Saturday, October 18, 2014
List Land #4: 10 Classic Literature Books That We Loved
Classic Literature has been loved by millions of people around the world, every country has its own form of classics that people study in college and in high schools, they read after they graduate and many more have gotten their inspiration for writing books, music and poetry. In this list we will present 10 books that we loved and read over and over again.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
(Efterpi)
Vampires. What I always loved and conceived as something mystical, dark and completely scary. This book did it for me and, although, it was not unfortunately the first book with vampires I ever read it is by far my favorite. Why? Well, the writing itself is so dark and descriptive with a lot of gothic elements in it that made the reading experiece something I have never experienced before. Vampires should be something scary, something dark ,something like Anne;s Rice Vampire Chronicles not so much as Stephanie Meyer's vampires. If you take in mind that this work of fiction was an original and probably the first book that was written back in the day about vampires, the feeling that you get is pure excitement, all at least for me.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
(Efterpi)
Romeo and Juliet was one of the first classic literature books that I read because of school. To be honest when we did the original text I kind of hated it because I couldn't understand much. Then, years later I read it with a nice translation and interpetation so I came to ultimately love this piece of art. The fact that there was also a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio helped a lot (the movie sucked though), but yeah.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
(Efterpi)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that I love romantic books and pride and prejudice is my all time favorite. It is the love stories of all love stories (mmm maybe but one), and Jane Austen with her humor and wit created a story that lasted for 200 years. A book that inspired so many authors out there to write their own books and made girl swoon over Mr. Darcy (who by the way is not your ordinary lovey dovey guy). I don't think I have to say more.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
(Sharon)
Out of all Jane's books this one is my favourite. Anne, the heroine, is one of the best characters Jane Austen has ever written. She's older than the rest of Jane's heroine and therefore she is much more mature. She knows who she is. The romance is much more mature and Anne faces her choices much more easily using her experience. She knows what she wants.
Sense and sensibility by Jane Austen
(Sharon)
This is my second favourite of Jane's books. I loved Elinor and Marianne and how they both had sense and sensibility. Between the two sisters Marianne is my favourite of her outgoing and passionate personality. What I love most about Jane's works is that while being romance books their messages still resonate with readers nowadays.
Emma by Jane Austen
(Sharon)
When Jane created Emma she said she's well aware that she created a character most people will not like. As far as flawed characters go Emma is one of the most flawed and unlikable there are, yet, I love her with all my heart. I think that in many ways most of us have an "Emma moments" every so often. It's those times when despite our ideals and things we say we believe in we keep on meddling in other peoples lives. Where it doesn't matter how open-minded a mother is she still wants her daughter to marry someone from a well breed family with old roots, and she won't be that welcoming of the artist with the sorrow filled eyes her daughter brought to dinner.
Northanger Abby by Jane Austen
(Sharon)
Many would say, and I'll agree, that Northanger Abby is one of Jane's lesser works. Still, I remember being in a horrible reading slump when I picked up this book. And I remember being so engrossed in it I couldn't put it down. I finished it in a matter of 3 hours (!!). This book that has a non memorable heroine. This book where the Hero falls in love with her simply because she loves him. This book that laughs at the heavy gothic books of the time. Personally, I think Jane always knew that romance is one of the greatest genres. And in her books, beside criticizing society and it's faults (all with deep love and understanding) she also criticized those that mocked romance and appreciate the more serious gothic books filled with misery and seriousness.
Little women by Louisa May Alcott
(Sharon)
How could one not love little women? The story of 4 sisters and their mother and where life lead them. This one was a classic I had a little hard time reading at first but somewhere it picked up and I enjoyed seeing each of the sisters grow up and find her own path. And how different they all were!
Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster
(Sharon)
I think there has never been a heroine more lovely and cheerfull than the one in Daddy Long Legs. She's smart and naive and kind and cheerfull and a little selfish and I couldn't help but love ehr and the romance in here. This is one book to "lift you up" on a rainy day.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
(Sharon)
While I hated Withering Heights written by Charlotte's sister I found this one to be mystical, Jane's personality combined with Charlotte's writing created an interesting, dark and mystical plot which easily made it one of the classics I loved and enjoy reading.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Blog Spotligh, Excerpt and Giveaway: The Rake's Handbook by Sally Orr
The Rake’s Handbook (Including Field Guide)By Sally Orr
Sourcebooks Casablanca
November 4, 2014
$7.99/£5.99
Summary:
The definitive guide to seduction…
The Rake’s Handbook was written on a dare, and soon took the ton by storm. Now its author, Ross Thornbury, is publicly reviled by the ladies—who are, of course, forbidden to read the handbook—but privately revered by the gentlemen. Unfortunately, Ross’s notoriety is working against him and he flees London painfully aware of the shortcomings of his own jaded heart.
