The first installment in The Saxon Chronicles is a guaranteed page-turner. Places and people were pain...moreHistorical fiction had never been more exciting…
The first installment in The Saxon Chronicles is a guaranteed page-turner. Places and people were painted vividly under the author’s pen. Dialogues and scenes were often humorous and faintly sarcastic, reflecting the eccentricities of the more prominent characters; like Ragnar the Fearless, whose boisterous laughter in the face of enemy and adversity makes him an adorable figure, Father Beocca, whose single-minded, but often fumbling, attempts in teaching Uhtred to read and be a Christian reveals him being more of a pest than a threat, Brida, whose irascible wit and courage makes her a fitting female Dane warrior (if such a thing was only allowed).
And then there’s Uhtred, whose foray into the world of manhood and the warrior from a lad of ten could be described as nothing less than baptism by fire. His deep love of his land in Bebbanburg struggled mightily with the love and respect he eventually felt for the Danes who plucked him from his home and later regarded him as one of their own. From them, he learned of warfare, of a thirst for sword and battles, as well as love for laughter and merrymaking, unencumbered by what he saw as the illogical posturings of a Christian religion or faith. The invasion of England by the Danes through his eyes are told in simple terms, sometimes disdainful and mocking, but always conscious of his own limits as a young, brash whelp whose actions are hewn by the Fates.
This author is a superb storyteller. I particularly appreciated the fact that he refrained from a protracted description of battle positions – be it on land or sea. There’s nothing more boring (for me) than pages and pages detailing how armies are placed in a geographical point. Cornwell made his descriptions succinct and understandable. And the battle scenes themselves (though only really a handful for this first book) were rich that one can hear and feel the clang of steel against steel, of the splintering of wood and rending of the flesh.
But, again, of course, the winning point for me in this novel is the interaction among the characters. Be it between a powerful lord and a scrawny brat, a long-suffering king and an audacious earl, or a haggard priest and an erstwhile student. Though a smidgen of humor is almost always there, there is also ferocity, cunning, and wit.
Great start to a series! Can’t wait to continue on with this saga...
Chesterton may just become one of my favorite authors – even if this is the only work by him that I’ll ev...moreAbsolutely brilliant. Endlessly entertaining…
Chesterton may just become one of my favorite authors – even if this is the only work by him that I’ll ever bother to read. Why? Because I don’t want to encounter another work by him that may not live up to my impression of The Man Who Was Thursday.
This novel is a tremendous piece of literary writing.
I would lay down every possible memory from the book which I enjoyed or which intrigued me. But that would be long winding.
Suffice to say, Chesterton’s wit is a sinister thing. It crops up at the most unexpected junctures and never fails to catch me by surprise.
(I don’t really like pasting quotes ‘coz it eats up space, but in this instance I do believe proof is called for:
“Why is it,” he asked vaguely, “that I think you are quite a decent fellow? Why do I positively like you, Gregory?” He paused a moment, and then added with a sort of fresh curiosity, “Is it because you are such an ass?”
---
“I'm a policeman deprived of the help of the police. You, my poor fellow, are an anarchist deprived of the help of that law and organisation which is so essential to anarchy. The one solitary difference is in your favour. You are not surrounded by inquisitive policemen; I am surrounded by inquisitive anarchists.”)
In a sense, this is a madcap tale of how ‘the man who was (called) Thursday’ pursues an anarchist group’s leader, the terrifying and mysterious man called ‘Sunday’ with the help of several other characters who help make the story more and more bizarre.
But beyond the fantastical shifts in sceneries, the revelation of false identities, and the relentless pursuit of and escape from evil, there are sporadic touches of philosophical discussions on the nature of anarchy, of the role of law, peace, and chaos, as well as the preponderance of preoccupation with things divine and infinite.
Chock-full of twists – sometimes benignly predictable and sometimes too ludicrous for words – this novel is a rare treat. Even the Catholic allegorical bent is hardly something that fazed me, cynical git that I am.
Chesterton’s narrative is at turns lyrical and wistful, sharp and witty. It is optimism couched in pessimistic premise. Reconciliation and resolution without the formulaic happy ending. A tumble down the rabbit hole without ever seeing where the hole gaped open.
