Author: Rachel

Review – The Marriage Bargain

June 7, 2022

Rachel

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Review – The Marriage Bargain

Posted in Book Blogger

The Marriage Bargain

by Lucy Marin

Genres: Romance, Regency, Pride & Prejudice Variation
Release Date: April 18, 2022
Pages: 374
Purchase from: Amazon

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.

“You can sell Pemberley and settle as many debts as possible. Or you could marry a wealthy woman and use her fortune to restore it.”

Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to a mountain of debt, a tarnished family name, and a crumbling estate finds himself confronted by an unthinkable choice. Knowing it is a last chance to save his birthright, he agrees to an arranged marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, ward of her wealthy but vulgar uncle, Mr Gardiner. Despite entering into the marriage understanding what he is giving up, he soon finds himself resenting the actions of his forebears and the choices he feels he was forced to make.

Elizabeth Bennet knows that marrying a gentleman of high birth would allow her to reclaim the social status she lost when her father died. Having been approached by men falsely proclaiming their affection for her, she embraces the opportunity to set the terms of her marriage openly and honestly. After meeting Mr Darcy and his sister, Elizabeth is determined to give them the home and care they deserve. Believing she and Mr Darcy have a common understanding of what their union will be like, she has high hopes for a happy future.

A friendship between them soon promises to bloom into something more romantic but Darcy has unresolved issues in his past that will not remain hidden. Dismayed, Darcy at last confronts his errors…but is it too late for he and Elizabeth to find happiness together?

The Marriage Bargain is a forced or contracted marriage variation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and will be enjoyed by fans of Georgette Heyer’s A Civil Contract and other regency romances.

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Comparing Common Nib Grinds

June 3, 2022

Rachel

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Comparing Common Nib Grinds

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’ve been on a major custom-ground nib kick for the past year or so. At the DC Pen Show, I picked up two cursive italic nibs from All in the Nib. Since then, I’ve picked up four more custom-ground nibs. In that intervening time, I’ve also had multiple discussions with people about nib grinds and the differences between them.

Those conversations taught me that many people aren’t aware of the differences in the way each grind writes. So, I decided to compare the different “common” nib grinds I have.

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Big Dropper Skull Review

May 31, 2022

Rachel

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Big Dropper Skull Review

Posted in Fountain Pens

When Ben introduced his polycarbonate, laser-engraved pens, I knew I had to have one. While I adore the appearance of my metal Gravitas pen, there is just enough of the metal-on-metal scraping sound that, over time, I’ve decided to let it go. Now that I have the polycarbonate pen, I don’t feel as bad about that decision.

For the time being, the polycarbonate pens are only available in the “Member’s Area” — available to those who have already purchased from Gravitas Pens. Hopefully they will be available to everyone at some point in the future.

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Review – Total Want of Propriety Volumes 1 & 2

May 24, 2022

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Review – Total Want of Propriety Volumes 1 & 2

Posted in Book Blogger

Total Want of Propriety Volumes 1 & 2

by Cherith Boardman

Genres: Pride and Prejudice, Regency, Romance
Release Date: November 1 & 15, 2021
Pages: 710 & 724
Purchase from: Amazon Volume 1 | Amazon Volume 2

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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Total Want of Propriety, Volume 1: At the first light of dawn the morning after the dance at Netherfield, a carriage speeds north as Fitzwilliam Darcy flees the temptation wrought by Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s pert opinions and fine eyes. His heart yearns for the intelligent beauty, but he knows his duty to Pemberley, and his family, and cannot risk exposing his beloved sister to the total want of propriety evidenced by the rest of the Bennet family.

A month later – and now resolved to follow his heart – Darcy hastens towards Bath after Darcy learns of Elizabeth’s expulsion from her family for refusing to marry Longbourn’s heir, Mr Collins.
Soon confronted with the truth of his own family’s wanton lack of propriety – and Elizabeth’s dislike of him – Darcy must do all he can to protect his sister from her own folly, while hoping to earn Elizabeth’s forgiveness for his arrogant presumptions…

And ultimately win her heart.

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Pens I’ve Gotten Rid Of

May 20, 2022

Rachel

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Pens I’ve Gotten Rid Of

Posted in Fountain Pens

I don’t remember where the idea for this post originally came from. I may have read something somewhere, it may have just popped into my head one day. I don’t know.

Regardless, in the way I discussed 10 pens in my Would I Buy Them Again Today? post, I chose 10 pens I’ve gotten rid of to discuss why they are no longer in my collection. I’m sure some of my answers will be expected, while others will likely be surprising to some. I hope you enjoy, and that my reasoning may help those who are trying to sell some of their own pens.

