Literary Love: Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

Welcome back for more Literary Love entertainment - Wherein See Michelle does Georgette Heyer...for the first time. And if you haven't already, don't forget to nominate your favorite Literary Love couple!!

Earlier this year, I received Cotillion by Georgette Heyer in the mail from my Book Blogger Holiday Swap buddy Melissa of the Book Nut. At the time, I purposely set it aside as a great Valentines Day read, thinking it would fit perfectly in with this month's festivities. What better way to get myself in the mood for romance than by becoming acquainted with the Lady of Love herself? And then Angie posted a link to Sarah Rees Brennan's frickin' hilarious summary of Cotillion in her The Best Couples in Books Ever! post and I was sold.

Young Kitty Charing is about to inherit a vast fortune from her grumpy, gouty Great Uncle Matthew. As his ward, Kitty has endured the somewhat dubious hospitality of the querulous, miserly gentleman for years, having put up with his mad schemes on more than one occasion. But Uncle Matthew has concocted his most harebrained scheme yet. He wants to bestow his vast fortune upon Kitty - a sheltered, fanciful miss - if only she will consent to marry one of his many grand nephews, men she has grown up with and knows well. Kitty isn't exactly against the scheme (besides the implied embarrassment of such a contract), if only a particular nephew will be offering. But he doesn't. Kitty does however receive other offers: from the staid, patronizing Reverend Hugh and the bumbling, muddled Lord Dolphinton, but both are as repulsive as they are ineffectual. Not to mention the married nephew George Biddenden, who wasn't even invited in the first place...

Understandably upset and equally devastated, Kitty hatches a scheme worthy of her great uncle's daring when she convinces her honorable (if somewhat fashion-distracted) cousin Freddy Standen to form a sham engagement with her since he has no desire to marry at all. Kitty's aims? One: enjoy life in London while visiting Freddy's family, away from the stuffy Arnside House of her youth while Two: make the renowned rake and rascal (and youthful heartthrob) Jack Westruther insanely jealous. Only Kitty is as inexperienced as she is compassionate - a combination which soon lands our young heroine in a number of scrapes requiring a quick rescue by the conscientious if not impeccably dressed, Freddy.

Starting into a Georgette Heyer for the first time was an experience not to be denied any reader. The characters and locales of Cotillion swirled around so effortlessly that I found myself drawn into their story in just a few short pages. No wonder she is known as the Queen of the Regency Romance. Heyer has a deft hand at humor and is superb at crafting witty - often downright hilarious - dialogue contrasted by lush descriptions of perfect fashion and society gossip at its best. Although highly original in terms of plot, praise must be heaped upon Ms. Heyer for her delightful prose. I don't know the last time I read a book that used words such as "clodpole" "I'd as lief.." "plant a facer" and "a rum touch." Devilishly entertaining.

Kitty and Freddy make quite the dashing couple - of course, both have impeccable taste in clothing (a most important quality) and both, for lack of a better word, are just so sweet. Freddy graciously agrees to squire Kitty to various London sights (under protest) and could not be more horrified with the sight of those famed Elgin Marbles:

"Why, they have no heads!” he expostulates, feeling very put upon at having to escort Kitty to places that he’d never intended to see or ever see again.

Freddy's never been known as the 'smart' one, but under Kitty's kind reassurances, he begins to see himself as something other than a fashion plate. While slowly yet surely, Kitty's youthful insistence wins this Pink of the ton over with her enchanting damsel in distress routine. A fantastic novel by a fantastic author I will be sure to read more of.

And in closing, all I have to say is: "I like him. I like him better than Hugh. I like him better than Jack..."

Because Everyone Likes a Second Opinion:
Blog Critics review
Book-a-rama review
Dear Author review
Jane Austen's World review

book source: gift

Literary Love: Urban Fantasy Couples

Today Literary Love will turn it's microscopic eye to the couples of Urban Fantasy. Long known for their kick-butt heroines and fast-paced action sequences, Urban Fantasy books are steadily gaining a reputation in the romantic department as well. More of often than not, since most UF novels are written as a series, relationships are not resolved or even remotely cemented in the first book. Or the second. Sometimes onto the fourth or fifth book, the reader is still left wondering if those two will ever stop butting heads and just admit they are completely over the moon about each other already. Although the author usually does throw in some nice make-out scenes along the way that go far in keeping the masses happy. But why the long, drawn-out courtship you ask? Well, I'll give you a couple of reasons:

1. UF heroines are usually out saving the world (or at least their city) on a daily basis. They don't have time for all that flowers and dating stuff. Sometimes they don't even have time for a shower - which can be a downer in any budding relationship.

2. UF heroines also tend to be classified as 'smart alecks;' women who have trouble keeping their mouth shut even in the face of extreme I-am-going-to-die-horribly-if-I-say-anything-else situations. This doesn't often go over too well with the macho man who is currently pursuing them. The two end up butting heads and much snarky dialogue ensues (my personal favorite).

3. People want to kill UF heroines. Usually because they are in possession of a secret/skill set that makes world domination for said evil doers impossible. Or because they trash talk too much. It's a toss up but either way it can put a mighty strain on the night-life.

Frankly, I am a huge fan of this long courtship trend. It generates lots of sexual tension, plenty of snark, and ample opportunities for the heroine to show off her wicked fighting abilities so that the man in question can properly appreciate her Skillz. So by the time they do finally hook up, the reader is practically on pins and needles from all the building tension and the result is usually nothing short of a Fourth of July fireworks display.

I bet you're wondering who my favorite UF couple is by now aren't you?

Although there are many such series floating about, my top UF couple has to be Kate and Curran from Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series (Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, Magic Bleeds).

photos courtesy of author's website

What began as a promising UF set in a magic-ravaged Atlanta has turned into one of my favorite series to date. Kate is a knight who fights bad magic with some serious sword skills and Curran is the Beast Lord himself (be very afraid). Kate is good at talking trash and annoying Curran to no end and Curran particularly enjoys sneaking up on Kate and breaking into her apartment. For a prime example of their working relationship, let me direct you to a scene between Kate and Curran from Magic Strikes:

“Can I fetch you your food, Your Majesty? Can I tell you how strong and mighty you are, Your Majesty? Can I pick out your fleas, Your Majesty? Can I kiss your ass, Your Majesty? Can I . . .”

“Technically it should be ‘may I,’ since you’re asking permission. To answer your question, yes, you may kiss my ass. Normally I prefer to maintain my personal space, but you’re a Friend of the Pack and your services have proven useful once or twice. I strive to accommodate the wishes of persons friendly to my people. My only question is, would your kissing my ass be obeisance, grooming, or foreplay?”

These two practically have 'Happily Ever After' in sparkly ink written all over them, don't they? All fun and games aside, these two really are the perfect match. And although they haven't quite agreed to a long walk down the aisle together, Kate and Curran have gone through several intense encounters which have only brought them closer. So far, Kate and Curran have enjoyed some very nice scenes together but their sexual tension level basically skyrocketed to code red in Magic Strikes - leaving me on tender-hooks waiting for the upcoming sequel Magic Bleeds. I just know it's gonna be a kicker.

Who is your favorite Urban Fantasy duo? Nominate your favorite Literary Love couple here or in the comments.

Classic Literary Love: Jane & Rochester

Let's talk classic, classic literary couples for a moment here shall we? That's right. I'm talking Jane. Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre and Edward Fairfax Rochester to be exact. Reading this book never fails to leave me utterly spellbound. What more could you possibly want from a Charlotte Bronte Gothic Romance? A downtrodden, plucky yet pure governess meets a wealthy, wastrel aristocrat with the requisite mad wife hidden in the attic. It's got amnesia, ghosts, missing heiresses, witty conversation, and more angst than you can shake a stick at. Grab a chair and watch the sparks fly.Perhaps what makes Jane and Rochester so unforgettable is that they have to work ever so hard to have their happily ever after even though they see each other as their true home almost immediately. They have to surmount differences in class, in age, in *cough*experience*cough*, and they have to overcome that tiny detail that Rochester is already married and that Jane is his employee when they first meet. But they don't give up. Rochester continually prods her with his electric wit and charm while Jane staunchly resists even as she begins to find herself unfolding into this forthright and passionate creature before their very eyes. Take this outburst for example. Jane believes Rochester is going to be marrying the local, vapid beauty and finally gives in to her despair at his seeming indifference.

"Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal — as we are!"

Of course, Rochester then makes Jane understand just how much he truly loves her and a multitude of stolen kisses and a proposal follow. Even though Rochester set out trying to bring the isolated and unloved Jane out of her shell, I think maybe she ends up surprising him with her quick rejoinders just a little.

"I am not an angel," I asserted; "and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me - for you will not get it, any more than I shall get it of you: which I do not at all anticipate."

Ha! I truly love these two. She's not letting him get away with anything and that's why Jane and Rochester must be listed as one of my favorite Literary Love couples.

And even though the Hubby calls her 'duck-lips' I absolutely adore the recent Masterpiece adaptation. I highly recommend you give this swoon-worthy miniseries a go if only for the perfect characterization of Rochester.

Who is your favorite Classic literature duo? Nominate your favorite Literary Love couple here or in the comments.

