Top Ten Tuesday: Trading Places

~The Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.~

While watching the Olympics this evening, I decided to do this meme for today. hahaha. Well, the question for this week is "who would you trade places with for 24 hours?" Personally, if I was to live in the lives of one of these 10 characters lives, I probably wouldn't want to leave after 24 hours....they would have to bring me back kicking and screaming. hehehe ^.^

There is no order for my list and I'm going to share pictures of what I envision the character looks like:

~Suyin from 'The Dragon and the Pearl'. She is beautiful and she owns the heart of Li Tao. 

~Eowyn from 'The Lord of the Rings'. Again, lovely girl. She also is strong in her own way. Plus I would kill to live in Rohan and then Gondor with the yummie Faramir.

~Lothiriel from 'The Lord of the Rings'. I wished JRR Tolkien would have expanded on this character, but I would LOVE to be her. Would it surprise you that I have my own fanfiction about Lothiriel and Eomer story? I'm a nerdy kid, so don't be so surprised. I haven't shared it before. Well, there are couple versions I see her as. 

I randomly found this today and it fits one version.

I could just see Lothiriel wearing this dress and seducing Eomer. lol But her eyes would be brown.

~Bella from 'Twilight' series. Okay...I hate Bella, but I am envious of her and wouldn't mind being her for a day.....because of this picture below....

~Cassidy from 'Touch of the Wolf'. Mostly I would want to be a shape-shifter. haha. Plus she does score a pretty good looking fella.

~Anita Blake from Anita Blake series. Okay. She is KICKASS! Who wouldn't want to be her and be sassy and cool???? The hot men are bonuses. ^.^

~Adrienne from 'Beyond the Highland Mist'. What more can I say? She is sassy, strong-minded, and has a sexy Highlander warrior husband!

~Jane from the Pink Carnation series. Another strong woman, who may be extremely cold at times, but c'mon! She's a spy and being all ninja-ish all the time!

~The Fairy Queen from 'Beyond the Highland Mist'. Okay...she is a fairy! C'mon!

~Elizabeth from 'Pride and Prejudice'. She gets with Mr. Darcy....simple as that.

I believe that is ten. Hope you enjoy my list! Who would die to be for 24 hours?

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<3CaroleRae

Music Monday

Happy Monday everyone. Its another hot day here in the lovely state of Michigan :/ At least we got a little break the other day, because it was storming and raining like crazy. It was nice. Well, today was Day Two in my physical therapy for my knee. Gah. I'm in so much pain...at least I'll have two days off. Woot woot! Well, let's play some music to help me chill. 

First, I'm kind of addicted to this song. I whistled the tune all day at work today, so I have no choice but to play it. hahaha. It seems dirty, but according the artist, himself, its not. After watching the video, I'm feeling like he's playing innocent. Oh well...its still a good song. This is Whistle by Flo Rida:

I know I already read and reviewed 'The Seduction of the Phoenix', but I wanted to share this song that highly reminds me of Jin and Francesca. Unfortunaly for both of them, "one more night" would never come. They'll be together forever, because its a romance. lol. This is One More Night by Maroon 5:

Haven't shared a video fanmade video in a while. I'm going to share two by the always fantastic Tiukudaa. Both are about Marie Antoinette. The first one is crossover though. It's a quick glimpse of a romance between Marie and Captain James Norrington (who I loved) from 'Pirates of the Carribean'. The second one is just a montage. Enjoy:

Hope you enjoyed my selections for this week. ^.^


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<3CR

Friday Flash Fiction #13

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be about 350 or so words.

