Music Monday

Happy Monday! I haven't done this meme in quite some time. Perhaps it is time to not only share music, but update my Favorite Songs of the Moment section as well. 

First is a song that is stuck in my head. I thought it was rather dumb at first, but now I am addicted. 'I Love It' by Icona Pop. 

Here is a nice Marie Antoinette/Louis XVI video:

That's all I got for you this week. Enjoy the week!


<3CaroleRae

Book Review: The Violent Bear It Away

Author: Flannery O'Connor

Title: The Violent Bear It Away
Genre: Classic, Gothic, Drama
Pages: 243

First Published: 1955
Where I Got It: borrowed from library

"First published in 1955, The Violent Bear It Away is now a landmark in American literature. It is a dark and absorbing example of the Gothic sensibility and bracing satirical voice that are united in Flannery O'Conner's work. In it, the orphaned Francis Marion Tarwater and his cousins, the schoolteacher Rayber, defy the prophecy of their dead uncle--that Tarwater will become a prophet and will baptize Rayber's young son, Bishop. A series of struggles ensues: Tarwater fights an internal battle against his innate faith and the voices calling him to be a prophet while Rayber tries to draw Tarwater into a more "reasonable" modern world. Both wrestle with the legacy of their dead relatives and lay claim to Bishop's soul.

O'Connor observes all this with an astonishing combination of irony and compassion, humor and pathos. The result is a novel whose range and depth reveal a brilliant and innovative writers acutely alert to where the sacred lives and to where it does not."

Well....I read this for my American Literature II class...>.> Since I am at a lost for words, I shall divide and conquer this review:

The Good

• I like Flannery O'Connor's writing style. Super flowly and nice
• Very interesting story
• Interesting concepts
• At first I thought this was going to be a big ol' Christian type book, but I was wrong and I'm glad.
• It pokes huge holes in Christianity and mocks it of sorts 
• It pokes huge holes in atheism and mocks people who consider themselves "scholars"

The Bad and the Ugly

• I could barely finish it. It was annoying and I'll admit that I skimmed like a pool skimmer. 
• Just no.
• No.
• I like dark but the ending PISSED me off. Poor Bishop
• How in the world is this a classic? 
• The characters were dumb.
• I wanted to punch everyone.

Conclusion

Just no. No, no, no. This was simply not my cup of tea AT all. I could barely finish it. I have no idea why we had to read this in my class. I'm still at a loss of words for this book. I would recommend this to those that like these type of books. It just wasn't for me and I'm mad that I was forced to read this. In the end, though, I grant this 1 star. It would be none, but I do admire the author's writing technique;  it was lovely. Great imagery, great word choice, etc. 

Favorite Character(s): Bishop (poor kid)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Everyone else

*CaroleRae*

Wordless Wednesday

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - Unknown

I don't really have anything really to post today, so I decided to share this poem that Reece shared on her Facebook. I adore this poem. 

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things we never got to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you

And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand

An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

He said my place was ready - In Heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love..

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye

For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad.

I thought of all the love we shared, and how much fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,

I'd say goodbye, and kiss your lips and maybe see you smile

But then I fully realized, that this could never be,

For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of wordly things, I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great & golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.

Today your life on Earth is past, but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

And since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,

Though there were some times you did some things you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free,

So come and take me by the hand, and share my life with me.."

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me, I'm right there - in your Heart..



*CaroleRae*

Book/Play Review: Long Day's Journey into Night

Author: Eugene O'Neill

Title: Long Day's Journey into Night
Genre: Classic, play, drama, YA, Historical Fiction 
Pages: 178

First Published: 1941
Where I Got It: my shelf (Baker College book store)

"The play is set in the summer home of the Tyrone family, August 1912. The action begins in the morning, just after breakfast. We learn as the first act unravels that Mary has returned to her family recently after receiving treatment in a sanatorium for morphine addiction. Edmund, meanwhile, has in recent weeks begun to cough very violently, and we learn later on in the play that, as Tyrone and Jamie suspect, he has tuberculosis. Throughout the course of the play, we slowly find out that Mary is still addicted to morphine, much to the disappointment of her family members."

I read this for my American Literature II class, but I've always heard good things about this play and I've been curious. So glad that class gave me the ambition to read this. haha.

