For the first time ever, Bookworm in Pearls brings you two reviews in one because these novels were far too short and as one Goodreads reader calls, "cheating the readers". It is very frustrating when authors do that as I lamented in my review for Bad Boy Rock Star. I find that it's very lazy and bad writing to cut your novel halfway when there's still so much more you can fit in. It speaks about how limited a writer's imagination is when he/she has to resort to chopping the novel into three/four parts just to keep readers reading and the money flowing in.

"A woman dances the same way she fucks.

Soft and self-conscious; lithe and graceful. Or wild. Passionate.

Unleashed.

It’s not just women either. If you want to know how a man will perform between the sheets, just take him to the nearest dance floor. You’ll learn everything you need to know. His stamina, his rhythm, the slow grind of his hips. Some people are born to it, others learn through years of careful study.

And dancers? We fuck best of all.

Our bodies are our instruments, and we use them in a symphony of pure pleasure. We know just how far to push you, the breathless pacing of true art. The rise and fall that will make you beg for mercy; the ache of satisfaction when we give it to you hard and strong.

Dancing is the ultimate in sensual pleasure, a timeless erotic ritual that needs no words.

I thought I knew what it was like to dance with a skilled partner, a woman who could match my every step. My drive.

My passion.

Then I met her.

Every step she takes conjures wild, dark fantasies in my mind. Every sway of those hips demands satisfaction. My hands on her body. Her lips parted in the sweet gasp of release. Easing those sweet thighs apart and sinking inside deep her, inch by ravenous inch.

Her innocence is intoxicating. My lust is fierce. Primal.

To watch her dance is to know the torment of true temptation.

She will be mine." (Melody Grace)

Title: First Position (Dirty Dancing #1)
Author: Melody Grace
Published: 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult and College Romance

TL;DR Review: 

Too awful for words.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

The blurb was hot, hot, hot and I was so excited to read this for I am a staunch believer in the sexual powers that dancing gives men and women. I did quite like Annalise in the beginning for she seemed like a headstrong woman who was flawed in that she liked dancing but she had to live up to her mother's name. There was also an insight into the insane dieting of ballerinas.

However, that was all ruined by Raphael, the lead male who seemed like a down right prick and of course, Annalise's reaction to him. She went from zero to sixty in three point five and one of the character's pointed out the same thing. She needs to stick her tongue back into her mouth and stop drooling over some stranger who seems to be written straight off the pages of a porn script.

Plus, Annalise is an innocent little virgin and I absolutely detest virgin stories. I don't appreciate having men teach me about sex which Raphael seems bent on doing with Annalise, the poor naive little girl. And I don't appreciate female characters who have no backbone and just fall into throes of awfully written lust and sexual fantasies. Annalise is constantly turned on by the sight of Raphael. He probably did some Italian voodoo on her or something with her lady bits constantly on high.

To reiterate, Raphael is just puke-worthy and nothing about him was remotely sexy. I kept trying to picture some hot Italian guy but nothing comes to mind.

Everything was cheesy and awful from the moment Annalise spies Raphael in a courtyard. I've never felt less turned on in my entire life.

Rating: 1/5
Other Details: I read the Kindle edition, approximately 83 pages and published 2014


"Charity Thompson wants to save the world, one hospital at a time. Instead of finishing med school to become a doctor, she chooses a different path and raises money for hospitals – new wings, equipment, whatever they need. Except there is one hospital she would be happy to never set foot in again--her fathers. So of course he hires her to create a gala for his sixty-fifth birthday. Charity can’t say no. Now she is working in the one place she doesn’t want to be. Except she’s attracted to Dr. Elijah Bennet, the handsome playboy chief. 

Will she ever prove to her father that’s she’s more than a med school dropout? Or will her attraction to Elijah keep her from repairing the one thing she desperately wants to fix?"

