Comics Review Round-up

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 6 Girl on Girl

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2005

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

Accompanied by his mischievous monkey and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on Earth. This volume finds Yorick, Agent 355 and Dr. Mann traveling across the Pacific to Japan in pursuit of Yorick's stolen monkey Ampersand, whose innards may hold the key to mankind's future.

Hmmm.... Not the bestest volume of the series. The story seemed a bit stuck in this volume, but I still did enjoy it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 7 Paper Dolls 

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra 

Publisher: Vertigo 2006 

Genre: Comics 

Pages: 144 

Rating: 5/5 stars 

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

In addition to catching up on the adventures of Yorick's monkey Ampersand (whose body holds the key to stopping the male-killing plague) and telling the origin of Agent 355, PAPER DOLLS chronicles Yorick and 355's search for Yorick's fiancée Beth in Australia—a search that yields a large dose of unwanted publicity for the Last Man, and deadly consequences for those he cares for!

Much better issues. Oh my! The stakes have been upped yet again. And lots of new mysteries have been alluded to. Plus we get some storyline from Beth. I've been wondering what happened to her. I am super excited to read the next volume.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2006

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What's in a name - Animal; Seriously Series

KIMONO DRAGONS brings the hunt for Ampersand—the monkey who could unlock the mystery of the male-killing plague— to its explosive climax, as the last man on Earth and his companions finally reach Japan and discover the truth behind Ampersand's abduction.

Wow! A volume full of revelations. We finally get to meet Allison's mother and learn more about the players in this large chess game. I am speeding through these volumes to see where the story ends.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 9 Motherland

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2007

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W14; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.

This volume of the critically acclaimed series features Yorick and Agent 355 preparing for their ultimate quest to reunite the last man with his lost love, while the person, people or thing behind the disaster that wiped out half of humanity is revealed!

The series is starting to wrap up. We got some great closure on a few storylines. And we seem to be nearing some type of conclusion. We end the volume as we started the series, with Yorrick and 355 attempting to find Beth... We'll see if they can find her.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes 

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra 

Publisher: Vertigo 2008 

Genre: Comics 

Pages: 168 

Rating: 4/5 stars 

Reading Challenges: Dewey Decimal - 700s; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.

Yorick Brown's long journey through an Earth populated only by women comes to a dramatic, unexpected conclusion in this final volume.

What an ending... I was totally with it until the last issue. I loved finding out epilogues for all the characters, but the structure of the stories was a bit confusing. I had to keep reminding myself what time each story was set in. But I still would say that I loved the series. Very exciting read! Now I can't wait to read Vaughan's newest comic series: Saga.

Y: The Last Man

• Vol. 1 Unmanned
• Vol. 2 Cycles
• Vol. 3 One Small Step
• Vol. 4 Safeword
• Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
• Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
• Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
• Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
• Vol. 9 Motherland
• Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Fairest: Of Mice and Men

Title: Fairest 4: Cinderella -- Of Mice and Men

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2014

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Fairy Tales

Cinderella returns in an all-new epic! After an assassination attempt on Snow White, Cind is called back into service to unravel an age-old conspiracy that dates back to that fateful midnight ball! Can Cind uncover the plot and prevent a massacre in Fabletown? By critically acclaimed writer Marc Andreyko (MANHUNTER, Torso, The Lost) and legendary artist Shawn McManus (CINDERELLA, SWAMP THING), FAIREST VOL. 4: CINDERELLA - OF MEN AND MICE ties directly into FABLES!

Okay... so the absolute best of the Fairest series so far. But I do love Cinderella and her spy antics. Plus it was nice to see Snow White and Beast. I also liked how they tied in the Fables version of Cinderella to the traditional story with stepsisters and a fairy godmother.

