Book: How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling

Rating: 8/10

People say opposites attract.. and in this case, they are right! Amy is in her last season and is determined to shed her wallflower image. Meanwhile, Will is a rake who likes to travel a lot, leaving his family to cut off his funds to curb his "devilish" ways. Will decides to go against them and try high-stakes gambling to win enough funds to go off again. He loses 20,000 pounds and him and his friends cook up a scheme to have him marry an heiress to cover the debt and then he can go off traveling with his friends. However, everyone know of Will and his "devilish" ways, so Amy sees right though his charming manipulative ways. But when a scandal leaves them in a compromising situation, these two are forced to marry to avoid scandal. How do they both deal with their marriage life? Can they learn to trust one another?

Pros: I fell in love with Will's family... especially Aunt Hester and her bluntness. I also liked the fact that her friends were there for her. I had some laughs and even some tears. The story was touching and sweet.
Cons: I felt the supporting characters could have been developed more. The story introduced Georgette and Beau, and a lot of pages were dedicated to them, however, by the end of the story, they were hardly mentioned. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I was hoping for a bit more about their life afterwards - an epilogue of some sort.

All in all, this story was quite entertaining. I would've loved to read more about Will's crazy family and the children.

Favorite parts:

Amy met her gaze and dared to hope her friend’s words would come true. “I’ve missed you.”
Julianne smiled. “I’ve missed all of you as well. We had such fun last season. My husband has never let me forget all of the trouble I caused. He is still suspicious of all of you and believes you influenced me—especially you, Amy.”
“Me?” She laughed. “I always tried to caution all of you.”
Julianne grinned. “He is convinced that you instigated the worst schemes. He believes you hid it all behind your quiet façade.”
Georgette grinned. “Amy, you often have this look in your eyes, as if the cogs and wheels are spinning like a
roulette wheel.”
“I do not,” she said.
Sally shook her head. “It’s true, Amy. While everyone else is chattering like monkeys, you look as if you’re
plotting something.”
“I’m not plotting; I’m thinking.”
“Now there is a euphemism if I ever heard one,” Georgette said.



Julianne said. “...Now I must return to my husband. We cannot stay long, because I must return home to nurse Emma.”
“I cannot wait to see your daughter,” Amy said. “I’m sure she’s beautiful.”
Julianne laughed. “According to my husband, she’s the most beautiful bald-headed lady in London.”



“The first time we met, I formed a low opinion of you. I
regret to inform you that you have just sunk even further in
my estimation.”




Georgette said. “I won’t marry until I cannot eat a bite and swoon at the mere thought of my beloved.”
Amy laughed. “Where did you get such silly notions of falling in love?”
Georgette grinned. “Well, that’s the way Suzanne described her feelings for my brother. But then, she’s a silly goose, and I am far too reasonable for such nonsense. I shall probably end up a spinster with a dozen cats.”



“Aunt Hester, thank you for receiving me,” he said.
She lifted her quizzing glass. “Shocking.”
He grinned. “What?”
“Your eyes aren’t glowing red, and I see no traces of horns or a forked tail.” Hester dropped her quizzing glass.



“Patience has four boys, including Peter, who helpfully waters my mother’s hothouse flowers.”
Amy smiled. “He uses a watering pot?”
“No. Peter is like a dog—only he prefers his grandmother’s flowers rather than trees.”
...
“That boy will be the death of me,” Montague said. “Where is that nurse?”
“Probably writing her resignation letter as we speak,” Hester said. “Who can blame her?”
“Oh, dear,” the dowager countess said. “What must you think of us, Miss Hardwick?”
Hester ambled to the rail and looked down. “No doubt she thinks we’re all dicked in the nob.”
“Hester, please mind your language,” the dowager countess said.

“Bah,” Hester said. “Come along, gel. We don’t bite. Well, one of his Patience’s brats does, but I forget which one. They’re all horrid.”
“Hester, they are my children and your great-nephews,” Patience cried.
“Not by choice,” Hester said.
...
When they reached the landing, Harmony offered to check on the nurse. “She is no doubt quivering in fear for her position.”
“It’s a miracle the woman has lasted this long,” Hester said. She regarded Amy. “Patience’s youngest brat,
Thomas, tried to scalp her last week.”
“He did not,” Patience said. “He only cut a small lock.”
“We should have named him Mischief,” Montague grumbled.



“Are you Scottish, dear?” Grandmamma shouted.
Will smiled as Amy shook her head. Grandmamma thought anyone with red hair must be Scottish.
“I always liked those kilts the Scotsmen wear,” Grandmamma hollered.
“What she really wants to know is what they wear or don’t wear underneath those kilts,” Hester said.
“Oh, Hester, we do not speak of such things,” the dowager countess cried.
Hester snorted and adjusted the tall feather in her turban.



“Maybe they should fight for her,” Aunt Hester said. “You know, like those stags that lock horns.”
“Hester, please,” the dowager countess said. “They are not animals.”
“They’re men; not much difference,” Hester said.
“Why must you say such things?” the dowager countess said.
“Because it’s true,” Hester said. “I’ve had five husbands, you know.”

