#rafe bowman

[maddiesflame]

Wallflowers layouts

like/reblog if saved © maddiesflame

[tawneybel]

2023 Reader Insert Smut Masterlist

Note: And lists. Request rules. I've decided it's easier to just keep a master master list pinned and update it regularly, instead of a new one each month.

Rita Repulsa from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Mary Shaw and Ella Ashen from Dead Silence

Jackson Whittemore from Teen Wolf

Steve Harrington, Jonathan Byers, and Tommy Hagan from Stranger Things

Vecna from Stranger Things 4

10 Favorite Monsters, Part XIV

Chad Meeks-Martin and Frankie from Scream VI

10 Favorite Monsters, Part VIII

Hwang Jun-ho and VIP 4 from Squid Game

Billy Hitchcock from Final Destination

pink soldiers from Squid Game

Imhotep from The Mummy Returns

Coach Willis from The Faculty

Glenn Rhee from The Walking Dead

Count Dracula from Dracula

Rafe Cameron and Topper Thornton from Outer Banks

10 Hottest Animated Characters, Part XIII

Chubby, Bibbo, Slim, and Rudy from Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Monstar Blanko from Space Jam

Lalo Salamanca and Nacho Varga from Better Call Saul

Driller Killer from Slumber Party Massacre II

HAL 9000, David Bowman, and Frank Poole from 2001: A Space Odyssey

Gurdy the Clown from 100 Tears

Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Matt Addison from Resident Evil

Sadako Yamamura from Ringu (crossover with Saw franchise)

Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

10 Hottest Animated Character, Part XII

Erik Killmonger, Namor, and M’Baku from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Rafe Cameron and Barry from Outer Banks

Tyler Galpin from Wednesday

Harry Warden from My Bloody Valentine

Top 10 Hottest Characters, Part XIV

Harry Warden from My Bloody Valentine 3D

Ryan Torres from Fear Street Part One: 1994

2022 Movie Ranking

Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington from Stranger Things 4 

Proteus IV from Demon Seed

10 Favorite Monsters, Part VII

Michael Myers and Corey Cunningham from Halloween Ends

Angel Torres from Nope

Brian from Brain Damage 

Top 10 Hottest Characters, Part XVIII

Izzy Bohen, Jake Spencer, Dante Belasco, and Creeper from Jeepers Creepers 2

[mvdbutler]

NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM SUPER EXTRA RUMBLE

NEOGEO BATTLE COLISEUM YUKI-MICHAEL RUSSELL AI-JENNA FRANKLIN WORLD HEROES HATTORI HANZO-FREDDIE BENJI FUMA KOTARO-JASON CORE RASPUTIN-VLADIMIR.P JANNE D'ARC-AMBER HARRIS-DILLER JENGHIS-KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON BROCKEN-ARNOLD MULLER KIM DRAGON-COREY.T MUSCLE POWER-PATRICK SMITH CAPTAIN KIDD-JUSTIN UNO ERICK-COREY SWANSON JOHNNY MAXIMUM-ALAN RITCHSON MUDMAN-RUSSELL LUCAS RYOKO IZUMO-MASHA CARSON SHURA-CHANG LI RYOFU-SHANG THANG JACK-KENNY RICHARDS SUN WUKONG-ERIC.GEOSKI.III AGGRESSORS OF DARK KOMBAT JOE KUSANAGI-KYOSHUA KHAN KISARAH-NAUTICA JOHNSON GOH KIDOKORO-MATTHEW MARCHAND LEONHALT DOMADOR-RICO GOMEZ SHEEN GENUS-ALVIN-DAVID.G LEE HAE GWON-PATRICK SEUNG BOBBY NELSON-MILTON BUTLER.JR VOLTAGE FIGHTER GOWCAIZER GOWCAIZER-MIKEY HARRIS HELLSTINGER-KOREY MONROE KARIN SON-ASHLEY WONG-HENDERSON KYOSUKE SHIGURE-JERMIAH MALONE SHAIA-TARA STRONG BRIDER-STEVEN BLUM FUDOHMARU-SHINSUKE.E CAPTAIN ATLANTIS-ALAN LENDALE MARION-BRENDA BROWN-COLLINS SHENG-LONG-HARRISON RANDELL THE MAIN BOSS VINCENT ALBERT-CHAEL SONNEN SAVAGE REIGN SHO HAYAYE-BRYAN DANIELSON CAROL STANZACK-TRESS MACNEILLE MAX EAGLE-VANCE RICHARDS.JR GORDON BOWMAN-BRYAN CRANSTON CHUNG PAIFU-ALBERT SHING GOZU-AARON PAUL MEZU-MATT JONES JOKER-MATT HARDY NICOLA ZAZA-MATTHEW MERCER KING LION-MARK LINDSEY KING LEO-PHIL LAMARR ROSA-BRITTANY CASTILLO KIM SUE II-STEVEN YEUN JYAZU-KEITH DAVID BREAKERS SHO KAMUI-SAMMY GUEVARA LEE DAO-LONG-BENNY SHAU TIA LANGRAY-SERENA DEEB PIELLE MONTARIO-ANDRADE.XAVIE CONDOR HEADS-TENOCH HUERTA SHEIK MAHERI-BOBBY RICKS RILA ESTANSIA-TAY MELO-GUEVARA ALSION III-RAFE SPALL HUANG BAI-HU-CARY-HIROYUKI TAGAWA SAIZO TOBIKAGENO-ROBIN SHOU

