Limecello’s review of Veiled Seduction (Veiled Series, Book 2) by Alisha Rai
Contemporary romance released by Samhain Publishing 1 Jun 10

I read Veiled Desire and I knew I wanted to read Veiled Seduction, because Sasha’s story was going to be very fun. I’m definitely looking forward to more of Alisha Rai’s books. In fact, I hope she writes more quickly. I definitely will read them. I love the interaction between the characters that is so real but sweet, the personable the story was. I’m also a huge fan of friends to lovers stories, and this was a fast read that I know I’ll be revisiting.

Maira is a genius. She’s one of the people you read about in the newspaper, that started medical school at age eighteen. What I really like about her, and how Ms. Rai writes Maira, however, is how normal she is. Maira’s brain is just a part of her, and the fact that she’s so frighteningly accomplished is very matter of fact. Not to say that it’s a non issue. Ms. Rai realistically addresses the difficulty Maira had in fitting in, and the fact that she feels slightly awkward socially due to her development and experiences in life. Maira herself is very likable. She’s sensible and smart, and has gumption. Granted it takes a life or death situation to push her into action, but she decides to make the first move. For all that she’s conservative and really respectful of her parent’s wishes and her upbringing, Maira isn’t going to let anyone dictate how she should live her life.

Sasha Kirami is … an idiot, and an all around great guy. He’s normal, but not. He’s a cop who was just doing his duty, but is also a hero. I love the extraordinary paired with the mundane here. He also gets a little bit of his own back because he tormented his sister and best friend in Veiled Desire. Sasha is your typical clueless guy, and possibly even a little more macho. He’s also quite stubborn and likes calling the shots. I liked that Sasha had a possessive side, and especially that he kept it to himself. As in, he feels it, but he doesn’t impose his machismo on others or be overbearing. And he realizes when he’s just this side of cave man. The fact that that’s how he is, but doesn’t act on it is appealing.

A number of the scenes are quite sexy, but they are an equal number of scenes that have nothing to do with sex. It’s clear that Sasha and Maira are perfect for each other, and that they did take it slow, in that their two year friendship essentially was dating, without the physical aspect. (So I realize it’s not, but they know each other. Their likes, dislikes, family friends and background, and they’re comfortable with each other as well.)

I will say that the book ended a bit abruptly to me. I just thought there might be something more. But, it was a sweet moment, and when reading into it a bit more, it’s clear Sasha and Maira will be together. There were some great moments of comic relief, my favorite probably being when Sasha meets Maira’s mother. Your significant other’s traditional parents are always scary, and worse when you don’t meet them at your best.

I know I say I don’t like series, but Ms. Rai’s books can definitely stand alone, and I think Sasha’s friend Keirnan deserves a little romance in his life as well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick romance that very well written, has great characters, and also has a little spice.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Beneath Dr. Maira Khan’s reserved exterior, her heart beats triple-time for only one man: Sasha Karimi. For two years she’s waited patiently for the handsome police lieutenant to wake up and see her as more than a buddy. When he’s injured in the line of duty, though, she realizes time is too precious to waste. Ditching her scrubs—and her shyness—she cooks up her very first seduction.

Sasha’s had a hell of a week. Thanks to the national media, amorous women are pouring out of the woodwork, all wanting a piece of America’s newest “hero”. The biggest disappointment? Maira seems to have contracted the same case of mass hysteria. Betrayed, he pushes her away—but not before he samples a taste of her luscious mouth and body.

It works. Maira retreats, mortified and ashamed. And Sasha realizes he’s just driven away the perfect woman. Now all he needs is a foolproof plan to win her back, starting with a proper courtship—and restraining his lust. Except once Maira glimpses the man behind the uniform, she sets out to show him that pure need has its own ideas about what’s proper…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series: