Friday, February 22, 2013

Let's Talk - 1/22/13


Let’s Talk is a meme hosted by Smash Attack Reads and A Book Obsession.  

Let's Talk is a a great place to get personal and learn more about one another!  

Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses. This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let’s Talk!

Today's Question: If you could be part of one fictional family (book or screen), what family would you choose, and why? Would you choose to be a current family member, or a new one?

Like Smash, the first book I thought of was the Harry Potter books.  I want to be married to George Weasley.  He is awesome and funny, brave and daring.  

Another family would be the Riddell's, recurring characters from many Charles de Lint stories.  Geordie and Christie Riddell have many adventures in Newford that allow them to experience the land of fairy.  I would love to be able to join them.  

Also, I'd like to give being a vampire a try.  I would then have the time to read all the books I want.  I think I'd prefer to join the vamps in the Sookie Stackhouse novels.  Some of them can be pretty cool.  

What about you?  What fictional family do you want to join?

Thursday, February 21, 2013

About Last Night's Book Dream...



Last night's dream:

I'm in Barnes & Noble peering at books on the bottom of a shelf.  I see a book that is a guide to "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning, that explains different characters, mythology and even the part of Dublin that is no longer on any maps.  It also had more background on Mac.  Even though I had some mixed feelings about the book, I thought I might like to get the guide to give me some insight and perhaps give me more impetus to finish the series.  However, I wasn't sure I wanted to get it right then and there, so I pull out my I-phone which is very dusty from being in my purse and scan the barcode on my Amazon App to put in on my shelf and to see how much they are selling it elsewhere. 

This dream was very real because I will often scan books, but mostly with the Goodreads App to put it on my TBR list. 

Do you think this dream has any deeper meaning?  Have you had any bookish dreams lately? 

Trapped.

Title/Author: Trapped by Michael Northrop.

Genre: YA/Thriller

Publisher: Scholastic.

Source: Purchased.

Favorite character: Scott

Synopsis:  The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive. . . .

Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision. .~Goodreads.com.
My Thoughts:  With all the snowstorms and power outages we've been having lately, I thought this was an appropriate book to clear off my TBR shelf.  I enjoyed reading this.  It was kind of like The Breakfast Club gets stranded but without the moments of epic disclosure.  There was a little bit of music though.  Seven students are stuck in their high school during a mega blizzard.  Their power goes out - no heat, the pipes freeze - no water, they are cold, hungry and scared.  What would you do?  The answers may seem easy, but when you have obstacles, the solutions are not always workable.  It is interesting to see the teens try to work their way around them and come up with answers.

The story is told by main protagonist Scotty Weems in first person.  His voice is clear and consice as is the writing and it is easy to believe that a 15 year old boy is telling this story.  He is likeable and I liked him more when he was being honest with himself and his friends.  He doesn't want to get in trouble and lose his status on the basketball team, he wants to impress his crush who is stuck also.  His insight into himself doesn't always come fast, but it eventually comes making him more real for me.

There are definitely some dynamics of the different factions of students going on and it is interesting to see which kids come up with the best ideas, which ones take on a leadership role, which ones the other kids defer to.  And of course, in a stressful situation like being snowbound, tempers flare and emotions can run high.

I love seeing what people do in averse circumstances and the choices these kids make are not ones I would make, but I can't really remember what I'd do as a 15 year old.  However, I wondered why they didn't get gym mats like they mentioned in the beginning or go into the teacher's lounge where there might be couches.  Break into other lockers for extra clothes, etc.

The ending bothered me a bit because I found it sudden and also I didn't get to see what the aftermath was.  *Spoiler Alert* Even just a little bit would have been cool.  The kids congratulating Scott when they were picked up in the helicopter.  Visiting each other in the hospital. *End Spoiler Alert*  However, I also understand that the main gist of the story is the survival of the students in the hostile environment and the events that occured.

All in all: A very fast and entertaining read.

Other editions:
 

Challenges:












Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What's A Ghoul To Do?

Title/Author: What's a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie.

Genre: Paranormal Thriller.

Publisher: Signet.

Source: Purchased.

