TTT: Swoony Titles

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's topic: Top Ten Books That Will Make You Swoon.

1.  The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - Asperger swoons...yup, that's right!

2.  The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley...historical and magical realism lovins!

3.  Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell...touching high school romance

4.   Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder...fantasy adventure and swoons

5.  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness....witch and vampire love!

6.  Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park...witty new adult love story

7.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green...sad and swoony

8.  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller...epic swoons!

9.  The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen...magical realism with two love storylines!

10.  You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning...Bridget Jones-esque swoons!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Swoon Stories

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's topic: Top Ten Romances. 

1. Any of the books from The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig...gotta love Victorian-era caper romances!

2.   Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park - adorable modern day quirky romance.

3.  Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey...cute pretend engagement romance.

4.  The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley...combo historical fiction and modern day romance.

5. Any story by Sarah Addison Allen...Southern (often foodie) magical-realism swoons!

6.  You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning...move over Bridget Jones!

7.  The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips...combo historical fiction and modern day romance.

8. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie...I also love The Cinderlla Deal by Crusie.

9.  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness...supernatural swoons!

10.  Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins...fun contemporary with really well-drawn characters (I also recommend Until There Was You and All I Ever Wanted).

Latest Review: Somebody to Love

Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins
Goodreads Summary: After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon’s Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father’s wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she’s not thrilled…even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist’s assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn’t the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC

My Thoughts:
Kristan Higgins is one of the top contemporary romance writers of the moment - most of her books are fantastic when you need a dose of chick-lit!  Somebody to Love is not one of her best, but I still really enjoyed the book.  It's so much fun to see what happens to Maggie and Malone from Higgins' earlier book Catch of the Day (one of my faves)!  Also, the last scene was ADORABLE, I actually teared up! 

Yet, I think what made this one fall flat a little for me is that Parker is not as loveable of a main character as most of Higgins' other main characters.  One of the delightful things about reading Higgins' novels is the quirky and endearing personalities she creates - and Parker's inner monologue wasn't as fun to read compared to past characters.  Another issue I had is that there are a few loose ends that were never entirely resolved which made the ending feel a little rushed.

I recommend this to Higgins' fans (especially those who've read Catch of the Day and/or The Next Best Thing [which features Parker as a side character]) and to those who enjoy contemporary romance novels.

3/5 stars - solid contemporary romance fare.

This fulfills my Romantic Fiction entry for the Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge!

***Disclosure: Received copy via Harlequin

Review Catch-Up: The Clan of the Cave Bear and The Blue Castle

So, I've fallen a bit behind on my reviews as of late and since I blazed through books this past weekend I figure I should do a little two-for-one to catch up. 

First up, The Clan of the Cave Bear the first book in the Earth's Children series by Jean M. Auel:

Publisher summary:
Here is a novel of awesome beauty and power.  A moving saga about people, relationships and the boundaries of love.  Through Jean Auel's magnificent storytelling, we are taken back to the dawn of mankind and swept up in the wonderful world of a very special heroine, Ayla.  Her enthralling story is one we can all share.  A natural disaster has left young Ayla alone, wandering, fending for herself in an unfamiliar land.  One day, she is discovered by the Clan of the Cave Bear, men and women far different from her own people.  The tall, blonde, blue-eyed Ayla is a mysterious stranger to the Clan and at first they mistrust her and cast her out.  But as she grows to know them and learn the ways of the Clan, she is welcomed.  And as she leads them in their struggle for survival, the Clan comes to worship Ayla.  For in her blood flows the future of humanity.

The most interesting aspect of this book is the prehistoric setting.  The author obviously did an enormous amount of research as all of the actions and skills displayed by the characters are detailed and seemingly realistic for the times.  I liked it enough that I do still want to read the rest of the series as I became attached to the character of Ayla.  She is such a strong, well-drawn, appealing character and you can't help but want to find out what adventures come her way in the next installment.

I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction or are interested in the dawn of the human race and to those who have a particular fondness for charismatic heroines.

3.5/5 stars.

Secondly, I recently finished The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery (of Anne of Green Gables fame).

"Fear is the only original sin. Almost all of the evil in the world has its origin in the fact that someone was afraid of something."

This quote from her favorite author forever changes the life of the spinsterish Valancy, when one fateful day she decides to take charge of her own existence and defy the customs of her traditional small town and oppressive family.

