Wuthering Heights

The haunting intensity of Catherine Earnshaw's attachment to Heathcliff is the focus of a novel which relations between men and women are described with an emotional and imaginative power unparalleled in English fiction.

First published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is set on the bleak Yorkshire moors, where the drama of Catherine and Heathcliff, Heathcliff's cruel revenge against Edgar and Isabella Linton, and the promise of redemption through the next generaion in enacted.

Like many other readers I was introduced to Wuthering Heights in high school. Then, I thought it to be a boring and simplistic story. But I have changed mind, this time around I truly enjoyed it.

Heathcliff's obsession with revenge is a true characteristic of his madness. Knowing what going to happen I still couldn't put down the book. I had to keep reading. But Heathcliff's madness is not the only one in the book, I found Catherine to be just as crazy, she too was obsessed, with him. What a web! A delightful one! Also this time around I really enjoyed the darkness of the mood.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (4.5/5) Classic Literature; Published: Thomas Cautley Newby (1847); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (115); Romance Reading Challenge (9); 18th & 19th Century Women Writers' Reading Challenge (8); Keeper shelf;

Dirty Sexy Knitting

I've been looking forward to reading Dirty Sexy Knitting since I read the previous book of the series. Let's just say that it was an OK read, and I'm hoping that the final book of the trilogy will be as good as the first one. You can find my thoughts on How To Knit A Wild Bikini here and my thoughts on Unravel Me here.

Here's the blurb for Dirty Sexy Knitting:

Malibu & Ewe's owner, Cassandra Riley, is about to turn thirty and wants to celebrate with her knitting club and her new found half-sisters, Nikki and Juliet, in a big birthday extravaganza. But with Juliet on her honeymoon and Nikki with her fiancé, it seems everyone's paired up—except for Cassandra...

A series of near-death accidents cause Cassandra to run straight into the arms of the man she's tried hard to avoid. Gabe Kincaid, her landlord and neighbor, is a loose cannon with too many strings attached to commit to her fully - or can he? When a mud slide entraps the couple and puts their lives at risk, Gabe is forced to make a decision that will change his life - and the status of their relationship - forever...

Good news: It was better than the last one, Unravel Me.

Bad news: It still wasn't as good as the first book, How To Knit A Wild Bikini, in my opinion.

I always thought that Cassandra was too nice, but in this book I found her to be someone more comparable to a doormat. Her relationship between her and her mother, and you don't have to look too far when it comes to her relationship with Gabe. And Gabe's self-pity was a major high in this book. I can understand the guilt of losing loved ones, but he was living his life with the intent of dying, and that I cannot understand.

What I did enjoy was the way the author wrote the book. It was quick, funny with some twists thrown into it. Wonderful.

Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway (3.5/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Berkley Contemporary Romance (6/2009); Series: # 3, Malibu & Ewe; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (76); Romance Reading Challenge (8);

The Virgin's Secret

Even the least sensible woman knew, upon meeting his gaze, that here was a man who was more than he might at first appear, who might steal the heart of even the most resistant woman. But oh, what a lovely theft!

Adventurer Nathanial Harrington would never steal another man's discovery. And he'd never be so dishonorable as to tempt an untouched woman into his bed . . . even one as stunningly beautiful as Gabriella Montini. Yet she intrigues him. What is her secret? Nate would do anything to find out.

Nathanial is an earl's son--but Gabriella knows he's not to be trusted! He's more than just a mere thief of hearts, he's also stolen her brother's good name. Determined to restore his reputation, she'd even masquerade as a destitute orphan and be taken into his family's home. But how can she continue her ruse when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's passionate charms?

The Virgin's Secret is the first book of the new Victoria Alexander series, Harrington Siblings. Imagine Indiana Jones in the late 19th century, and you have the Harrington brothers: Sterling, Quintin and Nathanial.

The book has the usual Victoria Alexander humour and fast pace. But it also has likable characters. I enjoyed both Gabriella and Nathanial, they both unconventional to the times. They were attracted to each other since the first moment the met, but they fought their feelings. Each with their own reasons for doing so, but eventually they come to a sort of an agreement. But can Gabriella's secret come between them? Which I found ludicrous, but I won't get into that.

I found the quest for the medallion entertaining with all the twists and turns. Loved the way that Gabriella and Nathanial worked together, even with their disagreements. I found the fire unnecessary at the end - just my opinion - I don't think it was needed, and Gabriella's "illness" was a little too much.

