Movie Review: 50 Shades of Grey written by EL James directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson ***spoiler alert***

When Anastasia Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favor to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a beautiful, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana started to realize she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, she finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana's beauty and independent spirit, Christian Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Christian Grey - despite the embellishments of success, his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family - Grey is consumed by the need to control everything.  Written by MischaLeCroix

My Review:  First I want to advise readers that I did read the trilogy and enjoyed it.  I understand there has been a backlash and "boycott" planned of this movie due to some personal views.  I want to point out that I don't intend to sway anyones opinion as this is someones livelihood and hard earned earnings that would be effected, but feel I MUST report my honest opinion.

When I saw the original trailer I wasn't too excited as I wouldn't have chosen who they chose to be Christian or Ana.  Casting must have been very difficult and I couldn't imagine being in their shoes to fit the very descriptive characters portrayed in the books.  It must have also been a tough undertaking to get actors who were in proper physical shape and willing to bare most/all on screen.  I am sad to say that personally the movie did not live up to all the hype in my opinion.  In my view this movie didn't exude the "passion" and "feelings" I related to when reading the books.  I also found a lot of the movie felt to be "glorified porn".  The book includ what the characters are thinking which is VERY important in translating their motives  and actions but this is lost with the movie.  The characters seemed to get lost behind this big bad taboo of BDSM and the play room.

Another problem I have with this film is because the books gained such a strong cult following which will probably translate to more movie goers...it would have been nice to see a female actress with a more realistic body type.  I know that a lot of young adults will be looking at this film and strive for this unattainable tiny figure (which by the way was seen naked through most of the movie).  

I found the story to be very true to the book storyline except for the internal dialogues and was surprised by this factor that the film was still only rated R and not NC-17 or XXX.  

I would like to express that in no way did the movie change my opinions about the novels.  They were extraordinary!  I also loved all the scenery views specifically the ones of Seattle (my old stomping ground).  The soundtrack was wicked and at times I found myself gazing in the background and listening to the songs.

I would give this movie a 2 out of 5 as I was not that thrilled with the screenplay version.  I will probably not go see the next 2 (assuming this enterprise survives that long)

Book Review: Not Quite Forever by Catherine Bybee

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 827 KB
• Print Length: 322 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477825894
• Publisher: Montlake Romance (Nov. 4 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00K6NJZZ2

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?

About the Author: Catherine Bybee

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. Now, she writes full-time. She has penned the popular Weekday Brides series as well as the beloved Not Quite series. She resides in Southern California with her husband and two sons.

My Review: It isn't often I find a series I want to sit (unpatiently) and wait for the next one.  It isn't often I feel a bit of a lost feeling after reading the last book.  In my opinion (I read over 200 books a year EASILY) these effects ensure that the writer is superb at what they do.  Catherine has a skill for bringing you into the story and feeling the passions just as strongly as the characters are feeling them.  She is highly skilled and as someone who has begun her own journey into writing recently...this book resonated even more with me.  The Character of Dakota was so true to herself but able to do what she loved and it is awe inspiring how both Walt III and Dakota listened to their hearts instead of their parents desires for them.  I am truly hoping to see a story for Mary and Glen soon!  Very exciting series! 5 out of 5 again!!

Book Review: Not Quite Enough by Catherine Bybee

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1307 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Publisher: Montlake Romance (Oct. 8 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00CH37J66
• 
  

Monica Mann has made it her life’s work to save lives. After an earthquake and tsunami hit the shores of Jamaica, she volunteers her trauma skills with Borderless Nurses. Calculating and methodical, Monica creates order out of whatever chaos she finds.

Until she finds the perpetually barefoot, impossibly masculine Trent Fairchild. No one can pin him down. No, really. He's a pilot and manages a small fleet of choppers on his adopted island home. Hopelessly drawn to one another, they manage to slip away from the wreckage to get a little closer. And they get a lot closer than expected when aftershocks from the earthquake trap them in their own life-or-death scenario. Paradise has brought them together. Now will it tear them apart?

About the Author: Catherine Bybee

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the novels Wife by Wednesday, Married by Monday and Fiancé by Friday in her Weekday Brides series and Not Quite Dating and Not Quite Mine her Not Quite series. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

My Review: Catherine did it again! I was completely entertained while she also managed to be thought provoking and pull a tiny bit on my heart strings....all simultaneously.  Congrats on a well written story.  I think the stories thus far are so well written I am curious as to if they are based on true characters...they seem so real with personality quirks and struggles just as any normal person goes through.  I am so in love with this series as it shows the struggles aren't just for the common person, but money doesn't buy happiness.  It also shows through persistence true love does triumph.  As soon as I finished this book yesterday I immediately downloaded the next instalment.  I loved the story of Monica and Trent but was highly emotional about the hospitals actions as I can easily see this happening to a nurse in real life...corporate bullies aren't to be tolerated and if a normal person ran into this they wouldn't have the resources Monica did in the book and it saddens me this could happen.   I am also effected by the Borderless Nurses program and how such a wonderful service can be provided for people in need.  I do not have the skills or capabilities to join such an organization but I am sure I'm not the only one wondering how someone without those skills could help.  Not just in a monetary way either.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 and am already well into the next book.  I hope Catherine doesn't stop this series anytime soon.

