Book Review: Wuthering Heights

Author: Emily Bronte

Title: Wuthering Heights
Genre: Romance, Classic, Gothic, Historical Fiction
Pages: 464

First Published: 1847
Where I Got It: my shelf (Goodwill)

"Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense and almost demonic love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling adopted by Catherine's father. After Mr Earnshaw's death, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by Catherine's brother Hindley and wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated, leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man. He proceeds to exact a terrible revenge for his former miseries. The action of the story is chaotic and unremittingly violent, but the accomplished handling of a complex structure, the evocative descriptions of the lonely moorland setting and the poetic grandeur of vision combine to make this unique novel a masterpiece of English literature."

This is about the fourth time I've read this novel. However, its been a while and I was having an itch for it, so I picked it up and began reading it. Within hours I was done. I just can't get enough of this book. Now I'm desperately on the hunt for the movie with Tom Hardy (he's so yummy). The nearest one is some random town a couple hours away, so I have to sit here and wait. Gah. Patience is not my virtue...however, I would want an eon to watch the movie. Not only is Tom Hardy yummy, but this story makes me happy as a clam.


Anyways, I hate pretty much every character in this book, but I still adore it. I love the hate-love that is formed between Catherine and Heathcliff. I feel that after he runs off like an idiot and then came back to seek his revenge that the romance bloomed more. Yes, love shouldn't be like that, but for them...it worked. They are both crazy and rather mean people and when they had some hatred mixed in with their love it just seemed fitting. 

Though Heathcliff did have valid reasons as to why to hate Catherine, Hindley, and even Linton, I was angry that he took his revenge on the innocent. Yes, take revenge on those three. That is fine, but when he turned his focus onto Miss Linton and the next generation, that was going too far. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, so I shall not go into detail. I shall say though...that Heathcliff went waaaaaaay to far though. Oh well, it was entertaining to see how far he would go.

This certainly is a classic and a masterpiece that will live on throughout the ages. I pray that my children will love this book as much as I do.

In the end, I love this book more then I can say. Not only is there a tragic romance, but it is filled with revenge, mystery, and a ghost. It is a Gothic novel, just as a heads up to those that don't fancy  the genre. I would recommend this to everyone. Everyone should read this because it is a classic and its just a generally good story. I shall stamp this with 5 stars, of course. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Nelly (the rational one of them all), Linton (yeaaaah, I just felt so bad for him), Heathcliff (I have a love-hate thing with him. I love to hate him. bahahaha), and Young Hareton.
Not-so-Favorite Character(s): Catherine (I don't understand why ever Tom, Dick, and Harry loved her), Heathcliff (love-hate), Hindley (a drunken fool), and Lockwood (useless human being)
Favorite Quote(s): "My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary." Catherine, page 74 (one of the most famous quotes, but I sure do love it)

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<3CaroleRae

Music Monday

Happy Monday everyone! How was everyone's weekend? Mine was simply and utterly joyful and I couldn't be more happy right now. It was just so much fun that's its made this mundane day seem awesome. Haha. I'm rather upset that I didn't get to see The Hobbit like I was originally suppose to on Sunday, but oh well. 

The first video is a lyric video of a new song I'm highly addicted too. 'Ever After' by Mariana's Trench. ^.^

My friend Sam found this...it's Maroon 5 covering the song 'Pure Imagination' from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Good lord... more like pure seduction. I LOVE YOU ADAM LEVINE! Hahaha.

And that is all I have for this week. Hope the rest of the week is wonderful for not only me, but for all of you guys. 

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<3CR

 

Book Review: Temptation in a Kilt

Author: Victoria Roberts

Title: Temptation in a Kilt (Bad Boys of the Highlands #1)
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure
Pages: 352

First Published: September 4th, 2012
Where I Got It: my shelf (won it)

"She's On Her Way to Safety

It's a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong's desperation that she's seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn't care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control...

He Redefines Dangerous...

Ciaran MacGregor knows it's perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he's stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he'll be ready to show her how he really is...on and off the battlefield."

