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The Bad Boys #2
Bad Boys Ahoy!
Oh, those naughty rakes. With their wicked winks, sensual smiles, and bad boy habits, you just can't take them out in polite society. But who wants to go out when you can stay in...?
STOLEN PLEASURES
Sebastian Blake, Earl of Merrick, long ago fled the responsibilities of his title to become the infamous pirate, Captain Phoenix. But the booty he's just captured on a merchant ship is a fierce tempered minx who claims to be a bride...his bride, married to him by proxy on behest of their fathers. He could shame his hated family and return his beautiful wife untouched, but no treasure has ever proved more tempting to Sebastian, and making their marriage a true one-in every sense-is his one urgent desire ...
LUCIEN'S GAMBLE
Lucien Remington's reputation as a debauched libertine who plays by no one's rules-in business or the bedroom-is well deserved. He gets what he wants, social repudiation be damned. But society can keep from him the one thing he truly desires, the untouchable Lady Julienne La Coeur. Until she sneaks into his club dressed as a man and searching for her irresponsible brother. Suddenly she's in Lucien's grasp, his to take, and his mind is filled with the most wickedly sinful thoughts. A gentleman would walk away from the temptation she presents. But then, Lucien has never claimed to be a gentleman...
HER MAD GRACE
Hugh La Coeur never wanted to be the Earl of Montrose. Wine, women, and a hefty wager are preferable to responsibility of any kind. It's certainly preferable to spending the night in an eerie, neglected mansion owned by a legendary madwoman. The duchess's companion, the fiercely independent Charlotte, is another matter altogether. Hugh would be happy to spend as many nights in her bed as possible. He knows she's hiding terrible secrets, but for once in his life, Hugh has the desire to take on someone else's burden as his own, no matter what the danger...
They're mad, bad, and totally irresistible...
STOLEN PLEASURES
Sebastian Blake, Earl of Merrick, long ago fled the responsibilities of his title to become the infamous pirate, Captain Phoenix. But the booty he's just captured on a merchant ship is a fierce tempered minx who claims to be a bride...his bride, married to him by proxy on behest of their fathers. He could shame his hated family and return his beautiful wife untouched, but no treasure has ever proved more tempting to Sebastian, and making their marriage a true one-in every sense-is his one urgent desire ...
LUCIEN'S GAMBLE
Lucien Remington's reputation as a debauched libertine who plays by no one's rules-in business or the bedroom-is well deserved. He gets what he wants, social repudiation be damned. But society can keep from him the one thing he truly desires, the untouchable Lady Julienne La Coeur. Until she sneaks into his club dressed as a man and searching for her irresponsible brother. Suddenly she's in Lucien's grasp, his to take, and his mind is filled with the most wickedly sinful thoughts. A gentleman would walk away from the temptation she presents. But then, Lucien has never claimed to be a gentleman...
HER MAD GRACE
Hugh La Coeur never wanted to be the Earl of Montrose. Wine, women, and a hefty wager are preferable to responsibility of any kind. It's certainly preferable to spending the night in an eerie, neglected mansion owned by a legendary madwoman. The duchess's companion, the fiercely independent Charlotte, is another matter altogether. Hugh would be happy to spend as many nights in her bed as possible. He knows she's hiding terrible secrets, but for once in his life, Hugh has the desire to take on someone else's burden as his own, no matter what the danger...
They're mad, bad, and totally irresistible...
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 1997
409 people are currently reading
3328 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Day
121 books122k followersAcclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
June 6, 2019
#RetoIntimo
Dos estrellas, más no puedo ponerle por mucho que quiera.
Me gusta mucho esta escritora y como escribe, pero este libro de relatos, deja mucho que desear.
Las escenas de sexo están muy bien escritas, pero cada relato ha sido muy muy flojito!
Si le llega a poner un poco más de empeño hubieran sido grandes historias,
Al igual que los personajes.
Dos estrellas, más no puedo ponerle por mucho que quiera.
Me gusta mucho esta escritora y como escribe, pero este libro de relatos, deja mucho que desear.
Las escenas de sexo están muy bien escritas, pero cada relato ha sido muy muy flojito!
Si le llega a poner un poco más de empeño hubieran sido grandes historias,
Al igual que los personajes.
May 30, 2022
5 Stars
Hah! One anthology that I actually liked, fancy that...
Sylvia Day's talent is unquestionable. The romance & the steam are always on point, as are her main characters.
I did not quite understand the plots in any of the three novellas, but I did not care one whit. I had fun reading them, and that is what matters.
#Story One
- I loved Sebastian, the pirate Earl. Alpha, sexy, swoony, and protective.
- I loved Olivia even more. Quirky, intelligent, strong, and self-assured.
- Romance, chemistry & steam was flammable.
#Story Two
- Lucien started off great and ended up an idiot, then turned likeable again.
- Julienne was amazing, period.
- Amanda & the Duke were very quirky.
- The romance could have been a little better.
#Story Three
- I adored Hugh. He was a sweet & sexy guy.
- I was not too fond of Charlotte. She was too unsure & indecisive for my taste.
- Hot steam & cute romance.
- Guinevere & the rest of the household were exceedingly funny.
My Recommendation
Go for it. You will have fun.
Hah! One anthology that I actually liked, fancy that...
Sylvia Day's talent is unquestionable. The romance & the steam are always on point, as are her main characters.
I did not quite understand the plots in any of the three novellas, but I did not care one whit. I had fun reading them, and that is what matters.
#Story One
- I loved Sebastian, the pirate Earl. Alpha, sexy, swoony, and protective.
- I loved Olivia even more. Quirky, intelligent, strong, and self-assured.
- Romance, chemistry & steam was flammable.
#Story Two
- Lucien started off great and ended up an idiot, then turned likeable again.
- Julienne was amazing, period.
- Amanda & the Duke were very quirky.
- The romance could have been a little better.
#Story Three
- I adored Hugh. He was a sweet & sexy guy.
- I was not too fond of Charlotte. She was too unsure & indecisive for my taste.
- Hot steam & cute romance.
- Guinevere & the rest of the household were exceedingly funny.
My Recommendation
Go for it. You will have fun.
November 10, 2019
Bufff. Si estos son los relatos más premiados de esta autora, no sé cómo serán el resto de sus libros. Se trata de tres historias cortas a cuál peor y menos creíble, el lenguaje que utilizan los personajes no se corresponde con la época y las escenas eróticas se sienten demasiadas (que yo me quejé de esto es síntoma de lo poco que me ha gustado) para unos relatos tan cortos.
#RetoIntimo 2019
#RetoIntimo 2019
July 2, 2014
I wonder whether people were as lusty and cock obsessed in the olden days as Sylv would have us believe? One to ponder methinks...
This was three short stories in one, with some recurring characters. They all followed a similar theme, usually a reformed manwhore - and in one story, shockingly, a woman - finds true love after much bodice ripping. Really love how scandalised people are by - horrors - touching hands without gloves on and the like. I'd like to think I enjoyed a little social history lesson along the way as well as all the bump and grind. That's how I justified it to myself anyway.
Worth a read.
This was three short stories in one, with some recurring characters. They all followed a similar theme, usually a reformed manwhore - and in one story, shockingly, a woman - finds true love after much bodice ripping. Really love how scandalised people are by - horrors - touching hands without gloves on and the like. I'd like to think I enjoyed a little social history lesson along the way as well as all the bump and grind. That's how I justified it to myself anyway.
Worth a read.
June 15, 2015
No puedo. Tres relatos cortos a cual menos creíble
Un lenguaje totalmente fuera de contexto, no por las palabras más subidas de tono sino porque creo que en una novela romántica histórica se han de cuidar más el lenguaje
En relatos tan cortos llenos de escenas de cama,no queda nada de espacio para desarrollar la historia, ni los personajes.
Pero es que las escenas de cama tampoco me han parecido eróticas, y los personajes, no me he creído a ninguno
Un lenguaje totalmente fuera de contexto, no por las palabras más subidas de tono sino porque creo que en una novela romántica histórica se han de cuidar más el lenguaje
En relatos tan cortos llenos de escenas de cama,no queda nada de espacio para desarrollar la historia, ni los personajes.
Pero es que las escenas de cama tampoco me han parecido eróticas, y los personajes, no me he creído a ninguno
September 15, 2023
RATING: Novella 1=4.5✨, Novella 2=4.5✨, Novella 3=3✨
SPICE: Novella 1=🌶🌶🌶, Novella 2=🌶🌶🌶, Novella 3=🌶🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Less than 200 pages (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Interconnected novellas, each acting as a standalone
✔ Insta-lust (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Unrequited love tension, both sides (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ OTT/alpha energy MMC (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ HEA (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Playboy MMC, ends up a “reformed” rake (Novellas 1, 2)
NOVELLA 1
✔ Set in 1813, British West Indies (+ London)
✔ Merchant’s daughter (FMC) x “pirate” (MMC)
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Hidden identity
✔ Arranged marriage-ish
✔ Large parts of story take place on ship/open seas
NOVELLA 2
✔ Set in 1810, London
✔ Lady (FMC) x owner of “gentleman’s” club rake (MMC)
✔ MMC helping FMC find a husband but realizes he wants her for himself
✔ MMC fell first, pined from afar
✔ FMC “meets” MMC in gender swapped clothes, sneaking into his gentleman’s club looking for her errant brother
NOVELLA 3
✔ Set in 1814, Derbyshire
✔ Experienced (FMC) x experienced (MMC)
✔ Elements of mystery
✔ FMC is pseudo-guardian of a teen
Review:
Scandalous Liasions by Sylvia Day is a series of 3 interconnected, historical romance novellas. Before I share some quick thoughts of each novella individually, overall, Scandalous Liasions was historical romances packed with adventure, charisma, fun, and chemistry. Day’s writing is whimsically balanced and addictively seductive, and while the 3 novellas do contain some minor unfortunate historically accurate language and behavior, I was personally able to suspend my enjoyment above that (which isn’t always the case!).
I do go into the specific areas of MMC behavior I didn’t like in the individual reviews below, for those who wish to make an informed decision before reading.
Novella 1: Stolen Pleasure
Stolen Pleasure is the story of Olivia and Sebastian. Olivia’s been arranged in marriage to Sebastian Blake, Lord Merrick. Turns out, Lord Merrick is none other than Sebastian Blake, AKA Captain Phoenix, pirate of the high seas. Sebastian turned to a life of piracy after his brother died defending his honor over his past rakish ways.
Olivia and Sebastian meet when Sebastian overtakes the ship Olivia is traveling on to meet her husband; little does she know she’s standing right in front of him.
The spice, the tension, the MMC’s way with words, the pining, the lust, the everything of this just oozed off the page. And for Day to have built this up in less than 200 pages? Magic.
SAFETY WARNINGS
Unfortunately, there were a couple throwaway lines or instances that had a negative impact on me. I had to Mariah Carey it “I can’t read suddenly I don’t know” because if I dwelled too long on it, it would’ve 100% affected my enjoyment while reading.
So yeah, I hated both of those things^. But for my own sake, I chose to overlook, but wanted to put here so everyone can make their own choice.
Also, side note for all novellas. This isn’t really a safety warning as much as a personal ick:
Novella 2: Lucien’s Gamble
Lucien’s Gamble is the story of Lucien and Julienne. Lucien is a rakish businessman owner of a gambling/gentleman’s club in London, hardworking his way to the top of London society. But there’s a dichotomy to his reputation. His wealth allows him to fit in with the upper echelon, but his birth origins, the bastard son of a duke and his courtesan mistress, brings great scorn upon Lucien.
