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My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel
The romance novel that lets you pick your path, follow your heart, and find happily ever after.
You are the plucky but penniless heroine in the center of ninteenth-century society, courtship season has begun, and your future is at hand. Will you flip forward fetchingly to find love with the bantering baronet Sir Benedict Granville? Or turn the page to true love with the hardworking, horse-loving highlander Captain Angus McTaggart? Or perhaps race through the chapters chasing a good (and arousing) man gone mad, bad, and scandalous to know, Lord Garraway Craven? Or read on recklessly and take to the Continent as the “traveling companion” of the spirited and adventuresome Lady Evangeline? Or yet some other intriguing fate?
Make choices, turn pages, and discover all the daring delights of the multiple (and intertwining!) storylines. And in every path you pick, beguiling illustrations bring all the lust and love to life.
You are the plucky but penniless heroine in the center of ninteenth-century society, courtship season has begun, and your future is at hand. Will you flip forward fetchingly to find love with the bantering baronet Sir Benedict Granville? Or turn the page to true love with the hardworking, horse-loving highlander Captain Angus McTaggart? Or perhaps race through the chapters chasing a good (and arousing) man gone mad, bad, and scandalous to know, Lord Garraway Craven? Or read on recklessly and take to the Continent as the “traveling companion” of the spirited and adventuresome Lady Evangeline? Or yet some other intriguing fate?
Make choices, turn pages, and discover all the daring delights of the multiple (and intertwining!) storylines. And in every path you pick, beguiling illustrations bring all the lust and love to life.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2018
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April 11, 2018the amount of books that have pissed me off bc of the main character’s romantic decisions... the list can go on. this book is a blessing? because now the power is in my hands 🙃
July 28, 2018
You rush to tend to Lord Craven, who has collapsed at the foot of your bed in a fashion both manly and vulnerable. You manage to tug down the neckline of your nightdress ever so, in order to ensure that the tops of your womanly orbs glow attractively in the moonlight.
Delightful, hilarious - I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
Not because it is a 'great romance novel' but because it lovingly and cheerfully skewers and parodies romance in the funniest ways.
You can choose your own adventure in here, and let me tell you: Curran and Zageris really surprised me with the breadth of choices they give here. Initially it looks as if you only have two: a kind, redheaded Scotsman or an arrogant rich regency lord. But really, there are SO MANY different places you could end up. And it's not only limited to here. Yes, that's right, you can actually end up if you play your cards right. ALSO, not all the love interests in here are white. WHAT?!?!?!!? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, both of the POC options are ??? but somehow Middle-Eastern or Egyptian-ish (this book isn't big on details) but they are actually POC love interests for you.
So I have to really applaud Curran and Zageris for pushing the envelope in both these ways. What could be a book is neatly sidestepped. Of course, the majority of your options are white men, but I don't feel like ripping them down, instead I feel happy with what the authors have chosen to do. Kudos. It's MUCH more than I was expecting, honestly.
And the authors are SO FUNNY and they are having SO MUCH FUN writing this. You will die laughing. It is TOO hilarious.
Mac is muscled and broad shouldered, unlike the sleek nobles of the ton that surround him. His is a body that's seen vigorous activity, and you shudder with longing to know what kind. With eyes the green-brown color of a Highland glen below a Highland moor, and a strangely sad square jaw set with a sensitive poetic mouth, he is a vision of Scottish virility.
I almost feel like they have the most fun with Mac and because with Mac they can make everything hilariously "Highlander."
He pulls you into a kiss that would make other mouths ashamed of themselves, then pulls you up and onto him and slides slick fingers into your aching rainbow, searching for the gold at the end of it.
He listens to your every moan, attends every catch of your breath, and when the time is right and neither of you can resist creating the perfect union that your love, like this foal, was born to witness, he slips his dirk into your sheath.
Together, you play the most beautiful song on the bagpipes of your joined bodies. Together, you reach love's most exuberant pinnacle, screaming louder than the stable full of horses as you do.
And with it's stuff like:
You realize that you are parched for him as well. How majestic would it be, you wonder, to feel those hands as big as twin sphinxes, but twice as mysterious run all over your curves?
...
Your nipples harden, the apexes of two pleasure pyramids ready to be pillaged by vandals.
The sex is silly. It's not hot, it's funny - the book is a joke. Don't expect to get turned on or have any serious sexual details - it's designed to make you laugh out loud. And it succeeds.
You, the heroine, are very feisty, independent, sassy, and hugely horny and sexually adventurous. NOTE: Do NOT read this for historical accuracy. I mean, it's all out the window. Since there are so many possible 'stories' in here, the authors can't wait for a shy or hesitant heroine - you are willing to jump into bed FAST and with almost no provocation. Also, the book is a joke - please remember that.
He presses you into a kiss, and to punctuate his desire, he literally rips your bodice.
"Get your filthy hands off her, you odious piece of bodice-ripping TRASH." Benedict's sharp, superior voice cuts through the night.
If you are a major romance reader and are familiar with all the tropes and stereotypes of romance, this is definitely the book for you. Curran and Zageris are constantly winking at the reader - directly having a villain call you "too stupid to live" for instance. Insta-love, brooding vampires, gothic castles with creepy dead wives, Highland adventures, romantic tomb-raiding... I could go on and on (and on). There are stones left unturned here, but Curran and Zageris did a good job of covering the major bases of historical romance.
His hair looks astoundingly (and attractively) unkempt, and he wears his shirt open to the navel. You have noticed that the more tortured he feels, the more skin he bares.
There's a lot of winks at Mary Sue, as well.
You and Mac birth the everloving daylights out of that horse. The two of you perform the procedure with such precision, grace, and showmanship that you could have entirely revolutionized veterinary techniques of the early nineteenth century, if only someone had been there taking notes.
The book seriously had me in stitches.
This book belongs to a rare sub sub sub sub sub genre of loving, kind, gentle romance parodies written by authors who love romance. If you enjoy this book and want another one like it, I highly highly recommend My Angelica which is SO FUNNY and SO GOOD and also belongs to this sub sub sub sub sub genre. It's the only other one I can think of, although hopefully there are more out there and more in our future. Because this - these two books - are golden.
And it's ILLUSTRATED. Yeah, let that sink in for a minute.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
You climax harder than you ever have before. You lay entwined with your lover, and the moonstone of your sex glows with otherworldly desire for Lord Craven.
He places that broken-statue hand of his on your left breast, which he has taken to calling Rent Promise. His other hand travels to your right breast, which he has named Raven's Wing. He senses your soul stirring betwixt your bosom.
"I sense your soul stirring betwixt your bosom," he growls.
In answer, you make love to him again, with all the rushed intensity of spirits wrongfully dispatched from the mortal coil trying to communicate with the living from the great beyond.
You climax even harder than you did the first time you climaxed harder than you ever had before, but the cries of your ecstasy are pierced by something harsher and louder: the sound of Alexander screaming in terror.
LOL LOL LOL
Let's look at the kind Scotsman.
"Of course my husband is joking," you laugh. You reach for Mac's incredibly taut bicep, pulling him close. He gasps audibly, causing the innkeeper to raise a bemused eyebrow. "He thinks I snore like a 'bloody dragon, lass!'" you add in your best attempt at a brogue. The innkeeper laughs, and Mac stares daggers at you. "But I promise to be quiet, sir," you tell the innkeeper conspiratorially. "He will be the only man I keep up all night." You and the innkeeper share a round of wicked laughter, and you lead a dazed Mac into the cramped quarters where you will be spending the evening - together.