Took me an eon to read, but I am finally done. Huzzah! There were a lot of reasons why I had a hard time finishing this. Life got in the way, finals, and the middle of the book felt like stagnant water. I hate to say the middle was boring....but it was....well....boring. However, the beginning and end were stuff-filled with action and love and it was hooten good time. ^.^

The cast of characters were fun and I liked all of them (even the evil Campbells). I really loved how Rosalia wasn't a stick of lass and was not at all perfect. As you all know I can't help myself when a story has an imperfect hero or herione. Now Ciaran was the opposite of Rosalia...he is perfect. So perfect I wanted to bang my head off the wall. Not only is he "sexy as Hell", but he's a good guy and a perfect gentlemen. Yes, he did host a mistress for a while, but the moment Rosalia appeared he bid a fond goodbye to the hussy. However, he expected nothing from Rosalia. He was annoyingly perfect. I want my Highlander lairds possessive and dominating. Oh well. I really liked his brothers and James. I hope James gets his own book!

Victoria Roberts did a wonderful job with her first novel and I'm looking forward to her others. The way described everything was great. I'm very visual and I could see everything and I FELT like I was there. I also adored how well she used the Scottish dialect in the dialogue. Made everything just better. It wasn't overly used or cheesy, she really captured 17th century Scotland. Kuddos!

In the end, the middle was a drag and Ciaran was annoyingly perfect. Everything else was fantastic and it didn't seem like Victoria Robert's debut novel. Again....kuddos. I will probably check out her future books. Hopefully she give James some love and gives him his own book. Out of five stars I stamp this with 3 stars. It's more like 3.4, but I rounded. Sorry for the short review.

Favorite Character(s): James (awwwwww), Declan (though a horrid rogue, I liked him), Rosalia (a strong woman with real flaws), Asling (bahahaha, she was great), and Aiden (poor man married to the Iron Woman, aka Asling).

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Ciaran (mmm), Rosalia's mom (bitch), The English Beast, and The eviiiiiiiil Campbells (just eviiiiiiil)

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<3CaroleRae

Friday Flash Fiction

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place (or Carole Rae/me) posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be about 350 or so words.

Happy Friday everyone! Don't be shocked, but I actually have a FFF this week. Huzzah! I'm so proud of this piece...its a little on the lengthy side, but I adore it! Be warned...there is quite a twist at the end. MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The Red, Red Rose

by: Carole Rae

The years trickled past like rain drops, but it never stopped her from coming. It never stopped her from planting the roses he so loved. Though the blistering, desert sun withered the roses to dust she still squandered her money and time to plant the red, red roses he so loved.

The years trickled past like rain drops, but still she came this year. Her hair was now streaked with gray and it was harder for her to pull herself out of the carriage that took her to this spot. Once upon a time ago she was able to ride her horse to this dusty spot. Like natural, her beloved horse passed and time has withered her bones.

Stepping out of the carriage, she looked up at the dark sky. This was an odd occurrence for it seemed rain was coming. Once she was out of the carriage, she grabbed her lacy and delicate parasol. Though it would barely protect her from becoming wet, it was a comfort for her. Though most of everyone knew of her odd travels to this spot in the desert of the West and of why she came to this spot every year on the day, she was still embarrassed of her obsession of planting the red, red roses. Taking a deep inhale, she began to walk to the spot. She always made sure that she had to walk the last few feet to the spot for it made her guilt ease its pull on her heart for a while.

The moment she reached the spot, she looked down and tears began to form. She hugged the pot of roses to her chest. The little thorns cut right through her skin and little drops of blood fell down into her bodice. Surely her white chemise was now ruined, but that concern was millions of leagues away from her mind. Without aid, she slowly knelt down. Quickly, she removed her white gloves and began scrapping at the arduous and dust-covered ground. With the pain of the digging, her tears evaporated. This was normal...pain always made the heart-ache and guilt disappear as the stars fade when the sun comes across the sky.