Fairest:

• #1 Wide Awake
• #2 Hidden Kingdom
• In All the Land
• #3 The Return of the Maharaja
• #4 Of Mice and Men

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 2012

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 592

Rating: 4/5 stars  Movie: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; TBR Reduction; Ebook; A to Z - I; Books to Movies; Seriously Series

As war surges in the factions of dystopian Chicago all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked Divergent. The constant "who's lying to whom" got a bit annoying after awhile. Just once I want a novel where everyone is completely honest. Other than that annoyance at the entire genre as a whole, I did like the book. I loved seeing Tris grow and realize her true potential. The twists and turns in regards to character's allegiances were a lot of fun. And we get to see the end of Jeanine Matthews and the big revelation at the end. Second books in trilogies are often not as good, but this one was good enough to make me want to read Allegiant immediately.

Movie:

The movie definitely changed things from the book.  I don't think the entire plotline about only a Divergent being able to open the box was necessary to the larger storyline. But whatever, I'm sure the movie makers felt that without it audiences wouldn't understand why Jeanine wanted Divergents. I also have some slight issues with how Caleb was portrayed. I saw him as more of a traitor in the books than the movie. The movie makes him almost a tragic figure. I didn't think it played as well. I also didn't like the killing of Jeanine in the movie. They completely cut Tori out of the sequence. Just didn't sit right with me. Based off of my love of the book, I gave the movie lower stars.

Divergent:

• #0.1 The Transfer
• #0.2 The Initiate
• #0.3 The Son
• #0.4 The Traitor
• #1 Divergent
• #1.5 Free Four
• #2 Insurgent
• #3 Allegiant

Y: The Last Man Vol. 4 Safeword and Vol. 5 Ring of Truth

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 4 Safeword and Vol 5 Ring of Truth

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2004 and 2005

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144 +192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, finally makes it to San Francisco where his unbalanced sister, Hero, finds him seemingly succumbing to the male-killing plague after losing his still-unused engagement ring to the burqa-clad agents of the Setauket Ring. But is the ring really the key to his survival? And what does it have to do with the mysterious Amulet of Helene, which the Setauket leader is determined to take from Agent 355 by any means necessary. Collects issues #24-31 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, ASTONISHING X-MEN, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

After a devastating plague, Yorrick Brown is the last man left alive in a world of women. On the run from Amazon extremists who would be happy to see him dead, his friends leave him in the care of Agent 711. But 711 is not the tragic woman she seems to be and Yorrick is propelled into a drug-fuelled nightmare of blood and sadism. Collects issues #18-23 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

Wow! Safeword was a powerful volume. I was blown away by the revelations in these issues. I didn't see those coming and can't wait to see what happens next... But Ring of Truth was just an all around great volume. We got more insight into Agent 355. Plus Yorrick went through a few new trials that strengthened his drive to survive. I ams o hooked on this series.

Y: The Last Man

• Vol. 1 Unmanned
• Vol. 2 Cycles
• Vol. 3 One Small Step
• Vol. 4 Safeword
• Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
• Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
• Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
• Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
• Vol. 9 Motherland
• Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Y: The Last Man Vol. 2 Cycles and Vol. 3 One Small Step

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 2 Cycles and Vol. 3 One Small Step

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2003 and 2004

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128 + 168

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

As Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, begins to make his way across the country to California, he and his companions are forced to make an unscheduled stop in Marrisville, Ohio—a small town with a big secret. Collects issues #6-10 of the runaway hit Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughan (EX-MACHINA, RUNAWAYS) and Pia Guerra.

The adventures of Yorick Brown continue in Y: THE LAST MAN: ONE SMALL STEP, collecting issues #11-17 of the critically acclaimed series. A Russian Soyuz capsule is coming down from the International Space Station carrying three passengers: one woman and two men. Could this be the end of Yorick's tenure as last living male?

Loving the twist in volume two. The little town in Ohio was an interesting discussion of law and order after the men have died. Intriguing. And volume three deals with the twist on the last page of volume two. I don't want to give it away, but oh my it was a good one. Still loving where this story is going.