Title: Saving Forever Part 1
Author: Lexy Timms
Published: 2013
Publisher: Dark Shadow Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

TL;DR Review:

Saving Forever Part 1 is the beginning of a cute and adorable romance. I expect that in the later parts, there will be conflict that will give this novel more substance. For now, it seems like an incomplete piece of writing designed to just introduce readers to the main characters at stake. Also, I'm not a fan of writers chopping their books and stopping half-short just to drag it out over a couple of publications. When I finished this one, there was more than half of my book bar left and even after the four "sneak peak" chapters, it wasn't quite full. A glance at the content page revealed just a lot of book-plugging and self-promotion. I loved Part 1 but I'm not interested in getting the rest because I don't feel like having each novel cut short just to force me to purchase the next one.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

Saving Forever Part 1 was actually a very, very good read but I didn't appreciate that the complete bar on my Kobo wasn't even half full when the novel ended. I finished it in about an hour. Four chapters of Part 2 were given as a sneak preview. Honestly, who gives you four chapters for a preview?

Like Timms so aggressively states in the novel, this is NOT erotica and I was glad for it. I'm quite tired of reading badly written erotica that makes me cringe more than get my lady bits all bothered. A sweet little romance is just what was needed to clear my palette. Most people didn't quite like it because this novel is honestly nothing but just a prequel. There was no conflict, no anything. Just two adorable characters liking each other.

The lousy length and novel-chopping aside, Timms writes and crafts rather well. It kept me interested to see what would happen between Charity and Elijah. Plus, I did fall quite a bit in love with Elijah but I kept picturing him as Dave Franco.


However, there was a scene where I felt was out-of-place, awkward and pretentious. I don't see a bunch of late-twenties and thirty-somethings going CLUBBING. Honestly, they'd go to a bar or to some dive-in or something but not clubbing for Merlin's sake. This scene, of course, served to showcase Charity as a trained dancer and gave Elijah a chance to be hero which seemed a little unnecessary.

Rating: 3/5
Other Details: I read the Kindle edition, approximately 116 pages and published 2013.

"Hannah Sorrento never planned to be a band manager. She’s a princess. The toughest obstacle she’s had to face is finding shoes to match her outfit.

Then her father disappears and she’s left with only the money in her purse and a contract for the management of hot, indie rock band, STORM. She plans to sell the management company, one or another, then head back to law school with her designer wardrobe and wait for this whole mess to blow over.

But lead singer, Jack Colt, has other ideas and he’s messing with Hannah’s head. Not to mention her heart.

With the help of crazy rock chick, Angie, Hannah sets the band on their first steps to the big time and learns that poor people can have a lot of fun.

But this isn’t some game she can escape from and soon her secrets get exposed.

He’s arrogant and infuriating but he’s the one that’s there for Hannah when her world comes crashing down. With secrets of his own, will Jack Colt save Hannah or destroy her?" (Candy J Starr)

Title: Bad Boy Rock Star
Author: Candy J Starr
Date Published: 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance

TL;DR Review:

I am not a fan of this novel but neither do I hate it with a vengeance. Bad Boy Rock Star began rather rocky and I almost gave up. Starr's portrayal of the posh princess seemed designed to inspire hatred and dislike for her which turned me off even when the posh princess was knocked off her pedestal. The novel, however, is saved by the characters who dominate the music of the novel, a world that Starr seems to be familiar an comfortable in. Jack Colt is the epitome of the novel's title and is designed to be as swoonworthy as possible. Angie, Hannah's sidekick and punk rock groupie, is raw and real and uninhibited. She is witty, charming and street smart, everything that our female lead is not. Even Jack's band mates are colourful and vibrant. However, what really saved this novel for me is Starr's insight and experience in the music industry that lends her writing voice an experience that research is not able to provide. I wouldn't rush to get the next book but it was a good read while it lasted.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

I have a love-hate relationship with this novel. On one hand, I was waiting with bated breath for the ending and on the other, the novel started off obnoxious and arrogant. It was impossible to find a connection with Hannah for she constantly complained. The emphasis the Starr placed on class difference between Princess Hannah and the musicians and their fans continued for quite a number of chapters with Hannah constantly comparing her designer duds to the laid-back, punk or grunge style of the fans.

However, once I got past that, Bad Boy Rock Star wasn't such a bad read, after all. Starr crafts a very believable story, allowing readers to empathise with the fallen princess and her struggles. There was something enthralling about watching the downfall of a socialite and her very real struggle of getting back on her feet.

While I didn't like Hannah (even towards the end), I loved Jack Colt who is the epitome of the novel's title. And as always with romance novels, he has a hidden side to him that just makes your heart melt with every turn of the page. He might have been a prick at times but what girl does not want a rocker of her own?