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Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Shooting Star

May 17, 2022

Rachel

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Pen Porn: Benu Talisman Shooting Star

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉

I first discovered the Shooting Star through an Instagram Post from Luxury Brands of America. While I’m supposed to be on a fountain pen low buy, I just had to get one. I’m planning to collect the Talisman series pens that have shaped confetti — like the Wild Rose — since I’m no longer buying TWSBI pens.

I honestly can’t say what I like best about the Shooting Star. To start, it has meteorite dust in the material. While I can’t “show” you that, it’s pretty cool.

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Would I Buy Them Again Today?

May 13, 2022

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Would I Buy Them Again Today?

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

This post is inspired by Angelica Nyqvist‘s video But, Would I Buy Them If They Were Released Today?! In that video, they credit Dolly Mama Beauty with coming up with the idea.

The idea behind this post is pretty straightforward: if the below pens were first announced/released today, would I buy them? So, this is different than the more typical, “if my collection disappeared” or, “if this pen got lost” that usually prefaces the “would I buy it again” question. Suspend disbelief for the duration of this post. Imagine that none of the below pens have ever existed in this world before today. And I’ll tell you if I would buy them.

Rachel

Stick Shift Update

Posted in Personal

The interest you all showed in an update to my experience driving stick shift surprised me. I wrote the first post about 1¼ years ago, and there have definitely been some ups and downs in that time. Let’s start with the lows, shall we? Then we can end on a positive note.

Rachel

Goodbye TWSBI

Posted in Fountain Pens

Update 6/24/2022: There was been more information released. I highly suggest that you read my follow-up post after this one.

I made a post on Instagram last week about the current TWSBI situation. There hasn’t been — that I’ve seen — an update from TWSBI. So, I’m writing this under the impression that, as of yesterday, TWBSI “…will no longer conduct business with any business affiliates/partners who offer these copy products for sale…” Any future updates will be available on the #twsbigate tag page.

This Situation…

I’m not going to go into major detail here. If you want that, you can listen to The Pentertainment Podcast (TPP) episode 114, Tokyo Inklings (TI) episode 53 (starting around 31:00), and The Pen Addict (TPA) episode 505 (starting around 38:00). When referencing information specific to one of the podcasts, I’ll credit it using the initials in parentheses.

I’m also not going to spend much time on how this whole situation affects retailers, as I think all three podcasts have done that far better than I could. Instead, I’d like to share my thoughts as a TWSBI enthusiast.

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My Pen Collection Part 4

April 29, 2022

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My Pen Collection Part 4

Posted in Fountain Pens

“Always Inked” Pens

Alright, we’ve made it to the fourth, and final, part in this series, my “always inked” pens! Hold onto your hats, because the really expensive pens are in this grouping. Just keep in mind that I purchased several at steep discounts and received some in exchange for work.

Once again, please use the form at the end of this post to vote for pens you want to see “pen porn” posts about.

I store this group differently than the rest of my pens. These have a display case away from direct light. That way, I can see them when they aren’t in use, and there’s no worry of damage.

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Pen Porn: Mr. Cypress Modern Raden Colorful Geometry

April 27, 2022

Rachel

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Pen Porn: Mr. Cypress Modern Raden Colorful Geometry

Posted in Fountain Pens

There isn’t a long backstory to this one, so pretty much this whole post will be pen porn.

I fell in love with this pen when I saw it on Instagram. It looks so… posh. When Jim suggested I get it as an anniversary present, I jumped on it. This pen looks like a wedding/anniversary pen.

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My Pen Collection Part 3

April 22, 2022

Rachel

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My Pen Collection Part 3

Posted in Fountain Pens

Indie Pens

I’m back with Part 3! I meant to include my “always inked” pens in this post, but it’s already so long, I don’t want to make it longer. So, I guess there will be a part 4.

As with my other pens, I keep my indie pens in rainbow order. The exceptions being my two urushi pens and my Permies.World pens. Those three live in the pen display box, as I don’t want to run the risk of ruining them with the elastic bands.

Once again, please use the form at the end of this post to vote for pens you want to see “pen porn” posts about.

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Pen Porn: Stanford Wood Studio African Miyuki Magic

April 13, 2022

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Pen Porn: Stanford Wood Studio African Miyuki Magic

Posted in Fountain Pens

If you missed my review of Stanford Wood Studios (SWS) and their commission process, I suggest you go read it, as it provides the backstory to the African Miyuki Magic. But if you’re only here for the pen porn, then I hope this satisfies your voyeuristic desires. Click on an image to view it larger. Enjoy!