Once the hole was dug, she gently placed the red, red roses into the ground. She filled in the remaining of the hole with soil. She rubbed her blood and dirt covered hands onto her dress. Now that the pain of digging had ended, tears welled up in her eyes. A rain drop fell onto her face and mixed with the tear. Quickly, she lifted her parasol for the rain was surely on its way. As if stroking a newborn's head, she smoothed one of the red, red petals out and a sob escaped her lips, “I...am...so....sorry, Miles. I wish...I wish I could take it back. Oh God.”

She allowed herself a few moments of tears and for the guilt to eat at her soul.

A few moments....that was all.

Taking a heavy inhale, she forced the monster to return into its cage. If she allowed the guilt to run free for too long, she would lose her sanity forever. Wiping away the tears, she finally had herself in her infamous composure and self-control. The ever present smile returned to her lips and she slowly, but surely stood. Looking out into the distance she took in the scenery. As was normal. However, a dark figure caught her eye. With widening eyes she froze.

The dark figure knowing that it had been spotted, walked towards her. She could not move. Fear penetrated her heart.

After what seemed an eon, the figure stepped out of the fog and revealed its self to her. Her eyes went wide, “Miles....no....nooooo. It can't be! I....I....killed you twenty years ago! How...how is this possible?”

The man, Miles to be assumed, smirked at her, “Oh dear Cynthia. You really think you killed me? Ha.”

“But...oh dear god.” She covered her mouth and sobbed into her hands when she noticed the scar across his throat. She had done that. She had sliced his throat as if cutting into a piece of bread.

His eyes sparkled, “You did nearly have me, my dear.”

“Miles....I'm so sorry. They...they made me! You know I loved you, but it was either your life or my life and our unborn child's life.” Her control evaporated and tears began rolling down her cheek.

With slow steps, he walked towards her and with his thumb ever so slightly wiped away some of the flowing tears that trailed down her cheeks. Miles replied, “I know you are sweeting, but they lied. It was a test to see how much you loved me. Yes, these roses are lovely and sentimental, but you failed the test those many moons ago.”

“Miles...I--” Before she could stammer out another word, blood oozed from her lips. He removed his hand from her face and pulled out the knife he had stabbed into her gut. The place were his child had once been.

With a dark smile, “We are even my dearest Cynthia....but I doubt you'll survive that. Until our next life together.” Turning on his heels, he disappeared in the fog.

She fell to the ground holding her gut. Her body was so in shock all she could do was look at the red, red roses he so loved and think on how the years had trickled past like rain drops. Her world then went black........

THE END

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<3CaroleRae 

Who, What, Where?

This meme was created by Melissa over at My World in Words and Pages. This meme is a way to share where you are, who you are with, and what is going on in your book. Make sure to not give away any major spoilers. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! How is everyone doing? I'm doing extremely peachy. ^.^ Yesterday, at first, was bound to be a hopeless loss and I seemed destined to be bored and lonely, however a special friend of mine decided he wanted to hang out, go shopping with me, and meet my parents. Just WOW. So the day that was at first destined to be boring and lame, turned into quite an adventure. 

Anyways, this week I'm still reading Temptation in a Kilt. 

I'm with Ciaran and Rosalia. In 16 century (I believe) Scotland. We just arrived to Ciaran's home after nearly being killed by the eviiiiiiil Campbells. Rosalia met nearly everyone from Ciaran's family. There is a little awkwardness, for I think Rosalia is falling for the man. Hahaha.

Music Monday: I'm Back Edition

I'm back! I'm back! Time to do a jig! Huzzah I say, huzzah! *dances* 

As you can see I have missed my blog and posting and my lovely stalkers, I mean followers. ^.^ I know I haven't been gone too long, but it FEELS like an eon since I last posted or visited other blogs. Since it is Monday, I shall post my Music Monday. Time to get back into the flow of things. ^.^ 

Here is a nice colleague of some of the characters from Once Upon a Time. Not only is the video lovely, but the song is fantastic. It's 'Ever After' by Mariana's Touch 

Never thought this combo would work, but it's rather good. Here's a video about King Henry VIII, song 'Whatcha Say', and the song 'Hide and Seek'. 