Julienne is a lady used to cleaning up people’s messes, specially, her brother Hugh’s, the supposed man of the house. Time and time again, she has rescued him from trouble, and makes sacrifices to her own wants to secure his future. But when Hugh runs up an insurmountable debt at Lucien’s club, Julienne must disguise herself in menswear and go undercover to scope things out. It is here that Lucien and Julienne have their fiery first meeting, and night, together…
SAFETY WARNINGS
Yeah, don’t love that^. But again, I had to fight myself to let this go and continue enjoying myself, which I did.
Novella 3: Her Mad Grace
Her Mad Grace is the story of Hugh and Charlotte. Hugh, the brother of Julienne from the last novella, has a little carriage accident on his way to visit his sister and her husband, and is forced to seek help and shelter at the nearest abode, where he finds Charlotte.
Charlotte has a colorful history and is responsibility for a lot of misfit souls. She is searching for a fabled hidden treasure to secure her future.
This story, after reading the first two, PALES in comparison, and I honestly don’t think I have much to say about it. Not sure it was worth it.
Overall, I WILL be checking out Sylvia Day’s other work. Her mastery of dialogue and spice is ELITE.
SPICE: Novella 1=🌶🌶🌶, Novella 2=🌶🌶🌶, Novella 3=🌶🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Less than 200 pages (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Interconnected novellas, each acting as a standalone
✔ Insta-lust (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Unrequited love tension, both sides (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ OTT/alpha energy MMC (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ HEA (Novellas 1, 2, 3)
✔ Playboy MMC, ends up a “reformed” rake (Novellas 1, 2)
NOVELLA 1
✔ Set in 1813, British West Indies (+ London)
✔ Merchant’s daughter (FMC) x “pirate” (MMC)
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Hidden identity
✔ Arranged marriage-ish
✔ Large parts of story take place on ship/open seas
NOVELLA 2
✔ Set in 1810, London
✔ Lady (FMC) x owner of “gentleman’s” club rake (MMC)
✔ MMC helping FMC find a husband but realizes he wants her for himself
✔ MMC fell first, pined from afar
✔ FMC “meets” MMC in gender swapped clothes, sneaking into his gentleman’s club looking for her errant brother
NOVELLA 3
✔ Set in 1814, Derbyshire
✔ Experienced (FMC) x experienced (MMC)
✔ Elements of mystery
✔ FMC is pseudo-guardian of a teen
Review:
Scandalous Liasions by Sylvia Day is a series of 3 interconnected, historical romance novellas. Before I share some quick thoughts of each novella individually, overall, Scandalous Liasions was historical romances packed with adventure, charisma, fun, and chemistry. Day’s writing is whimsically balanced and addictively seductive, and while the 3 novellas do contain some minor unfortunate historically accurate language and behavior, I was personally able to suspend my enjoyment above that (which isn’t always the case!).
I do go into the specific areas of MMC behavior I didn’t like in the individual reviews below, for those who wish to make an informed decision before reading.
Novella 1: Stolen Pleasure
Stolen Pleasure is the story of Olivia and Sebastian. Olivia’s been arranged in marriage to Sebastian Blake, Lord Merrick. Turns out, Lord Merrick is none other than Sebastian Blake, AKA Captain Phoenix, pirate of the high seas. Sebastian turned to a life of piracy after his brother died defending his honor over his past rakish ways.
Olivia and Sebastian meet when Sebastian overtakes the ship Olivia is traveling on to meet her husband; little does she know she’s standing right in front of him.
The spice, the tension, the MMC’s way with words, the pining, the lust, the everything of this just oozed off the page. And for Day to have built this up in less than 200 pages? Magic.
SAFETY WARNINGS
Unfortunately, there were a couple throwaway lines or instances that had a negative impact on me. I had to Mariah Carey it “I can’t read suddenly I don’t know” because if I dwelled too long on it, it would’ve 100% affected my enjoyment while reading.
So yeah, I hated both of those things^. But for my own sake, I chose to overlook, but wanted to put here so everyone can make their own choice.
Also, side note for all novellas. This isn’t really a safety warning as much as a personal ick:
Novella 2: Lucien’s Gamble
Lucien’s Gamble is the story of Lucien and Julienne. Lucien is a rakish businessman owner of a gambling/gentleman’s club in London, hardworking his way to the top of London society. But there’s a dichotomy to his reputation. His wealth allows him to fit in with the upper echelon, but his birth origins, the bastard son of a duke and his courtesan mistress, brings great scorn upon Lucien.
Julienne is a lady used to cleaning up people’s messes, specially, her brother Hugh’s, the supposed man of the house. Time and time again, she has rescued him from trouble, and makes sacrifices to her own wants to secure his future. But when Hugh runs up an insurmountable debt at Lucien’s club, Julienne must disguise herself in menswear and go undercover to scope things out. It is here that Lucien and Julienne have their fiery first meeting, and night, together…
SAFETY WARNINGS
Yeah, don’t love that^. But again, I had to fight myself to let this go and continue enjoying myself, which I did.
Novella 3: Her Mad Grace
Her Mad Grace is the story of Hugh and Charlotte. Hugh, the brother of Julienne from the last novella, has a little carriage accident on his way to visit his sister and her husband, and is forced to seek help and shelter at the nearest abode, where he finds Charlotte.
Charlotte has a colorful history and is responsibility for a lot of misfit souls. She is searching for a fabled hidden treasure to secure her future.
This story, after reading the first two, PALES in comparison, and I honestly don’t think I have much to say about it. Not sure it was worth it.
Overall, I WILL be checking out Sylvia Day’s other work. Her mastery of dialogue and spice is ELITE.
August 20, 2023
Stolen Pleasures
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥
“I like your hair the way it is.” Disbelief etched his handsome features.
“I like running my fingers through it when you are sitting down and I’m standing at your shoulder. I like seeing strands of it left on my pillow. I like it swaying around my shoulders when you are thrusting deep inside of me.” With gentle fingers, she pried his hair from his tense grasp and rubbed her face in it.
“I was cutting it for you,” he said hoarsely.
“Keep it for me,” she whispered, meeting his intense gaze.
Lucien’s Gamble
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Julienne grew wary at the hot flicker she saw in his eyes, the same look he’d given her in his office. She liked it, but Lord above, she was naked! The whole situation was . . . thrilling . . . but far beyond her experience. Clutching the sheet firmly with one hand, she held out the other to halt his advance. He stopped immediately.
“What do you want?”
“To ravish you.”
He said it so simply, his expression so earnest, that she was momentarily rendered speechless. Oh, he was wicked. And far more interesting than the other men of her acquaintance.
Her Mad Grace
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥
“Are you attempting to seduce me, my lord?” She gasped as his hand cupped her sex. “Seduction is long past, sweet. Now I’m making love to you. But don’t change the subject. Tell me why you have such interest in that map.” With a long swipe of his tongue, he licked her neck, then whispered, “And spread your legs.”
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥
“I like your hair the way it is.” Disbelief etched his handsome features.
“I like running my fingers through it when you are sitting down and I’m standing at your shoulder. I like seeing strands of it left on my pillow. I like it swaying around my shoulders when you are thrusting deep inside of me.” With gentle fingers, she pried his hair from his tense grasp and rubbed her face in it.
“I was cutting it for you,” he said hoarsely.
“Keep it for me,” she whispered, meeting his intense gaze.
Lucien’s Gamble
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Julienne grew wary at the hot flicker she saw in his eyes, the same look he’d given her in his office. She liked it, but Lord above, she was naked! The whole situation was . . . thrilling . . . but far beyond her experience. Clutching the sheet firmly with one hand, she held out the other to halt his advance. He stopped immediately.
“What do you want?”
“To ravish you.”
He said it so simply, his expression so earnest, that she was momentarily rendered speechless. Oh, he was wicked. And far more interesting than the other men of her acquaintance.
Her Mad Grace
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥
“Are you attempting to seduce me, my lord?” She gasped as his hand cupped her sex. “Seduction is long past, sweet. Now I’m making love to you. But don’t change the subject. Tell me why you have such interest in that map.” With a long swipe of his tongue, he licked her neck, then whispered, “And spread your legs.”
June 16, 2015
3 short stories in one book, the first bad boy being a pirate. While the characters were fun with lots of laugh out loud moments, I found them way too modern and the women too lusty-ready for the time period. I admit to skimming some of the over active bedroom..or other places love scenes, still...three fun steamy reads.
August 11, 2023
1st book: 2.5 stars (Cute pirate romance)
2nd book: 4 stars (Lucien's is wonderful! I wish they had a full fledge story.)
3rd book: 2 stars / DNF (I didn't like Hugh in the 2nd book, and he couldn't hold my interest in this.)
2nd book: 4 stars (Lucien's is wonderful! I wish they had a full fledge story.)
3rd book: 2 stars / DNF (I didn't like Hugh in the 2nd book, and he couldn't hold my interest in this.)
November 22, 2022
First novella: 2.5 stars
2nd novella: 3 stars 🥵🥵🥵
3rd novella: 1 star
2nd novella: 3 stars 🥵🥵🥵
3rd novella: 1 star
June 28, 2019
Otro libro leído para el #RetoÍntimo 2019
Soy muy fan de Sylvia Day, me gustan mucho sus historias, sus personajes y sus escenas eróticas tan intensas. Estos relatos tienen esas escenas que tanto me gusta de ella, pero las historias y los personajes en ocasiones ponen a prueba mi paciencia. Todos los relatos son bastante superficiales y cargados de un sexo que resulta innecesario. No negaré que son intensos, pero en relatos tan cortos, tantas escenas eróticas no me han conducido a nada.
El primer relato, Placeres robados, es sin duda el que menos me ha gustado. Su protagonista masculino está repleto de incoherencias y el personaje femenino apenas si tiene trascendencia. Sus actitudes se contradicen todo el tiempo y consigue que no me crea nada de lo que estoy leyendo.
La apuesta de Lucien, el segundo relato, tiene un punto de partida un poco más interesante y el desarrollo también lo es, pero termina de forma abrupta. No me refiero a que sea un relato corto y no haya espacio para más, sino que en un capítulo plantea una cosa, la resuelve al siguiente sin mostrarlo y termina sin más. Los personajes son más interesantes, pero vuelve a caer en el exceso. Y vuelve a ser superficial en muchos aspectos.
Su loca excelencia me ha gustado más que los otros, los personajes y el planteamiento son más interesantes y lamento que fuese un relato, porque podría haber salido una buena historia con esta idea. Los personajes mantienen su coherencia, más o menos, hasta que de nuevo acaba de manera abrupta.
Lo que no me ha gustado ha sido sin duda alguna, los personajes y sus conductas/pensamientos/actitudes más propias de adolescentes que de personas adultas. No puedo encontrar coherente que un pirata, el dueño de un club de caballeros o un conde (o duque, es igual, la verdad) se comporten como niños y hagan y digan lo que dicen. Me saca de la historia. Y volvemos a caer en la frivolidad del atractivo y la belleza femenina, sin nada más que eso.
En fin, no es mala lectura, pero no tiene mucho más.