Had an extremely busy weekend. Better late than never, eh? Well this a continual of 'The Raven Queen' series that I just finished last week. While I was working one day I thought struck me, "What about poor baby Edgar?" Due to the tragic tale of his mother, would he find love? Then this picture was presented and I knew that this would give a little glimpse to Edgar and his love. ^.^ Enjoy....here are the links to past series that inspired this story:

The Raven Queen

The Raven Queen - Conclusion

The Light Queen

by: CaroleRae

The horrendous sounds of battle continued on the other side of the castle. This battle had been going on for hours. However, it seemed like an eternity! I couldn't stay cooped up any longer, especially while my own husband was down below with his soldiers. A loud boom vibrated the room and the cries of the wounded seemed to become louder and louder. I could feel myself drowning in the guilt. This was all my fault. If I hadn't ran away with the young King Edgar and married my original betrothed...none of this would have happened. 

Without a word, I stood from my place at the window and ran. I ran from the accusing eyes of the other noble wives. Many of them would never be able to see their husbands. They hated me and did I blame them? No. I hated for myself for letting Edgar steal my heart, because now he may die. There was only one way to end this battle here and now. I had to stop this battle, not just for my conscious, but for the country and people I have grown to love. No one should have to die for a silly girl.

Busting through the double doors to the balcony, I made myself to the railing. We had exchanged vows here and not too long before we were attacked by the new King Huron, son of the late King Monstrsor, and his forces we made love here. As I looked below, I could see the bloodshed by the side of the sea. A sob escaped my lips. What I have I done? Our forces were being pushed further and further inland. We were losing. King Huron would have my Edgar killed and he would have everyone murdered. They would be the lucky ones, my death wouldn't come so quickly.

I touched my belly and whispered an apology to my unborn child, "I'm sorry little nut...but I must save this kingdom and your father. Perhaps he'll remarry and you'll be reborn." Looking up at the moon, I gave a small prayer that Edgar would understand and I crawled up onto the railing. This was the end, but it was odd...I wasn't scared. This was the only way.

"NO!" A voice hollered behind me, "my Queen!"

Looking back, I seen the ever faithful Councillor Iago. He must have been an extremely good looking man in his youth for he still held some of his attractiveness. His wife must be thanking her lucky stars that she married this man, "Hello Councillor Iago." I smiled wanly at him. Why was he here?

"Stop. Please." He slowly walked towards me, "Don't do it."

"No. I must! All of this is because of me. I must end this." 

"We can win this war. Reinforcements are coming. Please, Rayley." 

I shook my head, "I must do it. For the Kingdom, for you....for Edgar. If he dies..." I cut off.

Iago's normally calm and collected face grew red and his features morphed into a look I've never seen on him before. Was it anger? Hate? I wasn't quite sure, but it scared me, "You have no idea what you would do to Edgar if you did this! His mother killed herself! Do you know what his first memory is? Do you?" I shook my head, "His first memory was him throwing a fit because he wanted to see his mother, but it was left to me to tell him that his mother was dead and was never coming back. All his life he was quiet and lonely. But when he found you, you lite up his whole world. You made his life meaningful! If you kill yourself like his mother did, then you will push him into darkness. You might as well slit his throat yourself!

I paled at his words, but I must defend my actions, "But what if he dies!"

"Then you will live on! You will be a mother to that child! That's how he would want it."

I looked at him and then down at that battle scene below me. My heart tried to make me take that step and into death's arms, but my body and my mind forced me off the railing into Iago's arms. Tears ran down my face, "Oh Iago!" I cried into his chest.

Iago gave a small cry too, "Thank you Anabel for not doing it. Thank you." He hugged me tight.

Did he just call me Anabel? That was Edgar's mother's name. Was Iago there when Anabel took her life? Why did she take her life that way? All I knew was that she broke the blood-oath and left the kingdom. She killed herself. Was it for love? Perhaps Iago would tell me one day. 

As Iago and I sobbed. There was a shrill call in the air, "VICTORY! LONG LIVE KING EDGAR AND QUEEN RAYLEY! VICTORY!"

Thousands of voice cheered along. We won? Iago and I looked at each other. He wiped away my tears and smiled, "I told you didn't I? I wasn't made a councilor for no reason, my Queen." We laughed and ran to the railing to see our men. Swords and guns were bouncing in the air as all the men cheered and demanded all the galaxies to hear their joy in victory. 

