♥♡ Hopeless Romantic ♡♥ - in love with the idea of love

Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure Books 1-6

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:22:00 +0000

I have separated the ratings for each book. However, it ended up being the same for them all anyways. I guess the ratings weren't that great because it feels really similar to Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James without the intensity and the chemistry between Ana and Grey, which is why the story seems to fall short. I believe the author should have developed the characters more.
There were some interesting parts. I grouped Books 1-6 together because they were generally about the same people. Book 6 introduces the audience to a new set of couple that is featured in the next 6 books of the series.
I do not like how the books were divided into mini parts. I understand that it is to keep the audience interested and drawl sales, but it is frustrating and it feels incomplete. I just find the style a bit annoying. I am still debating if I even want to bother reading the next 6 books about the new couple or not.

Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 01 - For His Pleasure
Rating: 5/10
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Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 02 - For His Taking

Rating: 5/10

Favorite Part:

“It’s got twenty-five bathrooms and twenty-three bedrooms. Fifty thousand square feet.”
“Why…why would you need any of that? You could provide room and board to a small village with that much space.”
He chuckled at her astonishment. “I suppose I don’t technically need the space.
But one day I do hope to have a family, and I like the idea of having plenty of room for guests; mothers and fathers, uncles, grandparents, little
kids. And everyone has their own privacy, nobody’s on top of each other.”
“Nobody can even find each other,” she said.
=======
Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 03 - For His Keeping
Rating: 5/10
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Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 04 - For His Honor
Rating: 5/10
=========
Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 05 - For His Trust
Rating: 5/10

Favorite Part:
“I’m not trying to prove I can keep up with you in the witty banter department, Red. That’s not one of my life goals.”
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Kelly Favor - For His Pleasure 06 - For His Forever
Rating: 5/10
=========

Book: Leanne Banks - Billionaire’s Baby

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:09:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Favorite Part:

“I don’t need a husband. I just need things to stay the same,” Haley said.
“Hmm. Well, I can guarantee that won’t happen. C’mon, let’s get a look at the executioner. He may hand us our pink slips, but I hear he’s a hunk. He’s a bachelor,” she added with emphasis, then sighed. “But I also heard he has a beautiful blonde assistant who’s angling for another position and making some progress in that direction.”
Haley couldn’t help smiling at Susan’s ability to get the personal scoop on the new owner. “How do you get all this info?”
“I keep my ear to the ground and my nose to the wind.”
“Sounds like a recipe for a crick in the neck.”
“Aren’t you cute?” Susan said with a chuckle.

Book: Jules Bennett - Caught in the Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:08:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Interesting beginning since it starts off with the main girl in a towel. It was a decent read. Too bad there were no surprises within the story however.

Book: Anna Cleary - The Night That Started It All

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:05:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Another ok read without much to say.

Book: Kim Lawrence - The Petrelli Heir

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:05:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Not much to say besides the fact that the story was another decent read.

Book: Emma Darcy - The Incorrigible Playboy

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:03:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Favorite Part:

‘Now, let me select cocktails for you both,’ he said, the vivid blue eyes twinkling confidence in his choices. ‘A Margarita for you, Elizabeth.’
It surprised her that he’d actually picked her favourite.
‘Why that one?’ she asked, curious about his correct guessing.
He grinned. ‘Because you’re the salt of the earth and I revere you for it.’
She rolled her eyes. The day Harry Finn showed any reverence for her was yet to dawn. He was just making a link to the salt-encrusted rim of the glass that was always used for a Margarita cocktail.
‘You’re right on both counts,’ Lucy happily volunteered.
‘Ellie loves Margaritas and she is the salt of the earth. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s always been my anchor.’
‘An anchor,’ Harry repeated musingly. ‘I think that’s what’s been missing from my life.’
‘An anchor would only weigh you down, Harry,’
Elizabeth put in dryly. ‘It would feel like an albatross around your neck.’
‘Some chains I wouldn’t mind wearing.’
‘Try gold.’

Book: Maisey Yates - Her Little White Lie

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:03:00 +0000

Rating: 6/10

While the interactions between the characters are interesting and funny, the story as a whole didn't really impress me much.

Favorite Parts:

“Oh, sorry. Most people like babies, you know,” she said, stepping out into the hall, closing the door behind her.
“I have no interest in having any of my own. I’m not certain why it would be important for me to like babies.”
“They’re cute.”
“Yes, so are puppies but I don’t want one.”

“As for the parent interview …” He neatly sidestepped the moment.
“What about it?”
“I don’t see how it will be a problem.”
“You may have to grow a personality between now and then.”
“And you may want to tone yours down.”
“Why because a fun-loving, smiley person might not make a good parent? Do I need to be a bit more dour?”
“Are you calling me … dour?” he asked.
“If the scowl fits.”
“You’re going to have to keep yourself from taking shots at me in the presence of the social worker. Actually, you should probably keep yourself from taking shots at me because I’m your boss.”

“Is that what you think?” he asked.
Something in his eyes changed, the look becoming hungry, wild almost, as far from cool, calm, stuffed shirt Dante Romani as she could possibly imagine.
“I … obviously,” she said, her throat suddenly dry.
“What is obvious about it?” he asked.
“I’m … I’m …”
“Attractive,” he said.
She blinked. “Even with the pink stripe?”
“It’s growing on me.”
“Maybe I will get it colored over next time. In that case.”
“You just like to be difficult.”
She shrugged. “I’m a contrary beast, on occasion, I admit it.”