"What the devil are ye up to, lass? Goin' and pretendin' we're married folk?" Mac asks once the innkeeper is well out of earshot.
You extend the privacy screen so you may undress, and as soon as you have hidden yourself from him, you begin to strip off your clothes. "After such a journey, there is no way you should take your rest in the stable. As husband and wife, you can get as good a night's rest as I. We can split up the bedding so one of us is on the floor, if you wish. In any case, I trust you."
"Aye, but what if I dinnae trust ye?" he says. "Ye are being reckless with your honor, as much as ye are being reckless with my - " he cuts himself off. "Fine. I will change here, but as soon as ye are asleep, I will head out to the stable and be proper about it."
"Suit yourself, husband," you say, smiling despite yourself at his bullheadedness and his slip of the tongue. You imagine several more ways you could enjoy his slipping tongue while you strip down to your underthings. As you do, the strange bit of paper that Dodger brought out from the fire falls from its hiding place in your bodice. You bend to pick it up and read the name again. Constantina. You remember Mac's strange expression when you said the name before.
Who could she be, you wonder. A lover? A sister? A friend? An enemy? Clearly, she meant a lot to Mac. You wonder if you could ever mean a lot to him, of if he sees you merely as an impulsive, reckless woman with a caring streak.
You are so distracted by these confusing thoughts that you lean against the screen to contemplate, forgetting that it is a flimsy bit of screen and not a solid wall built for contemplative leaning.
You tumble, mostly naked, into Mac, who, you are thrilled to discover, is mostly naked as well.
You hold yourself over him, arms trembling, and he holds your waist with thick, limber fingers.
"You're naked," you whisper, both surprised and pleased.
"Ye said to trust you," Mac offers by way of weak explanation.
"Well," you say, and ever so gently arch your valley to meet his throbbing tor. Mac groans with rare pleasure and release at the slight movement, and your heart races at the thought of what other symphonic exultations the undulations of your bodies could bring. "Better than the stable floor?"
Mac throws his impressive caber against you in sweet release. "We can't, lass," he gasps. "It's improper." He kisses you, his tongue as true in its aim as his mind is in deed.
You kiss like moss growing, wet and lush and full of secret direction. Your kisses give the other guidance, to lick here, bite there, pull, push, ride.
"Honor my body," you whisper into the cup of his ear. He shudders, and you spasm just to witness this great lighthouse of a man shine on you. He worships your breasts, kissing them as fully and forcefully as he has your mouth, as tenderly as he strokes the wet apex of your sex. You thrum and thrill at his touch, at the final show of desire from which he does not hide. The fact that it is desire for you heats his touch all the more, until you are blazing hotter than his red hair.
LOL LOL
TL;DR Probably having this much fun reading a book should be illegal. Best for readers who are already very familiar with romance novels and their tropes - people who love romance novels are the core audience for this book.
If you enjoy this book and want to read other (loving, gentle) romance parodies - I can't recommend My Angelica enough. It's STUNNING.
Curran and Zageris are having great fun writing this book, and you will have great fun reading it. It's fun to make different choices and find out all the (sometimes very surprising) endings. It's a very cute, sweet, funny book designed to make you laugh. I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed this much and this hard in a long time. So cute. :D
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Bodice Ripper - Literally
Gothic Romance
Historical Romance
LGBT+
Multicultural/Interracial Romance
Paranormal Romance
Regency Romance
Scottish/Highlander Romance
Second Chance Romance
Vampire Romance
Delightful, hilarious - I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
Not because it is a 'great romance novel' but because it lovingly and cheerfully skewers and parodies romance in the funniest ways.
You can choose your own adventure in here, and let me tell you: Curran and Zageris really surprised me with the breadth of choices they give here. Initially it looks as if you only have two: a kind, redheaded Scotsman or an arrogant rich regency lord. But really, there are SO MANY different places you could end up. And it's not only limited to here. Yes, that's right, you can actually end up if you play your cards right. ALSO, not all the love interests in here are white. WHAT?!?!?!!? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, both of the POC options are ??? but somehow Middle-Eastern or Egyptian-ish (this book isn't big on details) but they are actually POC love interests for you.
So I have to really applaud Curran and Zageris for pushing the envelope in both these ways. What could be a book is neatly sidestepped. Of course, the majority of your options are white men, but I don't feel like ripping them down, instead I feel happy with what the authors have chosen to do. Kudos. It's MUCH more than I was expecting, honestly.
And the authors are SO FUNNY and they are having SO MUCH FUN writing this. You will die laughing. It is TOO hilarious.
Mac is muscled and broad shouldered, unlike the sleek nobles of the ton that surround him. His is a body that's seen vigorous activity, and you shudder with longing to know what kind. With eyes the green-brown color of a Highland glen below a Highland moor, and a strangely sad square jaw set with a sensitive poetic mouth, he is a vision of Scottish virility.
I almost feel like they have the most fun with Mac and because with Mac they can make everything hilariously "Highlander."
He pulls you into a kiss that would make other mouths ashamed of themselves, then pulls you up and onto him and slides slick fingers into your aching rainbow, searching for the gold at the end of it.
He listens to your every moan, attends every catch of your breath, and when the time is right and neither of you can resist creating the perfect union that your love, like this foal, was born to witness, he slips his dirk into your sheath.
Together, you play the most beautiful song on the bagpipes of your joined bodies. Together, you reach love's most exuberant pinnacle, screaming louder than the stable full of horses as you do.
And with it's stuff like:
You realize that you are parched for him as well. How majestic would it be, you wonder, to feel those hands as big as twin sphinxes, but twice as mysterious run all over your curves?
...
Your nipples harden, the apexes of two pleasure pyramids ready to be pillaged by vandals.
The sex is silly. It's not hot, it's funny - the book is a joke. Don't expect to get turned on or have any serious sexual details - it's designed to make you laugh out loud. And it succeeds.
You, the heroine, are very feisty, independent, sassy, and hugely horny and sexually adventurous. NOTE: Do NOT read this for historical accuracy. I mean, it's all out the window. Since there are so many possible 'stories' in here, the authors can't wait for a shy or hesitant heroine - you are willing to jump into bed FAST and with almost no provocation. Also, the book is a joke - please remember that.
He presses you into a kiss, and to punctuate his desire, he literally rips your bodice.
"Get your filthy hands off her, you odious piece of bodice-ripping TRASH." Benedict's sharp, superior voice cuts through the night.
If you are a major romance reader and are familiar with all the tropes and stereotypes of romance, this is definitely the book for you. Curran and Zageris are constantly winking at the reader - directly having a villain call you "too stupid to live" for instance. Insta-love, brooding vampires, gothic castles with creepy dead wives, Highland adventures, romantic tomb-raiding... I could go on and on (and on). There are stones left unturned here, but Curran and Zageris did a good job of covering the major bases of historical romance.
His hair looks astoundingly (and attractively) unkempt, and he wears his shirt open to the navel. You have noticed that the more tortured he feels, the more skin he bares.
There's a lot of winks at Mary Sue, as well.
You and Mac birth the everloving daylights out of that horse. The two of you perform the procedure with such precision, grace, and showmanship that you could have entirely revolutionized veterinary techniques of the early nineteenth century, if only someone had been there taking notes.
The book seriously had me in stitches.
This book belongs to a rare sub sub sub sub sub genre of loving, kind, gentle romance parodies written by authors who love romance. If you enjoy this book and want another one like it, I highly highly recommend My Angelica which is SO FUNNY and SO GOOD and also belongs to this sub sub sub sub sub genre. It's the only other one I can think of, although hopefully there are more out there and more in our future. Because this - these two books - are golden.