Soy muy fan de Sylvia Day, me gustan mucho sus historias, sus personajes y sus escenas eróticas tan intensas. Estos relatos tienen esas escenas que tanto me gusta de ella, pero las historias y los personajes en ocasiones ponen a prueba mi paciencia. Todos los relatos son bastante superficiales y cargados de un sexo que resulta innecesario. No negaré que son intensos, pero en relatos tan cortos, tantas escenas eróticas no me han conducido a nada.
El primer relato, Placeres robados, es sin duda el que menos me ha gustado. Su protagonista masculino está repleto de incoherencias y el personaje femenino apenas si tiene trascendencia. Sus actitudes se contradicen todo el tiempo y consigue que no me crea nada de lo que estoy leyendo.
La apuesta de Lucien, el segundo relato, tiene un punto de partida un poco más interesante y el desarrollo también lo es, pero termina de forma abrupta. No me refiero a que sea un relato corto y no haya espacio para más, sino que en un capítulo plantea una cosa, la resuelve al siguiente sin mostrarlo y termina sin más. Los personajes son más interesantes, pero vuelve a caer en el exceso. Y vuelve a ser superficial en muchos aspectos.
Su loca excelencia me ha gustado más que los otros, los personajes y el planteamiento son más interesantes y lamento que fuese un relato, porque podría haber salido una buena historia con esta idea. Los personajes mantienen su coherencia, más o menos, hasta que de nuevo acaba de manera abrupta.
Lo que no me ha gustado ha sido sin duda alguna, los personajes y sus conductas/pensamientos/actitudes más propias de adolescentes que de personas adultas. No puedo encontrar coherente que un pirata, el dueño de un club de caballeros o un conde (o duque, es igual, la verdad) se comporten como niños y hagan y digan lo que dicen. Me saca de la historia. Y volvemos a caer en la frivolidad del atractivo y la belleza femenina, sin nada más que eso.
En fin, no es mala lectura, pero no tiene mucho más.
June 26, 2022
Como dije en mi blog: « Tres novelas cortas eróticas que bueno, psé».
«Placeres robados» (Olivia & Sebastian, la damisela y el pirata) Tiene un comienzo descacharrante. Si eres una guapa y joven hija de un comerciante por el mar de las Antillas, en el barco de papá, y te asaltan unos piratas, ¿quién va a ser su capitán? Pues no un tipo malencarado al que le falten dientes, no. Será joven y guapo y, además, el aristócrata inglés con el que te has casado por poderes hace poco. Dedicarán unas cuantas millas náuticas a refocilarse en los placeres de la carne. Es de esos relatos en los que no solo suspendes la incredulidad, es que le haces repetir curso.
«La apuesta de Lucien» (Julienne & Lucien, la damisela y el infame dueño de un club de caballeros) Disfrazada de varón, Julienne va al club donde están arruinando a su hermano y rescatarlo. A cambio, catará los encantos de Lucien, lo que le complica la vida. Porque ella tiene que casarse bien para evitar la ruina de su familia. Aceptaría un noble que la engañara, pero no a Lucien, porque lo ama. Y claro, si se casan y él le pone los cuernos, sufriría. No sé, es el argumento, más o menos, para que ella se niegue de primeras a casarse con él, hay que rellenar páginas con algo.
«Su loca excelencia» (Charlotte & Hugh, el tarambana redimido y la dama misteriosa) El jugador Hugh se ha redimido. En mitad de una tormenta de nieve, acaba pidiendo refugio en un casoplón. Allí, se verá atendido por un montón de criados más peculiares que Igor el del Jovencito Frankenstein. Y también conocerá a Charlotte, por quien surge un deseo intenso e inmediato. Que es correspondido. Porque ella sabe mejor que nadie lo mucho que vale un joven correoso, con entusiasmo y aguante de sobra para iluminar algunos días en ese rincón remoto de Derbyshire. Ese aire de novela gótica hace un poco más original este relato que los otros dos.
En conjunto, una antología perfectamente prescindible, que solo merece la pena si te gusta la autora o quieres leer algo de erótica histórica, sin exigir mucho. En mi opinión, no vale ni de lejos los siete euros que pagué por estas historias. Todavía me doy de cabezazos contra la pared. Contribuyó a mi decisión de apartarme de retos lectores durante una temporada.
«Placeres robados» (Olivia & Sebastian, la damisela y el pirata) Tiene un comienzo descacharrante. Si eres una guapa y joven hija de un comerciante por el mar de las Antillas, en el barco de papá, y te asaltan unos piratas, ¿quién va a ser su capitán? Pues no un tipo malencarado al que le falten dientes, no. Será joven y guapo y, además, el aristócrata inglés con el que te has casado por poderes hace poco. Dedicarán unas cuantas millas náuticas a refocilarse en los placeres de la carne. Es de esos relatos en los que no solo suspendes la incredulidad, es que le haces repetir curso.
«La apuesta de Lucien» (Julienne & Lucien, la damisela y el infame dueño de un club de caballeros) Disfrazada de varón, Julienne va al club donde están arruinando a su hermano y rescatarlo. A cambio, catará los encantos de Lucien, lo que le complica la vida. Porque ella tiene que casarse bien para evitar la ruina de su familia. Aceptaría un noble que la engañara, pero no a Lucien, porque lo ama. Y claro, si se casan y él le pone los cuernos, sufriría. No sé, es el argumento, más o menos, para que ella se niegue de primeras a casarse con él, hay que rellenar páginas con algo.
«Su loca excelencia» (Charlotte & Hugh, el tarambana redimido y la dama misteriosa) El jugador Hugh se ha redimido. En mitad de una tormenta de nieve, acaba pidiendo refugio en un casoplón. Allí, se verá atendido por un montón de criados más peculiares que Igor el del Jovencito Frankenstein. Y también conocerá a Charlotte, por quien surge un deseo intenso e inmediato. Que es correspondido. Porque ella sabe mejor que nadie lo mucho que vale un joven correoso, con entusiasmo y aguante de sobra para iluminar algunos días en ese rincón remoto de Derbyshire. Ese aire de novela gótica hace un poco más original este relato que los otros dos.
En conjunto, una antología perfectamente prescindible, que solo merece la pena si te gusta la autora o quieres leer algo de erótica histórica, sin exigir mucho. En mi opinión, no vale ni de lejos los siete euros que pagué por estas historias. Todavía me doy de cabezazos contra la pared. Contribuyó a mi decisión de apartarme de retos lectores durante una temporada.
December 25, 2017
Ik heb een paar jaar geleden de 'Crossfire' serie gelezen en die vond ik top. Daarom was ik ook benieuwd om een ander boek van deze auteur te lezen. Ik hoopte op een even diepliggende achtergrond, maar helaas. Die heb ik hier niet kunnen vinden.
Het boek speelt zich af begin 1800. Ik dacht wat van de geschiedenis mee te krijgen, maar het draaide vooral om de seksscènes. Ik heb er geen bezwaar tegen maar ik moest hard zoeken om een verhaal te vinden tussen al de kreunen van genot en extase.
Het boek is opgebouwd uit drie delen. In ieder deel speelt een andere, natuurlijk knappe en onweerstaanbare, man de hoofdrol, terwijl de anderen een bijrolletje krijgen zodat de stukken met elkaar verbonden worden.
Verhaal 1 kon mij niet echt bekoren. Ik vond het nogal chaotisch. Verhaal 2 stak een pak beter in elkaar, hoewel de vader van Lucien soms een graaf en dan weer een hertog was en het laatste kon het meeste mijn aandacht vasthouden omdat er ook een beetje mysterie in verwerkt werd.
Al bij al was ik toch teleurgesteld. Jammer genoeg volgde de kwaliteit van de verhalen, het gedrag van de hoofdpersonen : ze hadden allemaal weinig om het lijf.
Het boek speelt zich af begin 1800. Ik dacht wat van de geschiedenis mee te krijgen, maar het draaide vooral om de seksscènes. Ik heb er geen bezwaar tegen maar ik moest hard zoeken om een verhaal te vinden tussen al de kreunen van genot en extase.
Het boek is opgebouwd uit drie delen. In ieder deel speelt een andere, natuurlijk knappe en onweerstaanbare, man de hoofdrol, terwijl de anderen een bijrolletje krijgen zodat de stukken met elkaar verbonden worden.
Verhaal 1 kon mij niet echt bekoren. Ik vond het nogal chaotisch. Verhaal 2 stak een pak beter in elkaar, hoewel de vader van Lucien soms een graaf en dan weer een hertog was en het laatste kon het meeste mijn aandacht vasthouden omdat er ook een beetje mysterie in verwerkt werd.
Al bij al was ik toch teleurgesteld. Jammer genoeg volgde de kwaliteit van de verhalen, het gedrag van de hoofdpersonen : ze hadden allemaal weinig om het lijf.
May 25, 2020
Han sIdo tres historias cortas entretenidas.
Muestran lo complicado que es hacer un relato corto en romántica histórica... las tres hisforias daban para un mayor desarrollo. Además, las escenas eróticas tienen mucho peso y para mi la trama se resiente (además que estas escenas no encajan demasiado en una novela romántica histórica, hay varias cosas que no me acaban de cuadrar.. 🤷♀️).
Muestran lo complicado que es hacer un relato corto en romántica histórica... las tres hisforias daban para un mayor desarrollo. Además, las escenas eróticas tienen mucho peso y para mi la trama se resiente (además que estas escenas no encajan demasiado en una novela romántica histórica, hay varias cosas que no me acaban de cuadrar.. 🤷♀️).
March 6, 2016
This is an Anthology but all three novellas are written b the same Author. The first one takes place in 1813, the second in 1810 and the third in 1814. At the end of the first novella Stolen Pleasures we find out that Sebastian (the Hero) is friends with Remington (the Hero from Lucien's Gamble the second novella). Personally I think Lucien's Gamble should have come first but I'm sure the Author had her reasons for doing things in the order she did. The third novella is about Hugh (the brother of Julienne the Heroine in Lucien's Gamble)and Charlotte. The Heroine in Stolen Pleasures is Olivia.
Stolen Pleasures - I liked this one although no one element really stands out. Due to what would amount to underhanded trickery by his father the Hero (Sebastian) marries Olivia (the Heroine) but he doesn't know it. Sebastian due to something that he believes to be his fault left home (at the point the story starts I think it had been five years) and became a Pirate known as Captain Phoenix. He has the (mis)fortune to capture the ship Olivia is on. Olivia is on her way to England from the West Indies to meet her husband. It doesn't take long for her to learn the truth nor does it take long for the two of them to decide they are perfectly okay with the idea of being married to each other. When they reach England we learn better what his Dad had planned at least I think we did I'm not sure if Sebastian's cousin (Carr) was going to be Sebastian or if his Dad was. I'm pretty sure it was Carr but something Sebastian says to his Dad makes me think it could be the other case. Anyway, after the confrontation between father and son and some miscommunication between husband and wife they live HEA.
Lucien's Gamble - As the older sister Julienne feels responsible for her brother Hugh, even though he is old enough that she shouldn't have to be, his gambling has placed a burden on she and her Aunt who raised them after their parents died when Hugh was 10. I don't recall it saying how old Olivia is or was but I got the impression she is older. Of course Hugh is affected also but doesn't seem to care and actually I don't think he is aware of it. Anyway, Olivia dresses as a man to sneak into a club she believes her brother has gone to but it turns out that may just be her excuse. She is fascinated by and attracted to Lucien Rembrandt (the Hero) the owner of the club. It turns out the feeling is mutual and the passion between them according to Remington's mother can heat a room. I love reading books where the couple is brought together by fate\destiny and\or by overwhelming attraction and passion. Stolen Pleasures was a fact\destiny and Lucien's Gamble is an attraction\passion. Okay maybe some curiosity thrown in there as well which is why Julienne went to the club and why Remington let her stay.