Book: Susanna Carr - Her Shameful Secret

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:58:00 +0000

Rating: 7/10

This one was surprisingly interesting. Although the secret was spilled quite early, I am not too disappointed because it was an interesting twist in the relationship between the two main characters. They not only have a child on the way, but the child isn't even the main guy's! In fact, it is his brother's child! So how is the author or the romantic hero supposed to overcome this shock and forgive the heroine? Well, love conquers all doesn't it? The story had just enough conflict between the characters to keep the story interesting, but not too twisted or long.

Book: Sara Craven - Wife in the Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:52:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Not much to say besides the fact that it was an ok read. I have found that most of these Harlequin stories to only be decent reads. They seem to be missing something. It is either the fight/struggle to realizing the attraction or it is the element of surprise. It is kind of disappointing since many of them have such promising summaries. *sigh*

Book: Anna J. Evans - Devil Take Me

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:49:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

Another interesting summary, but only a decent read. Also another post without much to write about. How disappointing.

Book: Alexandra Hawkins - All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:45:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

I rated this a 10/10 at first, but then I had to subtract some points because the plot was a bit jumpy which was a shame since there were so many amusing parts I liked about the story.

Favorite Parts:

Anna came up from behind and embraced her. “Though I’ll admit Sainthill is rather pretty to look at.”
Catherine softly snorted at the understatement. “His body is quite admirable, too. You never know until a man disrobes if one should thank God or the man’s expensive tailor.”

Isabel slipped her arm around him and encouraged Vane to sit. “Were you fighting?” she asked, casting wary glances at Reign and Frost.
“If we were fighting, we would have taken it out of the house,” Frost said, rolling his eyes in disgust as Vane leaned against his wife and savored her tender inspection of his feigned injuries. “Past incidents have proven that you ladies are awfully protective of your furniture.”

“A servant arrived with a note from Hunter. He sends his apologies for being unable to join us. Something required his immediate attention,” Sin explained as he toyed with the pearl necklace his wife wore.
“If Hunter has any sense, that something is blond and naked in his bed,” Frost quipped.
Regan rolled her eyes at her brother. “Must you always be so vulgar?”
Without any hesitation, Frost replied, “Why shouldn’t I when I excel at it?”

Hunter’s left hand tightened on the balustrade as he tossed his head back and laughed. “And I should listen to the sage advice of a man who has never kept a mistress longer than four months?”
“Three months.”
“Three, then.” Anger glittered in Hunter’s eyes as he struggled to mask it with humor. “And your father … tell me again: What sport was he engaging in when he collapsed and died?”
Saint’s lips thinned at his friend’s cruel reminder. “Women. He was bedding his current mistress when his heart failed him.” Saint had been six years old when it happened. His mother had weathered the scandal with her head held high, though privately she was thoroughly humiliated. “Why do you ask? If you are planning to be unfaithful to your wife, you might want to let your physician examine you first to see if your heart is sound.”
“My heart is fine, Saint.” Hunter emptied his glass and set it on the table. He turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
The duke absently shrugged. “Since we have missed the little gathering at Dare’s, it would be a pity not to sample the delights of the Golden Pearl. I’ll let you know if my heart gives me any trouble.”
The duke patted his heart and smirked.
“Arse,” Saint muttered under his breath.

“If this is subtlety, Lord Sainthill, I find your execution somewhat lacking.”
Saint started, caught unawares by the blonde’s approach. He recovered quickly by saying, “Spying, Anna? I thought you preferred to participate?”

The lie will suffice. The truth will only lead to trouble.

“I trust this will suffice for your silence.”
Mr. Royles tugged on the opening and pulled out a coin. He held it up to the lantern and grinned, exposing a missing eyetooth. “Aye, this will do, poppet. For a time, that is.”
“For your sake, make it a long while, Mr. Royles. If you ruin my business, there will be no point in paying you to keep my secrets.”
“Have you forgotten who is in charge?”
“Not in the slightest.” The corners of her mouth curled into an unpleasant smile as she revealed the pocket pistol she had been concealing. Ignoring his curse, she aimed it directly at his black heart. “I am willing to be generous because I have unfinished business in London and I am not prepared to leave as of yet. However, mark my words, Mr. Royles. There will come a day when your silence will no longer be necessary.”
“You wouldn’t pull that trigger on an unarmed man.”
“You would be amazed what I would be willing to do to protect myself,” she said, her finger tightening on the trigger. “Don’t try my patience. Such a miscalculation regarding my daring or affection for you would be quite fatal.”

Book: Kresley Cole - Shadow's Claim

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:40:00 +0000

Rating: 10/10

A fun, exciting, and steamy read. Definitely one of my favorites. I think I am going to seek out more of this author's writings and see if she can keep my interest.

Favorite Parts:

Resisting Morgana was impossible—and for others, deadly.
Raum had once asked Bettina, “How can you even tell your godmother loves you?”
“One, because Morgana keeps visiting me in a realm she hates. Two, because I keep surviving the visits...”

"...my style is to under-promise and over-deliver..." - Morgana

“Shut it, Leo.” She’d nicknamed him that, an acronym for his name. He was one of the most feared fiends in all the Lore—and yet she ribbed him with ease.
Lothaire, in turn, loved it.
They were about to kiss when Trehan cleared his throat.
“Ah, Cousin Trehan.” Though Lothaire’s red eyes were uncanny, today he looked rational—and very cunning.
“I’ll let you two boys chat.” Elizabeth extricated herself from his arms, earning a growl of displeasure. “And once you’re done, Leo, come on up and see me.” She winked and began sauntering toward the exit; like a male possessed, Lothaire rose to follow her.
Then, making a visible effort to restrain himself, he sat once more. “I know what you’re thinking, Cousin. Lothaire keeps a tight rein on her,” he said, looking immensely pleased with himself. “Indeed I do.”
From the anteroom: “Oh, please! I’ve got you locked down tighter than a gopher’s ass in flood season. And we both know it!”
Lothaire gazed with utter longing in Elizabeth’s direction before turning to Trehan. “She’ll pay for that comment later.”
“Brang it, Leo.”