Anyways, this is technically a "play", but since I read it AS a book, of sorts, I'm considering it a book. Normally its hard to read plays for it lacks specific details and etc, but this wasn't too bad. There was  A LOT of details and he did well making it able to be read like a book. 

I really want to see this performed. It was a good story. Very tragic and filled with drama. I LOVE my tragedies and this fit the bill. I loved the characters and I felt really bad for them. Especially James, the dad. All he wanted was the A-typical family, but he was blessed with this lot: a wife addicted to morphine, a womanizing drunk son, a son who tries but ultimately is a drunk, and a daughter is a drunk and a whore is never around. Poor guy. Yes, he's addicted to work, but who cares? At least he's bringing in the money. He has a family to support. They squander his money, so he has to work harder to make more. Poor guy. Stupid family. >.> 

I had to respond to a post on our class website and I feel like sharing that here. The question was "What about O’Neill’s Long Days Journey Into Night could be said to be like the Greek tragedies?"

My response: "After reading the O’Neill’s play, I did get a small sense of the famous Greek tragedy-ness (is that a word?) to it. It was rather sad and tragic. At the end my mind asked, “WHAT WAS THE POINT!?” Then after sitting and allowing my mind wrap around what I just read, I realize the beauty of it. I realize that I liked it and I always have a sweet-tooth for reading tragedies. Which is normal when reading something very tragic and Greek-like for me.

After reading this play, I did some extra reading and research on this play. I went and read some reviews and some analysis websites to see what they had to say. Sparknotes had commented, “it leaves the audience with a sense of catharsis, or emotional rebirth through the viewing of powerful events, and it depicts the fall of something that was once great.” Way better then I could have ever word something. Then Hedy Weiss, a critic of plays, had said, “Mary Tyrone’s view of the human condition is as fatalistic as any you might find in an ancient Greek tragedy in which the calamities that afflict mortals are wholly predestined and inescapable”. Which is completely right. No matter what the characters did, they were destined for their paths. Mary is destined to be addicted to morphine, James is destined to always be fighting and working and taking care of his “broken” family, Jamie is destined to be a failure, Edmund is destined to die soon, and Cathleen is destined to be a drunk and never really around.

In conclusion, I would mark this play as a modern Greek tragedy."

All-in-all, this was a good play/book. I enjoyed the family's interactions and their fights with their personal demons. I would recommend this to those that love tragedies and drama or for those that need a good shake up to their reading shelves. In the end, I will give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): I found them intriguing, but I didn't really like any of them.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Pretty much them all.

Thursday Book Teaser: His Forbidden Kiss

A weekly meme created by Carole (me) to share excerpts and book teasers from books. Anyone can join, just make sure not to give away any spoilers.

Happy Thursday everyone. How is everyone's week? Mine has been busy....as usual lately. I've managed to calm down the beast of school a little. I have a system going, so all is well for the moment. 

Well, this week I'm going to share a random tease from the random book I picked up at the library. I was bored and wasting time, so I just randomly picked up this book. I've been contemplating creating some meme or something that promotes just randomly picking up a book and reading it without even really reading the back of it. Go in cold-turkey. Mhmmm. What do you all think?

Page number: 228

Starting at: Second paragraph

"'Perhaps, Your Majesty,' he answered warily.

'Oh, come, come, Mr. Harding! You are reckoned a very clever and dutiful solicitor, and Mr. Burroughs is merely a silk merchant, no matter how many airs he puts on. We think you would stand an excellent chance, especially if his niece already loves you. Therefore, we shall be delighted to help you.'

'Help us, Your Majesty?'"

That is all...for a huge spoiler is near the horizon, I reckon. 

*CaroleRae*

Wordless Wednesday

Movie Review: Evil Dead

Length: 1 hour & 31 minutes
Released: April 5th, 2013
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Suspense
Rating: R
Directed By: Fede Alvarez
Where I Got It: watched at movie theater

SUMMARY:
In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.







CAST:
Mia - Jane Levy
David - Shiloh Fernandez
Eric - Lou Taylor Pucci
Olivia - Jessica Lucas
Natalie - Elizabeth Blackmore



TRAILER:

REVIEW:
I'll admit it I've only ever seen part of the original Evil Dead movie a long time ago, so I know there were a few references I missed. I'm so glad I went with Boyfriend (he's in love with the Evil Dead movies). I hate watching scary movies by myself...in the dark....

