#tom was so well known for spoiling that it literally became a bit they used for marketing | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

fromtheringapron · 4 years ago

Text

Random Notes on Episode #1 of Sunday Night Heat

I miss Sunday Night Heat. I miss wrestling weekend shows in general, but Heat holds some particularly unique appeal to me. Back in the day when I was too young to stay up and watch Raw in its entirety, Heat was usually the place to get my wrestling fix. By the time I started watching it, Heat was pretty much an afterthought, but it would recap the past week’s Raw, so it also helped keep me up to date on storylines. Even in its latter days, you would get a lot of weird stuff you wouldn’t get any other WWE show and, thanks to the WWE Network, some of it is finally starting reemerge.

The premiere episode of Heat debuted on August 2, 1998. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of stuff happened on the show in its first year on the air. As Smackdown did not yet exist, it was actually WWF’s B show for a short while, often furthering storylines and even once saw Mankind win the WWF title in the famed empty arena match. The first episode gave a small inkling of what was to come. Here’s the results from the card that literally nobody remembers:

Edge defeated Jeff Jarrett (with Tennessee Lee).

Droz & The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) defeated Kaientai (Funaki, Men’s Teioh, and Dick Togo) (with Yamaguchi-san).

WWF European Championship Match: D’Lo Brown (champion) defeated Ken Shamrock via disqualification.

#1 Contenders’ Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship: The Rock and Owen Hart defeated Kane and Mankind (with Paul Bearer) vis count-out.

Edge as a rookie! D’Lo Brown as Euro champ! The Headbangers in general! What a time. Outside of the card, here’s what also randomly caught my attention:

Early Shane McMahon is Obnoxious: The early, early days of Heat were our formal introduction to Shane McMahon and, oh boy, it was rough. Thought it wouldn’t be long until he became a mega spoiled prick, the first episode sees him woefully miscast as a babyface color commentator, which is absolutely NOT his thing. First of all, his overall presentation is just weird in retrospect. He comes down to the ring in what would become Jacqueline’s entrance music, which already sets a jarring tone. Not only that, but he’s joined by two women named Alley and Kyla (or at least I think that’s her name? I couldn’t hear it well). Who are they? What’s their relationship to Shane? Why are they more random than The Wrestling Classic’s Susan Waitkis? Then we get his commentary and, woof, if you ever want to hear a human being speak in all caps for an entire broadcast, be my guest. It’s a far cry from the man who’d become known for failing several feet off various structures, somehow avoiding serious injury every time.

Droz’s World: Perhaps the most bizarre segment of the first episode is a segment inspired by MTV’s The Real World, starring everyone’s favorite puke artist Darren Drozdov. He tells the story of how he threw up on Mark Henry’s hand during training. Yep, that’s literally it. Fortunately, Tom Prichard is here to offer some color commentary to the event, saying “IT WAS GROSS!” and how Droz’s puke was filled with “corns and beans.” Oh, and then Droz shows a tattoo of a dog on his ass for good measure. Somewhere, Vince McMahon can be heard laughing in the distance. It’s oft forgotten how much the Real World was parodied back in the late ‘90s, even before the reality TV genre ever really exploded in popularity. Remember how it found its way in She’s All That?

The Val Venis/Mario Lopez Feud: One of the best parts of watching old Raw episodes is having to listen to the commentators awkwardly plug the USA Network’s original series. After all, a plug for Silk Stalkings just doesn’t feel right if you’re not watching an Undertaker squash in jest. The first episode of Heat carries on with this grand tradition and hypes the hell out of Pacific Blue, which I’ve never watched but sounds like some Baywatch/Miami Vice/crime procedural schlock. It takes it even one step further by having star Mario Lopez in the audience, who then proceeds to get into a fight with, um, Val Venis (in the midst of his castration storyline with Kaientai no less)?!? The WWF seriously tried to tease us with a Venis vs. Lopez feud in 1998. I’m not even really sure who the face in that situation would be. It sounds ridiculous, but can’t be any more so than what WCW was doing at the exact same time with Jay Leno.

Bart Gunn and Shanna Moakler: Did you do a double take reading that headline? One half of the Smoking Gunns and one half of MTV’s short-lived reality show Meet the Barkers! In the same room! On TV! If there were ever a more random pair of people to share TV time, I’d like to know it. Anyway, continuing the theme of plugging Pacific Blue as much as possible, we have cast member Shanna interviewing Bart Gunn (dubbed here as “LeFTY”) about his upset victory in the ill-advised Brawl 4 All against tourney fave Dr. Death. Of course, Bart yammers on a bit about knocking Dr. Death out with his left hook. Blah, blah, blah. I’m sure if you adjust the volume a certain way, you can practically hear Jim Ross seething behind the commentary booth.

The Main Event is a Mess: If you thought they would’ve ended the first episode of Heat with a bang, guess again. It doesn’t even end with a whimper, really; more like a slow, drawn-out fart. The winner of the main event tag team match would go on to face Steve Austin and The Undertaker, example #457 of tag champs who are actually mortal enemies. The match is just a lazy brawl where everyone involved doesn’t seem to give a rat’s ass, despite Shane’s best efforts to once again to bring the excitement by speaking in all caps. The Rock and Owen Hart win over Kane and Mankind (Team Hell Socko?) by count-out, as Owen casually slides back into the ring after an outside brawl. I don’t know how Rock and Owen fared against the tag champs the next night on Raw, but it’s safe to say it didn’t lead to much. I know I have full access to the WWE Network where I can easily watch that but, hey, these guys didn’t put in any effort into this match so why should I? Fair is fair.

And there you have it⏤the first episode of Heat in the books, ass tattoos and all. I hope the WWE Network uploads more episodes in the future. I personally want the MTV era on there. Anyway, they better upload them soon, or else I may just resort to finally watching Pacific Blue instead.

#wwe network #wwf attitude #the rock #the undertaker #90s nostalgia

6 notes · View notes

winterisakillerwrites · 5 years ago

Text

Love & Great Buildings - Epilogue

Chapter: 19/19

Character/Relationship: Tom Hiddleston/Rosemary Mathews (OFC)

Genre: Romance/Angst

Summary: Three years have passed and a chance encounter brings Tom and Rosie together again. Can time make any difference or are they doomed to repeat their mistakes.

Rating: M

Author’s Notes/Warnings: This is part nine of Last Minutes & Lost Evenings. Many thanks to @redfoxwritesstuff for listening to me ramble incessantly about this story and being a sounding board when I needed it. You are a lifesaver, even if your stories break my heart.

This is the final part of this particular story. I cannot believe it’s actually finished. This has been one hell of a ride and though I have thanked her so many times @redfoxwritesstuff has been such a tremendous part of helping me tell this story. She’s been my cheerleader, my sounding board, hell even my sanity at times (I know scary right?) Without her I seriously doubt this story would have made it so far. Thank you again for loving these idiots and believing in them even when I was losing faith. You rock.

EPILOGUE

Tom’s flight should have landed well over an hour ago, if all had gone according to schedule. He was supposed to call when he’d cleared customs and settled into his hire car. But so far she’d heard nothing. Rosemary found herself pacing the living room, nervous energy pulsing through her. It was stupid, honestly, worrying like this. The flight could have been delayed (there were nasty storms brewing in New York when he’d been set to depart), customs could be a nightmare (it often was at the best of times), traffic from London could be hellish (especially at this time of day); there were literally dozens of reasons for why he hadn’t called yet and not all of them were bad. She knew this but it did little to lessen her worry.