While Hannah soured the novel for me, Jack lifted it right back up.

I also loved Angie. She was real and raw juxtaposed against Hannah's smoke and mirrors socialite (up till when she immersed herself into Jack Colt's world). It is my belief that Starr is good at writing characters that she knows and is familiar with. However, she doesn't deliver the same finesse with writing a character that is not yet a part of the band and music world.

The amount of detail that Starr goes into with anything that deals with her musicians draws on her experience as a band manager. It makes the novel seem more real than if written based on research. All the parties, all the concerts and even down to the tiniest detail such as the merchandising provided incredible insight into the world of up-and-coming musicians. I am a huge fan of All Time Low and their associated acts (but mostly ATL) so this got me quite excited. It felt like I was peeking into a foreign world.

However, I did feel as well that there are certain scenes in the novel that were extremely unnecessary. She took her characters out of their comfort zones and threw them alone together. Their chemistry could have been forged in their comfort zones around people that they care about rather than out of it.

My pet peeve with this novel is the way Starr treated her only Asian character. He is a walking cliché of Asian people with his kimchi and his Korean food.

Lastly, I hate with a vengeance self-published authors who are determined to end their novels on cliffhangers so better to prompt readers to purchase the following novels. It doesn't prompt me to get the next one, it just prompts me to Google the ending.

While I didn't find much fault with this novel and I couldn't put it down for a good half of it, I'm not a fan of Bad Boy Rock Star. I liked it and it was enjoyable but Hannah isn't a character that I adored or even championed. I loved Angie and Jack and I wanted to read so much more about the world of punk rock music but as they say, first impressions last the longest.

Some Quotes:

Chapter 3: "A band is nothing without social media these days."

Rating: 3.5/5
Other Details: I read the Kindle version, approximately 196 pages and published 2013.

"Abby Lewis never pictured herself on the survival game show, Endurance Island. She's just not the survival type. But when her boss offers her a spot on the show and the opportunity of a lifetime, she packs her bags and heads to the tropics to be a contestant. Once in the game, though, it's clear that Abby's in over her head.

No one's more competitive than sexy, delicious and arrogant Dean Woodall. Sure, he's clever, strong, good at challenges, and has a body that makes her mouth water. He also hates Abby just as much as she hates him. That's fine with her; she'll just ignore the jerk.

But the rules of Endurance Island are working against them. Abby and Dean are teamed up & alone on the beach. It's either work together, or go home. Stuck with no one's company but their own, they learn they might just make a good team after all. And Abby learns that with just a little bit of kindling, the flames of hate can quickly turn to flames of passion.

This book features enemies, lovers, enemies who become lovers, and lots and lots of tropical
heat." (Jill Myles)

Title: Wicked Games (A Games Novel)
Author: Jessica Clare (Jill Myles)
Published: 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance

TL;DR Review:

I  am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with the novel, to quote Twilight. Wicked Games is a cliche novel with a predictable romantic ending, clichéd characters and brilliant crafting and writing. I couldn't put it down and I wanted so much more. The characters were witty, sarcastic, intelligent and endearing. It doesn't help that Dean is swoon-worthy and Abby is the epitome of a modern yet feminine woman. It is Judith-McNaught-worthy with a plot that follows a simple equation and characters that you can't help but love. I look forward to reading more of Myles' work if all of them are as good as Wicked Games.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

There are few novels where I will flat out jump for joy and tell you that I loved it with no beating around the bushes. Wicked Games is one of those. It is one of those classically clichéd novels where you can practically guess the ending and the outcome yet you are "unconditionally and irrevocably in love" to quote Twilight.

In fact, to me, this novel read almost like a Judith McNaught novel complete with dark, tall and handsome hero (Dean) but the witty, intelligent and sarcastic heroine (Abby) is not a McNaught trope. She is the epitome of a modern yet feminine woman. She chews you a new behind and doesn't need to rely on a man. Myles made the novel read-worthy with her portrayal of Abby who was Dean's equal rather than his arm candy.

