Emergency Post & the Ultimate Harlequin Presents

So, if this goes live it means a) I’m away and b) I’ve had no internet connection. This likely also means c) I’m a twitchy mess, and also d) EXTREMELY UNHAPPY*. I will have my phone with me, but there’s only so much a phone can do. You know what makes me happy though? Discussion.

[In case you were asking/wondering? No, no I’m not above blatant pandering. Maybe that’s where my latent lawyer tendencies/characteristics can be found… ba dum bump]

Anyway – I submit to you all.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. The ultimate Harlequin Presents. If it weren’t 3:21 AM I’d google to see when the first was written/published. (Which might completely destroy my theory.) But I have to drive 15 hours today. And did I mention driving makes me sleepy? And sleepy means falling asleep at the wheel? So… the faster I get done with this post the better.

But I have to say it.

Hear me out. Young (extremely, although not really. She’s… ack I haven’t read it all in too long. In her mid 20s right? 24? I say not really because some HP heroines are 19 which… *gag+shudders*) – naive, gauche. Awkward, shy, socially inept. And yet the ΓΌber hero loves her. Maxim! De Winter! He who owns Manderley. Oh and did we mention he has/d an evil ex? And he’s all bitter now?

So… rich, entitled alphahole hero. Who decides he’s going to marry the heroine – never tells her he loves her, and calls her a “little idiot.” And they get married and it’s all miserable. Then the shit hits the fan and he’s all “I luuuurve you!!” And she’s all “well now! That’s awesome!” and then… stuff and happy ending.

I know, cliffs notes is just this close –> <– to beating down my door right now to get me to write for them.

Just wait until you hear me summarize history.

Back to the topic at hand. (Hahaha as if there’s anything to be off topic about…) Before the rock throwing begins – I like Rebecca. A lot. Sometimes I’m not even sure why. (But maybe next time I’ll share some of its amazing quotes.) And I also enjoy Harlequin Presents. Even some that make me roll my eyes so hard I almost hurt myself. (Ok so those I like less, but sometimes I can enjoy them if the TSTL is wiped out.)

It’s also 3:26 AM which means shut up time. Hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend!

Unless you’re at RT. Then I hope you trip on something.

Unless you got me something. Then I heart you.

[I don’t expect anyone there has though, so eff ’em.]

And if you’ve stuck with me this far… if you answer my questions – or whatever – chime in on the topic you can win a book by Maggie Robinson. Because she’s awesome.

*Extremely Unhappy allcaps means I’m fucking pissed off and looking to shank someone. Will be resourceful and make weapons out of items in my purse even. Snapped off lip gloss wand (possibly sharpened) would do some damage. Especially to the face. By which I mean the eyes. <– Don’t piss off Lime.

0 thoughts on “Emergency Post & the Ultimate Harlequin Presents

  1. myrandaroyann

    I’ve never read Rebecca but I understand what it’s like to really like a book that people hate. The only Kathleen Woodiwiss book that I’ve been able to get through (and really enjoy) is Petals on the River which, according to the reviews on Amazin, most of her fans consider to be one of the (if not THE) worst book by her. I don’t know why I love it so much but just can’t get into her books that everybody gushes over. Maybe it’s because I first read the book when I was really young and it was one of my first romances. I still own a beat up copy that I reread at least once a year.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Nooooooooooooooo you don’t get it then! It’s… well, you have to read Rebecca and that’s all there is to it.
      There are some HPs though, that yeah – you have to get past the painful stupid, and then it gets better. It’s just many people aren’t willing to stick with it. And I can definitely understand why. So many other books out there and all.

      Reply
  2. smartmouthtexan

    My purse shank would be several bobby pins with the safety tips pulled off and tied together with a hair band. If not kill I’m sure it would maim.

    Thanks for the early morning laugh!!!

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      SMT – I think bobby pins could definitely cause some damage. Those ends can be sharp! And/or if you straightened the whole thing? That’s like 2 inches – if you managed to drive the whole thing in… >.> Ok yeah I’m getting a bit graphic/violent here. So I’ll stop. [Cuz honestly I’m trying to figure out how you could do that without hurting yourself in the process…]

      Reply
  3. Portia Da Costa

    I love Rebecca too. I must have read it at least three times, maybe four, and I agree it does have a lot of Presents-like features. Just checked and it was written in 1938, so Rebecca was around first. πŸ™‚

    I used to read it as a romance, but on the most recent reading, I saw it more as a brilliantly clever, dark, twisty, hauntingly evocative psychological mystery… and I loved it just as much that way.