And it's ILLUSTRATED. Yeah, let that sink in for a minute.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
You climax harder than you ever have before. You lay entwined with your lover, and the moonstone of your sex glows with otherworldly desire for Lord Craven.
He places that broken-statue hand of his on your left breast, which he has taken to calling Rent Promise. His other hand travels to your right breast, which he has named Raven's Wing. He senses your soul stirring betwixt your bosom.
"I sense your soul stirring betwixt your bosom," he growls.
In answer, you make love to him again, with all the rushed intensity of spirits wrongfully dispatched from the mortal coil trying to communicate with the living from the great beyond.
You climax even harder than you did the first time you climaxed harder than you ever had before, but the cries of your ecstasy are pierced by something harsher and louder: the sound of Alexander screaming in terror.
LOL LOL LOL
Let's look at the kind Scotsman.
"Of course my husband is joking," you laugh. You reach for Mac's incredibly taut bicep, pulling him close. He gasps audibly, causing the innkeeper to raise a bemused eyebrow. "He thinks I snore like a 'bloody dragon, lass!'" you add in your best attempt at a brogue. The innkeeper laughs, and Mac stares daggers at you. "But I promise to be quiet, sir," you tell the innkeeper conspiratorially. "He will be the only man I keep up all night." You and the innkeeper share a round of wicked laughter, and you lead a dazed Mac into the cramped quarters where you will be spending the evening - together.
"What the devil are ye up to, lass? Goin' and pretendin' we're married folk?" Mac asks once the innkeeper is well out of earshot.
You extend the privacy screen so you may undress, and as soon as you have hidden yourself from him, you begin to strip off your clothes. "After such a journey, there is no way you should take your rest in the stable. As husband and wife, you can get as good a night's rest as I. We can split up the bedding so one of us is on the floor, if you wish. In any case, I trust you."
"Aye, but what if I dinnae trust ye?" he says. "Ye are being reckless with your honor, as much as ye are being reckless with my - " he cuts himself off. "Fine. I will change here, but as soon as ye are asleep, I will head out to the stable and be proper about it."
"Suit yourself, husband," you say, smiling despite yourself at his bullheadedness and his slip of the tongue. You imagine several more ways you could enjoy his slipping tongue while you strip down to your underthings. As you do, the strange bit of paper that Dodger brought out from the fire falls from its hiding place in your bodice. You bend to pick it up and read the name again. Constantina. You remember Mac's strange expression when you said the name before.
Who could she be, you wonder. A lover? A sister? A friend? An enemy? Clearly, she meant a lot to Mac. You wonder if you could ever mean a lot to him, of if he sees you merely as an impulsive, reckless woman with a caring streak.
You are so distracted by these confusing thoughts that you lean against the screen to contemplate, forgetting that it is a flimsy bit of screen and not a solid wall built for contemplative leaning.
You tumble, mostly naked, into Mac, who, you are thrilled to discover, is mostly naked as well.
You hold yourself over him, arms trembling, and he holds your waist with thick, limber fingers.
"You're naked," you whisper, both surprised and pleased.
"Ye said to trust you," Mac offers by way of weak explanation.
"Well," you say, and ever so gently arch your valley to meet his throbbing tor. Mac groans with rare pleasure and release at the slight movement, and your heart races at the thought of what other symphonic exultations the undulations of your bodies could bring. "Better than the stable floor?"
Mac throws his impressive caber against you in sweet release. "We can't, lass," he gasps. "It's improper." He kisses you, his tongue as true in its aim as his mind is in deed.
You kiss like moss growing, wet and lush and full of secret direction. Your kisses give the other guidance, to lick here, bite there, pull, push, ride.
"Honor my body," you whisper into the cup of his ear. He shudders, and you spasm just to witness this great lighthouse of a man shine on you. He worships your breasts, kissing them as fully and forcefully as he has your mouth, as tenderly as he strokes the wet apex of your sex. You thrum and thrill at his touch, at the final show of desire from which he does not hide. The fact that it is desire for you heats his touch all the more, until you are blazing hotter than his red hair.
LOL LOL
TL;DR Probably having this much fun reading a book should be illegal. Best for readers who are already very familiar with romance novels and their tropes - people who love romance novels are the core audience for this book.
If you enjoy this book and want to read other (loving, gentle) romance parodies - I can't recommend My Angelica enough. It's STUNNING.
Curran and Zageris are having great fun writing this book, and you will have great fun reading it. It's fun to make different choices and find out all the (sometimes very surprising) endings. It's a very cute, sweet, funny book designed to make you laugh. I highly recommend it. I haven't laughed this much and this hard in a long time. So cute. :D
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Bodice Ripper - Literally
Gothic Romance
Historical Romance
LGBT+
Multicultural/Interracial Romance
Paranormal Romance
Regency Romance
Scottish/Highlander Romance
Second Chance Romance
Vampire Romance
December 10, 2017
This was super fun! A choose-your-own-adventure romance with a lady love interest option? Yes, please. I expected to just go the queer route, but I ended up exploring pretty much all of the options, because they all had their own plots/mysteries, which were intriguing.
February 7, 2018
Who, of a certain age, doesn't look at a "choose-your-own-adventure" book with a certain wistful nostalgia? Who is now into historical romances?
Who didn't know that one could combine the two and come up with literary (or humorous at least) gold?
I didn't know that, but this book has taught me something. That bosoms heaving and Scots who perpetually manage to lose their shirts can be delivered in a down-right hysterical fashion.
I love Regency era romances, but they can be rather formulaic. This book pokes gentle and not so subtle fun, at those tropes. I read bits of it out loud to my Roomie and we were practically rolling on the floor with laughter. It was even funnier when I flipped to and read the wrong page and didn't notice until halfway down, because it was so incredibly similar. That's not a neg, that is a brilliant understanding of the genre and ability to mimic it in a laughing so hard I am crying while reading it by the authors.
So kudos to you. 5, I can't breathe through the laughter, stars. Recommend for those who appreciate the poking of fun at Regency romance tropes, those who enjoy Regency romance and choose your own adventure books AND who don't mind things steamy in a rather silly way. I would say upper YA to adult on this one. I have a few friends I will be recommending this one to, as well as customers. : )
My thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Who didn't know that one could combine the two and come up with literary (or humorous at least) gold?
I didn't know that, but this book has taught me something. That bosoms heaving and Scots who perpetually manage to lose their shirts can be delivered in a down-right hysterical fashion.
I love Regency era romances, but they can be rather formulaic. This book pokes gentle and not so subtle fun, at those tropes. I read bits of it out loud to my Roomie and we were practically rolling on the floor with laughter. It was even funnier when I flipped to and read the wrong page and didn't notice until halfway down, because it was so incredibly similar. That's not a neg, that is a brilliant understanding of the genre and ability to mimic it in a laughing so hard I am crying while reading it by the authors.
So kudos to you. 5, I can't breathe through the laughter, stars. Recommend for those who appreciate the poking of fun at Regency romance tropes, those who enjoy Regency romance and choose your own adventure books AND who don't mind things steamy in a rather silly way. I would say upper YA to adult on this one. I have a few friends I will be recommending this one to, as well as customers. : )
My thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
April 25, 2018
Lol. What to say about this one.
The writing itself . . . uhhhhhhh . . . left something to be desired. But let’s face it: this is a choose-your-own adventure romance novel. It’s the potato chips of literature. Were we expecting the leafy greens of Dickens when we bit into it?