[triviareads]

prev anon again bc i have more to say: even if anthony HAD told her he could never love her (which he never explicitly did! and anyway… how many regency heroes swear off love and then fall head over heels? in another book, ‘emotionally immature viscount looking for a dutiful viscountess instead of a loving wife/proper debutante marrying for the good of her family’ would’ve been the endgame couple. marriage of convenience to lovers is a trope & edwina knows what genre she’s in ¯\_(ツ)_/¯), anthony acted like he respected and cared for edwina. he promised her dedication and loyalty, if not love, and then he had an affair with her sister. that’s a betrayal, regardless of his romantic feelings

I mean, the Emotionally Repressed Aristocrat/Woman He Can't Have But Wants Anyway is also a trope that probably fits this scenario better. Generally, the nobleman is faced with marrying a woman that looks good on paper, but wants another woman (often times in close proximity to the first woman) that he can't have for whatever reason (usually because she's of a lower social standing or has no money or is "improper"). The one I can think of right now is Rafe Bowman from the Kleypas book who, while not an aristocrat, is being pressured to marry one, but he wants the lady's much poorer companion and basically spends the book trying to make her his mistress (if you want to see hounding done right, read this one book!Benophie fans) until he decides he'll marry her. Bridgerton sort of muddled that one up because there's quite frankly no major reason Anthony can't marry Kate. The Bridgertons (who Anthony is the head of) never really seems to make a big deal about class (Kate being gentry vs. Edwina having an earl for a grandpa), money (they don't seem to give a fuck about Edwina's lack of dowry until the Sheffield situation comes up), or Kate's not-quite-prim/proper behavior (Kate seems to fit in with the Bridgertons better than Edwina, ironically enough, despite however "prim and proper" Edwina is portrayed as). It's not even like Anthony ever explicitly says "I don't want to marry someone I love because when I die I don't want them to be heartbroken". It was just Anthony's boneheadedness getting in the way of him marrying the right woman for him, and I'm def willing to entertain the theory @jeanvanjer brought up which is that he proposed to "best" Kate and that he was toying with her to a degree.

[missbrunettebarbie]

30-34 give me all the 🧂🧂🧂 xD

I am guessing you want the dishonorable top 5 aka the last 5 books on the list. However, since last night I managed to finish qnother book and now there are 35 in total on the list. The book I read is actually on the upper half of every list, but jic I will do 30-35.

I don't even have much to say about these books/couples/characters, except that they either bored ke or were very underdeveloped/badly written or they made me sputter at the mouth with fury. Or yk, all three. You probably won't be surprised by some of the names here.

Books:

30. To Sir Phillip with love -Julia Quinn

31. To dare a duke -Emma V. Leech

32. The duke and I -Julia Quinn

33. A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas

34. To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech

35. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton -Julia Quinn

Ships:

30. Nathaniel/Alice (To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech)

31. Penelope/Colin (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton -Julia Quinn)

32. Rafe/Hannah ( A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas)

33. Prunella/Bedwin (To dare a dukw -Emma V. Leech)

34. Daphne/Simon (The duke and I -Julia Quinn)

35. Phillip/Eloise (To Sir Phillip with love -Julia Quinn)

Heroines:

30. Prunella Chuffington-Smythe (To dare a duke -Emma V. Leech)

31. Hannah Applebottom (A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas)

32. Eloise Bridgerton (To Sir Phillip with love -Julia Quinn)

33. Alice Dowding (To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech)

34. Penelope Featherington (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton -Julia Quinn)

35. Daphne Bridgerton (The duke and I - Julia Quinn)

Heroes:

30. Simon Bassett (The duke and I -Julia Quinn)

31. Nathaniel Hunt (To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech)

32. Colin Bridgerton (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton -Julia Quinn)

33. Benedict Bridgerton (An offer from a gentleman -Julia Quinn)

34. Rafe Bowman (A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas)

35. Phillip Crane (To Sir Phillip with love -Julia Quinn)

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Other Lisa Kleypas books turned into manga with a tie-in to the Wallflowers.

