Review: Beyond the Highland Mist & Dark Lover

Trying something just a little different. I read two of my "guilty pleasure" over my vacation - an eight hour drive down, then another eight hours back gives you plenty of time to read. But instead of doing full reviews for them, I'm going to group them into "mini-reviews".

Title: Beyond the Highland Mist
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Dell
Category: Adult Fiction
Page Count: 375
Release Date: May 2004
Series: Highlander Series #1
Source: Library Trade Rack
Challenge: none 
Quick Rating: 3/5
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

An alluring laird.

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm’s length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time.

She has a perfect “no” on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne’s reservations were no match for Hawk’s determination to keep her by his side…

As a very devoted Outlander fan, I could not pass up the opportunity to delve back into the world of the Scottish Highlands. What I was not expecting was to giggle so much. Honestly, I haven’t read a romance novel in ages, so I’d forgotten just how many times “raging manhoods” and “swelling bosoms” were mentioned - I had to bury my face a couple of times in a fabulous fit of immaturity.

But, really, I can’t resist a good time travel novel. Nor can I resist books full to the brim of muscley warriors either. Adrienne’s flat out resistance to Hawk was absolutely frustrating! Just because he’s pretty doesn’t mean he’s a bad man, you silly woman! It only took you two-thirds of the book to figure that out.

I also felt it could have been a little shorter - some of the resistance scenes felt a little redundant, but overall, I actually really liked it. It was quick and entertaining, and was similar to first Outlander novel without all the…you know…epicness. I will definitely be getting the next in the series.

Overall:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Um, yes please? I love the shadows and the blue tones, and the lovely torso, but your title is covering him a little too much. Need more abs!

Tea: Pick your favorite brand of Earl Grey and settle in for a fast, quick read and maybe a giggle or two.

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 Title: Dark Lover
Author: J. R. Ward
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Category: Adult Fiction
Page Count: 393
Release Date: September 2005
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1

Source: Library Trade Rack
Challenge: none
Quick Rating: 3/5
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath much usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead…

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both…

 Finally! A romance novel where the two love interests do not constantly resist one another! They may try to, but Wrath and Beth cannot stay away from each other, and it makes for one delightfully steamy book.

I also appreciate in a series of paranormal “romance” novels such an original premise. J. R. Ward took the time to put her own spin on the world of vampires, and it’s awesome! I love that vampires aren’t truly immortal, that they don’t drink from and kill humans, and that the “slayers” are creepy as all get out!

Though it was absolutely full to brimming of steamy scenes and action sequences, I still felt it dragged just a little, but I think this is just a personal problem with romance novels. I’m definitely planning on continuing with the series.

Overall:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Red and shiny and perfect understated. It doesn’t scream “romance” or “vampire”, and I appreciate that. I also love the leafy detail along the left hand side of the book. Beautiful!

Tea: Make yourself a nice Long Island Ice Tea - these kinds of books are always more fun with a little mental lubrication! 

Review: Lady Chatterley's Lover

Title: Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Author: D. H. Lawrence
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Classics
Category: adult fiction
Page Count: 384
Release Date: May 2005 (originally 1928)
Series: none
Source: Bought
Challenge: 2011 WCRD
Quick Rating: n/a *

The last, and most famous, of D. H. Lawrence’s novels, Lady Chatterley’s Lover was published in 1928 and quickly banned in England and the United States as pornographic. While sexually tame by today’s standards, the book is memorable for better reasons - Lawrence’s masterful and lyrical prose, and a vibrant story that takes us bodily into the world of its characters.

As the novel opens, Constance Chatterley finds herself trapped in an unfulfilling marriage to a rich aristocrat whose war wounds have left him paralyzed and impotent. After a brief but unsatisfying affair with a playwright, Lady Chatterley enjoys an extremely passionate relationship with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper on the family estate. As Lady Chatterley falls in love with Mellors, she moves from the heartless, bloodless world of intelligentsia and aristocracy into a vital and profound connection rooted in sexual fulfillment.

Perhaps even more relevant today than when it first appear, Lady Chatterley’s Lover is a triumph of passions and an erotic celebration of life.

 So this was my first book of the year for the 2011 Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge. I initially chose this one because I’ve seen the movie, and loved it. The actual novel, however, is so much more than the movie portrays. While the 1981 film version made it seem like the story was nothing but a steamy love affair, Lady Chatterley’s Lover contains such beautiful language and deep social commentary, it’s on a completely different level of depth than its movie counterpart. I’m definitely thinking of checking out the 1993 mini-series, since it’s supposed to be the most accurate.