Book: Girl on a Diamond Pedestal by Maisey Yates

Rating: 8/10

When the people who are supposed to love you most betray you, what do you do? Do you seek revenge like Ethan Grey? Or simply sit in denial and hope that when you wake up tomorrow, it is all a dream like Noelle Birch?

The main characters in this book have both had tough lives due to the selfishness of their parents. Noelle, the piano prodigy, was once a girl who had it all - fame and money. All of that disappeared when she started selling less CDs and her mother bankrupted her and left. Meanwhile, Ethan, a billionaire in the hotel industry, hates his father for abandoning him and his mother to go meet up his mistress... who happened to be... wait for it... Noelle's mother!

So when Noelle is about to lose the only property she has in her name, Ethan steps in to make a proposal: Marry him and she gets to keep her house free and clear. What starts out as a business deal, quickly changes to become something more. However, with their jaded past, can they learn to trust one another?

Pros: I found the plot interesting. I loved the interactions between the characters. They learn and grow together and I can really feel their bond strengthening.

Cons: I found the ending a bit lacking. I was hoping to read more about what happened to Noelle's mother and Ethan's father. I wanted to see them regret their selfish choices.

Book: The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton

Rating: 7/10

The story is about a tradesman's daughter, Regina Berryman, being pursued by two notorious rakes: Jason Thomas, the Duke of Torquay (aka Duke), and St. John Basil St. Charles, Marquis of Bessacarr (aka Sinjin). What starts out as an innocent country miss' night out at the opera, earns her the notice of the Black Duke who is notorious for his skills in seduction and licentiousness (Yes, I googled the word. It means lacking legal or moral restraints - especially disregarding sexual restraints.) What she didn't know, was that that specific night was a night for mistresses to prowl looking for new protectors and such. He stalks over to the innocent beauty and makes his proposition, only to receive her hasty and offended retreat. However, the Duke is not put down. He arranges to have her followed and decides to camp outside her house... ready to kidnap her if needed! Scandalous! Meanwhile, Sinjin is secretly in trade (a taboo among the peers) with Regina's elderly uncle, who acted as her guardian after her parents died. Before passing, he told her to go look for the Marquis of Bessacarr should she ever be in need of help.

Pros: The interesting story plot.
The main characters are complicated and well developed.
I was surprised to find that the villain is also the hero. Who doesn't love a reformed bad boy? And this story has two vying for her attention! That is one lucky girl.
I also loved heroine character. The author has captured all the difficulties a common woman faces without a protector or any family or friends. Even though she has nobody and no experience or any references, she is determined to find a way to support herself without selling her body. I find her strong sense of honor very refreshing.

Cons: Ending seemed abrupt. The book held so much promise, but I was sadly disappointed with the ending. It is hard to describe why I was disappointed... perhaps it is that I found it lacking somehow. Though I hear many great things about this author and this book, I was not WOWed by this book. It would not be considered as one of the books I can't seem to put down.
The lengthy descriptions were a bit of a bore.
A bit confusing when the character narration changes without any notice.

Book: Proof By Seduction by Courtney Milan

Rating: 7/10

What happens when a logical scientist marquess finds out his cousin has been consorting with a gypsy-like fortuneteller? He does what every scientist does! He analyzes the situation and tries to prove she is a fraud! In this battle of wits, who will win?

The book held so much promise and yet... I find myself bored at some parts. There are many worthwhile parts to the story.. such as the seduction and the way the main characters try to outsmart one another. However, I find myself bored when it came to Ned's roles. I suppose his depression was killing the mood for me.

Pros: Interesting plot. Witty.

Cons: A bit boring at parts - Ned's story. I never did find out much about the fortuneteller's family.


Favorite Parts: 

Madness, a physician had once told Gareth, was repeating the same events over and over while hoping for a different result. That was why Gareth had no fear he would fall in love, no matter what Madame Esmerelda predicted for him. Love was watching his sister choke back tears.
Love hoped that month after month, she would continue to issue invitations. And love believed, against all evidence, that one day, he would get it right, that he would learn to talk to her as a brother instead of the cold, unfeeling man she must have believed him to be.
In short, love was madness.



His Grace waited in the front parlor. He was in shirtsleeves, as if he couldn’t bother to dress for Ned. A
book was open on his lap. He didn’t look up when Ned entered. Instead, he continued to pretend to read. And a pretense it obviously was. Aside from the carefully timed turning of the pages, the Duke of Ware stared at the pages blankly, his eyes unmoving, his hands strangling the spine of the book. It was precisely the sort of thing Blakely would do—ignore a man to put him in his place.
Ned balanced from foot to foot in indecision. He didn’t want to antagonize the man. But then again, it wasn’t as if the duke could hate him more. And he couldn’t bear waiting for his life to happen to him. No; from this point onward, he would direct the course of his life.
He stepped forward and grabbed the book from His Grace’s hands. “I apologize for the precipitate behavior,” he said. “You see, you’re either going to have to kill me or allow me to talk with your daughter. I’m very difficult to ignore.”
Ware’s face slowly mottled an unflattering orange as he looked up. “Blazing pitch and sulfur! You’ve ignored me. Twice, now, we’ve been scheduled to meet. Twice, now, Blakely convinced me not to hunt you down. I demand satisfaction.”
“We all want satisfaction, Your Grace. Unfortunately, most of us are doomed to disappointment.”
“Pistols or swords, you bounder!”
Ned shook his head. “I’m not going to fight you. If it comes down to it, I prefer pistols. Through the heart, please. I’d prefer not to linger from a gut wound.”
“Confounded goat-lover! Puling rabbit!”
This was an easily recognizable pattern. Ned grasped at it.
“Ridiculous weasel?” he assayed.
Ware clenched his fists. “Impudent worm!”
“Five-toed chicken! Ravenous strawberry!”
That brought Ware up. “What? What did you call me?”
“Oh, were you calling me those names?” Ned replied innocently. “I thought we were playing a game. You know, irrelevant adjective applied to inexplicable noun. You know how it goes. First to string together a coherent sentence loses.”

