Another bookshopping binge

April 1, 2006 at 1:33 am (All, Books, Romance, SciFi Fantasy, Webwatch)

My dear, sweet colleagues gave me a Borders book voucher for my birthday while another presented me with a set of Scrabble card game. I'm touched that they all know how book mad I am, and both gifts are the most ideal presents a bookworm like me could ask for. So, thank you ladies!

Of course I had to go bookshopping, and these are what I hauled back:

The Sun Witch, The Moon Witch and The Star Witch by Linda Winstead Jones
I have P. Devi to thank for these. I was drawn to the cover art, like her. They truly look like some of the masterpieces you'll find on DeviantArt. Linda blogs at The Midnight Hour with a couple of other writers of paranormal. I like these covers so much that I've scanned them here again. Heh heh …

Then, there's Lady of Sin by Madeline Hunter, which I've been waiting, well, forever [for]. Another delicious looking one is In the Prince's Bedby Sabrina Jeffries, which I have [since] removed from my wish list.

I've missed reading SF Fantasy a little, so when I saw Catherine Asaro's The Charmed Sphereand Alma Alexander's The Hidden Queen, I decided to add them to the pile as well.

The rest were inspired by reader posts, and they are:
The Devil's Waltz by Anne Stuart (Kristie has this up on her side bar for a while)
Black Ice also by Anne Stuart, and
The Captain's Lady by Margaret McPhee

With the exception of Madeline Hunter, the rest are all new to me. Couldn't find DIW (Kleypas) in the store though, so will have to either order from Amazon or visit another store.

9 Comments

Moonlight Becomes Her, Meagan McKinney

March 31, 2006 at 10:25 pm (All, Authors A to M, Books, Romance)

She was an orphan plucked off the slums of 19th century New York by an unscrupulous con who taught her to steal for a living. But all Mystere really wants is to be free of the clutches of her devious 'uncle', find her long lost brother and trace her family legacy.He was the orphaned heir to a ruined society elite who climbed back from near destitution to become one of gaslight New York's rich 'robber barons'. But what railroad magnate Rafe Belloch really wants is revenge on the Four Hundred whom he scorns for turning their backs on one of their own.

They first met in a dark alley where her accomplices held him at gunpoint while she relieved him of his money … and for fun, his clothes. He swore justice on the masked lady thief even as he committed the shape of her body and her blue eyes to memory.

Their paths crossed again two years later at a high society event. Only this time she's disguised as a New Orleans miss making her debut in New York high society. No one, saved Rafe, ever suspected that she's also the elusive jewel thief the newspapers christened Lady Moonlight … for even with her bosom bound and her lush womanly charms hidden under demure clothes, her unforgettable eyes betrayed her resemblance to another thief from his recent past. Their fates became inextricably bound as their dance around the truth begins …

With that kind of seductive plot and delicious character development, could you doubt that I wouldn't get caught up? This sure is one emotionally charged romance, and McKinney weaves a powerful tale that vividly captures the setting of New York in the 1880s, allowing readers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite, as well as the poor.

Coming fresh from my binge on historicals set in England, this book was a fresh breath of air. The verbal sparring and matching of wits between the leads heightened the romantic tension that the author so expertly built. There were tender, poignant moments that left a lump in my throat, such as their profession of feelings towards each other, the one night of passion before Mystere stole away in order not to endanger Rafe's life. The heroic rescue towards the end, as well as the love confession, were other high points that had me turning the pages. And re-reading the book immediately after finishing.

I love the two central characters. His forceful personality, and tenacious pursuit of her certainly gets my stamp of approval. Her spunky, gutsy determination to regain her freedom from an oppressive 'guardian' and selfless love for him touched me deeply. And one of the verses that had my eyes misting is this:

' … the truth is your wounded soul matches mine in every way. The only
way we can mend is to be together.'

I'm definitely going to read another McKinney romance, cos she's got the perfect balance of intrigue, passion and tension, while her strength in plot and character development makes for a highly enjoyable read. This is one author that I'll be looking out for from now on, starting with the backlist.

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Any Great Romances by Male Authors?