Y: The Last Man

• Vol. 1 Unmanned
• Vol. 2 Cycles
• Vol. 3 One Small Step
• Vol. 4 Safeword
• Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
• Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
• Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
• Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
• Vol. 9 Motherland
• Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

Title: Yes, Please

Author: Amy Poehler

Publisher: Dey Street Books 2014

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 352

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Feminism; TBR Reduction; Ebook; 52 Books - W13

Do you want to get to know the woman we first came to love on Comedy Central's Upright Citizens Brigade? Do you want to spend some time with the lady who made you howl with laughter on Saturday Night Live, and in movies like Baby Mama, Blades of Glory, and They Came Together? Do you find yourself daydreaming about hanging out with the actor behind the brilliant Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation? Did you wish you were in the audience at the last two Golden Globes ceremonies, so you could bask in the hilarity of Amy's one-liners?

If your answer to these questions is "Yes Please!" then you are in luck. In her first book, one of our most beloved funny folk delivers a smart, pointed, and ultimately inspirational read. Full of the comedic skill that makes us all love Amy, Yes Please is a rich and varied collection of stories, lists, poetry (Plastic Surgery Haiku, to be specific), photographs, mantras and advice. With chapters like "Treat Your Career Like a Bad Boyfriend," "Plain Girl Versus the Demon" and "The Robots Will Kill Us All" Yes Please will make you think as much as it will make you laugh. Honest, personal, real, and righteous, Yes Please is full of words to live by.

Oh yes! This was a great memoir to read. I loved watching Amy Poehler on SNL and Parks and Rec. I had to eventually read this novel. Actually this is our book club selection for April. I can't wait to discuss in a few weeks. But first, my thoughts:

This is not a typically structured memoir. We don't get a chronological account of her life and accomplishments. Instead we get a series of vignettes from her life and some essays of life lessons. I liked the mix of life stories and advice. I wouldn't say to shelf this in the self-help section, but Poehler definitely has some great life advice. Plus it's just funny. I love her sense of humor and loved reading her funny stories and observations. I also appreciate that she didn't get too nitty-gritty dirty details from her life. I don't really need to read all about her divorce about Will Arnett. I respect Poehler's decision to keep that chapter of her life private. Overall the book felt real to me. I now feel like I have a better understanding of Amy Poehler the woman. I don't think this is the book for just anyone. But for those readers already fans of Poehler, this book made me love her more.

The Sworn Sword by George R.R. Martin

Title: The Sworn Sword

Author: George R.R. Martin

Publisher: Jet City Comics 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 176

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library

After the deaths, surprises, and heroics in The Hedge Knight, Dunk and Egg continue their journey in search of the fair puppeteer Tanselle. Along the way, the elderly knight Ser Eustace takes both men under his charge, alongside another knight—and this one promises trouble. Peace is ever elusive for Dunk and Egg, as they are soon embroiled in the schemes of local nobility, while a darker, greater thread threatens to unravel long-held truths of the Battle of Redgrass Field.

In classic George R.R. Martin fashion, heroes and villains are never clear-cut, and political alliances threaten to slice the deepest. Yet one path lies ahead for Dunk and Egg: onward toward destiny. Join them as they venture along a now-familiar world but in a time all-new!

Another mildly interesting entry into the world of Westeros. I don't think I'm a huge fan of Dunk and Egg, but the stories are fairly entertaining. Moving on to something different...

The Hedge Knight by George R.R. Martin

Title: The Hedge Knight

Author: George R.R. Martin

Publisher: Jet City Comics 2013

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 184

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; 52 Books - W12

Shouldering his fallen master’s sword and shield, Duncan (or “Dunk") is determined to reinvent himself as a knight in a nearby tournament. But first Dunk needs a sponsor, and that requirement sends him down a road studded with friends, foes, adventure, and hidden agendas. One such friend is Egg, who becomes Dunk’s squire, yet even he may hold secret motivations of his own.

In this gripping prequel, Dunk and Egg seek glory in a world both familiar and new to Game of Thrones fans. What the two fortune seekers encounter, however, is a world of distrust and political machinations. Chivalry is not lost while Dunk holds fast to his dreams of honor. But such outdated virtues make him a target—and they may even lead to his ruin. This vivid and elaborately wrought tale brings new dimension to George R. R. Martin’s beloved world.