The Wallflowers Book 5: A Wallflower Christmas Kabe no Hana no Seiya Author: Lisa Kleypas Artist: HANABUSA Youko Summary: I know it is called the 5th wallflower book, but it is more of an extension of the original series - which was clearly meant to be 4 books (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring). The main romance is between the eldest of the Bowman's sisters older brothers, Rafe Bowman and honorary wallflower Hannah Applegate. The story takes place a few months after Daisy's book, and has a couple of nice tid-bits on the other wallflowers. A nice supplement, but not necessary unless you really love the series. I was actually surprised when this came out - the Bowman brothers are mentioned a few times in the series, only in passing as they are all still in America - but it seemed like an obvious setup for another trilogy.  Especially interesting as none seemed poised to take over the extremely successful family business (according to the original series) this books kinda dispels that at least for the eldest Bowman ... still wondering what the Bowman twins would be doing ... and young Jeremy Peyton - when he grows up a bit of course, lol

Bow Street Series Book 4: Again the Magic Mou Ichido Anata o Author: Lisa Kleypas Artist: OGATA Rin Summary: This is book 4 of the Bow Street series, but you really don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one - although another solid series if you are so inclined. This books takes place before the Wallflower series and follows Lady Aline Marsden who is Marcus, the Earl of Westcliff (Wallflower Book 2) younger sister. Been a while since I read this one, but if I remember correctly the heroine is really put through the ringer emotionally - not only by her horrible parents, but also by the hero - he blames her for the past and wants revenge, but ends up falling in love with her again. There is also a side story with the younger sister, who we learn is married in the Wallflower Book 2.

The Hathaways Book 1: Mine Till Midnight Yashoku no Ai ni Tsutsumarete Author: Lisa Kleypas Artist: KISHIDA Reiko Summary: This books begins a new series of books following the Hathaway family. The hero of this book is Cam Rohan, the handsome half-romaine from the Wallflowers Book 3. The rest of the series is a fun read too :) The romaine theme plays several times in the series - book 2 kinda has a Wuthering Heights feel -  although, not as much gothic melodramatic brooding. Many people love this series a lot, but it was never a fav of mine. Gawd, her dress on the cover is hideous ... also, Cam should be darker skinned! ... ah well.

There may be more, but these are the only ones I ever owned.

[mermaidsirennikita]

Reading Roundup: November 2021

I actually read a good bit in December, especially considering the fact the fact that I spent the last couple weeks of it traveling, celebrating a birthday, and doing the Thanksgiving thing.

I have to say, though--my favorite of the books came out at the end of this month. After Dark with the Duke was my first Julie Anne Long read but it certainly won't be my last!

More under the cut.

The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe. 4/5. The conclusion to Shupe's Uptown Girls trilogy, this novel focuses on Justine, the youngest of the Greene sisters and a general do-gooder. In the process of attempting to keep a deadbeat husband from deserting his wife, she ends up working with criminal kingpin Jack Mulligan, one of the most influential men in Gilded Age New York. This one is kind of a classic good girl/bad boy novel, with the difference being that this good girl has a bit of a rebellious streak that even she isn't quite aware of until she's alone with Jack. While the ending was a bit pat for me, Shupe is an incredibly strong writer, and the heat between Jack and Justine couldn't be diminished. I would ultimately rank this as the second best of the three Uptown Girls books, next to The Prince of Broadway. Points for a historical blow job!

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey. 3/5. A short Christmas read, this contemporary centers on Stella, a down on her luck woman recently released from prison, who meets Aiden, the manager of a famous New York department store. After grumpy Stella points out that the store's window displays suck, Aiden offers her a trial period as their window dresser--partially because he's a nice guy who senses she needs it, and partially because he wants to fuck her real bad. This has all the strengths of a Tessa Bailey novel (amazing sex scenes, a strong sense of humor, dirty talk galore) and all of the weaknesses (stretching belief even for a romance, somewhat cringey dialogue, a sizable helping of cheese) in a short, holiday-themed package. The main issue I took with this one was Aiden being such a cinnamon roll hero, but that might work for a lot of people. And he was dirty enough when it counted.

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas. 4/5. Another shorter Christmas novel, this one revisits the four couples from Kleypas's Wallflower series, while also giving us a sweet romance between a pair of newcomers. Our hero is Rafe, brother of Lillian and Daisy Bowman of Wallflowers fame, and Hannah, a ladies' companion to the woman he's supposed to propose to. While Rafe and Hannah's story was very good, I honestly would have been just as happy if the book had just been focusing on The Wallflowers. Annabelle and Simon don't really have time for a B plot, and nor do Daisy and Matthew. Truthfully, Evie and Sebastian don't either, but Sebastian shows up in time to work Evie out and possibly put pearls in her vagina. (It was implied.). Some people, I imagine, might not have loved that Lillian and Westcliff faced some marital stress in this one, but I personally.... loved it. If you love the Wallflowers, you'll gobble this up.