It had been a long six weeks, and though she had gotten used to the idea of Tom being away for long stretches of time due to work, his absence was most assuredly taking its toll. Bobby barked at her heels, sensing her nervousness. She laughed softly, stopping in her pacing to scratch the spaniel affectionately on his head. “I know, buddy boy, your daddy will be home soon.” He barked once and settled himself on the dog bed nearest the window.

She’d gotten Bobby out of the kennel the day before, knowing it took the spaniel a bit of time to get reacquainted with his space after being away for a while. Tom would have enough on his plate upon returning home; dealing with an energetic and ever curious dog was the last thing he would be up for. Besides, she loved the mutt to pieces and he seemed just as fond of her. And staying over the night before allowed her to air out his house; to make sure he had food in the pantry and fridge, that his mail was sorted, and that all he would need to do was eat and sleep if he wanted.

Bobby barked loudly again as the ringing of her mobile echoed through the room. She scrambled towards the couch where she had tossed the blasted thing in a fit of pique twenty minutes before. A smile crossed her face as she saw Tom’s name and picture flashing across the screen. She quickly swiped across the screen to answer, pulling the phone to her ear. “Tom,” she breathed happily into the receiver.

“Rosie, love,” he answered. His voice was gravely with fatigue. “I’ve missed you.”

She smiled. “I’ve missed you too.” She could hear the faint sounds of traffic from his end of the line. Tom was obviously on the move and the thought warmed her heart. He’d be home soon. “How far away are you?”

There was pause as Tom asked the driver. She could hear but not quite make out the muffled response. She heard Tom clear his throat. “About half an hour, if the traffic holds off.” Her heart warmed at his words. “So close,” he murmured, “Yet so far.”

“You should try to sleep a little,” she encouraged him. “You sound dead on your feet.”

He chuckled sleepily, “Maybe. But I sleep better next to you.”

She smiled at his words. “Flatterer.”

“I speak nothing but the truth,” he answered, voice warm with soft laughter. He let out a sigh, “I know I promised I’d take you out when I got home…” The disappointment was clearly evident in his voice as he trailed off.

“Tom,” she started, “I get it. I was frankly surprised you suggested it in the first place.” She paused, smiling softly. “You forget I know how exhausted you are coming off of a shot. I can easily order something in and you and I can eat once you’ve slept.”

A frustrated groan fell from his lips and she could so easily picture the way he rubbed the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger. “I still feel like an ass, promising you something and then taking it back.”

“Don’t,” she scolded, “Tom, honestly its fine. You know I don’t need all of that. You and me and a takeaway on the couch is bliss as far as I’m concerned.”

“But still…” he trailed off before sighing. “Fine. We’ll stay in and have takeaway. But I will do something nice for you to make up for it.”

“You don’t have to.” She hoped he could see that she meant it. She didn’t need the fancy dinners or nights on the town. They were nice and she very much enjoyed them, but she didn’t need any of it. She was content with nights in with a takeaway, quiet walks in the park, or just spending time together with friends and family. The simple things were what she found important. As long as they were together, she found she didn’t much care what they did.

“I know,” he answered in a sleepy laugh, “but I’m going to regardless.”

She let out a sigh of her own, knowing there was no way she could win. He was a right stubborn git when he wanted to be. She loved him for it, even when it drove her up a wall (which it frequently did). They had butted heads many a time in the last year and a half, sometimes over simple things and sometimes not. They’d had their share of screaming matches and silent spells. Things hadn’t been perfect and for that she’d been grateful. Perfect wasn’t what she’d wanted and she doubted it was what he’d wanted either. There had been times, early on when she’d wondered if maybe he’d been right in leaving her that first time.

The idea of trying to live in his world, even on its fringes, had been terrifying. Her first real brush with the darker side of his fan base had left her shaken. A group of young women, she hadn’t really known how old they were only that they seemed a good deal younger than her own 34 years, had taken to following her from the underground to her shop. They hadn’t said anything the entire time they’d walked behind her, but she could feel their stares pointedly on her back. She had turned finally, ready to ask what if anything they’d wanted from her, an action that Tom had later told her was the worst thing she could have done, when they’d shouted abuse at her before turning on their heels and bounding off. She’d tried to brush it off but couldn’t quite shake the sense of unease that she had not only been blatantly recognized but followed. And if they’d done it once, what was stopping it happening again?

Things had gotten better as time had worn on, but there were times she found herself wondering just what she’d gotten herself into. It had taken her a while to voice these concerns to Tom, terrified that if she did so he would use it as an excuse to push her away again. And that was the absolute last thing she’d wanted. But he’d noticed her change in demeanor quickly enough and had called her on it. She’d broken down then and it had led to a heated argument that left them both fuming in anger. But they’d calmed soon enough and talked, really talked about everything; her fears and his, about what they both wanted, and what they were willing to give up to achieve it. It had been difficult and terrifying but they’d moved through it and, she fully believed, became stronger because of it. There were still times when he’d pull away and times when she would as well, but they’d both gotten better at reading those signs and at working to help each other through them.

Six months into their fresh start, Tom had offered her with a key to his home. He was due to be on location for filming for at least three weeks and knowing the chaos that his life was about to descend into, wanted Rosemary to know she had a place to escape to if she needed. A quiet, safe place that she could use whenever she had need of it. “No pressure,” he’d told her. “I just want you to know that you can come and go as you please. Plus it would honestly be nice to have someone I love to come home to.”

It had taken her until the last few days of his filming for her to actually put the key to use. It had been strange, being in his home without him and she had to fight the feeling that she was intruding in his private sanctuary. He wouldn’t have given it to you unless he meant it, she told herself. She hadn’t stayed long that first day, only enough to try to get his mail in some semblance of order and clean out the food in his refrigerator that had spoiled (a truly frightening task). The next day she’d come bearing bags of groceries and had taken a small, quiet sort of pleasure in organizing his pantry and fridge for his return.

The day of his scheduled return found her there once again, overnight bag in hand. He’d said he like someone to come home to. ‘Someone I love’. The words echoed in her mind and she’d smiled, getting the last of the bits and bobs organized so that he might be comfortable on his return. The look on his face when he opened the door to find her on the couch, curled up next to Bobby’s sleeping form had been nothing short of resplendent; surprise, joy, and a longing that burned steadily in his bright eyes.

And from that moment on an unspoken routine had been formed. Whenever he would have to leave for an extended period of time, Rosemary would make sure to be there on his return. She would clean and organize; something he’d insisted more than once that she absolutely did not need to do; she was his partner, not his maid. Still, she’d done it all the same, wanting to show him in some small way just how much he meant to her. And she would look longingly forward to spending the next day after he arrived home curled up with him in bed, lounging and lazy and completely content.

She’d offered him a key to hers as well not long after, and he’d made use of it often. There were many an evening she’d come home to find him spread out on her couch, a lazy, contented smile on his face. They’d cook a meal together, if they felt particularly adventurous, but more often than not just ordered in and spent the night curled on the couch, watching movies or simply talking. It was simple, and easy, and wonderful.

But neither had broached the subject of making either living situation permanent. They had talked, at times about the future, their future, but those plans had been cemented firmly in the ‘someday’. And that was fine; she wanted this to work, wanted them to work. She would be content with the scenic route, knowing that they were traveling it together and when that someday turned into a now she would be ready.