I picked this slim volume up at a recent library visit. I was looking for a different series, but this one caught my eye. I forgot that they published some prequels to A Song of Ice and Fire series. I liked a little look into a time before the series is set, but I didn't find myself connecting with any of the characters. And I had to remember the family lines to figure out where these characters fall. Interesting quick read, but not something I will read again.

Y: The Last Man Vol. 1 Unmanned

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 1 Unmanned

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2003

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; A to Z -- Y; New Author;

Written by Brian K. Vaughan (LOST, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD, EX MACHINA) and with art by Pia Guerra, this is the saga of Yorick Brown—the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome. Accompanied by a mysterious government agent, a brilliant young geneticist and his pet monkey, Ampersand, Yorick travels the world in search of his lost love and the answer to why he's the last man on earth.

I've been meaning to read this series for ages. Somehow I just never picked it up... Glad that I did grab it last visit to the library. I read the entire volume today after packing. The storyline isn't anything earth shattering, but that's okay. I'm reading this series for the characters. I love the different character groups that Yorick encounters on his journeys. The best has been the Amazons. I can't wait to see where and when they reappear. And Agent 355 is just amazing. Can't wait to read more.

Y: The Last Man

• Vol. 1 Unmanned
• Vol. 2 Cycles
• Vol. 3 One Small Step
• Vol. 4 Safeword
• Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
• Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
• Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
• Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
• Vol. 9 Motherland
• Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes

Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh

Title: Then Comes Seduction (Huxtable Quintet #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 419

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - T; 52 Books - W11; Seriously Series

In a night of drunken revelry, Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, gambles his reputation as London’s most notorious lover on one woman. His challenge? To seduce the exquisite, virtuous Katherine Huxtable within a fortnight. But when his best-laid plans go awry, Jasper devises a wager of his own. For Katherine, already wildly attracted to him, Jasper’s offer is irresistible: to make London’s most dangerous rake fall in love with her. Then Jasper suddenly ups the ante. Katherine knows she should refuse. But with scandal brewing and her reputation in jeopardy, she reluctantly agrees to become his wife. Now, as passion ignites, the seduction really begins. And this time the prize is nothing less than both their hearts.…

Okay slightly mixed feelings about this one. I love Jasper and Katherine. They were intriguing characters from the beginning. I love their backstories and how their story eventually plays out. I loved visiting with old and new characters. Aunt Prunella and Clarrie were the worst (but in a great character way). My issue comes with the middle of the book. It really drags... It felt like before Jasper and Katherine were married, the book became about them having the same conversation over and over. Even after they were married, I was tiring of the same conversation over and over. However, I enjoyed the last fifty pages of the books. Based off of the strength of characters, I would recommend this book.

Huxtable Quintet

• #1 First Comes Marriage
• #2 Then Comes Seduction
• #3 At Last Comes Love
• #4 Seducing an Angel
• #5 A Secret Affair

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

Title: First Comes Marriage (Huxtable Quintet #1)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 388

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z: F; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W10

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can’t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret—one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables—Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed…and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can’t be far behind.

I didn't think I would like this book at first. The characters started a bit flat and very unlikable. But as the chapters started to progress, I found myself liking them more and more. By the end of the book I was loving the story of Elliott and Vanessa. And I loved seeing the rest of the Huxtable clan. The other reason I gave it higher marks was the writing style. The opening characters sound very much like the beginning of a Jane Austen novel. I found myself falling into the idea of Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice. The enjoyable writing style kept me reading until the characters really blossomed. Overall a good start to a new-to-me series.

Huxtable Quintet

• #1 First Comes Marriage
• #2 Then Comes Seduction
• #3 At Last Comes Love
• #4 Seducing an Angel
• #5 A Secret Affair

Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Title: Living History

Author: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Publisher: Scribner 2004

Genre: Autobiography

Pages: 592

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Rory Gilmore; TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W9

Hillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban, middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady. Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny.Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain -- responding to the changing times and her own internal compass -- and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice -- as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.