I Will by Lisa Kleypas. 4/5. This Christmas novella was one I read in A Historical Christmas Present (3/5 overall) and it surprised me. A sort of spinoff of an older Kleypas that I haven't yet read, I Will centers on Andrew, Lord Drake, as he attempts to fix his bad reputation by courting good girl Caroline. A simple enough storyline, and of course they fall in love very quickly because this is a novella. But the best part is when Andrew breaks Caroline's heart (to save her!) and she requests that her brother brings Andrew "trussed up like a Christmas goose" as her gift that year--obviously facetiously. In what I can only imagine had to be a reference to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Caroline finds Andrew shackled to a bed. It is.... actually very hot? Much to think about.

Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands. 3/5. Medieval servant Brinna is pressured into pretending to be her lookalike mistress, Joan, when an impoverished lord comes to court Joan. All right around Christmas! This was simple enough, cute, funny at points, and a bit ridiculous. Honestly, though, the ridiculousness made it. It's the second thing I've read by Sands, and while I can't say I adore her just yet, I want to try more of her medievals.

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood. 2/5. A drifter meets a pregnant widow and her young stepdaughter in the Arizona territory. A very predictable western romance, which I probably wouldn't have picked up if it hadn't been included in A Historical Christmas Present. If you like westerns, it will probably work for you. I love a pregnant heroine, but I didn't really connect with her in this case.

Death by Laura Thalassa. 4/5. The final book in Thalassa's Four Horseman series, which has had me by the throat ever since Pestilence was released (one of the few books I've been able to sit down and read in one sitting, and it's not a short read). They're a little ludicrous, a bit over the top, and compulsively readable. This one focuses, of course, on Death--the final horseman, and the most (predictably) lethal. His woman, however, is Lazarus, named because she can't die. Thalassa essentially takes on the idea that life and death are fated mates, and I love that concept. These books do follow a formula; the horseman meets his woman, his woman tries to kill him, he kidnaps her, and so on and so forth. Death does not diverge from that basis, but it honestly doesn't have to. Thalassa does give Lazarus an interesting motivation, which didn't work for me as well as other things might have, but I really, really enjoyed the book and found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the series. I think Pestilence is still my favorite of the four, but Death likely ties with War for second place.

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday. 2/5. A down on his luck cab driver, attempting to parents his little sister after the death of his parents, meets the princess of a small country attempting to ensure that her nation doesn't lose an important business contract. This is probably an "it's not you, it's me" moment. Holiday's writing style is cute; the book isn't devoid of heat, which makes it perfect for those who enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies but wish there was more fucking. The characters are featherlight and the conflict is minimal, which is probably exactly what you should want out of a Christmas novel, but... I just couldn't make it work for me.

My Highland Captor by Miriam Minger. 4/5. A quick Scottish medieval romance, My Highland Captor sees heroine Lisette being mistaken for her half-sister Isabeau when Isabeau's unwilling fiance Conall arrives to kidnap her. Conall doesn't want to be married, but Isabeau was essentially his spoils of war--and now Lisette is his bride. This one reads like an old school historical; virgin heroine, adorable child trope, cameo from Robert the Bruce and all. It's a bit sweet for me, but if you can handle the cavities caused by all that sugariness you'll enjoy it.

After Dark with the Duke by Julie Anne Long. 5/5. A scandalous opera singer ends up at the same boarding house as a dignified, cold duke as he attempts to write his memoirs. After they get off to the wrong foot, he offers to teach her Italian, during which their relationship becomes increasingly complex. This novel perfectly married angst with humor, giving us a heroine who isn't an innocent babe in the woods and a hero who hates how much he wants her. Which, obviously, is catnip to me. This is a must-read if you loved The Viscount Who Loved Me or Bringing Down the Duke.

Gentleman Seeks Bride by Megan Frampton. 4/5. He needs to marry rich; she's his best friend's sister, and two years after her failed engagement, she needs to see the world. She offers to set him up with eligible young heiresses, if he exposes her to parts of society she wouldn't normally see... as well as things she's not supposed to do. A "kissing lessons"/brother's best friend/friends to lovers novel, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. But I did--I really did! It's super sweet and funny, and actually a lot hotter than you'd think. Would recommend.

Not Just Any Earl by Anna Bradley. 3/5. Emmeline runs into scandal after she "accidentally" kisses the rake of the moment, Jonathan, Earl of Melrose. This story was sweet and to the point, well-written and short. It just lacked conflict, and to an extent heat. I needed a bit more from it, but I think many readers would be into the overall vibe.

[remcmbrances-a]

𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙴: 𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝙱𝚘𝚠𝚖𝚊𝚗 (𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚏𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜)

𝙵𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚎: Lillian Odelle Bowman 𝙱𝚘𝚛𝚗: 1820 in New York, New York 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜: Thomas and Mercedes Bowman 𝚂𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: Rafe, Rhys, Ransom, and Daisy

𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝙱𝚒𝚘: Lillian is the oldest daughter of the Bowmans, a nouveau riche New York family whose patriach, Thomas, came up from a poor background to build a lucrative manufacturing business from scratch. Despite the family’s massive fortune, their common origins made it difficult to break into the highest echelons of New York society. After years of struggling for acceptance, Thomas and his wife decided to take their two daughters to England in the hopes that dazzling - and titled - matches for them would boost their social standing. Unfortunately for the Bowmans, their oldest daughter made for a terrible socialite. Loud, opinionated, and with little interest in the long-standing rules of fashionable London society, Lillian quickly became something of a wallflower, perpetually over-looked for less... abrasive matches. But none of that bothered Lillian too much. She much preferred the outdoors, exercise and a rough game of rounders to balls and concerts. But after several failed seasons, one thing became increasingly clear: if she wished to find any freedom at all from her family and their rules, she would have to find a husband. And soon. 

