Come away with me (With me in Seattle #1) by Kristen Proby review

ebook

Genre: Romance, New Adult

Publication date: November 2012

Read: July 2014

Pages: 324

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary

Being confronted on the beach by a sexy stranger wasn't part of Natalie Conner's plans for a peaceful morning taking photos. And why on earth would he think she's taking pictures of him, anyway? Who is he? One thing’s for sure, he’s hot, and incredibly romantic, feeding Natalie’s wounded soul.

Luke Williams just wants the world to give him a break, so seeing yet another camera aimed at his face has him ready to pounce on the beauty behind the lens. When he finds out she has no idea who he is, he's intrigued and more than a little tempted by her. Natalie has a body made for sex, a sassy mouth and Luke can’t get enough of her, but he’s not ready to tell her who he really his.

Natalie is a no nonsense girl who doesn’t do well with lies and secrets. What will happen to this new relationship when she discovers what Luke’s hiding?

What I liked...

The writing was amazing It was very well written, I loved all the characters. I liked Luke, he was very nice and romantic. I liked Natalie in the beginning of the story, she was really brave. Although I love her best friend even more because she's very chill, fun to be around with and very supportive. I also admire Natalie's passion for photography, she makes a lot of money for it and that's pretty unbelievable if you ask me. I love the fact that Natalie was so insecure and Luke made her feel special and sexy so she wouldn't be so self-conscious. I love the fight scenes, it made the story more interesting because when a story is only  about sex, you get tired of it and could find it really annoying, right?

What I didn't like...

I didn't like Luke being a jealous freak. Clearly Natalie proved him that she loved him more than anything but he got pissed when she went out with this guy she took photos of. In my opinion he didn't really trust Natalie and that's what I hate, they were dating but he's acting like he owes her and she can't hang out with other boys without his permission and that's so maddening.

Overall thoughts
Despite Luke's jealous side I enjoyed reading this new adult ebook. The story was very interesting and I loved Natalie and Luke's love story. I definitely recommend it to all the new adult readers out there.

The next book of the With me in Seattle
Fight with me (With me in Seattle #2)
Jules Montgomery is too busy and content with her life to worry about a man, especially one Nate McKenna. If growing up with four brothers has taught her anything, she knows to stay away from sexy men with tattoos and motorcycles. That goes double if he's your boss. During the one incredible night they shared, he violated the no fraternization policy...among other things, and it won't happen again. Jules won't risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much her body and her damn heart keep arguing with her. 

Nate McKenna could give a shit about the no fraternizing policy. He wants Jules and he'll have her. The rules could bend around them, or be damned. He's not a man to be taken lightly, and Jules Montgomery is about to find out just how he responds to being pushed aside after the best night of sex he's ever had. She can fight all she wants, but he'll have her in his bed in the end.

Review:Rebel belle #1 by Rachel Hawkins

This was written by the same author of the Hex Hall series by the way. 

If you loved that series, you might love this book even more.

Genre: Young Adult

Publication date: April 2014

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Read: June 2014

Pages: 345 

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Summary:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

Thoughts on the main characters:

Harper is a pretty kick-ass character. I can't really relate to her because I am not girly and I don't think I can handle her situation. But she is brave and I love courageous female characters. In some scenes, I find her annoying and I just wanted to punch her in the face but overall she's fine. 

David is cool, funny and I like him, not romantically though. I don't consider him as one of my fictional boyfriends. It's not because he's ugly or weird, I just didn't feel any connection towards him. 

Thoughts on the secondary characters:

Bee - She's Harper's best friend and I like her. She's not one of my favorites but she's a good friend.

Ryan - I loved him from the start. That's probably why I'm rooting for him instead of David. 

Brandon - He's Bee's boyfriend that I could careless about.

Miss Saylor - She's David's aunt. I thought she was nice but I was wrong. She was a bit mean but then nice again. I think she's moody. xD

Overall thoughts:

I'm still doubting on whether I'll read the next book or not.  I wasn't really that interested in Harper's story. I had no problem with the writing or the story itself but I just wasn't into it. I'm not going to criticize it because I think it wasn't bad at all, I guess It's not really my type of story. I read Hex Hall and that one too was great but I wasn't attracted to it. But if you like action, wizards, paladin or witches, you'll like this book. The majority of readers praised this book, but I'm not one of them. 

About the author:

Rachel Hawkins is the author of the New York Times best-selling serires Hex Hall. She was born in Virginia and raised in Alabama. Rachel taught high school English for three years before becoming a full-time writer. Though she was never a homecoming queen or a debutante, Rachel does have an entensive tiara collection and once came very close to being an Azalea Trail Girl(It's a thing, trust us).

I like how this story is written. It's different. I like how Harper is telling the story in past-tense then comment on something in present tense. I can't say that I like most of the characters because I only liked one or two. I hope in the next book, she will add other characters that are more likable. 

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Next book of the series:

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins coming out in April 2015.

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life.

