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Delicious Delay

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Stranded in a Middle Eastern airport, Michelle Day finds herself the object of interest for an abrasive, but all-too-sexy stranger—a stranger who tempts her with the forbidden in a land where indecency could get her killed. But how does one say no to such a deliciously, relentless pursuit?

Khalid Al Dehri takes one look at the red-headed spitfire in the business class lounge and knew he’d either been transported to heaven—or hell. Her tart response to his surliness intrigues him beyond all propriety and the longer he spends in her company, the more he can’t deny his forbidden attraction. But will she explore the sensuality between them or will society’s rules keep them apart?

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2013

1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Tara Quan

27 books151 followers
Globetrotter, lover of languages, and romance author, Tara Quan has an addiction for crafting tales with a pinch of spice and a smidgen of kink. Inspired by her travels, Tara enjoys tossing her kick-ass heroines and alpha males into exotic contemporary locales, paranormal worlds, and post-apocalyptic futures. Her characters, armed with magical powers or conventional weapons, are guaranteed a suspenseful and sensual ride, as well as their own happily ever after. Find out more at www.TaraQuan.com

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
634 reviews168 followers
July 1, 2014
Copy provided by the Author through PaC Romance group

I really loved reading this. It was a fun, sexy, short read. I enjoyed the interactions between the two characters and that they are seemingly from different walks of life. I found it very easy to read. I was however disappointed with the way in which the book ended as it only got as far as them on their flight to America before it finished, I wanted more of their story and to know what happens between them once they are actually in New York and how their relationship pans out.
Profile Image for Michelle.
266 reviews41 followers
January 2, 2014
While the premise for this novella was intriguing enough, when I found out from the author that a conversation we'd had on Twitter months ago provided much of her inspiration for this piece I simply had to read it. I expected good things from it since I have enjoyed Ms. Quan's other works, and I wasn't disappointed. This one is sizzling hot from start to finish as what starts out as a semi-casual tryst between two people that meet by chance slowly develops into something that hints at an HEA for them in the future.

Michelle Day is a young, independent American woman who is on her way back to the United States after having spent the last 3.5 years working abroad in the Middle East and China. While she does pay heed to what is and is not considered acceptable attire for women in the countries she's passing through, she only bothers to adhere to the most essential points while on the ground. Once on the plane, she changes to shorts and a lightweight top to be more comfortable but her new attire soon attracts more attention than she had planned on when she's forced to ask Kal, a Middle Eastern gentleman who is the only other occupant of the business class cabin, for a translation of the captain's latest announcement. Sparks begin to fly between them from the moment they first lay eyes on one another, though to their credit they don't allow them to truly ignite into flames until several hours have gone by.

Kal initially tries to resist his attraction to Michelle, sensing that it will likely lead to more complications that he wants if he gives into it. Try as he might, however, he's unable to fight it for more than a handful of hours before he finally approaches her and invites her to share a proper meal with him while they wait. From that point onward the sparks slowly begin to ignite a slow burn of desire between them that eventually leads to a few sizzling, semi-public, highly inappropriate and likely illegal kisses accompanied by at bit of dry humping, and then finally bursts into full flame in a smoking hot scene in the women's shower. Though he had only intended to seek a casual one night stand sort of encounter with her, Kal soon finds himself wanting more than just that from her.

Exploring themes of instant attraction that leads to a not-so-casual tryst and of a confirmed bachelor playboy type who finds himself wanting something more than transitory pleasure for the first time in his life, this one is a delightful and steamy read from start to finish. Kal quickly proves that he doesn't really fit the stereotype of the wealthy, arrogant, misogynistic sheik and that adds greatly to his allure. He treats Michelle as his equal and voices his respect of her intelligence and opinions at the same time that he makes it patently clear that he intends to seduce her. Things move quickly between them, but not so quickly as to be unbelievable, and while there are indications that this will likely develop into an HEA for them in the future, it ends with a "let's just see where this leads" attitude. I can respect that kind of ending for such a short work, though I really wish we'd been able to read more about these two for I was thoroughly enjoying the interplay between them.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a steamy, romantic short story to pass an hour or so with. It's pretty much guaranteed to have you fanning yourself at the heat generated between them, and likely squirming in your seat from the erotic imagery created by Ms. Quan's descriptions. 4.5 stars (rounded up for Goodreads) to this outstanding short by a highly talented author.

Note: I received a free copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for SN the Viking.
412 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2014

Opposite attracts they say, this is a perfect example on this theory. Michelle is stranded in an airport in the Middle East with the strict clothes regulations and sees her freedom from the long hot garment in the heath when she gets on the airplane. Kal is a native and a sheik and he sees something that he likes a lot.