March 28, 2006 at 11:00 pm (All, Books)

I was blog hopping last night and Cindy and Keishon both blogged about falling into a reading slump. Cindy has a great idea though to overcome that, and I'm already taking that challenge up.I confessed to looking to April with trepidation 'cos that's the month we're supposed to read a book that's been languishing in my TBR pile for more than 6 months. I've pretty much stuck to my reading plan for the TBR Challenge , so of course will try to see this through.

I've enjoyed the challenge tremendously thus far, and March is my favourites month as Historical romances are my cup of tea. Now, I'm not so certain about this next book for April, William Goldman's The Princess Bride.

I mean, in my reading experience, I've yet to come across astoundingly good romances, those that grab you by the heart from the first verse, written by male writers. At the risk of sounding discriminatory, can male authors write great romances?

Don't get me wrong. Of course there are great male authors such as Michael Crichton, Robin Cook (I love the med thrillers), James Herriott (his vet encounters are highly entertaining) and John Grisham to name a few. But male romance writer? They're a rare breed.

I mean, I could name so many female romance writers whom I'll safely read just by reputation knowing that I'll like at least eight out of ten of their books, but I regret that I can't say the same for male authors. I don't think the books by Harold Robbins and Sidney Sheldon can be called romances, but even so I can't recall the storyline or any of the characters they created.

A couple of posts back while I was responding to Cindy's questions, I realised most of my faves (books, heroes, heroines, setting and scene) were all found in books written by — you've guessed it, female writers!

So, is it any wonder then that I'm looking at Will Goldman's book with distrust? This is after all the abridged or 'good parts' version as Mr Goldman likes to put it, of S. Morgenstern 'classic tale of true love and high adventure'.

I recall reading that in my teens, skipping heavily the history bits (he made them sooo monotonous, I swear!) and some of the boring narrative, but valiantly stuck on for the storyline. That experience sealed my impression of male authors and romance/ love novel writing.

In later years, I tried reading some books by male authors again … with disastrous results. Harold, Sidney et al wrote good thrillers, and romance is usually the subplot. But something else is missing. Jilly Cooper writes good thrilling, raunchy novels too, and IMO, better than these guys.

Another case in point is Sir Walter Scott. I tried reading Ivanhoe, but didn't get really far until I stumbled upon a graphic novel version of it which changed my mind. Needless to say, I was bored to tears with Waverly.

So then, with my very limited male author reading experience, here are my questions:
1. What is it that separates female and male romance writers?

2. What is it about female writers that you like? And what about male writers you like?

3. Between a new male and a new female romance writer, which would you most likely try out? Why?

4. Can you recommend a great romance written by a male writer?

Hang on, I just realised that I do have a male author (actually, he's more a playwright) that I've liked consistently. William Shakespeare. He who made me moon over these verses in Romeo and Juliet, and memorised them 'cos they are so beautiful:

'But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.'See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!

But then, he is one in a million, whereas I could pick out a number of female writers whom I could remember reading because of the unforgettable characters they've created. I mean, who could forget Mr Darcy and Lizzie Bennet (Pride & Prejudice), Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester (Jane Eyre), Emma Woodhouse and Mr Knightley (Emma), Heathcliff and Catherine (Wuthering Heights) , not to mention David de Abyndon and Christiana Fitzwaryn (By Arrangement), Nick Gentry and Lottie (Worth Any Price), Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (Romancing Mr Bridgerton) and of course Derek Craven and Sara Fielding (DOY).

I will add Mystere and Rafe Belloch (Moonlight Becomes Her) to the list as well, but this is by no means the end of my list. I think the list could easily take up a few posts, but you take my meaning, don't you?

I'll be looking for some recommendations for sure.

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Kleypas: Dreaming of You

March 25, 2006 at 1:47 pm (All, Authors A to M, Books, Romance)

Finished this last weekend but didn't immediately post about it. You see I wasn't quite sure if I liked Derek Craven, the hero.Uh, oh … I can feel a few pairs of eyes narrowing at this confession, the fiercest being from Kristie … gulp.

Anyway, *grin*, the book is definitely another Kleypas masterpiece. There is the emotional intensity, rounded characters, lush description and well-paced storyline that are the hallmarks of her works. She has chosen two characters outside the elite aristocratic society as hero and heroine, another reason why I love her books … reading about lords and ladies all the time could be a little monotonous.