I looked from face to face, looking for my love. Where was he? Then suddenly I heard his velvet voice behind me, "LeyLey."

I turned and there he was. Tall, dark, and all-so handsome in his black and silver uniform. Without a moment to waste, I ran into his waiting arms. I kissed him for all I was worth. 

-THE END-

Drop it Like Its Hot Hop & My Other Blog

Welcome to Drop It Like It's Hot Hop! This hop is hosted by Charisma Media Network

<a href=" http://charismamedianetwork.com" target="_blank”"><img src="http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/StressedRach/dilih.png" alt="Drop" border="0" /></a>

Book Review: Seduction of the Phoenix

Author: Michelle M. Pillow

Title: Seduction of the Phoenix (Zhang Dynasty #1)
Genre:  Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Erotica, Sci-Fi
Pages: 220

First Published: January 1st, 2006 
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)

"Prince Zhang Jin is a man raised in honor and tradition, so it is a great surprise when he is compelled to claim a stranger as his bride who has neither. Francesca La Rosa is hardly a match fit for a prince. Though beautiful, she is a thief with one thing on her mind--stealing the sacred Jade Phoenix of his people. But the mystery doesn't end there. With the aid of the spirits of his ancestors he must discover who this woman is, why she would destroy the Zhang Empire and most of all, if she could ever return the love that is growing in his heart. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence."

This is the first book I've read by Michelle M. Pillow and it is also the first book of the Zhang Dynasty series, which is one the many series written by this author. She is no newbie by any means.

Alright....I was rather confused during the first couple of chapters. When I picked this up I had thought that this was a historical romance and it did seem so! However, uploads, computers, cameras, and etc was mentioned and I was like: 0_0? I went onto goodreads and found out that  this is a fantasy and sci-fi novel. All suddenly made sense and I was able to sit and enjoy the rest of the book.

I loved Jin! I loved him from page one. It drove me crazy that Francesca hurt him over and over again. Any lady would be lucky to win such a stud of a prince. Jealous? Who me? Yes. Even though Francesca was cold and mean at times, I really liked her too. You can't blame her for being her....if I went through what she had to endure, I would be like her too. 

Jin and Francesca were great characters and they were made for each other. I also loved the side characters. Like Haun, Jin's older brother. Perhaps Michelle M. Pillow could write a book about me and him *wink wink*. Don't mind me. ^.^ But the book had a strong set of characters and it really made me want to read more! Some of the characters are guests from past books in other series. I may have to check out her other series.

Okay, the ending bothered me a little bit. It was so drawn out and I was in high doubt that Jin and Francesca would ever become one again. I was getting anxious and so I zipped through with reading until the last page. I know there is a second book in the series, but I wanted to know more! Like an epilogue or something. Oh well, I guess this was the authors way of making me read the second book. haha.

Besides for the slight confusion at the beginning, long ending, and small cliff at the end there was nothing else I can nick-pick about. I really enjoyed this book. Michelle M. Pillow had a way with words that had me wanting more. She has a way of presenting those lovely erotic scenes that had me hooked and smiling like a goon.

This was a fun book and I'm probably going to read more by this author. I would recommend this book to others who like romance, erotica, fantasy, and sci-fi type novels. If you like a light touch of historical feeling too. Jin and his people hold the strong traditions of their Chinese ancestors from Earth. Which I found interesting! Jin's people are descendants from Chinese people who left Earth and settled on their own planet. A pretty nefty idea. Anyways....I grant this story 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Haun (yum), Jin (great man), Francesca (a spit-fire that chica), Mei, and Fen
Not-so-Favorite Character(s): Emperor Zhang (he bugged me) and Great-Grandmother An

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<3CaroleRae

A Very True and Valid Rant

My dad showed me this video. I cheered in my mind! This rant is the best and most true rant I have ever heard. I really wish everyone in the United States should watch this. It sucks the America isn't the greatest country in the world anymore, but like this wise man said the first step to solve a problem is to recognize the problem.