“Love,” Tom’s voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her firmly back into the present. He broke off in a loud yawn. “God, I’m so sorry.”

Rosemary laughed, “It’s completely fine. I know you’ve got to be utterly exhausted.”

“I feel like I could sleep for a week,” he breathed with a soft laugh. “I should be pulling in any minute. God, I can’t wait to actually be home.”

She could feel the smile spreading across her face at the thought of being moments away from having him in her arms. “I’ll let you go then and see you in a moment.”

“Mmm,” he answered before the line went dead.

Beside her Bobby began to jump and bark once more, sensing the coming excitement. She knelt down and scratched his ears firmly. “You need to be a good boy for your Daddy. He’s awfully tired.” The spaniel cocked his head to the side and barked once. “Good enough.”

Outside, the sound of a car door closing echoed and Bobby immediately barked once and sprinted to the door where he continued to bark and bounce incessantly. Grumbling after him, Rosemary made it into the hallway as Tom’s keys rattled in the lock. The door pushed open and Tom pushed his way in, large suitcase in hand. She rushed forward, grabbing it from him and settling to the side of the entryway. The next moment her arms were around him, her face pressed against the warm skin of his neck. He let out a soft “oh” of surprise and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tighter against him, rocking them both slowly back and forth.

They stood like this for several minutes, ignoring the way Bobby bounced and barked at their feet. Tom was the first to pull back, moving his hands to cup her face lightly, pulling her forward and kissing her soundly. “Hi,” he breathed against her lips.

“Hi,” she echoed before pressing her lips against his once more. Reluctantly, she pulled back once again, tilting her head up to stare up into Tom’s face. He tried and failed to stifle a yawn. Rosemary laughed and ran a hand through his already mused hair. “Let’s get you into bed.”

Tom smiled softly at her. “Are you joining me?” He waggled his eyebrows at her in playful suggestion which was hampered slightly by a jaw cracking yawn.

Rosemary laughed and shook her head, “Not just yet. I need to order dinner first and make sure Bobby’s settled.”

“And then?” He asked hopefully.

“And then, my darling man, I will gladly join you in your bed.” She pulled back, rubbing him lightly on the arm. He let out a soft sigh of contentment at her touch. “Now, up to bed with you. Scoot.”

Tom grumbled good-naturedly and began his slow ascent up the stairs and to his bed. Rosemary smiled after him and turned back towards the kitchen in search of the menu for his local curry place, The Spice Garden. She found it hanging on the fridge next to the goofy snapshots of his niece from the previous Christmas. Shaking her head, she pulled it down and headed into the living room for her phone.

Once the food had been ordered, Rosemary padded up the stairs to check on Tom. She found him curled on his side, lightly snoring and half covered by the sheet. He’d shed all but his boxers and t-shirt in his haste to finally sleep. A smile spread slowly across her face at the sight. Reassured that he was resting comfortably, she padded back down the stairs and into the living room, settling on the couch to wait for the food delivery. Bobby jumped up beside her, curling up and resting his head on her thigh. They sat together until the buzz of the front gate sounded from the hall. She turned to the spaniel and scratched his ears. “Sorry buddy, duty calls.”

Rosemary pushed herself up on her feet and headed towards the door. She hit the button for the gate, and upon confirming the man standing at the gate was in fact from The Spice Garden, buzzed him in. She smiled brightly at him and signed before taking the bag and carrying it into the kitchen. She took the cartons from the bag one by one and stored them in the fridge before calling Bobby to her side.

“Alright, bathroom time. Let’s go.”

Bobby barked once and followed her to from the kitchen towards the back hall. Ten minutes later, business completed and every bush and flower bed thoroughly sniffed, Bobby trotted back into the house.

She shot a glance at the clock hanging on the far wall, almost half nine. Stretching her arms above her head, Rosemary headed for the stairs and the warmth of Tom’s bed. She heard him groan something unintelligible as the mattress shifted under her weight and felt his strong arms lock around her, pulling her tightly into his embrace. Pillowing her head on his chest, she closed her eyes and let herself drift off.

When Rosemary blinked awake what felt like moments later, the bed beside her was empty. She pushed herself up on her elbow and glanced around the room. “Tom?” she called out. No response. She rubbed her eyes and rolled over to the edge of the bed. It took several tries to get herself up on her feet. She stretched her arms over her head, letting out a powerful yawn before padding slowly towards the opened door. “Tom?” she called again.

“Down here!” His voice echoed up the stairs.

She padded out of the bedroom and down the stairs to find Tom standing in the kitchen before the microwave, heating a portion of his curry. She stifled a yawn as she headed into the kitchen “What time is it?”

He turned around and smiled at her, glancing quickly at the watch on his wrist, “Just after two.” He held up the half empty container. “Hungry?”

Rosemary nodded. “That sounds divine.” She moved past Tom to grab a bowl from the overhead cabinet. Tom reached out and took the bowl from her, scooping the remaining portion of food into it. “Sleep well?”

Tom nodded, pulling his food from the microwave and popping hers in. “Very well. Helps that I woke up with a gorgeous woman in my bed.” He padded back to her side, kissing her gently on the cheek. “Best way to wake up.”

“Flatterer.”

He smirked, “Only the truth, my love.” Rosemary rolled her eyes at him, pulling her now heated meal from the beeping microwave. She hissed as the bowl burned her fingers and quickly deposited it on the counter before turning on her heel and seeking spoon and oven mitt. “Here,” Tom called out, taking the bowl from the counter and lifting it gingerly, “let me.” He grabbed his own bowl and led both out into the living room, setting them on the coffee table once there.

“I am perfectly capable, Tom.”

He quirked an eyebrow, “I know you are, I still wanted to help.” He dropped himself on his couch and patted the seat beside him. “Now come on before it starts getting cold.”

With a good natured grumble, she climbed onto the couch beside him handing him the other spoon she’d grabbed. Tom nodded in thanks and bent his head to his meal. She smirked and did the same. They ate in silence for several minutes as Bobby sat on the floor before them, showing his best imitation of a starving animal. Rosemary nudged him gently with her foot. “You’ve eaten you big oaf.”

“Bottomless pit that one,” Tom chimed in, between bites.

Rosemary rolled her eyes, “Takes after his master in that way, huh?”

Tom shot her an affronted look, “You wound me, my lady.”

She let out a snort at that. “Somehow I think you’ll survive.”

“So cruel,” he muttered with a shake of his head.

Rosemary laughed and shot back, “And yet, you love me.”

There was a definite pause before he answered. “Yes.” That pulled Rosemary’s attention from her meal towards Tom. She watched as he sat quietly on the couch eyes now focused on his nearly empty bowl. She raised an eyebrow. Several quiet moments later he asked, “Are you finished?” with a nod towards her bowl. Wordlessly, she handed it to him wondering at what had brought such an immediate change to his demeanor when he’d been perfectly fine moments before.

She cleared her throat as she watched him prepare to stand. “Tom?” He paused briefly and turned his attention back towards her. “Is everything alright?”

Tom let out a quiet laugh. “Yeah…Yes.” He put both bowls on the table and turned in his seat to face her fully. “I um…There is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Rosemary felt ice form in her gut as the quiet fear that this, now, was the time when he’d finally decided that he couldn’t do this any longer. It had quieted significantly over the last year and a half, becoming only a small, indistinct murmur that she barely noticed. There, but not constant. Now...Now it roared violently to life. “Oh,” she breathed, hoping her voice wasn’t a feeble as it sounded to her own ears.