Hmmmm... I have mixed feelings about this one. I really liked the subject matter. Learning more about Clinton was my goal. She has been a very fascinating figure for the last twenty years. And yet, I found my mind wandering throughout the book. I finally realized that I am a fan of the writing style. The quick transitions between stories were somewhat jarring. Ultimately I finished the book, but not my favorite at all.

Scandal of the Year by Olivia Drake

Title: Scandal of the Year (Heiress in London #3)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2011

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 345

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - S; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W8

The youngest of the Crompton heiresses, Blythe yearns to marry into the aristocracy to bolster her family’s place in society.  The widowed Duke of Savoy seems to be the perfect choice, yet it’s another man who sets her heart to pounding: the new footman, James. He’s devilishly handsome and far more fascinating than any of her noble suitors. And he alone has the power to stir her romantic dreams.

Little does she know, however, James Ryding is the true heir to the Crompton fortune. He’s posing as a servant in order to find evidence to prove her parents are imposters. By charming Blythe, he hopes to use her to regain his rightful inheritance. But as heat flares between them, he realizes that fulfilling his quest will mean ruining the beautiful, spirited woman who has captured his heart.

The storyline of this volume is ridiculous and yet I still fairly enjoyed the book. Obviously it is due to the characters. I really enjoyed Blythe and the rest of the family. James was less enjoyable, but I still felt for him. So an okay ending to the trilogy, but definitely not the strongest in the series.

Heiress in London:

• #1 Seducing the Heiress
• #2 Never Trust a Rogue
• #3 Scandal of the Year

Never Trust a Rogue by Olivia Drake

Title: Never Trust a Rogue (Heiress in London #2)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 308

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - N; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W7

The wealthiest heiress of the season, Miss Lindsey Crompton finds detective work far more fascinating than social engagements—at least until she meets Thane Parker, the Earl of Mansfield. Thane is a paradox: a war hero and a cad, a wicked scoundrel and an indulgent guardian of his young ward. When Lindsey sneaks into his house to investigate his role in a series of murders, he blackmails her into a betrothal.

Thane has a secret life he keeps hidden from everyone, especially the infernally curious—and curiously alluring—Miss Crompton. Working with the Bow Street Runners, Thane is tracking a killer who may be one of Lindsey’s suitors. Even if their engagement is a ruse, the heat between Thane and Lindsey is undeniably real. And with a murderer on the loose, desire has never been so dangerous…

I loved Lindsey and Thane. Great characters for a nice little historical romance. I love that this one involved a mystery. I loved the connections to the first book in the series. I loved seeing more of Blythe. What I didn't love was the incredibly quick wrap-up of the last 15 pages. It was very rushed and hectic. I wanted to take my time with the revelation of the killer's identity and the affirmation of commitment from Lindsey and Thane. Instead we get a crazy few pages that made my head spin. Good romance, needed to be a bit longer.

Heiress in London:

• #1 Seducing the Heiress
• #2 Never Trust a Rogue
• #3 Scandal of the Year

Seducing the Heiress by Olivia Drake

Title: Seducing the Heiress (Heiress in London #1)

Author: Olivia Drake

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; What's in a Name - Ing; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W6; New Authors

Her wealth and beauty have made Miss Portia Crompton the catch of the season. Secretly determined to wed the maharajah’s son she left behind in India, Portia ignores the money-hungry bucks who ply her with bouquets and bonbons. But one suitor will not be deterred: Colin Byrd, Viscount Ratcliffe. He is persistent and presumptuous—and wickedly tempting.

Colin has no delusions about romance. He’s a rogue, a womanizer, and a murderer, and seduction comes as easily to him as breathing. Portia’s fortune is an irresistible lure until Colin’s mercenary scheme hits a snag. Winning her dowry is no longer enough—he wants her heart and her passion.  The more adamant she is in her refusal, the more determined he is to seduce her…

Every once in awhile, I love a good mindless historical romance. This one fulfilled that desire. I read in two sittings. Portia and Colin were great characters. The storyline was a bit predictable, but I still loved falling into the world for a little while. I'm definitely going to be grabbing the next book in the series to read this weekend at the retreat.