Haha, a nice way to remember the personalities of the zodiacs. My friend shared this with me. It's so true, it's funny. ^.^

Thanks all I got this week. I feel so GOOD posting again. ^.^ A nice stress reliving. 

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<3CaroleRae

Life Is A Big, Big Butt

I know I haven't been on in quite sometime, but life has been a totally pain in the ass. Thursday is my last day of the semester and then I'm done for almost an entire month! Huzzah! Huzzah! Not only has school been slashing my free-time, so has work, and other random life things. For example, last Thursday I hit a sink hole with tire. It DESTROYED the rim. All weekend I was running around getting a new one and trying to figure out how to get to work and other places I needed to go. In betwixt this I had to go to the hospital and get a physical and some shots. Why? Well, starting in December I start a new job at the Henry Ford Hospital as a  food server. Huzzah! I proclaim again!

Regular postings will commence after Thursday after this week. ^.^ See you guys then!

Movie Review: Breaking Dawn Part 2

Length: 1 hour and 55 mins
Released: November 15th, 2012
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Action
Rating: PG-13 (sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality, and partial nudity)
Directed By: Bill Condon
Where I Got It: watched it at the theaters


SUMMARY:
"This is part 2 of the final movie of the Twilight saga. 

After the birth of Renesmee, a falase allegation of an Immortal child being created is taken to the Volturi. The Cullens gather other vampire clans and Jacob gathers his werewolves to protect the child from certain death."




TRAILER:

CAST:
Bella - Kristen Stewart
Edward Cullen - Robert Pattinson
Jacob Black - Taylor Lautner
Dr. Carlisle Cullen - Peter Facinelli
Alice - Ashley Greene
Esme Cullen - Elizabeth Reaser
Jasper Hale - Jackson Rathbone
Emmett - Kellan Lutz
Rosalie Hale - Nikki Reed
Charlie Swan - Billy Burke
Sam Uley - Chaske Spencer
Renesmee - Mackenzie Foy
Irina - Maggie Grace
to view more click here.....

Finally....its over! It's done! WOOT WOOT!

Don't get me wrong, I do like the Twilight movies. I do like the books, but I can't be more happy that it is finally done and over with. I had started on this journey many, many years ago when the book first came out. I read the first three in now time at all. By the time I put down the third book, I realized that the Twilight book was gaining momentum in the world. It was all the rave! Then finally they announced they were making the movies. I was as giddy as a Catholic girl finally graduating and heading to a big name college and joining the sorority.

**BONUS THOUGHTS ON THE OTHER MOVIES:

The first movie, Twilight:
Gahhh. I nearly gave up on the movies. I did announce to my friends I would not see anymore if they allowed that director to run the scene. To my luck they changed directors.

New Moon:
Much, much, much better. Though some of the acting was to be desired. *cough* Kristen Stewart *cough*. Plus I nearly threw up my popcorn when good ol' Robbie took off his shirt. Gah. However, the fluffly werewolves made their debut and I couldn't be happier.

Eclipse:
Favorite book and favorite movie...so far...I of course love the werewolves.

Breaking Dawn part 1:
Not too bad. Slightly bored through it. Click THIS to go to my review. I did give it four stars though. ^.^**

The moment I walked out of the theater, my first thought was, "Wow...that was a great fight scene!" Who comes out of a romance movie and thinks that first? Ha. But it really was amazing. The effects were fantastic I loved how well the snow and the grey sky added to the feel the fighting. Even though a couple times, the wolves seemed very fake, but oh well. Besides for that I applaud the special effects team!

The acting took a left turn entirely. Kristen Stewart actually expressed emotions and give fluctuations to her voice. It was nice. Though she's suppose to be a vampire and void of normal human emotions and she had more emotions then when she was a human. Funny, eh? She still should go to acting school though. Mhmm. Everyone of the rather large cast did a fantastic job. I also give credit to the script-writers...they did a fabulous job. I should label this as a comedy, because they had many jokes that made me hoot with laughter.