They do say that a classic is one that everyone knows but hardly anyone reads (or something like that). And I admit that I was skeptical about this before turning the first page. By the second chapter however, I knew that this little piece of writing is one that unequivocally demands to be read. (less)
Feels like the Orient Express all over again. But instead of being a shallow copy of the plot – a horrible thing for an author to do, yes? — Death on...moreFeels like the Orient Express all over again. But instead of being a shallow copy of the plot – a horrible thing for an author to do, yes? — Death on the Nile is more than able to stand up on its own in terms of its share of thrills, its healthy dose of the whodunit among a motley crew of characters, and even its sprinkling of romance.
It’s Poirot again at his finest.
No, really.
(And, may I say, so far as I have been able to tread among the Poirot Mysteries, the one at his most introspective and sympathetic yet.)
There’s really a lot going on in here. Murder, theft, hidden identities, and so on. A most interesting contrast to the placid progress of the boat along the Nile where events take place. So the temptation to guess who onboard killed Linnet Doyle, the beautiful English heiress, is all the more compelling.
There’s the hot-blooded jealous ex-bestfriend, the unscrupulous American trustee, the sullen miss whose mother is difficult to live with, the mulish young man who spouts anti-capitalist ideals, the archaeologist with a strange telegram concerning, of all things, potatoes, the snobbish elderly woman with all the trappings of prestige, and so forth.
One of the entertaining aspects of the novel are the levels of exposition Poirot deigned to make to whoever constituted his rapt audience at the moment. By dishing out in increments who might have done the deed in so-and-so way, and then practically turning to the reader and saying, “Eh bien, it was a good try, no?”, Poirot is a master in keeping those about him in tenterhooks. And a fair share of those who listen come out genuinely outraged by the lengths with which he stretches his conjectures, just for the sake of teasing the morbid thirst of those around him. A detective first, but a performer second.
I can understand why Christie eventually felt a little fed up with her most famous character – Poirot is really a force to be reckoned with. And he attacks in the most subtle, unexpected, but damnably unreservedly ingenious ways. His ‘clearing away’ of the ‘extraneous matter’ in order to get at the heart of the crime/s is nothing short of impressive. And such brilliance of course cannot help but go into his head. In the meantime, however, I cannot but marvel at his skill. I’m afraid it might be a long time before I tire of him.
As things stand, this is my second favorite after Orient Express. Very fast-paced. Verging on dramatic, even, at some points. And, throughout, a very respectful novel…in the sense that it doesn’t waste with the reader’s time, and is in keeping with delivering its promised goods.
This was the first romance story that literally made me go, “Hot DAMN!” on the first words of the very f...moreExcuse me while I recover from being scorched…
This was the first romance story that literally made me go, “Hot DAMN!” on the first words of the very first chapter. And then all tingly the rest of the way.
I know a lot of romance buffs are either indifferent to, or even disdainful of, erotica. And they can be justified sometimes—most of the stories in this genre are simply mindless sex, with most bordering on “perverted” liaisons. (Well, what may pass as perversions to some, in any case.) Another reason is that the plot can be more improbable than anything else—circumstances were conceived just a little bit too conveniently for any “romantic” element to exist.
However, for some reason I don’t know what, Passion really hooked me in.
And, in the risk of being called randy, I confess to not being fed up with Mark and Passion’s sex bouts. They really do sizzle without that “icky” or tiring feel. Though I admit the risqué language and the viciousness of the emotion between Mark and his mother kinda surprised me in the first few instances…somehow these paled in comparison to the love story itself between the hero and the heroine.
And I really like the “episode”-like vibe that Valdez churned out in every heading of a new chapter—I was in tenterhooks as to what will happen once the clandestine world of Mark and Passion collides with that of Charlotte’s. And I was most especially thrilled with the growing fervor that Mark had for Passion. I mean, what woman wouldn’t want to be needed like that?
All-in-all, a feel good novel—this lustful story actually has “heart” and real conflict (damn near made me cry, too). Very very satisfying read for me… (less)
So, I admit to having a smidgen of skepticism when I see a romance story claiming to be paranormal with words like "The Nightw...moreSensational new series!!
So, I admit to having a smidgen of skepticism when I see a romance story claiming to be paranormal with words like "The Nightwalkers,"--I mean, what the heck is new with vampires or even werewolves consorting with hapless humans?? None. They're almost as old as...well...as these supernatural creatures themselves. Er...you get it. The formula's old.