Book: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Rating: 9/10

I have heard many good things about Julia Quinn's Bridgertons series, so I decided to start with the one that started it all, The Duke and I.

This story is about Simon, the Duke of Hastings, and how Daphne Bridgerton snatched him up. Simon's tragic past keeps him from fully moving on with his life - he absolutely refuses to marry! Unfortunately for him, he is deemed a prized catch for the season and all the marriage-minded society mama's have set their sights on him. Luckily, he has a plan!
Daphne Bridgerton is a clever and kindhearted girl. However, she can't seem to get any decent suitors! They are either too old or not too bright! And to make matters worse, the ones who she counts as potentials, consider her no more than a friend! What does a girl have to do to get noticed around here? Luckily for her, Simon's plan may be just what she needs.
Simon and Daphne can pretend to be romantically involved to help her attract some worthy suitors while also helping Simon safe from being a target from all the debutantes and their pushy mothers! It seems like the perfect win-win situation. However, what happens when Daphne starts to fall in love with the person she is pretending to be in a relationship with? Will their fake courtship turn into something much more?


Pros: I have always been partial to the tortured soul type of hero. (My heart broke when his father rejected him because of his speech impairment. His stuttering/stammering was well placed into the story, without being overly annoying.) Luckily, Simon isn't too tortured to finally find his happiness with his love, Daphne. It is nice to be introduced to a character with depth.

The big contrast between the two lovers are a nice touch.

The conflicting feelings and emotions between the two main characters are realistic and not overly done which is a hard art to master. Props to Julia Quinn!

Oh and needless to say, I loved the romance between Daphne and Simon.

I fell in love with Daphne's family. They are slightly annoying at times, but oh so amusing and loving. The tease and pester one another, but at the end of the day, their love is quite endless for one another. It's sweet!

Oh and of course, how can I not fall in love with  Lady Whistledown's witty comments about the ton? No wonder Julia Quinn had 2 other books put together for more of Lady Whistledown's avid fans.

Cons: I found the heroine a bit lacking. I can't really quite put my finger on why, but I suppose I would've liked to see her not to mild. But this was only a minor blip in the story.


Favorite parts:

Daphne looked up to see her eldest brother making his way toward her. "Anthony," she said, trying to decide if she was pleased to see him or annoyed that he might be
coming over to meddle in her affairs. "I hadn't realized you would be in attendance."
"Mother," he said grimly. No other words were necessary.
"Ah," Daphne said with a sympathetic nod. "Say no more. I understand completely."
"She made a list of potential brides." He shot his sister a beleaguered look. "We do love her, don't we?"
Daphne choked on a laugh. "Yes, Anthony, we do."
"It's temporary insanity," he grumbled. "It has to be. There is no other explanation. She was a perfectly reasonable mother until you reached marriageable age."
"Me?" Daphne squeaked. "Then this is all my fault? You're a full eight years older than I am!"
"Yes, but she wasn't gripped by this matrimonial fervor until you came along."
Daphne snorted. "Forgive me if I lack sympathy. I received a list last year."
"Did you?"
"Of course. And lately she's been threatening to deliver them to me on a weekly basis. She badgers me on the issue of marriage far more than you could ever imagine. After all, bachelors are a challenge. Spinsters are merely pathetic. And in case you hadn't noticed, I'm female."
Anthony let out a low chuckle. "I'm your brother. I don't notice those things." He gave her a sly, sideways look. "Did you bring it?"
"My list? Heavens, no. What can you be thinking?"
His smile widened. "I brought mine."
Daphne gasped. "You didn't!"
"I did. Just to torture Mother. I'm going peruse it right in front of her, pull out my quizzing glass—"
"You don't have a quizzing glass."
He grinned—the slow, devastatingly wicked smile that all Bridgerton males seemed to possess. "I bought one just for this occasion."
"Anthony, you absolutely cannot. She will kill you. And then, somehow, she'll find a way to blame me. "
"I'm counting on it."
Daphne swatted him in the shoulder, eliciting a loud enough grunt to cause a half dozen partygoers to send curious looks in their direction.
"A solid punch," Anthony said, rubbing his arm.
"A girl can't live long with four brothers without learning how to throw one." She crossed her arms.



