REVIEW: Waiting For You by Shey Stahl

Waiting For You by Shey Stahl

Published: 13th February 2013
Format Kindle
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Overall:
Goodreads | Amazon

Bailey Gray is tired of her perfectly planned life. Everything about her life has been organized and lived out to the expectations set of her parents. She is the class valedictorian, has perfect grades, the perfect friends, a perfect boyfriend, basically perfect life...or so everyone thought. That's when she realizes the path planned isn't always the path chosen.

On graduation day she makes a decision. One that changes everything she thought she knew about her intended future.
On a whim, she runs away with the town rebel, Dylan Wade, in search of the unknown.
Dylan Wade isn't looking to run away from anything.
He knows what he wants as he's been waiting on it for years.
On a journey to find the unknown, they discover a friendship they once knew along the open highway and have not a care in the world. Between the yellow and white lines of the heated summer asphalt, a spark draws them together as Dylan's past and Bailey future try to ripe them apart.
Could it be that Dylan and his GTO are exactly what her perfectly planned life needs?

My Thoughts:
Look at that deceiving ass cover!

This book sounded like it was just the book I was looking for; New Adult, road trip, long time hidden feelings all the ingredients for a juicy read, right? Wrong. So very very wrong.

I'm not exactly sure where the turning point was for me with this book, but it happened and I wanted to throw my kindle. I was over it immediately.

I am 100% over the bad boy in books, the ass hole, the guy who thinks he can be a bossy ass because it's his car and he has some damaging secret but yet.... he "loves you"... gag me with a rusty spoon.

Bailey was one of the whiniest characters I've read in such a long time. And she sure thought about and begged for sex a lot for a girl who has never actually had sex.
Oh and that secret Dylan was holding yes, it was sad and disappointing that it was ever kept a secret, but to hold it over her head was stupid.

I feel like I need to say something good before I continue on my rant. It started out nice. I loved Bailey's spunk and "F the world" attitude...in the beginning. Basically everything in the beginning was great. Fantastic even. And then you get a chapter from Dylan and that's when everything goes very very south.

In my opinion, if you'd like a teenage version of 50 Shades of Grey (which I hated), you like bad boys and depressing climaxes, this is the book for you. For me.. not so much!

I don't think I'll be reading anything else from Shey Stahl anytime soon.

Plot:
Characters:
Ending:
Writing:
Cover:

Author Info:
Shey Stahl is a romance writer who enjoys writing about racing and a good love story that will sweep you off your laughing ass. Growing up she was surrounded by racing watching her dad at the local Northwest tracks.
Writing wasn't something she thought she would ever do but when a rough pregnancy landed her on bed rest three years ago, a passion was discovered. Now, aside from chasing around her little princess with magical powers, it's rare for her to put down the pen.
Currently Shey is finishing up her series, Racing on the Edge, that follows a dirt track racer on his rapid rise to the glitz and glamour of NASCAR and the family who supports him.
More on her: website | twitter | goodreads

MUSIC REVIEW: Justin Timberlake - 20/20 Experience

Justin Timberlake - "20/20 Experience (Target Deluxe Edition" [Album]
Rating: ½
Genre: Pop/R&B/Soul
Language: English

Tracklisting:
1. Pusher Love Girl
2. Suit & Tie feat. JAY Z
3. Don't Hold The Wall
4. Strawberry Bubblegum
5. Tunnel Vision
6. Spaceship Coupe
7. That Girl
8. Let The Groove Get In
9. Mirrors
10. Blue Ocean Floor
11. Dress On (Target Exclusive)
12. Body Count (Target Exclusive)

My Thoughts:
It has been far too long since Justin Timberlake released anything, so as soon as I found out he had an album coming up, I knew I had to get it. I ended up purchasing this the day it came out at Target (so I could get the two bonus songs).

 I wasn't 100% sold with "Suit & Tie" (it's grown on me), but I didn't care. I needed an album with pages that had his face and a cd with his voice!
Luckily most of the other songs are soo much better. Like my two current favourites, "Mirrors" and "Blue Ocean Floor". When I first heard "Mirrors," there was something about it that pulled me in and when I actually learned the lyrics and say the music video for it, it immediately became my favorite. "Blue Ocean Floor" has a different vibe than anything he's ever released--not just on this album; and it fits into that alternative style genre that is actually my favorite kind of music. I still don't fully understand the song, but I don't care. It's beautiful and tranquil.