Certainly I was on the verge of saying "oh, no, not another one...sheesh!" when I read the first few passages of Jacob,--it felt too much like Lucian speaking (from Christine Feehan's Dark Guardian), being an enforcer of their species' law and justice and all that. And since Lucian is my favorite supernatural hottie, you can imagine how reluctant I was to be pulled in by another magic-wielding macho. He had better be good.
But then, once the scene shifts to Isabella's POV and her encounter with Jacob (did I mention he's supposedly handsome? No...make that, per Bella, "beautiful."), things start to become interesting. Jacquelyn Frank lays down all the lowdown (sorry, can't help it) on the Demon species. And even the characters of Noah, Elijah, Legna, and Gideon are instantly fascinating.
Though I found Bella's calm acceptance of being embroiled in Jacob's world sketchy at best, her quirky and quick-witted attitude makes her quite adorable to me, despite my better judgment--she's like a less acerbic Anita Blake. Half the time I forget that Bella's supposed to be a wisp of a thing.
And I have nothing but gushing and blushing things to say about Jacob--a true gentleman who thrillingly loses control over the woman he loves, who never loses sight of his role among his people, and is surprisingly funny as well at the most unexpected times. No clichéd brooding warrior in him.
And his yummy factor really need not be belabored.
Anyway, what really made me finish the book until well into the hours of dawn is the sizzling chemistry between him and Bella. In the back of my mind, I know it's going to be really scorching--Jacob is already shown as one of the most powerful Demons who turn out to possess a latent smouldering passion; ergo: "hot sex."
Beyond their bed scenes, though (which, for the sake of modesty I have to keep mum about), the attraction, pure need, and possession that arises between the two every time they are together, despite the presence of other people, are like goodies for a starving romance junkie. "Destiny" about the two of them aside, they really are two halves of a whole. And the author does not stint on making Jacob and Isabella voice their love for one another--without verging on the syrupy.
So, yeah, ms Jacquelyn Frank, you have a fan in me. Jacob is a thrilling, action-packed new beginning to another breed of paranormal heroes. Heck, his and Bella's story is even quite satisfactory enough for me. There's a really warm and giddy feeling by the end. But then, such is the thrill infused in these characters that I really am looking forward to Gideon.
*damn, it feels so good to discover another favorite...*
It’s been a while since an author was able to paint a...moreLose yourself in this teaser of a story…
*damn, it feels so good to discover another favorite...*
It’s been a while since an author was able to paint a wholly different world across his pages that, before I knew it, I was hooked. And certainly even before the last page, I was more than eager for the next installment.
As Burgess mentioned in the introduction, Peake’s creation would hardly be given justice with so simple a category as a “gothic”—certainly it is that—but there is a whimsical quality sprinkled in his prose, as well. There are the characters’ playful names, the latent dry wit that arises from their dialogues, and even the comically dysfunctional peculiarities that typify their personas.
There are times the story is such a glaring gothic for all its mysteries and hints of brewing unrest and maleficence...and then there are moments when a character does or says something so comic (often unintentional) that I find myself treating this as definitely not a gloomy story.
What I also largely enjoyed is the fact that the author hardly divulged more than necessary; that he is effluent but only to a certain point (as it seems that there is a consciousness of what need only be said); that his prose serves only to breathe life in the inanimate things and events as they fuel and set the scene between characters. Also, he hardly wasted his storyline with reminisces of the past, or of delving into a character’s background.
In a way, I felt that I was thrown into the middle of an ongoing drama: I felt lost in wanting to know how the Bright Carvers arose from the foot of Gormenghast; what the past Gormenghast Earls were like; why Flay is the way he is; why the Earl’s lazily brooding persona commands such loyalty; how the strange twins Cora and Clarice managed to live under the radar while nursing bitterness in their ironically insensate hearts; and how the satirical doctor Prunesquallor became involved in the faintly eerily crazy world that is the Gormenghast “household,” among others…
…yet Peake does not assuage this initial automatic curiosity, and, instead, pushes us along as the plot unfolds. Indeed, he hardly gave way to a reader’s expectation of how a scene would turn out. The end-result can be ridiculous, or macabre, confounding, or tragic. One is always in tenterhooks.