Though the cast was rather large, the writers did a fine job incorporating them into the story. Its very difficult, but they did well. They also did well with having a side-romance bloom and blossom. I don't recall that in the book, but oh well. It was a cute add. ^.^

Okay, time for the opposite side of the pillow....

It was extremely choppy at bits. It was rather annoying and I feel bad for those that had not read the book, because they would be lost. I found myself lost at a point or two and had to ask Sarah or Jessica what was going on. It's been a while since I've read the book *hides*, so don't hate me! Haha.

*SPOILER ALERT*I was rather upset at how they down-played Bella's powers of protection. It rather annoyed me! In the book, she was able to protect anyone within a five foot radius (or something like that) and they made it seem she could only protect one person at a time. Also, the scene where she learned how to control her power lasted five minutes. Quite literally. However, it took her until the arrival of Volturi. * SPOILER ALERT*

In the end, I feel like it was the second best out of all the movies. I feel like they sent some of the actors to acting camp. I'm so glad they included Stephanie Meyer, the author, in the movie. I feel like her influence helped the film. I would recommend this to those that have read the books or seen the past movies. Out of five stars I grant this four stars.

Would I Watch Again?:
Like the first part...if someone wanted to watch it, sure; on my own? No.

Favorite Character(s): Jacob, Sam Uley, Benjamin (^.^ yummm), Emmett, Alice, Kate, Garrett (hilarious) and Seth (such a cutie)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Bella (she was better, but still gah), Edward (again...better), and Jane (I hate that bitch).
Favorite Quote(s): "The Red Coats are coming. The Red Coats are coming" - Garrett

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<3CaroleRae

Book/Manga Review: Basilisk Vol. 1

Author Masaki Segawa

Title: Basilisk - The Ninja Scrolls Vol. 1
Genre: Manga, fantasy, war, romance, action
Pages: 224

First Published: May 2nd, 2003
Where I Got It: borrowed from Library

"THE BATTLE BEGINS

The Iga clan and the Kouga clan have been sworn enemies for more than four hundred years. Only the Hanzo Hattori truce has kept the two families from all-out war. Now, under the order of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the truce has finally been dissolved. Ten ninja from each clan must fight to the death in order to determine who will be the next Tokugawa Shogun. The surviving clan will rule for the next thousand years.

But not all the clan members are in agreement. Oboro of the Iga clan and Gennosuke of the Kouga clan have fallen deeply in love. Now these star-crossed lovers have been pitted against each other. Can their romance conquer a centuries-old rivalry? Or is their love destined to end in death?"

This is the manga version of the movie 'Shinobi: Heart Under Blade'  which I watched and reviewed a while back. I remember vaguely reading many years ago. It's been a while and I've been craving some manga or anime or something. I have been suppressing my nerdy tendencies for a while now, so it was nice to let go. Hahaha.

Anyways, this is WAAAAAAAY different then the movie. The movie cut so many characters and really simplified the plot. They also switched up the clans. Some of the Iga's were put on team Kouga, whilst some Kouga were put on team Iga. I prefer the original teams. It seemed more evenly matched. I'm also really liking some of the characters that weren't shown in the movie. Except for the spider guy...he creeped me out. I mean having a fear of spiders might be a legit reason for not liking him. Mhmmm....

The graphics are intended for more adult readers....so when I read this at the age of thirteen it was a little too much for me. Now that I'm older and more mature I can handle it better. Some of the pictures are rather gruesome, but hey....its war! What do you expect! ^.^ 

I love Oboro and Gennosuke. I'm really rooting for them even though I know that its bound to end badly. It's loosely based off of 'Romeo and Juliet', so yeah...tragic love. I applaud Masaki Segawa for diving more into their romance and love. For the movie showed just a hint of it. I really could see and feel the love they had. For heaven's sake Gennosuke made fun of Oboro. When you have harmless teasing that means you have a pretty good relationship. Well, in my opinion. 