Back to the central characters: the hero rose above a tortured past to become one of the wealthiest man in England, an admirable accomplishment in itself, as it proves the strength of his character. The heroine? Why, she's a courageous author (and a successful one at that whose last novel Matilda was the talk of the town) and a woman well ahead of her time, who dreams of love but lives vicariously through her own novels, and sometimes the seemingly more fascinating lives of others during the course of her 'research'.

** Spoiler alert**

What I couldn't reconcile was how Derek could be so relentless, some may even say ruthless, in his pursuit of success and wealth, but when it comes to love, he became almost a shadow of his true self. He ended his relationships when they got too intimate — one of the reasons why he sort of 'pushed' Lily Lawson (Then Came You) to Lord Alex. He hesitated to take action. Instead he chose to hide behind his shameful past and used that as an excuse not to pursue his heart's desire because he did not think that he deserved happiness. That's some kind of warped thinking for you.

In the beginning, I pitied him, then I got a bit mad at him for not getting out of that rathole he's backed himself into and start being true to his heart, for being such a scaredy wimp and for continuing to wallow in his ridiculous belief that he did not deserve to have Sara. When he let Sara returned to the village, actually he ordered her to get out of his life, I lost my patience with him. Only later when he related what he had gone through in his shocking childhood (digging graves to rob corpses for survival … it sobered me up and made me grateful for my relatively comfy one) did I begin to understand his hang-ups about not being worthy of love.

So it was a relief when the story turns, and Sara broke off her engagement to her on-and-off fiancee, and ventured to attend a house party Lily threw in the hopes of seeing Derek again. Of course, that house party could only lead to one ending: they both got hitched after they realised how they truly felt towards each other.

As is Kleypas' style, the story doesn't end there. Just at the height of their marital bliss, his ex-mistress, Lady Ashby, who didn't take the rejection too well, and who's a little psychotic, kidnapped Sara with the intention of destroying Derek, after burning down the club he's spent his entire life to build it up to the raving success it was. Only she didn't expect our heroine to be a resourceful and courageous fighter, and wound up getting herself shot and returned to her cruel husband.

The ending was rather satisfying as it marked a new beginning for Derek, who decided to come out of the closet, so to speak, and used his wealth and power to benefit the less fortunate in society and champion social causes openly, rather than being just an annonymous benefactor. Sara became much in demand for her radical beliefs in political and social reforms. And they lived HEA.

What saved the book for me was really Sara. She appeared as a bookish, prim and proper mouse but inside that veneer was a sensual, passionate woman of strong convictions, great resourcefulness and unfailing courage. She really amazed me with the transformation from a frustrated dreamer to a go-getter who's not afraid to fight obstacles and objections to be with the one she truly loves. So actually Derek did her a favour to let her return to her village. It made her realised that she could never settle for anything less than a passionate love when it comes to her happiness. Derek needs her, whereas Perry, her so-called fiancee, needs to cut himself off his mom's apron strings first!

I couldn't help comparing Derek to Nick Gentry (Worth Any Price) and Simon Hunt (Secrets of a Summer Night), two Kleypas heroes whom I like. Guess what? Nick Gentry, who has a criminal, dark past, still comes up tops. His relentless pursuit of Charlotte, and his ruthlessness in binding her to him (yeah, I know I can be a little primitive in that area) because he desired her and harboured secret dreams about her, and her thorough conquest of his heart kept me enthralled throughout the book.

Oops … I hope I haven't divided you ladies into Derek Craven and Nick Gentry camps. I'm going to give Kleypas a rest until Devil in Winter arrives, which I plan to read back-to-back with It Happened One Autumn. Patience … good things come to those who wait.

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Then Came Lisa Kleypas

March 21, 2006 at 11:07 pm (All, Authors A to M, Books, Romance)

This book piqued my curiosity because, amongst other reasons, it introduces a hero that quite a number of romance readers (RomanceLover, Kristie, Jennifer B, to name a few) admire. So, I had to see for myself, don't I? Besides, this book sort of gives you an inkling of Derek Craven, who gets his own story in Dreaming of You (which Kristie has been recommending) and his attitude towards LOVE. Hint: it's actually much more complicated than commitment phobia.Since I've been reading Kleypas romances, and chasing her Wallflower series, I consider myself a fan of hers, so I simply have to catch up on these two that for some reason, I haven't gotten round to reading.