Titus Groan was an enjoyable reading experience. I cannot wait till I get my hands on the next, Gormenghast. Read READ READ THIS! The characters will stay with you, and the anticipation of how things will turn out a burning craving.(less)
The novel that brought my faith back to historical romance…
Even if I just sounded like a total snoot, I am more preoccupied with venting a relieved si...moreThe novel that brought my faith back to historical romance…
Even if I just sounded like a total snoot, I am more preoccupied with venting a relieved sigh that my favorite romance genre has not totally lost its touch.
Yes, there was this growing disquiet that the likes of McNaught’s and Garwood’s historical romance works would never find likeness with that of the authors of today (heck, even McNaught and Garwood have seemed to have lost the magic that truly made them the queens of historical romance—just an opinion, mind).
However, as I plunged into Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels with a skeptic brow raised haughtily, I soon found myself lowering that imperious brow inch by slow inch as I turned page after page, inevitably eagerly losing myself in the unflagging chemistry between Dain and Jessica.
I don’t know how Chase did it, but Dain, in addition to having a rapier wit, actually came across as sexy (okay, make that very sexy—again, just an opinion!) despite descriptions to the contrary (and the fact that he's a soppy Italian romantic at heart probably need not be mentioned), and Jess was a well-balanced, definitely envy-worthy female character—cheeky, sensible, and, more importantly, exactly the kind of heroine I like: one who reacts just the way a female should to certain circumstances—when I wanted her to rant at Dain, or stay cucumber-cool, or to lose her head in lust, or even just say something that would totally knock the breath out of the Bane and Blight of Blackmoor, she does it, and at exactly the right time. Every encounter they have can be described in a lot of words, but never would dull be one of them.
With plenty of humour, passion, drama, and even a smattering of action, Lord of Scoundrels would always be memorable (to me, at least) as it resurrected my reason for being enamored of historical romance novels in the first place. A definite keeper.(less)
(FYI, because of this overblown hype [and yes, I'm aware of the redundancy:], this previously held-as-a-favorite novel is now relegated to a 'good' re...more(FYI, because of this overblown hype [and yes, I'm aware of the redundancy:], this previously held-as-a-favorite novel is now relegated to a 'good' read. Damn it.)(less)
honestly i had reservations about picking up this book, poetry and me not really being the closest of buddies. then of course...morequirky yet sentimental...
honestly i had reservations about picking up this book, poetry and me not really being the closest of buddies. then of course the fact that this was supposedly meant for toddlers and such (disdainful much??).
it wasn't long before i was shown the depths of my arrogance. hopefully never again...(but who knows).
okay. to the point. i ADORED this book.
a lot of the poetry here are funny (not outright hilarious, more like plain goofy), and yet come to think of it, still some of those are actually quite sad, with undertones about life and life experiences we take for granted. like the "Snowman", "Invention", "What's in the Sack?", "I Won't Hatch!", "The Garden", "The Little Blue Engine", and even the subtly poignant "Love".
whether you actively seek a moral in any of the poems or just want to go for some light reading, this book (in my opinion) is sure to leave you with a wistful feeling. exactly about what...well, i can't say. but i loved it. and for me that's more than okay.(less)
don't read this in public..especially if you're by yourself...
this book has been on my wishlist for years (apparently it was earning rave reviews from...moredon't read this in public..especially if you're by yourself...
this book has been on my wishlist for years (apparently it was earning rave reviews from readers online) and yet everytime i come across this at bookstores i'd tell myself to postpone buying it since it had many copies on shelf. i never even bothered leafing through it. but one day i just decided to actually read its back cover and see what all the hoopla's about.
and then i saw the line, " Secrets she wouldn't share with anyone in the world:I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. " and honest to god, i just grinned like an idiot. i had to read it. i actually went to a nearby cafe right after buying this from the store just so that i could begin.
which turned out to be a bad idea cos it was literally difficult to keep a straight face once i read the first few chapters.
you ever had that experience when something is really really funny but you can't laugh outright or even smile cos people around you will start getting wary? this book is deadly. you have to read it on some secluded (preferably enclosed [okay make it enclosed and sound-proof]) place so you can laugh without being hampered.