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<3CR

Wordless Wednesday

Finally Movie Review for 'The Vow'

Length: 104 mins
Released: 2012
Genre: Romance, Drama, 
Rating: PG-13 (car accident scene, nudity, language, sexual content)
Directed By: Michael Sucsy
Where I Got It: My Self (Kroger)




The Vow is set in contemporary United States, I believe it was set in Illinois. The movies starts out with Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) meeting for the first time. Leo goes on this rant through out the first 10 minutes about how memories shape us and when we lose those memories, we lose ourselves. Which is the theme of the movie. Then we go to the car accident. Leo wakes up and is completely fine, just some cuts and bruises. However, Paige went through the window and received a huge brain injury. When she wakes up, she thinks Leo is her doctor. Leo and Paige had been married for 4 years. Paige lost about 6 years of her memory.


This was a pretty good cast. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Dear John) as Leo, Rachel McAdams (The Notebook) as Paige, Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Tudors) as Bill Thornton/Paige's Dad, Jessica Lange (Big Fish) as Mrs. Thornton/Paige's mom, and others. 


It took me forever and a half to actually sit down and watch this. Sarah, my friend, actually got me to commit and watch this. Why? I don't know really...perhaps it is because I knew this was going to break my heart. Movies about losing memory is a sore spot for me, because I have a high risk of Alzheimers and I had to help take care of my grandpa Carol who had it. Then I found out that this was based off a true story, so it hit home a little bit.


Well, it was a tear-jerking movie and it evoked anger out of me! I wanted to punch Paige in the face. She was horrible to Leo! She was a bitch (pardon me)! He tried so hard to help her and she just yelled at him and hurt him at every turn. Okay, I understand that he is pretty much a stranger to her, but really? *SPOILER ALERT* Did she really have to throw herself at Jeremy, her ex-fiance?*END OF SPOILER ALERT* I wish Leo was my husband! I'm so glad they casted Tatum as Leo, because I don't think anyone would have played Leo the way he was suppose to be. Leo is just so darn adorable!


Well, the acting was alright. The guy who played Jeremy, Paige's ex, was a horrible actor and pretty ugly in and out (in my opinion). Tatum and McAdams played well off of each other. They had a lot of chemistry. The dialogue was well written. However, I feel like some of the scenes were a bit choppy...perhaps they overly edited it or something. The flow was a little off, but I still was still hooked. It's a wonderful chick movie though. I admit I cried a couple of time during this. ^.^


Overall, this was a cute movie. It's an amazing chick movie to force your lover to watch. Even though is was a little choppy at parts, it was still a cute movie. I hated Paige with a passion! She was horrible to  Leo when he was trying to help and show her love. Gah. In the end I'm going to give this 3 stars. I've been stuck between 3 and 4, but 3 is what I shall grant it.


Favorite Character(s): Leo and Gwen
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Paige (....), Jeremy, Mama Thornton, and Papa Thornton 
Favorite Quote(s): Leo - "Life's all about moments, of impact and how they changes our lives forever. But what if one day you could no longer remember any of them?"

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<3CaroleRae

Music Monday: Flash From the Past

Happy Monday everyone.

Had a flash from the past yesterday at work. Anytime I work an afternoon at work I play either my mp3 player or iheartradio.com in the back. Yesterday, I played iheartradio.com and I had it on the Katy Perry station (much to the dismay of my co-worker). At one point when I was baking some donuts this song popped on. Memories of me dancing and singing this song when I was wee little thing came rushing to me. Now I must share it. haha. This is Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera:

Here's another one I used to love What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs by Christina Aguilera:

And finally...the song I remember me and my friend making our own dance to...Dirty Pop by NsYNC. haha:

Friday Flash Fiction

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be about 350 or so words.