Her Mad Grace - I finished this one earlier today and although what I had learned about Hugh in the previous story didn't leave me with a page turning desire to read his story I did and I'm glad. Hugh has become a much better person in the last couple of years (the time lapse between the two is 4 years). Charlotte for reasons we do learn is pretending to be someone she is not. After learning her reasons along with the names and partial descriptions of her "motley crew" of servants I'm hoping there is another book because to my way of thinking it leaves loose ends and unanswered questions. Such as do they find the treasure that supposedly exists and what exactly is wrong with Katie that she can't carry the tea tray without massive clinking of the service. Artemis is a true character not just in looks, for starters he only has one eye that seems to bulge out of his head and he speaks his mind. What happened to Artemis' other eye it never says (unless I missed it). Tom and I think his name is Harry (don't have the book handy) also apparently have physical shortcomings that only detract from their looks but not their abilities or personality. The only other servant is Katie who I've already mentioned. There is one other person in the house besides the ones already named and that is Guinevere aka Gwen who is the illegitimate Granddaughter of the Duke who is deceased her father the current Duke wants nothing to do with her but having learned about her years ago (she's now 17) her Grandfather took her in and raised her. This story turned out to be a really good page turner but due to the questions I have I'm hoping there is a sequel. It would be nice to know what happens to Gwen after Finishing School among other things already mentioned.
Stolen Pleasures - I liked this one although no one element really stands out. Due to what would amount to underhanded trickery by his father the Hero (Sebastian) marries Olivia (the Heroine) but he doesn't know it. Sebastian due to something that he believes to be his fault left home (at the point the story starts I think it had been five years) and became a Pirate known as Captain Phoenix. He has the (mis)fortune to capture the ship Olivia is on. Olivia is on her way to England from the West Indies to meet her husband. It doesn't take long for her to learn the truth nor does it take long for the two of them to decide they are perfectly okay with the idea of being married to each other. When they reach England we learn better what his Dad had planned at least I think we did I'm not sure if Sebastian's cousin (Carr) was going to be Sebastian or if his Dad was. I'm pretty sure it was Carr but something Sebastian says to his Dad makes me think it could be the other case. Anyway, after the confrontation between father and son and some miscommunication between husband and wife they live HEA.
Lucien's Gamble - As the older sister Julienne feels responsible for her brother Hugh, even though he is old enough that she shouldn't have to be, his gambling has placed a burden on she and her Aunt who raised them after their parents died when Hugh was 10. I don't recall it saying how old Olivia is or was but I got the impression she is older. Of course Hugh is affected also but doesn't seem to care and actually I don't think he is aware of it. Anyway, Olivia dresses as a man to sneak into a club she believes her brother has gone to but it turns out that may just be her excuse. She is fascinated by and attracted to Lucien Rembrandt (the Hero) the owner of the club. It turns out the feeling is mutual and the passion between them according to Remington's mother can heat a room. I love reading books where the couple is brought together by fate\destiny and\or by overwhelming attraction and passion. Stolen Pleasures was a fact\destiny and Lucien's Gamble is an attraction\passion. Okay maybe some curiosity thrown in there as well which is why Julienne went to the club and why Remington let her stay.
Her Mad Grace - I finished this one earlier today and although what I had learned about Hugh in the previous story didn't leave me with a page turning desire to read his story I did and I'm glad. Hugh has become a much better person in the last couple of years (the time lapse between the two is 4 years). Charlotte for reasons we do learn is pretending to be someone she is not. After learning her reasons along with the names and partial descriptions of her "motley crew" of servants I'm hoping there is another book because to my way of thinking it leaves loose ends and unanswered questions. Such as do they find the treasure that supposedly exists and what exactly is wrong with Katie that she can't carry the tea tray without massive clinking of the service. Artemis is a true character not just in looks, for starters he only has one eye that seems to bulge out of his head and he speaks his mind. What happened to Artemis' other eye it never says (unless I missed it). Tom and I think his name is Harry (don't have the book handy) also apparently have physical shortcomings that only detract from their looks but not their abilities or personality. The only other servant is Katie who I've already mentioned. There is one other person in the house besides the ones already named and that is Guinevere aka Gwen who is the illegitimate Granddaughter of the Duke who is deceased her father the current Duke wants nothing to do with her but having learned about her years ago (she's now 17) her Grandfather took her in and raised her. This story turned out to be a really good page turner but due to the questions I have I'm hoping there is a sequel. It would be nice to know what happens to Gwen after Finishing School among other things already mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2010
Enjoyable read. I enjoyed the first two stories the most. The third story was a little odd but good.
This book contains the following three stories.
4 stars for STOLEN PLEASURES. Sebastian left home to be a pirate five years ago. His father, an earl, made a marriage agreement for a cousin to pretend to be Sebastian and marry Olivia. They married, but Olivia has not yet met the cousin. On her way to England by ship, Sebastian takes over the ship carrying Olivia and learns that she is married to his name. Setting: 1813 British West Indies and England.
4 stars for LUCIEN’S GAMBLE. Julienne goes to a gambling/prostitution place to find her brother. The owner is Lucien, a bastard, but rich. Lucien has many women in his life. Julienne and Lucien fall in love, but she fears he will always want other women so she refuses to marry him. Setting: 1810 London.
3 stars for HER MAD GRACE. Hugh has carriage accident in a snow storm and must take shelter in home of Charlotte. Charlotte married an old man in name only to be able to care for his granddaughter. Charlotte and Hugh fall in love. She won't marry him because she fears he's not reliable and can't support her, the granddaughter and the handicapped servants. Setting: 1814 Derbyshire, England.
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Copyright: 2006. Genre: regency romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Sylvia Day books, see my 5 star review of “The Stranger I Married” posted on 1/19/07.
This book contains the following three stories.
4 stars for STOLEN PLEASURES. Sebastian left home to be a pirate five years ago. His father, an earl, made a marriage agreement for a cousin to pretend to be Sebastian and marry Olivia. They married, but Olivia has not yet met the cousin. On her way to England by ship, Sebastian takes over the ship carrying Olivia and learns that she is married to his name. Setting: 1813 British West Indies and England.
4 stars for LUCIEN’S GAMBLE. Julienne goes to a gambling/prostitution place to find her brother. The owner is Lucien, a bastard, but rich. Lucien has many women in his life. Julienne and Lucien fall in love, but she fears he will always want other women so she refuses to marry him. Setting: 1810 London.
3 stars for HER MAD GRACE. Hugh has carriage accident in a snow storm and must take shelter in home of Charlotte. Charlotte married an old man in name only to be able to care for his granddaughter. Charlotte and Hugh fall in love. She won't marry him because she fears he's not reliable and can't support her, the granddaughter and the handicapped servants. Setting: 1814 Derbyshire, England.
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Copyright: 2006. Genre: regency romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Sylvia Day books, see my 5 star review of “The Stranger I Married” posted on 1/19/07.
June 11, 2019
I didn't realise before picking 'Scandalous Liaisons' up that it was actually three novellas in one. There is a reason that I usually avoid novellas; they cannot be as developed as a full length novel and so something has gotta give.
The characters were good enough to read about, and actually, I really enjoyed the premise of the novellas but they just weren't as complex as I wanted and they didn't evolve very well. Everything was lust/love at first sight. There was no slow building of romance or the natural tumble into love. Just head first, down the stairs BANG BANG BANG love.
It just makes it all seem super unbelievable.
Essentially after the plot was established the novellas just turned into erotica without any other plot or depth - pardon the expression - to keep me interested. I like reading steamy scenes as much as the next person, but it isn't the only reason that I pick up a book. I still need development, a solid and interesting plot and some proper emotion.
Overall, if you just want quick, erotic reads then this is seriously your book. If you are looking for something more then go find a full length novel.
The characters were good enough to read about, and actually, I really enjoyed the premise of the novellas but they just weren't as complex as I wanted and they didn't evolve very well. Everything was lust/love at first sight. There was no slow building of romance or the natural tumble into love. Just head first, down the stairs BANG BANG BANG love.
It just makes it all seem super unbelievable.
Essentially after the plot was established the novellas just turned into erotica without any other plot or depth - pardon the expression - to keep me interested. I like reading steamy scenes as much as the next person, but it isn't the only reason that I pick up a book. I still need development, a solid and interesting plot and some proper emotion.
Overall, if you just want quick, erotic reads then this is seriously your book. If you are looking for something more then go find a full length novel.
August 24, 2011
Overall rating for the three stories combined, 3 stars!
Stolen Pleasures- 2 stars
Unfortunately this little story suffered from Short-Story-Syndrome.. it had very little depth, was at times hard to follow, and didn't really make a whole lot of sense!
Lucien's Gamble- 4 stars
I really enjoyed this gem of a short story! It flowed well and had plenty of believable passion and steam! This story played with all of my senses.. it felt very real to me -as if I were in the story myself!
I did have a sense of deja vu while reading Lucien's Gamble... I wondered if I had read it before or if it just had a similar story line to another book I've read.. who knows?
Her Mad Grace- 3 stars
I liked this one well enough. It had a little mystery to it -which I liked- but when the answer was revealed it felt a little choppy to me. I had to reread a few parts to understand what was being revealed.
Overall this was an enjoyable anthology and not a total waste of time!
Stolen Pleasures- 2 stars
Unfortunately this little story suffered from Short-Story-Syndrome.. it had very little depth, was at times hard to follow, and didn't really make a whole lot of sense!
Lucien's Gamble- 4 stars
I really enjoyed this gem of a short story! It flowed well and had plenty of believable passion and steam! This story played with all of my senses.. it felt very real to me -as if I were in the story myself!
I did have a sense of deja vu while reading Lucien's Gamble... I wondered if I had read it before or if it just had a similar story line to another book I've read.. who knows?
Her Mad Grace- 3 stars
I liked this one well enough. It had a little mystery to it -which I liked- but when the answer was revealed it felt a little choppy to me. I had to reread a few parts to understand what was being revealed.
Overall this was an enjoyable anthology and not a total waste of time!
July 6, 2015
A decir verdad la primera historia no estuvo mal, me gusto bastante y ambos protas me parecieron que estaban bien. La trama de la historia fue interesante, rápida y divertida. El final también estuvo bien y por eso le he dado 3 ☆☆☆
Sin embargo, la segunda historia no me gusto mucho y la tercera me aburrió y casi no la terminó. Quizás este no es el libro más fantástico de Sylvia Day así que problamente probare luego con otro :)
Sin embargo, la segunda historia no me gusto mucho y la tercera me aburrió y casi no la terminó. Quizás este no es el libro más fantástico de Sylvia Day así que problamente probare luego con otro :)
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 9, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Rating based on 3 novellas by Sylvia Day; “Stolen Pleasures” (3.75 stars), “Lucien’s Gamble” (3 stars) and “Her Mad Grace” (2.5 stars).