Literary Love Kick-Off

With the Day of Luuurrve - otherwise known as Valentines Day - fast approaching (who could miss all those gaudy pink and red store displays?) I've unavoidably started thinking about some of my favorite couples in literature. Valentines is actually one of my favorite holidays - ever since I made my first over-sized, red construction paper heart card practically drenched in glitter I knew this was a day for me. It could also be attributed to the copious amounts of sugar (petite sour hearts!) and chocolate (Dove dark chocolate!) I usually consume. But I digress.As I briefly mentioned before, this year I wanted to do something special to celebrate the upcoming holiday by spotlighting some notable and unforgettable literary couples. After brainstorming for a bit, I began thinking that some of you might want to weigh in on the deliberations. Considerate of me, huh? So I'm going to open this up and host a two-week long Literary Love fest to determine the most memorable, the most heart-rate spiking, the most extraordinary literary couples you've had the privilege to meet.

Don't be shy - and don't worry about genre - feel free to pull couples from any book: young adult, fantasy, classics, chick lit, general fiction, anywhere. Starting RIGHT NOW I'm looking for the ones that still make you sigh years later and the ones you've just happened to meet but that you just can't get out of your head. I also have a couple of marvy bloggers ready to dish about their favorite bookish couple including the lovely Rhiannon Hart, Angie of Angieville, Aimee of My Fluttering Heart, and Brenda of Brenda Loves Books. I promise, you aren't going to want to miss out on all the fun!

Here's how it will work:
February 1st - 6th: Nominate your favorite Literary Love couple in the comments
February 7th - 14th: Polls Open. Vote early and spread the word so that your favorite couple makes the cut
February 14th: the Literary Love winner will be revealed

To make this a little sweeter for everyone all around, I'm going to add a giveaway to the mix. I'll be giving away some bookish swag and a copy of Ash by Malinda Lo - a simply lovely retelling of Cinderella (my review). Every time you suggest a couple for Literary Love, you earn an entry. Every time you vote for a couple, you earn an entry. Every time you send someone to See Michelle Read to vote or make a submission, you get an entry (just make sure they tell me you sent them). Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.

So, tell me. Who is your favorite Literary Love couple?

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

I knew I was getting myself into something truly unique when I opened the pages of Going Bovine and practically fell off the couch laughing after reading Libba Bray's acknowledgments section. Acknowledgments, you ask (skeptically)? Yes. Truly hilarious. That and the cover. And the title. The trifecta of reader hooks and I knew, no matter what, that those 480 dense pages before me would turn out to be one wild ride.

As someone who has perfected the Art of Slacker, Cameron is an apathetic, Grade-A dork who just so happens to also be bitingly smart. He's become a master at doing the least possible in any situation while managing to not draw any attention to himself. But something happens to Cameron that suddenly makes him the center of his family and classmate's attention - he's contracted a fatal (and really rare) form of mad cow disease.

While in the hospital, Cameron meets Dulcie - a punk angel with pink hair and combat boots - who informs him there is a cure for his disease, if he's willing to go out and search for it. Oh, and along the way he just might be able to save the universe too. Sort of a two-for-one deal. Joined by the hypochondriac little person Gonzo and an enchanted yard gnome Balder, Cameron sets off on a cross-country, modern day Don Quixote quest encountering not windmills but a happiness-driven cult, jazz musicians, Disney World, snow globes, and small-town diners.

Sound trippy? In every sense of the word. Yes.

This book could essentially be divided into two sections: Cameron pre-mad cow disease diagnosis and Cameron post-diagnosis. Little details mentioned during the first section pop up later during the narrative, turning Going Bovine into not just a discovery journey for Cameron but the reader as well. It's like a giant connect the dots puzzle, spanning from Texas to Florida with millions of tiny little stops along the way. Wherein nothing is a coincidence - everything is connected.

Like many teens, Cameron truly believes he will have all the time in the world to experience life, to see and do all those things that will make his life worthwhile but in actuality he doesn't. It's not a far-fetched concept and one that is sobering in all it's underhanded and witty observances. Cameron's journey becomes an intricate coming of age/quest tale with an unreliable narrator twist. Which story will you believe? Is Cameron spending his final days in a hospital bed, suffering from extreme hallucinations or is he tearing across the country, surrounded by loyal friends and battling evil?

It's no wonder Going Bovine was chosen as the 2010 Printz Award winner - the committee is notorious for choosing books that are slightly harder than average to puzzle through (like: how i live now or Jellicoe Road). They are also known for selecting books that make parents nervous (think: Looking for Alaska). Although Cameron is one of those narrators you instantly connect with (despite his lack of common ground with most readers), he has quite the foul potty mouth and isn't above making cringe-worthy remarks. Though his twisted chapter headings pretty much sealed his instant appeal in my book.

Because Everyone Likes a Second Opinion:
A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy review
Em's Bookshelf review
In Between the Pages review
Largehearted Boy review
Mrs. Magoo Reads review

book source: my local library

Coming Soon: Literary Love

For Valentines Day I'm going to be hosting a special event called Literary Love which will run from February 1st -14th. In order to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, See Michelle Read will spotlight some notable and unforgettable literary couples in a two-week long love extravaganza. Look forward to posts on the most memorable, the most heart-rate spiking, the most extraordinary literary couples that grace the pages of your favorite books. Literary Love won't focus on any particular genre, just those duos you can't help but sigh over. I'm also including a nifty giveaway, so make sure you drop in for all the fun.

Here's how it will work:
February 1st - 6th: Nominate your favorite Literary Love couple in the comments of the intro post - heck, you can start submitting them any time, just make sure I have them all before voting begins
February 7th - 14th: Polls Open
February 14th: the Literary Love winner will be revealed

***I'm also looking for anyone interested in doing a guest post on their favorite bookish couple during those two weeks. Have a favorite first kiss? A fabulous love-at-first-sight encounter? Want to review your favorite love story? Or maybe you just want to rant over that couple that you think is waaay overrated. I'm open to all sorts of posts, so if you are interested please drop me a line at mmillet at gmail dot com or leave a comment on this post.

So tell me. Who is your favorite literary couple?

Blog Watch: The Last Blog in The Universe

Who doesn't love to get sucked into a good dystopian novel?

I sure do.

So when I stumbled across what has to be the best new blog called The Last Blog in The Universe I might have squealed just a little bit. Hop on over to check out their round-up of recent dystopian book reviews including The Top 9 Signs You Are Reading a Bad Dystopian Novel.

I think I just figured out how I'm spending my lunch break.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

I have been looking forward to reading This World We Live In, the third book in Susan Beth Pfeffer's Moon trilogy, for what seems like ages. After tearing through Life As We Knew It I spent countless late nights up with a newborn agonizing over what I would do in such a catastrophic situation. Due to Miranda's spell-binding account, the hubby and I often spent hours mentally counting canned foods, organizing medications, and obsessing over ways to cook without electricity. Not often does a book consume my every spare thought as effectively as Life As We Knew It did. Knowing This World We Live In would connect Miranda's story with Alex's from The Dead and the Gone, I mentally prepared myself for a similarly engrossing read and lots of hours checking over my food storage.

In the past year, Miranda's entire life has altered after a freak asteroid-moon collision resulting in a change in orbit and all kinds of calamity. Countless natural disasters ensued and it was all Miranda, her mom, and brothers Matt and Jon could do to survive one catastrophe after another. Nothing is as it was before. Miranda will never be a 'normal' teenager and she's almost starting to forget what it was even like to walk in the sun or eat eggs or even fresh lettuce.

It's been less than a year since everything changed, less than a year since hunger and darkness and death have become so commonplace, but I couldn't remember what life -- life the way I used to know it -- had been like. I couldn't remember blue.

They've made it through the worst of the winter and are even beginning to feel a ray of hope for the future with the arrival of spring and some truly unexpected guests. Miranda's father has returned with his wife and new baby. He's also brought along Alex and Julie Morales and a close friend, Charlie. Although thrilled to have them safe and home, Miranda and her family understandably begin to wonder just how long their meager stores will last with the addition of five adults.

This World We Live In returns to Miranda's journal entries and although I could not bear to look away from her family's struggle, this latest installment didn't really add anything in terms of character or plot development. Whatever happened to the Miranda I knew and loved from Life As We Knew It? That Miranda had me in the palm of her hand as she unfolded her desperate struggle for survival. And although her everyday existence remained as precarious as ever, I didn't feel like Miranda (or anyone else) grew from their experiences. Yes, it was interesting to see how Miranda and Alex interacted but I never got a good handle on why they were drawn to each other. Besides both having survived a world-ending disaster, of course. It was like Susan Beth Pfeffer expected her readers to already be so in love with Alex from The Dead and the Gone (which I wasn't) that she didn't really bother taking the time to develop a believable relationship between the two.

Although I did struggle reading it, I will admit I still read This World We Live In quicker than you can say 'post-apocalyptic-young-adult-candy-fiction.' Fans of Miranda who have continued to wonder about her future will be glad they picked it up; I just wish the story had been developed a bit further.

series reading order:
~ Life as We Knew It
~ The Dead and the Gone
~ This World We Live In (April 2010)

Because Everyone Likes a Second Opinion:
Becky's Book Reviews
Jen Robinson's Book Page review

book source: provided by the publisher, Harcourt