It aggressively makes fun of terrible romance novels, and sometimes it was funny, othertimes just cringeworthily awkward.
Some highlights (or, rather, lowlights):
—-There is a character named Fabian de Mangepoussey. Yes. That is correct. His last name is “Eats Pussy.”
—-“Erect obelisk.” Oh. Dear. God. No.
—-“The moonstone of your sex glows with otherworldly desire”
—-When a penis is referred to as a “faithful steed”
—-“He is a fool, of course, for thinking he could take down Benedict with such a hasty scheme. It takes more finesse. More artistry. More watching, waiting, planning. Paperwork.”
—-After “you” help another character birth a newborn foal:
You: “How long until it’s is ready to ride?
Him: “It will be quite some time.”
You: “I don’t mean the horse.”
… STOP THE BOOK I’M GETTING OFF this is too much for my delicate sensibilities.
—-“He slips his dirk into your sheath”
—-“He slides his slick fingers into your aching rainbow, searching for the gold at the end of it.”
—-“Together, you play the most beautiful song on the bagpipes of your joined bodies.”
—-WHEN HE NAMES HER TITS “RENT PROMISE” AND “RAVEN’S WING.”
The best parts were the footnotes. They made you feel like you were interacting with the authors. You made choices, and they responded to those choices with commentary. It was fun. For example:
“Does seducing your way out of this sound appealing? If so, turn to page 000, you hussy, you.”
“So, now that you have two handsome men in hand-to-hand combat, how do you proceed? If you are enjoying the show and want to continue watching the pair whale on each other with homoerotic vigor, turn to page 000.”
“If animal husbandry truly gets you going, turn to page 000. If, on second thought, you feel a little less alluring thanks to the afterbirth, and making violent love in front of two horses seems a wee bit weird, go to page 000.”
All that said . . .
If this were a regular book, it would get 1 star. The writing, as I mentioned, is unpleasant. There are many roll-your-eyes moments even though you know the authors are being jokesy. The plots are unoriginal and the characters are completely monofaceted.
But the choose-your-own-adventure styling made it fun for me, and I ended up exploring every storyline after playing it all the way through the first time (it should come as little shock I ended up lesbianing it up). Mixed bag.
~~~~~~~Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge~~~~~~~
#10: A romance novel by or about a person of color (Kitty Curran)
The writing itself . . . uhhhhhhh . . . left something to be desired. But let’s face it: this is a choose-your-own adventure romance novel. It’s the potato chips of literature. Were we expecting the leafy greens of Dickens when we bit into it?
It aggressively makes fun of terrible romance novels, and sometimes it was funny, othertimes just cringeworthily awkward.
Some highlights (or, rather, lowlights):
—-There is a character named Fabian de Mangepoussey. Yes. That is correct. His last name is “Eats Pussy.”
—-“Erect obelisk.” Oh. Dear. God. No.
—-“The moonstone of your sex glows with otherworldly desire”
—-When a penis is referred to as a “faithful steed”
—-“He is a fool, of course, for thinking he could take down Benedict with such a hasty scheme. It takes more finesse. More artistry. More watching, waiting, planning. Paperwork.”
—-After “you” help another character birth a newborn foal:
You: “How long until it’s is ready to ride?
Him: “It will be quite some time.”
You: “I don’t mean the horse.”
… STOP THE BOOK I’M GETTING OFF this is too much for my delicate sensibilities.
—-“He slips his dirk into your sheath”
—-“He slides his slick fingers into your aching rainbow, searching for the gold at the end of it.”
—-“Together, you play the most beautiful song on the bagpipes of your joined bodies.”
—-WHEN HE NAMES HER TITS “RENT PROMISE” AND “RAVEN’S WING.”
The best parts were the footnotes. They made you feel like you were interacting with the authors. You made choices, and they responded to those choices with commentary. It was fun. For example:
“Does seducing your way out of this sound appealing? If so, turn to page 000, you hussy, you.”
“So, now that you have two handsome men in hand-to-hand combat, how do you proceed? If you are enjoying the show and want to continue watching the pair whale on each other with homoerotic vigor, turn to page 000.”
“If animal husbandry truly gets you going, turn to page 000. If, on second thought, you feel a little less alluring thanks to the afterbirth, and making violent love in front of two horses seems a wee bit weird, go to page 000.”
All that said . . .
If this were a regular book, it would get 1 star. The writing, as I mentioned, is unpleasant. There are many roll-your-eyes moments even though you know the authors are being jokesy. The plots are unoriginal and the characters are completely monofaceted.
But the choose-your-own-adventure styling made it fun for me, and I ended up exploring every storyline after playing it all the way through the first time (it should come as little shock I ended up lesbianing it up). Mixed bag.
~~~~~~~Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge~~~~~~~
#10: A romance novel by or about a person of color (Kitty Curran)
January 6, 2022
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I bought this on impulse a while ago because I used to be crazy for "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories. I'm pretty sure they were a rite of passage among 90s bookworms. This one, MY LADY'S CHOOSING, is a CYOA story for adults-- specifically, adults who love romance novels.
It proceeds along as a regency-inspired wallpaper fiction, replete with all the usual suspects: sexy Scotsmen, brooding lords, and meanie old crones. I imagine there are several outcomes, but the paths I chose ended up with me getting paired up with the Scotsman.
First, I have to say, I admire the way that this book was put together. In some ways, the CYOA story works better as an ebook because you don't accidentally see spoilers while turning to the correct page and you can't cheat quite as easily. All you have to do is click the hyperlink to be transported to the next magical stage in your journey.
Mechanics aside, the story itself was pretty bland and the sex scenes featured descriptions like "arch your valley to meet his throbbing tor" and "You kiss like moss growing, wet and lush and full of secret direction." Um, yuck. No, thanks.
This would be a fun gag gift for someone who really loves romance novels, or a neat thing to bring to a White Elephant gift exchange, but apart from that I wasn't really keen.
2 to 2.5 stars
May 10, 2018
I read through a couple timeline options and had fun with that experience and the novelty of it even if the writing wasn’t my fave. I’ll definitely be coming back to try out other plot options in the future.
May 17, 2018
WOW. This choose-your-own-adventure historical romance novel was awesome. From witty banter with a Darcy-esque aristocrat to pirate adventures in Egypt with your lesbian lover to do-gooding with a rogue Scotsman to paranormal intrigue with Lord Craven aka Rochester, all the plotlines were creative and most of all side-splittingly funny. This book had me laughing out loud many times. It hits the perfect spot between a genuine homage to and affectionate parody of the genre. I loved it! Definitely highly recommended.
Check out my status updates for some sneak peeks of the plotlines and some quotations.
Check out my status updates for some sneak peeks of the plotlines and some quotations.
March 1, 2019
Yayına hazırlayacağım diye başına oturup bolca eğlendiğim tatlış romans.
Read
June 2, 2018Mini review:
DNF
GR Ultimate Summer Reading Challenge-Childhood Reboot. Part of this book was also reading during Jude the epic readers read-a-thon.
I just wasn’t a fan of this. While I did find some parts humorous, the rest I found to be really awkward. And it sort of made me uncomfortable.
Overall this wasn’t for me. I think you have to acquire a certain taste for these types of books. So I’ll leave it up to you.
DNF
GR Ultimate Summer Reading Challenge-Childhood Reboot. Part of this book was also reading during Jude the epic readers read-a-thon.