But yeah this was gory. Super gory. Blood, guts, and all that stuff. This movie is NOT for the weak-of-heart. I'll be completely honest....there were a couple scenes I just had to look at away. Nope. Not watching some chick scrape her face off with a piece of mirror. Nope. Not watching some chick saw her arm off. Nope. Nope. Nope. I can handle a lot, but they really did put a lot of gore into it. ****SPOILER ALERT**** I hated the fact that they killed the dog. That poor thing. Pissed me off. I hate it when the animals get killed or hurt. ****END OF SPOILER****

I loved the cast. The acting was great, especially Jane Levy who played Mia. She was fantastic as being the druggie turned into deadit then turned into heroine.  I was upset that they didn't really explain what the deadits were and go into more detail about them. Also they seemed to be missing the dark humor they had in the first one. There were a couple sparkles of dark humor from poor Eric. That poor guy....an idiot, but I still felt bad for him.

From what I remember of the original Evil Dead, there is just no comparisons. The first one was superb, while this one was just good. I liked it a lot and perhaps they can make a second one. We'll see. In the end, this was a pretty great horror film standing on its own (without comparing it to the original), but when you do compare it's just okay. The rating for this movie is going to be hard....ummmmm....I think I'll give it a 4. More like 3.5, but I don't give decimals, so I rounded.

Would I re-watch?: 
Sure will!

Favorite Character(s): Eric (though he WAS an idiot), Mia (all forms), and Grandpa the dog
Not-so Favorite Character(s): David and Olivia

*CaroleRae*

Music Monday

Happy Monday morning. I'm feeling a hell of a lot better. Still really tired and sleepy, but I think my body is just whooped. How is everyone else doing?

Let's start off with a stupid, but AMAZING video that my pals showed me. This is 'Narwhals':

Another video my friends showed me. I am highly addicted to Bo. Hahahaha:

And now a more serious video...I am not a huge fan of Bruno Mars, but I do adore this song like no other:

Book Review: Clisson and Eugenie

Author: Napoleon Bonaparte

Title: Clisson and Eugenie
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure, War, short story
Pages: ebook

First Published: 1795
Where I Got It: my shelf (Amazon)

"In Napoleon Bonaparte's novella, triumphant soldier Clisson turns his back on worldly success. He falls in love and marries Eugénie, and they live the simple life until Clisson is called back into battle.

The tragic story of Clisson and Eugénie reveals that Napoleon was also an accomplished writer of fiction, and offers a fascinating insight into how he viewed love, women, and military life.

Aged twenty-six, having already known success as a soldier, Napoleon was at a low ebb both professionally and personally when he beganClisson and Eugénie, and there are parallels between his life and their story."

First of all this is a novella...so it is rather short. Things do happen rather quickly.

Okay...I was utterly stunned that this had been written by the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte and it is a romance! What? Who would have known that the war-hungry man would have written a tragic love story. He's French, so I guess he has some romance naturally in his blood. 

I utterly adored this novella. It was quick and simple and it was tragic. Ah. And you all know how I LOVE my tragic tales, eh? I feel that the author did a lovely job, but it did seem a little rough around the edges. Perhaps it was the translation to blame.  The descriptions were good and the ending took me for a loop. I totally thought that I knew what was going to happen. My theory was partially right, but not in the way I thought it would be...well, I can't say much else without giving away any spoilers.

All-in-all, I adored this novella. It was fascinating how well Napoleon wrote. Perhaps he could have been great if stayed off the war-path! Ah, the what-ifs in life....but yeah, I recommend this book if you have any interest in the author or if you like novellas. Sorry the review is so short, but I had to limit what I shared for fear of being a dirty, rotten spoiler. *lips sealed* I grant this novella 5 stars. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Eugenie and Clisson

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Berville

*CaroleRae*

Who, What, Where: Clisson and Eugenie

A weekly meme created by Melissa over at My World in Words & Pages. You share just a bit about where you are, who you are with, and what is happening in your current read. Be careful not share any major spoilers. 

Happy Wednesday. Sorry for the lack of posts and reviews these last couple of weeks. I'm feeling crappy, its raining/thundering (which I don't mind), I'm cold, and I feel like utter crap. Plus school is giving me a headache. Gaaaah.

This is set in the 18th century in France and we are with Clisson while he is away at war. Clisson has received many letters from his wife, Eugenie. She is freaking out and is worried that he is dying and demands for him to return home. 