"What do you suppose is taking them so long?" Violet Bridgerton tugged on her eldest son's sleeve, unable to take her eyes off of her daughter—who appeared to have thoroughly captured the attention of the Duke of Hastings—only one week in London and already the catch of the season.
"I don't know," Anthony replied, looking gratefully at the backs of the Featheringtons as they moved on to their next victim, "but it feels as if it's been hours."
"Do you think he likes her?" Violet asked excitedly. "Do you think our Daphne truly has a chance to be a duchess?"
Anthony's eyes filled with a mixture of impatience and disbelief. "Mother, you told Daphne she wasn't even to be seen with him, and now you're thinking of marriage?"
"I spoke prematurely," Violet said with a blithe wave of her hand. "Clearly he is a man of great refinement and taste. And how, may I ask, do you know what I said to Daphne?"
"Daff told me, of course," Anthony lied.
"Hmmph. Well, I am certain that Portia Featherington won't be forgetting this evening anytime soon."
Anthony's eyes widened. "Are you trying to marry Daphne off so that she might be happy as a wife and a mother, or are you just trying to beat Mrs. Featherington to the altar?"
"The former, of course," Violet replied in a huff, "and I am offended you would even imply otherwise." Her eyes strayed off of Daphne and the duke for just long enough to locate Portia Featherington and her daughters. "But I certainly shan't mind seeing the look on her face when she realizes that Daphne will make the season's greatest match."
"Mother, you are hopeless."
"Certainly not. Shameless, perhaps, but never hopeless."




"Mother?" Daphne said, the word croaking in her throat.
But Violet only had eyes for her sons. "I knew I'd find you here," she accused. "Of all the stupid, bull-headed—"
Daphne didn't hear the rest of her mother's speech. Simon was laughing too hard in her ear.
"He made her miserable!" Benedict protested. "As her brothers, it's our duty to—"
"Respect her intelligence enough to let her solve her own problems," Violet snapped. "And she doesn't look particularly unhappyright now."
"That's because—"
"And if you say that's because you lot barged into her home like a herd of mentally deficient sheep,I'm disowning all three of you."
All three men shut their mouths.
"Now then," Violet continued briskly, "I believe it's time we left, don't you?" When her sons didn't move quickly enough to suit her, she reached out and—
"Please, Mother!" Colin yelped. "Not the—"
She grabbed him by his ear.
"Ear," he finished glumly.
Daphne grabbed Simon's arm. He was laughing so hard now, she was afraid he'd tumble down the steps.





It's a boy for the Duke and Duchess of Hastings!
After three girls, society's most besotted couple has finally produced an heir. This Author can only imagine the level of relief in the Hastings household; after all, it is a
truth universally acknowledged that a married man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of an heir. 
The name of the new babe has yet to be made public, although This Author feels herself uniquely qualified to speculate. After all, with sisters named Amelia, Belinda, and Caroline, could the new Earl Clyvedon be called anything but David?
Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 15 December 1817

Simon threw up his arms in amazement, the single-sheet newspaper flying across the room. "How does she know this?" he demanded. "We've told no one of our decision to name him David."
Daphne tried not to smile as she watched her husband sputter and storm about the room. "It's just a lucky guess, I'm sure," she said, turning her attention back to the newborn in her arms.
...
"She must have a spy in our household," he said, planting his hands on his hips. "She must."
"I'm sure she doesn't have a spy in our household," Daphne said without looking up at him. She was too interested in the way David's tiny hand was gripping her finger.
"But—"
Daphne finally lifted her head. "Simon, you're being ridiculous. It's just a gossip column."
"Whistledown—ha!" he grumbled. "I've never heard of any Whistledowns. I'd like to know who this blasted woman is."
"You and the rest of London," Daphne said under her breath.
"Someone should put her out of business onceand for all."
"If you wish to put her out of business," Daphne could not resist pointing out, "you shouldn't support her by buying her newspaper. And don't even try to say that you buy Whistledown for me."
"You read it," Simon muttered.
"And so do you." Daphne dropped a kiss on the top of David's head. "Usually well before I can get my hands on it. Besides, I'm rather fond of Lady Whistledown these days."
Simon looked suspicious."Why?"
"Did you read what she wrote about us? She called us London's most besotted couple." Daphne smiled wickedly. "I rather like that."

Drama: My Shining Girl (자체발광 그녀) Episode 2 Recap

Rating: Undecided Yet/10

(Note: I have decided to do this in parts since I can't watch all these episodes in one day. Therefore, I will not do a rating till I finish the series. On the last episode, I will post the rating for the entire series.)

This episode rating: 7/10

In the second episode, after their bicker, she is annoyed and angry at his up-handed ways. She decides to put aside her pride and asks him to please give her a chance. He scoffs and leaves.

At the meeting, she learns that they are trying to get that star for their show. However, he can't do it because on that same day, there is a famous talk show. The PD gives her the job of trying to convince the star to do their show.

Her friend, the ex-wife of the PD, calls to tell her about the star being in the hospital. She asks if it is something that she can catch. Because their friendship is shaky, her friend tells her that it is not. She tries to gain the star's attention by sending him flowers. Meanwhile, the star meets up with the woman who is having a scandal with him. She just wants to have a part in a show he is also acting in. He tells her that's impossible because he is horrible at acting and if he adds her horrible acting into the mix, it is just disgracing the acting profession.

At work, the writer has to put up with her rude co-workers that scoff at her silly attempts to win the star over. They help her wake up to the fact that she isn't trying hard enough. She says she will go see him herself.