The plot line was easily predictable in the typical McNaught format:

1. The novel begins with the characters not liking each other and/or fighting
2. They then fall in love over the course of many adorable instances
3. They confess their love,
4. One causes the other heartbreak,
5. The one who causes the heartbreak makes up for it OR the heartbroken one realises that the heartbreaker isn't a heartbreaker at all.
6. Happy endings.
(I guessed the plot twist in the second plot (not Dean/Abby's romance) way before it was revealed. I'm not too sure if others did)

I know authors don't like to be compared but Ms. Myles, if you are reading this, know that when I compare you to McNaught, it is extreme praise because I have yet to find anyone who writes as charmingly as she does. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. It is the only book to have made me cry and assault me with feels in a long while. Even though I could guess the ending, I was shedding tears when the heartbreak occurred.

Clare/Myles has a way with words that makes you fall in love with her characters and feel the same things that they felt. Although this novel was told from Abby's point of view, at the beginning of each chapter, there is a quote from Dean from interviews. It is a clever way to show readers what Dean is thinking without interrupting the flow of the novel. I think I am biased because the characterisation of the two leads are my favourite sort of characters to read. Dean is an a**hole with a soft spot and good looks to match while Abby is an intelligent, sarcastic and honest woman.

Still, cliched characters, plots and story lines are saved by Clare/Myles ability to craft a believable and heartwarming novel.

I couldn't find fault with it at all. It came at a time when I was sick of reading ebooks (acquired for free through BookBub) with cheesy and cliche plot lines and badly, badly written characters. Not to mention, my guilty pleasure then was MTV's Are You the One?.

So, kudos to Clare/Myles for writing an ebook and self-publishing that did not make me want to cringe or throw up.

Some Quotes:

(I was too engrossed to make any notations or even stop to decide if I like a line or not. I just powered through.)

Rating: 5/5
Other Details: I read the Kindle Edition, approximately 160 pages and published 2013.

"At not quite fifteen, Stefan's father finally let him board the longship Sja Vinna to take part in his first Viking raid. But the battle was not at all what he expected and he found himself alone and stranded in Scotland. Thirteen-year-old Kannak's problem was just as grave. Her father deserted them and the only way to survive, she decided, was to take a husband over her mother's objections. Then suddenly she found herself helping a hated Viking escape. Could Kannak successfully hide a Viking in the middle of a Scottish Clan? And why was someone plotting to kill the clan's beloved laird?" (Marti Talbott)




Title: The Viking
Author: Marti Talbott
Date Published:  October 26th 2012
Publisher: NA
Genre: Historical Romance

TL;DR Review:

I went in to this book expecting of course, a romance and loads of cool Viking action per History's Vikings or even, Norse mythology. I got the former without the latter. In fact, the book shouldn't be called The Viking because the Viking didn't remain a Viking. I was disappointed. Also, I wasn't very comfortable with the focus on religion, specifically Christianity. I'd rather not have my romances filled with religion, even if it's a historical romance. Also, read, Viking and Christianity. Big, big problem that I have right there. I also feel that Talbott's Kannak/Stefan relationship captured a rather contemporary sense of a YA relationship rather than a traditional, sort of archaic relationship. However, I do feel that other than these stumbles, the book was written very well. The writing was perfect and gorgeous. It was descriptive but it wasn't annoyingly descriptive. The blossoming relationship between Stefan and Kannak was such a joy to read and it wasn't immediate. It took it's time to build and generate a huge amount of feels that made me "aww" out loud multiple times. Overall, although it was a good read while it lasted, it's not a book that I would return to because it disappointed me on the "Viking" level which I expected from a book titled The Viking.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

It started out rather slowly, really, really building on the lead character, Stefan and his background and home. It was slow to the point that I wanted to give up and just read something else. But, I have been a lover of Vikings and Norse mythology since forever so I pressed on. It got good actually. somewhere past the second chapter and then I was hooked. The blurb on BookBub painted it as a YA novel but the YA didn't kick in until slightly later. I was convinced that it was going to be a historical novel with some YA side-action. Also, as I read Stefan's character, all I could picture was young Bjorn Lothbrok in History's Vikings (played by Nathan O'Toole) Later, I did appreciate a lot of the description.