I'm still shocked that Napoleon Bonaparte had written a love story. :/ 

Oh well.

What are you guys reading????

*CaroleRae*

A Very Late 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.

I got the majority of my homework done, so I allowed myself to participate in this week's FFF. I didn't do much editing and I wrote this in a tired state, so don't mind if my story is rubbish. hahaha. Also, I was surprised at what I created. It was what I initially planned, but I allowed my imagination go where ever it wanted, so TADAH! I have an idea forming in my brain as a mini series....mhmmmmmmm. 

Lust is a Sin: Tale of Francine

by: Carole Rae

He haunted her dreams. She could not get the blasted man from her head. However...it was fruitless to allow herself to think on him even for a second for the man was married. The man belonged to another. The man belonged to her sister, Mary. Francine loved her sister more then anything in the world and that was why she tried to keep the blasted man from her head. However, the snake kept slithering in. She let out a sigh and flopped onto the settee and threw her feet up onto the footstool that was blue and did not match anything else in her bedroom.

She had to leave that party.

It killed her to see them dancing and making jolly upon the dance floor. Yes, this was a celebration of HER birthday this beautiful spring night, but she could find no joy. Mary owned the heart of the man she wanted. The man she lusted over, but tried oh so hard not to. Francine let out another sigh and closed her eyes. Perhaps she just needed to close her eyes and it would make the wine stop making her head spin. Whenever she drank the bubbly goodness, her jealousy and lust became as bright as the August sun.

It didn't help. All she kept envisioning was herself dancing with her Edward...Mary's Edward, she reminded herself, he is not yours.

About an hour drifted along while she tried to keep her mind blank. She must have drifted off for she snapped awake and fell back into consciousness from a knock on the door. After gaining back her footing in the consciousness, she asked, “Who is it?”

“It's Edward.” A chill ran up her spin.

“Oh...um....yes?” She stuttered and began adjusting her bodice and hair.

“Mary wanted me to check on you for you have been gone an hour or so my dear.”

“Oh...well...I am afraid I drank too much wine and so I had to escape for a moment for my head was hurting.” Not an entire lie.

“I see. Are you feeling better?”

Francine bit her lip. The wine was still strong in her veins, so she replied with a sigh, “Oh, no I am not. I sat upon my settee and I'm feeling sick, but I can not get myself up. I really would like to go to bed.”

After a seconds thought, Edward asked, “Would you like my help?”

A cat's smile played on her lips, but kept with the same tone of helplessness, “If it isn't too much hassle for you, Edward.”

“No hassle at all, Francine.” He replied gallantly. She nearly swooned just from the way he said her name.

“Then do come in, please.” She adjusted her bodice, she off quite a bit of skin. It made her look alluring and in needing of a strong man.

The door quickly opened and Edward walked in. Without even taking a second glance at Francine's breasts, he strode over too her. With a smile of pure friendliness, he lifted her up, “My poor, dear sister. No more wine at the next function.” He chuckled.

“Mhmmm, perhaps not.” She was on cloud 9. Her whole body was pretty much pressed up against his. She wanted him. She would have him.

Softly, as if putting a babe to bed, he laid her down and put the blanket over her, “Sleep tight, dearest sister, for you will have a raging headache in the morning.”

Francine sighed, “Before you go...could you adjust my pillow?”

Edward nodded, “Of course.” He reached above her and shimmed the pillow down a little bit and made sure it was nicely supporting her head. Before he could stand straight back up, Francine wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her lips. Her greedy lips latched themselves to his always smiling, red lips.

She was sure her heart would explode.

He quickly yanked her arms off of him and pulled away as if Francine were the Devil herself. He grimaced and wiped her taste away and yelled, “What the bloody Hell, Francine.”

She crawled out of bed and tried to walk over to him with much sexiness as should could, but she was taken over by the wine. One of her creamy breasts was nearly spilled over her bodice. With a chuckle she replied, “I want you Edward...you want me. Mary doesn't have to know.”

“This is not you, Francine. You are drunk and out of your mind! I'm leaving and you better go back to bed and sleep this off.” He roared.

Ignoring him, she tried to latch herself back onto him, but he dodged her and ran for the door. She tried to go after him, but she tripped over her Tiger rug and crashed to ground. Tears from the wine and being denied from the man she wanted came spilling forth.