The friend, ends up calling her ex-husband, the PD and tells him that the star has Hepatitis B and to tell the writer to be careful. Guess someone grew a heart. 

The writer calls her friend who works for the star (How convenient..) to set up a meeting. She interrupts him and tells him that she knows what's wrong with him and that she will see to it herself. He says fine and that he will set something up. She wants to see him in 15 -20 mins. Her friend is worried about her going, but she still insists so he leads the way. Sounds like the new actress he slept with and is blackmailing him gave him Hep B. Sucks to be him! His manager warns him not to leave the hospital or he will fire him. He angrily throws his phone and it ends up hitting the plant she give him. What are the chances?

The writer tries to talk to him, but he refuses. He even tosses a pillow at her. He also calls for his security to kick her out. She is pissed. The PD calls her to warn her about the star's condition, but she angrily hangs up before he gets the chance. Meanwhile, his friend takes his phone and runs off on him.

She goes out to drink alone. (Alcohol doesn't solve everything sheesh!) She is thinking about their memories together. They were in love and together for years and it was sweet. But at 4 years, they started to get too used to each other and there were some problems. By the 5th year, they were feeling contempt for one another.

Meanwhile, the star is feeling hungry and goes to get his phone to call for food. However, he broke his phone when he threw it earlier. He picks up the hospital phone but realizes he doesn't remember any numbers. (The ease of a cell phone has spoiled us all. xD ) He sees the plant he broke and realizes it is the woman who came to see him earlier. He sees that she has left her number, so he calls her. The writer was surprised. He tells her he is sorry for being so rude earlier and made it sound like he has reconsidered talking to her, but also bring him some food. She comes and he just tells her to leave. She still wants to talk to him and he says that he isn't feeling well. She says she knows. He thinks to himself: "Is this girl crazy? She knows what I have and she still wants to be so close." She introduces herself and wants to shake his hand, but he can't so he doesn't. She even feeds him food. He notices that she looks familiar. She thinks to herself and remembers the wine incidence. She lies and says that they haven't met before.

Her friends are on the phone with one another and the truth is revealed that the star has Hep B and that their friend wants to go talk to him. They both agree that even though she can catch Hep B, it's not like the first time they meet, they would be eating together face to face. Boy are they wrong! They even share food... even worse, it is soup! Tsk tsk. This girl is crazy! He spits up a bit and it gets all over her. She doesn't mind. She is SO catching it. 

Next day, she even makes him food. She continues to try and convince him to do the show. He realizes that the PD he doesn't get along with is the PD to that show. He decides to meet the PD. She goes to tell him. The PD calls him and the star says he doesn't want to talk to him on the phone. He refuses and tells the writer to go talk to him instead. The PD makes her in charge of the star. He asks if she is feeling ok. She doesn't get it. He says forget it and they part ways.

The star uses her as an errand runner. The manager and the writer's friend talk about why the star is hanging out with the writer so much when everyone else is busy avoiding him. The manager guesses, "Is it because she likes him?"

The writer brings him ice cream like he asked. She was walking to his room when she overhears some nurses saying the star has Hep B. The nurses also talk about who that girl is that keeps visiting him. The nurses say that as long as they don't eat food with mixed saliva, it is ok. She goes to get herself a blood test to be sure. She has caught it. She recalls her friend lying to her and the PD asking if she is feeling ok. I bet she thinks they planned it together. Oh no! what now?

Until next episode...


Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

• So Yi Hyun as Jun Ji Hyun
• Park Kwang Hyun as No Yong Woo
• Kim Hyung Joon as Kang Min
• Go Na Eun as Kim Kkot Min
• Chae Young In as Seo Young Hee

Drama: My Shining Girl (자체발광 그녀) Episode 1 Recap

Rating: Undecided Yet/10

(Note: I have decided to do this in parts since I can't watch all these episodes in one day. Therefore, I will not do a rating till I finish the series. On the last episode, I will post the rating for the entire series.)

This episode rating: 7/10

This series opens up to a 31 year old woman who has just arrived at Japan. She works at a big company and is a capable worker, but her boss is constantly stealing her work and passing it off as his own. She has finally gotten sick of it and blows up in his face. Her co-worker convinces her to try a different tactic and just apologize. She goes to join her boss and co-workers for drinks at night. There, her boss further insults her by saying that a woman like her should just get married. She angrily leaves to go to the bathroom, when she bumps into a famous star as he is walking into the bar with his date and a bottle of wine. He stops her and demands she pay him for the bottle of wine she made him drop when she bumped into him.

Earlier that day, the star was approached by a PD who was going to hire him for a job, but they didn't get along. This PD went to the same bar and was drinking with a friend, when he sees his ex from 2 years ago. Yup! The PD's ex is the woman who is having trouble dealing with the obnoxious star who is hassling her. He steps up and gets into their business. He tells the star that he is undeserving of the wine that his company gave him since they will not be working together. He angrily leaves and tells her that she can pay the PD for the wine. However, instead of thanking the PD for his help, she yells at him to stay out of her business.