Tom started at that, eyes widening. “Oh God, no…No. Please don’t…I don’t mean,” he blurted, rambling on with a palpable anxiety. He stopped and gathered himself before continuing. “Rosie, love, it’s nothing bad. Please, please don’t fret…I just wanted…God, I am completely fucking this up.” He dropped his head in his hands and groaned before straightening once again. He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his mused hair.

Rosemary watched him warily, trying to calm her own racing heart. “Tom…”

He took another deep breath before continuing. “I know I’m gone a lot and I can’t be the easiest person to be with because of that. And I know you love me. I hope you know just how much I love you.” He paused, smiling at his hands. “Having you here is nothing short of amazing, and I’m exceedingly grateful for everything you do for me, though you honestly don’t have to. I don’t want you to feel you need to do things for me to justify you being here.” He gestured vaguely around the room. “You are as much home to me as this place has ever been.” He broke off and laughed. “I guess what I’m trying and probably failing to say is that I want you here always and not just when I come back from being away. I want to make this not just my home, but ours. I know you have your little flat and that you love it. I do too and if you don’t want to give it up, you don’t have to. But would you consider it?” His eyes locked with hers, asking silently for understanding. “Living here, with me?”

She blinked in confusion as his words slowly started to sink in. He wanted her there, with him, permanently. The idea sent a bloom of warmth through her. “You want me to move in?” She asked wanting to make sure she had understood what he was asking her.

Tom nodded, “Yes…Very much so…But,” he started, taking her hand in his own, “only if you want to.”

Rosemary laughed softly and nodded her head, not quite trusting herself to speak just then.

A bright grin broke across Tom’s face and he pulled her tightly against him. “Thank you,” he whispered into her hair. “Thank you. Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she breathed back.

#Tom Hiddleston #Tom Hiddleston RPF #Tom Hiddleston x oc #Tom Hiddleston x ofc #Tom Hiddleston x original character #tom hiddleston x original female character #Tom & Rosie #Love & Great Buildings

2 notes · View notes

winterisakiller · 6 years ago

Text

Love & Great Buildings - Epilogue

Chapter: 19/19

Character/Relationship: Tom Hiddleston/Rosemary Mathews (OFC)

Genre: Romance/Angst

Summary: Three years have passed and a chance encounter brings Tom and Rosie together again. Can time make any difference or are they doomed to repeat their mistakes.

Rating: M

Author’s Notes/Warnings: This is part nine of Last Minutes and Lost Evenings.

This story and its preceding one-shots can be also be found on AO3 under the username winterisakiller (sparkinside)

Tag List: @tinchentitri @noplacelikehome77 @theheartofpenelope @blacksuitofdoom

If anyone wants to be added to the tag list for future pieces, please let me know.

Previous Chapter

EPILOGUE

Tom’s flight should have landed nearly two hours ago, if all had gone according to schedule. He was supposed to call when he’d cleared customs and settled into his hire car. But it had been nearly an hour now and so far she’d heard nothing. Rosemary found herself pacing the living room, nervous energy pulsing through her. It was stupid, honestly, worrying like this, and she well knew it. Most likely it was nothing.. The flight could have been delayed (there were nasty storms brewing in New York when he’d been set to depart), customs could be a nightmare (it often was at the best of times, especially if multiple flights landed at once), traffic from London could be hellish (especially at this time of day); there were literally dozens of reasons for why he hadn’t called yet and not all of them were bad. She knew this but it did little to lessen her worry.

It had been a long six weeks, and though she had gotten used to the idea of Tom being away for long stretches of time because of his work, his absence was most assuredly taking its toll. She’d missed him fiercely. Bobby barked at her heels, sensing her nervousness. She laughed softly, stopping her pacing to scratch the spaniel affectionately on his head. “I know, buddy boy, your daddy will be home soon.” He barked once and settled himself on the dog bed nearest the window, head resting on his paws and large dark eyes watching her intently.

She’d gotten Bobby out of the kennel the day before, knowing it took the spaniel a bit of time to get reacquainted with his space after being away for a while. Tom would have enough on his plate upon returning home; dealing with an energetic and ever curious dog was the last thing he would be up for. Besides, she loved the mutt to pieces and he seemed just as fond of her. Not to mention staying over the night before allowed her to air out his house; to make sure he had food in the pantry and fridge, that his mail was sorted, and that all he would need to do was eat and sleep if he wanted. It was a small bit of peace and she was grateful to give it when she could.

“Rosie, love,” he answered. His voice was gravely with fatigue and weariness. “I’ve missed you.”

There was pause as Tom asked the driver. She could hear but not quite make out the muffled response. After a few moments she heard Tom clear his throat. “About half an hour, if the traffic holds off.” Her heart warmed at his words. “So close,” he murmured, “Yet so far.”

“You should try to sleep a little,” she encouraged him. “You sound dead on your feet.”

He chuckled sleepily, “Maybe. But I sleep better next to you.”

She smiled at his words. “Flatterer.”

“Don’t,” she scolded, “Tom, honestly its fine. You know I don’t need all of that. You and me and a takeaway on the couch is bliss as far as I’m concerned.”

“But still…” he trailed off before sighing. “Fine. We’ll stay in and have takeaway. But I will do something nice for you to make up for it.”

“I know,” he answered in a sleepy laugh, “but I’m going to regardless.”

There had been times, early on when she’d wondered if maybe he’d been right in leaving her that first time. The idea of trying to live in his world, even on its fringes, had been terrifying. Her first real brush with the darker side of his fan base had left her physically fine but emotionally shaken. A group of young women, she hadn’t really known how old they were only that they seemed a good deal younger than her own 34 years, had taken to following her from the underground to her shop one afternoon. They hadn’t said anything the entire time they’d walked behind her, but she could feel their stares pointedly on her back. It was unnerving. She had turned finally when she couldn’t take it anymore, ready to ask what if anything they’d wanted from her (an action that Tom had later told her was the worst thing she could have done) when they’d shouted abuse at her before turning on their heels and bounding off. She’d tried to brush it off but couldn’t quite shake the sense of unease that she had not only been blatantly recognized but followed. And if they’d done it once, what was stopping it happening again? That thought had brought her up short.

Six months into their fresh start, Tom had offered her with a key to his home. He was due to be on location for filming for at least three weeks and knowing the chaos that his life was about to descend into, wanted Rosemary to know she had a place to escape to if she needed. Life with him wasn’t easy, he’d known that and he’d wanted to offer her a sanctuary if he could. A quiet, safe place that she could use whenever she had need of it. “No pressure,” he’d told her. “I just want you to know that you can come and go as you please.” He paused before smiling and adding, “Plus it would honestly be nice to have someone I love to come home to.”

“Love,” Tom’s voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her firmly back into the present. He broke off in a loud yawn. “God, I’m so sorry.”

Rosemary laughed, “It’s completely fine. I know you’ve got to be utterly exhausted.”

“I feel like I could sleep for a week,” he breathed with a soft laugh. “I should be pulling in any minute. God, I can’t wait to actually be home.”

She could feel the smile spreading across her face at the thought of being moments away from having him in her arms. “I’ll let you go then and see you in a moment.”

“Mmm,” he answered before the line went dead.

Beside her Bobby began to jump and bark once more, sensing the coming excitement. She knelt down and scratched his ears firmly. “You need to be a good boy for your daddy. He’s awfully tired.” The spaniel cocked his head to the side and barked once. She laughed. “Good enough.”