I just wasn’t a fan of this. While I did find some parts humorous, the rest I found to be really awkward. And it sort of made me uncomfortable.
Overall this wasn’t for me. I think you have to acquire a certain taste for these types of books. So I’ll leave it up to you.
July 14, 2018
When I found out about this book I was very excited. I have never read a book that had an interactive story before, so I couldn't wait for it to come out and to start reading it.
To say that this book left me disappointed would be an understatement.
I dnf'd it long before I got to read all the endings but the ones I did manage to read had all the same progress. Meet-Instant attraction-Sassy back and forth-More attraction despite the disliking-Following them somewhere-Insta Love-Happy Ending.
Honestly I'm proud that I even made is as far as I did. All that insta love were too much to go through with every character we met.
To say that this book left me disappointed would be an understatement.
I dnf'd it long before I got to read all the endings but the ones I did manage to read had all the same progress. Meet-Instant attraction-Sassy back and forth-More attraction despite the disliking-Following them somewhere-Insta Love-Happy Ending.
Honestly I'm proud that I even made is as far as I did. All that insta love were too much to go through with every character we met.
March 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
It has been a long time since I have read a “choose-your-own-adventure” book. My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris is an historical romance that is a humorous and engaging book of stories that allows the reader to decide the path of the book. There is a plethora of interesting characters to meet in this unique novel, however the sexual innuendos become a little bit too much.
Full Review on The Candid Cover
It has been a long time since I have read a “choose-your-own-adventure” book. My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris is an historical romance that is a humorous and engaging book of stories that allows the reader to decide the path of the book. There is a plethora of interesting characters to meet in this unique novel, however the sexual innuendos become a little bit too much.
Full Review on The Candid Cover
July 20, 2022
2,5⭐️ Sama historia totalnie mnie nie wciągnęła, ale zdecydowałam się dać te 5/10 gwiazdek w ogóle za pierwszą taką książkę, której sama jestem dosłownie bohaterką. Choć wiadomo, że decyzje jednak muszą w końcu doprowadzić do jednego, to jednak było to ciekawe choć i nieco męczące przeskakiwać z np 300 strony nagle na 50 żeby potem znaleźć się na 250 i znów na 30, bo takie decyzje się podejmowało 😂 Choć sama treść totalnie mnie nie powaliła, trochę cringu i zażenowania szczególnie przy fragmentach typu z klaczą, ale tego nie mogę raczej zdradzić 😂
May 9, 2018
This was a blast to read. I had so much fun with the characters and different storylines and also the play on words.
June 9, 2018
This book was so much fun! It is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ type romance. Depending on what you choose the story ends up with different routes to the happily ever after. It has a lot of the various usual romantic story ideas but they are twisted around to be sarcastically funny. Lots of fun because you can finally choose what you want the characters to do.
Read
July 14, 2022- Czy Ty zaczęłaś czytać tę książkę od środka? - Jakub przystanął przy mnie wyraźnie zaciekawiony. Przed chwilą usiadłam na naszym żółtym fotelu i oznajmiłam, że będę czytać książkę, która właśnie przyszła, bo jestem jej bardzo, ale to bardzo ciekawa.
- A, wiesz… Jak zacznę od środka, to szybciej skończę. Chyba teraz będę czytać wszystkie w ten sposób! - Odpowiedziałam mu z wielkim entuzjazmem.
- Naprawdę? - Mogłabym przysiąc, że przez moment mi wierzył.
- Oczywiście, oczywiście! - Zaczęłam brnąć dalej w moje niewinne kłamstwo.
- Żartujesz sobie! Czemu czytasz od środka? - Przekrzywił delikatnie głowę jak zawsze, gdy jest czymś zaciekawiony. Chyba tylko ja dostrzegam ten subtelny ruch.
- Bo to wyjątkowa książka. To ja jestem gł��wną bohaterką i ja - wskazałam na siebie palcem - wybieram, co dalej!
🌻”Wybór damy” - Kitty Curran, Larissa Zageris🌻
- I wybrałaś czytanie od środka?
- Dajmy już spokój z tym środkiem. Zobacz - podsunęłam mu otwartą książkę pod nos - zaczęłam na pierwszej stronie, dotarłam na bal i dalej mogłam wybrać, czy chcę poznać skrytego i uroczego kapitana Angusa MacTaggarta, czy może porywczego i gniewnego lorda Garrawaya Cravena…
- I kogo wybrałaś?
- Już byś chciał wiedzieć, co? Najpierw przeszłam na 298 stronę i moją dłoń ujął młody i gniewny lord, ale gdy wypatrzyłam w tłumie ogniste włosy Maca, wiedziałam, że to właśnie jego szukam. Strona 41! Tutaj na dole mam wskazówki, spójrz - wskazałam na notatkę opisującą dwie drogi, które mogłam wybrać w tamtym momencie. - A teraz daj mi czytać dalej. Muszę wiedzieć, jak potoczy się nasza historia!
- Czytaj, czytaj - Cmoknął mnie w policzek, a ja w myślach włożyłam długą, koronkową suknię z odkrytymi plecami, upięłam starannie włosy i ruszyłam pewnie przed siebie stukając obcasami.
_
- Ach! Moja romantyczna natura wyszła na jaw. Co to była za historia, ile zwrotów akcji… A to zakończenie? Podobno są aż 23 różne, ale moje było wprost idealne!
- Hmmm. A nie chcesz poznać innych?
- Chcę! Czy to nie wspaniałe, że jednocześnie przeczytałam książkę i mogę przeczytać ją jeszcze raz, jakbym nigdy jej nie czytała? Mogę wrócić też do kluczowych momentów, wybrać inną drogę i przekonać się, „co by było, gdyby”. Ale zanim to… Chodź, zrobimy zdjęcie. Wyobraziłam je sobie, gdy pogrążyłam się w lekturze. - Złapałam Jakuba za rękę i zaprowadziłam do salonu. - Poczekaj chwilę.
Wyjęłam z szafy długą, koronkową sukienkę z odkrytymi plecami. Upięłam włosy. Ubrałam się i zaczęłam iść w kierunku Jakuba. Stukanie obcasów niosło się po mieszkaniu. Przesiadłam na kanapie i utkwiłam spojrzenie w lustrze.
- Robimy!
_
Mieliście kiedyś okazję czytać książkę, w której to Wy decydujecie o losie bohatera? Jeśli nie (ja wcześniej nie miałam!), to teraz już wiecie, po jaką książkę sięgnąć. „Wybór damy” to dobry wybór❤️
Zaczytana Querida
- A, wiesz… Jak zacznę od środka, to szybciej skończę. Chyba teraz będę czytać wszystkie w ten sposób! - Odpowiedziałam mu z wielkim entuzjazmem.
- Naprawdę? - Mogłabym przysiąc, że przez moment mi wierzył.
- Oczywiście, oczywiście! - Zaczęłam brnąć dalej w moje niewinne kłamstwo.
- Żartujesz sobie! Czemu czytasz od środka? - Przekrzywił delikatnie głowę jak zawsze, gdy jest czymś zaciekawiony. Chyba tylko ja dostrzegam ten subtelny ruch.
- Bo to wyjątkowa książka. To ja jestem gł��wną bohaterką i ja - wskazałam na siebie palcem - wybieram, co dalej!
🌻”Wybór damy” - Kitty Curran, Larissa Zageris🌻
- I wybrałaś czytanie od środka?