Heiress in London:

• #1 Seducing the Heiress
• #2 Never Trust a Rogue
• #3 Scandal of the Year

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

Title: Ethan Frome

Author: Edith Wharton

Publisher: 1911

Genre: Classic Fiction

Pages: 99

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Rory Gilmore; 1001 Books; TBR Reduction; A to Z - E; 52 Books - W5; Classics - Name in Title

Perhaps the best-known and most popular of Edith Wharton's novels, Ethan Frome is widely considered her masterpiece. Set against a bleak New England background, the novel tells of Frome, his ailing wife Zeena and her companion Mattie Silver, superbly delineating the characters of each as they are drawn relentlessly into a deep-rooted domestic struggle. Burdened by poverty and spiritually dulled by a loveless marriage to an older woman. Frome is emotionally stirred by the arrival of a youthful cousin who is employed as household help. Mattie's presence not only brightens a gloomy house but stirs long-dormant feelings in Ethan. Their growing love for one another, discovered by an embittered wife, presages an ending to this grim tale that is both shocking and savagely ironic.

A classic author I have been meaning to read for years now. I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed in this novel. I just wasn't feeling any of the characters. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the bleak landscape. Those were where Wharton truly shined. But the characters and storyline just weren't that intriguing to me at all.

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Title: Remarkable Creatures

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Publisher: Plume 2009

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 312

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - R; 52 Books - W4

On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, poor and uneducated Mary Anning learns that she has a unique gift: "the eye" to spot fossils no one else can see. When she uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious community on edge, the townspeople to gossip, and the scientific world alight. After enduring bitter cold, thunderstorms, and landslips, her challenges only grow when she falls in love with an impossible man.

Mary soon finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster who shares her passion for scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy, but ultimately turns out to be their greatest asset.

I chose this book for our March book club. The book has sat on my shelves for a few years just waiting for me to pick it up. I was drawn in by the premise of a fictionalized account of two of the first female paleontologists. I really enjoyed learning more about Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot. I loved the descriptions of finding the various fossils and of the Lyme landscape. The story kept me going through the novel. Unfortunately the writing style gave me pause. Something about the sentence construction occasionally jolted me out of the world. The voices of the two characters didn't quite seem natural. Because of my slight pause, I knocked off a star. A good read, but not the best one...

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander (Outlander #1)

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Publisher: Dell 1998

Genre: Historical Romance/Fantasy

Pages: 850

Rating: 5/5 stars TV Show: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; NPR Scifi and Fantasy; TBR Reduction; A to Z -- O; Book to Movie; Outlander

Unrivaled storytelling ... unforgettable characters ... rich historical detail ... these are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon's work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured millions of readers.Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages....The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon — when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach — an "outlander" — in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord ... 1743.Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life ... and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire ... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

 My reread of this novel was slow going. I have no idea why it took me this long to read, because I really really enjoyed this book. Whatever the reason, I loved getting back into the story of Claire and Jamie. I originally read this a few years back at history reenactment events. Fitting as we were reenacting French and Indian War set just a few decades after Outlander. I never continued the series, yet have wanted to in the intervening years. One of my goals this year to finish the series.

Within the first chapter I dove head first back into the story. I love the character of Claire. She is such a well-rounded character I can imagine meeting her on the street. I love that her reactions to falling back in time are realistic. She is confused, angry, sad, but understands that she needs to figure this new situation out to survive. I love it! And meeting Jamie Fraser is just the beginning of a great romance. I love their little conversations here and there even before the wedding. I can't wait to see where their story leads in the rest of the series.