Favorite character: Gilley

Synopsis: M.J., her partner Gilley, and their client, the wealthy, de-lish Dr. Steven Sable, are at his family's lodge, where his grandfather allegedly jumped to his death from the roof-although Sable says it was foul play. But the patriarch's isn't the only ghost around. The place is lousy with souls, all with something to get off their ghoulish chests. Now M.J. will have to to quell the clamor-and listen for a voice with the answers...~Goodreads.com

My Thoughts: I've wanted to read this book for a while (I love the cover), so when The Book Nympho and Romancing the Darkside announced they were a having a Read-A-Long of the series, I figured it was my perfect chance.  I was expecting a kind of a light cozy-mystery and that's what I got. 

This is a murder mystery and thriller and main protagonist M.J., who is a Medium, has to solve the murder and some other puzzles that she and her team uncover in the course of the investigation. Although we know  who the bad guy is, there is still some deep and buried secrets to uncover.  There were some surprises that I did not see coming, which I love, but I also felt at times the plot stalled.  From the first chapter, I also thought the book was going to be darker than it was and I was looking forward to that, but the rest of the book did not have that darkness.  I love ghost stories and there are some chilling and creepy parts in this book, but they are not terribly frightening so if you are a scaredy-cat, don't avoid this book because there are ghosts.

I like the main character M.J. She is smart and funny and also vulnerable.  I do wish there had been further character development with her because I *do* like her.  I think I just wanted a bit more.  The character who steals the show, in my opinion however, is Gilley, her business partner who is ironically, afraid of ghosts.  He is hilarious and snarky and mischevious and a perfect foil for M.J.  Every girl should have a Gilley. 

Unfortunately, I really did not like Dr. Steven Sable, the love interest.  I felt he was arrogant and at times condescending to M.J.  Also, I didn't always buy his misuse of the English slang.  At first it was cute, but it went on too long.  It just seems to me a world reknown surgeon who is fluent in several languages would have a better grasp of English.  Maybe that's just me. The romance did not make me swoon and I really didn't feel a chemistry between them.  I do think the next book will be interesting however, given the turn the ending took relating to him. 

Also, the bird Doc Holliday, didn't work for me at first either as a sidekick pet.  However, when it was explained why she received the bird and from who, I understood.  I wondered why the author chose a parrot and then I read in the back that she herself has a parrot named Doc. 

I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series, but I really love the Read-A-Long and hearing everyone's opinions so maybe I'll at least give the second installment a try.

All in all: The book seemed a bit slow to me at times, but it was still a light and fun read. 

Other Editions:









Monday, February 18, 2013

Book Blogger Confessions - Reading Habits. (Monday, February 18, 20130


Book Blogger Confessions is a meme that allows book bloggers to discuss issues unique to what we encounter in the blogging world. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month we will post a question and invite you to answer, comment and discuss opinions and different views.

Please keep the dialogue courteous. No bashing!

If you would like to participate in this meme sign up below and please feel free to to grab the button to include in your post with a link to For What It's Worth Reviews or here at Midnyte Reader.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Book Blogger Confessions has been nominated for best meme for Book Blogger Twitter Con (#BBTC) hosted by Parajunkee and The Bookish Brunette.  This event will take place April 1-April 7 and all of it will be held on Twitter.  We are thrilled to be nominated and want to thank everyone who participates, comments and reads.  Voting starts March 1, 2013.  Even if you don't vote for us, at least go vote!  For more information on #BBTC click HERE.


QuestionHow has blogging and reviewing changed your reading habits? Do you read a genre now that you wouldn't have tried prior? Or have you been turned off by a genre you used to love?

Answer:   Since I started blogging and reviewing my habits have a changed a lot.  

On the positive side, I'm reading a lot more, I'm reading books that I may never have tried. I don't think I would have gotten into YA as much as I have.  Also, I'm being exposed to books and authors that I may never have heard of.  Blogging is like a HUGE resource for books.  You know when Dorothy opened the door to OZ and was like Holy Crap...that's kind of how I feel.  Picture when she opens the door it's all books piled on top of each other, spilling off the beautiful scenery and growing off the plants. 

On the negative side, I'm a bit ashamed to "confess" that sometimes I feel like I've restricted myself.  I used to read a lot of Fantasy - like King Arthur and Fairy mythology...that has fallen by the wayside a bit.  I kind of want to focus my blog on the spooky (even though other stuff sneaks in sometimes) and I've not been reading books that may not serve the blog 100%.  I know I can read these books and not review them, but I read so slow as it is, I feel like every book I finish needs to go up on my blog or I won't have content.  I also feel like if I read them and don't write about them...what's the point?  I love discussing books and sharing my thoughts.   I know it sounds like I'm reading to blog and not reading to read and that's not good.  I need to read what I think I'll enjoy.