- Dajmy już spokój z tym środkiem. Zobacz - podsunęłam mu otwartą książkę pod nos - zaczęłam na pierwszej stronie, dotarłam na bal i dalej mogłam wybrać, czy chcę poznać skrytego i uroczego kapitana Angusa MacTaggarta, czy może porywczego i gniewnego lorda Garrawaya Cravena…
- I kogo wybrałaś?
- Już byś chciał wiedzieć, co? Najpierw przeszłam na 298 stronę i moją dłoń ujął młody i gniewny lord, ale gdy wypatrzyłam w tłumie ogniste włosy Maca, wiedziałam, że to właśnie jego szukam. Strona 41! Tutaj na dole mam wskazówki, spójrz - wskazałam na notatkę opisującą dwie drogi, które mogłam wybrać w tamtym momencie. - A teraz daj mi czytać dalej. Muszę wiedzieć, jak potoczy się nasza historia!
- Czytaj, czytaj - Cmoknął mnie w policzek, a ja w myślach włożyłam długą, koronkową suknię z odkrytymi plecami, upięłam starannie włosy i ruszyłam pewnie przed siebie stukając obcasami.
_
- Ach! Moja romantyczna natura wyszła na jaw. Co to była za historia, ile zwrotów akcji… A to zakończenie? Podobno są aż 23 różne, ale moje było wprost idealne!
- Hmmm. A nie chcesz poznać innych?
- Chcę! Czy to nie wspaniałe, że jednocześnie przeczytałam książkę i mogę przeczytać ją jeszcze raz, jakbym nigdy jej nie czytała? Mogę wrócić też do kluczowych momentów, wybrać inną drogę i przekonać się, „co by było, gdyby”. Ale zanim to… Chodź, zrobimy zdjęcie. Wyobraziłam je sobie, gdy pogrążyłam się w lekturze. - Złapałam Jakuba za rękę i zaprowadziłam do salonu. - Poczekaj chwilę.
Wyjęłam z szafy długą, koronkową sukienkę z odkrytymi plecami. Upięłam włosy. Ubrałam się i zaczęłam iść w kierunku Jakuba. Stukanie obcasów niosło się po mieszkaniu. Przesiadłam na kanapie i utkwiłam spojrzenie w lustrze.
- Robimy!
_
Mieliście kiedyś okazję czytać książkę, w której to Wy decydujecie o losie bohatera? Jeśli nie (ja wcześniej nie miałam!), to teraz już wiecie, po jaką książkę sięgnąć. „Wybór damy” to dobry wybór❤️
Zaczytana Querida
February 24, 2019
When I first heard this was a choose your own adventure novel, I immediately ordered it on Amazon. I use to read these kind of books when I was a kid all the time, and I’m was excited to read an adult one. I love the concept of this, and although I didn’t like this book, I’m hoping there will be more of these in the future.
This book is set during the same time Pride and Prejudice is, but there were so many historical inaccuracies that most of the time while I read this book I couldn’t connect with it. There was also A LOT of humor, and I did not expect this to be a “humorous” novel. I could not connect with the story because of these reasons.
I also felt the “adventure” abruptly ended. It was a really short read despite it being a 350 page book, and I was left disappointed because I simply wanted MORE from this book.
This book is set during the same time Pride and Prejudice is, but there were so many historical inaccuracies that most of the time while I read this book I couldn’t connect with it. There was also A LOT of humor, and I did not expect this to be a “humorous” novel. I could not connect with the story because of these reasons.
I also felt the “adventure” abruptly ended. It was a really short read despite it being a 350 page book, and I was left disappointed because I simply wanted MORE from this book.
February 1, 2019
As cool of an idea this is (I mean, an interactive Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-esque story? Sign me up!) the entire thing is just so unbearable. I absolutely despise the way it’s written, and every love interest was just so awful. I hated all the opinions and ended up just skimming most of this?
I wanted this to be a charming, fun novel but instead it’s a waste of time with an undeniably cute cover. Oh well, though.
I wanted this to be a charming, fun novel but instead it’s a waste of time with an undeniably cute cover. Oh well, though.
July 15, 2022
Głupie jak but, ale bawiłam się jak złoto. Sceny seksu były napisane tak cudownie absurdalnie, że chichrałam się jak jakaś grażyna. Uwielbiam gry paragrafowe xd tutaj obczaiłam wszystkie zakończenia, nie tylko 'moje'
Want to read
April 12, 2018sounds pretty cool I guess
March 27, 2018
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I love the concept of this book so much. I have very fond memories of the Choose Your Own Adventure books from childhood and I love the idea of it for adults.
If you are unfamiliar with the choose your own adventure concept, it is set up so that at the end of every scene you are given a choice of how you would like to proceed (which potential suitor you’d like to meet, whether to continue a conversation or walk away, whether to stay in a situation or leave it for a new adventure, etc.) and the corresponding page number to turn to. I read through the book several times choosing different scenarios to follow and I feel like I only scratched the surface on the different possibilities.
While the concept was really fun, the plots were all pretty “trashy romance novel”-ish, which isn’t really my cup of tea. The tone was pretty tongue-in-cheek, though, which I enjoyed. I didn’t particularly like the main character, which is kind of ironic because it’s supposed to be me. Even though I got to always choose “my” path, I didn’t always like how she handled the choices.
Overall, I did enjoy My Lady’s Choosing. While the plot lines left a little to be desired, I loved the concept. I feel like I only read a few of the many possible scenarios and plan on picking it up again to try some of the other untraveled paths.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
I love the concept of this book so much. I have very fond memories of the Choose Your Own Adventure books from childhood and I love the idea of it for adults.
If you are unfamiliar with the choose your own adventure concept, it is set up so that at the end of every scene you are given a choice of how you would like to proceed (which potential suitor you’d like to meet, whether to continue a conversation or walk away, whether to stay in a situation or leave it for a new adventure, etc.) and the corresponding page number to turn to. I read through the book several times choosing different scenarios to follow and I feel like I only scratched the surface on the different possibilities.
While the concept was really fun, the plots were all pretty “trashy romance novel”-ish, which isn’t really my cup of tea. The tone was pretty tongue-in-cheek, though, which I enjoyed. I didn’t particularly like the main character, which is kind of ironic because it’s supposed to be me. Even though I got to always choose “my” path, I didn’t always like how she handled the choices.
Overall, I did enjoy My Lady’s Choosing. While the plot lines left a little to be desired, I loved the concept. I feel like I only read a few of the many possible scenarios and plan on picking it up again to try some of the other untraveled paths.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 13, 2023DNF. Myślałam, że będę się dobrze bawić, ale strasznie drażni mnie ta historia.
November 20, 2019
This book was a gift for my last birthday, and it was really fun! I don't know if I'd have ever gotten around to it on my own. For all you romance addicts, this is definitely a fun book to check out, because it's obviously written by two women who love and know the genre very well.
Going in, I was expecting a straight romance that you could take different paths through, but this is much more of a tongue-in-cheek play on the genre, even a satire at points it goes so far. It is also very silly, and in points I laughed out loud from sheer delight. It's been months since I last picked it up, so I don't remember as many details, but I had a fun couple of hours with it. I didn't explore all the various paths, but I got a fair amount of them, and some hidden little easter eggs you can really only find if you do the thing properly.
They poke fun at every trope they can think of and it is hilariously overwritten. The sex scenes! And you are a nameless bisexual orphan by the way. The prose is the purpliest of purple, and I very much believe that was on purpose. It's so over the top, it's obvious the authors know and that's exactly what they were going for. Examples:
Truly, there is something here for everybody. We've got brooding gothic heroes, Scottish lairds, a wealthy lady traveling the world, even a villain or two! And the best part about it is that you can keep coming back to it and playing it different every time. And unlike a lot of these books meant to evoke the nostalgia of the Choose Your Own Adventure books, the writing is incredibly entertaining. Just a fun time.
