Scandalous Desires is a book that I could not put down! It is very rare that I finish a book in two days (during the week days) but I could not get enough of Charming Mickey and Silence. I read Scandalous Desires every chance I got. Charming Mickey is the perfect hero and Silence the perfect heroine. They both complimented each other so well and I loved the gradual changes that Mickey made throughout the book. It was a natural progression; not something that was fast, forced or unbelievable.We've seen bits and pieces of Charming Mickey in the previous two books in the series. In Notorious Pleasures we saw how Mickey in essence ruins Silence's marriage and tarnishes her reputation. So when Silence tells her brother, Winter, that she is staying with Charming Mickey because his enemies are after his daughter, Mary Darling, Winter does not take the news well. Silence's family is completely against her being in the company of Charming Mickey. Mickey has hurt Silence before and they don't want her to further tarnished her reputation. Silence's brother, Winter, leads the charge to rescue Silence and Mary Darling from the pirate's clutches. Winter has come across as super serious in the previous books. In Scandalous, Winter meets his match in Lady Isabel. And we find out something about Winter that totally blew me away. This book is all about there's more to a person than meets the eye.Set aside any pre-conceived notions or opinions about pirates because Mickey is one sexy pirate and completely likable pirate. He has enemies and he's a powerful man but there is more to Charming Mickey that meets the eye. I love that Mickey does not apologize for being what he is. He owns it and likes to show off his possessions. He is gaudy, per Silence's observation, and likes being able to have the finest meats, foods, wine and tokens from his raiding.We learn that there's more to Mickey. His past is painful and has molded him into the man that he is. One of my favorite parts is when Mickey confirms for Silence that his christian name is Michael and Silence decides that she will only call him Michael. Mickey's reaction to her calling him "Michael" is so sweet and sad. You start getting a glimpse of the damaged man underneath.Scandalous Desires is one of my favorite books of the year. It is sexy, romanctic, suspensful and emotional. I didn't think Hoyt would be able to make Mickey a likable and sexy character but she totally met and exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved Mickey and Silence's romance. The pace of the story kept me engaged. There was a lot going on but I didn't felt overwhelmed. There was a nice balance of romance, hot sex with a pirate and action and suspense. I didn't want the book to end but I can't wait to read Thief of Shadows, Winter's book. Scandalous Desires is a great addition to the Maiden Lane series and a must read. It can be read as a stand-alone but I suggest you read the previous two books, Wicked Intentions and Notorious Pleasures, because this series is made of awesome! I highly recommend you read this series.A-
