Scandalous Liaisons

Ms. Day did a wonderful job with this book. I loved each and every story. I'd buy more of her work. Great job Ms. Day.

Okay, so I admit I wasn't expecting much out of this anthology. Based upon quick perusals at the book store for a couple of weeks, I almost judged it too dramatic and corny. Well, I guess I learned my lesson - this book was an absolute pleasure to read. Fast paced, yet very involved storylines, made for a spectacular weekend treat. "Stolen Pleasures" is the high seas adventure of Captain Phoenix, aka Sebastian, Lord Merrick and his bride-by-proxy Olivia. The scandalous pirate takes her father's merchant vessal hostage, and her feelings and desires in the process. When she discovers the same man is her new husband, both are shocked and not a little dismayed. Having no use for a wife, he intends to return her to London. However, neither is prepared for the feelings that each evokes in the other and soon their new found passions will not be denied. The mystery surrounding the proxy marriage is a great backdrop for Sebastian and Olivia's attraction. Villianous family members add to the story and Olivia and Sebastian develop into two very likable characters. Sebastian is surprised by Olivia's determined defense of him to his horrid father and she comes out an admirable heroine because of it. "Lucian's Gamble" is the story of Lucian Remington, ruthless gaming club owner and angelic debutante Julienne La Coeur. From across a crowded ball room, their passions flared and from the first look, both were instantly drawn to one another. Julienne's brother, Hugh, owes Lucian a scandalous amount of money and it's up to her to save the family yet again. When she confronts Lucian in his own club he will use this opportunity to his advantage - or will he? Knowing he'll never be good enough for the beautiful Julienne, he instead intends to help her in obtaining a titled husband. Torn between his heart's desire and the determination to do the right thing, Lucian will be up against the biggest gamble of his life - love. This was by far my most favorite of the three. I absolutely loved Lucian's rakish facade! There was such a wonderful, emotional and honest man lurking under his carefully disdainful attitude. Julienne was marvelous for him, a true lady that was capable of seeing the real man underneath. Truly a wonderful story that I wanted much more of. Would have been great to see these two characters in a full length book. Marvelous character interactions and breathtaking emotions packed into such a short format made it a great read. "Her Mad Grace" tells the complicated love story of Hugh La Couer and the reclusive Charlotte. Stranded by an unfortunate mishap in the country, with bad weather threatening, Hugh takes shelter at the only nearby residence. Rumored to be inhabited by a mad duchess, he's ready to believe it with the misfit servants in residence. What he's not expecting is the bold and fiery Charlotte, who completely and utterly fascinates him and livens his enforced rustication as only a beautiful woman can. Add in the mystery surrounding the "mad" d

Stolen Pleasures Olivia has come face to face with a pirate moments after he has captured her father's ship. Apparently the pirate is her husband. Two weeks prior Olivia was married to Lord Sebastian Merrick via proxy. Olivia has no idea what her new husband looks like and the handsome man before her bears the signet ring of Lord Merrick. Their fevered attraction toward each other is undeniable and unstoppable. Sebastian frees Olivia's passion and Olivia creates a desire in Sebastian he has never experienced before. Sebastian left his title behind and became a pirate because of the horrible relationship he has with his father and so he feels he has nothing to offer a woman as good and kind as Olivia. Yet Sebastian craves her with an intensity that staggers him. Olivia is not giving up. She found her husband and intends to keep him; all she has to do now is convince him he's worth it. Sebastian must sever the bad ties he has acquired before he can settle down with Olivia. But when he is done, will his beautiful and loving wife still be waiting for him? Stolen Pleasures is exciting and erotic. Sebastian is incredibly sexy while Olivia is beautiful and strong willed, together they make a perfect match. I hoped and prayed that Sebastian would find happiness after having so much pain in his past and I wished that Olivia would be the one to bring it to him. I adored them together. This is a really romantic, fantasy filled story. Olivia is being held captive by the handsome pirate who just happens to be her husband so nothing is forbidden. Yum! There is a lot of passion and emotion in Stolen Pleasures I really enjoyed it. Lucien's Gamble Lady Julienne has disguised herself as a man to enter a gentleman's club in search of her brother Hugh. Almost immediately Lucien, the proprietor of the club spots her and whisks her out of the room. After she confides to Lucien why she is there, Lucien has her escorted to a room where she is to spend the night. Julienne has always been fascinated and attracted to Lucien, but he is a notorious rake so she has avoided him. Lucien has wanted Julienne since he first saw her but she is untouchable to a man like him. Now that she is near him, his good intentions to leave her alone are wiped away by his desire for her. Lucien manages not to ravage her, but he does indulge in pleasuring her. When Julienne leaves with out saying goodbye the next morning, Lucien is distraught. Lucien and Julienne are clearly deeply attracted to each other but they feel they cannot be together. Julienne needs to help her brother and so Lucien sees a way to get close to her through him. Although she loves him, Julienne does not think Lucien could be faithful. She enjoys the courtship but does not think it will go any farther. But once Lucien realizes his true feelings for Julienne he has no intention of letting her go. He is ready and eager to leave his rakish ways behind. Now, he just has to convince Julienne of it. Lucien's Gamble takes y