this book may even be funnier than her shopaholic series. there's just something so natural and so human about the insecurities and then the delusions of Emma. and though this might be a comic story first, this was a very cheeky romantic romp for me. and is it just me or was Jack sexy?? i just wanted to skip on the next scene where he'll appear--i can't wait what next secret he'll be dangling for Emma to squirm over.
it's not even your run-of-the-mill chick-lit cos there were some parts that became serious they were heartbreaking. all in all, this is a highly recommended, feel good story. you'll never want to put it down (even when you know that someone soon will approach you and politely ask you to leave their premises cos you're scaring some people...)(less)
it didn't hurt that the edition i bought was the one by Puffin Books--the one with the cute brown rabbit sitting by the corner of th...moresweeps you away...
it didn't hurt that the edition i bought was the one by Puffin Books--the one with the cute brown rabbit sitting by the corner of the cover. i just couldn't resist smiling like a loon at the picture at times in between reading chapters, there were times i expected it to wriggle it's nose at me.
i was tickled with the way Adams vividly portrayed the mannerisms of the rabbits especially in the company of their friends--when they touch with each other's noses, when they nuzzle and bump with one another usually for comfort and assurance, when they stop to nibble in a huddle, and even the way they heal another's wounds by licking it's fur. it was so endearing. it's not one of those novels where the animal characters are given eerie anthropomorphic attributes; instead it's a refreshing look at the way these little critters presumably live their lives. there are no childish conversations with humans, no dressing up as humans, and certainly no aspirations to be human. they just are. and that's what made their adventures exciting and believable, you'd hardly notice that it's a pretty thick book.
this novel explores so many aspects: deep friendship, unswerving loyalty, fierce bravery, and so on; not to mention the underlying currents of the often destructive human intervention in wildlife. i'm gratified to have met Hazel and his wily group. definitely one of the best i've read in a long while, in any genre.(less)
is it silly for an adult to thoroughly enjoy this book??
'cause i did.
and i've a feeling that a decade from now, i'd still find this surprisingly won...moreis it silly for an adult to thoroughly enjoy this book??
'cause i did.
and i've a feeling that a decade from now, i'd still find this surprisingly wonderful.
though the author did not belabor the fantastical world Haroun found himself embroiled in with thick imagery and endless descriptions that in some books become tiresome, there nevertheless was a peculiarly believable aspect in the realm of the Sea of Stories. what i also immensely loved about rushdie's narration was that, in the case of our young hero, there were no long-winded ruminations of the self, no drawn-out complications on what is exactly good and evil, and perhaps best of all, no lingering soppy accounts of events after their happy ending. everything was told, in relation to the story, in a fast-paced and very matter-of-factly way. we have to remember that Haroun was a just a very young man, and though he sometimes falls into bouts of doubt and even cynicism, he essentially acted in a manner befitting his age--sometimes impulsively and even with the tenacity of a child bent on seeing things put to rights in a world gone awry, yet also with remarkable restraint and poise in the midst of a foreign land, without putting on airs of heroism.
all the other characters in the story were also amusing to read about, even the bad guys. even if there was a hint of menace, you'd still feel that it's a lighthearted story--only when you're halfway reading it do you realize there's more to it than meets the eye, as Rashid would say about his son.
the story captures the reality of the unfortunate tendency of adults to lose their wonderful innocence. fairytales forgotten. sometimes even corrupted and sewn in with new meanings that blur their purity as we grow older and more preoccupied with our detached way of living. we've become increasingly cynical, to the point that we can be contemptuous of what we have so blisfully embraced as children. sad really, but there it is. which is another great thing about this book--it doesn't scold nor spout morals. it just lays there for you to enjoy yet somehow makes you think. even for just a moment. (less)
the first few pages of Bell Jar were deceptively banal. though it still made for a relatively interesting read, I initially really didn't feel engaged...morethe first few pages of Bell Jar were deceptively banal. though it still made for a relatively interesting read, I initially really didn't feel engaged with the story of Esther. but then the pace picks up as Plath unfolds the subtle but swift undoing that encroaches on the protagonist's consciousness. in no time at all, i found haunting affinity with some of what Esther went through--those times when everything seems to be on a standstill and yet knowing that the world is passing swiftly by without you; times when you feel like almost everything around you is falling apart or is against you, and then feel at turns frustrated, frightened, and furious that the people you hope empathized with you instead misunderstand you.