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A Stanford Wood Studio Commission

April 11, 2022

Rachel

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A Stanford Wood Studio Commission

Posted in Fountain Pens

When I failed to check Stanford Wood Studio (SWS) off my 2021 wish list, I vowed to ensure I ordered from them in 2022. To that end, as I mentioned in my 2022 wish list post, I reserved a commission right at the beginning of January. But, before I dive into that, allow me to say that SWS was fabulous to work with. I believe I mostly, if not only, communicated with Di — she’s lovely. I appreciated the updates on my commission and her suggestions for making it better. And, once my pens arrived, I could — and can — see what fantastic work they — Di and Dave — do.

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My Pen Collection Part 2

April 8, 2022

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My Pen Collection Part 2

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

Expensive and Retro 51 Pens

I’m back with Part 2! Once again, please use the form at the end of this post to vote for pens you want to see “pen porn” posts about.

Like the “less expensive” pens, I keep these categories in rainbow order.

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Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E Review

April 6, 2022

Rachel

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Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E Review

Posted in Fountain Pens

DISCLAIMER UPDATE (6/24/22): TWSBI and Narwhal have released a joint statement which I cover in my most recent TWSBIgate post. While not completely satisfied with TWSBI’s response to the situation, I no longer feel the need to dissuade people from purchasing their products.

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

In late February, I saw a post on Goulet Nation where someone was showing off a new nib. But this wasn’t any old nib, it was the Flexible Nib Factory ZT5E. Or, in English, a custom feed and housing to allow the use of a Zebra G dip nib in a TWSBI 580 series pen. Since Zebra G nibs are what first sparked my love of flex nibs, I immediately purchased a ZT5E.

Before I dive into the actual review, I want to make it clear that as far as manufacturing and production, I think the ZT5E is top-notch. My critique should be read with the awareness that this is a dip nib housed in a fountain pen. Flexible Nib Factory has provided a way to fit a square peg in a round hole, basically.

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Pen Porn: Permies.world English Garden

April 4, 2022

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Pen Porn: Permies.world English Garden

Posted in Fountain Pens

I have to start this post with an apology to you, the reader. I’m sorry you can’t buy one of these pens, but I feel like this amazing masterpiece deserves its own post.

permies.world on Instagram held a one-time drawing in support of Ukrainian relief efforts. 7 lucky people were given the opportunity to add one of her hand-painted masterpieces to their pen collection for the simple price of donating to a verifiable charity helping Ukrainian adults, children, or pets. You can see the full post on her Instagram account.

I also want to say, don’t pester her to sell pens. I doubt any of you would be so rude, but I’d like to make my opinions clear. She has every right to choose to make pens for the fun of it and not sell them.

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My Pen Collection Part 1

April 1, 2022

Rachel

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My Pen Collection Part 1

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

DISCLAIMER (5/1/22): Since writing this post, TWSBI has been involved in some unsavory actions, and I am currently boycotting them. For more information, refer to the #twsbigate tag page.

“Less Expensive” Pens

We’re back to posts you requested! I’ve been considering dedicating a post or two to showing off my pen collection for a while. When I saw that quite a few of you were interested in that as well, I started thinking about how best to manage it.

I knew I couldn’t share them all in one post. That’s WAY too much at once. Instead, I’ve decided to break this into three roughly equal parts. This one will focus on my less expensive mainstream pens. I’ll link to part two and part three once they’re posted.

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Nib Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

March 29, 2022

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Nib Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

Posted in Fountain Pens

Before I dive in, I want to readdress my blog schedule. A few posts back, I mentioned that pen posts would be released on Fridays and non-pen posts would be released on Tuesdays. Well, I have so many things to write about now that that plan needs to change. Moving forward, short of some major problem, I’ll post every Friday, most likely about pens or pen-related topics. I may post up to 4 other times a week, with varying subjects.

OK, with that out of the way, I can jump into the nib reviews. I picked up 5 new nibs at BWIPS. I’m really enjoying testing out various nibs and nib grinds right now. It adds extra character to my writing and helps make older pens “new and exciting” again.

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Pen Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

March 25, 2022

Rachel

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Pen Mini Reviews – BWIPS ’22 Haul

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Non-Fountain Pens

Well, I meant for this to go up on Tuesday, but I just didn’t get to it. You all seemed to enjoy my pen mini reviews of my DC Pen Show Haul, so I’m doing them again with my BWIPS 2022 haul. I hope you enjoy this one, too. FYI, I’m listing the pens in purchase order.

As usual, click on any image to view it larger.

all pens from my haul — A full rotation of pens in one haul.

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