Sylvia Day's Bad Boys Ahoy is a wickedly delightful anthology. Sebastian Blake, in Stolen Pleasures is shocked to find the woman he captured off a recent raid on a merchant ship is claiming to be his bride. After a much-heated debate between them, the marriage by proxy seems to be true. Sebastian decides to return Lady Olivia back to London for he has no need for a wife. But Olivia is the most compelling female he has ever known and Sebastian takes her to their marriage bed. Olivia after coming to terms that this wildly handsome pirate is actually her husband she vows to be the very best wife to him. She is shocked that he leaves her after taken her back to London but she is willing to fight for this marriage when Sebastian returns. These two see beyond the surface in each other and find a love worth fighting to keep. Lucien's Gamble has Lucien Remington finding the most fascinating woman sneaking into his all male gambling hall dressed as a man. Seems Lady Julienne La Coeur has to pick up the pieces again after her younger brother Hugh has rung up some serious gambling losses. Lucien tries to fight his unusual attraction to this young woman by finding her a suitable marriage. Julienne only wants one man and that is Lucien, can she convince him that she doesn't care that he was born on the wrong side of the blanket? Lucien once he decides that he is the man for Julienne he uses his all his charm to convince her. Huge La Coeur finds himself stranded outside a run down estate in Her Mad Grace. The household staff is the strangest he has ever run across but with a server storm coming he must ask for assistance. A gorgeous creature by the name of Charlotte offers him her home for the night. One night turns into several and Hugh and Charlotte give in to the passion that they cannot deny. Hugh offers to take Charlotte away from it all but he doesn't understand her reasons for staying. The scene when Charlotte professes her love will stay with you for a long time. Bad Boys Ahoy is treat, all three stories are richly sensual as well as deeply moving. You find yourself drawn into each story and not wanting them to end. I am not normally a historical reader but this book made a believer out of me. Kudos.

As a longtime romance reader, I thought I had read just about every story that could be told during the Regency period. Bad Boys Ahoy! proved me wrong, and hallelujah for that! In the first novella, "Stolen Pleasures," pirate Sebastian steals a bride, only to discover she is his bride; they've been married by proxy. The story takes an almost immediate turn from the norm. In some romances, the proxy marriage would be a secret for much of the story as part of a "Big Secret" misunderstanding. Instead, this issue is dealt with immediately, leaving the remainder of the story to focus on delving into two fascinating characters, Olivia and Sebastian. Olivia is not a standard simpering heroine. She is passionate, strong-willed, and astute, the perfect match for Sebastian. I love the way Day creates unique characters. Sebastian's reasons for becoming a pirate are complex, and Olivia comes to understand and know him perfectly. This story evokes a range of emotions and culminates in a sweet ending. "Lucien's Gamble" is the second novella. In it, Lucien discovers that Julienne has disguised herself as a man to enter his club. He has always wanted her, and he takes advantage of the surpring opportunity to make the biggest gamble of his life. As in the first novella, this one features unconventional characters who fall in love. It's extremely satisfying to read Lucien's journey from believing he is not good for Julienne to realizing that he loves her and wants to be the one to make her happy. Julienne is a rare historical heroine--a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to pursue it. The third novella is "Her Mad Grace." In this story, a snowstorm forces Hugh to take shelter at the house of a reclusive woman known as her mad Grace. Hugh meets Charlotte, a woman who introduces herself as a companion. All three stories in this anthology are connected, and the hero in "Her Mad Grace" is Julienne's brother. Years have passed since "Lucien's Gamble," and the snowstorm gives Hugh the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and show that he can be relied on. I found Hugh's vulnerability about being needed especially poignant, and a few scenes toward the end of the story brought tears to my eyes. Charlotte is a vivid heroine, and the scene where she shows Hugh how much she loves him is incredibly moving. I can't say enough positive things about Bad Boys Ahoy! The characters are unique and you come to care about each one. In addition, Day writes lush and unforgettable love scenes that move the story along and keep the reader engaged. Bad Boys Ahoy! introduces Sylvia Day as a vibrant new voice in historical romance. Long may she write!