Going in, I was expecting a straight romance that you could take different paths through, but this is much more of a tongue-in-cheek play on the genre, even a satire at points it goes so far. It is also very silly, and in points I laughed out loud from sheer delight. It's been months since I last picked it up, so I don't remember as many details, but I had a fun couple of hours with it. I didn't explore all the various paths, but I got a fair amount of them, and some hidden little easter eggs you can really only find if you do the thing properly.
They poke fun at every trope they can think of and it is hilariously overwritten. The sex scenes! And you are a nameless bisexual orphan by the way. The prose is the purpliest of purple, and I very much believe that was on purpose. It's so over the top, it's obvious the authors know and that's exactly what they were going for. Examples:
1:
"Do you think us wicked?" he asks, after having succumbed to climax in your mouth, sex, and crook of elbow.
"I think us lucky."
You watch his member rise as a gentleman does when a lady enters a room.
"We are lucky, indeed," he says, before filling your mouth with his tongue.
2:
He listens to your every moan, attends every catch of your breath, and when the time is right and neither of you can resist creating the perfect union that your love, like this foal, was born to witness, he slips his dirk into your sheath.
Together, you play the most beautiful song on the bagpipes of your joined bodies.. Together, you reach love's most exuberant pinnacle, screaming louder than the stable full of horses as you do.
Mac is the best, most purehearted, surprisingly nimble, and not surprisingly well-endowed man you have ever known.
3:
The next thing you know, you are tearing at each other's clothes, making feverish love among the mummies. It doesn't matter. They are dead, but your loins are alive.
Truly, there is something here for everybody. We've got brooding gothic heroes, Scottish lairds, a wealthy lady traveling the world, even a villain or two! And the best part about it is that you can keep coming back to it and playing it different every time. And unlike a lot of these books meant to evoke the nostalgia of the Choose Your Own Adventure books, the writing is incredibly entertaining. Just a fun time.
July 31, 2018
This is hilarious and full of so much trashy romance tropey fun. It embraces the ridiculousness of so many historical romance novels and runs with it - with a bunch of winks along the way.
One of the best parts about this interactive novel is that it isn't exclusively heteronormative and full of white people. Basically, follow your heart's desire and you will get to a ridiculous love interest of your Regency era dreams!
I would have given this 5 stars for just how much it gives you what its advertising - but some of the love interests' stories feel more fleshed out or have more options than others, which is a bummer and a bit annoying. But, like I said, there is so much fun to be had here and so many different love interests and paths! Needed a bit of fun like this today :)
4 stars
One of the best parts about this interactive novel is that it isn't exclusively heteronormative and full of white people. Basically, follow your heart's desire and you will get to a ridiculous love interest of your Regency era dreams!
I would have given this 5 stars for just how much it gives you what its advertising - but some of the love interests' stories feel more fleshed out or have more options than others, which is a bummer and a bit annoying. But, like I said, there is so much fun to be had here and so many different love interests and paths! Needed a bit of fun like this today :)
4 stars
June 13, 2018
I went through MY LADY'S CHOOSING and tried out three different versions of the story, and I absolutely loved every single one! I've always been a fan of "Choose Your Own Adventure" stories, and I love, love, LOVE romance, so this was right up my alley! I loved that it didn't take itself seriously and that the authors had so much fun with the genre and with various tropes/stories that they were inspired by. It was a blast to read and you could tell they had a lot of fun putting it all together!
Now I'll tell a bit about each of the versions that I tried out. :)
The first time I chose Captain Angus "Mac" McTaggart: the rugged, philanthropic red-headed Scot...who also happens to share many similarities with a well beloved character some people know as Jamie Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser...or Jamie Fraser if you've never read Outlander. Mac was definitely similar to Jamie in some ways, but he was also still uniquely Mac! He was wonderful and constantly had me swooning, and the story was super sweet! It also had a bit of mystery going on which was a lot of fun!
The second time I chose Sir Benedict Granville, the Mr. Darcy character of the bunch! He was a bit of a broody butthead when the story started, but I won him over with my....assets. We partook in some witty banter and hung out in some secluded alcoves. This version had some mystery, too, and quite a few of those alcoves/dark corners that I spoke of. I had a lot of fun with this one and I loved that this version of the story had a ball, card games, and witty banter...all the fixings of some of my favourite Austen novels!
And the third and final time that I ran through MY LADY'S CHOOSING, I chose Lord Craven, who was the Mr. Rochester of the bunch. This one was definitely the most ridiculous and outlandish out of all of the storylines that I chose, but it was super amusing! I also loved the commentary on my choices from the authors...even though they did call me a hussy. :P This one also had some mystery, but it mostly just went full on gothic and it gave me serious Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights vibes. I loved it!
In addition to the three storylines that I tried out, there's also a storyline where you can choose to be a companion to your female friend in case anyone is looking to try out a same-sex relationship. The companion and Lord Craven storylines pop up during the Sir Benedict and Mac storylines, so if you're looking to play out either of them, make sure to keep your eyes peeled! :)
Overall, I had a blast reading through the various storylines of MY LADY'S CHOOSING. I loved that each one pulled inspiration from classics and popular stories, but that they still managed to be unique so that you were still left with surprises. I really enjoyed all of the storylines, but I have to admit that Mac's was definitely my favourite! :D
Now I'll tell a bit about each of the versions that I tried out. :)
The first time I chose Captain Angus "Mac" McTaggart: the rugged, philanthropic red-headed Scot...who also happens to share many similarities with a well beloved character some people know as Jamie Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser...or Jamie Fraser if you've never read Outlander. Mac was definitely similar to Jamie in some ways, but he was also still uniquely Mac! He was wonderful and constantly had me swooning, and the story was super sweet! It also had a bit of mystery going on which was a lot of fun!
The second time I chose Sir Benedict Granville, the Mr. Darcy character of the bunch! He was a bit of a broody butthead when the story started, but I won him over with my....assets. We partook in some witty banter and hung out in some secluded alcoves. This version had some mystery, too, and quite a few of those alcoves/dark corners that I spoke of. I had a lot of fun with this one and I loved that this version of the story had a ball, card games, and witty banter...all the fixings of some of my favourite Austen novels!
And the third and final time that I ran through MY LADY'S CHOOSING, I chose Lord Craven, who was the Mr. Rochester of the bunch. This one was definitely the most ridiculous and outlandish out of all of the storylines that I chose, but it was super amusing! I also loved the commentary on my choices from the authors...even though they did call me a hussy. :P This one also had some mystery, but it mostly just went full on gothic and it gave me serious Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights vibes. I loved it!
In addition to the three storylines that I tried out, there's also a storyline where you can choose to be a companion to your female friend in case anyone is looking to try out a same-sex relationship. The companion and Lord Craven storylines pop up during the Sir Benedict and Mac storylines, so if you're looking to play out either of them, make sure to keep your eyes peeled! :)
Overall, I had a blast reading through the various storylines of MY LADY'S CHOOSING. I loved that each one pulled inspiration from classics and popular stories, but that they still managed to be unique so that you were still left with surprises. I really enjoyed all of the storylines, but I have to admit that Mac's was definitely my favourite! :D
May 12, 2018
This "choose your own adventure"-style romance novel is the perfect beach read, because it's not just one book--it's several, all under a single cover. Depending on what path you take, you (the plucky heroine) could end up with the fetching bachelor Sir Benedict Granville...the hardworking Irishman Captain Angus McTaggart...or, in my case, Ollie, a somewhat-dull ex-flame. Now I have to re-read My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel to see if I can hook up with a REAL romance hero.