Enow of the rambling, and on with the review …

You can read the synopsis here on the author's website, so I won't elaborate on the storyline. What appeals to me are the strong lead characters. Both hero and heroine are stubborn creatures, and their clashes made for some entertaining reading. The wager at Craven's club wherein Alex gambled with Lily for the privilege of a night in bed with her against 15 grand a la Indecent Proposal was a dead giveaway on how the story would turn. He's already got the hots for her so it wasn't too far a stretch of the imagination to guess who would emerge the winner.

However, this scene also reveals the chink in Derek's armour (via his factotum, Worthy) and provides readers with an insight into why he makes his round amongst the 'high-kicking' ladies but never settle on one. And gives Kleypas the reason to come up with Derek's story. And oh boy, was the seduction scene in Craven's private apartments steamy

There is a secret baby and she became the cause of a Big-Mis, mostly because Lily chose to omit details of her past for fear losing Alex's love … shame on her though. I thought she should have trusted her own judgement and perception of her husband's character, if not his aunt's hints that the men of their house loves fiercely and eternally. But then, we women could be that insecure sometimes.

Overall this was an enjoyable book, athough the tension between Alex and Lily didn't affect me as much as the cackling chemistry between Annabelle (try as she might to deny any attraction) and Simon from Secrets of a Summer Night. But as I said, it was more of a prelude to DOY ( coming up in my next post) for me.

Ok … now back to Megan McKinney's Moonlight Becomes Her.

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Me? A Noble Princess?

March 19, 2006 at 11:01 pm (Fun)

Saw this in one of Alyssa's old post, and decided to try it out.

Idealistic? perfectionist? That about sums me up. Gosh, I'm such a sucker for quizzes.

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In response to Cindy’s Romance Week meme

March 19, 2006 at 12:25 am (All, Books)

I'm back to pick up the conversation where I left off, and I see Cindy has added more questions. Well, here goes:1. Name your all-time favourite male character.
If there aren't any limits, then it'll have to be David de Abyndon (Madeline Hunter's central character in her medievals), Nick Gentry (Lisa Kleypas' hero in Worth Any Price), Richard Maitland (the Intelligence chief who makes cameo appearances in many of Elizabeth Thornton's historical rom suspense and gets his own story in The Perfect Princess, finally!). Ohh, and I can't possibly not mention Mr Darcy (Pride & Prejudice) and Mr Knightley (Emma)

2. What is your favourite setting? Historical / Contemporary or otherwise. Why? What draws you in?
Historical, or medieval. Because I'm a history buff. Especially when the author draws on historical characters to set the story and takes pain to make the period come alive with vivid details of the era. Madeline Hunter, Gaelen Foley, Susan Wiggs and Julie Garwood (when she was writing historicals) are some of the authors who made royal intrigues, medieval and Regency London as well as Scotland come to life for me.

One of the most powerful scenes for me was Marsha Canham's staggering description of the horrific Battle of Culloden. I had to put down the book and observe a moment of silence for that unnecessary massacre of many a brave Highlanders. It was bloody, tragic and sobering, and totally grips you.

3. What trait in a hero can you not abide?
It's definitely wimpiness. I can't stand whinny heroes. Yes, you think you're unworthy of the heroine's love, but for God's sake, just go all out and try your hands at winning, don't just write off all heroines as grubby rich-husband-only huntress. Give her a chance to surprise you with her open mind, and unconventional way of thinking.

I don't mind domineering and controlling streaks, so long as the hero also proved that he is an open-minded, forward-thinking male who treats women as equals.

4. Favourite heroine of all time? What makes them special or a stand out to you.
Again, if I can only name one it'll be Penelope Featherington aka Lady Whistledown (created by Julia Quinn). For the longest time, she's always been written off as a plain Jane wallflower, destined to be left on the shelf. I like how she took charge and forged a career of her own as an elusive but highly successful gossip columnist and widely acknowledged wit. All the more remarkable because many of the people write her off as just a spinster destined to be left on the shelf, not realising that she doesn't need to land a loaded husband to keep her living.

