Day, Sylvia

A well-curated selection of sexy, short, captivating romances from big-name authors investigating the unexpected twists of arranged marriages.

Fans of Day’s “Crossfire” series will relish this subtle and emotional companion piece and its unflinching look at depression and loss. However, the novella’s abrupt twist of an ending and point-of-view shift feels a little out of left field and might leave some readers wishing that this story could have been fleshed out more in a full-length novel.

Libraries with a demonstrated patron interest in Day's work should look to the one-volume trade paperback edition of Afterburn/Aftershock.

Hot, rough, and deeply sensual, this novel is a winning contribution to the supernatural erotic genre. Max and Victoria's bond as Warlock and Familiar is predicated on the dominant/submissive element of their relationship and also helps validate the savage intensity of their otherworldly passion. Some parts of the book are a bit clunky and repetitive, particularly descriptions of sex acts and characters' appearances, which might have something to do with two portions of the novel being previously published tales. Overall, this is a hot read with a great backstory to match. Fans of Day's work (Bared to You; Entwined with You) will not be disappointed.

Vividly written and darkly erotic, this explicit romance also addresses disturbing topics, including rape and child abuse. This is not for those seeking a lighthearted summer read but will appeal to series fans and readers looking for a hot thriller that has equal parts plot and smut, with mentions of bondage. [The Berkley pb was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]

The second installment in the "Crossfire" series (after Bared to You) is a tale of damaged, star-crossed lovers and their power dynamics. While Eva and Gideon's dysfunctional relationship provides some cringe-worthy moments of dialog, the steamy sex scenes and intriguing plot twists will have readers clamoring for more. Power players, family feuds, and strong wills recall the best soap operas—with a lot more skin and sex during the daytime. With little exposition leading into this story, readers should pick up the series in order. Fans of Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz, and, of course, E.L. James will love this.