“Stolen Pleasures”
In this novella, we met pirate captain Phoenix in the West Indies when he captures a ship and it’s most beautiful occupant, the daughter of the owner, Olivia. Now, Sebastian, who’s the earl of Merrick in truth knows this is his bride, whom he apparently married by proxy. Olivia is vivacious and beautiful and Sebastian can’t be happier. The only problem is, his bride doesn’t recognize him. So she fights him good but there’s no way she could escape.
Olivia’s father, the very wealthy merchant, Jack Lambert married her off by proxy for Sebastian’s title. She knows nothing about her husband or his family but is on her way to England. Now, this pirate captain, whom she’s supposed to hate... umm, she can’t. She’s very attracted to him, apparently he too. Then Sebastian drops the bomb and Olivia doesn’t believe him at first. This was just too much! Even then, this doesn’t stay her when Sebastian makes advances… or rather she encourages him to make advances. She makes it clear that she wants to stay with him and be his wife in every way. Sebastian wants her but he doesn’t like the fact that he’s a wanted criminal and can’t give her anything better. So he decides when they reach England, he’ll take care of the matter by acquiring and annulment and set her free.
They have a hot little interlude, though doesn’t consummate the marriage. Sebastian then proceeds to ignore her, sort of. He even tries to take off his edge by going to town and seeking out whores but none interests him as Olivia. In one word, he’s crazy for her. Olivia isn’t happy and is subdued by Sebastian’s behavior. She thinks because of her wanton behavior, he’s ignoring her. But this is resolved soon because they can’t stay away from each-other too long and consummate the marriage. Love scenes in this one were typical SD standard, by which I mean really good. I loved them more because I felt the connection between them all too well. Then Sebastian begins to open up about his life and why he’s a pirate. He was the younger son and the black sheep of the family. His brother died fighting a duel over one of his discretions. His father never cared about him and now that he’s the heir, the man’s all too full of vengeance. This marriage was one of those I guess, to rile Sebastian up, instead worked in a good way for him. Olivia also has some troubles in the past in her season but those weren’t explored well. Since her father’s money is from business, needless to say, the Ton never quite took to her, even though she’s beautiful and all that. She was rejected by one suitor she was genuinely attracted to and that hurt her... something like that, which is why she locked herself away in WI in her father’s plantation and agreed to this proxy marriage.
So they decide to enjoy this journey, buried themselves into each-other and leave the rest when they reach London. All too soon, the journey is over. On the port, Olivia was accosted by Sebastian’s cousin, who presented himself as the earl. Sebastian is angry knowing that this is what his father planned; since he didn’t care for Sebastian, he presented Carr as the earl to Lambert, who’s also in London and waiting for his daughter to arrive. Not knowing her real husband, Olivia would’ve been snared in the trap. Afterwards, it’s would’ve been too late. An angry Sebastian faces his father and things do clear up a lot about their bad relationship. The man is a serpent, to say the least; cold and unfeeling. I wanted to kill him for humiliating Sebastian in front of Lambert and Olivia. But she proved to be a jem by supporting him and even speak on his behalf, being attuned to his hurt. I loved this about her; that she wanted to take care of Sebastian and he was equally starving for Olivia’s love.
Even though she asks him to stay for a while and make her feel at home, Sebastian decides to leave to take care of his business with the French twin brothers, who are notorious criminals. Sebastian knows of their proclivities 1st hand. He was scared for Olivia since those two were interested in her and he refused to hand her over. After a night of hot sex, where Olivia confesses to being in love with him, Sebastian leaves the next day without telling her because otherwise, he won’t be able to. Olivia is angry when she learns of this. Now this made me really angry, his note urged her to trust him; that he’ll return, then why? And when he comes back 4 months later, she’s still angry and says some rude things to him. I didn’t like this. I was willing to give this story 4 stars but she ruined my fun by being a screeching shrew! The sex afterwards was fun and hot. She has no problem in sleeping with him but that doesn’t deter her from reminding him of his ‘shortcomings’! I was so put off by Olivia’s attitude that I lost interest in the ending which inevitably involved the French twins. 3.75 stars because it was quite good, almost. Especially Sebastian, he was adorable.
“Stolen Pleasures” has 7 chapters and an epilogue with a few hot hot love scenes. ;)
**********
“Lucien’s Gamble”
I’m really disappointed in this one. Barely likable H/h and plot, so barely made 3 stars for me. Don’t forget to count all the eye rolling I did while reading this novella. lol :D
Julienne la Coeur was 1st featured in Catching Caroline as the heroine’s friend, a book I haven’t read because I’m not into vampire stuff. But it’s a free novella so you might wanna give that a try. I think it’s available at smashwords. Anyway, she comes to the Remington’s, a big and fashionable gambling house owned by Lucien Remington, in search of her gambler and irresponsible brother Hugh. She has always been attracted to Lucien and his ‘bad boy, f*cks anything in skirt’ image (not my words, his own lol). Lucien’s a bastard; father is a duke, mother a famous courtesan and these two have a long standing relationship. I’ll talk about that a bit later. So when Lucien catches Julienne in a man’s dressing (again, if she has curves, how could no one else but he identified her? Have you ever had a look of those breeches they used to wear back in the 1800s? *eye roll*). He takes her to his office and starts questioning. Julienne is kinda breathless and almost wet seeing Lucien so close. She’d seen him in various balls and very aware of his liaisons. Lucien has taken an interest in her too, but knew she’s out of his reach. But, he’s a scoundrel for naught if he won’t take advantage of the situation. So he cooks up some plan and makes her stay in private rooms of the club, especially the one he always uses when he’s staying overnight. Needless to say, Julienne didn’t put up much objection and she was soooo asking for it, if you know what I mean, by sleeping naked in his bed because apparently it’s better to sleep naked than wearing a negligee *eye roll*. Oh, she might be a virgin but she knows a lot about sex by reading Hugh’s erotica. *eye roll* So Lucien drops in and this leads to that and they kiss and make out, almost. Lucien considers that she’ll have to marry so gives her release without taking her virginity. Apparently, he feels something different for her.
Julienne leaves the next day. Hugh is still absent, gone to some house party by some rakish friend and she, with her Aunt Eugenia, is very concerned about the debt that he’s piling. But she can’t help daydreaming about Lucien and the wicked things he’d done to her. But on the other hand, in 3 days of their meeting, even though he feels something different for Julienne, that doesn’t deter Lucien from shagging left and right. Yukety yuk! All in the name of ‘removing her from his mind’, though it didn’t work. Oh, puh-leeez, speak the truth f*cker! *eye roll* So, 3 days later, he meets her again in some ball... And incidents like this keep happening. They’d try to talk, then quarrel, then Lucien would say some crude thing about his sexual life (like how many he’d f*cked since he met her but how it doesn’t work etc), then he’d pounce on her, she’d give in (not that she ever really objected!) and they’d make out like bunnies, by that I mean oral and fondling, not full sex (except for one almost incident). Boy but Julienne had some love for oral! It was hard to believe that she really was a virgin.
Even though she’s pretty and all that, because of a low dowry it has become hard for Julienne to find a husband. When Lucien investigates her background, he asks his assistant to make a list of eligible bachelors for her. Lord Fontaine tops the list. This guy was already interested in her. He’s rich and very good looking. A womanizer too. But, Julienne knows he’d never be able to make the impression Lucien made, that she’s already in love with him *eye roll*. I have no idea why. When Lucien visits her house with the idea, Julienne is a bit hurt. Lucien doesn’t tell her of his feelings but he’s jealous all the same when he saw Fontaine with Julienne in some ball. When the talks of fidelity comes up, Julienne expresses that she doesn’t care if Fontaine stays true to her or not (which, by his reputation, is a possibility that he won’t). Lucien kinda blurts out, if she doesn’t care about fidelity then why not marry him? But how can she when she loves him but knows he won’t love her back? Oh good lord, someone kill me now! I was losing interest more and more because this novella was one horrid mess from top to bottom!
But, can’t blame Lucien since his parents are a veritable example of infidelity. Yes, the Duke has been true to his mistress and so had she after giving up her courtesan life but his wife is still alive and he has an heir. Not much of his married life was mentioned, very conveniently if I might add, so I don’t know how to comment of this situation. But I didn’t like it for sure. These two are actually very proud of their son’s accomplishments and I don’t mean only his vast empire from the gambling den but also his conquests left and right. So how can I expect better from him? Ok, so in the scene when Lucien asks her to marry him, Julienne refused. Lucien is angry and stomps away, doesn’t see her for a few weeks. In the meantime, Fontaine is already making it clear that he wants to make it official. Then, suddenly in one ball, Julienne sees Lucien with some slut. Finally, she’s jealous and feels sick watching those two together. He finds her when she retires to some room, alone. They kiss and so on, and then Julienne decides she won’t let him get the better of her again. After that, there was a hot little scene I liked, before she leaves him.
Afterwards, Julienne finds Hugh who had come back and confronts him. Finally she gives him a piece of her mind, after coddling him for all those years. Their parents died when they were young and their aunt took care of them. Hugh became the earl at 9/10 yrs of age so I got that she was too soft on him. But he’d already gone through the Montrose fortune and almost emptied their coffer. Julienne knew this can’t go on anymore. Hugh meets with Lucien soon, who gives him some advice on how to make money and in return, blackmailed out times with Julienne. Hugh can’t object because Lucien wants to court her. He can strike out a hefty sum from the total debt for each meeting Lucien has with her. His mother also encourages him about Julienne. Lucien begs forgiveness to Julienne in a ball, which was kinda heart tugging. He also informs her of his intentions and dances with her. Julienne is confused but of course, she’s inclined to accept Lucien. But Fontaine has been nice to her and so on, so she hesitates. Lucien plans a picnic with her but she doesn’t show up. He’s angry and goes to his mother, only to find she’d invited Julienne at her home. That scene was annoying, to say the least. I was eye rolling so many times, egh! The things Lucien and Julienne were telling each-other... *eye roll* (not sure if they were whispering). Lucien’s parents were there, couldn’t hide their glee and comments on the sexual heat they were producing… wow, just unbelievably not charming! *eye roll and exasperated sigh* And, Julienne finds this union between Lucien’s parents romantic! Really? By then I was impatient for this novella to end, put me out of my boredom and save my eyes!
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfactory. Fontaine just gave up. Where was ‘the fight for Julienne’s hands’ he mentioned to Lucien? I saw nada. So, drama all over the book, unbelievable ones at that and unimpressive characters. I can say there was a scene or two I might’ve liked and deluded myself that this might get better but sadly, nope. I’ve read far better, impressive and amazing hero in Derek Craven. Lucien would never surpass him in anything.
“Lucien’s Gamble” has 12 chapters in all.
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“Her Mad Grace”
This was a waste of my time. I was bored and annoyed. I didn’t like Charlotte, Hugh was hot but sadly, dumb in other areas. Then again, I didn’t expect much from him after reading “Lucien’s Gamble”, so yah... whatever!