She goes home and tells her parents that she has decided to quit her job and pursue her dream of becoming a writer for a current events show. She interviews at a bunch of places, but it seems dim because of her age. She finally gets an offer and is excited. However, when she arrives at the station, the star arrives there too, causing his fans to rush towards him and the writer gets caught up in the tidal wave of crazy screaming fans. In the chaos, she ends up in the arms of the obnoxious star. Next thing she knows, she is on the floor. She should be lucky she wasn't trampled on!

At the station, she is transferred to another section, but they are not very nice to her. They gossip about her being insane for leaving her big company job. She is forced to work in a different department because she is still new. They give her all the intern jobs, such as secretarial work and bringing the coffee. While she is getting the coffee, she bumps into an old friend. The writer shows her friend the show she is a part of. The friend is suprised and asked if she has seen the PD for that show yet. She says no... Can it really be that coincidental and is her ex?

The PD's friend has seen the new writer and congratulates the PD for being lucky and working with such a hottie. They bump into each other and are surprised. He is a cold jerk towards her and tells her to go get make another cup of coffee or leave the room.

The star, is having his own problems. A woman is causing a scandal saying he slept with her when he doesn't even remember her. It is kind of interesting how they kept giving him alcohol to help him remember. He finally remembers. His manager says he will take care of it and make her seem crazy.

Meanwhile, the writer is having her own problems. The PD's friend is a pervert and keeps staring at her ass. Her co-workers made a mess on the work space so she tries to clean it up, but a co-worker accidentally got some red sauce on her white blouse and doesn't even say sorry. On top of that, the co-worker wants her to go make the coffee for their meeting. She tries to reason with her co-worker but the co-worker tells her that if she doesn't like it, she can leave. She angrily takes her stuff and leaves.

She goes out with her friends to go drinking. Her friends, like her, have no luck in the men department as well. One has hot sex with a guy, but he won't get any more intimate with her. She wants to have ice cream together and has set up a romantic ambiance, but he just brushes his teeth and says he has to go soon. She is unhappy and walks back into the room and realizes all his clothes and stuff are neatly put out. She angrily gets dressed and tosses his clothes out the window and leaves. Another friend, apparently, is the PD's ex wife. It is revealed that after breaking up with the writer, he gets married to that friend for two years before divorcing.

The next day, the PD tries to convince her to quit. She tells him she won't. He says that he gets to pick what shows to present and he won't ever pick hers. O.O What a jerk! Why is he acting this way? What happened between them? Why did he get married to her friend and why did they divorce?

Until next episode...


Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

• So Yi Hyun as Jun Ji Hyun
• Park Kwang Hyun as No Yong Woo
• Kim Hyung Joon as Kang Min
• Go Na Eun as Kim Kkot Min
• Chae Young In as Seo Young Hee

Books: What She Craves and What She Needs by Anne Rainey

Rating: 6/10 for What She Craves and
              7/10 for What She Needs

I decided to give Anne Rainey another try with her two books, What She Craves and What She Needs. Both stories are about a ménage a trois relationship between Tory, Devon, and Con. In What she Craves, Tory decides to go to her friend Con's Christmas party with her other friend, Devon, since they are both dateless. However, she doesn't know that the guys have been in love with her and plan to have a Christmas Eve that none of them will forget. In What She Needs, their little threesome relationship is rocky due to jealousy. Will they be able to work things out?

Pros: Hot and passionate lovers.
Cons: Not much romance involved. I'd say this is more erotica than romance. What She Craves is too short without much substance in the story.



Favorite Parts:


Gage shrugged and turned his gaze toward Summer. “You know, baby, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And it’s our first.”
Summer smiled and Tory found herself smiling right along with her. “I know. I’ve already bought your present.”
Gage leaned across the table and whispered, “Does it involve lace and satin?”
Summer placed her palm against his cheek. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Gage took hold of her hand and pressed a kiss to the center of her palm before releasing her and sitting back. “I’m looking forward to it.” He looked at their half-empty plates and added, “Looks like I missed lunch. Sorry. Time got away from me.”
Summer waved a hand in the air. “It’s fine. It gave me a chance to catch up with Tory.”
“In that case, do you mind if I head over to the mall?”
Tory watched Summer’s eyes narrow in suspicion. “Depends,” she said.
Gage’s face split into a grin. “On?”
“What are you buying at the mall?”
Gage picked up Summer’s unused butter knife and started twirling it around. “Uh-uh. If you aren’t telling, then neither am I.”
“Not even a little hint?”
Tory took another sip of her soda and watched the display, feeling a little like a voyeur.
“Give me one and I’ll give you one,” Gage growled. “It’s only fair, baby.”
“Okay. My gift involves…leather.”
Gage dropped the knife. “Leather?”
Summer and Tory both laughed. “Yep,” Summer replied. “Now you.”
Gage stood and stepped near Summer. He leaned close and whispered something into her ear. Tory was dying to know what. He straightened and sent a wink toward Tory before striding out of the restaurant. Summer merely sat, motionless. After several seconds drifted by with no sound coming from her friend, it became more than Tory could take. “Okay, spill it, woman. What’d he say?”
“I, he…wow.”
Tory reached across the table and smacked her stupefied friend on the arm. “You are killing me here!”
“He said my gift involves a lock and key.” Summer’s face turned such a deep shade of red Tory thought she’d have to call for help.
Tory’s mind spun with possibilities, and there was only one logical conclusion. “Whoa. He totally bought you handcuffs, didn’t he?”
“Either that or a jewelry box. And trust me, Gage isn’t the jewelry box type of guy.” A grin slowly spread across her face. “Handcuffs will go quite nicely with the leather bustier I bought today.”