I am interested on what will happen next...I wonder how long I will have to wait.

The Virgin's Secret by Victoria Alexander (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (5/2009); Series: # 1, Harrington Siblings; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (65); Romance Reading Challenge (7);

Confessions of A Little Black Gown

I'm a fan Elizabeth Boyle. I've read all her books, I guess you can say I've been a fan since the beginning. Although I've stopped buying her books - let's just say that I haven't all that impressed with the last book, Love Letters from a Duke - I can't stop reading her books. I may not love all the stories but they are entertaining and that's what keeps me coming back for more.

I'm hoping that the second installment of the Bachelor Chronicles will change my mind on the series. Here's the blurb for Confessions of a Little Black Gown:

She spied him in the shadows . . .

And in an instant, Thalia Langley knew the man before her was no saint. He might claim to be the Duke of Hollindrake's unassuming country cousin, but no man that handsome, that arresting, could be anything but . . . well, he simply must be an unrepentant rogue. His cat-like grace and power leave Tally shivering in her slippers at the notion of all the wicked, forbidden things he might be capable of doing . . . to her.

Indeed, Lord Larken is no bumbling vicar, but a master spy there in his majesty's service to find—and murder—a notorious pirate freed in a daring prison escape. Devoted to the Crown, Larken's not about to let an interfering (and not entirely innocent) Mayfair miss disrupt his ruthless plans. Yet how can he be anything but tempted by this lady in a little black gown . . . a dress tantalizing enough to lead even Larken astray.

I actually enjoyed it!

The characters were likable. I found both the hero, Lord Larken, and heroine, Thalia "Tally" Langley very compatible, they just clicked. They're both adventurous, inquisitive and humorous. The only thing missing was chemistry. Alright, it may just be me, but the "umph" was missing.

The mystery, well not really a mystery...I found it a little tedious at times, and the reason for it was I was expecting more of Pippin and Dash in the book. I really enjoy those two, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Pippin's book. I also liked the mysterious woman, the femme fatale, I found that part very interesting. I think that author could have done more with that character. I didn't care for the little twist at the end of that storyline.

I wasn't expecting a great love story when I first began. I just wanted to be entertained. And I got that!

Confessions of A Little Black Dress by Elizabeth Boyle (3.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (4/2009); Series: # 2, Bachelor Chronicles; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (61); Romance Reading Challenge (6);

MIA No More

After a series of problems with my computer, and a bad case of food poisoning that made me visit the hospital for three days... I'm back!

While I was MIA I read:

Promises In Death by J.D. Robb (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Alternate Future; Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons (09); Series: # 30, Eve Dallas; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (55); 2009 Support Your Local Library (50);

Getting What You Want by Kathy Love (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Kensington Publishing Corp. (04); New Author; Series: # 1, The Stepp Sisters; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (56);

The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver (4.5/5) Mystery Thriller; Published: A Signet Book (1997); New Author; Series: # 1, Rhyme & Sachs; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (57); Keeper Shelf;

Blame It on Paris by Jennifer Greene (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: HQN (2008); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (58);

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (5/5) Classic Literature; Published: Chapman and Hall (1855); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (59); 18th & 19th Century Women Writers' Reading Challenge (5); Romance Reading Challenge (5); Spring Reading Thing (4); Keeper Shelf;

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman

Lady Maura O'Donnell swore to her father on his deathbed that she'd recover the Circle of Light, an enchanted Celtic relic that had brought the family prosperity—until it was stolen a century earlier by a notorious pirate. Now the pirate's descendant, the Duke of Gleneden, holds this rare treasure, and Maura would give anything to get it back . . .

Alec McBride knows when he's been had. Lady Maura tricked him into marriage with the expertise of a born seductress, and now she'll pay for her treachery. He'll ravish her, tempt her, tame her—until she sorely wishes she'd never heard of the Duke of Gleneden. Caught up in their game of revenge, Alec and Maura never notice what is happening in their hearts—until it's too late.

Their marriage may have been a farce, but there is nothing truer than their desire . . .

Once upon time there was an Irish family that was blessed. One day the Circle of Light was stolen from the Irish by a Scottish pirate. Ever since the robery the Irish family have been experiencing bad luck. Generations later, the current patriarch of the Irish family makes his daughter promise that she'll recover the Circle of Life by any means possible.