Hugh’s carriage wheel broke on his way to Julienne’s estate. The weather was bad so he had to take refuge in a dilapidated estate nearby. I was kinda interested at first because of the mystery surrounding the area, but it went downhill soon. The ancient butler was weird to look at with one bulging eye, doesn’t know anything about his job, so are the other employees with who have one problem or the other. Hugh soon understands that this is the estate of ‘Her Mad Grace’, widow of an elderly duke who died a few years ago. There are loads of rumors about the widow and this place, as her being mad and scary etc. Hugh has a feeling, seeing the bad form of the estate. He enters the house, elbowing the butler who was on the verge of closing the door, denying any help. After waiting, a black clad and shrouded tiny woman comes in. Hugh is amazed to find that her proximity makes him hard *rolls eyes*. The woman wanted to deny help but apparently she loves horses and Hugh’s horse was injured. Two footmen were getting ready with him when a beautiful woman in breeches (I mean was it that usual in the 1800s?) comes to him, astride on a horse. From her body language, it’s very obvious she wants a good shagging from him. Hugh is very interested to give it to her. She tells him she’s some sort of a companion to the duchess and is a healer. She invites Hugh to stay overnight which he happily obliges. At night, they dine. She dresses provocatively. When they were about to retire, one of the maids cut her finger and Charlotte leaves to tend the girl. Hugh retires and falls asleep.
Charlotte has been living in this estate for the last few years, after her marriage to the old duke. Her life story, very conveniently, isn’t known in detail; only that she worked as a whore and then became the old duke’s son and heir’s (who’s now the duke) mistress. It is then she visited this place 1st. She took pity on the ill and frail duke, whom his son saw as a burden and never took proper care of. Then, she broke up with the heir, who stomped off threatening her ruin. She heard of her former protector’s bastard daughter from the old duke. The old duke took the girl in, married Charlotte, gave her this map of a pirate and some clap-traps about a treasure, asked her to make girl her ward, gave her this estate to live and died. Charlotte can’t maintain the whole estate since the new duke is a trouble. So she spread these stories about the mad duchess to keep out of the prying eyes. It was funny, even Hugh comments on that, that why would she hang on to the hope of a treasure in WI which is nothing but a myth? Now, the ward, she’s very interested about Hugh and even though she’s naïve and all that, she gives Charlotte advises to ‘enjoy herself with the handsome earl’ and so on *eye roll*. As I didn’t know at first who it was, I thought it was someone like Charlotte or at least someone not a virgin. She knows in what capacity Charlotte is interested in Hugh and encourages her. Really? To make sure they ‘enjoy each-other’, the ward goes to Hugh’s room at night... Hugh wakes up and discovers the hidden door that leads to Charlotte’s room. *eye roll*
When Hugh is in Charlotte’s room, she lies to her about the old duchess being in his room. And then, Hugh saw the map. She won’t say anything so he proceeded to shag her on the table to bring out information… I was so irritated, to say the least. SD seems to think sex resolves every freakin’ problem in the world! And they f*ck all night... *yawns* Even then, Charlotte won’t come forward with information. Sorry but I forgot about the story continuation here as I was bored and skimming through. I remember they seem to have easy banters, which I would’ve found charming if it was a couple in love. When he proclaimed his love, I felt like Hugh was confusing good sex with love, though he wasn’t inexperienced by any means. Then Charlotte tells him of some of the story but not that she’s the duchess. None of them was interested in marriage, Charlotte was perfectly ok to be Hugh’s mistress for as long as the shagging is good but she has responsibilities now so she can’t leave with him. This triggers a row and the truth of her being the duchess is revealed. Hugh promises her that he’ll sought out the Earl of Merrick (story 1) when they all leave for Julienne’s estate. He stays for a fortnight.
When they reach Julienne’s estate, Lucien welcomes them. I didn’t know that it was perfectly ok for an earl to bring his mistress (everybody understood his relationship with Charlotte) in a gathering like this. Anyway, Julienne not only welcomes Charlotte but gives her her own dresses to wear. *eye roll* The ward is so excited about Hugh and Charlotte’s affair that I wanted to slap her. Then the trouble begins as Hugh finds the duke in the gathering. He’s afraid for Charlotte. For some weird reasons, Hugh was unable to find Charlotte so that he can alert her but of course, the duke meanwhile finds her and threatens her. The guy was a bully and horrible. He’s mad angry at Charlotte to find his bastard loitering about with the quality. Hugh saves Charlotte when the duke was about to strike her. Afterwards, he proposes marriage. Hugh was desperate for her approval. WHY Hugh?! But Charlotte has already heard about Hugh’s irresponsible gambling days so she can’t ‘rely’ on him (though shagging is totally alright). With a lot of tears in her eyes (oh puhleez, spare me the dramatics! *eye roll*) she rejects his offer. B*tch! I felt so bad for him. If he wasn’t so dense, Hugh would’ve seen that Charlotte isn’t worth any trouble at all, no matter how SD tried to portray her because I wasn’t convinced that she was.
After that, I was bored and skimmed and thanked God when it ended. All of it was so unbelievable that... ugh. About the treasure, nothing more was mentioned about it, only that Sebastian or Merrick would take them to WI to look for it. So why was this part inserted in the book? 2.5 stars.
“Her Mad Grace” has 9 chapters and an epilogue.
Rating based on 3 novellas by Sylvia Day; “Stolen Pleasures” (3.75 stars), “Lucien’s Gamble” (3 stars) and “Her Mad Grace” (2.5 stars).
“Stolen Pleasures”
In this novella, we met pirate captain Phoenix in the West Indies when he captures a ship and it’s most beautiful occupant, the daughter of the owner, Olivia. Now, Sebastian, who’s the earl of Merrick in truth knows this is his bride, whom he apparently married by proxy. Olivia is vivacious and beautiful and Sebastian can’t be happier. The only problem is, his bride doesn’t recognize him. So she fights him good but there’s no way she could escape.
Olivia’s father, the very wealthy merchant, Jack Lambert married her off by proxy for Sebastian’s title. She knows nothing about her husband or his family but is on her way to England. Now, this pirate captain, whom she’s supposed to hate... umm, she can’t. She’s very attracted to him, apparently he too. Then Sebastian drops the bomb and Olivia doesn’t believe him at first. This was just too much! Even then, this doesn’t stay her when Sebastian makes advances… or rather she encourages him to make advances. She makes it clear that she wants to stay with him and be his wife in every way. Sebastian wants her but he doesn’t like the fact that he’s a wanted criminal and can’t give her anything better. So he decides when they reach England, he’ll take care of the matter by acquiring and annulment and set her free.
They have a hot little interlude, though doesn’t consummate the marriage. Sebastian then proceeds to ignore her, sort of. He even tries to take off his edge by going to town and seeking out whores but none interests him as Olivia. In one word, he’s crazy for her. Olivia isn’t happy and is subdued by Sebastian’s behavior. She thinks because of her wanton behavior, he’s ignoring her. But this is resolved soon because they can’t stay away from each-other too long and consummate the marriage. Love scenes in this one were typical SD standard, by which I mean really good. I loved them more because I felt the connection between them all too well. Then Sebastian begins to open up about his life and why he’s a pirate. He was the younger son and the black sheep of the family. His brother died fighting a duel over one of his discretions. His father never cared about him and now that he’s the heir, the man’s all too full of vengeance. This marriage was one of those I guess, to rile Sebastian up, instead worked in a good way for him. Olivia also has some troubles in the past in her season but those weren’t explored well. Since her father’s money is from business, needless to say, the Ton never quite took to her, even though she’s beautiful and all that. She was rejected by one suitor she was genuinely attracted to and that hurt her... something like that, which is why she locked herself away in WI in her father’s plantation and agreed to this proxy marriage.
So they decide to enjoy this journey, buried themselves into each-other and leave the rest when they reach London. All too soon, the journey is over. On the port, Olivia was accosted by Sebastian’s cousin, who presented himself as the earl. Sebastian is angry knowing that this is what his father planned; since he didn’t care for Sebastian, he presented Carr as the earl to Lambert, who’s also in London and waiting for his daughter to arrive. Not knowing her real husband, Olivia would’ve been snared in the trap. Afterwards, it’s would’ve been too late. An angry Sebastian faces his father and things do clear up a lot about their bad relationship. The man is a serpent, to say the least; cold and unfeeling. I wanted to kill him for humiliating Sebastian in front of Lambert and Olivia. But she proved to be a jem by supporting him and even speak on his behalf, being attuned to his hurt. I loved this about her; that she wanted to take care of Sebastian and he was equally starving for Olivia’s love.
Even though she asks him to stay for a while and make her feel at home, Sebastian decides to leave to take care of his business with the French twin brothers, who are notorious criminals. Sebastian knows of their proclivities 1st hand. He was scared for Olivia since those two were interested in her and he refused to hand her over. After a night of hot sex, where Olivia confesses to being in love with him, Sebastian leaves the next day without telling her because otherwise, he won’t be able to. Olivia is angry when she learns of this. Now this made me really angry, his note urged her to trust him; that he’ll return, then why? And when he comes back 4 months later, she’s still angry and says some rude things to him. I didn’t like this. I was willing to give this story 4 stars but she ruined my fun by being a screeching shrew! The sex afterwards was fun and hot. She has no problem in sleeping with him but that doesn’t deter her from reminding him of his ‘shortcomings’! I was so put off by Olivia’s attitude that I lost interest in the ending which inevitably involved the French twins. 3.75 stars because it was quite good, almost. Especially Sebastian, he was adorable.
“Stolen Pleasures” has 7 chapters and an epilogue with a few hot hot love scenes. ;)
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“Lucien’s Gamble”
I’m really disappointed in this one. Barely likable H/h and plot, so barely made 3 stars for me. Don’t forget to count all the eye rolling I did while reading this novella. lol :D
Julienne la Coeur was 1st featured in Catching Caroline as the heroine’s friend, a book I haven’t read because I’m not into vampire stuff. But it’s a free novella so you might wanna give that a try. I think it’s available at smashwords. Anyway, she comes to the Remington’s, a big and fashionable gambling house owned by Lucien Remington, in search of her gambler and irresponsible brother Hugh. She has always been attracted to Lucien and his ‘bad boy, f*cks anything in skirt’ image (not my words, his own lol). Lucien’s a bastard; father is a duke, mother a famous courtesan and these two have a long standing relationship. I’ll talk about that a bit later. So when Lucien catches Julienne in a man’s dressing (again, if she has curves, how could no one else but he identified her? Have you ever had a look of those breeches they used to wear back in the 1800s? *eye roll*). He takes her to his office and starts questioning. Julienne is kinda breathless and almost wet seeing Lucien so close. She’d seen him in various balls and very aware of his liaisons. Lucien has taken an interest in her too, but knew she’s out of his reach. But, he’s a scoundrel for naught if he won’t take advantage of the situation. So he cooks up some plan and makes her stay in private rooms of the club, especially the one he always uses when he’s staying overnight. Needless to say, Julienne didn’t put up much objection and she was soooo asking for it, if you know what I mean, by sleeping naked in his bed because apparently it’s better to sleep naked than wearing a negligee *eye roll*. Oh, she might be a virgin but she knows a lot about sex by reading Hugh’s erotica. *eye roll* So Lucien drops in and this leads to that and they kiss and make out, almost. Lucien considers that she’ll have to marry so gives her release without taking her virginity. Apparently, he feels something different for her.
