Showing posts with label Fifty Shades. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fifty Shades. Show all posts

05 September 2012

Book Freak: If I Were You


Book Description:

Fifty Shades of Grey meets Basic Instinct 

Book 1: If I Were You
Book 2: Being Me 
Book 3: Revealing Us 

About IF I WERE YOU…

How it began…

One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expires.

Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—-dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.
Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.

The dark, passion it becomes…

Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.
All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.

Book Review: 2/5

I think an intelligent person knows the old adage, Curiosity kills the cat . But I didn't think she had heard of it despite being a school teacher with an masters in Art. 

BDSM-themed book has been the hype in the literary world when the Fifty Shades Trilogy made it to the top of the best seller's list. Even in countries like in the Philippines in which Sex is still considered a taboo, it became the most sought-after book (whether it's an ebook or the tangible one). Now, the main point is that: should I expect another to-die for Christian Grey in this novel? Or an annoying Anna Steele? 

Well - yes. There's a rich as Croesus artist Chris who wanted a simple, art-major, school teacher Sara. It's a classic FSoG-like character. BUT what I love about this novel is that the mystery does not only surround the characters, most especially Chris. There's Rebecca and her journal - where is she and what happened to her? The male characters who are also a wonder to most readers, the gallery owner, Mark and the artist Ricardo. Who are they? What are their connections to Rebecca? Some things to look forward besides the steamy scenes. 

I am left with a major cliffhanger in the end that left me breathless (and not really panting for more). I'm looking forward for the next book and hopeful that the suspense conclusion is worth the wait :)

Favorite Quote:

  • “The art does not always mimic the artist. You never know the real person until you slide beneath their surface” 
  • “Other people’s perfection is a facade we create when we are second guessing ourselves” 
  • “The end of starvation is quite delicious.” 
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26 June 2012

Book Review: Saving You, Saving Me



Book Details:
Author: Kailin Gow
Format: Kindle


Summary:
Sam never thought she would fall for the one mysterious guy she has been speaking to over the phone for months, the boy the counselors called Daggers. She wasn't supposed to talk to him outside of their sessions. But as she began to peel the layers of Daggers and learn who he is, the one boy she is supposed to be saving, might just be the one who is saving her.


Review:
Review Grade:2/5


If you have read the Fifty Shades Trilogy prior to reading Saving You, Saving Me - you are in for a BIG HUGE (or whatever superlative you can attach to this) disappointment.

This is my first Kailin Gow novel and it is sad that I didn't like it. I love the Fifty Shades Trilogy - and this book was a poor imitation of it. I don't need to hide the spoilers for those who have read EL Jame's novel. But for those who don't okay I will... 

SPOILER ALERT!!!!

Anna & Christian = Fifty Shades Trilogy
Sam & Collin = Saving You, Saving Me

Here are some of the similarities you can find in both books:
1. Collin is much older than Sam - not really cradle snatching. Sam is 18, Collin is 24. Just like Christian and Anna!
2. Collin is VERY rich at a very young age. He owns his own record company. Christian was filthy rich too, right? Well, he owns a lot of company and not just one.
3. THE CONTRACT Okay, their contract was a lot shorter than that of the Fifty Shades, and of course there was some weird clause in the SYSM (Saving You, Saving Me) contract but it won't surpass what EL James wrote for Fifty Shades Trilogy (FST).
4. I hated Anna because she annoys me, but I hated Sam more because she was overly dramatic. Really, how many times would you waste your tears for something petty? argh!
5. Collin is troubled - didn't have a very nice childhood not to mention he has problems with his mother. Sounds very familiar, right? Didn't Christian had a not-so-nice childhood as well? This has caused his unusual sexual preferences.
6. Sam's licking her lips which affected Collin a lot
7. Sam described Collin as multi-layered!

Differences 
1. Anna's family were very supportive of her, Sam's wasn't. She has troubles with her family as well. Her mom was an alcoholic and her dad was a pastor. So, connect the dots!
2. It was Collin who broke up with Sam. Anna was the one who broke up with Christian on the end of the first book.


On The Other Hand... 
If the Fifty Shades Trilogy is filled with Kinky F*ckery & out of this world sex - in Saving You, Saving Me there was no sex - just a whole lot of Make-Out. 

it's not that ALL BAD ...
The only thing I like about this novel that it is centered on a call center that caters problematic youth

i just wish... 
That this similarities will stay on the first book and the second book will be a little or way more different.  