"Let the Groove Get In" and "Strawberry Bubblegum" are ones I find myself playing frequently at work, the upbeat, fun vibe of the songs keep me moving and working quickly.

I'll admit I was a little disappointed there were only 12 songs on the deluxe album, but with the length of each song (most 6+ minutes) it feels like an album of 20 songs. Recently Justin stated that this was only part one of more songs to come. I'll be picking that up the day it's released as well (and possibly an extra copy for a giveaway!! ^_^").

I only gave it 4½ stars only because the entire album doesn't have a repeat listen factor so much as a select few: "Mirrors," "Blue Ocean Floor," "Let the Groove Get In," "Strawberry Bubblegum," "Tunnel Vision," and "Dress On."

Is it worth it to buy the Target copy for two extra songs? In my opinion, yes. One the covers are different and you can actually see his face, though out of focus... his face! and two, I love "Dress On" and feel like "Body Count" has a feel reminiscent of his first album, "Justified."

Have you listened to JT's new album? What do you think? What are your favourite songs?

Bonus video:
Check out his music video for "Mirrors". I may have shed a tear or two, and didn't quite understand why. It's beautiful and perfect beyond words!!

REVIEW: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Published: 8th January 2013 | Dutton Juvenile
Genre: Young or New Adult, Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, from library.
Series: Just One Day, book one.
Goodreads | Amazon | Author

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

My thoughts:
This was one of those books I was debating whether I'd buy or not, and now I wish I had.
I loved it.

I truly do not know how to review this book. I really have nothing to say other than I loved it.

I related wholly to Allyson and her state of mind involving friends and social situations.

I adored Willem and loved how realistic their connection was. It wasn't forced,but there wasn't much you're left to hope for. It's all there. Their emotion, connection...everything.

I cannot wait to read the second book, Just One Year which will be from Willem's perspective. You get a few clues as to what the story will involve, but it's an entire year. I just hope that you get at LEAST a day past the end of Just One Day.

Sorry for this short review. I don't know how to review a book I loved so much!! Just, read it.
I will say there were a few misspelled words, like being instead of been, but I honestly don't care!

[*Note: I will be going back to my old review format with my next review. I feel like it has more information for the readers!  And making a new signature. I hate that one. lol. ^_^"]

Drama of the Week - Substitute Princess

» Substitute Princess | 金大花的華麗冒險 «

I have a serious crush on Taiwanese dramas, I feel like they are just how dramas are supposed to be! This one (so far) is no different. Reading the summary I thought it was going to be heavy on the comedy--though there is comedy--this is more on the drama side.
This is the first Taiwanese I've watched that is currently airing... and it is pure torture! There will be 20 episodes and only one is released every week. I've been spoiled with Korean dramas airing two times a week.
This is one of the first dramas I've watched where I'm really not sure which guy she'll end up with. In about 99.9% of the dramas it's with a chance encounter or the 1st guy you see her with... it turns out both guys fit those categories.
This is much more than an "ugly duckling" style drama. Episode 8 is up and I cannot wait to watch it!

If you've never watched a Taiwanese drama, I recommend Devil Beside You or Fated to Love You be your first ones then quickly head to Dramafever to watch this one!

Summary of the Drama:

Jin Da Hua (Nikkie Hsieh) is sweet, but misunderstood: she’s constantly being made fun of for her buck teeth, pigtails and poor fashion taste. On top of that, she’s got a debilitating crush on the handsome, good hearted Lin Guan Jun (James Wen), but does he even know she exists? Before she can find the genuine answer, Jin Da falls into a bizarre plot of plastic surgery and wakes up looking like the glamorous heiress Du Liang Yen. From rags to riches — and from dork to princess — Jin Da ends up in a tale of romance and soul searching.

If you'd like to watch too, and be totally hooked, check out these sites with English subtitles: Dramafever | Hulu

I am always looking for drama recommendations, but if you have any Taiwanese ones you loved then please let me know!!