Book: Fenella J. Miller - The Duke's Reform

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Rating: 5/10

The synopsis held such promise, but I felt it was a so-so read. There wasn't anything noteworthy and I didn't have anything interesting to add so no "Favorite Part" section.

Book: Anne Mallory - Seven Secrets of Seduction

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:31:00 +0000

10/10

Favorite Parts:

“There is still our challenge.”
“Did you seduce your governess before she finished your lessons on mathematics?” She plopped a stack of books onto a shelf. “The week has long since passed. And you won.”
“Not in my heart, I didn?t.” Not in the seeds of his demise.
“If I believed in its existence, perhaps I could concur.”
“Oh, it is there. Shriveled and bound. Just waiting for you to set it free.”
“You are an unrepentant tease, your lordship.”
“As I said previously, a tease doesn?t follow through.” He stretched a finger along a strip of softly bound leather.
“An emotional tease. You are physically quite happy to follow through, but you make far too many empty promises concerning your feelings.”

“Do you hate yourself?”
“No.” She looked from the window to him again. There was a strange calmness to her gaze. “Do you?”
“Hard to hate perfection.”

Note from X♡X♡, a Hopeless Romantic

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Dear Fellow Readers,

First of all, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to browse my blog. I have tons of fun sharing bits and pieces of the things that interest me and I hope you will continue to lend me your support. Although I would like people to leave me comments about their thoughts as well, I understand that everyone is busy and/or want to bother, so I won't nag. xD

I just wanted to let you know the next few posts are going to be a bit different. Since I do not wish to repeat myself in every post about the reason why, I have decided to make this post explaining the reasons.

I have recently been moving to a different house and therefore, didn't have time to post or do much but read while I wait for my internet to be fixed. Since I've read so many different books, I have complied mostly just a list of my favorite parts and the ratings of each book. There will be rarely any comments about the summary or any of the usual details I include. I do hope to have the time to correct this endeavor sometime in the future, but for now, bear with me.

Thanks again for paying attention!

Book: Suzanne Enoch - Scandalous Brides 1 - A Beginner's Guide to Rakes

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 04:32:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

Summary:

The widow Diane Benchley, Lady Cameron, has returned to England. After the disgraceful way her and her (now deceased) husband fled to the continent, everyone is curious about the mysterious countess... Everyone besides the Marquis of Haybury, Oliver Warren, who is trying to avoid her at all costs! Then Diane does the unexpected... she pulls Oliver into her scheme to open a gentleman's gaming club in the family mansion!

Years ago, the two were involved, but it ended badly. Now, Diane is blackmailing Oliver into helping her with her gaming club since he is a notorious gambler.

In a game of wills and wits, who shall come out at top? Even I am willing to bet this encounter will be an entertaining one.

Favorite Parts:

“Still cratching about for weaknesses, are you, Oliver? Be cautious about with whom you choose to play. I have claws, too.”

He walked to the office door and pulled it open. “Yes, I know. I’ve felt them digging into my back.”

“These days I aim for the throat..."

“And cease pestering my employees. They’ve all been warned that … fraternizing with you is grounds for

immediate dismissal.”

“Jealous?”

“Wise to your very transparent lack of character.”

“It would take more than words to score that rhinoceros hide of yours.”

“I rarely find compliments offensive..."

“At the same time,” she continued, “I am not a flower swayed by every stray breeze.”

"You know my fondness for mayhem..."

“That’s a damned understatement.”

40 Things A Girl Wants But Won’t Ask For

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:46:00 +0000

I was bored and found this blog post (45 Things A Girl Want But Won’t Ask for It), which I found amusing. Many of the items on this list are definitely things I'd love my boyfriend to do. However, the list gets repetitive and there were some things I wanted to add, so I decided to edit it. Here's my version:

40 Things A Girl Wants But Won’t Ask For

1. Touch her waist - not her ass. She isn't just your pin up doll.

2. Actually talk to her.

3. Share secrets with her.

4. Give her your jacket when the weather gets cold.

5. Kiss her slowly. Kiss her unexpectedly.

6. Hug her from behind around the waist.

7. Hold her and pull her onto your lap.

8. Laugh with her.

9. Invite her somewhere - she just wants to spend time with you.

10. Hangout with her and your friends together.

11. Smile with her.

12. Learn to say sorry when you are in the wrong and learn from your mistakes.

(Example: forgetting her birthday or your anniversary date.)

13. Always remind her how much you care about her

14. When she says she loves you more, deny it. Fight back.

15. When her friends say “I love her more than you”, deny it. Fight back and hug her tight so she can’t get to her friends. It makes her feel loved.

16. Tell her the way you feel about her.

17. Tell her she’s your everything – only if you mean it.

18. When you say "I love you", mean it.

19. Tell her she’s beautiful.

20. Open doors for her, walk her to her car – it makes her feel protected, plus it never hurts to act like a gentleman.

21. If it seems like there is something wrong, ask her – if she denies something being wrong, it means she doesn’t want to talk about it – so just hug her.