the winning touch on this novel is that the author did not attempt to make Esther's condition clinical or overly dramatic--what transpired rather is an inherently human experience that centered solely on the young woman's perspective that made it more felt to the reader, with touches of merciless lucidity and benevolent numbness.
the seemingly harmless events that led to Esther's "breakdown" may be the very same things that have occured to countless people. now whether the question is if these events triggered her cognitive distortion or if Esther's genes were just waiting on the awning for the right time to manifest themselves is probably eclipsed by the more salient issue of how different humans respond and interpret their world around them.
this is a very insightful novel in many levels. slyly pulls you in and makes you aware of forces that you take for granted and you let dictate your life. its not just about the searing disappointments and hurts that fester one's soul, it's also about letting go and allowing oneself to simply become human, with all its imperfections. (less)
I loved how ms. woodiwiss portrayed Lord Saxton--fierce on the outside but oh-so-tender when with Erienne. personally, the way he was described, i did...moreI loved how ms. woodiwiss portrayed Lord Saxton--fierce on the outside but oh-so-tender when with Erienne. personally, the way he was described, i did not feel he was that hideous. i actually preferred him over Christopher. before any revelations were finally made open, i found myself hotly rooting for Lord Saxton. for me, Christopher (allegedly removed from Lord Saxton's presence) was cocky and outrageous. handsome as the devil of course, and totally overwhelming. but somehow he didnt quite measure up to the dark and brooding presence and, may i say, charisma, of Lord Saxton.
so it was simply a most delightful surprise when Erienne was shown the truth. i loved what transpired then between her and her husband. however, i did not quite find myself favoring Erienne. her maidenly qualms in the presence of Lord Saxton were simply way exaggerated---there were times i wanted to shake her silly for harboring overblown images about her husband.
All-in-all, A Rose in Winter is a wonderful story. as is usual for ms. woodiwiss, her dialogues for her characters were quite effusive, but still, for a story with a fairy-like quality such as this, the rich interplay of words was appropriate. when one stumbles upon the tender scenes, the dialogue is instrumental in evoking wistful fantasies of what it would be like to belong to someone like the hero of the story. (less)
my first novel by ms Ward. Thrilling, sexy, fast-paced, and, in some instances, surprisingly poignant. With a bitingly (!) gorgeous hero, and a heroin...moremy first novel by ms Ward. Thrilling, sexy, fast-paced, and, in some instances, surprisingly poignant. With a bitingly (!) gorgeous hero, and a heroine with a seemingly dark future, brought together in the sensual, exciting world of vampires. the Black Dagger brothers are addictive...love them!!(less)
even from the first installment, Dark Lover, Zsadist's character was shrouded in darkness and even a hint of menace. there were times that i thought t...moreeven from the first installment, Dark Lover, Zsadist's character was shrouded in darkness and even a hint of menace. there were times that i thought to myself, how can the other brothers stand him? why is he even in the brotherhood? he's so dangerous, especially to the women (and not in a sexy-dangerous way, but in an assassin-lethal kind of way, mind).
then by the near-end of Lover Eternal, Z's persona comes into a new light. he was still dangerous and would punch anyone who pisses him off, but one will just have to see the chemistry between him and bella, and you can see how almost all that angst is directed against himself. you'd sense that he has a severe case of emotional trauma that is going to be heart-wrenching (once you read Lover Awakened).
his story opens with his maniacal search for bella after her capture by the lessers. bordering on desperate, he has no care for his safety (sometimes even for the safety of the brothers), his only goal was to find her. even in the first few pages of the book, you'd know how much he feels for Bella. for those keeping tabs on the black dagger series, you'd know that this is a turn-around for Z's character. Z - who was always coldly sinister, always in control in any situation no matter how dire, who even seems to not care about anyone at all, and is always the loner.
but in this book, Z goes through a whirlwind of emotions. his acquaintance with bella reinforces his low and even degrading view of himself. readers are given the full, heartbreaking story behind his scars and his perverse relationship with his twin, Phury. you'll come to realize why Z puts anyone who cares for him at bay, to the point that he lashes out at them. for him, his life is nothing more than an endless yawning darkness of loneliness, pain and bitterness. until bella.