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This is a sizzling erotic read that leaves you wanting more and more. The story itself was awesome, I loved it. Since it was different from all my other reads it stand out to me. It is absolutely wonderfully written and one of the best SS erotic`s I have read. Just wonderful. The shower scene was one of the best I have read, awesomely hotness there.

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Only thing is I would have loved to see more of them, I would love a follow up SS on them in NY. Pretty Please.lol

Looking for a short hot CR Erotic this summer, you need to take this one with you!!

4,5 stars rounding up.
Copy provided by the Author through PaC Romance group for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,090 reviews61 followers
July 22, 2014
Those looking for a little afternoon delight will find just that in this erotically-charged meeting between strangers. When opposites attract readers are gifted with a story full of unrelenting sexual tension and sizzling banter in a battle of wills where both end up winning.

Michelle is tired of all the restrictions placed on women in Middle Eastern society and can't wait to return home. When yet another arrogant male looks down at her she decides she's had enough and the two engage in a verbal battle that's both sly and sensual. As their plane delay stretches on so too does the verbal play that culminates in some very sizzling sexual encounters that left me parched. Michelle is a challenge for Kal and her intelligence led to lots of entertaining verbal battles. While Michelle is a strong-willed modern woman there's nothing unique about her and she fades into the background as we get to know the compelling Kal more fully.

Kal is a man of wealth and good breeding who's accustomed to lavish comforts but tired of the women he's been with thus far as they're unchallenging and only with him for the wealth and prestige he gives them. When he first spots Michelle he's surprised by the possessiveness he feels towards her which results in a display of arrogance and judgement that riles her and unleashes their sexy battle of wills. Kal is unrepentant about his wealth and uses it to seduce Michelle and catch her off guard so she gives in to his sexy offer of an afternoon delight. Kal is dark and brooding, oozes sex appeal, with flashes of charm and dry humor. He completely overwhelms Michelle and readers with his commanding presence and is the highlight of this story as his presence kept me fully immersed in the story drooling over his sexual antics.

This is a fast-paced read with exotic undertones that adds to the decadent delights Kal offers. The heroine is less memorable but readers will wish they were her as he's the epitome of tall, dark, and sexy. He's everything romance readers want in their hero and he's the perfect fodder for any woman's nightly dreams. The ending is very open-ended and might frustrate some but it sums up what this story is....a decadent and exotic appetizer that's satisfying but leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,936 reviews1,439 followers
January 31, 2016
Delaying my reading of this delicious erotic appetizer was a mistake. A fan of Ms. Quan's this book surprised me with the characters as well as the erotica. For those who have heard a little of the more conservative Middle-Eastern society, most of what is in the news is only the bad and the ugly. Ms. Quan shows that an entire region does not define the man.

It is interesting to see from the viewpoint of Khalid Al Dehri. If a female reader were to check her outrage at how women are treated, I found Khalid's explanations of how Michelle's clothing choice attracted men to be enlightening. It helps me understand better. Unfortunately it also makes me think less of the men in this society. But, what does one expect from a society that still fully endorses slavery as their Allah given right? From a historical study, it would be interesting to see how the views shaped into the laws and customs today.

Erotically speaking, Ms. Quan creates excellent tension with a constant realistic danger. This heightens the illicit interlude between Michelle and Khalid. She also humanizes Khalid by exposing that no matter the culture, women will find ways to hunt down rich men and game them. As long as one understands the rules, there are always ways to bend them. This point really appeals to me because it basically shows that we are all similar, in spite of our differing rules.

This is a tightly written erotica when Middle-Eastern cheetah hunts and chases down a Western fluffy bunny. Good character development and a good plot makes for a smooth read. Recommended for erotica readers who enjoy the clash of cultures.
368 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2016
Michelle Day is a translator, finally heading back to her home country after being gone to various countries for the last 4 years of her life. But her final flight on her way back to New York, in order to work as a translator for the United Nations, is delayed for hours and she is ignored in order for those who work at the airport to pay more attention to the impressive man in robes who is the only other passenger in her section of the plane. When she asks him for a translation of what was said on the speakers she never expected for her life to be altered by such an exasperating, magnetic, and annoying man.

Sheikh Kal is on his way to the states in order to help his government prosper. He has no use for a women who can not even dress respectfully in his beloved country. But when they are thrown together due to a delay of their flight he never realized that he may actually have to do the chasing for once in his life instead of letting the women due all the work in their supposed relationship. More like high class prostitutes, because they expected a bunch of expensive gifts in return for going out with him. Kal is using his abrasiveness in order to keep the American away from him. And although it may turn her off of him he is having a harder time keeping his thoughts, and hands, off of her. But Kal is hiding something from Michelle, and it may be just the thing to make her never want to deal with him again.