Also, I've been going to a lot more different conventions, signings and readings and I want to read books by the authors attending.  So I've been focusing on that as well.  This counts as positive because I'm finding awesome new authors and books and I love being able to understand what the authors are talking about.  However, this counts as negative too because again...the other books that I do want to read are falling farther and farther down my TBR list.  

I think the problem is this:  There are just too many books out there that I want to read. Therein lies all the problems of readers.   



Sunday, February 17, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (2/17/13)



Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews to celebrate books you've received. Please check out how to join this fun meme HERE.

I bought these three book for my Authors After Dark Savannah Reading Challenge.



1. Undead and Unwed by Mary Jancie Davidson.
2. Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber.
3. After Light by Elle Jasper.

These three seem really different from each other and I'm looking forward to reading them.


Last weekend I was able to use my B&N gift card I got for Christmas and I bought the following:


1. Black Wing by Christina Henry.
2. Mutated by Joe McKinney


What did you get recently?



Tote bag giveaway


I don't know about you, but I think I have a million totebags that I've collected over the years.  I need to make some room so I'm having a giveaway.

Bloodlines bag.

Point of Origin bag.

Darynda Jones bag. 

Close up of Darynda Jones bag. 

Mulholland Books bag. 

Other side of Mulholland Books bag. 






CONTEST:
~Four (4) winners will receive one (1) tote bag each. 

TO ENTER:
~Leave your name and e-mail address on the Rafflecopter form.
~Tell me which bags you would like in order.
~Extra entries are optional.
~If you are choosing to do extra entries, please read the questions/instructions CAREFULLY! If you do not follow the instructions, I reserve the right to disqualify that entry. (For example, if I ask you to leave a comment and you do not, or you don't answer the question or if you say you follow and you really do not, that entry will be removed.)

RULES:
~Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. 
~U.S. and Canada only.
~Please see my contest policy HERE.
~Ends Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank for participating and good luck!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Kody Keplinger giveaway






Hello everyone.  I'm clearing out some of my books that I don't think I'll ever get to so I thought I'd  hold a giveaway.  These books have not been read so they are in need of a good home.  





CONTEST:
~One winner will receive the two books above by Kody Keplinger.  (Signed ARC of Shutout and signed harcopy of DUFF.)


TO ENTER:
~Leave your name and e-mail address on the Rafflecopter form.
~Extra entries are optional.
~If you are choosing to do extra entries, please read the questions/instructions CAREFULLY! If you do not follow the instructions, I reserve the right to disqualify that entry. (For example, if I ask you to leave a comment and you do not, or you don't answer the question or if you say you follow and you really do not, that entry will be removed.)

RULES:
~Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. 
~U.S. and Canada only.
~Please see my contest policy HERE.
~Ends Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dark Romance with Edgar Allan Poe

My father used to read the poem Annabel Lee to me.  Even when I was too small to understand the context, I could tell by the words and my father's mournful delivery that it was a tragic tale.  A haunting tale.  An ode filled with sorrow.  It is my favorite poem. 

Although dark and tragic and about death, it is a wonderful example of literary Romanticism, for which Poe is known for.  Romanticism was an artistic movement in the 18th and 19th Century that had more of a spiritual attitude than artforms preceding it.  This genre tended to move away from, and question realism, convention and "rational thought" and gravitate to nature and sentimental reflection, especially the topic of the artist alone with nature.  I picture the scene in Pride and Prejudice when Lizzie stands on the cliff with the wind blowing her skirt as an example.

In the poem Annabel Lee, Poe or the narrator if you prefer, states that he and his bride lived in a "kingdom by the sea."  When two people are in love, any home would be their realm and this line sets the tone for a storybook mood.  Also, it reflects their insular setting with nature.  He refers to Annabel Lee as a maiden, which some speculate to literally mean virgin, but I feel that again it is a word that goes back to a romantic era and goes hand in hand with a "kingdom."  These choices lend themselves well to the style of Romanticism.