The End.

Movie Review: The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas

Length: 1 hour & 46 minutes
Released: 2008
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
Directed By: Mark Herman
Where I Got It: netflix 

SUMMARY:
"Mark Herman's adaptation of John Boyne's novel concerning the forbidden friendship that between an eight-year-old German boy and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner in World War II-era Germany. The innocent son of a high-ranking Nazi commandant, Bruno has been largely shielded from the harsh realities of the war. When Bruno discovers that his father has been promoted and that their family will be moving from Berlin into the countryside, he doesn't take the news well. Increasingly bored in his sprawling yet dreary country abode and forbidden by his mother from exploring the backyard, young Bruno searches for something to do while his older sister plays with dolls and vies for the attention of handsome Lieutenant Kotler." 

TRAILER:

CAST:
Bruno - Asa Butterfield
Shmuel - Jack Scanlon
Gretel - Amber Beattie
Bruno's Father - David Thewlis
Bruno's Mother - Vera Farmiga
Grandpa - Richard Johnson
Grandma - Sheila Hancock
Lieutant Kotler - Rupert Friend
Pavel - David Hayman
Herr Liszt - Jim Norton
Maria - Cara Horgan

REVIEW:
I've seen this many, many, many times. I simply adore this movie. It's such a beautiful tale of innocence, friendships, love, and tragedy. Yes, tragedy. It DOES deal with the Holocaust, after all. I really should read the book someday. Mhmmmm

The acting and script writing was wonderful. They picked a great cast. They picked a really good family...they look like a real family. Bruno looks like a spitting image of the "mom", while Gretel looks a lot like the "father". Which I think they did on purpose. "Father" is a Nazi and believes in the cause and the daughter takes after those thoughts and beliefs for a time. "Mom" at first is rather naive and innocent about what her husband does (meaning he runs the concentration camp a few blocks away), but then finds out and despises it and him, and then Bruno is similar. Granted he doesn't ever really understand what his father is doing. I loved Shmuel. Probably the cutest kid. Great kid to play the role, he did a wonderful job. I really wonder why none of the actors won an Oscar. Oh well.

I have nothing to complain about. I just wish they would have played around more with Gretel's development as well. Oh well...also I hated the ending. Mind you, it was a FANTASTIC ending. However, I cry EVERY TIME! I've watched this well over five times now and I still cry like a child. I did watch this with Boyfriend on our second movie date a while back, so I had to restrain myself immensely. I also watched it in my Humanities class and the buff, football playing tough guy next to me even teared up a wee bit.

Overall, this is one of my favorite movies. Top Twenty (I should make a list of my top twenty movies, so far).  It does have a rather sad ending, but it's just a great, great movie. If you like Drama or have any interest in History or just movie watching, you need to watch this. You will love it too. Out of five stars I grant this one 5 stars.

Would I Watch Again?:
Already seen it a million times! haha So...yes.

Favorite Character(s): Bruno's Mom, Bruno's Dad (just because I adore the actor) Bruno, Shmeul (cute kid), and Grandma
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Gretel. >.>

*CaroleRae*

Wordless Wednesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Hopeless Crushes

~The Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.~

Happy Tuesday. I was awaken early this morning, because Boyfriend had to go to work and I feel bad if I stay asleep while he gets ready for work. I don't get to spend much time with him, so I like to arise from the depth of my slumber to hang out with him. He made some coffee and insisted I drink some (I must have looked like death). I did...and now I'm awake. Gah! Oh well. So I shall do this week's TTT and then share a movie review either later today or tomorrow. We shall see.

Anyways...this week the topic is: fictional hopeless crushes. There are many. I know it's suppose to be a "book" meme, but there is one on my list that comes from an anime/manga that I'll be sharing. He's new and I think He should be included. I'll try to add some variety to this list too since I did a similar post a while back about my fictional "boyfriends". To check that post out click HERE. I will also add pictures of what I think they look like or what they look like (like the manga/anime one):

~There is no order to this list!~

----Rei from 'Fist of the North Star' 

----Draco Malfoy from 'Harry Potter' series.

-----Jasper Tudor from 'The Red Queen'

----Haun from 'The Seducation of the Phoenix'

----Zhang Jin from 'The Seduction of the Phoenix' 

----White Man's Dog/Fools Crow from 'Fools Crow'

him as an older adult. 