This was a great short story that although had sexual content that sizzled managed to have the plot and the characters become so enhanced that the sex was paltry in comparison.
Another great read by miss Quan.
Profile Image for The BookChick .
1,454 reviews425 followers
March 6, 2014
My Rating: ★★★★
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a 4 star book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.
Quan takes the cliché of "The Mile High" club to another level in Delicious Delay. Although a novella length book, Delicious Delay is both sexy and substantive. The characters are surprisingly multidimensional and have an exceptional level of depth. I loved Kal but Michelle could have been replaced by me which would have made the story 2,000% better :). I would have enjoyed reading more about what happened to the couple after the arrived in New York but I'm a greedy reader :). And man oh man...the next time I travel, I'll be looking to find my own very sexy Sheikh. Excellent bite-sized romance with a punch.
Profile Image for Heather  book whore & shifter slut extrordinaire.
331 reviews102 followers
May 28, 2014
This really was a sweet, delicious and sexy story! I LOVED IT as usual with anything that Ms Quan writes and shares with us. I definitely recommend any and all of her books.

Even though it is a short story Ms Quan was able to develop interesting and layered characters that are revealed as the story unfolds . She was also able to use the contrasting intimacy and exposure of the settings in this story to enhance the attraction and seduction between these two supposedly opposite people. The sexual tension was evident between the two from the moment they laid eyes on each other - even though they had unfavorable opinions (based on assumptions of course) of each other at that time.

This tale of attraction and distraction between two travelers stranded in a private lounge of an airport was actually inspired by conversations and what-ifs the author had with friends on Twitter while she herself was stuck in an airport!
Profile Image for Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways).
653 reviews406 followers
July 15, 2014
What a HOT, fun, HOT, quick, HOT read!

I really enjoyed everything about this story. The really fun thing about it is that, as a whole, it seems like a scenario that COULD actually happen! (I've never been to an overseas airport, so for all I know, it's entirely plausible!)

An American woman on a plane (which gets delayed) in a foreign country, asks another passenger to translate what the captain has just announced over the speaker. In that instant, as soon as Kal (the passenger) sets his eyes on Michelle, he can't tear them away.

The events progress from there, and let's just say one of said events involves an unoccupied airport lounge!

I would have continued reading this story no matter how long it was. In fact, I would have loved to read MORE about Michelle and Kal. I will DEFINITELY be reading more books by Tara!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Susan.
470 reviews12 followers
August 5, 2014
I loved reading this very entertaining and sexy story! This was a beautifully well written romance and I found myself drawn into the story from page one (I hated when it ended, I wanted more)! Michelle is returning to the United States after working abroad but due to a airplane delay is stuck in the airport lounge with a surly yet handsome stranger. Khalid is attracted to this sexy American girl and finds himself offering her a proposal. The chemistry between these two very fascinating characters was off the charts. Due to this being a very short story, I am not going to reveal anything more but I highly recommend this fantastic story to romance readers who enjoy a quick well written romantic tale. I have added Tara Quan previous books onto my TBR pile and am looking forward to more wonderful stories by this very talented author!
Profile Image for Decadent Publishing LLC.
17 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2014
"Quan takes the cliché of "The Mile High" club to another level in Delicious Delay. Although a novella length book, Delicious Delay is both sexy and substantive. The characters are surprisingly multidimensional and have an exceptional level of depth. I loved Kal but Michelle could have been replaced by me which would have made the story 2,000% better :). I would have enjoyed reading more about what happened to the couple after the arrived in New York but I'm a greedy reader :). And man oh man...the next time I travel, I'll be looking to find my own very sexy Sheikh. Excellent bite-sized romance with a punch." ~Courtesy of BookChick
Profile Image for Nana Prah.
Author 24 books272 followers
August 1, 2014
A fulfilling novella filled with loads of sass, luxury, and heat. I wasn’t sure what to expect when Michelle initially met Khalid. How would a normal working class woman end up with a rich powerful sheikh? I kept wondering where the happily ever after would come from. I shouldn’t have been concerned at all. Ms. Quan did a fabulous job of making sure I smiled in the end.

My favorite part of the novella was the unexpected fall both of them took into romance. Opposites, yet compatible.

A wonderful, light story. I’m hoping there will be a sequel.

A perfect quick summer read.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,400 reviews42 followers
June 29, 2014
An interesting take on the strangers meet at an airport. Subverts some of the cliches about sheikhs, maintains some of the delicious ones. A good, quick read. The blurb pretty much is the story.

Bought from All Romance Ebooks
2,945 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2015
Great short story! I only wish it were longer. I would love to see what develops with their relationship.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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