By referring to themselves as children he gives a clue to their innocence.  They have no cares except to love each other unburdened by anything else in life.  The fact that even the angels are jealous of their love has always been the most powerful part of this poem for me.  Angels, who are supposed to be the most elevated and pure beings cannot bear the feelings of Annabel Lee and her true love as it even surpasses their reach.  Perhaps he means this literally or perhaps in his grief he rationalizes that this could be the only explanation for her death.  Even after death it seems that the narrator's love will never wane, his feelings as strong as ever.  Their love is frozen in time and entombed just like his bride and nothing, not time nor death can diminish their emotions.

The poem is further more real because it is written in first person and the reader truly feels the despair and desolation, another style that Poe is known for as well as for his strong, deep and dark emotions.

Annabel Lee
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea;
But we loved with a love that was more than love-
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me-
Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we-
Of many far wiser than we-
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Edgar Allan Poe





Photo published by Dodd, Mead and Co, NY, 1898 (American Bookmen) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Valentine Earrings Giveaway #7


One of my other hobbies besides reading is beading and making jewelry.


I made these earrings using black Swarovski crystal hearts with crystal Swarovski accents on a stainless steel wire.  I thought black hearts were appropo of a Valentine's Horror event.








CONTEST:
~One winner will receive the earrings pictured. 

TO ENTER:
~Leave your name and e-mail address on the Rafflecopter form.
~Extra entries are optional.
~If you are choosing to do extra entries, please read the questions/instructions CAREFULLY! If you do not follow the instructions, I reserve the right to disqualify that entry. (For example, if I ask you to leave a comment and you do not, or you don't answer the question, that entry will be removed.)

RULES:
~Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. 
~This contest is interntational. 
~Please see my contest policy HERE.
~This is a fast contest!  Ends Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Romantic Locations based on your favorite Horror Novel.

1. New York, NY.
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin.
Breed by Chase Novak.

After you are done viewing The Dakota on West 72nd Street where the movie Rosemary's Baby was filmed (also the place where John Lennon was shot), you can head on over to The Metropolitan Museum of Art where the Twisden children, Alice and Adam and their teacher Michael tried to give Alex the slip only to end in disastrous results. 

Try a carriage ride in Central Park and even though it might be cold in February for V-Day, head over to Serendipity for a frozen hot chocolate.  If you can still stand the cold try ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Citi Pond at Bryant Park. 

When you're ready to warm up try One if Land, Two if By Sea, called New York City's most romantic restaurant.  Live piano music and one of their fireplaces will be sure to warm you up.  You may also want to try Blue Hill in funky Greenwhich Village, which features a utensil free menu every Valentine's Day and was once a speakeasy. 

2. Estes Park, Colorado.
The Shining by Stephen King.

The Stanley hotel, the setting for King's masterpiece and one of America's most haunted hotels is lovely in itself and the views are breathtaking.  Take the ghost tour the hotel offers and learn about the various spirits that may still dwell there as well as the history of the building and Mr. Stanley.  If you get a room there beware, The Shining plays nonstop on one of the channels.  The hotel offers Valentine's Day specials and has a holiday Ball.  Even if you don't stay at the Stanley you can still take the tours and in the winter enjoy skiing and outdoor jacuzzis.  The Rocky Mountain National Park is also worth the hike.

To clarify, the TV miniseries starrting Steven Webber was filmed at The Stanley.  The movie with Jack Nicholason was filmed at Mt. Hood Lodge in Oregon.

3. Georgetown, VA.  Washington, D.C.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty.

Well poor Regan was confined to her bed during The Exorcist but even though Georgetown is only one neighborhood in our nation's capital, there are many fun shops and restaurants. 
1789 Restaurant is like stepping into a country inn decorated with antiques.  If you prefer Italian Food, try award-winning Ristorante Piccolo, complete with a violin player to provide music during your meal.  Stroll down to the C&O Canal (once a canal, now a park) which Dr. Ruth even said was "the most romantic spot in Washington D.C." 

4. Los Angeles, CA.
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.

Before the vampire outbreak occurs there are dozens of spots in Los Angeles for a romantic date.  Just driving down Pacific Coast Highway is lovely in itself and you can stop at any number of beaches for a stroll in the surf.  If sand is not your thing you can always take a spin on the Merry-go-round at Griffith Park and then visit the Observatory.

Il Cielo in Beverly Hills has been touted as one of the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles and they also have open reservation times on Valentine's Day.  You can also take a drive down to Long Beach and eat at Sir Winston's on the Queen Mary.  You can pretend you're Kate Winslet eating with Leonardo DeCaprio if you wish.