Tom smiled softly at her. “Are you joining me?” He waggled his eyebrows at her in playful suggestion which was hampered slightly by a jaw cracking yawn.

Rosemary laughed and shook her head, “Not just yet. I need to order dinner first and make sure Bobby’s settled.”

“And then?” He asked, hopefully.

Tom grumbled good-naturedly and began his slow ascent up the stairs and to his bed. Rosemary smiled after him and turned back towards the kitchen in search of the menu for his local curry place, The Spice Garden. She found it hanging on the fridge next to the goofy snapshots of his niece and sisters from the previous Christmas. Shaking her head, she pulled it down and headed into the living room for her phone.

“Alright, bathroom time. Let’s go.”

When Rosemary blinked awake what felt like moments later, the bed beside her was empty and cool. She pushed herself up on her elbow and glanced around the room. “Tom?” she called out. No response. She rubbed her eyes and rolled over to the edge of the bed. It took several tries to get herself up on her feet. She stretched her arms over her head, letting out a powerful yawn before padding slowly towards the opened door. “Tom?” she called again.

“Down here!” His voice echoed up the stairs.

He turned around and smiled at her, glancing quickly at the watch on his wrist, “Just after two.” He held up the half empty container. “Hungry?”

“Flatterer.”

“I am perfectly capable, Tom.”

He quirked an eyebrow, “I know you are, I still wanted to help.” He dropped himself on his couch and patted the seat beside him. “Now come on before it starts getting cold.”

With a good natured grumble, she climbed onto the couch beside him handing him the other spoon she’d grabbed. Tom nodded in thanks and bent his head to his meal. She smirked and did the same. They ate in silence for several minutes as Bobby sat on the floor before them, showing his best imitation of a starving animal; all wide eyes and pleading looks. Rosemary nudged him gently with her foot. “You’ve eaten, you big oaf.”

“Bottomless pit that one,” Tom chimed in, between bites.

Rosemary rolled her eyes, “Takes after his master in that way, huh?”

Tom shot her an affronted look, “You wound me, my lady.”

She let out a snort at that. “Somehow I think you’ll survive.”

“So cruel,” he muttered with a shake of his head.

Rosemary laughed and shot back, “And yet, you love me.”

She cleared her throat as she watched him prepare to stand. “Tom?” He paused briefly and turned his attention back towards her. “Is everything alright?”

Tom let out a quiet laugh. “Yeah…Yes.” He put both bowls on the table and turned in his seat to face her fully. “I um…There is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Rosemary watched him warily, trying to calm her own racing heart. “Tom…”

Tom nodded, “Yes…Very much so…But,” he started, taking her hand in his own, “only if you want to.”

Rosemary laughed softly and nodded her head, not quite trusting herself to speak just then.

A bright grin broke across Tom’s face and he pulled her tightly against him. “Thank you,” he whispered into her hair. “Thank you. Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she breathed back.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston x ofc #Tom and Rosie #Love & Great Buildings

40 notes · View notes

leavemebetosleep · 8 years ago

Text

Lisi Harrison’s Monster High, A Book review.

Warning: this review contains major spoilers.

Where do I begin.

Monster High the book came out in 2010 with the franchise, but despite that I haven’t seen a review of it that was that much more in depth than whether it was appropriate for children, so why not I’ll do it. I might as well get something out of this experience.

The book series is interesting to me because it says a lot about Monster High’s early days; a lot of character concepts that wouldn’t show up in the main franchise until much later are here, as well as working names and early version of each character’s concept. After all Harrison had to get it from somewhere.

It also says a lot about how Mattel had NO idea what age bracket to whom to market this. Sure, obviously they wanted kids, hence a tie in cartoon, but I think they were afraid younger ones wouldn’t be interested and wanted to make sure they had something for the young teen audience as well. The result is a book that doesn’t have a good appeal for any audience except curious, hard core MH fans.

The book follows the stories of Melody Carver and Frankie Stein, each chapter changing point of view as the story progresses. If you’re interested enough in MH to read this, you know who Frankie is, but to describe Melody, she’s basically every self insert character you’ve ever come across in a fanfic. Except unlike with fanfic, which is just a fun hobby, Harrison is supposed to be a professional author and got paid to do this.

Melody’s story follows how she’s about to be a new student at Merston High, moving from California to New Salem, Oregon. She talks about how she doesn’t look like her parents, and when she was younger she used to be an excellent singer. Along with that we learn how prior to moving, she had had a rather large, ‘beak like’ nose she had her plastic surgeon father fix for her. However it didn’t fix her insecurities and she can’t seem to enjoy her new appearance; constantly second guessing if anyone who suddenly took interest in her was only there for her new appearance.

The way I’m writing about that fact right now makes it sound way more logical than the book does. In the book it sounds like when her wealthy surgeon dad gave her the new nose she wanted, and she didn’t have a reason to be a loner special snowflake anymore she had to find a new reason to distance herself from people.

She also gave up singing, the book claiming her asthma problems got so bad it became difficult, but she’s so whiny about it, it almost comes off like she gave up when it got too hard. Later in the book her sister even accuses her as having just given up on it because it would’ve actually made her a little interesting to have a hobby.

…Okay I might have paraphrased that. My point is, this plot point doesn’t really become relevant till book three to my understanding anyway so it’s whatever.

As earlier referenced, she has a sister named Candace, who is supposed to be more confident, popular, fun, and having more personalty than Melody. She also serves as something of a voice of reason for Melody when she’s not being annoying or cringy. But she’s mostly annoying. Speaking of her, we’re told Melody’s never had any friends but…her sister doesn’t count? I know a sister isn’t exactly the same, but it should lay some frame work for how these things work.

We find the two settling into their rooms when they spy their next door neighbor, and Melody sees a shirtless Jackson Jekyll out of her window watering the plants.

Melody and her sister thoroughly oggle him as he does this, Candace only writing him off when he turns and she decides he’s a bit too ‘nerdy’ for her tastes. It is at this point I REALLY felt like I was reading a fanfic because this is so on the nose for many self-insert stories I’ve read.

I’m not kidding when I say some parts of this book made me wonder if the author was a little attracted to him herself and living through her creation. There’s just such a subtle …skeeviness to the scene.

Later in the day the two sisters decide to walk around the neighborhood; Candace yelling things at hot guys she sees.

Finally they get near the park where they run into Jackson, who for his part comes off like he wanted to be alone, as he was trying to draw when he as interrupted by the girls. Despite this, and despite Candace’s awful attempt to make ‘curdy’ (supposed to be a combo of cute/nerdy but mostly making me think of spoiled milk) a word; he seems to warm up to an awkward Melody during the conversation and they exchange numbers.

At school we find out he never called her however, and despite her looking can’t seem to find him in the cafeteria. Of course with the way she makes fun of the kids with allergies, and refers to one kid ‘horse-face’; I’d say not calling her was dodging a bullet. For someone who claims to have been bullied so much you’d think she’d be a little less prone to doing the same to others.

Alas, Jackson does meet up with her long enough to explain he was sick.

Their time together doesn’t last long however, as Melody and Cleo DeNile knock into each other soon after. Cleo’s grapes fall off her tray, and she demands Melody give up hers, but she refuses. In revenge, Cleo kisses Jackson, which turns him into Holt, or should I say ‘DJ’, and causes him to leave with her.

