I Am In A Historical Romance/Highlander Phase

Hey y'all. It's true. I'm currently in love with historical romance/highlanders novels. I found their romance are more subtle and the ladies are less irritating and annoying. So far, I haven't been let down by any regency or highlanders novels yet. I've chosen (delicately) the one that got high ratings (since I am a little short in time). This is because I only have more than 10 more before I go to college and I really want to fill those time time in between with books that are worth my time. So, in this post, I want to talk a little about the books I've read this week. Shall we?

1. McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks. 

          I have to say, this trilogy was my first highlanders book. I was a bit sceptic at first when I read the highlanders book (in general) because who likes reading books about guys wearing skirts? I didn't know anyone who like reading them, so I didn't try it. Later, I found out the appeal in guys wearing plaids (THAT'S WHAT THEY CALLED THEM!). And I was immediately hooked! FYI, Maya Banks really knows how to write highlanders book. I freaking love her works with the McCabe. 

           My favourite couple in this Alaric and Rionna in Seduction of a Highland Lass. Both of them were just PERFECT for each other. Plus, I gotta admit, I cried so much at the ending. It was so sad and yet after that I smiled so wide like an idiot.

“You’re my dream, Alaric McCabe. And I love you. I’ve loved you from the moment your horse dumped you at my cottage. I spent so much time being resentful and lamenting the circumstances of my life, but ’tis true that I wouldn’t change a single thing because then I would have never known your love.” - Rionna, Seduction of a Highland Lass.

2. Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

          This novel, on the other hand, was my first try at historical/regency romance, and you know what, I really love it too. As I said earlier, the girls in regency era are, in my opinion, better than contemporary girls. I love Madelyn and I think, I know, she got guts. And she was so selfless and kind and I love the hero too.

         The guys, are inarguably more rational though the hot-headedness and the stubbornness are still there. But still, they are somehow in some way, better that most contemporary guys. So far, I haven't had the urge to throttle someone yet.

         And you know, what was the best thing with this kinda story? It was the easy-going hilarity at their situation that made me felt so at ease. I like it because there is no huge drama in the story. It was just small problems here and there. Though the small problems did posses a life-threatening consequences.

“If you get yourself killed, I'll find your grave and spit on it," she threatened.

"Then I'll take every care."

"You promise me?"

"I promise you.” -- Honor's Splendour.

3. The Bride by Julie Garwood

           This one is a little bit of both. English medieval era and Scotland highlanders. It's about a Scotland laird (clan leader for those who didn't know) that was commanded by his king to marry an English's baron's daughter.

           I also really love this book. The hero, Alec Kincaid was the kind of man I expected him to be. I expected him to be very displeased with the marriage that was forced upon him but he surprised me when he turned out to a gentleman despite the complicated situation. Oh and Jamie turned out to be a very enjoyable heroine. I admired her bravery and efforts in making things work in her way.

           Oh and, did I tell you that I love the humor too?

“She still hadn't caught on. Alec sighed. "Change your gown, Jamie, if that's your inclination. I prefer white. Now go and do my bidding. The hour grows late and we must be on our way."

He'd deliberately lengthened his speech, giving her time to react to his announcement. He thought he was being most considerate.

She thought he was demented.

Jamie was, at first, too stunned to do more than stare in horror at the warlord. When she finally gained her voice, she shouted, "It will be a frigid day in heaven before I marry you, milord, a frigid day indeed."

"You've just described the Highlands in winter, lass. And you will marry me."

"Never."

Exactly one hour later, Lady Jamison was wed to Alec Kincaid. - The Bride.

4. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught 

          This book is about a young woman named Jennifer who was kidnapped by her father's sworn enemy, the feared Duke of Claymore, Royce Westmoreland. I had a bit of problem at first in discovering how in the hell their love would blossom because both of this people were like two hungry serpents in a hole. But later, romance budded and I love it too. I got a bit annoyed at Jennifer a little later in the story after Royce accidentally killed her beloved brother, though I understood why she was cold toward Royce later. But still, she did annoy me a bit. But Royce and his persistence won me over again.

          Oh and, I love the ending. I might have not told you guys this, but I am a bit sadist in romance. I love imagining a tragic ending but in the same time I hate (despise! loathe!) tragic ending. I especially love imagining the heroine dies at the end of the story and how the hero acts after that. You have no idea how many times I entertain the idea of Ana died at the end of Fifty Shades Freed and how Christian suffered later. I lived on those feelings. Anyhow, I love the ending of A Kingdom of Dreams and that they lived happily ever after...

“What were you thinking about just now while you were looking out the window?" To his surprise, the question flustered her. 
"I—wasn't thinking."
"Then what were you doing?" he asked, his curiosity aroused.
A rueful smile touched her inviting lips, and she shot him a sideways look before turning back to the window. "I was… talking to God," she admitted. "'Tis a habit I have."
Startled and slightly amused, Royce said, "Really? What did God have to say?"
"I think," she softly replied, "He said, 'You're welcome.' "
"For what?" Royce teased.
Lifting her eyes to his, Jenny solemnly replied, "For you.” -- A Kingdom of Dreams.

5. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

           This is the novel that I just finished an hour ago. It was an amazing read. I am utterly speechless after I finished the book because the book was funny as hell and the same time broke my heart. I love the Bridgertons' family. OMG. I wish I have a big family just like them. Daphne's older brothers were hilarious. Daphne's mother was comical. Daphne's younger siblings were adorable. And Simon, Duke of Hastings? He was as devastatingly gorgeous as the people of London thought him to be.

          Hell, I like the way Daphne's mother named her children. Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth. Do you notice the pattern? A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. LOL. I didn't catch it at first. What an amazing way to alphabetically named your kids. Made me think about naming my kids that way.

          In this book, Simon made a proposition with Daphne to be his fake girlfriend (or some sort, I don't remember the traditional term) to put out his position as an eligible man from the spotlight. In the meantime, Daphne would be more desired by the eyes of other men in the town because she was fancied by the duke. Well, you can clearly detect the problem when Daphne started to fall in love with the duke. One thing led to another and they got married. However problems didn't solve there. You just gotta read it to know how it ended I supposed.


        Overall, you guys just got to read these books yourself to understand why I love them so much because I'm not that very good in giving reviews. It is just that these books worth your time. If you ever feel tired of reading contemporary books where the girls are annoying and the boys are big jerk, I suggest for you to find yourself a historical romance because the guys are mostly not like that and the romance are more subtle than insta-love, meet-for-the-second-time, talk and then have sex and all those drama bullshit. Grab yourself an historical romance novel and enjoy the ride as I'm doing right now.

         Anyhow, that is all for now. See ya later, y'all!

Loving A New Kind Of Man,

Liely