Julienne leaves the next day. Hugh is still absent, gone to some house party by some rakish friend and she, with her Aunt Eugenia, is very concerned about the debt that he’s piling. But she can’t help daydreaming about Lucien and the wicked things he’d done to her. But on the other hand, in 3 days of their meeting, even though he feels something different for Julienne, that doesn’t deter Lucien from shagging left and right. Yukety yuk! All in the name of ‘removing her from his mind’, though it didn’t work. Oh, puh-leeez, speak the truth f*cker! *eye roll* So, 3 days later, he meets her again in some ball... And incidents like this keep happening. They’d try to talk, then quarrel, then Lucien would say some crude thing about his sexual life (like how many he’d f*cked since he met her but how it doesn’t work etc), then he’d pounce on her, she’d give in (not that she ever really objected!) and they’d make out like bunnies, by that I mean oral and fondling, not full sex (except for one almost incident). Boy but Julienne had some love for oral! It was hard to believe that she really was a virgin.
Even though she’s pretty and all that, because of a low dowry it has become hard for Julienne to find a husband. When Lucien investigates her background, he asks his assistant to make a list of eligible bachelors for her. Lord Fontaine tops the list. This guy was already interested in her. He’s rich and very good looking. A womanizer too. But, Julienne knows he’d never be able to make the impression Lucien made, that she’s already in love with him *eye roll*. I have no idea why. When Lucien visits her house with the idea, Julienne is a bit hurt. Lucien doesn’t tell her of his feelings but he’s jealous all the same when he saw Fontaine with Julienne in some ball. When the talks of fidelity comes up, Julienne expresses that she doesn’t care if Fontaine stays true to her or not (which, by his reputation, is a possibility that he won’t). Lucien kinda blurts out, if she doesn’t care about fidelity then why not marry him? But how can she when she loves him but knows he won’t love her back? Oh good lord, someone kill me now! I was losing interest more and more because this novella was one horrid mess from top to bottom!
But, can’t blame Lucien since his parents are a veritable example of infidelity. Yes, the Duke has been true to his mistress and so had she after giving up her courtesan life but his wife is still alive and he has an heir. Not much of his married life was mentioned, very conveniently if I might add, so I don’t know how to comment of this situation. But I didn’t like it for sure. These two are actually very proud of their son’s accomplishments and I don’t mean only his vast empire from the gambling den but also his conquests left and right. So how can I expect better from him? Ok, so in the scene when Lucien asks her to marry him, Julienne refused. Lucien is angry and stomps away, doesn’t see her for a few weeks. In the meantime, Fontaine is already making it clear that he wants to make it official. Then, suddenly in one ball, Julienne sees Lucien with some slut. Finally, she’s jealous and feels sick watching those two together. He finds her when she retires to some room, alone. They kiss and so on, and then Julienne decides she won’t let him get the better of her again. After that, there was a hot little scene I liked, before she leaves him.
Afterwards, Julienne finds Hugh who had come back and confronts him. Finally she gives him a piece of her mind, after coddling him for all those years. Their parents died when they were young and their aunt took care of them. Hugh became the earl at 9/10 yrs of age so I got that she was too soft on him. But he’d already gone through the Montrose fortune and almost emptied their coffer. Julienne knew this can’t go on anymore. Hugh meets with Lucien soon, who gives him some advice on how to make money and in return, blackmailed out times with Julienne. Hugh can’t object because Lucien wants to court her. He can strike out a hefty sum from the total debt for each meeting Lucien has with her. His mother also encourages him about Julienne. Lucien begs forgiveness to Julienne in a ball, which was kinda heart tugging. He also informs her of his intentions and dances with her. Julienne is confused but of course, she’s inclined to accept Lucien. But Fontaine has been nice to her and so on, so she hesitates. Lucien plans a picnic with her but she doesn’t show up. He’s angry and goes to his mother, only to find she’d invited Julienne at her home. That scene was annoying, to say the least. I was eye rolling so many times, egh! The things Lucien and Julienne were telling each-other... *eye roll* (not sure if they were whispering). Lucien’s parents were there, couldn’t hide their glee and comments on the sexual heat they were producing… wow, just unbelievably not charming! *eye roll and exasperated sigh* And, Julienne finds this union between Lucien’s parents romantic! Really? By then I was impatient for this novella to end, put me out of my boredom and save my eyes!
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfactory. Fontaine just gave up. Where was ‘the fight for Julienne’s hands’ he mentioned to Lucien? I saw nada. So, drama all over the book, unbelievable ones at that and unimpressive characters. I can say there was a scene or two I might’ve liked and deluded myself that this might get better but sadly, nope. I’ve read far better, impressive and amazing hero in Derek Craven. Lucien would never surpass him in anything.
“Lucien’s Gamble” has 12 chapters in all.
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“Her Mad Grace”
This was a waste of my time. I was bored and annoyed. I didn’t like Charlotte, Hugh was hot but sadly, dumb in other areas. Then again, I didn’t expect much from him after reading “Lucien’s Gamble”, so yah... whatever!
Hugh’s carriage wheel broke on his way to Julienne’s estate. The weather was bad so he had to take refuge in a dilapidated estate nearby. I was kinda interested at first because of the mystery surrounding the area, but it went downhill soon. The ancient butler was weird to look at with one bulging eye, doesn’t know anything about his job, so are the other employees with who have one problem or the other. Hugh soon understands that this is the estate of ‘Her Mad Grace’, widow of an elderly duke who died a few years ago. There are loads of rumors about the widow and this place, as her being mad and scary etc. Hugh has a feeling, seeing the bad form of the estate. He enters the house, elbowing the butler who was on the verge of closing the door, denying any help. After waiting, a black clad and shrouded tiny woman comes in. Hugh is amazed to find that her proximity makes him hard *rolls eyes*. The woman wanted to deny help but apparently she loves horses and Hugh’s horse was injured. Two footmen were getting ready with him when a beautiful woman in breeches (I mean was it that usual in the 1800s?) comes to him, astride on a horse. From her body language, it’s very obvious she wants a good shagging from him. Hugh is very interested to give it to her. She tells him she’s some sort of a companion to the duchess and is a healer. She invites Hugh to stay overnight which he happily obliges. At night, they dine. She dresses provocatively. When they were about to retire, one of the maids cut her finger and Charlotte leaves to tend the girl. Hugh retires and falls asleep.
Charlotte has been living in this estate for the last few years, after her marriage to the old duke. Her life story, very conveniently, isn’t known in detail; only that she worked as a whore and then became the old duke’s son and heir’s (who’s now the duke) mistress. It is then she visited this place 1st. She took pity on the ill and frail duke, whom his son saw as a burden and never took proper care of. Then, she broke up with the heir, who stomped off threatening her ruin. She heard of her former protector’s bastard daughter from the old duke. The old duke took the girl in, married Charlotte, gave her this map of a pirate and some clap-traps about a treasure, asked her to make girl her ward, gave her this estate to live and died. Charlotte can’t maintain the whole estate since the new duke is a trouble. So she spread these stories about the mad duchess to keep out of the prying eyes. It was funny, even Hugh comments on that, that why would she hang on to the hope of a treasure in WI which is nothing but a myth? Now, the ward, she’s very interested about Hugh and even though she’s naïve and all that, she gives Charlotte advises to ‘enjoy herself with the handsome earl’ and so on *eye roll*. As I didn’t know at first who it was, I thought it was someone like Charlotte or at least someone not a virgin. She knows in what capacity Charlotte is interested in Hugh and encourages her. Really? To make sure they ‘enjoy each-other’, the ward goes to Hugh’s room at night... Hugh wakes up and discovers the hidden door that leads to Charlotte’s room. *eye roll*
When Hugh is in Charlotte’s room, she lies to her about the old duchess being in his room. And then, Hugh saw the map. She won’t say anything so he proceeded to shag her on the table to bring out information… I was so irritated, to say the least. SD seems to think sex resolves every freakin’ problem in the world! And they f*ck all night... *yawns* Even then, Charlotte won’t come forward with information. Sorry but I forgot about the story continuation here as I was bored and skimming through. I remember they seem to have easy banters, which I would’ve found charming if it was a couple in love. When he proclaimed his love, I felt like Hugh was confusing good sex with love, though he wasn’t inexperienced by any means. Then Charlotte tells him of some of the story but not that she’s the duchess. None of them was interested in marriage, Charlotte was perfectly ok to be Hugh’s mistress for as long as the shagging is good but she has responsibilities now so she can’t leave with him. This triggers a row and the truth of her being the duchess is revealed. Hugh promises her that he’ll sought out the Earl of Merrick (story 1) when they all leave for Julienne’s estate. He stays for a fortnight.
When they reach Julienne’s estate, Lucien welcomes them. I didn’t know that it was perfectly ok for an earl to bring his mistress (everybody understood his relationship with Charlotte) in a gathering like this. Anyway, Julienne not only welcomes Charlotte but gives her her own dresses to wear. *eye roll* The ward is so excited about Hugh and Charlotte’s affair that I wanted to slap her. Then the trouble begins as Hugh finds the duke in the gathering. He’s afraid for Charlotte. For some weird reasons, Hugh was unable to find Charlotte so that he can alert her but of course, the duke meanwhile finds her and threatens her. The guy was a bully and horrible. He’s mad angry at Charlotte to find his bastard loitering about with the quality. Hugh saves Charlotte when the duke was about to strike her. Afterwards, he proposes marriage. Hugh was desperate for her approval. WHY Hugh?! But Charlotte has already heard about Hugh’s irresponsible gambling days so she can’t ‘rely’ on him (though shagging is totally alright). With a lot of tears in her eyes (oh puhleez, spare me the dramatics! *eye roll*) she rejects his offer. B*tch! I felt so bad for him. If he wasn’t so dense, Hugh would’ve seen that Charlotte isn’t worth any trouble at all, no matter how SD tried to portray her because I wasn’t convinced that she was.
After that, I was bored and skimmed and thanked God when it ended. All of it was so unbelievable that... ugh. About the treasure, nothing more was mentioned about it, only that Sebastian or Merrick would take them to WI to look for it. So why was this part inserted in the book? 2.5 stars.
“Her Mad Grace” has 9 chapters and an epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
Society Affaires.... 1 boek bestaande uit 3 delen, onderling met elkaar verbonden.
Een piratenverhaal dat zich afspeelt anno 1812.
Deel 1
Een edelman/ piraat entert een schip. De dochter van de eigenaar is aan boord en beweert bij volmacht getrouwd te zijn met.....deze piraat.
Deel 2
Een lord,met schulden, wordt steeds uit de nood geholpen door zijn zus. Op het einde van "het seizoen" zal ze haar huwelijkskandidaat kiezen, welke deze schulden zal afbetalen. De grootste schuldeiser blijkt ook tot de kandidaten te horen.....
Deel 3
Een edelman komt in een storm terecht en heeft problemen met paard, koets en lakei. Hij zoekt hulp op nabijgelegen landgoed, waar een geheim wordt bewaard....
Dit boek is niet echt mijn ding....
Zoek nog steeds verhaal achter/ in de drie delen want de achterliggende gedachte "sterke vrouw kan elke man baas" is goed gevonden.
Jammer
Een piratenverhaal dat zich afspeelt anno 1812.
Deel 1
Een edelman/ piraat entert een schip. De dochter van de eigenaar is aan boord en beweert bij volmacht getrouwd te zijn met.....deze piraat.
Deel 2
Een lord,met schulden, wordt steeds uit de nood geholpen door zijn zus. Op het einde van "het seizoen" zal ze haar huwelijkskandidaat kiezen, welke deze schulden zal afbetalen. De grootste schuldeiser blijkt ook tot de kandidaten te horen.....