Spirited young widow Elinor Colton lives next to Ross’s country estate. She’s appalled not only by his rakish reputation, but also by his progressive industrial plans. Elinor is sure she is immune to Ross’s seductive ways. But he keeps coming around…impressing her with his vision for England’s future and stunning her with his smiles.
How does one resist the man who wrote the manual on love?
About the Author:
Sally Orr worked for thirty years in medical research, specializing in the discovery of gene function. After joining an English history message board, she posted many, many examples of absolute tomfoolery. As a result, a cyber-friend challenged her to write a novel. Since she is a hopeless Anglophile, it's not surprising that her first book is a Regency romance. Sally lives with her husband in San Diego, surrounded by too many nerdy books and not enough old English cars.
Social Media:
Pre-order:
Rafflecopter Giveaway – Two copies of The Rake’s Handbook (two winners, ends 11/7)
GIVEAWAY PRESS THE LINK AND ENTER.
Yep yep yep! there is a giveaway, and you are welcome to participate. However, The Accidental Reader is not responsible for the winning or the giveaway. We are just hosting the link.
Excerpt:
“You really are a rake,” she whispered, the sight and feel of their joined hands warming her cheeks. “A proper gentleman would never hold a lady thus. I have been warned about your charms. Perhaps I too should write everything down. Pen a handbook to instruct my widowed sisters what to expect upon attempted seduction and how to fight it.”
“Factual or satirical?”
She bit her lower lip to stop an indelicate reply.
“I could write that handbook too.”
His boast made her smile. “I seem to have found another trait of a rake.”
“Humph. I’d be delighted to show you all of my traits. Perhaps start with chapter one?” The determination in his voice indicated he was quite willing to comply.
“Please do, sir,” she replied in a facetious tone, tugging her hand free. “But I can already tell that I’ll stop reading your book after the table of contents. You know, all of those funny pages in the front of the book numbered v and i.”
He chuckled softly, then stared at her until he captured her gaze. “My handbook starts with fine eyes.” He reached up and swept back a ringlet that had fallen over her eye and carefully tucked the curl under her bonnet.
Her heartbeat raced.
“The eyes are followed by a notable vee.” His gaze lowered to the upper edge of her bodice and lingered in the center.
“Oh my, if that’s the table of contents, I don’t dare read chapter one.”
“I’d be pleased to read you all of the chapters. There are a total of . . .” He glanced at her leisurely, from the top of her leghorn bonnet down to her sensible half boots. His focus returned up to her neck—almost. His chest broadened as he inhaled. “Ten.”
“Ten.”
He gave her a smoldering look from under heavy lashes. “Ten in volume one,” he continued in a silky baritone. “Let’s start with chapter one.” He leaned forward slowly, staring at her mouth, as if he might take liberties and kiss her. The distance between them shortened to inches. Close enough to feel his warm breath.
NO! what a cruel way to end an exceprt! I want more, don't you?
NO! what a cruel way to end an exceprt! I want more, don't you?
Book Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway: Desert Bound By Elizabeth Hunter
Book InformationBook: Desert Bound
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Summary
Can you turn the clock back on your first love? Would you even want to try?
Alex McCann and Teodora "Ted" Vasquez left Cambio Springs together. Ted came back. Alex didn't.
Now, years later, the future alpha of the McCann wolves has returned with plans to bring new life to the dying desert community. Plans that could change everything for the isolated enclave of shapeshifters in the California desert. Some love the plan. Others hate it.
As the town's doctor and one of the strongest daughters in the cat clan, Ted has her own concerns about exposing her community to outsiders. The two former lovers are at each other's throats. And everyone is watching to see what happens.
But when murder once again strikes Cambio Springs, can they overcome their past to help the community they both call home? And can the love they shared once burn again when so many stand against it?
Rafflecopter Giveaway
GIVEAWAY Press the link to enter the giveaway. You are welcome to participate, however, The Accidental Reader is just hosting the link and therefore is not responsible for the giveaway.
Excerpt
Ted ignored the happy purr of her lion and tried to lean away from his body, but Alex still managed to surround her. With his arms, his scent, and that indescribable hum that always seemed to follow him. Like a live wire, her body reacted. She could feel the spark of awareness as he scented her.Damn wolf.
He leaned in, his rough voice licking along her nerves.