Anyways....all-in-all I'm so happy I found this! I can't wait to rest of the volumes. So far it is WAY better then the movie. I'm hoping the ending is different. Maybe Oboro and Gennosuke can have their happily ever after. Doubtful, but plausible. 

For this one, I'll stamp four stars. There was so much going on and I felt a little rushed. I wish they had went deeper into some spots and given more information. Perhaps they'll do that with the next. Still really good though.

Favorite Character(s): Oboro (a klutzy ninja....interesting), Gennosuke (^.^), Tenzen (pretty epic, but I fear I may turn to hate him sooner or later), and Hotarubi
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Jingorou (mmmm) and Shougen (spider guy...creepy)

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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Mr Darcy's Secret

Author: Jane Odiwe

Title: Mr. Darcy's Secret
Genre: Jane Austen variation, romance, historical fiction, historical romance
Pages: ebook

First Published: December 10th, 2010
Where I Got It: my shelf (Amazon)

"One dark secret can completely ruin a bright future. From the author who brought you Lydia Bennet's Story and Willoughby's Return, comes a unique look into one of the most famous relationships of all time, in Mr. Darcy's Secret. After capturing the heart of the most eligible bachelor in England, Elizabeth Bennet believes her happiness is complete-until the day she makes an unsettling discovery. When she finds a stash of anonymous, passionate love letters that may be Darcy's, Elizabeth begins to question the quiet, stoic man she married."

Took me an eon to finish this book. 

You know me....I can't help myself when it comes to Jane Austen and Jane Austen variations, so when they book popped up for free on Amazon one day, I snatched it up in a hurry. However, I'm glad it was a freebie.........

The beginning was very well done. Jane Odiwe gave a small nod to the beginning of 'Pride and Prejudice' using the insane, but loveable Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bennet have marital squabbles. Mrs. Bennet is freaking out and being all insane, while Mr. Bennet is having a good laugh at his wife's expense. It was a fantastic first chapter, which is rare to see.  Jane Odiwe surely did a wonderful job voicing the characters and sticking with the appropriate Jane Austen voice. She also avoided using too many modern words and phrases. It felt like it was written from that time period. 

Also, the story took its time to get rolling. It was a slow set-up and I oddly liked it. I wasn't too bored. However I was getting really angry because I wanted to know what Mr. Darcy's secret was! Sure there were hints scattered about, but nothing really substantial! It was driving me insane being left in the dark! However, the secret would have to wait because the author threw in a little romance for Miss Darcy, Mr Darcy's shy little sister.

At some points I preferred Georgianna's POV and storyline, because stuff was actually happening. Also, I was always upset that Georgianna didn't get airtime in 'Pride and Prejudice'. I loved transformation you could see in Georgianna when she met her Prince Charming. It was nice to see. 

BACK to the main storyline though....

The moment you thought you learned the secret of Mr. Darcy it morphed and changed. It changed so many times I just didn't care anymore. At the "climatic" point of the book where Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy, I felt almost embarrassed for her, because even I knew that that wasn't the secret. SPOILER ALERT **It was all a waste of time...there was no real secret! It was just a scam the Wickhams invented to get money. The secret was that the child was Wickham's and his step-sister's. GAH! I really wish that the baby had been one of the Darcy's or something. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmeeeee. **END OF SPOILER!

In the end, it was alright. Not the best variation I've ever read, story-wise, but I must say that it had the most Jane Austen feel to it. I really wish I could have been there while the author was writing and convince her what the secret should have been. Oh well. All's well that ends well, I suppose. I would recommend this to those that like Jane Austen and variations. Out of five stars, I stamp this 2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Georgianna, Mr. Butler, Elizabeth, and Jane (who honestly doesn't like Jane?)
Not-so Favorite(s): Those damned Wickhams....they are SO wicked. >.>

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<3CaroleRae

Happy (Early) Thanksgivings!!!

First of all.....HAPPY early THANKSGIVING to all who celebrate and even for those that do not.....thank you guys for being awesome and following my blog! *throws confetti* I know I haven't been too active for the last couple of weeks. School, work, nanowrimo, my friends, my family and a general lack of time has kept me away from the internet. At least you guys understand *hugs*

Well, I hope you all have a fantastic day and rest of your week! I promise I'll be more active once this months is over.

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<3CaroleRae

Who, What, Where??

This meme was created by Melissa over at My World in Words and Pages. This meme is a way to share where you are, who you are with, and what is going on in your book. Make sure to not give away any major spoilers. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! The week is nearly done so do not fret! Sorry I haven't been as active as I normally am, but the semester is nearly over and I have a total of three papers due. One I just turned in, which is my Philosophy of Education (if you want to check it out, click HERE, I am in love with this paper and I feel like its fantastic even if my teacher were to fail me on it). One is due tomorrow, which is for my International Relations class. I'm writing on diplomats, which really interests me because I would LOVE to do that. The third one is for my Macroeconomics class, which isn't due for two weeks. I haven't picked a topic yet. 0_0 Oh well. 

I'm with Elizabeth Darcy, Georgianna, and the neighbors of Pemberly enjoying some neighborly time together. We are in England during the 19th century in Jane Austen's world. Georgianna seems to have a crush on one of the neighbors (well not name) and Elizabeth is encouraging this, while Mr. Darcy is on the search for a rich suitor for his sister. 

Where are you guys at?

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<3CaroleRae

Bookish Blog Hop Partah & Some Poetry

These Bloody Days Have Broken My Heart
by: Thomas Wyatt

Who list his wealth and ease retain,
Himself let him unknown contain.
Press not too fast in at that gate
Where the return stands by disdain:
For sure, circa regna tonat.

The high mountains are blasted oft
When the low valley is mild and soft.
Fortune with Health stands at debate.
The fall is grievous from aloft.
And sure, circa regna tonat.

These bloody days have broken my heart.
My lust, my youth did then depart,
And blind desire of estate.
Who hastes to climb seeks to revert.
Of truth, circa regna tonat.

The Bell Tower showed me such sight
That in my head sticks day and night.
There did I learn of of a grate
For all favor, glory, or might,
That yet circa regna tonat.

By proof, I say, there did I learn:
Wit helpeth not defense to yerne,
Of innocence to plead or prate.
Bear low, therefore, give God the stern,
For sure, circa regna tonat.

~*~

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Welcome to Charisma Media's Bookish Blog Hop Party! Charisma Media supports authors, indie authors, book reviewers and bloggers alike! If you love to read, this is the perfect blog hop for you! Connect with fellow bloggers, book reviewers and authors! Discover new friends, authors, or books to read! Have fun!


Authors! Did you know Charisma Media offers a variety of tour packages? Click here to see what we offer! 

We have a linky for book posts (ie book reviews, author interviews, etc), your Goodreads account (or any other book website), and a link to book giveaways. This is open for one week!

11/13 - 11/19





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A Late Cast that Book

A weekly meme that showcases my "cast" of a book if it were to become a movie. Anyone can join!

Happy Sunday. Sorry about this not being posted yesterday, buuuuuuuuuuuuut it slipped my mind due to work and then going to the club with my friends in celebration of my friend's 20th birthday.

This week I'll be sharing my cast for Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. I haven't seen the movie yet, so my views on the characters have not been influenced. Hahaha.

CAST:
Catherine Morland - Ellen Page

Henry Tilney - Sebastian Stan

*swoons* Couldn't resist sharing this too.

Isabella Thrope - Hayden Panettiere

John Thrope - Hayden Christensen

Mrs. Allen - Brenda Vaccaro

Mr. Allen - Alan Alda

Captain Tilney - Wes Bentley

Eleanor Tilney - Tamzin Merchant

James Morland - Ben Barnes

General Tilney - Alan Dale (with a beard)

Who would you cast?

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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: The Dark Highlander

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Title: The Dark Highlander (Highlander #5)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance
Pages: 370

First Published: October 1st, 2002
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

"Journey to a world of ancient magic, breathtaking sensuality, thrilling time-travel.... Journey to the world of The Dark Highlander. Crisscrossing the continents and the centuries, here is a novel as gripping as it is sensual—an electrifying adventure that will leave you breathless....

I am Dageus MacKeltar, a man with one good conscience and thirteen bad ones, driven to sate my darkest desires…From his penthouse lair high above Manhattan, Dageus looks out over a glittering city that calls to the darkness within him. A sixteenth-century Scot trapped between worlds, he is fighting a losing battle with the thirteen Druids who possess his soul, dooming him to an eternity of sexual pursuit. When Chloe Zanders, student of antiquities, is drawn into his world, she finds the insatiable alpha male an irresistible lure.Before long, she is caught up in an ancient prophecy that will sweep her back into time to medieval Scotland. Plunged into a world of timeless magic and dark seduction, she will soon face the challenge of a lifetime: fighting thirteen evil spirits for the heart of one irresistible man...."


This is my fifth book of the Highlander series I have read. Normally each book can be read as a stand alone (so far), but I would advise to read #4 before venturing into this one.


Not only is this a romance, but it has so much more at play. There is action, drama, antiquities, ancient prophecies, fairies, time travel, magic, and 13 Ancient Evils that are being all evil and whatnot. I bow down to Karen Marie Moning for her being able to fill this book with some much going on with such ease. She made it easy to follow, I never once was confused.   

Poor Daegus. He is the epitome of a tortured hero. He is being possessed by 13 evil Ancient Druids who are fighting him for his soul. I applaud Daegus for fighting back them and the want of power they have. A normal person would easily succumb to the temptation of unlimited power and magic. I find it funny that having loads of sex temporarily gives him a break the constant battle. I found it really funny.

I really liked Chloe too...she was a great heroine because she reminds me of, well, me. Not only personality-wise, but some of her appearance was similar. She's short, dark hair, Scottish features, thicker, and a complete and utter nerd. Huzzah for the smart girl getting the sexy man! Huzzah! The only thing that really bugged me was that Karen Marie Moning didn't really dive into her feelings about her parents dying tragically when she was four. Whenever she made mention of thought of her parents, she didn't seem to emotionally connected. Perhaps that was on purpose, but it seemed odd. Mhmmm.

Besides for Chloe seeming to not care her parents died tragically, there was not a lot I can complain about. I also disliked the many shifts of POVs. Yes, Karen Marie Moning did a wonderful job with the transitions, but the POV shifted WAY to much for my liking. There was Chloe, Daegus, a chick named Catherine, Adam Black, Silvan, Nellie, two baddies who are worshipers of the Evil Ancients, Gwen, Drustan, and the Fairy Queen even had a small moment. Yes, it was nice to see the story from different angles, but......gah. It annoyed me. Personally (no blame to authors), but I get confused sometimes. If the POV shift happens in the middle of a chapter, then I get confused and have to re-read. My brain reads too fast and I get too into the story to see the transition happening. I do not blame the author, because different POVs is good, but please...please wait until a new chapter or give symbols like "~*~" or "*". JUST SOMETHING!

Sorry for my ranting and raving up above. ^.^

In the end, I adored this book. Daegus and Chloe were wonderful. Daegus was a great guy, but a tortured hero. Chloe was a short, thick, nerdy girl who have issues hiding her emotions (like me). The cast was also amazing. The side characters really made the story bloom. The story and plot was very original and very well done. *applauds* However, the over-abundance of POVs annoyed me and confused me. I would recommend this to those that love historical romances with a fantasy twist. Also for those that have read Karen Marie Moning in the past, should check this series out. In the end, I stamp this with 5 stars. In all reality, it would be a 4.5, but I rounded.

Favorite Character(s): Daegus, Chloe (my new twin), Gwen, Drustan, Silvan, Nellie, Adam Black (starting to like him, can't say why....but you'll agree), and The Fairy Queen (she's pretty epic)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The 13 Ancient Evils and Simon

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<3CaroleRae