on Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

Hello there.

I have a bucket list. One of the things on there is “win something randomly”. Few weeks ago, I could cross it out because I got a “first-reads” book through Goodreads! Imagine how excited I was. I know, this book isn’t exactly new, but who cares. I haven’t read it and from what I saw, the reviews were very good. So here’s what I thought.

Synopsis:

They say ‘live every day as if it’s your last’—but you never actually think it’s going to be. At least I didn’t.

The thing is, you don’t get to know when it happens. You don’t remember to tell your family that you love them or—in my case—remember to say goodbye to them at all.

But what if, like me, you could live your last day over and over again? Could you make it perfect? If your whole life flashed before your eyes, would you have no regrets? Or are there some things you’d want to change…?

on Shooting Scars (The Artist Trilogy #2) by Karina Halle.

Hi.

I have been saying this a lot recently, but I just wasn’t in the mood. I need to get into the habit of writing again. The new year’s revolution is now mad at me! I have finished this book like 2 weeks ago and it’s not because I don’t have anything to say, but I feel like the blog completely disappeared from my mind. Strange, huh? Anyway, here’s the review.

Synopsis:

A Dangerous Kind of Love . . .
When Ellie Watt offered herself to her thuggish former lover Javier to save Camden’s life, she never imagined the twisted game Javier had planned for her. Trapped by him and his entourage of killers, Ellie is forced to commit a dangerous, heinous crime-or Javier will kill Camden. Now ex-con artist Ellie must find a way to stay ahead of the game . . . before it destroys her and the only man she ever loved.
Camden McQueen can’t forget Ellie Watt. Seeking revenge and pursued by the authorities for a crime he didn’t commit, the talented tattoo artist does things he never thought himself capable of to save Ellie. As Camden straddles the line between love and retribution, he vows to do everything in his power to get her back. But if Camden unleashes his dark side, will Ellie still love him?

on Fifty Shades of Grey directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Hello, the day has finally come.

Synopsis:

Virginal student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) goes to interview wealthy, mysterious, handsome, charismatic entrepreneur Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). The attraction between them is immediate and electric. But Ana learns that Christian is only interested in a relationship on his own controlling terms. As they embark on an intense and passionate affair, he introduces her to his dark and very particular tastes. Now she finds herself exploring her own desires for the first time.

(*spoilers free*)

I went to see Fifty Shades of Grey today. I have read the books few years ago and at that time, I was so surprised by all the sex that I thought the books were brilliant. I don’t necessarily hate them, but they don’t have 5* with me. However, I did enjoy them and since then I was super excited to see, how are they going to make the movie. Like everyone else, I saw the trailer and all the teaser clips and let me tell you, I was prepared for a major disappointment. I didn’t feel like the actors had any chemistry and the dialogue just seemed unnatural (but that was because of the writing of the book). So imagine my surprise when I genuinely enjoyed the movie!

When the casting was announced I admit, I wasn’t pleased with Dakota Johnson as Ana. I was relieved when Jamie Dornan replaced Charlie Hunnam though. However, after watching this movie I totally understand why would they cast Dakota. She brought the character more like-ability and realness. Plus her legs are AMAZING! Jamie Dornan is an eye candy. His lines were sometimes really bad but when he did something totally sexy, I forgot all about it. Sometimes Jamie and Dakota seemed to lack chemistry but overall I thought it was good. The supporting characters were nothing great though – disappointing. (Seeing Marcia Gay Harden as Christian’s mother was totally weird, when I saw her last night in How To Get Away With Murder!) Sam Taylor-Johnson definitely brought class to the books and I think it’s the first time I actually enjoyed the movie more than a book. Weird, right? I would totally go see it again – judge me. Honestly, I think the movie would surprise all the haters who call this movie “garbage”. I’m sorry, but there are many, many, much worse movies.

Overall, I totally recommend it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. It’s not an oscar-worthy movie, but it’s great to watch it for fun. Oh and it’s much better than Twilight movies. And the soundtrack is my favourite right now. So yes, this movie has flaws, but give it a chance – it made me laugh a lot!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

P.S. Mr. Grey will see you now! 😉

I hope you enjoyed my review and drop a comment if you want!