Happy Saturday everyone! I know I'm late, but life happens I guess. ^.^

Sacrifice 

by: Carole Rae

This was everything she was looking for. This moment was perfection. Her and the moon god would become one and live happily ever after. The moon god was perfection and he loved her. She was his now and forever. All the other gods wanted her, but he fought for her and won her. 


Now that the full moon was shining brightly in front of her, it was time to say goodbye to the forest that she grow up in. Yes, she would miss the little forest creatures and the rocks and the tree and the butterflies, but true love awaited her! She was willing to sacrifice everything to finally be loved and wanted. 


"Lillian..." a voice whispered her name amongst the blowing wind, "Come to me my love!"


A smile as bright as the moon spread on her lips. She sighed and let her wings open. The butterflies began to dance around her and say goodbye. The time had come to leave her home and enter into her destiny with the moon god. 


She lifted from her feet and grabbed a hold of her love's hand. The moon god looked at her in awe, "My goddess. You are so beautiful!"


With a blush she touched his cheek, "Oh do kiss me my beloved."


"Of course, Lillian."


As he leaned in to kiss her, a loud voice boomed across the sky.....


Lillian startled awake. She looked around for her god and then the reality dawned on her, "Damn it." She muttered and pushed herself up. Another lovely dream destroyed by the sound of her mother. Why must the dream always end when she was about to venture into the best part! 


"LILLIAN! I NEED TO USE THE BATHROOM!" Boomed the voice again.


"COMING!" Hollered Lillian. Quickly, she slipped on a pair of slippers and ran down the stairs. She loved her mother and would do anything for her. Yes, her mother was sickly and needed her, but she felt locked in a fortress of solitude.


Running down the steps to her mother's room, she tried to keep the image of her moon god in her head, but his face was quickly fading. This saddened her, but her mother needed her; dreams could wait. In this reality, she gave up on true love and a social life to the happiness and well being of her mother. 

Book Review - To Tame a Highland Warrior

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Title: To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander Series #2)
Genre:  Historical Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Paranormal, PR
Pages: 366

First Published: December 1st, 1999
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library


"Only her love could gentle his savage soul—

He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side—into a competition to win her hand in marriage.

Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him—even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both...."

This is the second book in the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. You could read this as a stand alone, but there are a couple references and jokes that would only be understood if you read the first one.   However, if you want to skip the first one, then all is well.

Grimm was in the first book and I really liked him, even though he was an idiot and very logical at times. His being an idiot really shinned in this book. However, I found his lack of logic rather nice. In many books the hero is not only extremely buff and hot and seems he can do no wrong. It was nice to see that the hero had some major flaws. Realistic flaws! Perfect characters annoy me to no ends. Well, this little ramble of mine can also be applied to Jillian. At first I was worried she would be one of these characters, but once you get to know her and Grimm rides into town she her perfectness is shattered. I loved both of this characters! I could really relate to Jillian in a lot of ways...like we both make idiots of ourselves in front of the men we find a wee bit attractive. *sighs*

I did get rather annoyed at Jillian and Grimm being overly stubborn! At many times I wanted to punch Grimm in the face and tell him to get-over his Berserker-issue. "I'm not good enough for Jillian and she should marry one of the other men and yadda yadda yadda". Please. Jillian loves you and you love her, so just get use to it Mr. Man. 

Anyways, I am beginning to really like this series! I am confused as to why many people don't like the first three books. What? Why? I read the first and now the second and I liked them both! I just don't understand it. Yes, I will admit the story-line in both tales are a little over-used. However, the telling of the tales and the layout is unique-ish and entertaining! I love how well Karen Marie Moning blends historical romance and paranormal together. It isn't cheesy or messy. She did a wonderful job in both books keeping it balanced and nicely blended. 