July 13, 2018
- a plucky, curious bisexual heroine in Victorian London
- who enjoys sex and has lots of it with beautiful people
- and goes on adventures in Scotland, Egypt, the moors, and the seedy streets of London
- with the options to romance Mr. Darcy, Jamie Fraser, and Edward Rochester- alikes or a spirited lady Egyptologist
- and stories containing ghosts, werewolves, revenge, lady pirates, spirited orphans, handsome scots, secret spy rings, and demonic promises
- and all the endings are happy for our heroine ?
sign me tf up
- who enjoys sex and has lots of it with beautiful people
- and goes on adventures in Scotland, Egypt, the moors, and the seedy streets of London
- with the options to romance Mr. Darcy, Jamie Fraser, and Edward Rochester- alikes or a spirited lady Egyptologist
- and stories containing ghosts, werewolves, revenge, lady pirates, spirited orphans, handsome scots, secret spy rings, and demonic promises
- and all the endings are happy for our heroine ?
sign me tf up
April 14, 2018
This book was so much fun! I had seen these choose your own adventure type books around for a few years now, but always felt too intimidated to pick any of them up. I’m not sure why? Maybe I thought that I would get confused or frustrated by the formatting. But I’m so glad that I decided to read and review My Lady’s Choosing, because not only was the formatting fun to follow, but the writing was also funny and satirical! I burst out laughing quite a few times, while making my way through the story lines.
I really appreciated how much work must have gone into writing out so many potential plot lines, and then arranging them so that they all connect and work in some way. Another thing that I really appreciated was that there were not only a variety of romantic partners to choose from, but also a variety of genres, and outcomes. Just because you picked one particular partner, does not mean that you will actually get your happily ever after. It very much depends on your choices, and I can really see myself picking up a lot more of these choose your own adventure type books now!
The second person writing took some getting used to, because I had never read anything written in the second person before. I generally avoided (and still avoid) fan fiction that is written in the second person, because it bothered me and always kind of threw me off. But I found that it was a perfect choice for this book, since the story is in a way your story. The narrative style really adds to that make believe magic, and I definitely learned to appreciate the benefits and uses for second person point of view.
Another thing that I really liked was that this book can be a quick read, or a longer read, depending on what you choose. So, I read one of the story lines in just a few hours. But I ended up having so much fun, that I went back, changed one of my choices, and explored another story line altogether! Then when I finished that one, I tried out one more before my eyes finally started drooping. And there are still numerous possibilities that I haven’t yet explored! So, I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance, adult content (haha), the idea of having a say in how the story progresses, and those who enjoy satirical humour!
I really appreciated how much work must have gone into writing out so many potential plot lines, and then arranging them so that they all connect and work in some way. Another thing that I really appreciated was that there were not only a variety of romantic partners to choose from, but also a variety of genres, and outcomes. Just because you picked one particular partner, does not mean that you will actually get your happily ever after. It very much depends on your choices, and I can really see myself picking up a lot more of these choose your own adventure type books now!
The second person writing took some getting used to, because I had never read anything written in the second person before. I generally avoided (and still avoid) fan fiction that is written in the second person, because it bothered me and always kind of threw me off. But I found that it was a perfect choice for this book, since the story is in a way your story. The narrative style really adds to that make believe magic, and I definitely learned to appreciate the benefits and uses for second person point of view.
Another thing that I really liked was that this book can be a quick read, or a longer read, depending on what you choose. So, I read one of the story lines in just a few hours. But I ended up having so much fun, that I went back, changed one of my choices, and explored another story line altogether! Then when I finished that one, I tried out one more before my eyes finally started drooping. And there are still numerous possibilities that I haven’t yet explored! So, I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance, adult content (haha), the idea of having a say in how the story progresses, and those who enjoy satirical humour!
April 6, 2018
I've never read an interactive story before so it was really refreshing to try to picture myself as the main character in a book. My Lady's Choosing is a hilarious love story with no shortage of swoons and eye rolls.
The book starts off introducing you to yourself and a couple other leading figures. Maybe because of my love for historical settings I found I was able to comfortably settle myself into the role. The instructions were easy to follow and even humourous to read. I liked that you never know which path your choices could lead you. Until that find THE END everything was fair game.
I’ve gone through a couple different scenarios and each one made me laugh. They were creative for sure but some were just plain ridiculous. It was impossible not to let lose a chuckle at some of word choices. The dramatic descriptions and witty dialogues were spot on. While some storylines may have been a tad far-fetched, others made sense and fitted well with the choices.
The stories also weren't very long so I had some time to play through a couple different scenarios. There were times when I wasn't sure if I should be taking myself seriously. Especially in a situation where I'm suppose to "...wipe some of the dirt and blood from Benedict's firm pectorals, biting your lip at the sight of his deeply masculine chest." (p. 148). Isn't that just every lady's fantasy come true ;)
All in all, My Lady's Choosing was a well-thought-out hoot of an interactive read. If you're a reader and fancy taking center stage for once pick this book up. You might just find yourself in the embrace of a strapping lad galloping atop his handsome steed towards a most dazzling sunrise~
The book starts off introducing you to yourself and a couple other leading figures. Maybe because of my love for historical settings I found I was able to comfortably settle myself into the role. The instructions were easy to follow and even humourous to read. I liked that you never know which path your choices could lead you. Until that find THE END everything was fair game.
I’ve gone through a couple different scenarios and each one made me laugh. They were creative for sure but some were just plain ridiculous. It was impossible not to let lose a chuckle at some of word choices. The dramatic descriptions and witty dialogues were spot on. While some storylines may have been a tad far-fetched, others made sense and fitted well with the choices.
The stories also weren't very long so I had some time to play through a couple different scenarios. There were times when I wasn't sure if I should be taking myself seriously. Especially in a situation where I'm suppose to "...wipe some of the dirt and blood from Benedict's firm pectorals, biting your lip at the sight of his deeply masculine chest." (p. 148). Isn't that just every lady's fantasy come true ;)
All in all, My Lady's Choosing was a well-thought-out hoot of an interactive read. If you're a reader and fancy taking center stage for once pick this book up. You might just find yourself in the embrace of a strapping lad galloping atop his handsome steed towards a most dazzling sunrise~
October 11, 2018
I loved choose your own adventure stories as a kid, so I was tickled to find this in a bookstore one day. It's a lot of fun. The influences of Austen and the Brontes are especially apparent, and Curran and Zageris manage to pay homage to our love for these tropes without making fun of the genre. I've reached a handful of endings so far, but I'll definitely pick it up again in the future to see what other outcomes there are!
[Slight update because I keep thinking about this:] I keep thinking about how my character kept ending up happy and how romance is the one genre that consistently centers women's happiness (although it's still very white and very heteronormative) and how this book jumps with both feet into the idea that women's happiness is something to value and pursue. In today's world, that seems slightly radical to me. Therefore, I'm bumping this to five stars.
[Slight update because I keep thinking about this:] I keep thinking about how my character kept ending up happy and how romance is the one genre that consistently centers women's happiness (although it's still very white and very heteronormative) and how this book jumps with both feet into the idea that women's happiness is something to value and pursue. In today's world, that seems slightly radical to me. Therefore, I'm bumping this to five stars.
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