[odium-amare]

Lisa Kleypas’ Male Leads (Dream Cast)

The Wallflowers Series

John McKenna

Gideon Shaw

Simon Hunt

Marcus Westcliff

Sebastian St. Vincent

Matthew Swift

Rafe Bowman

The Gamblers of Craven’s Series

Alex Raiford

Derek Craven

The Hathaway Series

Cam Rohan

Kev Merripen 

Harry Rutledge 

Leo Hathaway

Christopher Phelan 

The Ravenels Series

Devon Ravenel

Rhys Winterborne

Gabriel St. Vincent

Ethan Ransom

West Ravenel

Tom Severin

Travises Series

Gage Travis

Hardy Cates

Jack Travis

Joe Travis

Friday Harbor Series

Mark Nolan

Sam Nolan

Alex Nolan

The Ghost

Jason Black

[stcrryknights]

LIST OF MUSES

CANON

Plebe Red, Marok & Dale from Initiation (2016)

David Hellar from Game of Assassins / The Gauntlet (2013)

Derek Spears from King (2011)

Prince Schneizel from Code Geass

Will Brady from Haven

Robert Stahl from Shades of Blue

Wes Mitchell from Common Law

Tim ‘Roderick’ Nelson from The Following

David Siegel from White Collar

Deucalion from Teen Wolf

Kabal, Erron Black, Rain, Takeda, Fujin, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Kano & Shang Tsung from The Mortal Kombat Videogames

Higgs Monaghan from the Death Stranding Videogame

Sam Drake, Rafe Adler, Orca & Talbot from the Uncharted Videogames

Joel Miller from The Last of Us Videogames

Gideon from the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Videogame

Alex from the Call of Duty : Modern Warfare (2019) Videogame

Benji Dunn from the Mission Impossible Movies

Warren Lacy / The Galaga Guy from The Avengers (2012) (Heavily Headcannoned)

Anatoly Ranskahov from Daredevil (Heavily Headcannoned)

Charles Calvin from The Henry Stickmim Collection (Warren Kole - Human Verse)

Horus and Anubis from the Egyptian Mythology (Warren Kole & Troy Baker)

OC

The Last of Us

Ellis Taylor - A Pianist, Scientist and a former Firefly and current resident of Jackson in his own journey for survival. (Warren Kole)

Archer 'Kip' Goodwin - An excellent bowman, leader of the biggest group of hunters throughout the states. (Gideon Emery)

Detroit Become Human

BR-42 aka Baron - Client pleasure exclusive of the G.I. Joe Club (Warren Kole)

Call of Duty

Hunter Trip - Former Marine Sniper and current Captain of the 'Alpha Unit' of elite soldiers (Warren Kole)

The Hunger Games

Emeric Highborn from District 1 (Gideon Emery)

Thatcher Underdrop from District 2 (Troy Baker)

Argon Meadowstar from District 5 (Jonathan Cahill)

Falcon Meadowstar from District 5 (Dan Horton)

Cobalt Galloville from District 6 (Alan Van Sprang)

Luther Everleaf from District 7 (Chris Pine)

Orion Clearwing from District 8 (Warren Kole)

Mitchell Fairsmith from District 13 (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

La Casa de Papel / Money Heist

Toronto - Tyson Bailey (Alan Van Sprang)

Edinburgh - Eugene Deackens (Chris Pine)

Los Angeles - Lars Addens (Jonathan Cahill)

Detroit - Daniel May (Troy Baker)

Birmingham - Benedict Reed (Cillian Murphy)

Kansas City - Kevin Cann (John Winscher)

San Antonio - Sebastian Arts (Warren Kole)

Star Trek

Maverick Cunningham - Helmsman, Agent, Covert Operative of the NCIA-97 of Section 31 (Jonathan Cahill)

Clarence Davenport - Covert Operative, the new Captain of the NCIA-97 of Section 31 (Troy Baker)

Joelle Gunn - Vice Admiral of Section 31, often aboard the NCIA-97 (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

London Rooker - Agent of Section 31 undercover in Starfleet vessels, later captain of the NCIA-99 (Warren Kole)

Shadowhunters (The Mortal Instruments)

Valentine's right hand man, Reuben Rainmercy (Nolan North)

The Circle's moral compass, Rene Goldvale (Warren Kole)

A warlock for all sides, Cornelius Stone (Troy Baker)