Now, one has to remember that this was written back in the 1920s, so Valency's emancipative actions would have been quite scandalous.  While it may have been a unique plot-line at the time...it's now fairly obvious where the storyline is leading as the narrative unfolds.  That being said, the plot is so apparent that I was almost surprised when scenes manifest as expected.  It's a lovely and cozy little romance that includes beautiful imagery and reverence of the outdoors.  The main themes are facing one's fears, living in the moment, and not judging others based on appearances...impressive subjects for a slim novel, no?  If you love Ms. Montgomery's Anne series then you'll surely fall for this book as well.

3.5/5 stars.

Latest Read - Dragonfly in Amber...Tackling Gabaldon Part II

I have to say that I liked Outlander much better than Dragonfly in Amber.  That being said, there were some good aspects to the book.  Namely, the historical bits of the novel.  It was scandalizing to read about the debauchery of the French court (I mean, women with see-through tops and nipple rings...whoa)!  Also, it was fun to read the characterizations of historical figures such as "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and the "beloved" King Louis XV.  However, in my opinion, the bad aspects of the novel outweigh the good. 

To come right out with it, the book was wayyy to long (this from a person who loves big, chunky books).  I don't mind length as long as it is necessary, and in the case of Dragonfly in Amber it definitely was not.  My hardcover copy from the library was a whopping 743 pages...at least 200-300 of which was crap.  There's nothing I hate more than having my time wasted by an excessively and unnecessarily long book!  The story was compelling, but you had to wade through so much indulgent description and plot tangents that it was hard to stay interested.  Another issue I had with the novel is that some of the plot elements were becoming redundant, tired and a bit ridiculous...whaddya know, sex scenes, rape scenes, and the evil tortuous man comes after the good guys again, and again and AGAIN.  Lastly, I had to read garbage like this: [after some Scottish men were making deceptive plans]

"'I always thought there was some reason why 'Scot' rhymed with 'plot,'' I remarked"

Seriously, SERIOUSLY??  I about had a conniption after reading this ridiculous line.

Okay, phew!  Finished with my rant...overall, it was an okay book.  I did like it, I just wanted the book to be better.  It definitely convinced me that I will not be continuing with the series (despite the fact that my interest is peaked about a few loose ends).  I just can't handle wading through another mediocre tome simply to satisfy my curiosity.  I went looking around on the interwebs to see other reviews of this series or these books specifically.  It seems that for the most part, people love it or they are completely turned off by the sex and violence.   I did find one review that said if you like the first 2 novels...maybe you'll want to read the third...but after that it's utter crap.

I have to say I'm quite disappointed by these books.  It seems that so many people love them and the "genre" of historical fiction/romance/fantasy is utterly fascinating...so, I had high hopes.  Oh well,  I'm going to try a few other series (as I adore them...no need to think about what to read next)!  First is George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series beginning with A Game of Thrones and then I'm going to try out Jean M. Auel's Earth Children series starting with The Clan of the Cave Bear.

3/5 stars.

Latest Read - Outlander...Tackling Gabaldon

For whatever reason, I have dreaded writing this review.  It must be due to the fact that I am still unsure about my opinion of  Outlander.  I know that this is a much beloved series...and I have only read the first two novels...yet, I can't agree with Galbadon's many followers.  I don't love the books thus far but I don't hate them either.  It's just that I have a few qualms with the novels.  First up, Outlander:

So as not to give too much of the story away...it's about a woman who accidentally time travels from 1945 to 200 years earlier in Scotland and her subsequent adventures and struggles.  What I did like about this book is that it's an extremely quick read due to the fact that it's pretty jam-packed with action.  Also, the character of Jamie Fraser is just wonderfully yummy (bordering on too good to be true, but I'll let that slide).  What I didn't like about it was there was quite a bit of gratuitous sex and sadistic violence...it almost made me feel like I was reading a soap opera (I dunno, that's the best metaphor I can think up).  I could have done with a little bit less detailed description of both the multiple sex and torture scenes (especially the latter).  Did these aspects of the book put me completely off?  No.  In fact, the sex scenes were quite sexy ;)  Buuut, it did give the book a bit of a trashy feel...this would definitely fall into the guilty pleasure category.  Also, the writing was okay, not superb...just adequate.

In sum, if you want an entertaining read, you like romance and history, and don't mind quite a bit of sex and violence...by all means pick this book up!  However, I think all the rave reviews raised my expectations a bit too high for this series.  Thus, my warning is that (in my opinion) this series is yet another fun escapist bit of historical fiction...don't put it up on a pedestal. :)

I'll tackle book #2 of the series in my next post!

3.5/5 stars.