    Maybe I’ll read it again in a few years and it’ll be a romance to me again? πŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Yay, thanks for the check, Portia! I knew Rebecca was written in 1938, but didn’t know when Mills & Boon/Presents started.
      Hmmmmm as a mystery? I’ve never thought of it like that. I guess it would depend on which edges the other out by a hair – the character development or the plot? Because I’d submit (argue?) that the old school romances didn’t… really focus on the romance so much either.

      True though, the happy ending isn’t… so much happy. At least based on the beginning, where the heroine is more like “we’re just existing, and we’re good with that.”

      I’d never say Rebecca is a seminal romance or anything – more like a trailblazer for HPs? Also I’m sleep deprived and stupid. (Good excuse right? Good thing/unfortunately it’s true.)

      Reply
  4. Mary Kirkland (@scarymary66)

    I’ve never read this book, So I don’t know. But…but there are a handful *big handful* of authors that I either love and others don’t or I just can’t read *coughcoughAnneRicecoughcough* because they are so long winded it gets me too irritated to keep reading.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      LOL I totally get that, Mary. *coughcough*you should be a reviewer here and share your thoughts then!*coughcough* πŸ˜‰ aren’t I subtle?
      But yeah – there are some books people rave rave RAVE over. And then I read it and I’m like… no. Not only no, but I think people talked it up and gushed on public media just to kiss up to the author. :X (But then I’m a bitch.)
      I’m also guessing classics aren’t so much your go to reading choices then? πŸ˜‰ Especially not Mr. Charles-paid-by-the-word-Dickens…

      Reply
  5. Liz

    Man, I laughed with this post, Lime! You are truly hilarious! And the tags! No, we will try not to piss you off. Especially when you’re close enough to reach your purse.

    My purse shank, because I have a toddler, would be an army man and I always keep a few in there in case he gets fussy. They have those pointly little guns so I could give you a series of scratches that would annoy you a great deal and you might even bleed out, so, yeah, watch out for me!

    I haven’t read this book. I’m not a big fan of historical fiction, although I’ve broadened my horizons some since joining your blog. History in general wasn’t my fav subject in school, I was more interested in chemisty (insert rimshot here). And I really don’t care for uber-young heroines because the naivete, the “fantastic first time” and everything gets under my skin. But I can empathize with your feelings on a book that you can’t really understand why you love it so much.

    Alphahole – I “luuurve” it!

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Heh – always happy to amuse, Liz. That’s what I’m here for πŸ˜‰ *bows*
      Hahahah mommy purse. Hey, I mean, if you’ve ever stepped on one of those suckers? The green army men? Yeah. That’ll really annoy you.
      Rebecca isn’t historical fiction! It’s … well contemporary for its time, but 1938… You never had to read it in school?
      And YAY for broadening your horizons! I should/need to do that to… although I like to say I generally am pretty open minded? (Although romance – I do stick to romances.)
      LOL I’m the total opposite. Love history and could easily happily have majored in it. Somehow idiot me thought polisci would be more “marketable” though. Chemistry… not my thing. But it could have to do with me having an amazingly shitty teacher. Unfortunately the same one for Chem CP & AP in HS. And I never took Chem again. She was a f*cking moron, but had senority.
      Also, the heroine in Rebecca actually isn’t that young – early/mid 20s. I mean there are a lot of historicals and category romances with 19 yr old heroines, or even erotic romances. And let me tell you, that last one creeps me out. I don’t think many contemporaries with heroines under 24 are believable. Possibly/probably because I relate more strongly with those characters than the authors. Or at least I think I do…

      Reply
  6. TrishJ

    So sorry you were having a bad day .. you made me laugh. I loved Rebecca. I read it many times when I was younger, think I should dig out my.old copy. Here’s to.a great weekend.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Trish, yay!!! I’d love to hear how Rebecca stands up to another re-read. And also? *clings* those of us who have read it are so outnumbered!

      Reply
  7. JoAnne

    Well I read the post twice and not sure what we’re chiming in on. Guess you’re having a bad day (tongue in cheek) having to drive 15 hours? I’ll be driving 17 in early May when we drive from CT to St Louis to pick up our son from college who will have just finished his Jr year. Then we pack up the car and start the trek all over again. All this driving takes place in a four day period.
    I also like Daphne DuMaurier. She was probably one of the first romance authors I read along with Georgette Heyer and Barbara Strickland.
    Hope your day and travels get better.
    I haven’t read books by Maggie Robinson but she looks like an author I would enjoy.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      lol JoAnne – pretty much anything you want, really. I’m never really “on topic.” Hahah yes. Bad day would be a good way of putting it.
      OMG. Are you doing 17 all in one day?!?!? You’re crazy!
      I wanted to die after driving 15 hours straight. (Luckily I didn’t have to drive it all myself…) the entire weekend I was a zombie. Bleh.
      Oh. Duh – I need to learn how to read. 4 days. I’m leaving my “stream of consciousness” response though. I hate packing too – so I sympathize with you as well.
      *gasp!* I… you know I almost want to say I’ve never heard of Barbara Strickland. I have but, don’t know if I’ve read anything by her. *whispers* Same with Georgette Heyer. She seems to be very divisive though so I’m a bit scared.