Review: Alienated #1 by Melissa Landers

“A perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi

Publication date: February 2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Read: June 2014

Pages: 344
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet"

Thoughts on the main characters:

I loved Cara's character. I would want to be in her place. Living with an alien like Aelyx, ouff! I would die to have that opportunity. She's clever and nice. While I was reading this book, I really put myself in her place that's why I felt all of her emotions.

Aelyx is the hot alien from planet l'eihr. I thought he was cold and arrogant at the beginning. Obviously I fell in love with him as the story progressed. He's one of my favorite male characters. He's very sweet, innocent in love and nice. 

Thoughts on the secondary characters:

Syrine - She's Aelyx' alien friend and she's rude and mean. I never liked her. Not even once.

Eric - He's Cara's boyfriend that I thought I was going to like but ended up hating him. He made me tear up at some point, in a good way though.

Cara's parents - They're very chill and I like them. They are not those mean parents that are inattentive people. I think they're great.

Overall thoughts:

This book was phenomenal! I loved loved loved loved it! It's my favorite book so far this year. I'm not a fan of Sci-Fi, like I said but this book was just too good.  Aelyx is perfect. Why don't aliens like him exist in real life? This book made me laugh and it was a fun and quick read. It definitely made my day alot more interesting. The front cover is gorgeous , it can catch every one's attention.

Alienated was actually the first book I read about aliens. I heard about this novel from @abookutopia on youtube. I don't regret purchasing and reading this book. If you haven't read it yet, you should pick it up. 

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Thoughts on the author:

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn't afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public- just ask her husbands and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, "Sweetheart of Ohio." For more information, or just to say hello, visit melissa-landers.com

I definitely love her writing. I like her characters and I can't wait for her next books to come out. I'm not really a sci-fi fan but Melissa made me like it  in this book. I also like her sense of humour.

Next book of the series:

Invaded (Alienated #2) by Melissa Landers coming out in February 2015

The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them. 

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

Review:The Selection #1 by Kiera Cass

Genre: Young adult / Dystopian

Publication date: April 2012 

Publisher: Harper Teen

Read: May 2014

Pages: 336

Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime."

(Back cover of the Selection)

The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love for Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent attacks.

The America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she begins to realize that the life she's dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Thoughts on the main character:
America Singer, at first I couldn't believe that was her name. I really liked her at the beginning. I respected her decisions and I was with her throughout her journey to the mansion (castle). If I was her, I would've done the same anyway.

Thoughts on the secondary characters:

Aspen, I like him. I liked him alot at the beginning. I wanted him to marry America from the very start.

Maxon, well...As much as I like Aspen, I can't ignore a gentleman like prince Maxon. I can't hate him or anything. He's just so kind.

Celeste is the mean girl and I dislike her but not as much as other fictional characters in other books. In my opinion, we didn't really see alot of her in this book. There were some scenes where she did mean stuff but they weren't many.

Overall thoughts:

The Selection series was recommended by my friend Claudia who fell in love with Aspen from the start and she told me how intriguing it was. Curious, I purchased the three books immediately and read the three within a week. It was really interesting and I was really into the story and I had so much fun reading it. I felt like I was in America Singer's dystopian world and I had to compete against thirty-four other girls and I just felt really nervous, happy, sad and pissed off while reading this series. I compare this series to the bachelor, if you don't know what that is, it's a show where a man has to choose a women who will become his future wife. It's really captivating and I think that it's a perfect series to read when you want to escape reality for a little while.

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Next book of the series:

The Elite 

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Fifty Shades Of Grey Movie Trailer Reaction

HOT! Was what I first said after watching the trailer!

I've been waiting for so long to watch this trailer. I read the three books last year and I honestly liked the last two books more than the first one. However, I'm still very curious on how are they going tot urn this book into a movie. I the trailer, they didn't show the dirty scenes and I can't imagine how they're going to put those scenes in a movie. I'm still going to watch the movie to compare it to the book.

Dream Cast:

Matt Bomer as Christian Grey

Alexis Blendel as Ana Steele

Blake Lively as Kate Kavanagh

Paul Walker as Elliot Grey

Three trailers:
1. Trailer #1
2. Trailer #2
3. Trailer #3


Thoughts on the casting:

Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey

He is very attractive. He is way better than Charlie for the role. His face looks too kind I believe. Not so intimidating. Christian looks more scary in a good way...like in an attractive way. 

Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele

At first I didn't like her. She looked too old for the role. She doesn't look innocent but she sounds innocent. Did that make any sense? I thought I'd just give her a chance because what is done is done.

Eloise Mumford as Kate Kavanagh

She's pretty and I see her as Kate but I don't know how good or bad she acts so I can't really judge.

Luke Grimes as Elliot Grey

First of all I have a huge crush on Luke. However Elliot is older than Christian but Luke is younger than Jamie and looks younger too. I think that's a bit messed up.