Monthly Favorites - FEBRUARY!

1. BOOKS: The Edge of Never  by J.A. Redmerski

Another one of those characters that I related to so much! A great story from beginning to end. And the guy was not a bad boy, just tough and sexy and sweet! Even though you're left with a fairly satisfactory ending, there will be a second book. I can't wait to read that!

2. BEAUTY:

• Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (I am in the color Nude. Love this foundation. The lightest I've ever used and it doesn't start feeling heavy by the end of the day. I have oily, acne prone skin and though  this is light to medium coverage, it smoothes out and evens out my skin tone!)
• Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action (I had stopped using this for awhile and couldn't remember why... until I opened the bottle. It smells soo strong like men's cologne. But it works really really well for me, so I'll get over it!)
• As I Am Coconut CoWash - (This stuff is awesome. It cleaneses your hair without stripping it, but doesn't leave it feeling heavy and limp. In fact, my hair hasn't looked so full and voluminous in a very long time. It's supposed to be for ethnic hair, but my mom [who is white] uses it and loves it as well. You don't need a conditioner with it, but I use one anyways, which only adds to the benefits! You can get it at Sally's.)
• Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Amethyst - (These colors don't last very long and I'm not a fan of the brush, but I love the variety of colors. Especially this one. I got in purple, but it's kind of awesome that it's called Amethyst since that is my birth stone.... ^_^" The website is a bit misleading, the color is more true to purple.)

3.DRAMAS:

• Substitute Princess - (A Taiwanese drama that has completely won me over! I highly recommend this one. Not too heavy in the comedy, but not a sad/sappy drama either! Super fun theme song that I fear if I download, I'll never stop listening to it.)
• Level 7 Civil Servant - (I talked about this one and why I loved it here. Yet another Korean drama I can't pull myself away from!)

4. FOOD:

• Oranges - (Seriously, I've probably had a billion this past month & I'm still eating them like crazy. I've had 2 today of the Cara Cara variety.)
• Lipton Iced Tea in Pomegranate Blueberry - (I hate tea unless it's premade and fruit flavored. Love this kind!! It has just enough of the tea taste without being over powering. I hate tea.... hate.)
• Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee - (My  mom got it for me for my birthday and I've had it almost every morning. I mix it with regular coffee to not use it up and you can still taste it. It's true to name... sooo good!! No link, sorry. I can't find id on the interwebs.)

5. MUSIC:

• "BizzyTigerYoonMirae" by MFBTY  - (Yo! The beat, the lyrics... TASHA... Just perfect! Add this to your workout playlist!)
• "Ring Ma Bell' by Two-X - (Fun, girly, a bit too girly at times. But I like it. I LOVE LOVE the colors in this music video, their hair, makeup and outfits. Everything. I enjoyed their debut song "Double Up" which was less girly, something I usually like, but for some reason, I like this one a little better.)
• "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - (I'm late on this train. But I hate this song. I love this song. I can't help it. I love the lyrics, the beat and the flow of the rap. So, yeah... I'm addicted. I think Macklemore looks like Jeremy Scott's little brother.)
• "있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer)" by SISTAR19 - (I didn't love this song as much as their other, "Ma Boy", but it is still a beautiful song. Though the dance is predictable. I love Hyolin's voice and Bora's subtle/sexy rapping! And can I please have their legs & shoes? Please? 제발?)

I recommend you check any and all of these things out asap!! I'll try to think of all new things for March.
What are your favorites from February?!

Drama of the Week - Level 7 Civil Servant

» Level 7 Civil Servant | 7급 공무원 «

I tried to watch the first episode of this drama and gave up because it bored me. I wanted to like it because I liked the lead female, Choi Kang Hee, in Protect the Boss. But after about 20 minutes I gave up. Being addicted to Tumblr and following a few Kdrama related blogs means I get gifs, photosets and screencaps from a lot of dramas. There were plenty that kept showing up for this one, so I decided to give it another shot and ended up watching the first 8 episodes in just about 3 days! It is seriously hilarious and adorable. I thought the NIS aspect was going to be too much. Too much action, drama, yawnnn... but it actually adds to the comedy and sometimes, the drama is a nice break.
Definitely a win, and I'm going to continue watching this one!