      Reply
  8. Diane Sallans

    I like your version of Cliff Notes – much funnier! I know what you’re saying about HQ Presents – I enjoy them to, but some are very formula – but they are quick fun reads & sometimes that’s what I want. But once in a while you get an excellent read & I look for more by that author. Take care in your driving – be safe.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Hee! THanks Diane! Maybe I’ll start cliffs notes-ing other books too πŸ˜‰ It’ll be soooo helpful! *giggles*
      And! Yes!!! That is 100% exactly how I feel about HPs! And finding that one amazing author is pretty much worth it!

      Reply
  9. June M.

    Hope you are having a safe trip. Just the thought of being in a car that long makes me hurt. About the only thing I could use to hurt someone from my purse would be pens (always have a bunch) and keys (especially the big car keys). I have never read this book. I only got into reading romances a lot a few years ago. I never read the ones int the 80’s & 90’s with the exception of a couple of Avon Teen romances when I was about 10 or so and then VC Andrews books when I was in my teens.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      June, it did hurt! >:( the seats were crazy uncomfortable. On the way back I got a better seat in the last row, but the driver was horrible :X. Keys are a great weapon! Did you know they’re always mentioned in self defense classes?
      Rebecca is actually a classic. And… honestly while I said that – I don’t think most people would classify it as a romance. And by classic I mean like… classic literature you’d study in an AP or honors English class. Which… is how/why/when I read it. πŸ˜€
      I didn’t start reading romances either until like the mid 00’s… so a lot of the earlier romances I never read – same as you. I only read a few VC Andrews that my friend gave me in high school. They were… O_o heh. (Although I did find a few Barbara Cartlands in a teacher’s shelves, which I felt were fair game since she stole MY books that my older sister lent her without asking me.) >:(

      Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Ooooo Jane now I want to find that movie! Also I looooooooove TCM – it got me through many a final paper in college πŸ˜€ You should read it. I’m wondering which Mrs. Danvers is creepier – the one on page or screen!

      Reply
  10. Shannon

    Love the book , love the movie, love the sequel “they” hired someone to write. I never thought of it being like a presents…totally see it that way now! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Heheh – I win! πŸ˜‰ Kidding, Oooo the sequel is Manderlay right? I want to say I read it… or tried to? :X Didn’t get into it – not quite sure why.
      I didn’t really like Scarlet the sequel of Gone With the Wind either though… *you* should give *me* the nontraditional cliffs notes version of M, Shannon! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  11. librarypat

    I love REBECCA and like you, I’m not sure why. It is partly the gothic feel of it. I read it long before I read romances and really didn’t look at it as one. Young, innocent, and not really stupid, but naive. I guess at the time I could see myself in her.
    Hope you get back to the world of internet access soon.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Hi Pat –
      Yes! Definitely there’s the gothic feel to it. And you also described the main character perfectly. I think we all can sympathize right? Not sure of where your place is and being insecure etc…
      And outside factors didn’t help. Even if it wasn’t as bad as she thought in her head, what an uncomfortable situation!

      Reply
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  13. laurieg72

    Life happens! I laughed at your post. Sorry you were so stressed out! I’m frustrated everyday when I hook up with my poor dial-up, slow connections. Lately, they drop me a lot!

    I read REBECCA when I was 14. I can’t remember the details.

    I love the PRESENTS line. The titles leave a lot to be desired.

    I have not read any books by Maggie Robinson.

    My purse is a lethal weapon. The weight of it alone could knock someone out. I have anything I could possibly need: brush, comb, pens, paper, rubber bands, paper clips, scizzors, mirror, chapped lip tube, ruler, super glue, addresses, wallet….

    johnslake@usa.com

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Laurie – yes yes yes yes I can’t say “yes” enough for the HP titles leaving a lot to be desired. Apparently they sell a lot. :X My response is generally – imagine how much better they’d sell if the titles weren’t ludicrous … you know? :X Of course I’m not a marketing person…

      AHAHHAHA love that your purse itself would be your weapon of choice. I hear you – but… O_o scissors and super glue?
      I sometimes carry lotion etc and a bottle of water in my purse. Which *totally* weighs it down!

      Reply
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