with bella, he is forced to confront his demons again, for bella finds in him something and someone worth loving. she sees through the barrier that he puts up, and stubbornly hammers it down to make Z realize that, even if he was brutal and cruel, he has even greater capacity for honor and love.
i wont even comment on the sex scenes (yes they were steamy). all i can say is that, that level of passion is fitting for the aggressive character of Z. you cant expect anything less. but the real gem of the story is the emotions and (bear with me on this) the soul-searching Z went through to finally let himself love and be loved.
there were times i felt sad as well for Phury. almost the exact opposite of Z, he nonetheless has a lot of emotional baggage that he so valiantly strives to hide. i can't wait for his story!
in the mean time, Lover Awakened stands as my favorite from the black dagger series. keep it up ms ward!(less)
Rarely does a story like this ever stand above its own genre
from the first page to the last, everything is so hot-hot-hot! but beyond the sizzling sce...moreRarely does a story like this ever stand above its own genre
from the first page to the last, everything is so hot-hot-hot! but beyond the sizzling scenes (and yes, they really DO sizzle...), one can find such a tender emotion coming from Ramiel. it was simply beautiful, no other word for it, to witness how he changed from simply being an instructor on the pleasures of the flesh to becoming the hero of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is such a compelling woman. Full of complexities and undeniable yet gut-wrenching innocence, she is magnificent in her struggle to finally decide not to become a victim and be free to let herself see how beautiful and desirable she is. the way she epxresses her secret longings was so stirring.
The Lady's Tutor certainly broke my stereotypes about erotica. before, i firmly believed that if a story is just full of sex, no matter how hot, it would not be capable of showing a deeper emotion than the physical. but with this story, i was proven wrong. i salute ms. schone for her superb mastery of placing all-consuming passion alongside such redeeming love that broke all the rules and consequently created a woman who realized her true worth, and a man who finally found the courage to slay his own demons. (less)
i was first given an inkling of the unhappy circumstance which befell francesca's marriage in 'to sir phillip with love.' i always thought, based on m...morei was first given an inkling of the unhappy circumstance which befell francesca's marriage in 'to sir phillip with love.' i always thought, based on ms quinn's previous books on the bridgerton brood, that francesca was a tad different from her female siblings, with a poised and dryly humourous air about her. but to hear of her tragedy was just something i did not expect.
it was apparent all througout the book that quinn wielded a different style of writing in that she was a little bit more serious (of course, the death of a loved one threw a pall over part of the story), and that she delved more deeply in the emotional anguish that michael had had to go through in his love for francesca.
also quite different was that, unlike the other bridgerton series, the infamous family was hardly in sight. except for a mention here and there of some of the siblings and the few encounters of michael with colin, the boisterous brood were, for once, masterfully kept in the sidelines, leaving francesca and michael on their own devices.
though michael was established as a consummate rake, one would hardly think it of him, since he has a deep sense of honor and decency. and it was always heart wrenching whenever he has to squash down the bitterness he feels in not being able to express his fierce love for francesca. i especially loved that part when he eventually had to brutally drive her away, claiming that his heart could not take any further battering if francesca could not find it in her own to feel any sort of emotion other than the fraternal for him. trust me, that scene will just want you to bawl like a baby...
and francesca...well...she was always the special one among her siblings, wasnt she? wise beyond her years, and so oblivious of her beauty and wit. but it was thrilling to see how she finally "sees" michael as an intensely attractive and desirable man. and michael can be quite ruthless in his seduction once he senses even the slightest inclination from francesca's direction. oh boy, get ready for the fireworks, and, quite probably, ms quinn at her most daring in her love scenes. this is her steamiest and most romantic novel as yet!(less)
the first time i read about Benedict was from The Duke and I. even from then i was intrigued by him (well...okay...i was intrigued by the older Bridge...morethe first time i read about Benedict was from The Duke and I. even from then i was intrigued by him (well...okay...i was intrigued by the older Bridgerton brothers). obviously, of course, Benedict is the more somber one of the lot. he's the quintessential brooding rake--who's really not a rake since he can be considered the "upstanding" one among the brothers. but, knowing how handsome and compelling he is, he might just as well be a rake. lol
i really fell in love with this story. not only because quinn engaged the other Bridgertons more in the plot, with all their irresistible quirks and peculiarities (they're really adorable in this novel), but also that, despite of this, she still superbly orchestrated the torment Sophie endured from her wicked stepmother, as well as from her secret yearning for Benedict.
another plus, was, of course, the unraveling of Benedict's fierce passion for Sophie, coupled with his own determination to stay true to his unidentified lady-love from the ball. i salute the way quinn has played out that moment when Benedict found out who this mystery lady was.