The problem I usually have with classics is, I hate to admit it, boredom. Pacing was an entirely different thing in the era of “classics” and it takes a profound story to keep me hooked. I ended up staying up just as late with Lady Chatterley as I do with any other kind of modern book, just itching to know what happened next. While the pacing is definitely slower, and the author tended to use his characters to go off on tangents for a couple of pages, it was never distracting to the point that I wanted to quit. I’ll also admit, it was pleasant to read an “erotic” book from this era. By today’s standards, it’s extremely tasteful, and strangely beautiful and passionate. Being able to see into literally every character’s head, even the minors, was a mildly overwhelming, yet insightful experience. Normally, we only see one or two perspectives on a situation, but you were allowed into the head of characters that were only present for one chapter.

The only problem I actually had with the novel was the repetitiousness of the author, but that was his style, and I did eventually get used to it. For example, the word “ridiculous”, or other variant of the word, was used twenty times on pages nine and ten. However, some passages were so beautifully written, any repetition is quickly forgiven. One thing I’ve always loved about the classics is the way the English language is used to it’s greatest capabilities, and the way each author has such a distinctive style. I actually bought the cheaper Barnes & Noble Classics edition of this just so I could highlight all the passages I loved, and not feel bad about it (I’m one of those readers who cringes at a dog-earred page). I also want to mention, the questions at the end of the B&N edition were a really awesome feature, and really made me think about what I had read. And as much as I would love to go a careful dissection of the novel, I’m cutting myself off here. I’m really wishing I was in school again so I could do a thorough book report on it! If you enjoy classics, and you haven’t read Lady Chatterley, I do recommend picking it up at some point.

The Final Word: While probably not a classic I’m going to revisit over and over, it was one of the most satisfying “classic” readings I’ve ever had. Julian Moynahan said it best: “The genuine yet carefully restrained optimism of Lady Chatterley’s Lover is founded on a belief that the world is alive and that aliveness is the only thing worth cherishing.” (1959) It will appeal to lovers of romance, freedom, and following your desires.

Overall: n/a
Cover:
Concept: n/a
Characters: n/a
* I’m actually not planning on rating any of the classics I read this year. I just don’t feel you can hold them to the same standards as today’s novels. They are considered classics for a reason, and thus are above such a simple numbered judgment.

Tea: Since Lipton is actually mentioned by name, I’d recommend their Ginger Twist Herbal Tea for something traditional, but with that little bit of exotic spice thrown in.

Memorable Quotes:

“Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically…We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.” (pg. 3)

 

“…they were just as good as the men themselves, only better, since they were women.” (pg. 5)

“The oak-leaves were to her like oak-leaves seen ruffling in a mirror, she herself was a figure somebody had read about, picking primroses that were only shadows, or memories, or words.” (pg. 19)

“Her body was going meaningless, going full and opaque, so much insignificant substance. It made her feel immensely depressed and hopeless. What hope was there? She was old, old at twenty-seven, with no gleam and sparkle in the flesh. Old through neglect and denial, yes denial.” (pg. 76)

“He glanced apprehensively at her. Her face was averted, and she was crying blindly, in all the anguish of her generation’s forlornness. His heart melted suddenly, like a drop of fire, and he put out his hand and laid his fingers on her knee.
“You shouldn’t cry,” he said softly.” (pg. 124)

“ ”And are you sorry?” she said.
“In a way!” he replied, looking up at the sky. “I thought I’d done with it all. Now I’ve begun again.”
“Begun what?”
“Life.” “ (pg. 126)

 

“She was like a forest, like the dark interlacing of the oak-wood, humming inaudibly with myriad unfolding buds. Meanwhile the birds of desire were asleep in the vast interlaced intricacy of her body.” (pg. 148)

“Then he stood there, above her, fastening his breeches and looking down at her with dark, wide eyes, his face a little flushed and his hair ruffled, curiously warm and still and beautiful in the dim light of the lantern, so beautiful , she would never tell him how beautiful. It made her want to cling fast to him, to hold him, for there was a warm, half-sleepy remoteness in his beauty that made her want to cry out and clutch him, to have him. She would never have him. So she lay on the blanket with curved, soft naked haunches, and he had no idea what she was thinking, but to him too she was beautiful, the soft, marvelous thing he could go into, beyond everything.” (pg. 189)

“ “Well, so many words, because I can’t touch you. If I could sleep with my arms round you, the ink would stay in the bottle.” “ (pg. 326)

Review: Dead Until Dark

Title: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Category: Adult Fiction
Page Count: 320
Release Date: January 2008
Source: Bought
Quick Rating: 4/5

Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. She’s quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn’t get out much. Not because she’s not pretty. She is. It’s just that, well, Sookie has this sort of “disability”. She can read minds. And that doesn’t make her too datable. Then along comes Bill. He’s tall, dark, handsome - and Sookie can’t hear a word he’s thinking. He’s exactly the type of guy she’s been waiting for all her life…

But Bill has a disability of his own: he’s a vampire with a bad reputation. But he is an interesting addition to the town, and Sookie can’t help but listen to what everyone else thinks about Bill…especially since she’s starting to fall for the buff blooksucker. But when a string of murders hits town - along with a gang of truly nasty vampires looking for Bill - Sookie wonders if having an undead boyfriend is such a bright idea.

And when one of her coworkers is killed, Sookie realizes that Bill and his friends may have some specials plans for a woman who can read minds…

First off, I’ll admit, I never would have actually picked up any of the Sookie Stackhouse books if I hadn’t happened to catch one random episode of True Blood. There was this gorgeous, buff werewolf, and I’m such a sucker for werewolves. So, I just had to start reading!

Dead Until Dark is the first in the series, and for me, it’s a little bit of a slow start. I can tell a lot of groundwork is being laid, and I can tell there’s a lot we’re going to learn about vampires in later novels, but it still felt a little slow on the build-up. This book never actually hooked me - as in, I never had that I-can’t-put-it-down feeling. I found I could drop the book in the middle of a sentence and be fine with it. However, one thing that kept me reading way just how conversational the book felt. I felt like I was sitting down with Sookie over coffee and she was telling me an amazing story. I also quite liked the mixing of genres. It’s like a strange paranormal/romance/vampire/detective novel, and I love it! The constant dabbles of humor were wonderful, and the…ah…”romantic” scenes were delightfully steamy without being overtly vulgar. Nothing turns me off a book more than vulgar, uber-descriptive sex scenes.

As for the main characters, I found I liked Sookie in the sense that she was strong and willful, and could obviously take care of herself, but I oftentimes found her a little annoying when it came to Bill and vampires in general. I get the obsessed-with-vampire vibe from her, and I get that they’re fascinating and a new race and all, but when you’re so willing to defend them to your fellow humans, even the unquestionably bad ones, it’s just a little weird. I did like that she was a virgin, instead of some backwater hussy, especially when you compare her to Jason Stackhouse, her brother. As for Bill…well…he kinda rubbed me the wrong way. I found him manipulative and possessive and a little creepy. The love and trust between Bill and Sookie came out of no where for me. I felt it wasn’t developed enough. She loves him because she can’t hear his thoughts? She loves him because he was her first? She loves him because he’s a vampire? None of this was made exactly clear, and I just hope there’s more development on their feelings for one another in later books. For me, it was like Edward from Twilight all over again. I just don’t get these vampire-obsessed girls! There’s perfectly good men right in front of you, and they aren’t undead!

Speaking of perfectly good men, that brings me to secondary characters. Can I just please have a Team Sam button? Hot, owns a bar, is a shape shifter - what more do you need? But besides my love for Sam, I really appreciated how much all the characters, even minors, felt like they had such depth. While it was a lot to keep track of at times, it gave a sense of depth to the book, like these were real people in a real town. Even the other vampires were very well done. I really hope to see more of Eric in the future as well - Viking vampire? Yes please! And I really want to figure out exactly who Bubba really is. I have an idea or two, but I want it said!

As for originality, Charlaine Harris really made her own vampire world, and it’s fantastic! Legal citizens, synthetic blood, hotels just for vampires? Totally unique! I can’t wait to read more and find out more about the whole political aspect to their culture. I also really liked that all the vampires were a little sinister and creepy, even the “good” ones. No pansy vamps to be found in these books.

On a final note, I did feel the main murder plot was very well done. I totally did not figure out who it could be until almost right when Sookie did, and those last few scenes were intense and powerful. I really think the last third of the book was the best.

The Final Word: Slow start, but a lot of potential. The world is unique, and I love the take on legal vampires. Bill is a little creeptastic right now, but we’ll see if he grows on me.

Overall:
Cover:
Concept:
Characters:

Tea: Something rich and dark! Obviously quite a few black teas would do, but from my own shelf, I would pick Chai Spice Black Tea from Stash premium teas.

*Special Note: I rated the cover so low because I’ve just really, really never been a fan. The covers have made me pass over these books for a couple years, and while it’s totally the wrong thing to do, we all judge books by their covers. I’m a total book-cover junkie. I thought they were juvenile fiction when they first starting coming out, from the cartoon-y art style. :-P