I loved this book up till a few chapters before the end where the main character made the biggest decision of his life to become a Scot. I was appalled seeing as I read the book "The Viking" to read about well, a Viking. Not a Viking for the first two chapters and then a Scot for the rest of it. Still, in the interest of fairness, I would give this book a 3 star rating, seeing as it was very well-written. But it fell rather flat. Halfway through, a tragedy happened, just as the young YA lovers realised how much they loved each other. It was cliched and it got extremely boring. At that point, I was reading just to get to the end and see what happens.

Stefan and Kannak's relationship was built very well and readers grow up with the two characters. We watched them grow from adorable younglings into their awkward teenager stages and then to their "adult" phase. They, of course, were raised as brother and sister and there was an awkward moment when it become something else. However, it is quite obvious from the beginning that Stefan and Kannak would be the book's Golden Couple and was just waiting for the golden moment where they realised their love for each other.

As with all typical YA novels, the moment our young lovers fall madly in love and realise that they want to be together, tragedy strikes and all sorts of unfortunate events befall either character.

It was also wonderful to watch Stefan grow and show a little of the powerful Viking leader that he could be. In line with the romance aspect of this book, it emphasised so much that only the thought of a loved one, especially a woman, girlfriend or wife could keep a man sane and alive in adversity.

This unfortunately titled novel is actually a prelude to the series on the MacGregor clan, or the Highlander series. However, at the time I was reading it, I didn't know that it was a prelude. Either way, I certainly did not expect a Viking to change sides, to throw away all that he has known growing up for a life that he has only known for four years. (There is a massive time skip as part of the "conflict" of the novel) I would have expected the novel for feature Stefan returning to his Viking roots, possibly combatting with whichever brute that had taken his rightful place as heir and/or introduce his new wife to his roots. None of that happened.

Furthermore, after not bringing up God very much in the rest of the novel, suddenly Stefan finds God in the midst of his turmoil. I wanted to love it up till this very point. Having been raised a Viking, I expected him to confer with Odin or some other Norse God, not...Christian God. And having all these Christian sentiments. It was just a turn off (I dislike any book that makes a big play on Christian religion, other than those that provide a non-orthodox view).

Once the conflict in the plot progression arose and all the mentions of God with it, I just wanted to get the novel over and done with. I breezed through most of it, found myself mildly surprised with the twist/magic moment and not at all surprised with the ending.

What I Liked:

1. Descriptions of Viking culture and their civilisation. It got me really excited because it was exactly what was described on History (although I doubt that is a good comparison, seeing as actual history has been manipulated for entertainment purposes).
2. The relationship between Stefan and Kannak is the cutest thing ever.

What I Didn't Like:

1. Macaron's wife seems to have an ungodly hatred for him and there is no other explanation other than that he took her away from her family.
2. There was a big emphasis on God which I find disconcerting seeing as it was about a Viking. Vikings confer with Odin, not God. As based on my knowledge, Vikings do not give up their faith so easily.
3. There was barely any Viking save for the first few chapters. It was Scot all the way.

Some Quotes:
Chapter 11: "He was beginning to realize he wanted to be more to her than a brother."
Chapter 12: "It was not the real reason but it was not yet time to tell her he loved her and could not leave without her."
Chapter 12: Stefan rolled his eyes and patted the horse's nose. "Ye she loves already. Loving me will take a bit longer, it seems."
Chapter 13: "It was worth being tricked, he thought, just to have her hand in his."
Chapter 13: "Her heart would not be still and the fluttering did not stop. Was this what her father had told her about? Had the man she would marry been beside her all these months?"

Would I recommend it?: Yes
Rating: 3/5

Title: Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued
Author: Anna Elliot
Published: April 20th 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Skip ahead to section that says review if you don't want to hear me ramble about the preludes of me reading this book. Instead of studying and working on an assignment, I spent my early morning finishing the rest of Georgiana Darcy's Diary. In truth, I started reading this book while on the can so I didn't feel guilty about reading while I was supposed to be earning my grades.

If anyone knows me, I cannot resist a good Regency novel, especially one that involves Jane Austen and her characters. And when I saw that it was free, I snapped it up immediately because well, who cannot resist a free book. (I've got a huge collection of free books on Kobo ever since I discovered the beauty that is BookBub who never fails to update me on new books. Check them out on Facebook and see if you can find a few steals as well)

I won't give away too many spoilers because for one, I can't remember well or am articulate enough to recount the whole novel or give away any spoilers.