My other favourite heroine would be Lady Anna de Leon from Madeline Hunter's The Protector. She is so totally unaffected and clueless about her attraction, yet she picks up her duties as lady and protector of her people very stoically and man, can she fight!

[Edited: sheesh! can't believe I said 'destined to be left on the shelf twice!]

5. Favourite genre? Have you analyzed why it is your favourite? Do you care?
[Edited: Do we really have to narrow it to just one?] If yes, then it's historical, but I do like contemporary every now and then, as a little 'breather' between my heavy historical romance reading.

6. What genre do you dislike the most? What is it that grates?
I don't really care for paranormal romance, although I've read a few. The thing that grates most is for the fantastical plots to get way too inventive. C'mon, if you're going to write about the paranormal, you not only have to have a creative imagination, whatever theory proposed must make sense too.

7. If you have ever read books from the genre you don't like is there at least one book from that genre that you could recommend?
Unfortunately, none.

8. List some examples of books that represent the best of the romance genre.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
By arrangement by Madeline Hunter
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory
Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas

Part 2:
1. What romance book do you secretly love?
A Woman of Passion and Enslaved by Virginia Henley. She doesn't' mince her words, and she doesn't hold back from describing what goes on between man and woman graphically.

2. Name a hero that had you at 'Hello'.
Haven't met him yet. But James Bond came very close to claiming this title.

3. Name your favorite 80s bodice ripper.
I usually won't touch those with a ten foot barge pole. But if you're referring to the ones with a raunchy steamy plot behind a decent cover, then it'll have to be Virginia Henley's Enslaved. Hey, if you're clueless about tantric sex, boy this book's going to give you a good lesson in that.

4. What kind of heroine do you wish could be eradicated from the earth?
The doormat who lets the hero walks all over her and doesn't learn to fight back even right until the end. Grow a spine, gal!

5. Forced Seduction.
It's going to be Enslaved again. The heroine, Lady Diana, was transported back to Roman England, and mistaken for a slave by the hero, Marcus, who's a peer during her time but a Roman general in this era. He took a fancy to her, and discovering that she was still virgin, swore to have her begging for him to take her, and then started his seductive ploys, including the above-mentioned educational.

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What Romantic Heroine R You?

March 17, 2006 at 2:32 am (Fun)

Saw this over at Lady Tess', and coming straight off my Pride & Prejudice post, just had to find out which one I am.

Try it, just for fun!

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4 Meme

March 17, 2006 at 1:08 am (All, Fun)

Picking this up from Amanda:

4 jobs you have had in your life:>
1. Nurse
2. Salesperson
3. Online content producer
4. Publicity officer

4 movies you would watch over and over:
1. LOTR
2. Harry Potter movies
3. The Pirates of the Carribean
4. Pride & Prejudice, Bride & Prejudice and other adaptations of Austen novels

4 places you have lived:
1. Singapore – West end
2. Singapore, Queenstown
3. Singapore, West end again till present

4 TV shows you love to watch:
1. American Idol
2. CSI
3. Without a Trace (on and off)
4. Alias (missed the last season)

4 places you have been on vacation:
1. Cairns, Australia (honeymoon)
2. Bintan, Indonesia
3. Phuket, Thailand
4. Gold Coast, Australia

4 websites you visit daily:
1. Nearly all sites on my blogwatch and author tracking list
2. Newsgator.com (where I go into a feeding frenzy)
3. Bookcrossing.com (almost daily)
4. Google.com and Yahoo.com – to check my mails
(Update: Although at the rate I keep peeping over Quizilla, I think that and Tickle will have to take 5th place).

4 of your favorite foods:
1. Chocolate
2. Naan
3. Chicken Tikka or Tandoori
4. Mom's Braised sesame chicken with ginger and mushrooms (hmmm … just telling you makes my mouth water!)