Zombie Apocalypse

Alphonso Davis - Nicknamed The Zombie Slayer, leader of the zombie extermination squad, chemistry teacher (Alan Van Sprang)

Desmond O'Donnell - Nicknamed The Home runner, one of the finest of Alphonso’s team, vinyl store owner, baseball player (Jonathan Cahill)

Weston Nova - A caring father & the alpha of the sane infected, a group of infected people that haven't turned thanks to an old cure. (Troy Baker)

Kai Wood - Infamous survivalist, member of the sane infected, once a loner (Norman Reedus)

Eugene Blake - An once compassionate man now cold general who rises to power with his loyal followers. (Dan Horton)

Reginald Schwartz - A soldier of an independent military group who understands the real threats of this world. (Warren Kole)

Zombie Apocalypse (Global Catastrophe)

Sterling Lewis - A single father, immune to the sleeping zombie fungus that hit the world after the waves. (Nolan North)

Glendale Francis - One of the awoken, who witnessed his daughter's turning, leader of a group of rebels called the resurrectors. (Troy Baker)

Almond Wilkins - Former journalist, close friend of Glen, second in command of the resurrectors, skilled with a bo staff. (Warren Kole)

Clover Gallagher - An Irish salesman, friend of Glen & Almond, third in command of the Resurrectors. (Jonathan Cahill)

Agents

Special Agent & Squad Leader of the Canadian intelligence agencies, Metro Fleming (Alan Van Sprang)

Special Agent of the American intelligence agencies and Liaison in the Canadian agencies, Ralph Gordon (Jonathan Cahill)

Spy, assigned to the Canadian intelligent agencies, diplomat, Pierson Clean (Warren Kole)

Paranormal Investigation Agency (based on The X-Files)

Franklin Gates - The Captain of the 'Out of Order’ squad that investigates mysterious cases around the states. (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Stanley Prince - One of the most reckless yet effective agents of the P.I.A. that joins Frank’s squad. (Jonathan Cahill)

River Echert - Survivor of an alien attack that helps the squad on their first journey and officially joins them later. (Troy Baker)

Marley Zeal - An FBI agent that lost his partner during an alien incident and investigates the 'Out of Order’ team. (Warren Kole)

Western

The cowboy next door, relentless bounty hunter, Lloyd Norton (Warren Kole)

Blade Runner

The newest blade runner, the replicant terminator, Wells Harris (Jonathan Cahill)

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Marine, red room survivor, talk show host, 'The Man of the Sand’, Cassius Fluor (Jonathan Cahill)

Courier, survivor, singer, vigilantly, 'The Blind Judge’, Martin Rad (Troy Baker)

Millionaire, animal lover, professional bowler, brother of a SHIELD agent, 'The Grand Glacier’, Hayden Lacy (Warren Kole)

Superheroes

The Strongest being in the universe, Lark Raymond 'Subject 24’ (Chris Pine)

The Keeper of The Holy Sword, Lucian Arkwright (Alan Van Sprang)

The one they call 'Red Ruby’, Alaric Rockefeller (Jonathan Cahill)

Superheroes (Alternative Universe)

The unique blood sorcerer, Rhys Malcolm 'Hemorrhage’ (Troy Baker)

The protector of the hive, Shepherd Nass, 'Arachnophobia’ (Warren Kole)

The keeper of the hourglass, Alistair Darkshire (Dan Horton)

The most powerful soul sorcerer, Raeden Darkshire (Jonathan Cahill)

The son of a banshee, Samson Rowen (Gideon Emery)

The master of the elements, Michaelangelo Boveri (Liam O'Brien)

Information regarding the OCs will be given via private message. Unfortunately I don’t have enough time to write everything down in docs. Feel free to request the bios of any character you would be interested to interact with or learn about and I’ll have them messaged to you. Some muses may be altered based on personal headcannons. Bare in mind I am a very busy person so I kindly request you to be patient. If you have a problem with the storyline, I am here for you. Feel free to send memes & unless you want to leave it to my judgment, please specify muse. List of muses will be constantly updated. If a muse is not active enough, I will make sure I inform you. I have close to 100 muses so it is impossible to keep them all active. Thank you for your patience. - Rania

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #80

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

#4.5 Wallflowers

Historical Romance

Blurb:

It’s Christmas time in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallfowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts. A Wallflower Christmas takes a trip to Victorian London, under the mistletoe, and on a journey of the heart.  

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

About five years ago, I was considering the participation in a reading challenge that would focus on author Lisa Kleypas’ books.  I had a few that I’d picked up at garage sales and other places.  I had two of the Wallflowers series so figured I’d read the whole series for the challenge so I picked up the rest including this one. 

Turned out that I didn’t participate in the challenge.  LOL

So, I have six books (because I snagged prequel and four others before this one) on the shelf that remained settled there until this day.  I’ve decided that I really want to make a push next year to read this series even if its a self-challenge though I do have two challenges (Because Reading’s Reading Assignment or their Can You Read a Series in a Month) in mind that might get me motivated.