…I had to take a moment at the image of Cleo kissing Jackson. It felt so wrong. The whole scene feels so surreal and is paced really badly.

It does however make a good opening to talk about how my favorite characters are handled in this.

Now, I do appreciate Jackson getting to be a main character in something, but he’s pretty much regulated to love interest.

He’s not too different from the Jackson of the other continuities to be fair, aside from him being described as artistic as I’ve mentioned, which is usually reserved for Holt. On the subject of Holt, he’s only here in spirit as instead we get ‘DJ’, who, while admittedly having a similar personality to Holt, is not a blue fire elemental. In fact he looks exactly like Jackson sans glasses, and….why is he a monster again?

Now, I don’t know, maybe this was the working concept Lisi was given and she had to run with it. Though I have trouble believing that, I mean the name sure, but Holt’s doll came out around 6 months, a year at most after this book, and these ghouls spend years in development, that says to me they would’ve known they wanted them to be two dolls with two different looks far enough in advance to let Lisi Harrison know.

However, it does open a very big shortcut for the author, so I’m suspicious this was her invention. Thing is, aside from not following the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, it takes away what makes him a monster.

The way he’s written here just makes him seem like a young man with DID who’s personality shifts are triggered when he gets too hot, and implying people with DID are monsters is not a good thing to say the very least.

The worst bit is, if she didn’t want Holt to be visibly monstrous he could’ve, like the original novel, looked human still, but with his own features. It would’ve been a fair compromise.

Anyway, Melody’s dislike of Cleo. It is this dislike that leads her to become friends with a girl named Bekka and her minion Haylee. Bekka is…an odd one. She’s that character who’s so obviously gonna be the villain you’re surprised she doesn’t have devil horns and a twirly mustache. She’s obsessed with her boyfriend Brent to the point it’s unhealthy. She makes it the biggest rule of the friendship contact she makes Melody sign.

Oh yes, there’s a contract in this. What is it with bad books an contracts, first 50 Shades now this. Wait, or did this come first? Whatever the case, we’re supposed to believe Melody is so inexperienced with people she doesn’t find this weird. This is where my comment about her sister comes up; who’s stated to have had lots of friends. Does Melody think her sister makes people sign contracts? Does she think Candace signs contracts?

It’s such a bizarre thing. I had to stop reading for a moment to ponder what I was doing with my life. I can’t even make fun of it because it’s already such a joke. Haylee even notarizes it, does Bekka expect this to be legally binding?

Sigh.

The first week of their friendship goes decently enough however, and we discover ‘Jackson’s’ fling with Cleo had ended now that Deuce Gorgon has returned. Cleo mocks Melody that she can ‘have the nerd back now’ as Melody sees Jackson coming down the hall, and to get back at both in one go kisses Deuce in front of everyone.

Cleo, though obviously hurt with tears in her eyes as Deuce kisses back semi eagerly, manages to not react too much, but Jackson, not knowing what was going on, destroys what what he was carrying. It turns out to be a gift for Melody, who now feels terrible.

There is so much wrong with all that. I feel so offended on Deuce’s behalf at this portrayal, and this scene is written so unnaturally awkward. And Melody apparently still likes Jackson? Why? As far as she’s knows all he’s been is a jerk to her? Ugh.

Later that night finds Melody moping around as she decides to stay home from a family outing (camping in the backyard) so she can stalk/be a peeping tom to Jackson. No really, he’s her neighbor and her sisters window can see into his room; so she literally grabs a bowl of popcorn with plans to spy all night.

This is….really creepy. Melody’s not the most likable to begin with, and this does not make me want to root for her.

She doesn’t get far with that as Jackson shows up, let in by her parents. They talk, Melody seeming happy she made him jealous kissing Deuce, but calling him out of making out with Cleo all week (a bit hypocritical there). Except he doesn’t remember any of what she’s talking about, and explains he has blackouts. This explanation seems to be enough for her to forgive him, and she questions nothing further.

They flirt a while until her insecurities come back up, and she makes him look at a picture her old nose as a test; except he can’t tell tell much difference and thinks she looks pretty both ways. She decides she wants to kiss him then, but they’re interrupted when Melody’s mom yells that she saw a wolf.

They hang out again later with Bekka and Haylee, and Bekka complains about Frankie supposedly flirting with Brett, who finally shows up with Heath Burns, who is not related to Jackson in this universe.

They’re apparently filming a monster movie, but Jackson gets too hot and leaves to go inside. Melody follows and this leads to their first kiss.

Unfortunately for Melody, this turns him into DJ, who is very confused and mistakes the situation for quick hook up. His strange and rude behavior leads her to kick him out.

It also is what makes her decide to ask Deuce to the dance instead when she hears Cleo isn’t going, to which he agrees. A clueless Jackson later comes by to ask her, but she’s still understandably pretty mad from before. They go back and forth until he turns into DJ again, who finally explains to her who he is and vaguely mentions the whole Jekyll/Hyde thing.

Melody records his transformation on her phone and shows it to Jackson when he comes back, which causes him to rush off.

She manages to find him, and it turns out he went to confront his mother about it. Here we get some exposition about great grandpa Henry’s potion, how the trait got ingrained into his DNA, how the split personality drove Jackson’s father insane (as in the book it comes from his side instead of his mother’s, while she is only a human, hence no fire elemental traits), the fact Jackson’s father is in a mental hospital, and how Jackson’s transformations only started recently.

It’s this last bit I have to admit is probably better than the way the main universe went about things. Sorry, but Jackson not knowing he had a second personality until teenager-hood when it’s been happening from birth makes no sense.

After this is the dance, but I’ll get back to that, now let’s switch to Frankie’s half of this book.

I like Frankie here. Sort of, sometimes she gets a little too into the teen girl stereotypes, but overall she’s not actually written too far off from how Frankie was written it the early days of the show. That’s kind of a problem here tho, because the world she’s been placed in doesn’t match her.

Many of the qualities the show celebrated about her, here mostly come back to bite her, to the point she feels like being herself is a terrible thing. I mostly feel sad for her the whole book as I end up thinking about the show and how happy she is in that world. It gets bad enough that it was all I could remember about her parts after my initial read. I suppose it’s intentional by the author that we’re to feel bad for her, but it gets overdone at times. Maybe I’m just too much of a softie though.

Her story opens up with an admittedly nice prologue from her point of view about how she came to life; it reminds me of her SDCC diary in that way. She’s pretty endearing.

Her part of this story then skips forward to her waiting to recharge while listening to music, while Lisi Harrison tries to fit in as many brand names and celebrities as she can. Seriously, you cut out all the namedropping in the first two pages of this chapter and there’d be nothing there.

Not that the whole book hadn’t already been doing that, but my god is it annoying. Not to mention dates the book terribly.

Her dad comes by her room to have a talk to her, and Frankie at first worries she’s perhaps spent too much in redecorating her room considering all those mentioned brand names, but instead they explain that summer’s coming to a close.

This really doesn’t mean much to Frankie, but they explain they work at a local university and school with be starting again soon. Meaning they won’t be able to stay home with her. After some exposition about what normies are and why she isn’t one, they tell her they’re sending her to a school, which she becomes very excited about when she realizes it means meeting kids her own age.

Of course, it’s not that simple as they present her with the outfit the expect her to wear for her first day: a wool pantsuit and stage makeup. They attempt to explain to her that she’s a RAD, or Regular Attribute Dodger, or a monster as they’re known by normies.

Now the concept of monsters being real and living hidden in modern society is not a bad one. Probably why the reboot decided to use it. It’s just, as this scene goes on we’re we are given some …odd world building.

Like the reason humans hate monsters is….old monster movies. Okay, I understand media is a powerful thing, and it can completely shape people’s opinions about minorities, but usually media is a symptom of the problem, not the cause.

Not to mention did this really even need that explanation? You could’ve just went with the usual, human paranoia about vampires killing them for blood, being afraid of monster’s powers, ect; the media thing is a fine shout out to the classic movies, but being the sole cause of human’s turn against them?

Also, how would there be people who don’t believe monsters are real if this happened that recently? The film industry is not that old, people would know monsters exist if they apparently have them on film.

Frankie too finds her questioning this new world, as she’s not particularly thrilled about the idea of hiding her skin or wearing wool, and can’t wrap her head around the idea she needs to hide who she is.

So when the day comes she decides shes going to ignore her parents and wear the outfit of her choosing with no stage make up to hide the green. Of course her parents don’t approve, while Frankie argues that if other people don’t like her for who she is, that’s their problem not hers (which isn’t bad advice).

Still, they must press her to change as it’s dangerous, but she only goes as far as to cover her seams. Finally, her parents seem to relent and take her to school. Going outside for the first time is amazing to Frankie, and she’s very excited; though she admits she doesn’t know where she’s going or what she’s doing.

Of course the inevitable happens, she runs into another teen and they don’t react well to the sight of a girl with green skin. Frankie’s parents suddenly reappear and get her back into the car before any authority can arrive to see them.

Her father admits he was just trying to teach her a lesson that perhaps went too far. Frankie is in tears now, and some what bitterly agrees to wear to the make up and suit.

I have one major issue with this scene, and it’s when it’s revealed this is not her school, and in fact her school hasn’t started yet. This was all planned by her parents. So, her parents, suspecting she wouldn’t understand the danger, decided trying to scar her for life and nearly expose them in the process was better than trying to talk her through it some more? Like the way it’s written makes it seem like they only talked about it the once, and didn’t even go that in depth at how risky things are.

Like if this was a genuine last resort or something I could understand, but it feels more like a cop out on their part. She’s barely two weeks old, of course she’s not going to get it after one conversation when she’s never even been outside! And again, this was a huge risk to take for their whole secret society; I doubt other RADs would have approved.

Frankie now fearfully starts school for real, simply hoping no one notices her. Of course that doesn’t happen, as she quickly gets the attention of DJ Hyde, much to her annoyance. She zaps him by accident and he gives her the nick name ‘Firecracker’.

That’s right about when Draculaura aka ‘Lala’ makes her first appearance with Lagoona or ‘Blue’, who tries to help Lala with her makeup (as she wants to look good in front of DJ, which I admit being reminded of that old plot made me a little nostalgic for early MH) and asks the heavily made up Frankie if she’d be alright with loaning them some eyeliner.

For the rest of class Frankie tries to ignore DJ and focus more on the boy she actually has a crush on, Brett. She likes him because he likes monsters, and seeing as he’s wearing a Frankenstein t-shirt, takes it as a sign he wouldn’t mind that she’s his granddaughter. Not to mention that now she knows there’s a girl who likes DJ, wouldn’t want to take him from her (an attitude you’ll find doesn’t last).

Also during class she becomes worried that Melody is onto her, not realizing the girl is really just another girl who wants to boy currently trying to get her attention.

After class Blue and Lala befriend her and invite her to go to the spa with them that weekend, to which she agrees.

Frankie heads off that weekend, meeting Cleo and Claudine (not ‘Clawdeen’), who don’t seem as keen on her as Blue and Lala after she makes an innocently insensitive comment. We find out Lala was a bit mad at Cleo for making out with DJ, but Cleo assures her it was just to make Melody mad, as DJ knows she’s taken. Speaking of Deuce, Cleo’s very upset over his kiss with Melody, and at this Ula decides to forgive her as she’s not into DJ anymore anyway (rendering that part of the plot completely pointless).

Finally they get there, and Frankie starts to feel more included as the girls explain how to go through the spa to her, and she talks about her crush on Brett. The girls make jokes about how difficult it’s gonna be to steal him from the infinitely jealous Bekka, and no one tells her not to chase a boy who is already taken. Considering Cleo was just recently upset at feeling cheated on, this feels hypocritical.

All the ghouls finally part to get their various treatments, each one hinting at their monster type.

Frankie decides on trying the tanning beds on the advice it reduces the appearance of scars. While there she relaxes, but gets distracted enough by a fantasy she accidentally sparks and blows a fuse.

She absolutely panics, making things worse, until smoke starts emitting form her seams. In all the confusion she manages to get dressed and runs out of there terrified. She’s crushed that she ruined everything, ignores her new friends calls, and walks home full of anxiety over how her parents will react. She finally breaks down crying when a passing car hits her with water.

She makes it home deciding not to tell her parents what happened, and they buy her fake story, getting her dried off.

Early the next morning her and her parents get called to a new emergency meeting of the local underground monster community. Not called for the spa incident (locals blamed it on the storm), but Frankie being sighted earlier.

At the meeting, Frankie learns which members of her town are RADs, and in turn tell the others as well. Along with their real names, monster types, there’s even some history on what parts of town were built by monsters.

Feeling safe to do so, Frankie fesses up to the power outage she caused, and to her relief they seem pretty understanding. All except Claudine, who wasn’t able to get her hair waxed and got tagged by PETA for ‘wearing fur’.

They all talk openly of their monster problems until Mrs. J (or Mrs. Jekyll) arrives to start the meeting sans her son. She warns them to be careful around normies, and Cleo can’t resist a jab in Deuce’s direction over Melody. Deuce apologizes, implying he’s already done this, and Cleo seems to be in the process of forgiving him, or at least content knowing he and Melody don’t actually want each other.

Mrs. J continues the meeting announcing the Merston High has chosen a monster theme for an upcoming school dance. Much of the crowd seems offended at that, but Frankie speaks up to say she finds the idea rather flattering, and maybe even a sign of a change in attitude.

She goes even further as to suggest they all use it as an opportunity to be able to go out in public with out disguises for a change. The other kids seem to like the idea in theory, but when put to a vote only Frankie and Billy Phadin (to Frankie’s gratitude) are in favor.

She’s bummed out at how afraid everyone is to try anything, and doesn’t join in saying the RADs slogan ‘Hide with Pride’.

It’s after this chapter we get a chapter from the point of view of Ghoulia which, while not unwelcome, feels out of nowhere. It’s also much more in line with the show, as she tries to talk her parents into letting her go to NekroCon so she can try and get her Deadfast No. 1.

I love this chapter, but the sudden references to the main-verse are very out of place in everything Harrison’s built up so far. Still, it’s Ghoulia’s first appearance so I can’t complain.

Back at school Frankie is amazed at how well Mrs. J manages to seem impartial, and how the only one who seems to have any visible monster pride is Brett.

Brett brings up monsters, Frankie joining in to the teacher’s dismay, but it’s all interrupted by a ‘monster drill’ (which involves using your chair as a shield in a very silly manor).

Brett shows interest in Frankie as she seems to like monsters as well, which encourages her. This goes even further when school announcements remind everyone about the dance, and Bret tells everyone he’s going as Frankenstein’s monster. Bekka chimes in she’s going as the bride to match, and Frankie wishes she could say they’re both going as her grandparents and the reals bride’s dress is at her house.

Mrs. J however was not amused by all the monster talk, and privately reminds Frankie she has to be discreet. However Frankie feels monster kind are never going to get anywhere if they don’t actually make any attempts to try, and the warning is lost on her.

This becomes very apparent to her parents at home as Frankie gets more and more frustrated, to the point she bitterly asks her parents why they didn’t just make her look human if she has to pretend to be one anyway.

…Which is actually a good point. They go on about how they didn’t because they’re proud of who they are and she should be too. That hiding is just for safety, but seriously if she’s going to have to hide her entire life they could’ve spared her a lot of agony to just make her look more human to begin with. I get what the author was going for but still.

The author could’ve just explained they didn’t have that ability instead, which might’ve been more in line with the metaphor.

The argument leads to them banning her from the dance entirely, and she admits her father might be right not to trust her, as she plans to go anyway.

Now to her credit, she does try to earn their permission by behaving, but it doesn’t sway them so it goes to plan B. She gets the other ghouls to join in with her (they’d been boycotting it originally), and using her bare skin and grandmother’s wedding dress as a costume arrives at the dance.

Meanwhile, Melody is also at the dance, lamenting Jackson has been avoiding her lately. She’s resisted the temptation to talk to anyone else about what she knows, and tried to distract herself with the event.

It doesn’t really work, and she runs into Jackson at the punch bowl, dressed as Igor. ....Then we get this joke:

“What are you doing here?” Melody asked, relived.

“I thought you might wanna hump?” He pointed to the pillow stuffed up under the back of his sweater like a hunchback.

…What the heck did I just read. Did this book really need a bad sex joke? It’s so awkward even Melody starts to just walk away.

Yet, somehow this leads to them talking things out and making up. Then we cut back to the monster side of things:

Frankie runs into the similarly dressed Bekka who tries to insult her, and Billy gets another cameo. She’s thrilled with the positive attention her ‘costume’ is getting, particularly when she gets it from Brett.

Their talking leads to a kiss that ends with Frankie’s head popping off and Brett fainting.

Screams and confusion take over, but Billy helps her escape as the monsters make a run for it to get back home.

Meanwhile at the dance, as all the monsters are escaping, Jackson feels a transformation coming on and tries in vain to get Melody to leave. Melody however is distracted by an angry Bekka who wants vengeance against Frankie for kissing her boyfriend, demanding that Melody help her get it.

She can’t do both, and spends too much time trying to figure out what side to be on. Finally DJ appears and makes her decision for her, as he decides he wants to find where Firecracker is.

Bekka heads out too, leaving Melody with the threat of turning against her if she doesn’t help soon. Going off to stir up monster paranoia as best she can, and wanting to make sure to get an angry mob going so Frankie is found.

Melody still can’t seem to make up her mind on what to do, and asks her sister in vague terms what she thinks. Candace tells her she has to pick the side she thinks is right and not be a coward about it like she usually is.

Frankie wakes up at home and over hears the RAD parents having an angry, scared conversation over what’s going to happen, blaming Frankie’s parents for not controlling her behavior better. More than that, they talk about their fears of what will happen to their own children, laying more blame on Frankie for all that might happen to the point of demanding the Steins leave town. Frankie’s father kicks them out after that, but soon as their gone he and his wife can’t deny their own worries.

Frankie feels crushed under the weight of her guilt and lays on her bed crying. It gets bad enough she begins to wish either that she had never been made, or wouldn’t wake up next time she sleeps.

She does wake up after drifting off however, to find DJ having snuck in her room to her confusion (which is a bit of creeper move on his part). He seems concerned enough however, so she tells him about her problems. Telling him how stupid and reckless she feels, and how she ruined everyone’ lives.

DJ on the other hand thinks she did everyone a favor, and that RAD society needs someone like her around because they weren’t getting anywhere. He tells her he thinks she’s absolutely amazing, that she shouldn’t give up, and that he likes her. Likes the fact she goes for what she wants.

This scene is honestly adorable and so far the best scene out of the book. They way he builds her up, promises to help her and be there for her, and while obvious he has a crush, doesn’t pressure her about returning the feelings and just wants to see her be happy.

They get interrupted however, and by the time it’s safe again DJ has been replaced with Jackson; who doesn’t know who she is or where he is, and is looking for Melody. She upset and confused by his departure.

Melody shows up at the Jekyll residence and tells Mrs. J that she knows, but promises to be their secret keeper. She also plans to help find Jackson.

This is nearly ruined as after leaving she runs into Bekka and Haylee. Bekka reveals she found the recording of Jackson’s transformation on her phone and black mails her with it.

She gives Melody two days to find and hand over Frankie or she’ll show it to the police.

This villainous reveal is so over the top too, she actually makes Melody sign another agreement and pulls an egg timer out of her purse as she threatens her about the time limit. It’s hilarious.

Melody’s left there terrified she’s just messed things up big time when Jackson finds her.

She explains what happened, and he reveals he knows where Frankie is, but refuses to give her up to save himself. Not even for his own sake, but he knows DJ likes her. DJ would want her safe and he can’t betray his other half like that.

Melody thinks it’s very noble, but tricks him so he’ll turn into DJ, who leads her to Frankie.

Frankie is understandably not pleased to see her, and the scene gets a bit meta in the sense DJ and Frankie reflect my own feelings about Melody to an extent.

They do talk it out of course, Melody explains the Jekyll/Hyde thing to Frankie, and convinces Frankie that she’s just here to be an ally. Though I will say Melody saying she can relate to Frankie because she got teased for her big nose; while Frankie has to fear her family and friends getting killed because she’d undead makes Melodork come off very …White.

Then the book just kinda stops after that. I know it was meant to have sequels, but there’s no real resolution to anything. It’s just:

“We need a plan to fix this.” ”I agree”

The End.

Over all thoughts: one of the reason this review got so in depth is because, as I wrote the first draft I realized I couldn’t remember a lot of the book. As I found my self skimming the book, I kept finding whole scenes I had no memory of at all (which I’d end up throwing in). It’s super forgettable once you put it down, and the only things that make it memorable are the things that make it annoying.

Like the name dropping, I’ve talked about it before, but oh god the name dropping. On top of every character’s outfit having to be described in great detail it made me feel like I was reading a clothing catalog.

All the human OCs are poorly written, Bekka’s ridiculous and so over the top it’s hard to take her seriously, Haylee just exists to follow Bekka around, Brett’s a cheater (yeah, I’d rather have Frankie than Bekka too but he could’ve just broken up with her first), Candace is spoiled, and Melody is whiny and annoying.

Worse, this book is such a waste of what was a really cool concept, a more mature version of the MH-verse. There’s so many hints in here too of the better book we could’ve received, like Frankie’s prologue. Would it have been a better book if Lisi had just stuck to the monster characters? That I can’t say, as the ghouls characterization haven’t been safe from bad writing either, but none were as bad as any of the humans.

On the positive side, I can see why some people do like this book...sort of. It does try very hard to build it’s universe, and while some of it fails, some is actually pretty interesting. It can even be entertaining at points, albeit in a ‘so bad it’s good’ way.

I’ve almost hit 6,000 words though, so until I finish the next book this is where I end off. Thank you for making it this far, I hope you enjoyed my first ever book review.

#monster high #strangewritings #man heven't used that tag in ages #book review #I warn ya'll this is really long

71 notes · View notes