Sophie is one of those rare "strong" heroines in the genre--she has a remarkable sense of self and dignity. despite the many chances for her to let herself live out her dream in becoming Benedict's love, she has still managed to fend him off without appearing to be leading him on, staying sensible and realistic.
and Benedict, well...we all know how we feel about the Bridgerton brothers. they're almost too good to be true. but Benedict himself really is special...though he might appear to be the least wicked beside Anthony and Colin, he has his own subtle humor and endearing qualities. a real Prince for Sophie... (less)
The romance genre would be incomplete without the magical writing of ms Medeiros, and this is one of my favorites from her. a story, as they say, that...moreThe romance genre would be incomplete without the magical writing of ms Medeiros, and this is one of my favorites from her. a story, as they say, that has "heart". some scenes were wrenching, others lyrical and playful, and in every chapter, that hint of overwhelming passion. also has a surprising twist near the end. Vunderful vunderful read!(less)
warning...im very biased on stephen...read on at your own risk...^_^
the backcover synopsis was enough to intrigue me. the idea of a governess developi...morewarning...im very biased on stephen...read on at your own risk...^_^
the backcover synopsis was enough to intrigue me. the idea of a governess developing a case of amnesia and being tended to by an earl who fell in love with her was simply too much to resist. soon i found myself reading the first five chapters in the bookstore itself . eventually, i was told by a beleaguered staff to either buy it or stuff it back on the shelf.
a day later on my bed, i was finished with a stupid smile on my face. my heart was still all a-flutter just thinking of stephen and sheridan. what was so beautiful to see was stephen opening his heart for this proud young lady who would do anything to fight for her love. when u read these parts, you couldnt help but notice that stephen, an embittered (and yet so delicious) earl, was already changing--finally being that warm, charming man before being disillusioned by a first love. he finally found a reason to smile and laugh.
sheridan was simply amazing. she was witty and so brave amidst people who were so foreign to her. she was willing to stake everything just to see if the man she fell in love with was still inside the now-angry stephen (when she ran away).
i'll admit there are a couple of lagging scenes. but all-in-all, it was a delightful read. it was my first mcnaught historical romance and since then, i was hooked to her books. you wouldnt regret reading this one.(less)
**spoiler alert** I dunno about you guys, but Perfect made me cry...
i just absolutely love this story. it was one of the first books that ive read fro...more**spoiler alert** I dunno about you guys, but Perfect made me cry...
i just absolutely love this story. it was one of the first books that ive read from ms. mcnaught---one of those that contributed to this enthusiasm over romance.
zachary or zack (oh gosh...is his name hot or what??) is so perfect for julie. as julie is perfect for him. you cannot help but fall in love with these two. the halcyon days they spent all cooped up away from the outside world made me wonder if i'll let myself one day be "kidnapped" by a man as de-lish as zack *wink*wink* sigh....
but more than the sexuality and the sensuality, as usual (as i was bound to discover upon reading more from ms. mcnaught), the most provocative and compelling facet of Perfect is the emotional turmoil that the protagonists felt as they faced the charges that threatened Zack. and i was just brought to tears on that part where Zack sent Julie a letter. it was so heart-wrenching---and the way ms. mcnaught drove the atmosphere on that particular scene---nothing but a master could do that.
Julie is one of the best heroines ever lovingly created by a writer. she's brave, tough, generous, and so adorable especially when she gets agitated (note the alphabetical obsessive-compulsive thingie that she does...it's really sweet)
with all confidence, i would say that Perfect is the most "perfect" contemporary romance written by ms. mcnaught (and that's saying a lot--since Paradise is a close contender)--there's action, so much drama, passion, tender humor, and that rewarding part where Zack realizes how wrong he was about Julie on the airport ambush scene. and the way he atones for everything by practically lavishing Julie and treating her like she's the only woman on earth (which was really the case for him...) (less)
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