And she does... She lies, seduces, drugs and forces a Duke to "marry her".

I didn't like this story at all. I thought the recovery of the relic was overshadowed by the acts of Lady Maura. The only thing she didn't do was kill...maybe that will happen in the next book. I cannot believe that I spent my precious time reading this...

It was a WASTE OF MY TIME!

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James (1/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (March 2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (48); 2009 Support Your Local Library (42); 2009 Pub Challenge (14); Romance Reading Challenge (4)

When The Duke Returns

I haven't been too impressed with the Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James. And I probably should have stopped reading the series, but I just cannot say no to Eloisa James.

Here's the blurb for the fourth book of the series, When The Duke Returns:

The Duchess of Cosway yearns for a man she has never met . . . her husband.

Married by proxy as a child, Lady Isidore has spent years fending off lecherous men in every European court while waiting to meet her husband. She's determined to accept him, no matter how unattractive the duke turns out to be. When she finally lures Simeon Jermyn back to London, his dark handsomeness puts Isidore's worst fears to rest—until disaster strikes.

The duke demands an annulment.

Forsaking his adventuresome past, Simeon has returned to London ready to embrace the life of a proper duke, only to find that his supposed wife is too ravishing, too headstrong, and too sensual to be the docile duchess he has in mind. But Isidore will not give up her claim to the title—or him—without a fight.

She will do whatever it takes to capture Simeon's heart, even if it means sacrificing her virtue. After all, a consummated marriage cannot be annulled.

Yet in forcing Simeon into a delicious surrender, will Isidore risk not only her dignity—but her heart?

I have good news and bad news.

Bad news first: Still not what I expect of the author. After reading The Pleasure Trilogy, The Duchess Quartet, and the Essex Sisters...my expectations are high.

Good news: I actually enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters, really liked Simeon and Isidore - he is completely different from the what we would expect from a English Duke and she is a hot/quick tempered not a docile English lady. Their chemistry was believable and the way they discovered their feelings and needs was very entertaining. I could have done without some of the sub-plots like the water closet debaucle, and I couldn't stand the dowager Duchess.

It's looking promising for the next book of the series. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

When The Duke Returns by Eloisa James (3.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (12/2008); Series: # 4, Desperate Duchesses; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (40); Romance Reading Challenge (3);

Wives and Daughters

I just finished reading Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell, and what a wonderful experience it was. Although I've heard of the author beforehand - I'm a huge fan of the BBC mini series North & South, I had never read her. I also have N&S on my nightstand waiting for its turn. But Wives and Daughters was a library book, I decided to read it first.

Wives and Daughters was the last novel that Elizabeth Gaskell wrote, actually she never finished the book. She dies while writing it. But by no means is the book unfinished, a lot of the issues were finalized, and the editor/publisher wrote a brief epilogue.

Wives and Daughters is the story of Molly Gibson. She a sweet, sincere, and at times boring character, but she's so lovable. Her father, a widowed doctor, is concerned about his daughters upbringing he sends Molly to the Hamley's for a visit.Molly is warmly received at the home of Squire Hamley and his disabled wife. The Hamley's have two sons, Osborne and Roger. Molly befriends them both, although Osborne is considered the favorite, it is Roger that Molly eventually falls in love with. While she's there, Mr. Gibson, marries Hyacinth Clair Kirkpatrick, a charming but petty, manipulative widow and former governess in the household of Lord Cumnor.

Although Molly does not like her stepmother, she adores her stepsister Cynthia. They are both very different people but they get along together beautifully. There were times that I felt that Mrs. Gibson resented the relationship between Cynthia and Molly. Cynthia has her own issues, she has a distant relationship with her mother, and she openly says that she doesnt love her because she never had a chance to know her. She is also secretly engaged to Mr. Preston, whom she avoids at all costs.

Although I didn't care much for either Cynthia and Osborne, I felt they they were both selfish, and cowards. They had one redeeming quality, they were truly sorry for the wrongs they did.

I absolutely loved the book! I thought it was beautifully written and it was believable. I think I've found an author that I love as much as Jane Austen. I highly recommend this book!