----Grim from 'To Tame A Highland Warrior'

----Captain Alex Reid from 'The Betrayal of the Blood Lily'

----Miles Dorrington from The Pink Carnation Series

----Arius the Barbarian from 'Mistress of Rome' 

Who are you all hopeless crushing on in the fictional world?

*CaroleRae*

Book Review: My Scandalous Viscount

Author: Gaelen Foley

Title: My Scandalous Viscount (Inferno Club #5)
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure, Intrigue
Pages: 384

First Published: September 1st, 2012
Where I Got It: borrowed from library

"Sebastian, Viscount Beauchamp, lives by a code of honor, and now honor dictates he must marry Miss Carissa Portland. He has no regrets over stealing a kiss from the adorable little busybody--a fitting punishment for putting her delectable nose where it didn't belong. But now, caught in a compromising situation, he knows he must make her his bride. He's faced danger before--but nothing like this!

Carissa is not a gossip--she's a "lady of information." And all she was trying to do was warn the rakehell Beauchamp away from an irate husband. But even she can't flaunt Society, and while her head tells her that Beau's a notorious scoundrel, her heart--and her body--are captivated by his dangerous charm. But when Carissa next goes snooping, the secrets she uncovers about the Inferno Club may prove even more hazardous than falling in love with her own husband."

First of all...

I LOVE THAT DRESS ON THE COVER! I hate the color yellow, but I can't stop looking at this dress. I drool and imagine myself in it (I would look like a twinkie, since yellow looks horrid on me) and how much I want it. I am also glad there is a full head in this picture. The cut-off heads annoy me to know end.

Now I got that out of my system....

This is the fifth book in the Inferno Club series created by the always amazing Gaelen Foley. The series is winding down and there are only two members left who's story needs to be told. I'm sort of sad. I love the whole thing about the infamous Inferno Club who are known for partying, sexing, and just being general rogues are actually spies and warriors for England (and for the greater good throughout the world). I simply adore this notion!

Well, this story centers around the  gossip and infamous snoop Lady of Information, Carissa, and Viscount Beauchamp, the youngest warrior of the Order and always team leader for the second squad. At first I worried that things would drift off and be boring because the couple already had feelings for each other (which was touched upon in the last book), but since she's such a gossip and she is Daphne's friend, the other Order members tell him to stay away. He does until her life's endanger and while in the mist of saving her he compromises her (which nothing did happen), so he has to marry her. This all happened within the first 50 pages. They were married and rather infatuated with each other. I was worried that the book would drag. However, hope was restored because of The Incident and the Order is being threatened by the Regent and other officials of law.

There is a lot going on and there was never a dry moment. Thank goodness. I loved how much there was going, but Gaelen Foley kept everything in order and made sure the reader never stumbled off the path of understanding. I do recommend though...at least read the book before this to understand all that is going on. I also would say to read the others to get the deeper meaning and further in depth about the goings-ons, but it is not 100% necessary. 

I liked Beau and Carissa. Beau...though...his sanity and ego are still in question with me though. After he realized Carissa was comprised and she found out about him being a spy he told her they had to marry. First of all... that's fine. However, he was rather rude about it and he threatened that if she says no there is a chance The Order will be forced to kill her. Okay...I would be rather upset and not 100% sure about wanting to marry him also. He was rude and threatened me. Yes, he looks like Apollo is simply a God, but that proposal is not swoon worthy. After persuasion she agreed. He then got pissed because she didn't swoon over the marriage proposal! WTF? Of course she isn't! GAH! Also I was annoyed that at the beginning he slipped some modern terms and words. Oh well...

He does redeem himself later on, but throughout the novel there are times I don't think his sanity is quite stable and his ego is not measurable. Oh well. He was a good guy, but still...Carissa will have to knock his ego down a peg or two. Which she does, but more is needed. 

In the end, I liked this book a lot. It was a fun adventure I'm so glad Carissa got a HEA. From the beginning, I felt bad that she was left out and Daphne had to be super careful with her gossipy friend due to her husband being a member of the Order. I would recommend this series and this book to those who adore HRs mixed with some action and spies and adventure. I will stamp this with 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Carissa, Trevor, Nick, Vicker (Beau's butler...he was hilarious in such a boring way) and Charles (I felt bad for him)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Mr. Green