4 places you would rather be right now:
1. Lijiang, China
2. Greek Islands – Santorini, Pylos, Athens, Cyprus
3. UK (Ireland, Scotland, England)
4. New Zealand

4 friends you are tagging that you think will respond:
1. P. Devi
2. Was going to tag Romance Lover but I'm too late! She's posted already!
3. Jennifer B.
4. Lady Tess

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My Historical for March’s TBR Challenge

March 16, 2006 at 10:21 pm (Authors A to M, Books, Chick Lit, Romance, TBR Challenge)


I had originally wanted to wait until I've finished Northanger Abbey before posting this for the reading challenge, but this wonderful masterpiece warrants a post all on its own.Here is my take on this delightful, thought-provoking and utterly brilliant period novel.

Title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Year published: First published 1813; Published in Penguin Popular Classics 1994

Why did you get this book?
I had been planning to read this again, especially when I learnt that there will be a movie adaptation of it. I actually started on this on Austen's birthday, 16 December (yeah, I've been really slow, having been sidetracked by a certain young wizard with a lightning scar and a fantastical land of fauns, talking lion, centaurs and the One Ring to rule them all). Don't mind me, I'm just talking in riddles again.

So anyway, I started over again in January, after I signed up for Angie's TBR challenge. I had already identified this as one of her books that I would like to read again. I had read this in my teens, and other than certain memorable scenes e.g. Lizzie's rejection of Darcy's first proposal, her visit to Pemberly and the final scenes where Bingley proposed to, and was accepted by her sister, Jane, the rest of the book is rather hazy. Which is why I resolved to read it again, this time taking my time to let the words sink into my conscious mind.Do you like the cover?
The cover isn't exciting, but who cares? I picked it up because it's Jane Austen!

Did you enjoy the book?
I love, love, love this story! I mean, no matter how some other Janeites think Emma Woodhouse is one Austen's best creation, Pride & Prejudice will always have a special place in my heart.

Although there are two main characters and their developing relationship is the focus of the tale, Austen has created a vivid impression of their society through many memorable secondary characters, who supported this sparkling comedy of manners and gave an otherwise common preoccupation of females from that era – marrying well – an uncommonly modern appeal, for Lizzie, the spirited and intelligent heroine, has declared that she would marry only for love, an ideal that can be difficult to uphold during those days.

What really captured my interest is the gamut of feelings towards Darcy, our brooding and introverted hero, she experienced through the book. From disdainful and intense dislike, to curiosity, mortification that she could have been so blinded, then grudging admiration and deep gratitude to blossoming affection and finally a love so deep 'there can be no doubts that we are to be the happiest couple in the world.'

The initial Big-Mis which gave rise to Lizzie's bad first impression of stuffy Mr. Darcy was good sowing ground for the stirring of intense feelings from both parties. You already wish they both have a chance to start over and fall in love properly, but then that would rob you of the joy of seeing how both characters progress and mature in their feelings, and how each became better because of the other.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Jane Austen is one of the most famous and forward-thinking author of her time!! So no, she was no stranger to me. I am reading another book of hers, Northanger Abbey, having already read Emma before this. I plan to read all her books again.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
This book is going to become part of my permanent collection. I'll keep this for the day I can introduce it to my daughter.

Anything else?
I watched the movie starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen when it came to the big screen in December. Just as I was finishing up the book, the video was released, so of course I had to get that and watch it again (they snipped off the final kissing scene that was in the movie but wasn't in the book) when I finished reading. It made me appreciate the insight that the book provides. The movie was entertaining and contemporarised to suit a modern audience. One of my girlfriends told me that she finally understood what the book was all about after watching the movie.

I can certainly relate to that because the language used is a lot more deliberate and eloquent than contemporary English. That said, there were some phrases that I think would be hard to match in modern literature, like the classic which began the story,

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

and these when feelings were declared, from her rejection

"and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."

to acceptance and love:

"Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now."

"You will only think that I feel more than I ought to do, when I tell you all."

on falling in love with Darcy:

"It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began…"

Darcy's first rather clumsy but impassioned proposal to Lizzie:

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

and his rather cautious but hopeful second overture much later (after being roundly abused and harshly rejected),

"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever."

and his account of falling in love with Lizzie:

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which I laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

And that is exactly how falling in love can be. You're already in way too deep before you realised it. Trust Austen to pin it down and find the words for it. Perhaps you'll understand now why P&P had me in raptures. This is a book that I will read over and over again, slowly so I don't miss every nuance.

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