TV Show:

I was wary of the television series. Would it hold up to such an amazing book? Thankfully it does! Most of this is due to such great casting. They found the perfect people for Claire and Jamie, but the best casting is Tobias Menzies as Black Jack/Frank Randall. I've never been a huge fan of Frank, but to finally see him, I am more sympathetic to his situation. And then we get the flip side of Black Jack. Truly a villain for the ages. Beyond the main characters, I really enjoyed Dougal and especially Angus. And the scenery is just absolutely gorgeous. I want to go to Scotland right now! The only problem I have with the series was the horrible cliffhanger the creators left us with at the end of the first run. I guess I know what happens, but my goodness that was evil.

Outlander

• #0.5 Virgins
• #1 Outlander
• #2 Dragonfly in Amber
• #3 Voyager
• #4 The Drums of Autumn
• #5 The Fiery Cross
• #6 A Breath of Snow and Ashes
• #7 An Echo in the Bone
• #7.5 The Space Between
• #8 Written in My Own Heart's Blood
• #8 A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

Title: The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

Author: Amanda Palmer

Publisher: Hachette Books 2014

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 337

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W3; OLW Home

Rock star, crowdfunding pioneer, and TED speaker Amanda Palmer knows all about asking. Performing as a living statue in a wedding dress, she wordlessly asked thousands of passersby for their dollars. When she became a singer, songwriter, and musician, she was not afraid to ask her audience to support her as she surfed the crowd (and slept on their couches while touring). And when she left her record label to strike out on her own, she asked her fans to support her in making an album, leading to the world's most successful music Kickstarter.

Even while Amanda is both celebrated and attacked for her fearlessness in asking for help, she finds that there are important things she cannot ask for-as a musician, as a friend, and as a wife. She learns that she isn't alone in this, that so many people are afraid to ask for help, and it paralyzes their lives and relationships. In this groundbreaking book, she explores these barriers in her own life and in the lives of those around her, and discovers the emotional, philosophical, and practical aspects of THE ART OF ASKING.

I'm not sure where to start with this book. It was an amazing read, but I feel like I'm still processing a lot of the ideas and concepts. I've been a fan of Amanda Palmer since "Coin Operated Boy." This book gave me insight into who she is and why she does what she does. Not just the music, but the social connections, the media, the side projects. I loved learning more about her. That part of the book I got. The larger scope of the book about asking and human nature, I'm still processing. I think this is one of those books that I will have to read a few times to truly understand everything. An amazing project that will stay on my shelves for years to come.

As an added bonus, here's Amanda's TED talk:

A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon

Title: A Hundred Pieces of Me

Author: Lucy Dillon

Publisher: Berkley 2014

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 447

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - H; New Author; OLW Home

Reeling from her recent divorce, Gina Bellamy suddenly finds herself figuring out how to live on her own. Determined to make a fresh start Gina knows drastic measures are in order.

First up: throwing away all her possessions except for the one hundred things that mean the most to her. But what items are worth saving? Letters from the only man she’s ever loved? A keepsake of the father she never knew? Or a blue glass vase that perfectly captures the light?

As she lets go of the past, Gina begins to come to terms with what has happened in her life and discovers that seizing the day is sometimes the only thing to do. And when one decides to do just that...magic happens.

Our book club selection for January. This one spoke to me from the back cover. I really wanted to find out more about Gina's journey. While I've not gone through a recent divorce like the main character, we have just moved and I feel like we've made a huge change in our lives. I'm currently loving the idea of re-examining our possessions and memories attached to those possessions. Gina was a great character to follow along this path. While I wanted to smack her a few times for her thoughts/actions, I grew to love her. She seemed so real. I felt that I was reading a memoir instead of a novel. At times I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that things were going to get better. Somehow Dillon made Gina so real to me. I really got sucked into the book.

Connection to OLW: One of my reading challenges this year is to read books related to my One Little Word: Home. Initially I didn't connect this book to my word, but by the end it was screaming at me. Part of creating a home is examining the contents. Are they things you love, hate, or are neutral about? Are there specific memories associated with your possessions? This book made be realize that I want to take a closer look at some of the things in our house. I want to only buy things that I love or are absolutely essential (like toilet paper) for our new house. I love that a novel made me connect to my OLW.