Korean Drama: One Mom and Three Dads (아빠셋 엄마하나) Episode 16 (last)

Rating: 7/10 (for the series)

(Note: Rating has been decided! Official rating reasoning is located below the episode recap.)

This episode rating: 7/10

The sixteenth episode is the last episode. Seems to be cutting things a bit close don't-cha think? The girlfriend wants to visit his home. The stockbroker is a bit hesitant about it. Good thing mommy is quick on her feet and get out of sight. She goes off to hide with the button guy, telling him she is worried the lady might misunderstand. The button guy asks if she is jealous. She just scoffs and says no.

Later she goes home, but the artist lady still didn't leave yet, so the jig is up. She is unhappy about a woman living with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, the manga artist and the cop decide to not tell the stockbroker the child isn't theirs. They want things to stay the same with all of them taking care of the child together. The stockbroker has decided to keep his distance. Mommy has also decided that she needs to keep her distance too because the guys will have to marry sooner or later, so she probably is going to take the job overseas.

Lots of flashbacks... The stockbroker seems to have fallen hard for mommy too. He thinks of the memories they shared.

At work, mommy talks to the button guy. He is worried about her decision and is wondering if the reason she is hesitant about her decision because she likes one of the three guys she lives with. She explains that she feels guilty for leaving them when they have done so much to help her. She wants to repay them and she is worried her child will miss them too.

The manga artist sits there, watching the child. He keeps telling her to call him uncle and he also says that he plans on never marrying so he can take care of the child forever.

At a family meeting, the stockbroker put on the spotlight. The artist lady's father wants them to get engaged. At the meeting, he realizes that she lied to her father about his father. He goes out to drink on his own. He runs into the manga artist and he tells him about the engagement. Even the manga artist realizes that the stockbroker doesn't really like the artist lady. An engagement is supposed to be a happy thing, but he is sitting here drinking like he is depressed. The manga artist says, "What if the child is yours? Will you still marry the artist lady?" The stockbroker responds that it won't change anything because the child is their deceased buddy's and that they are uncles.

The cop is at home with the child and realizes she is playing with money. He tells her, "No! Money is dirty!" Then  he realizes that the child is very much like her father. "Like father, like daughter."

Mommy tells her father that she might be working overseas. Her father tells her that the button guy may like her. He also asks if she likes one of the three guys. She denies it all.

The button guy goes over to the house to talk to the guys. Obviously, the guys aren't happy to see him. The button guy wants to know if mommy has told them about the overseas job offer. He wants them to encourage her to go. He wants to know what they think of her. He wants to know if one of the three have a special relationship with her. He admits that he really likes her. The guys are all surprised.

When she gets home, the cop is freaking out and asking if she is going or not. The manga artist tells him to calm down. She tells them that it is a good opportunity and she can't always be with them forever. The stockbroker plays tough and mean by saying "Yay.. We don't have to eat your nasty cooking anymore. And I can have my upstairs room back!" The manga artist tells her not to take things to heart because he is just sad about her leaving. The atmosphere becomes a bit tense.

The cop doesn't want her to go. Therefore, he talks to the manga artist and asks if they should tell the stockbroker that the child is his. The manga artist talks him out of the idea. The guys decide to find a way to preserve the memories for the child to remember them by. They take pictures and record videos. It's really sweet how much they love this child. The stockbroker was a bit more hesitant about sharing his feelings. He just says a few simple things, such as, "study hard and listen to your mommy." Later at night, he records himself. Even though he has always been distant towards the child, in reality, he is the type who hides their feelings inside - for example, he knows exactly how long he has known the child... down to the last minute. Poor guys are going to miss them when they leave! They all keep crying, just thinking about it!

Everyone is feeling sad about her impending leave. The guys have already given mommy the video tape as a gift. They ask her to look at it after she has left. She is also a bit sad and hesitant to leave. She thinks of all the memories she's had with the guys. She silently says goodbye to each of them while they are sleeping. The cop... the manga artist... and at the stockbroker, she also adds in a congratulations for getting engaged.

The next day, they officially say their goodbyes and ask her to keep in touch. She leaves with the button guy to the airport. On the way to the stockbroker's engagement party, the cop and the manga artist both realize they can't just let mommy leave, so they get out of the car to go chase her. The stock broker drives off for a bit, trying to keep his feelings in check, but he finally decides to make a U-turn and go after her. At the airport, mommy keeps having flashbacks of how the guys all care about her so much that they helped her get prepared for her trip. How thoughtful! The more she thinks about it, the more sad she gets. The guys rush around the airport, looking for her. They are surprised to find the stockbroker at the airport too. What about his engagement party? The guys decide she probably left already. The guys go visit their deceased friend and they talk about how Mommy has taught them lots. Even though they seem to be the ones taking care of her, she has actually taken cared of them.