[guilty-pleasure-reading]

Romance Dreamcast

Lisa Kleypas: The Wallflowers (pt. 2)

Book 0.5. Again the Magic

John McKenna & Aline Marsden

Gideon Shaw & Olivia “Livia” Marsden

Book 4.5. A Wallflower Christmas

Rafe Bowman & Hannah Appleton

[pollyssecretlibrary]

Q+A with romance writer Valerie Bowman

I’d like to thank Valerie Bowman and the People at St. Martin’s Press publishing house for having me on their blog tour. Today is Ms. Bowmans’ latest book publishing day. “A Duke Like No Other” is an amazing book about second chances at love and life.

I was sent an excerpt of this book to share with you. Read it here

In this Q+A Ms. Bowman gives many interesting answers both about her books and what her thoughts are about men, age and feminism. She also gives a few clues on what she’s planning for the near-ish future. I hope that you find it as interesting as I did. And I insist, read her book  “A Duke Like No Other”. It’s fantastic! 

Q: How did you come up with the story of the reluctant duke that is Mark Grimaldi?

A: Mark actually first appeared in Playful Brides book #4, The Irresistible Rogue and then again in book #7, Never Trust a Pirate. He’s the spymaster who works with the heroes of those books, twins Rafe and Cade Cavendish. The more Mark’s character was revealed, the more I wanted to write his book. I really loved the idea of making him a duke somehow even though is father was Italian. Once I began thinking about what he wanted most (his next promotion) and what he wanted least (ties to his mother’s aristocratic side of the family), I thought of lots of great ways to make things difficult for him before he gets his happily ever after.

Q: Was the fact that Mark is so contrary intentional?

A: Yes. Mark is a general. He’s used to being in charge and doing whatever he wants. He has to learn to overcome that aspect of his personality if he’s going to make it work with his long lost wife, Nicole, who isn’t going to put up with his domineering ways.

Q: The crime plot seems to hail back to Agatha Christie's novels. Is she an influence to you? If not, what other crime authors are?

A: Agatha Christie is fantastic, but the truth is that I love True Crime! I watch it. I read it. I can’t get enough. I’ve seen a lot of things that would be totally unbelievable in a book but REALLY happened.  

Q: Mark and Nicole aren't young as historicals go, which is very refreshing. Why do you think there aren't many historical romances with mature protagonists? Do you think there should be?

A: I see readers talking about this a lot on blogs and social media…specifically that they don’t want to read about an eighteen-year-old heroine, and I get that, so I do try to mix up the ages in my books when it makes sense. The issue with historicals is that most young ladies were making their debuts at that age (or near it) so it can also be unrealistic to other readers who are sticklers for historical accuracy. I’ve written both younger and older heroes and heroines and will continue to do that.

Q: If Mark and Oakleaf were living in our world today, do you think they would have been feminist allies?

A: Yes! Definitely. Why am I so certain? Because I like to write intelligent men and I think any men alive today, who are intelligent, are feminist allies.

Q: Will Regina and Oakleaf have their own book? 

A: Yes! It’s already written. It’s called Kiss Me at Christmas and comes out this fall. I’m editing it now. I’ve had so much fun with them.

Q: Do you have any future project(s) you could speak of? What can readers expect from you in the near future?

A: In the near future, Kiss Me at Christmas (Book #10 of the Playful Brides series) will be out at the end of October 2018 and the final book of the series, Delilah and Thomas’s book, will be out in May 2019.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process from the moment you have an idea to the moment when the book is out and in your readers' hands?

A:  My favorite part is when I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea so good I have to get up and write it down. When that happens it’s like magic. A gift from the universe. One I’m always grateful for.

Q: What was the most useful advice you've gotten or lesson you've learnt from another writer or from reviewers/critics?

A: Goodness. There’s so much. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and they’ve taught me more than I can say. Lately, I’ve been really into some advice I heard from author Damon Suede. He said each character should have their own verb. In A Duke Like No Other, I think Mark’s verb would be to control and Nicole’s would be to thwart, which makes for terrific friction!

Q: What was the most uplifting praise or comment you've ever gotten from a reader? 

A: I’m never more humbled or happy than when a reader tells me they were up all night reading because they couldn’t put down my book. As far as I’m concerned, there is no greater compliment for a writer than that.

Q: When you're taking a day/week/month off what do you like to do? What do you do to "charge batteries"?

A: I always enjoy a good spa day, but mostly I’m a big home body who just wants to be home with my family including my two mini Schnauzers, Huckleberry and Violet.

Q: What do you do to battle writer’s block?  

A: I’ve always found that writer’s block melts away if you just sit down and start working.

Q: What is the most satisfying thing or things about being a published writer?

A: Having someone tell you that your book got them through a difficult time in their life. That’s the reason I began writing, because romance did that for me. I just want to pass that along.

Q: Do you have a final message to give to your readers?