There is romance, comedy and just enough action and drama to balance it all out. I don't necessarily see a lot of connection between the actors, but it's so adorable that I end up looking past that and just enjoy the show.
If you're a fan of the Kpop group, 2PM, you'll be happy to know the member Chansung is in this drama as well. I'm not in love with his character, but I don't mind looking at him. ;-)

Summary of the drama:

Love and espionage collide in this drama of the National Intelligence Service’s rookie agents. Han Gil Ro (Joo Won) realizes his dream of becoming an international man of mystery, after a childhood spent pouring over James Bond films. Kim Seo Won (Choi Kang Hee) spices things up as a goofy, yet determined agent, but it's not all 007 glamor. Both Gil Ro and Seo Won must learn what it takes to uphold their sworn duty, even at the sacrifice of their happiness — and lives.

If you'd like to watch too, and get totally hooked, check out these websites with English subtitles: Dramafever | Hulu

REVIEW: Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

Fallen Too Far by Abbie Glines
Published: 14th December 2012
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Format: Kindle
Series: Too Far, book one.
Goodreads | Amazon | Author

To want what you’re not supposed to have…
She is only nineteen.
She is his new stepfather’s daughter.

She is still naïve and innocent due to spending the last three years taking care of her sick mother.

But for twenty-four year old Rush Finlay, she is the only thing that has ever been off limits. His famous father’s guilt money, his mother’s desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no.
Blaire Wynn left her small farmhouse in Alabama, after her mother passed away, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. She isn’t prepared for the lifestyle change and she knows she’ll never fit into this world. Then there is her sexy stepbrother who her father leaves her with for the summer while he runs off to Paris with his wife. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous. He is also getting under her skin. She knows he is anything but good for her and that he’ll never be faithful to anyone. He is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that…
Blaire just may have fallen too far.

My thoughts:
I'm not going to rehash the plot and just get straight to the review. 

I have almost every book Abbie Glines has written on my Kindle, and this was probably the worst book to judge the author by. I haven't read any of her books before this one, and a part of me doesn't even want to bother with the rest.

Aside from it being so poorly written, it had absolutely no foundation to their attraction to each other. I didn't understand why she wanted him so badly when she rarely ever spent time with him. And because she never spent time with him, you don't get to know anything about him. Nothing about the book felt substantial or real.

I thought I was going to like the Blaire's character; she seemed so bold at the beginning, but she was just another weak, submissive girl who does whatever she's told by some guy who is a jerk whom she believes is absolutely perfect for no reason. Her obedience went beyond her fear of being kicked out, especially after she had enough money to move out. She was borderline obsessed with this guy she put unfairly on a pedestal he didn't belong on.

He puts her in a room under the stairs and I could do nothing but laugh. And did nothing but picture her as Harry Potter when she mentioned it.

I spent more time laughing than actually being in a serious state of mind.

She believes he is perfect, he believes she is perfect... Neither of them have any reason to believe so. At all.

There was a "revelation" towards the end that is meant to be a shocker, but honestly, I saw it coming. It was one of the three theories I had in mind. Nothing about it was shocking.

At the end she seemed to develop a backbone and hold her own, and then she quickly let that go for a "proper goodbye" that was just completely idiotic in my opinion.

I don't know why authors have this need to write about girl's who are just strong minded enough to somehow make them a protagonist that we like, but then tear it all down when she falls for a guy? Why can't she be strong, strong willed, strong minded, independent, smart and fall in love without losing that part of her. Without getting weak kneed every time he speaks or touches her? Submission isn't cute. At all. And I'm 100% over bad boys.

I will read the second one in hopes that I learn more about Rush and possibly get more of the other characters I actually liked, such as Woods, Grant and Bethy.

I'm super glad to see that Woods and Grant will be getting their own books as well!

[Cover: I absolutely love the colors and scenery, but that is the most awkward cover kiss. And her hair is too blonde for us to believe that's natural.]

I sincerely hope that her other books are better and they're not just taking up space on my Kindle.
Teasers: one | two

½