunderstandings and multiple kidnappings (is there no other storyline?), it's an average read.
March 20, 2025
From Literotica 2.5 stars
Does every white woman have a domineering sheikh wet dream?
Does every white woman have a domineering sheikh wet dream?
July 19, 2023
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Rape
• Slavery
• Physical and emotional assault
• Domestic and family violence
• Murder
• Gambling addiction.
Characters
Katherine Fairfax is our leading lady. Born and raised as the daughter of a Lord, she’s expected to make a good marriage and have children. Instead, her father educated her and nurtured her strong will and determination that she channels into avoiding marriage for now.
Sheik Mohammed is our leading man and rules his household well. While he’s a man of his country, religion and time; he’s forward thinking enough that he isn’t offensive to our modern Western expectations and sensibilities. While he comes across as too controlling and manipulative at times, those traits are balanced out by his love, care and devotion to his household.
Storyline
Katherine finds herself on her way to Arabia where she’s sold to Sheik Mohammad after refusing multiple proposals from English Lords. While working in Mohammad’s harem, she finds herself inextricably drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. As Mohammad’s infatuation grows, we see our story play out across both Arabia and England.
Overall Thoughts
I’ve read a few different books by Nicola, and I can honestly say that I can clearly see how her writing has developed over the years. The first book of hers I read came out around the same time as this but was more of a romance than an erotica so was fairly clean, and the style is more in line with her writing in her newest books.
However, in this book, I found it to be much cruder, the changes between points of views were more difficult to identify and process and the way it was put together was much more immature than her current writing.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book. I did!
I just found it jarring at times and a stark contrast to her current books. Which is bound to happen as writers produce more books. Their early books will almost always feel quite different to their newest books (especially when they’ve been writing for a decade or more!).
So while I enjoyed this book, if you prefer writing that’s not as harsh, this one probably isn’t for you. But some of her later books may be more your style.
This book contains:
• Rape
• Slavery
• Physical and emotional assault
• Domestic and family violence
• Murder
• Gambling addiction.
Characters
Katherine Fairfax is our leading lady. Born and raised as the daughter of a Lord, she’s expected to make a good marriage and have children. Instead, her father educated her and nurtured her strong will and determination that she channels into avoiding marriage for now.
Sheik Mohammed is our leading man and rules his household well. While he’s a man of his country, religion and time; he’s forward thinking enough that he isn’t offensive to our modern Western expectations and sensibilities. While he comes across as too controlling and manipulative at times, those traits are balanced out by his love, care and devotion to his household.
Storyline
Katherine finds herself on her way to Arabia where she’s sold to Sheik Mohammad after refusing multiple proposals from English Lords. While working in Mohammad’s harem, she finds herself inextricably drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. As Mohammad’s infatuation grows, we see our story play out across both Arabia and England.
Overall Thoughts
I’ve read a few different books by Nicola, and I can honestly say that I can clearly see how her writing has developed over the years. The first book of hers I read came out around the same time as this but was more of a romance than an erotica so was fairly clean, and the style is more in line with her writing in her newest books.
However, in this book, I found it to be much cruder, the changes between points of views were more difficult to identify and process and the way it was put together was much more immature than her current writing.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book. I did!
I just found it jarring at times and a stark contrast to her current books. Which is bound to happen as writers produce more books. Their early books will almost always feel quite different to their newest books (especially when they’ve been writing for a decade or more!).
So while I enjoyed this book, if you prefer writing that’s not as harsh, this one probably isn’t for you. But some of her later books may be more your style.
May 5, 2015
I normally like most all books I read that are romance. This one however reads like a porno. I'm not a shy miss about romance novels either, but in spots of this book it's this one sleeps with that one, this one goes down on another, and so on. This alone wouldn't have been enough to make me not like the book, but it seemed as if the author couldn't decide what she wanted to happen to Mohammed and Katherine. They both went back and forth so many times & Katherine is kidnapped more times than can be counted. A previous review I read said if they had just talked they could have been together earlier. I don't think that's true. They talked, told each other how they felt, but still they constantly turned their backs on each other. I won't be reading anymore of Ms. Nicola's books...very dissjointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews