Scandalous Desires Audiobook

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Narrated by: Ashford MacNab

Published by: Hachette Audio 11/2011

Hot 
Maiden Lane # 3

11 hrs and 2 mins

 

Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies within a woman’s heart?

“Charming” Mickey O’Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London’s criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. Yet he’s never been able to forget the naive captain’s wife who came to him a year ago for help—and spent one memorable night in his bed…talking.

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind–and a year ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back…and he’s asking for her help.

Sample

My Thoughts

From the moment Mickey O’Connor was introduced in the first novel of the series (Wicked Intentions) I knew his story was going to be a good and enjoyable read/listen, but what I never imagined was the intensity on my enjoyment.

The first encounter between Silence and Mickey was full of potential for a great romance; although their meeting was not in the best of circumstances, (they hardly ever are) it was  full  of energy and the type of chemistry that demanded their own story.

Little Mary, who has become  the apple of Silence‘s eyes has been taken by no other than that dreadful Pirate, Mickey O’Connor. Silence, in her efforts to bring her back will agree to Mickey’s demands to take up residence with him.

Their time together sets the stage for a lovely romantic tale full excitement, mystery and  an off the charts sensuality that will keep you dreading the conclusion of the novel.

As alpha characters go, Mickey O’Connor is one the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of  read/listen to in a Historical Romance, and now holds a secured place among my favorites –  along side of Jericho Barron (Fever series) Curran (Magic series) and Jaime (Outlander series) is he in illustrious company or what?!

It takes quite the hero to join that elite list, but Elizabeth Hoyt delivered a character worthy of such of placement. Mickey’s character is full of depth and mystery. His tortured past (I know…..Overdone, but it works here) Sexiness, self assuredness and the strong sense of compassion under the villain’s image he so expertly displayed moved him right up my scale.

With the perfect combination of confidence, feistiness and vulnerability, Silence Hollingbrook, is the ideal complement an counterpart to Mickey.  In this novel we see her nicely come into her own – becoming the kind of heroine that is  always pleasant to read/listen to about.

Besides the fantastic romance the story has a nasty villain that adds to the drama and anticipation.

The small advance to the next book is promising a fantastic follow- up. The revelation of the Ghost of ST. Giles’s identity is the biggest teaser to for next novel, and one that I’m definitely looking forward to.

All in all, the hot,slowly but beautifully developed romance, (just the way I like them)  the  suspenseful plot,  witty dialogue and  fantastic characters, made this entry a terrific read and listen, and one that I highly recommend to all Romance listeners.

I had included a  link to  my favorite review from a fellow bloggers that provided a more detailed description of the plot.

  Narration

Although is not apparent in the first few minutes of the audio book, Ashford MacNab is the perfect reader for these novels, her soft,  un- imposing voice  and easy British accent lends the right tempo to bring these novels to life.

I can’t deny I would have preferred a deeper tone for the portrayal of Mickey’s character, but the excellent performance of his tone and different accents was convincing enough for the enjoyment of the story.

The careful attention giving to each character is clearly evident with the obvious distinctions between them all.

The overall sense of anticipation, darkness and mystery are nicely conveyed without neglecting for a moment the intense sensuality of the novel.

Ultimately, this is another excellent listen from Hoyt and MacNab, and one of my top 10 of 2011.

The Author
Elizabeth Hoyt

Great Review