Goodbye, Summer!

Wow, where has the time gone?! It feels like just yesterday I was updating here regularly, enjoying my summer reading, and then... nothing. For those who have been looking for something here, I apologize for the disappearing act! But, in my defense, my thesis and master's comprehensive exams (which I passed!!) sort of crept up on me and everything else fell by the wayside. I spent the whole summer studying and writing, and everything else sort of took a hit. Including this blog, which had at the early part of the summer truly been my refuge.

All that said, it would be a bit hard to update at the moment because I haven't had much time to read anything you would be interested in hearing about. I will be posting a review for the classic Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe, but it will probably be done in parts. There's no way I can talk about a 700 pages novel of that caliber in one sitting. So, look for that in the near future.

Oh, I'm also reading the Twilight Saga this summer, as master's thesis research, and you can believe I have something to say about that. I'll probably be posting a review for Stephanie Meyer's Twilight, soon, as well. I cannot believe I didn't read these books before, but let me say, there are moments I really felt let down. I'll get to that in the reviews, which might also come in parts, because I have quite a lot to say, and that series is a lot of pages.

For now, I'm on the lookout for anything and everything having to do with the Hunger Games movie, as I adored that series. I may also look for a moment or two to re-read it, but there're so many great books on my reading list that I'm not sure where the time would come from. Otherwise, I'm working on a great romance novel, review forthcoming.

Finally, a new semester is about to begin Monday and with it comes a totally new experience for me. My first semester as GTA, rather than just GA begins, and that "T" in GTA means I'll be teaching. While I taught basic writing last semester, this semester I'm jumping into Introduction to College Composition with two sections and 50 students! It's going to be a blast, and while I'm a little bit scared, I'm also really thrilled to be getting this opportunity. So, my chances to read might be limited by the overabundance of grading that comes along with having 50 students!

I'll be sure to update this blog at every opportunity. Thanks for hanging in there with me, hiatus and all!!

Review: Notorious

Author: Nicola Cornick {site}
Genre: Historical, Romance
Format: Kindle
Published: 19 July 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Disclosure: Acquired via NetGalley
Series: Yes

Review:

When I reached the end of this book, I couldn't help but smile and to say I enjoyed it would be something of an understatement. As a fan of regency romance, I enjoy a well told story that brings the period to life. Cornick certainly succeeds on that stage, this story's quite well told. I will admit to some small degree of discomfort reading this book as it's the fourth book in a series, the first three of which I've not had a chance to read yet. I didn't know when I started it that I was reading out of order, which is generally an issue for me. This series, however, includes a number of stand alone novels revolving around the same family/group. After reading this novel, I'll definitely be seeking out the first three.

Truly, there was very little about Notorious that I didn't like. The characters, James Devlin--or "Dev"--and Susanna Burney are very likable personalities. Dev is dead sexy, as the male lead of a romance should be, and Susanna is enormously sympathetic.  As a couple, they've got sparks and I loved their chemistry from the start. The secondary characters are sweet and terrible, at intervals, and you feel as sorry for some of them as you dislike others. Overall, the people in this book, including Lord Alex and his lovely bride, stars of the first novel in the series, are well devised and unique. Of course, some of them should be, she's been writing about them for four books now.

The plot was well played and quite interesting. I felt the turmoil the characters were feeling, and Susanna's situation is a unique one. I don't think I've come upon anything quite like it. There are moments when I felt an immense sympathy for her, and others when I adored her fire. The one thing I will say that I didn't much care for was the stuff about the children, but even that was sparse enough that it didn't detract from the plot much at all. It was just sprinkled in there, without getting in the way, though children in a romance novel aren't my ideal reading and do nothing to feed my enjoyment. Cornic does it well, however, leading to a situation that is sympathetic without being distracting.


Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: {via amazon}

When the ton's most notorious heartbreaker…

Dangerously seductive and sinfully beautiful, Susanna Burney is society's most sought after matchbreaker. Paid by wealthy parents to part unsuitable couples, she's never yet failed to accomplish her mission of diverting a groom-to-be. Until her final assignment brings her face-to-face with the man who'd once taught her an intimate lesson in heartache….

Meets London's most disreputable rake…

James Devlin has everything he's always wanted: a title, a rich fiancée and a place in society. But the woman who's just met his eyes across a crowded ballroom threatens it all. Not because she'd once claimed his heart, or that every sinuous swirl of her ball gown takes his breath away. But because the secrets she carries could cost him everything. To put the past to rest once and for all, Dev just might have to play Susanna at her own wicked game….

Let the seduction begin!

**Review copy acquired free from Harlequin at NetGalley. The review copy was Kindle format and, as an eARC, is subject to change before publication.**

WWW Wednesday: No. 2

I am having an amazingly slow week. Everything seems to be coming along just after I'd like it to be. Blog posts at mid-afternoon, rather than mid-morning, for example! So, I thought a meme might be a fun way to spend the afternoon, and as always MizB at Should Be Reading has one to offer. So, here's my contribution to WWW Wednesday...


What are you currently reading?

My current read is The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (published in 1794). Okay, I wouldn't say I'm currently reading it, more like I just moved it to the top of my to-be-read pile and will start it this afternoon. It's one of the books upon which I intend to base my thesis, so I need to get after it! Today's as good a day as any.

Also...

I'm also going to start reading The Harlot by Saskia Walker, for those times when I really need a break from the dense academic reading involved in digesting something like Udolpho. Besides, I love the cover!

What did you recently finish reading?

I just finished Kasey Michaels' The Taming of the Rake.  I really quite liked it, the review is coming soon. I will say, if you really enjoy regency, and you've read and enjoyed Kasey Michaels novels, you'll like this book. The expected publication date for this book is July 26th, but you can read an excerpt at Kasey Michaels' website if you're interested.

What do you think you'll read next?

Next up is definitely Clermont by Regina Maria Roche (published 1798).  One of the horrid novels suggested by Isabella Thorpe in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, Clermont is both one of the classical gothic novels, and was written by a contemporary of Ann Radcliffe, the first female Gothic. If you hadn't guessed already, this book is also on of the novels for my thesis.

Also...

I don't normally read contemporary romance--I normally stick to regency romance--but I couldn't resist this one. I love, love, love the cover! So, on the weight of the cover and the description on NetGalley, I'm going to give this one a go. This is going to be my reading vacation from Clermont, should I need one. Sometimes, I just need a fun read to break away with.

All right, so there it is. Better late than never, I suppose. I really need to step it up. I don't know what's going on this week, but maybe next week will be better. No, next week will be better since I'm going to a book signing! For now, adieu!