I read recently, in Teresa Medeiros’ book “Breath of Magic“, a really apt quote: “Inside the chest of every cynic beats the heart of a disillusioned optimist.”

I have always loved swashbuckling, adventurous love stories, and it turns out there is a whole genre written just for me! Last of the Mohicans, Rob Roy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and the Count of Monte Cristo, all my favorite movies, are really romance novels on screen. Who knew? (Well Rachael, my college roommate, did, and I apologize profusely for ever doubting her!)

It started a year ago when I was perusing one of my favorite bookstores for a new novel to read. I was learning again how to read for fun, after years of intense schooling that sucked the fun right out of it. I found Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and fell completely in love. I had never read anything like it. (Diana apparently spurns the “romance novel” label, but if the shoe fits… and if James Fenmore Cooper writes it then who can say it’s not serious writing?) Besides, traditional fiction has never made me so completely absorbed in reading. I can’t put these books down! (Which is severely distracting while I’m still pursuing this Masters Degree; should I read Planning Law, sixth edition, or The Pirate who Loved Me? What kind of decision is that?!?)

Right now I’m trying to put down Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander Series in favor of my final exams…wish me luck. I need it!