Gah. The first 20ish pages TOOK ME FOREVER to read. Perhaps it was due to the fact that there was nothing going on. Jillian, at this stage, wanted nothing to do with Grimm and he wanted nothing to do with her. They're facade of hatred had me convinced that they would never end up together. I'm not sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing, but I groaned the first 20 pages. However, I started moaning afterward because the love was in the air and tension was in the air. The tension was not only tension between the two love-birds, but also some serious crap was about to hit the fan. I was dying to know how all that would resolve. Can't say much else on this point without ruining the book....

Besides for Grimm being a stubborn arse and for the first 20 pages, I really liked this book! So far I'm really liking this series too and I can't wait to read the third one! Yes, I recommend you read this if you love Historical Romance with some paranormal and fantasy mixed in. Poo on those that say the first three books are crap! I disagree and you should read this one and the first one...at least. Not quite sure about the third one yet. ^.^ Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Jillian, Grimm, Hawk, Adrienne, Ronin, and Balder

Not-so Favorite Character(s): The McKanes (gah!)

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<3CaroleRae

Thursday Book Teaser

Simply bored.

I know there are a few memes like this floating around the blogging world, but oh well. It'll have a Carole-twist to it, so its all good. I want to blog this and see if I like it. I like trying new things. I'm a random kid...what can I say. Feel free to join! Help me form this! This meme is just putty that I'm playing with. Perhaps I could have a co-host of this meme *winks* *winks*. Maybe someone can come up with a snazy little picture to go along with this *winks* *winks*

The basic of this meme is to tease other readers with what you are reading. Every week the page number and etc that is going to be shared will be different. I'll play with this notion a little more. The amount shared depends on how much you want to share. Warning though...it is a TEASER not a SPOILER! Try not to ruin anything for a reader. If the random page number and etc lands at a spoiler part, just pick something else. It's not set in stone. ^.^ This weeks teaser will be: page 7 starting at word 19.

I'll be sharing mine from 'To Tame a Highland Warrior' by Karen Marie Moning:

"'...Get on with ye now! Yer Da's in trouble!' She pointed a quivering finger last the last row if smoldering huts. 

Gavrael narrowed his eyes against the smoke and stumbled forward. He'd never felt so drained in all his life. Moving awkwardly, he rounded one of the few huts still standing and jerked to a halt.

His da was crumpled on the ground, covered with blood, his sword abandoned at his side in the dirt.

Grief and anger vied for supremacy in Gavrael's heart, leaving him strangely hollow. As he stared down at his father, the image of his mother's body surged to the forefront of his mind and the last of his youthful illusions shattered; tonight had birthed both an extraordinary warrior and flesh-and-blood man with inadequate defenses. 'Why, Da? Why?'...."

Did that tease you a little?? haha.

Any ideas on how to make this meme more fun so other people will play along?

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<3CaroleRae

Wordless Wednesday

Anee and me at her Wedding Shower

Book Review - Another World

Author: Pat Barker

Title: Another World
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Drama, Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 288

First Published: 1998
Where I Got It: My shelf (forgot where)


"Plagued by nightmarish memories of the trenches where he saw his brother die, Nick's grandfather Gordie lays dying as Nick struggles to keep the peace in his increasingly fractious home. As Nick's suburban family loses control over their world, Nick begins to learn his grandfather's buried secrets and comes to understand the power of old wounds to leak into the present. As a study of the power of memory and loss, Another World conveys with extraordinary intensity the ways in which the violent past returns to haunt and distort the present."


This is the first book by Pat Barker I have read, but it won't be the last. 


Okay...this book took ME FOREVER to read! Not because it was extremely long or anything, it was me. You know those stories that you should be interested in and normally you are, but you just arn't? This book was that book for me. 


A nice family drama mixed in with historical bits is usually right up my alley, but for some reason I didn't really care much about these people. Perhaps it was because I couldn't connect with them. I only cared about Gordie, the grandad who was dying. I felt horrible for him! Poor guy. He survived WWI and a stab to the gut from a bayonet. He survived cancer. However, in the end he had a stroke and had to live in misery the last few weeks of his life. 