A: Oh, thank you for asking. I’d love to personally thank each and every person who has ever picked up one of my books and read. I know your time is valuable and you have many choices and I never take that for granted. Thank you for trusting me with your time.

Thank you Valerie Bowman for all your kindness and for taking the time to answer these questions. I wish you all kinds of success and satisfactions with your newest book. I’m looking forward to reading  Kiss Me at Christmas later this year!

You can read my review of A Duke Like No Other HERE

[misstoddynho]

#resenhadobabado Uma Noite Inesquecível - @lisakleypas (@editoraarqueiro) ⠀ 🎄Uma Noite Inesquecível foi uma leitura bem rápida e prazerosa. Depois de Escândalos na Primavera, a história de Rafe Bowman e Hannah Appleton foi bem mais dinâmica. Mais um caso de os opostos se atraem que tanto amo. ⠀⠀ 🎄Rafe é o mais velho dos Bowman. O americano tem bastante charme e uma personalidade relaxada, mas no fundo guarda uma mágoa por nunca ser bom o bastante para o pai. Por isso, ele aceita casar com Natalie em troca de participar na nova fábrica de sabão que o pai está abrindo na Inglaterra. Ele só não contava com a aparição de Hannah na sua vida para poder refletir sobre o acordo. ⠀ 🎄Hannah é dama de companhia de Natalie. A moça tem uma personalidade gentil, doce e protetora. Ela crê que Rafe não seja o homem certo para sua prima, mas aos poucos que vai conhecendo o americano, ela se vê envolvida em seu charme e descobre que existe bem mais por baixo da fachada de canalha que ele tenta parecer. ⠀ 🎄Rafe e Hannah tem uma ótima química. Por ser um conto, os sentimentos pode ser parecer rápidos demais, mas se tratando de romance de época, tudo isso é possível. Gostei muito do desenvolvimento dos dois, na medida do possível. Os dois até tentam resistir ao sentimento, devido ao que é esperado de cada um, mas no fim das contas o coração fala mais alto. ⠀ 🎄Adorei todo esse clima de Natal na história, principalmente com a participação do trabalho de Charles Dickens, Um Conto de Natal. De certa forma, dá pra ver o pai dos Bowman na figura de Scrooge; um homem que se importa somente com dinheiro e fortuna. ⠀ 🎄Uma Noite Inesquecível fecha (de verdade) com chave de ouro a série, mostrando que toda flor seca merece e vai ter seu final feliz. • • #editoraarqueiro #lisakleypas #umanoiteinesquecivel #wallflowers #awallflowerchristmas #romancedeepoca (at São Luís, Brazil) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4x8SSfjxDP/?igshid=iq6w6uzrtfdy

[missbrunettebarbie]

10, 15, 32, 33

Number 10:

When he was wicked -Julia Quinn -I debated whether this book should be top 10 or not, but the loving way Francesca's first marriage was treated plus an actual Scotish noble that is portrayed the same way English nobles were (which is probs also the most historically accurate way) made me value it a lot.

Pauline/Griffin (Any duchess will do -Tessa Dare) -I never expected to like a 17 years gap romance so much. But they are very sweet and probably the best interclass romance I read. 100% recommend reading the book.

Mara Lowe (No good duke goes unpunished -Sarah Maclean) - Kudos to Maclean for hee morally ambigous heroines that break the usual mold.

Gareth St. Clair (It's in his kiss -Julia Quinn) - He had his bad moments, but I enjoed him

Number 15:

Devil in disguise -Lisa Kleypas -Not Kleypas's best, but pretty good.

Matthew/Daisy (Scandal in spring -Lisa Kleypas) -Kinda the same as above.

Phoebe Challon (Devil’s daughter -Lisa Kleypas) -I liked her, maybe she should be higher?

Cross (One good earl deserves a lover -Sarah Maclean) -He is not bad, but loses points for being illogical and brooding while the heroine saves the day

Number 32:

A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas - It's a novella that really didn't need to be written

Prunella/Bedwin (To dare a dukw -Emma V. Leech) -She practically slandered him, but they end up together bc it was no big deal.

Alice Dowding (To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech)-Her worst sin is being very underdeveloped.

Benedict Bridgerton (An offer from a gentleman -Julia Quinn) - I don't like him! I want to slap him on Sophie's behalf.

Number 33

To steal a kiss -Emma V. Leech -Nothing outrageous, just not a good book.

Penelope Featherington (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton -Julia Quinn) -Her own book makes her look like a sociopath.

Daphne/Simon (The duke and I -Julia Quinn) -They were horrible to each other, but they were in love?!

Rafe Bowman (A wallflower Christmas -Lisa Kleypas) -He is...there, I guess.

[chasingcarz]

Ordinary? Are you mad? You are the most insanely delicious girl I've ever met and if I were Clark,I'd have a done a hell of a lot more than fondle your cranium by now

Rafe Bowman - A Wallflower Christmas

Rafe, you charmer ,you.