Review:

First and foremost, I enjoyed Elliot's take on Pride and Prejudice immensely and I couldn't put it down. Immediately after I finished Georgiana Darcy's Diary, I wanted to read the continuation. Unfortunately, it wasn't free.

I avoid reading Pride and Prejudice sequels mainly because I can't imagine having my most favourite characters in the world ruined by some writer who fails to capture what I imagine Elizabeth or Darcy is like. (My fault but I digress, most of P&P sequels are awfully written) I previously have read a sequel about Mary Bennett and that wasn't too bad so Georgiana Darcy, why not? She was a minor character and could use some imagination (and liberty) to bring her to life. Written in journal/diary format (as the title says), it centers the novel around Georgiana and her thoughts, bringing extreme life to a girl who was so often associated with George Wickham.

1. As with sequels who take minor characters and make them major, I expected that there would be a massive epiphany where they come out of their shells or grow from dowdy ladies to beautiful lilies on a summer's pond. Elliot didn't disappoint where the once shy and pitiful Georgiana bloomed into a fiery, headstrong woman of nineteen in a manner of pages. Of course, I found it pretty hilarious since that is pretty much the guidelines of bringing minor characters to life. You have to make them a round character or there wouldn't be much story to tell. I wouldn't say I am extremely pleased with turning her so sharply into a bold character, it was a necessary move on the part of Elliot.
2. I loved how Elliot turned a minor and shy character into a vibrant young woman that you want to cheer and root for. She took quiet, pitiable Georgiana and gave her some wits and some bravery and some ability to take initiative. It was nail-biting to watch Georgiana grow and battle with her inner shyness. And once she bloomed, it was wonderful to watch her often doubt herself. All in all, Elliot portrayed Georgiana wonderfully and I think a lot of young women who are just coming out of their shells can relate. Although I can't say that Elliot's Georgiana is the role model for shy wallflowers who want to become firehouses but she does show that shyness can be overcome. And that bravery is one of the better qualities to possess
• Not to mention, Georgiana is portrayed as a regular young woman and readers come to associate her with her own characteristics rather than the girl who was conned by Wickham.
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh, although received a brunt of the expected negativity, she was humanised as well. 
3. Elliot made her book accessible. Readers who have never read or heard of (likely story) P&P would be able to pick this book up and read it without being confused. For one, in one of the earlier chapters, Elliot makes it a point to introduce readers to the characters. It seemed a bit odd for me (since I am familiar with P&P) but perhaps to non-Jane Austen fans, it would be a good introduction to the characters.

Of course, I have some grievances which became more prominent towards the end of the novel. It felt like the ending was rushed and things seemed more manufactured (duh, it's a novel) than the chips simply falling into place.

1. Halfway through the book, I realised that something was a bit off with the language in the sense that it was far too modern. Of course, having read way too many Regency-era novels, this isn't too big a problem since it's to make the book as accessible as possible to the public. However, when you consider that it is JANE FUCKING AUSTEN, the extreme modernity of the book is slightly put-offing. I honestly doubt a nineteen year old Regency girl would write like that in her diary.
2. Often times, throughout the book, Elizabeth Bennett is described as playing the pianoforte. To my knowledge, Elizabeth does not play the piano. At all. The pianoforte is Mary Bennett's forte, no pun intended. And if my P&P memory serves me, she has spoken ill of these "supposed" talents that young ladies are supposed to possess.
•  Furthermore, Elizabeth sings. Elizabeth Anne Bennett does not sing. Maybe in private and to Fitzwilliam (Darcy) only but hell no would Elizabeth ever sing in public. Not even to Georgiana, much as she adores her sister-in-law (in Elliot's novel).
3. Somehow, Edward (Darcy)'s trauma from the war seems pretty...mild. Considering that he experiences flashes of the war in ballrooms, suffers from nightmares and doesn't fit in to society, I figured that his PTSD would cause him to react more. Perhaps it is because I am enamoured with Lisa Kleypas' Love in the Afternoon where her hero is in the same place as Edward. His (Christopher Phelan) seems so much more real and poignant than Edward who seems merely to be feigning PTSD.