Throughout the story while grandad is suffering from his troubled past and side-effects of the stroke, Nick and his family are being all butts and selfish. I just didn't care about Nick and his little family of drama-kings and drama-queens.


After reading some other reviews, I guess the struggles of the family was suppose to somehow connect with grandad's WWI past. I guess I missed it. I have no idea. I really wished that the story was revolved around grandad more. 


Don't get me wrong...I loved Pat Barker's writing and I can't wait to read another of her books, but this was not the tale for me. I wouldn't really recommend this book to others, but I would suggest reading one of her other books. She's a wonderful author! She has great potential! There isn't much else to say and I feel bad that my review is relatively short. Oh well. Out of five stars I grant this one 1 star. :( 


Favorite Character(s): Gordie/Grandad
Not-so Favorite Character(s): everyone else.

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<3CR

The Lover Unhappy Biddeth Happy by Thomas Wyatt

More poetry? Yes, yes. ^.^ 

YET that in love find luck and sweet abun-
        dance,
   And live in lust of joyful jollity,
Arise for shame, do way your sluggardy :
Arise, I say, do May some observance.
Let me in bed lie dreaming in mischance ;
Let me remember my mishaps unhappy,
That me betide in May most commonly ;
As one whom love list little to advance.
Stephan¹ said true, that my nativity
Mischanced was with the ruler of May.
He guessed (I prove) of that the verity.
In May my wealth, and eke my wits,² I say,
    Have stond so oft in such perplexity :
    Joy ; let me dream of your felicity.




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<3CR

Friday Flash Fiction #12

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be about 350 or so words.

Happy early Friday! I really wanted to post this yesterday, but I contained myself to wait until Friday. The moment I saw this picture, I knew what I would write about! It is the conclusion for my past FFF called 'The Raven Queen'. I hated how I left it, but I knew that someday I would be able to finish Anabel's story. ^.^ Hope you enjoy! It is a smidge dark. 

The Raven Queen - Conclusion

by: Carole Rae

“Yes, Councilor Iago?”

The wonderful thing about being who we are was that we age slower than average humans. Councilor Iago still looked the same three years later even after the bloody war with King Monrtesor. His face looked grim, however, “May we talk in private my Queen?”

This could not be good. I waved my hand and the room was cleared. The last to leave was my now three year old son, Edgar, and his nanny. Once the room was clear, I looked at him, “What is it?”

He took a deep breath and looked me right in the eye, “Your true love, you-know-who, is dead. He died last night....he was killed by someone and made to look like he died from alcoholism or such. I am truly sorry my Queen.”

I could feel the blood drain from my face and the world spin around me, “No...no...who would want to hurt him! He has done nothing! No one but my late parents know of our love!”

“My Queen, I have reason to believe it is your ex-husband, the past King Elizar.” Councilor Iago ran up to my knee and grabbed my hands. With such tenderness, he kissed my hands and murmured, “I am sorry...I will have the past King Elizar hunted down and ki--”

“No...no...don't bother. Since I banished him from my kingdom no one has been able to find him. It is useless.” I replied with a voice I didn't recognize. I could feel my heart crashing into little pebbles with every second. Moments passed before I asked, “Iago, is there anyway to smuggle me out of the kingdom to visit his...” I trailed off.

Councilor Iago sighed, “You gave the blood oath and tied yourself to the kingdom. There is only one way...”he too trailed off. He didn't have to continue, because I knew the penalty to leave the kingdom for reasons that wasn't connected to the well-being of the kingdom.

“I know the penalty, councilor, and I'm willing to pay it.”

Without objection, because Councilor Iago knew when I made my mind up, it was made up for good, he stood and kissed my forehead, “You must have really loved your first husband, Anabel. Too be honest, I wished you loved me that way.”

I smiled up at him, “Maybe in another life Iago. Perhaps then we could be together.”

“Before...before I get the...could I ask one favor?”

“Anything. Your loyalty to me and my family deserves much more than I can give.”