Deel 3
Een edelman komt in een storm terecht en heeft problemen met paard, koets en lakei. Hij zoekt hulp op nabijgelegen landgoed, waar een geheim wordt bewaard....
Dit boek is niet echt mijn ding....
Zoek nog steeds verhaal achter/ in de drie delen want de achterliggende gedachte "sterke vrouw kan elke man baas" is goed gevonden.
Jammer
September 26, 2021
If I have to read one more author compare white people to savages because they’re muscular and tan - I’m going to blow a fucking gasket, suffice to say. As someone who has immediate family directly influenced by British colonialism and terms like “savage,” I cannot stress enough how hard authors should be thinking before throwing those kinds of terms around - especially if you’re trying to endear people to your characters. The daughter of a plantation owner calling someone a savage makes me want to use the cat o’ nine tails on her, not root for her. If I could, I would drown her in the ocean. This was a failure of epic proportions, I have not hated a cast of characters in their entirety more than this. That’s not even getting into a critique from a romance/erotica standpoint - believe me, we fare no better on that front.
May 26, 2024
Between a 2.5 and 3 🌟
Stolen Pleasures: overall liked the character but wish there was some more plot line besides all the smut since these were my favorite set of characters! I found this story to be too short unfortunately😩
Lucien’s Gamble: less smut and a rather interesting plot line, which I ended up enjoying.
Her Mad Grace:
My least favorite out of the bunch, and quite frankly also wasn’t a fan of Hugh’s perspective. I wanted more explaination and chaos from his point of view.
In all of the stories: this type of smut may not be for me. Some of the language wasn’t appealing
Stolen Pleasures: overall liked the character but wish there was some more plot line besides all the smut since these were my favorite set of characters! I found this story to be too short unfortunately😩
Lucien’s Gamble: less smut and a rather interesting plot line, which I ended up enjoying.
Her Mad Grace:
My least favorite out of the bunch, and quite frankly also wasn’t a fan of Hugh’s perspective. I wanted more explaination and chaos from his point of view.
In all of the stories: this type of smut may not be for me. Some of the language wasn’t appealing
January 4, 2020
I quite enjoy short stories and these were no exception. Add in a pirate and some steamy action and you have me hooked!
Don’t expect long complex character development, but of you want a quick relaxing read: this is is!
I found the second story (Lucien’s Gamble) the best of the three. I like the strong independent heroine!
Don’t expect long complex character development, but of you want a quick relaxing read: this is is!
I found the second story (Lucien’s Gamble) the best of the three. I like the strong independent heroine!
October 25, 2020
Han sido 3 historias cortas muy caracterizadas por ese patrón un tanto sexual de Day. No me ha molestado, aunque entendería por qué a alguien no le resulta "creíble" algunos aspectos de la narración. Aunque en este caso le doy mi voto a Sylvia, porque creo que hace falta normalizar más el sexo como algo natural y humano que ha estado siempre.
Creo que las películas han creado demasiada imagen de que la gente en otras épocas era como muy contenida y puritana, y nos negamos a ver esos años como algo "sexualizado" y realmente había de todo en todas las épocas.
Si bien no le pongo más nota, es porque no he conectado con ninguna de las historias. Me ha faltado un punto más y al final, han sido entretenidas pero sin más. Además, perdonadme, pero no puedo con los piratas y sus diatribas de alta mar, sus amenazas y tonterías :)
Creo que las películas han creado demasiada imagen de que la gente en otras épocas era como muy contenida y puritana, y nos negamos a ver esos años como algo "sexualizado" y realmente había de todo en todas las épocas.
Si bien no le pongo más nota, es porque no he conectado con ninguna de las historias. Me ha faltado un punto más y al final, han sido entretenidas pero sin más. Además, perdonadme, pero no puedo con los piratas y sus diatribas de alta mar, sus amenazas y tonterías :)
May 27, 2018
No soy muy fan de los relatos, donde se encuentro una novela que se quite todo lo demás.
Pero me ha gustado, han estado bien estas historias cortas. Y me ha sorprendido lo bien construidos que están los personajes para algo tan breve.
Pero me ha gustado, han estado bien estas historias cortas. Y me ha sorprendido lo bien construidos que están los personajes para algo tan breve.
September 19, 2023
This was not what I expected. Sylvia Day is an amazing author! She writes smutty stories like no other. Like the previous one I read this gives me Bridgerton vibes. They are short standalone stories which are intertwined.
January 25, 2016
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
Depois da leitura dos três históricos publicados pela autora, pela Quinta Essência, este era sem duvida um livro pelo qual muito eu esperava.
Sylvia Day tem-nos preenchido de momentos fantásticos e, quando publica livros dentro desta temática consegue sempre surpreender. Cheios de momentos fantásticos e detalhes extremamente bem cuidados, a autora que quando apareceu no nosso país apenas publicava romances eróticos, conseguiu aos poucos entrar nos corações de todos os leitores apaixonados por romances de época. Nestes romances contou sempre historias ricas em ação, aventura e romance, que nunca dos deixaram dececionados.
Este livro é então um pouco diferente dos habituais, principalmente por ser uma compilação de três histórias. Claro que não vou estar aqui a contar cada uma delas, pois esse é o encanto de cada livro, mas posso dizer-vos que a autora não deixa ninguém desiludido e, tal como nos livro anteriores conseguimos perdermo-nos pelas páginas deste livro e perder completamente a noção de onde estamos e do tempo que demoramos a ler.
O que mais gostei? Talvez a forma como a autora foi apresentando as personagens e também a forma como estas se relacionavam entre si. Em cada uma dessas histórias consegui largar umas quantas gargalhadas, da mesma forma como muitas vezes ficava zangada com o comportamento destas. Mas a verdade é que todos estes sentimentos fazem parte da leitura de um bom livro e, por isso, não considero que seja algo negativo. O único lado negativo que encontrei foi a forma rápida como estas histórias se desenvolviam, o que não podia deixar de acontecer visto que este livro se trata de uma compilação. Penso que se a autora tivesse dividido estas três histórias por três livros tinham conseguido muitos mais resultados. De qualquer forma gostei bastante.
Parabéns Quinta Essência, por publicarem mais um livro fantástico. Espero que continuem com o vosso trabalho, que se tem mostrado incrível.
Depois da leitura dos três históricos publicados pela autora, pela Quinta Essência, este era sem duvida um livro pelo qual muito eu esperava.
Sylvia Day tem-nos preenchido de momentos fantásticos e, quando publica livros dentro desta temática consegue sempre surpreender. Cheios de momentos fantásticos e detalhes extremamente bem cuidados, a autora que quando apareceu no nosso país apenas publicava romances eróticos, conseguiu aos poucos entrar nos corações de todos os leitores apaixonados por romances de época. Nestes romances contou sempre historias ricas em ação, aventura e romance, que nunca dos deixaram dececionados.
Este livro é então um pouco diferente dos habituais, principalmente por ser uma compilação de três histórias. Claro que não vou estar aqui a contar cada uma delas, pois esse é o encanto de cada livro, mas posso dizer-vos que a autora não deixa ninguém desiludido e, tal como nos livro anteriores conseguimos perdermo-nos pelas páginas deste livro e perder completamente a noção de onde estamos e do tempo que demoramos a ler.
O que mais gostei? Talvez a forma como a autora foi apresentando as personagens e também a forma como estas se relacionavam entre si. Em cada uma dessas histórias consegui largar umas quantas gargalhadas, da mesma forma como muitas vezes ficava zangada com o comportamento destas. Mas a verdade é que todos estes sentimentos fazem parte da leitura de um bom livro e, por isso, não considero que seja algo negativo. O único lado negativo que encontrei foi a forma rápida como estas histórias se desenvolviam, o que não podia deixar de acontecer visto que este livro se trata de uma compilação. Penso que se a autora tivesse dividido estas três histórias por três livros tinham conseguido muitos mais resultados. De qualquer forma gostei bastante.
Parabéns Quinta Essência, por publicarem mais um livro fantástico. Espero que continuem com o vosso trabalho, que se tem mostrado incrível.
September 22, 2015
Since this book consisted of three separate but slightly intertwining stories, I'm going to review those separately
Stolen Pleasures, rated 3/5
Despite the fact that the idea of being kidnapped by a roguishly handsome pirate in the Caribbean sounds really hot, I found that I did not, at all, like the female lead - Olivia. Rating was only thanks to the parts told from the POV of Sebastian Blake/Captain Phoenix, whom I really enjoyed.
Lucien's Gamble, rated 4/5
Lucien Remington has shown up in every single one of the books, or at least his establishment has, so I was very eager to meet him. I was definitely not disappointed and I liked Julienne, the female lead of this story, a lot. I think she reminded me a lot of myself.
Her Mad Grace, rated 4/5
Definitely my favorite of the three stories and also the one that brought them all together, with the only main character from the previous stories not to show up in person was Olivia (thank God). Main characters Hugh (Julienne's brother) and Charlotte were amazing and FINALLY A STORY THAT ISN'T ABOUT A DARK-HAIRED MAN AND A BLONDE WOMAN!!
So, in total, that makes the average rating of this book 3.7, which I've rounded up to a 4. Not the last Sylvia Day book I'm planning to read, but it is the last in this series, which I now find rather unfortunate because I liked the time it was set in.
Stolen Pleasures, rated 3/5
Despite the fact that the idea of being kidnapped by a roguishly handsome pirate in the Caribbean sounds really hot, I found that I did not, at all, like the female lead - Olivia. Rating was only thanks to the parts told from the POV of Sebastian Blake/Captain Phoenix, whom I really enjoyed.
Lucien's Gamble, rated 4/5
Lucien Remington has shown up in every single one of the books, or at least his establishment has, so I was very eager to meet him. I was definitely not disappointed and I liked Julienne, the female lead of this story, a lot. I think she reminded me a lot of myself.
Her Mad Grace, rated 4/5
Definitely my favorite of the three stories and also the one that brought them all together, with the only main character from the previous stories not to show up in person was Olivia (thank God). Main characters Hugh (Julienne's brother) and Charlotte were amazing and FINALLY A STORY THAT ISN'T ABOUT A DARK-HAIRED MAN AND A BLONDE WOMAN!!
So, in total, that makes the average rating of this book 3.7, which I've rounded up to a 4. Not the last Sylvia Day book I'm planning to read, but it is the last in this series, which I now find rather unfortunate because I liked the time it was set in.
January 5, 2017
OMG I forgot how amazing Sylvia Day is!
Stolen Pleasures - 4.5 stars
Good Lord! One of the best I've read in a while. He's so... breathtaking. I've never had a thing for pirates but, damn, now I do. Sebastian... mmm I love that name :3
Lucien's Gamble - 3.5 stars
I liked Julienne, the female lead of this story, a lot.
Her Mad Grace - 3 stars
I tend to dislike (a little bit) women who has the same trust issues I have. Crazy, right? I have to work on that.
I loved this anthology. Sylvia Day, please more historical romance books!!
Stolen Pleasures - 4.5 stars
Good Lord! One of the best I've read in a while. He's so... breathtaking. I've never had a thing for pirates but, damn, now I do. Sebastian... mmm I love that name :3
Lucien's Gamble - 3.5 stars
I liked Julienne, the female lead of this story, a lot.
Her Mad Grace - 3 stars
I tend to dislike (a little bit) women who has the same trust issues I have. Crazy, right? I have to work on that.
I loved this anthology. Sylvia Day, please more historical romance books!!
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