22. Make her feel loved.

23. Kiss her in front of OTHER girls you know!

24. Don’t lie to her.

25. DON’T cheat on her.

26. Take her ANYWHERE she wants.

27. Text message or call her in the morning and tell her have a good day at school, and how much you miss her.

28. Call or text her at night to wish her sweet dreams.

29. Regarding 27 and 28, do these in moderate proportions - you don't want to come off too clingy.

30. Be there for her whenever she needs you, and even when she doesn't need you, just be there so she’ll know that she can always count on you.

31. Hold her close when she’s cold so she can hold you too.

32. While in the movies, put your arm around her and then she will automatically put her head on your shoulder, then lean in and tilt her chin up and kiss her lightly.

33. Don’t ever tell her to leave even jokingly or act like you’re mad. If she’s upset, comfort her.

34. When people diss her, stand up for her.

35. Look deep into her eyes and tell her you love her

36. Lay down under the stars and put her head on your chest so she can listen to the steady beat of your heart, and link your fingers together.

37. When walking next to each other grab her hand.

38. When you hug her, hold her in your arms as long as possible.

39. Comfort her when she cries and wipe away her tears.

40. A romantic date every so often doesn't hurt - she is probably a secret romantic at heart ;)

originally found @ http://burogublog.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/45-things-a-girl-want-but-wont-ask-for-it/

Book: Lessons From A Courtesan by Jenna Petersen

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

"Ria", is the most desired and envied courtesan in all of London. Everyone is enamored with the mystery that surrounds her. All except Justin, the Earl of Baybary because he is her husband! Justin left Victoria in the country estate after consummating their marriage. His rejection hurt her deeply and broke her heart. After three years, he is back from the continent and is shocked to come face to face with his wife at a mistress-seeking-new-protector party! He isn't thrilled by the reunion and neither is she. After being blackmailed by her father to marry her, he is less than happy to find her scheming. Meanwhile, she is on a mission and her husband is only going to get in the way. He is jealous and curious to know what her real motives are and thus, a game of wit begins. Can she fulfill her mission without letting herself be clouded by her husband's passionate kisses? Can he get Victoria to trust him enough to tell him what she is up to? Can they both learn to tell each other the truth and fix all the misunderstandings that lie between them?

Pros: This book had an interesting and surprising plot.
I enjoyed the struggle between the characters who are obviously meant to be together, but have misunderstandings keeping them apart. The battle between the passion and the logical thing to do is realistic and amusing to read. I even enjoyed the bitter and harsh truths... the disappointments and trust issues are quite real.
I also enjoyed the lessons that were at the beginning of each chapter. I thought them to be very true and I'd agree with most of them.
I found this book quite endearing because it doesn't just paint a pretty picture, but it shows complex and very real problems. For example: the differences between the roles of a wife and a courtesan, a women vulnerability and their need for protection, some perverse sickos in the world, obsessive behaviors turn dangerous, the fight for control over one's emotions/life, etc.
It was also entertaining to read about the supporting characters and the little insights into their lives.

Cons: Ending seemed to be wrapped up a bit too easily. I was hoping he'd have to work for it a bit more. xD

Favorite Parts:
The Lessons of a Courtesan (the beginning of each chapter has one)
Lesson 1: Every man loves a mystery.
Lesson 2: Never take more than you can control.
Lesson 3: It is simple to make a man want you. Don’t want him.
Lesson 4: When one man wants you, a second will follow.
Lesson 5: No man can make you lose control…unless you let him.
Lesson 6: Pleasure is the ultimate weapon.
Lesson 7: A kiss means nothing, but it can change everything.
Lesson 8: Leave him wanting more.
Lesson 9: A whore trades in money. A courtesan trades in far more.
Lesson 10: A mistress is not a wife, no matter how much she may wish to be.
Lesson 11: Scintillating conversation is a talent every woman should master.
Lesson 12: A lady must dress accordingly, whether in the ballroom or the bedroom.
Lesson 13: Always be the one to walk away.
Lesson 14: Be wary of who you trust.
Lesson 15: Never beg.
Lesson 16: Be careful how close you play to the fire. You might get burned.
Lesson 17: No amount of money or security is worth your pride.
Lesson 18: Lies and secrets have a way of coming out, so be prepared.
Lesson 19: Do not confuse weakness with vulnerability. They are not the same.
Lesson 20: Your body is your greatest commodity. Protect it.
Lesson 21: Never fall in love.
Lesson 22: If you break the rules, do it with all your heart.

“If you keep circling the room in this fashion, eventually you’ll bore a hole in the floor and we’ll all end up in the cellar with the laundry wenches,” Caleb said mildly as he took a sip of tea and ate another scone in one wolfish bite.

She had long ago learned not to live on dreams of what might have been. Those thoughts invariably led to disappointment

It wasn’t that those things weren’t true, they all were, it was more that he still wasn’t certain he could trust her, and telling her had opened him up to a world of potential pain.

Drama: It Started with a Kiss(惡作劇之吻)/Playful Kiss (장난스런 키스)

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:08:00 +0000

It Started with a Kiss(惡作劇之吻) and Playful Kiss (장난스런 키스)

These two stories are generally the same based on a manga. It starts off in high school where the female lead is a silly "stupid" girl who has been in love with the same super smart guy for many years. After her friends encourage her to confess her feelings, she gets up the courage to write a love letter..... only to get snubbed in public and become the laughingstock of the entire school. Her father raised her single-handed and loves his darling daughter. However, disaster struck that night in the form of an earthquake that caused her to lose her home. This incident becomes part of the news broadcast due to the fact that their house is the ONLY one that toppled after a very minor earthquake. While watching the news, her father's childhood friend recognizes the father and they get in touch. The father's childhood friend has invited them to stay at their house while they figure things out. Little did she know... this house happens to be her crush's home! Speaking of the male lead... This guy is supposedly the perfect man. He is smart, handsome, rich.... with one BIG catch... He is kind of cold and twisted due to his mother dressing him up and treating him like a little girl since he was little. Is this girl able to help him overcome his coldness? Will she manage to get him to fall in love with her?