When they get home, they realize that mommy and the child haven't left! YAY! I was worried for a sec. She admits she had trouble leaving them. The stockbroker rushes over and hugs mommy. The mange artist reaches for the child. They go home.

Flash forward a while, the child is older. The guys talk to one another saying how as the child got older, they realize that she is starting to look more and more like their deceased friend. The stockbroker says, "of course! She is his kid." The cop ends up telling the stockbroker that the child is the stockbroker's. The stockbroker is surprised. He tells them that the kid isn't his because he also took a DNA test and the child isn't his either. He has always thought the kid was one of theirs. Oh no! Looks like the three daddies have been punked by the real daddy! The stockbroker continues on saying how he didn't dare get involved with mommy because he thought one of them was the daddy. Dun dun dun... Looks like the three guys are in competition for mommy's love!

The end!

So what did you think about the show?

Pros: I enjoyed the fathers and their silliness in dealing with the child. It is definitely an original story plot in my opinion since I have yet to see anything like it.

Cons: I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Other than that, I enjoyed the show.



Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

• Eugene as Song Na Young
• Jo Hyun Jae as Han Soo Hyun
• Jae Hee  as Choi Kwang Hee
• Shin Sung Rok as Na Hwang Kyung Tae
• Kim Bin Woo as Park Seo Yeon
• Joo Sang Wook as Jung Chan Young

Korean Drama: One Mom and Three Dads (아빠셋 엄마하나) Episode 15

Rating: Undecided Yet/10

(Note: I have decided to do this in parts since I can't watch all these episodes in one day. Therefore, I will not do a rating till I finish the series. I will update the posts later with the rating.)

This episode rating: 8/10

The fifteenth episode, the manga artist and the cop are at each other's throats over mommy. At least the stockbroker is keeping a level head about this.

At the hospital, the cop's mom is getting the results to the DNA test. Apparently it is a negative! So that is one down, two to go! Or three... depending if her husband really used his own sperm or not. The cop's mother is worried about whether or not to tell her son. She says she is hoping to put them together if the child is his. (Dude... what makes you think the mommy want your son anyways? Where's her choice in this?) 

Meanwhile, the cop and manga artist both walked off pissed. They both decide that they want to know if the kid is theirs. One stubs his toe while the other gets a sore throat from yelling at the other.

The stockbroker, gets a phone call from his girlfriend. Their relationship is on the fast track... In fact, her father wants to meet his father. His girlfriend makes him say mushy things like he misses her and he loves her. He has trouble with it. Mommy comes out and sees him on the phone and tells him that she is jealous. They decide to go look at stars together since they are alone. They go into the tent, where there is a telescope inside. It is quite romantic and sweet. While she is looking at stars, he is busy staring at her. They sit and talk and the next thing you know, he is imagining kissing her.

The button guy's father decide to have the button guy go overseas to help develop the business. He tells his son that the opportunity will require him to be overseas for about 5 years. He tells him that if he has a girl he likes, he should get married soon and they can go together. (What a sudden push!)

Back at the campsite, the guys suspect the stockbroker is also into mommy. They promise to keep their attraction a secret because they are worried she might run and keep the child away from them too.

Everyone try to move on with their lives. The cop's mother finally tells him that the child is 100% not his. He is sad about it and wants the child to always remember him even though he is not the father. The stockbroker's girlfriend, the artist lady, wants to meet his father because he keeps dragging his feet about it. She seems a bit out of sorts with the realization that his father has Alzheimer. At least she is kind about it and wants to help move him to a better facility. She wants to also tell her father herself. The manga artist is working on his manga and his manager keeps trying to put the moves on him and he is trying to hold her at arms length. His mother calls him to ask if the child is his, would he get married to the mommy. He tells her that it's not only his decision because the mommy also needs to like him too. She is happy to hear that her son likes the mommy. She admits that she found out that the child is his because she did a DNA test. He is ecstatic. He rushes to stop his mother from telling everyone. However, he finds the DNA report and it says he is NOT the father. Apparently, his mother lied to him because she wants him to settle down. He becomes depressed. So does that mean the child is... the stockbroker's? O.O

After drinking, the manga artist goes home and bumps into the cop. They both confess that the child is not theirs and they guess that the child is the stockbroker's.

The stockbroker's girlfriend drives him home, while the button guy drives mommy home. She tells him that if he keeps being too nice to her, it will be difficult to continue working together. He stops the car and confesses his father's proposal about him going overseas. He tells her about him going away for 5 years and he wants her to go with him. She tells him she can't because of her child. He asks her to bring the kid, too. He tells her he really needs her. It seems very business-like. He encourages her and tells her he thinks she is talented and hardworking, and would love to give her the opportunity. He asks her to think about it.

The artist lady is unhappy with the way her boyfriend, the stockbroker said goodbye to her, so she is about to kiss him when.......

Yup! Mommy comes home! They both look a bit unhappy. Hmm...

Until next episode...


Main Cast (courtesy of DramaWiki):

• Eugene as Song Na Young
• Jo Hyun Jae as Han Soo Hyun
• Jae Hee  as Choi Kwang Hee
• Shin Sung Rok as Na Hwang Kyung Tae
• Kim Bin Woo as Park Seo Yeon
• Joo Sang Wook as Jung Chan Young