“Just one kiss, my Queen.” Iago kneeled back between my legs.

I smiled and massaged his cheek, “Of course.” Leaning forward, I kissed his lips gently. He moaned and I could feel the grin across my lips. If I had never met Edgar, I know that my heart might have been stolen by my faithful Iago. However, my heart did not exist and neither could I.

He broke the moment first. Standing, he put his shields back up and business was etched back into his mind, “My Queen, I will have the alchemist create the potion. The paperwork will be done and you will leave tonight.” He bowed and I waved him to be gone.

It felt like an eternity before the sun set and my smugglers came to fetch me. I quickly said goodbye to my son and to my kingdom. This mission would be my last and I was actually doing something for me. With the vial in hand, we departed.

--

It didn't take much time for us to arrive in the other dimension. I still found it odd that this world was so void of magic. It's sad actually...how empty their lives must be.

My smugglers/bodyguards lead me to the graveyard where my beloved was stored for all of eternity. With a curt nod I ordered the smugglers away and not to return for a couple of hours. They unhappily agreed. Each in turn kissed my hand and said their goodbyes. With each kiss I could feel the blood oath melting around me. I forgot how it felt to not have the fate of a kindgom balancing on my shoulders. What a liberating feeling!

Once I was left alone, I ran and ran until I found my beloved's grave. I threw myself down on it and cried! All the tears I held back over the years came flooding over me. I could feel myself drowning in my sorrow, “Oh Edgar! Edgar my love! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!”

“Dearest Virgina, you have found me.” The voice I have missed for so long sighed.

I turned and there stood Edgar's ghost, “Edgar!”

“I thought you would be waiting for me, Virgina.”

“I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you died, my beloved...but I am coming too.” I declared, taking out the vial.

He smiled as I popped the lid off and downed the poison. The penalty for breaking the blood oath was either death by hanging or suicide. Of course I would pick the latter. As much as it hurt me to leave my son and my friends, I knew that I couldn't live with the knowledge of Edgar not being alive. Slowly, but surely the poison did its work. After a moment or two my world went black and I was gone............

THE END

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<3CR  

The Bridal Ballad by Edgar Allan Poe

The Bridal Ballad by EAP

The ring is on my hand,
         And the wreath is on my brow;
       Satin and jewels grand
       Are all at my command,
         And I am happy now.

       And my lord he loves me well;
         But, when first he breathed his vow,
       I felt my bosom swell-
       For the words rang as a knell,
       And the voice seemed his who fell
       In the battle down the dell,
         And who is happy now.

       But he spoke to re-assure me,
         And he kissed my pallid brow,
       While a reverie came o'er me,
       And to the church-yard bore me,
       And I sighed to him before me,
       Thinking him dead D'Elormie,
       "Oh, I am happy now!"

       And thus the words were spoken,
         And this the plighted vow,
       And, though my faith be broken,
       And, though my heart be broken,
       Here is a ring, as token
         That I am happy now!

       Would God I could awaken!
         For I dream I know not how!
       And my soul is sorely shaken
       Lest an evil step be taken,-
       Lest the dead who is forsaken
         May not be happy now.

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<3CaroleRae

Wordless Wednesday

Found this on Facebook...it reminds me of Suyin from 'The Dragon and the Pearl'. 

Music Monday

Happy Monday. Thank goodness the heat wave is over and now I can actually sleep without sweating to death! *sighs* It didn't help that the AC at work and at home is broken. No escape except for driving or going to someone else's house. What a disastrous week at work! I even had heat exhaustion and had to go home 3 hours early because I was all puky and couldn't eat or drink. It was bad. Anyways, let's begin with the music:

First song is a song that has been stuck in my head for a little bit now. I also can see Ryam and Ai Li both listening to this song and thinking of each other. It's 'Just a Kiss' by Lady Antebellum. 

A little abnormal for me, but that's all I have for you guys this week. Sorry. Perhaps more next week!

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<3CaroleRae