It Started with a Kiss (惡作劇之吻)

Rating: 7/10

Pros: The character development. The main characters found each other's "missing piece". For example, the guy learns to be more "human" while the girl learns to make up her own mind instead of always doing things just because of the guy's choices.

Cons: I found the main girl character extremely foolish and idiotic. It was so bad that I was tempted to reach over and smack her upside the head many times.
I found the guy extremely cold and uncaring. I know that's the point, but even I sometimes wondered if he even like her or not. The second season is definitely an improvement in that area.

Mischievous Kiss/Playful Kiss (장난스런 키스)

Rating: 8/10
Pros: I liked this series better because the guy had moments where it was obvious he cared, but he has his hot 'n cold moments.
This series also had character development in the same way as It Started with a Kiss. I love how the main characters grow.

I love love loved the mother character. She was so adorable and funny. The guy's younger brother character was also adorable.

Cons: The daydreams were ridiculous and silly. In fact, it made her seem even more stupid and childish.

Drama: My Shining Girl (자체발광 그녀) Episode 4 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Rating: Undecided Yet/10

(Note: I have decided to do this in parts since I can't watch all these episodes in one day. Therefore, I will not do a rating till I finish the series. On the last episode, I will post the rating for the entire series.)

This episode rating: /10

In the fourth episode, we start off with the actress giving the writer a hard time. Does she kneel in front of the actress and apologize? Or does she give the actress a well deserving slap? I was hoping for the latter, but the writer slowly starts to kneel and the guys just leave the room. What a bunch of pussies!

They go on to plan the show. At the meeting, I caught both guys looking at her, worried. Dumbasses can't show their concern by telling that bitch actress to eff off?

The writers co-worker tells her they are about to go out drinking together. She is in a bad mood so she says she wants to skip out. However, her co-worker tells her its not a request so she goes.

At the gathering, they congratulate her about her work, however, she is in a bad mood even though she is trying her best not to ruin the mood by faking a smile. They drink and ask her how she managed to get the star to agree. Each co-worker keep getting her to drink. The PD is worried and tells her to drink slowly. Aww... so you care about her NOW? More drinks are passed around. I hardly see any food being eaten! Damn alcoholics! Then comes mixing drinks. Her female co-workers seem to want to try to our drink her. However, she just keeps drinking! Later on, her three female co-workers went to go have some instant noodles. They talk about how she says she never eats instant noodles, but she is hiding at home eating instant noodles. Her family makes fun of her and go back to sleep.

Their show goes off without a hitch. The underground rock and roll music segment isn't too bad. Not quite my type of music and I don't understand it, but it's not bad. There are minor setbacks and the second band were taking too long and two of the band members didn't leave the stage all the way and were making out. Looks like somebody is about to get in big trouble!

At the meeting, everyone is unhappy because they all feel like they are about to get fired. Her co-workers all give her a hard time because she is the one who was responsible for that group.

Meanwhile, the star is laughing to himself saying where did the PD get the idea to use "fireworks" as a distraction? He keeps musing to himself saying how is it because gays can recognize other gays? Maybe the PD is gay too! He continues to laugh, not knowing the PD's ex-wife is in the van (because she works for him).

The PD is getting yelled at by his boss. He says he will write a resignation letter. Oh no! How can his job be saved?

The star is watching television and it talks about the huge scandal and how the band members made a public apology. The star was all excited and wanted to hear about the PD getting fired, but was disappointed. What a jerk.. haha.

At home, the writer's family are all criticizing the show.

At work, the PD tells them that the situation is handles. The female co-workers are all worried and ask him about whats going on with him. He tells them he is taking a break. The writer is upset and goes to talk to him alone; telling him that he shouldn't just take all the blame and leaving. She says she wants to take responsibility, but he took it all. She tells him she is determined and dedicated to her choice in this job.

Later, she goes to a tea shop with her friend and she whines to her friend.

Meanwhile, the PD is moving to a different office where it is all dusty and his friend/co-worker help him clean up. His friend/co-worker say that the PD is lucky that he convinced them to let him stay.

The next day at work, she goes to work and they tell her it seems that they heard she is getting fired. The PD is unhappy and goes to tell his boss that he thought the situation was over and that it wasn't the writer's fault.

She goes to yell at him, thinking it was his fault because he has been trying to get rid of her and then he said he would protect her, but he seemed to have lied to her.

The star pops up behind her and says that she doesn't need to quit. It seems like he is willing to help her. She tsks him and leaves. LOL. As she leaves, he says that if she ever needs help, he will try his best.

She goes to the bathroom, but as she leaves, she overhears the boss and the star talking about her. They say how it is unfortunate how shes so old and wonder about what she is going to do now. The star is surprised and asks how old. He tells him that she is at least 30 and how she was lucky to even make it into this television station. She is angry and she writes her letter of resignation and storms into her boss' office. He just giggles and accepts it and keeps taunting her and says how he doesn't even remember her name. The PD witnesses this and runs after her, however, he doesn't do much but give her her bag.

She goes home in a bad mood and takes her anger out at her brother. Her brother sells fried chicken, but he wants to buy an expensive track suit. He wants his sister to help him buy it. She yells at him saying that he should know his place. Her silly brother asks her for 30,000 dollars and he will figure out the other 40,000 dollars for the track suit. She just rolls her eyes.