Overall thoughts:

I was wrong about Dakota Johnson. I didn't really see her as Ana before but after watching the trailer, I'm really impressed. She may not look innocent in real life but she really potrayed the innocent Anastasia Steele really well. On the other side, Jamie Dornan looked really hot in the trailer but his voice...Uhh...It wasn't that intimidating I think. Aside from that,  I still think he could be a the perfect Christian Grey. The new version of  'Crazy in love' by beyonce is beautiful and perfect for the movie. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!! Valentine's day 2015, come faster!!!!!!!

Review:Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Young adult literature

Publication date: February 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Read: December 2013

Pages: 328

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Summary:

Park Sheridan, a biracial boy (half Korean, half white), and Eleanor Douglas, a red-haired girl, are two misfit teenagers living in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1986. The book is a love story — Eleanor and Park fall in love over comic books and mixed tapes on their school bus — but deals with issues such as domestic abuse, child abuse, racism, bullying and body image.

Thoughts on the main characters:

I didn't really relate to Eleanor besides the fact that she reads. I liked her though, no doubts about that. She's quiet but she can be fun sometimes. There were moments where she disappointed me.

Park, I think he was mean at the beginning. I thought he was going to stay mean. I didn't like him at first but as the story progresses, I learned to like his character. 

Thoughts on the author:

This is the first book I read by Rainbow Rowell. I liked how the chapters are short. Her writing is impeccable, though there were some scenes where I got bored. 

Overall thoughts:

It was a nice read. I liked it but I didn't love it like everyone else. I like the fact that the two main characters aren't perfect. Unlike most of the contemporary books where the characters are described like they're perfect; guys with abs, handsome blue eyes, attractive beautiful girls, etc. In this book, the girl is not skinny, she has freckles and she falls in love with a skinny half korean guy. How cute is that? It shows us that love isn't just about the appearance of the person. Sometimes, love is blind. When you fall for someone for the way he/she is, that is true love and I think it's perfect. However, I was expecting a different ending but it didn't happen and I was a little disappointed.  I recommend this to all the readers who wants to read a different contemporary story. 

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Review: Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Genre: Young Adult

Publication date: December 2010

Publisher: Dutton

Read: April 2014

Pages: 384

Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:

Anna is a senior that is forced to attend a boarding school in Paris, leaving behind things that she loves such as a best friend, a good job and her crush. However her attitude changes when she meets the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who is perfect... And perfectly taken by his steady girlfriend. As the year progresses, Anna discovers that she may actually have a chance with Étienne yet. 

My review:

I can somehow say that I could relate to Anna a little bit. I like her relationship with his younger brother, I think it's really cute and I wish I could have that relationship with my younger brothers too. Anna is also brave in a certain way and I love that about her. In fact, I love all female characters that are fearless. She's a very easy-going teenager and I would want to have a friend like her in my life. I think she's friendly but sometimes she forgets about people who care about her. But those things happen when you're stressed out or sad right? 

The fictional hottie Étienne St. Clair is very attractive. I have never seen him, obviously but after reading how he is described made me imagine his appearance and wow, he's perfect. Of course, there is no such thing as perfection in real life but a girl can still dream right? That's why we have books! I'm not a fan of short guys though and he's not a tall guy but when a boy's personality is so wonderful, you could careless about their looks. Étienne made my heart melt alot of times throughout this book and I just can't help but smile every time I read his name. That's how I felt about him.

• Bridgette Sanderwick - I had no problem with her at the beginning but at some point, she made me dislike her. However, before the end of this book, I understood her feelings and I ended up forgiving her but she still isn't one of my favorites. 
• Ellie - Étienne St. Clair's steady girlfriend. I hate her. Maybe hate is a strong word but I never really appreciate  her. 
• Meredith - Anna's first friend in Paris! She's very nice and athletic. I can see myself in her. She likes sports and she's not brave enough to tell the guy she likes how she feels about them. 
• Rashmi - She's an awesome friend. She was a bit cold at the beginning but when Anna needed her, she was there. 
• Josh - Rashmi's boyfriend and I find him funny. 
• Amanda - She's a B#%*€
• Seany - Anna's little brother. He's so adorable. I love him!

This is the first book I read by Stephanie Perkins and I loved it. I like how she describes the characters. The words and sentences made sense to me and I understood the story very well so I have no problem with her writing. The only negative comment I would mention for this novel is that I want more! I think 384 pages is not long enough. XD 

I had high expectations on this book after hearing so many good things about it, and I was afraid I would regret buying it. Thankfully, I didn't regret anything. This book was beyond amazing! I was really captured by the story since the very beginning. Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY!

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About the author:
Stephanie Perkins has always worked with books- first as a bookseller, then as a librarian, and now as a novelist. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews praised her debut novel, Anna and the french kiss, declaring, " Smart dialogue, fresh characters and plenty of tingly interactions... Sarah Dessen fans will welcome another author who gracefully combines love and realism." Stephanie lives in in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband.

Companion novel:
Review: Lola and the boy next door 
Review: Isla and the happily ever after