29 January 2012

Book Review: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades Trilogy)



Book Details

Author: E.L. James
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1543 KB
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (January 17, 2012)

Book Summary

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. 

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. 

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past. 

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Book Review

Rating: 5/5

My long wait is over - reading the final installment of the Christian-Anna love affair, Fifty Shades Freed, is an amazing experience - from the first book to the last one - you can't simply put it down until you are off to the last page.

I miss fifty shades, and well, I still hate Anna, I know she means well, but if Christian is controlling, Anna can't help doing something stupid to get her into trouble. Although I must admit, she can take care of herself, but must she risk her life to play hero? argh!!

I'm glad all issues are resolved with this trilogy, although I will miss Christian, having another book might ruin the story. The trilogy is excellent - complex plot and amazing characters that will forever be remembered. 

You rock EL James! - looking forward to your other novels :)

Favorite Quotes

“Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin's lamp all rolled into one” 
ChuCha

21 December 2011

Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker


Book Details

Author: EL James
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1286 KB
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (September 13, 2011)

Book Summary

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. 

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life. (taken from goodreads.com)

Book Review

Rating: 5/5

If there is one word to describe Fifty Shades Darker, it is a WOW. I didn’t know it was possible to fall in love with Christian anymore than the first time I have met him in Fifty Shades of Grey. He made a lot of changes in this book: more romantic, charming, relaxed and appealing. I love the development of his character, his journey towards self-discovery and opening himself up to Ana.

I didn’t like Ana in the first half of the book, she was pretty much annoying. She seem to complain a lot and I hate it that she should be reminded of eating and using her phone for email. Christian tries his best to compromise. He is even willing to give up his usual kinky fuckery for vanilla sex, still she’s giving him a hard time. But I loved her because she was able to love Christian in a way he never thought possible despite his emotional baggage. She tries to be independent and show Christian she can take care of herself.

Basically in Fifty Shades Darker, the couple continues to try and see if they can work things out despite their differences. There are a lot of conflicts in their relationship, both internal and external forces. It focuses more on Christian’s path to change and self-discover, experiencing unconditional love that really undid him. He had been in the darker shade of life for a long time, but Ana made a change in his life, she brought light that he never expected.

I love the proposal scene – it was just right, not too cheesy, not too bland. He made me swoon. What entertained me most is the email exchange, I love every minute of it! Fifty Shades Darker allows the reader a glimpse on Christian’s past and helped Ana deal with his former “subs”, sprinkled with a few amazing twists. 

Favorite Quotes

“I wasn't aware we were fighting. I thought we were communicating,” 

“Let me ask you something first. Do you want a regular vanilla relationship with no kinky fu*kery at all?” 


ChuCha™

14 December 2011

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Book Details

Author: EL James
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1290 KB
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (May 25, 2011)

Book Summary

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. 

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. 

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny. 

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds? 

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever. (lifted from goodreads.com)

Book Review

Rating: 4/5

Fifty Shades of Grey is a surprising novel because it is not what I expected. It started out almost like a cheesy chic-lit and ended up becoming dark and dangerous. It took me a lot of time to came up with this review because I could not thoroughly describe how I feel about reading it. It is a novel filled with intense passion.

Written in the first person perspective, we are taken into Ana’s emotional roller-coaster ride in dealing with Christian Grey.  Ana is an amazing girl, she’s young and lacks experienced but not naïve. I admire her personality because she’s strong, although she tends to over think a lot of stuffs.

And Christian. Oh Christian. He’s a god. If you like the dominating alpha-male in Beautiful Disaster, I recommend you to take a look at this book because Christian is an alpha-lead that is to drool for. I like how EL James portrayed his character and its development throughout the story is captivating. He is an archetypal tortured soul that any girl would love to heal. He started out to be dominant and getting used to having what he wants but after he met Ana – wow, there were noticeable changes: he was trying to compromise, putting the other person’s happiness above his own. If this wasn’t love, I don’t know what it is called. I wonder why Ana couldn’t seem to grasp it, she couldn’t seem to feel that he’s totally into her. A person could not change overnight, old habits die hard after all.

I like that his BDSM tendencies were thoroughly explained and I am not just talking about the contract. The email exchange was fun and entertaining. It was an exchange of wits, I am definitely looking forward to this one.  

Fifty Shades of Grey is filled with breathtaking hot and steamy scenes – nevertheless, there is a real love story between the pages. The plot with rattle your emotions and the intimacy is just sizzling. Although there is one thing: this book ends in a major cliff-hanger that you need to have the second book nearby.


            ChuCha©