“You smell good.”
“That’s surprising, considering how hot the bar is.”
His grin was lazy. “You always smell good.”
“You lived with me long enough to know that is not true. Are you getting senile in your old age?”
“Why are you so mean to me?”
So I don’t fall for you again.
“Habit?”
“Why do I like it so much?”
“Definitely habit.”
He laughed, his chest rumbling against hers, and Ted felt her skin light up, ready for his touch. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck rising and her arousal spike. She started to push away, but Alex took a deep breath and pulled her tighter. He leaned down, his eyes narrowed on her face and his lips coming dangerously close. He blinked, and she knew he was feeling the bourbon he’d been sipping all night behind the bar.
“Tea—”“Don’t—”
“When we get back together, would you be okay with adding on to your house or should I look for a bigger place before we have kids?”
She dropped her arms. “Right. No more dancing.”
“What?”
“This is your idea of a friendly conversation?’”
Even drunk, he still had a comeback. “Friends get married, have lots… and lots of mind-blowing sex, and procreate. Are you saying I shouldn’t look for a bigger house?”
Goodreads Link
Buy Links
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/BNDesertBound
Author Biography
Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance writer. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher. She once substitute taught a kindergarten class, but decided that middle school was far less frightening. Thankfully, people now pay her to write books and eighth-graders everywhere rejoice.She currently lives in Central California with her son, two dogs, many plants, and a sadly dwindling fish tank. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries and Elemental World series, the Cambio Springs series, the Irin Chronicles, and other works of fiction.
Social Networking Links
Website: http://elizabethhunterwrites.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/E__
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Book Review: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
Author: Alice ClaytonRelease Date: November 27th 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Series: Cocktail
Pages: 384
Buy on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads, Leafmarks
Rating: 4 stars
The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly...
In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight...
My Thoughts:
This book is hilarious...the most extremely amazingly funny book ever. Every sentence was packed with funny lines and sarcasm and a lot of innuendos that ad me laughing my ass off.
It all starts with Caroline a twenty something successful interior designer and her anguish over her long lost O -as in Orgasm. Caroline, is not your usual character. She is driven, focused, sweet and serious, with a great sense of humor. She moves into her new apartment, arranges all her clothes and things and when she is completely satisfied with the deco of her apartment she goes to bed. And she wakes up a few hours later to the sounds of meowing and a bed banging on the wall. That goes for some time and we get to know the meow, the spanx and giggles, oh and of course all mighty of them all Mr. Wallbanger himself.
Meet Mr. Wallbanger or Simon, a promiscuous guy, promising nights of lust and incredible sex but with a sweet personality that no one saw coming. He is sweet and caring and although initially he gives a bad boy vibe, he is anything but. He is a photographer that travels and a lot and he values his work but he is a down to earth guy.
Caroline and Simon as neighbors built a relationship both sweet and lusty, sometime around the ride dinners, movies, sleep overs and nooking jump in along the way and tha made the entire ''friendship'' a lot more enjoyable that from what we are used to. The author did a really good job with the writing and the development of the characters but I felt that something was missing. I did not cry over them in anguish, to get together or move their relationship to the next level. And a book like that should actually have that something.
That aside, it was a really enjoyable book, with protagonists that came to be, a plot that had a purpose and a great sense of humor. Just, a small note: Wallbanger,although it revolves around sex it hardly contains any, so it is not your usual NA or Erotica story and for that only I suggest you read it.
Waiting On Wednesday #7
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by the Accidental Reader and it features upcoming book releases that we are eagerly anticipating.
We are eagerly waiting for:
expected publication: November 18th 2014
Series: Crossfire #4
publisher: Penguin Random House pages: 368
Amazon - Barnes and Noble
Now the #1 international bestselling author returns. The new Crossfire novel by Sylvia Day.
Gideon calls me his angel, but he's the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.
The vows we'd exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn't sure I was strong enough to bear.
At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we'd worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we'd had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Teaser Tuesday #7
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Accidental Reader. Anyone can play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read.
- Open at a random page.
- Share 2 teaser sentences from the page.
- MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT INCLUDE ANY SPOILERS ON YOUR TEASER.
- Share the title, page and author too so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.
My Teaser:
''You know those moments when everything is exactly the way it was meant to be? When you find yourself and your entire universe aligning in perfect synchronization, and you know you couldn’t possibly be more content? I was inside that very moment, and fully conscious of it.” Page 250 , Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
Please leave a comment with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesday post, or share your teasers in a comment here ,if you dont have a blog.
Thanx.
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