She sits in her room and starts crying and replaying the memories of all that happened as she worked at that television station.

That night, the star is in his HUGE closet, trying out his clothes. His manager and assistant stop him from going out to fraternizing with more women. He says she is one hotty! The manager tells him to spend his night with these hotties instead and throws a bunch of porn star dvds on his table. His manager sternly tells him to not to get into any more trouble. Guess he must stay in and sleep a night without a woman to warm his bed!

The writer and her father go and take a walk to try to cheer her up. He tells her that asking for help and giving help is part of life.

The writerdecides to give up her pride and call her friend (the ex-wife of her ex-boyfriend) and asks her if the star really has that much influence. Her friend tells her yes and she asks her friend for a meeting with the star. She has decided to fight rather then try to hide.

Until next episode...

Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

So Yi Hyun as Jun Ji Hyun
Park Kwang Hyun as No Yong Woo
Kim Hyung Joon as Kang Min
Go Na Eun as Kim Kkot Min
Chae Young In as Seo Young Hee

Drama: My Shining Girl (자체발광 그녀) Episode 3 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:06:00 +0000

Rating: Undecided Yet/10

In the third episode, the writer has just realized she has caught Hep B from the star. The star calls her to tell her to not come anymore. At that moment, she comes in and yells at him saying "Why not? We might as well eat together, sleep together, etc." She reveals that he has given it to her. He says he thought she knew and has taken precautions. He turns it around and tells her that he didn't make her come and she didn't even ask what was wrong with him.

She goes to see her friend and yell at her for her trick. That day, however, was that friend's would-be wedding anniversary. The writer doesn't care and yells at her about the Hep B incident. What great friends she has.

The PD texts her saying to rest well because he hears she is sick. She confronts him about it. What a jerk!

The star still refuses to do the show. She gets mad and smacks him. Haha he deserved it.

Her friend texts her and says sorry about the trick and hopes she gets better. She is frustrated and is sad about her condition. She tells her mom that she has Hep B. Her family locked her out of the house and tell her to go to the hospital. Her older brother wants to let her in, but the folks refuse.

She ends up at the hospital. The PD calls her to check up on the progress of getting the star to agree. She bullshits saying that she already got him. She calls her mom to tell her to bring her food, when she drops her phone.

She goes to see the star to try and convince him again. She runs into the star confronting the new actress who is blackmailing him. She says that he slept with her and gave her Hep B and he just wants to settle it by giving her $3 million? She wants $50 million or to take it to court.

Meanwhile, the writer's other friend's ex went to her work place and tried to cause a commotion. She tells him she doesn't want him back. He tries to strike her and she kicks his ass. Go girl power! She goes out to have a drink with the director for the show she is working on. Seems like they have something going on. Hmm I wonder about their relationship.

The writer is happy she has such a juicy gossip. Her friend, the PD's ex wife, and the star's assistant decide to bring her food. She gets her confirmation from her friends then. As she ponders what to do with this information, the PD comes to visit her. He has heard that a woman is blackmailing the star and thought it was her. She gets mad at his assumption.

The actress, who is blackmailing the star, has decided to ask the writer if she has caught Hep B too. She claims she wants to help. Someone is up to no good! The writer spills about her overheard her blackmailing scheme. The actress says she knows where the writer works so she will get payback.

On the elevator, the writer overhears the star's manager is looking for someone to put the blame on. As long as someone comes forward and say that person is the one who gave the star Hep B, things will be ok. However, the star has a bad attitude and doesn't have good friends who would do it. She decides to be the sacrificial lamb and do it. In return, she wants to make him do their show. They are ecstatic and agree. (What crazy dedication to her job!)

Apparently it is not that simple. She has to practice acting so it will be believable. The story was turned so he seem like a saint. (*Cough*cough* bullshit!)

Hmm... The actress meets up with the PD. I wonder what their relationship is. They seem to be friends. She confesses that she was the one who was trying to blackmail the star. She talks about how the writer ruined her plans and she won't just sit there and let it go. He asks her what she wants. Seems like he is willing to help protect the writer.

Her friends help her get ready to leave the hospital. They both think she is crazy to do this. Her friend reminds her that she hasn't explained how she gave the star Hep B in the interview. People may think they slept together or something. There could be consequences for this. For example, all the women fans who are in love with the star may do something crazy like throw eggs at her. Luckily, the PD came and drive off with her. He grabbed her in front of his ex-wife and she is shocked. In the car, they argue. Seems like every time they meet up they bicker and argue. She gets mad and tells him to stop the car.

The star still has his fans and they still love him. The people at the writer's office are treating her nicer now that she managed to get the star. However, they have decided to use someone else for the MC job. The actress who was blackmailing the star. The star angrily leaves the room and the writer follows him. The bad tempered fellow throws a water bottle at her. He says he doesn't want to do it anymore. She reminds him that she sacrificed herself for him. The PD comes in and suggests that the two stars can MC together.

The PD takes the writer aside and tell her that the actress also wants the writer to apologize to her. The actress pushes it further and wants her to kneel and say sorry because she made her lose $50 million. The star walks in. He and the PD are both in shock. Will she do it? Will the guys help her?

Until next episode...

Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

So Yi Hyun as Jun Ji Hyun
Park Kwang Hyun as No Yong Woo
Kim Hyung Joon as Kang Min
Go Na Eun as Kim Kkot Min
Chae Young In as Seo Young Hee

Book: How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Sat, 26 May 2012 08:17:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

People say opposites attract.. and in this case, they are right! Amy is in her last season and is determined to shed her wallflower image. Meanwhile, Will is a rake who likes to travel a lot, leaving his family to cut off his funds to curb his "devilish" ways. Will decides to go against them and try high-stakes gambling to win enough funds to go off again. He loses 20,000 pounds and him and his friends cook up a scheme to have him marry an heiress to cover the debt and then he can go off traveling with his friends. However, everyone know of Will and his "devilish" ways, so Amy sees right though his charming manipulative ways. But when a scandal leaves them in a compromising situation, these two are forced to marry to avoid scandal. How do they both deal with their marriage life? Can they learn to trust one another?

Pros: I fell in love with Will's family... especially Aunt Hester and her bluntness. I also liked the fact that her friends were there for her. I had some laughs and even some tears. The story was touching and sweet.
Cons: I felt the supporting characters could have been developed more. The story introduced Georgette and Beau, and a lot of pages were dedicated to them, however, by the end of the story, they were hardly mentioned. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I was hoping for a bit more about their life afterwards - an epilogue of some sort.

All in all, this story was quite entertaining. I would've loved to read more about Will's crazy family and the children.

Favorite parts:

Amy met her gaze and dared to hope her friend’s words would come true. “I’ve missed you.”
Julianne smiled. “I’ve missed all of you as well. We had such fun last season. My husband has never let me forget all of the trouble I caused. He is still suspicious of all of you and believes you influenced me—especially you, Amy.”
“Me?” She laughed. “I always tried to caution all of you.”
Julianne grinned. “He is convinced that you instigated the worst schemes. He believes you hid it all behind your quiet façade.”
Georgette grinned. “Amy, you often have this look in your eyes, as if the cogs and wheels are spinning like a
roulette wheel.”
“I do not,” she said.
Sally shook her head. “It’s true, Amy. While everyone else is chattering like monkeys, you look as if you’re
plotting something.”
“I’m not plotting; I’m thinking.”
“Now there is a euphemism if I ever heard one,” Georgette said.

Julianne said. “...Now I must return to my husband. We cannot stay long, because I must return home to nurse Emma.”
“I cannot wait to see your daughter,” Amy said. “I’m sure she’s beautiful.”
Julianne laughed. “According to my husband, she’s the most beautiful bald-headed lady in London.”

“The first time we met, I formed a low opinion of you. I
regret to inform you that you have just sunk even further in
my estimation.”

Georgette said. “I won’t marry until I cannot eat a bite and swoon at the mere thought of my beloved.”
Amy laughed. “Where did you get such silly notions of falling in love?”
Georgette grinned. “Well, that’s the way Suzanne described her feelings for my brother. But then, she’s a silly goose, and I am far too reasonable for such nonsense. I shall probably end up a spinster with a dozen cats.”

“Aunt Hester, thank you for receiving me,” he said.
She lifted her quizzing glass. “Shocking.”
He grinned. “What?”
“Your eyes aren’t glowing red, and I see no traces of horns or a forked tail.” Hester dropped her quizzing glass.

“Patience has four boys, including Peter, who helpfully waters my mother’s hothouse flowers.”
Amy smiled. “He uses a watering pot?”
“No. Peter is like a dog—only he prefers his grandmother’s flowers rather than trees.”
...
“That boy will be the death of me,” Montague said. “Where is that nurse?”
“Probably writing her resignation letter as we speak,” Hester said. “Who can blame her?”
“Oh, dear,” the dowager countess said. “What must you think of us, Miss Hardwick?”
Hester ambled to the rail and looked down. “No doubt she thinks we’re all dicked in the nob.”
“Hester, please mind your language,” the dowager countess said.

“Bah,” Hester said. “Come along, gel. We don’t bite. Well, one of his Patience’s brats does, but I forget which one. They’re all horrid.”
“Hester, they are my children and your great-nephews,” Patience cried.
“Not by choice,” Hester said.
...
When they reached the landing, Harmony offered to check on the nurse. “She is no doubt quivering in fear for her position.”
“It’s a miracle the woman has lasted this long,” Hester said. She regarded Amy. “Patience’s youngest brat,
Thomas, tried to scalp her last week.”
“He did not,” Patience said. “He only cut a small lock.”
“We should have named him Mischief,” Montague grumbled.

“Are you Scottish, dear?” Grandmamma shouted.
Will smiled as Amy shook her head. Grandmamma thought anyone with red hair must be Scottish.
“I always liked those kilts the Scotsmen wear,” Grandmamma hollered.
“What she really wants to know is what they wear or don’t wear underneath those kilts,” Hester said.
“Oh, Hester, we do not speak of such things,” the dowager countess cried.
Hester snorted and adjusted the tall feather in her turban.

“Maybe they should fight for her,” Aunt Hester said. “You know, like those stags that lock horns.”
“Hester, please,” the dowager countess said. “They are not animals.”
“They’re men; not much difference,” Hester said.
“Why must you say such things?” the dowager countess said.
“Because it’s true,” Hester said. “I’ve had five husbands, you know.”

Book: Girl on a Diamond Pedestal by Maisey Yates

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Rating: 8/10

When the people who are supposed to love you most betray you, what do you do? Do you seek revenge like Ethan Grey? Or simply sit in denial and hope that when you wake up tomorrow, it is all a dream like Noelle Birch?

The main characters in this book have both had tough lives due to the selfishness of their parents. Noelle, the piano prodigy, was once a girl who had it all - fame and money. All of that disappeared when she started selling less CDs and her mother bankrupted her and left. Meanwhile, Ethan, a billionaire in the hotel industry, hates his father for abandoning him and his mother to go meet up his mistress... who happened to be... wait for it... Noelle's mother!

