18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Wonderful!, March 13, 2006
This review is from: Bad Boys Ahoy! (Paperback)
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" duchess and the story makes for a very entertaining read. Hugh was not what I was expecting, as he's portrayed as a dissolute and irresponsible rake in the previous short, one that gambles his family into near poverty. This story takes place several years later, and thankfully we get a very different, better version of Hugh. Charlotte was an interesting woman, one forced to make some difficult decisions in some very complicated circumstances.
All in all, a wonderful first experience by Sylvia Day! I can't wait to see what she puts to paper next. While I was expecting to get nothing but lively and raunchy tales of lusty pirates (The title implies we're getting pirate tales, but only one has anything to do with pirates), I wasn't disappointed in the least. They were all lively, all full of dashing and sexy heros and very, very good plots for such short reads. Excellent and very highly recommended.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vibrant New Voice in Historical Romance, January 28, 2006
This review is from: Bad Boys Ahoy! (Paperback)
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!
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