5. New Orleans, LA.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice.

I'm a little biased because I love this city, but I think it's one of the most romantic locations I've ever visited.  Every outdoor cafe exudes charm but if you want to really impress your date, try Antoine's, where the waiters are career staff and the restaurant is a museum in itself displaying relics of Mardi Gras past.  The meal and service at Commander's Palace in the Garden District should be experienced at least once in your lifetime and when you're finished you can take a stroll at Lafayette cemetery right across the street.  Go to the carousel bar in the Hotel Monteleone for a nightcap.  The Comfortini's are my favorite. 

Taking a carriage ride in NOLA is a must!  Some even make pitstops at pubs. 

I hope some of these locations gave you some ideas for romantic getaways.  Which romantic Horror location would you like to visit?




Guest post by Gef Fox - Romance & Horror co-mingle in The Forest of Hands and Teeth.


What business do horror and romance have commingling in film and literature?

I mean, the two genres seem diametrically opposed, don't they? Each sets out to draw out a totally different emotional response from readers. And yet, there are books and movies out there that have managed to effectively blend the two, albeit amid a morass of failed attempts.

Bram Stoker's Dracula might be the easiest example, though I'm not sure I'd label the bloodsucker a romantic, so much as a sexual predator. How about the classic movie, The Bride of Frankenstein? Hmmm. Getting closer. What about Twilight? Ugh, it's like I don't even know you.

So, what would be a great book or movie in horror-romance?

I can't say definitively, but allow me to offer one novel that I believe is an effective blend of the two genres: Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth.

A 2009 debut novel in the dystopian YA genre, Hands and Teeth tells the story of Mary through her PoV, a teen girl living in a walled village, surrounded by a forest overrun by zombies known as the Unconsecrated. Much like The Hunger Games, there is the sense that the story is set generations after a cataclysmic event, but in this case there is no government. Instead, there's the Sisterhood, who rule in a puritanical manner and oversee everything in the village, right down to arranging marriages.

The horror elements obviously come from the Unconsecrated and the havoc they inevitably lay upon the village when their guard is down. And let me tell you, there are some harrowing moments through the book once the shambling hordes break through the village's perimeter.

As for the romance, it's deftly interwoven through the action without becoming insipid or monopolizing the plot. Mary may be the victim of unrequited love, but it delves a little deeper than that, what with her role as a protector and guide when the zombies hit the scene.

I don't think the book was ever really marketed as horror or romance, instead tapping into that lucrative young adult market. So, feel free to criticize this recommendation as not strictly falling into either category, but I still say the blending of genres works out really well and the book wound up being one of my very favorites from that year.

So, for those of you who enjoy novels that tug the heartstrings while also scaring the bejesus out of you, The Forest of Hands of Teeth is a book I heartily recommend.


Thank you Gef for stopping by and telling us why this book has it all -- Romance, Horror, a good plot...I also enjoyed this book very much. 

Please visit Wag the Fox for awesome recommendations, interviews and posts. 


Valentine Earrings Giveaway #6


One of my other hobbies besides reading is beading and making earrings.





I made these earrings using black ceramic hearts with red Swarovski accents on a stainless steel wire.  I thought black hearts were appropo of a Valentine's Horror event.






CONTEST:
~One winner will receive the earrings pictured. 

TO ENTER:
~Leave your name and e-mail address on the Rafflecopter form.
~Extra entries are optional.
~If you are choosing to do extra entries, please read the questions/instructions CAREFULLY! If you do not follow the instructions, I reserve the right to disqualify that entry. (For example, if I ask you to leave a comment and you do not, or you don't answer the question, that entry will be removed.)

RULES:
~Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. 
~This contest is interntational. 
~Please see my contest policy HERE.
~This is a fast contest!  Ends Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Valentine Earrings Giveaway #5



One of my other hobbies besides reading is beading and making jewelry. 





I made these earrings using black ceramic hearts with siam colored Swarovski accents on a stainless steel wire.  I thought black hearts were appropo of a Valentine's Horror event.




CONTEST:
~One winner will receive the earrings pictured. 

TO ENTER:
~Leave your name and e-mail address on the Rafflecopter form.
~Extra entries are optional.
~If you are choosing to do extra entries, please read the questions/instructions CAREFULLY! If you do not follow the instructions, I reserve the right to disqualify that entry. (For example, if I ask you to leave a comment and you do not, or you don't answer the question, that entry will be removed.)