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell (5/5) Classic Literature; Published: Cornhill (1866); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (29); 2009 Support Your Local Library (24); 18th & 19th Century Women Writers' Reading Challenge (3); Romance Reading Challenge (3)

What I Did For Love

How did this happen? Georgie York, once the costar of America's favorite television sitcom, has been publicly abandoned by her famous husband, her film career has tanked, her father is driving her crazy, and her public image as a spunky heroine is taking a serious beating.

What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? Not go to Vegas . . . not run into her detestable former costar, dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard . . . and not get caught up in an ugly incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, a fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.

It's a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie's nonsupporting cast doesn't help. There's Bram's punk-nightmare housekeeper, Georgie's own pushy parent, a suck-up agent, an icy studio head with a private agenda, and her ex-husband's new wife, who can't get enough of doing good deeds and saving the world—the bitch. As for Georgie's leading man, Bram's giving the performance of his life, but he's never cared about anyone except himself, and it's not exactly clear why.

Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright . . . and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.

I really hate when this happens. I've been looking forward on reading a new Susan Elizabeth Phillips book for ages, and I kept What I Did For Love on my nightstand for a while before reading it. I've been anticipating this read, imagining it to be wonderful like the previous book I read of hers, Natural Born Charmer. So, I begin the book, and after 10 minutes I came to the conclusion that the book is based on the Jennifer Anniston/Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie media circus. I kept on reading, hoping that it would be a good experience.

A good experience? Well, not all that good. I found Georgie to be a wet noodle, she needed to grow a spine, but I liked her...eventually she found what she wanted and didn't give a heck what her father/manager thought. I didn't like Bram, he was ass. The one character that I really enjoyed was Chaz. She was the saving grace of the book.

I probably should have stopped reading the book halfway through but I didn't because of the author. Well, because of her previous books, I was hoping that the end would redeem the book. It didn't, I'm afraid to say...Just my opinion.

What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2.5/5) Romance; Published: William Morrow (1/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (28); 2009 Support Your Local Library (23); 2009 Pub Challenge (6); Romance Reading Challenge (2);

Unravel Me

I've been looking forward to reading Unravel Me by Christie Ridgway ever since I read the first book of the Malibu & Ewe series, How To Knit a Wild Bikini. You read what I thought of that book, here.

Here's the blurb:

SoCal's newest hotspot isn't a bar or a club, it's a beachside knitting shop Malibu & Ewe - the perfect place for L.A.'s hip, young crowd to enjoy good yarn and better gossip...

For the first time in her life, young widow Juliet Weston is facing the world on her own - or hiding from it. But an invitation to Knitter's Night at Malibu & Ewe starts her down a whole new path full of girlfriends, laughter, and independence. And that kind of passion can be contagious...

Who knew knitting could be so sexy?

For years, Noah Smith has worked for the Westons and tried to fight his his feelings for Juliet, but her newfound zest for life is turning out to be irresistible. Still, Juliet's convinced the former soldier is too young to be anything more than a for-the-moment fling. To show her just how good he could for her, he'll do anything, even if it means haunting her favorite yarn store and getting in good with her two new best friends. But Juliet's not going to make it easy for Noah to learn how to knit two hearts together...

After reading the book, my first thought was: meh. It was an alright book, but nothing exceptional. It was nothing compared to How To Knit a Wild Bikini. I felt like this book was written more as a filler between the two other books of the series. I was more interested in reading what was going on with Gabe and Cassandra. Even the "evil" stepdaughter had more umph than Juliet. Argh!

And where was the spark? I didn't find anything except for a tiny sizzle. Oh well...

I certainly hope that Dirty Sexy Knitting will be better. I'm keeping my finger crossed.

Unravel Me by Christie Ridgway (3/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: Berkley Sensation (11/08); Series: # 2, Malibu & Ewe; Romance Reading Challenge (1); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (7); 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge (5);

Really, this is becoming a sickness...

I've signed up for another challenge! Oh, but what a challenge it will be!

The lovely Naida from The Bookworm is hosting the Romance Reading Challenge 2009. To check out the rules, and to join click here.

Here are (so far) my choices:

When The Duke Returns by Eloisa James ***Completed on April 1st, 2009

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell ***Completed on May 25th, 2009

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell ***Completed on March 5th, 2009

What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ** Completed March 1st, 2009

Confessions of A Little Black Gown by Elizabeth Boyle *** Completed on June 2nd, 2009

Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James *** Completed on April 19th, 2009

Unravel Me by Christie Ridgway **Completed on January 18th, 2009