So when Noelle is about to lose the only property she has in her name, Ethan steps in to make a proposal: Marry him and she gets to keep her house free and clear. What starts out as a business deal, quickly changes to become something more. However, with their jaded past, can they learn to trust one another?

Pros: I found the plot interesting. I loved the interactions between the characters. They learn and grow together and I can really feel their bond strengthening.

Cons: I found the ending a bit lacking. I was hoping to read more about what happened to Noelle's mother and Ethan's father. I wanted to see them regret their selfish choices.

Book: The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Rating: 7/10

The story is about a tradesman's daughter, Regina Berryman, being pursued by two notorious rakes: Jason Thomas, the Duke of Torquay (aka Duke), and St. John Basil St. Charles, Marquis of Bessacarr (aka Sinjin). What starts out as an innocent country miss' night out at the opera, earns her the notice of the Black Duke who is notorious for his skills in seduction and licentiousness (Yes, I googled the word. It means lacking legal or moral restraints - especially disregarding sexual restraints.) What she didn't know, was that that specific night was a night for mistresses to prowl looking for new protectors and such. He stalks over to the innocent beauty and makes his proposition, only to receive her hasty and offended retreat. However, the Duke is not put down. He arranges to have her followed and decides to camp outside her house... ready to kidnap her if needed! Scandalous! Meanwhile, Sinjin is secretly in trade (a taboo among the peers) with Regina's elderly uncle, who acted as her guardian after her parents died. Before passing, he told her to go look for the Marquis of Bessacarr should she ever be in need of help.

Pros: The interesting story plot.
The main characters are complicated and well developed.
I was surprised to find that the villain is also the hero. Who doesn't love a reformed bad boy? And this story has two vying for her attention! That is one lucky girl.
I also loved heroine character. The author has captured all the difficulties a common woman faces without a protector or any family or friends. Even though she has nobody and no experience or any references, she is determined to find a way to support herself without selling her body. I find her strong sense of honor very refreshing.

Cons: Ending seemed abrupt. The book held so much promise, but I was sadly disappointed with the ending. It is hard to describe why I was disappointed... perhaps it is that I found it lacking somehow. Though I hear many great things about this author and this book, I was not WOWed by this book. It would not be considered as one of the books I can't seem to put down.
The lengthy descriptions were a bit of a bore.
A bit confusing when the character narration changes without any notice.

Book: Proof By Seduction by Courtney Milan

noreply@blogger.com (aHopelessRomantic) — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Rating: 7/10

What happens when a logical scientist marquess finds out his cousin has been consorting with a gypsy-like fortuneteller? He does what every scientist does! He analyzes the situation and tries to prove she is a fraud! In this battle of wits, who will win?

The book held so much promise and yet... I find myself bored at some parts. There are many worthwhile parts to the story.. such as the seduction and the way the main characters try to outsmart one another. However, I find myself bored when it came to Ned's roles. I suppose his depression was killing the mood for me.

Pros: Interesting plot. Witty.

Cons: A bit boring at parts - Ned's story. I never did find out much about the fortuneteller's family.

Favorite Parts:

Madness, a physician had once told Gareth, was repeating the same events over and over while hoping for a different result. That was why Gareth had no fear he would fall in love, no matter what Madame Esmerelda predicted for him. Love was watching his sister choke back tears.
Love hoped that month after month, she would continue to issue invitations. And love believed, against all evidence, that one day, he would get it right, that he would learn to talk to her as a brother instead of the cold, unfeeling man she must have believed him to be.
In short, love was madness.

His Grace waited in the front parlor. He was in shirtsleeves, as if he couldn’t bother to dress for Ned. A
book was open on his lap. He didn’t look up when Ned entered. Instead, he continued to pretend to read. And a pretense it obviously was. Aside from the carefully timed turning of the pages, the Duke of Ware stared at the pages blankly, his eyes unmoving, his hands strangling the spine of the book. It was precisely the sort of thing Blakely would do—ignore a man to put him in his place.
Ned balanced from foot to foot in indecision. He didn’t want to antagonize the man. But then again, it wasn’t as if the duke could hate him more. And he couldn’t bear waiting for his life to happen to him. No; from this point onward, he would direct the course of his life.
He stepped forward and grabbed the book from His Grace’s hands. “I apologize for the precipitate behavior,” he said. “You see, you’re either going to have to kill me or allow me to talk with your daughter. I’m very difficult to ignore.”
Ware’s face slowly mottled an unflattering orange as he looked up. “Blazing pitch and sulfur! You’ve ignored me. Twice, now, we’ve been scheduled to meet. Twice, now, Blakely convinced me not to hunt you down. I demand satisfaction.”
“We all want satisfaction, Your Grace. Unfortunately, most of us are doomed to disappointment.”
“Pistols or swords, you bounder!”
Ned shook his head. “I’m not going to fight you. If it comes down to it, I prefer pistols. Through the heart, please. I’d prefer not to linger from a gut wound.”
“Confounded goat-lover! Puling rabbit!”
This was an easily recognizable pattern. Ned grasped at it.
“Ridiculous weasel?” he assayed.
Ware clenched his fists. “Impudent worm!”
“Five-toed chicken! Ravenous strawberry!”
That brought Ware up. “What? What did you call me?”
“Oh, were you calling me those names?” Ned replied innocently. “I thought we were playing a game. You know, irrelevant adjective applied to inexplicable noun. You know how it goes. First to string together a coherent sentence loses.”