RULES:
~Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. 
~This contest is interntational. 
~Please see my contest policy HERE.
~This is a fast contest!  Ends Friday, February 15, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway




Thanks for participating and good luck!



Romantic Scary Movies

Cuddle up on the couch with these romantic, heart stopping films. 

King Kong - The ultimate love story.  Ape meets girl, ape falls for girl, ape abducts girl and climbs to the top of the Empire State Building to allegedly propose to girl.  Too bad he got shot down by airplanes, but maybe he was saved from the embarrassment of getting shot down by Faye Wray as well. 

Bride of Frankenstein - Matchmaking gone awry.  Dr. Frankenstein only wants to make his creation happy so he tries to fix him up with the kick ass hot spooky looking chick with fab hair that he made especially for him.  Only oops, she only has eyes (whose eyes we don't know) for the doctor.     

Bram Stoker's Dracula - I think this is the most romantic of the many Dracula films.  Here we have a love triangle, but you can hardly blame Gary Oldman.  I mean Dracula. He is only trying to reconcile with his beloved Elizabeta.  I mean seduce Mina.  How can you blame Gary Oldman for anything anyway? If that pesky marriage to Keanu, I mean Jonathan Harker, hadn't occured and perhaps if Gary Oldman, I mean Dracula, hadn't sired Lucy, things could have worked out. What woman doesn't want to get swept away to a castle in Transylvania with Gary Oldman? (I mean Dracula.)

Cloverfield - Whatever your feelings for this movie, if I was trapped in a building and an ex  risked his life to save me, he'd definitely warrant a second chance.  Personally, I enjoyed this movie and although (spoiler alert) the couple died at the end, I was very touched by the last scene when they are trying to take refuge under a tunnel in Central Park.  She is terrified and her hero calms her down by telling her to only look at him and then they declare their love. 

Ghost - Well it had some scary scenes, like the pottery wheel scene...I mean like the shades coming to get the bad guys.  Okay, it was mostly a romantic comedy thriller, with some spooky stuff.

Shaun of the Dead - Poor Shaun.  When a zombie outbreak occurs, he is caught between wanting to please his best friend who wants to hole up in the pub for his own selfish reasons and wanting to save the life of his ex-girlfriend.  So the decision, go get his ex on the way to the pub.  Problem solved right?  Wrong.  Shaun and his friends have to fight off zombies every step of the way and the great plan of holing up in the watering hole, wasn't as secure as they had hoped.  Again, here is a story where the protagonist proves his worth, not only to his ex girlfriend but to himself as well.  Shaun, his girlfriend and his undead friend then live happily ever after.

Let Me In - Here we have the opposite of usual vamp stories, in which the immortal man finds his soul mate.  This time, Abby is the age old creature and although she warns her neighbor Owen that they can't be friends, they are drawn to each other.  Another unique aspect of the story is that Owen is a child and Abby has never aged from being one.  In my opinion, this is a bittersweet love story with many layers and depth.  It's about loyalty, trust and having to depend on someone.

Phantom of the Opera - Someone told me that when Phantom of the Opera first came out in movies, people actually fainted in the theatres when the Phantom revealed his face.  Audiences may be a bit more jaded now, and certain Goth girls may actually prefer the Phantom, but back then it was the dreaded love triangle plot.

The Crow - This romantic, dark tale introduces us to Eric, who comes back from the dead to avenge the murder of his fiance and his own.  Brandon Lee plays a perfect, dark hero and unfortunately art imitates life and the young actor is killed during production. 

Zombieland - Say everyone you know turns into a zombie, lowering the dating pool significantly.  Maybe you think you'll be alone forever or at least with your kind of kooky companion.  Lo and behold you finally meet a girl (or guy, whatever) but she wants nothing to do with you.  What do you do?  How do you melt her heart?  Weren't you paying attention to the Shaun of the Dead plot?  You save her from zombies of course! 


What romantic love story gets your heart racing in fear?



Photos:
~King Kong movie poster-See page for author [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Kingkongposter.jpg
~Phantom of the Opera movie poster-See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Phantom_of_the_opera_1925_poster.jpg
~Cloverfield-By paul (dex) bica from toronto, canada (cloverfield) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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