Know-it-all

on On Every Street (The Artist Trilogy #0.5) by Karina Halle.

Hello there.

So finally I got around reading the prequel of Sins and Needles and I am so happy that I did. I’ve been behind with my reading (even though I’m still ahead of my Goodreads challenge, yay!). This series definitely gave me a new push with books and I have a feeling that I will be getting out of the whole new adult genre for a bit. Don’t get me wrong – I still like it, but I’ve come across too many unoriginal new adult books that I think I need a break. First I’m going to finish The Artist Trilogy and then I will probably move into some classics that I’ve been meaning to read for ages. So that’s my plan. Oh and don’t forget that in 2 days I’m going to see the anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey movie! But enough about these things, let’s give praise to this amazing series!

Synopsis:

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she’s set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

Takes place six years before Sins & Needles. It can be read before or after Sins & Needles and may also be read as a standalone.

on Love, Rosie directed by Christian Ritter.

Hey you.

I’ve been absent, I know. I wasn’t really in the mood. But today I’m here with a romantic comedy, that will make you cry. I hope you will go see Love, Rosie and love it as much as I did. Here’s what I thought.

Synopsis:

Since the moment they met at age 5, Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin) have been best friends, facing the highs and lows of growing up side by side. A fleeting shared moment, one missed opportunity, and the decisions that follow send their lives in completely different directions. As each navigates the complexities of life, love, and everything in between, they always find their way back to each other – but is it just friendship, or something more? Based on Cecelia Ahern’s bestselling novel, LOVE, ROSIE is a heart-warming, modern comedy-of-errors posing the ultimate question: do we really only get one shot at true love?

(*spoilers free*)

Ok, I admit it! I have a soft spot for a good romantic story between best friends (like in Bully). I’ve been dying to go see this one because let’s face it – Sam Claflin stole our hearts in The Hunger Games series and Lily Collins is absolutely gorgeous and talented. I’ve read a few reviews and I agree with the fact that this movie doesn’t bring anything new into the movie industry and it’s full of clichés (not every movie can be Boyhood). The thing is, this movie had very well executed clichés. It was sweet. Hart-warming. Lily Collins and Sam Claflin did a great job. Their characters were believable and I loved their chemistry. I don’t know about others, but I cried hysterically and cared about these characters throughout the whole movie.

Yes, I am a sappy being, sue me! Love, Rosie had a lot of comedy aspects as well, which made me cringe for the characters at times, but that just added to the truthfulness of this story. Plus I had a bit of nostalgia of the early 00’s. It’s really solid romantic comedy and I would recommend it! Don’t expect a life-changing story (unless you and your BFF have feelings for each other and haven’t admit it yet). I have been in the mood for something like this and I don’t regret watching Love, Rosie one bit. Hopefully, you won’t too.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Thank you for reading and drop a comment if you’ve seen it already.

Know-it-all

ten most admirable women in the entertainment industry.

Hi there.

I have decided to post something a little different, not my usual smart book reviews. Ha. So if you haven’t noticed, I’m very into pop culture and the whole entertainment industry. I don’t know why now seems like a good time, but here is my list of top ten most admirable women in entertainment. There’s a variety from singers to TV actresses and also movie stars. There is no order and I will explain why I love them so much. Here we go.

on Sins and Needles (The Artist Trilogy #1) by Karina Halle.

Hi.

If you have been following my Goodreads column, you know that I’ve been reading Sins and Needles longer than usual. Around 2 weeks. To be fait, I read like 7% of it during those 2 weeks and the rest yesterday night. And I enjoyed the book very much. It totally helped with the aftertaste of Teach Me. This will be a praise review – just so you know. Here we go.

Synopsis:

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents’ latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

**WARNING** This book contains graphic language, sex and violence. Readers who are sensitive to sexual scenes, violence and a lot of cursing should refrain from reading this book.This is not YA or NA. 18 and above.