Book Review: Not Quite Mine by Catherine Bybee

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1307 KB
• Print Length: 302 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 161109951X
• Publisher: Montlake Romance (May 7 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00A3ZA598

Gorgeous hotel heiress Katelyn “Katie” Morrison seems to have it all. But when she crosses paths with Dean Prescott—the only man she’s ever loved—at her brother’s wedding, Katie realizes there’s a gaping hole in her life. After the ceremony she gets an even bigger surprise: a baby girl left on her doorstep. Determined to keep the newborn until she learns who her mother is, Katie has her hands full and doesn’t need Dean snooping around…especially when his presence stirs feelings she thought were long gone..

Dean Prescott knows Katie is lying to him about the baby. He shouldn’t care what the woman who broke his heart is up to…and he most certainly shouldn’t still be aching for her. Yet Dean can’t ignore the need to protect Katie—or the desire to be near her every chance he gets. But when he and Katie solve the mystery surrounding the baby, their second chance for happiness could be shattered forever.

About the Author: Catherine Bybee

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the novels Wife by Wednesday and Married by Monday. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

My review: This is the second book in the series -not quite.  I read through this book in one sitting.  I fell in love with Jack and Jessie in the first along with the quirky sisters Katie and Monica in the first book so it wasn't a stretch for me to know I would enjoy a continuation of this story.  I am capable of solving puzzles quickly and figured out early on who Savanna's birth mom was.  I appreciated how the story showcased mothers who aren't fit and also mothers who aren't capable of carrying.  This hits home close to me as I know many mothers who in my opinion aren't capable of raising a kid and are...and also I have very good friends who have struggled for many years to simple conceive on child to love and cherish.  I see both sides of this in real life but in the story it brings in another level with the emotional factors these people are likely to go through.  As a parent I can't conceive of ever letting my child go and I am certain this will be a problem later in life when she is grown...but I suppose some people just aren't meant to be mothers.  I was really touched by the depth of love in this story and how many different levels of plots Catherine is able to apply in one book.  I will be picking up the next book today to continue on this adventure.  Well written and entertaining but also thought provoking has earned this book a 5 out of 5.

Book Review: Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 700 KB
• Print Length: 259 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1612187145
• Publisher: Montlake Romance (Nov. 13 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008J2IS0K

Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.

As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way…To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all…

About the Author: Catherine Bybee

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the novels Wife by Wednesday and Married by Monday. Bybee lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Southern California.

My Review: I found this book a very entertaining read!  I enjoyed reading about the depth of hurt but the road to overcome such hurt and loss.  As a parent I can understand the depth one might go to in self sacrifice for their own child.  Doing it alone is a commendable and difficult undertaking and Catherine doesn't gloss over the ugly parts of single parenting.  The genuine kindness in the "rich" and the fear they are both feeling when going into this "relationship" is very emotion provoking.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and in the middle of the night when I finished it I immediately picked up the next book in this series.  What a wonderful read!  I give this book a 5 out of 5 and am sure to enjoy her writing again and again.  

Book Review: For Their Happiness by Jayton Young

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 443 KB
• Print Length: 172 pages
• Publisher: Jayton Young (June 28 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GE00GG

What do you do when your soul-mate doesn’t know you’re his? 

Crystie had always kept to herself, only having one friend.  She liked it that way, until she saw her mate for the first time.  He was everything she could dream of, athletic, honour society, genuinely nice, and defensive of those weaker than him.  The only problem; he was the soon to be Alpha and was in love with his childhood sweetheart.  They had grown up together and had always been faithful, so Crystie stayed hidden and never let him know. 

Trent had always had a soft spot for his best friend, Nikki, but they were not mates.  He had always looked for his mate, but as the years passed, he was giving up hope of finding her.  He had caught a scent of her when he was seventeen that made his wolf howl 'Mate!', but was never able to find who the scent belonged to.  As the time for hi to take over the pack came closer, he decided to mate with Nikki so the pack would have an Alpha Female. 

Now forces are after Crystie along with the problems she's having by not being with her mate.  What will happen if Trent doesn't discover Crystie is his mate and find her in time?

About the Author: Jayton Young

I've been thinking up stories since I was in high school, and when I mentioned in passing the idea of writing a book, my oldest son really got into it, encouraging me. Then he pulled in my daughter and youngest son to start bugging me, telling me I should really do it. I'm going to try to publish some of my works, and hopefully get better as I go. I have so many stories in my head, I hope people enjoy them as much as I enjoy writing them.

My Pen-name is dedicated to my three devilish angels

J-Jory

AY-Kayla

TON-Trenton

My Review:  I fell upon this book on accident while browsing goodreads.  I was intrigued as I love a good story and the heroine seemed strong yet Omega.  I enjoyed every second of this read and would easily pick up another book by Jayton.  I am impressed by the lack of historical writing but this author and would naturally assume with new books one isn't as well tuned to the read or to writing.  I look forward to reading more stories by this author and give it a 5 out of 5.

Book Review: Whats Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles Book 1) by Kat Zhang

• Series: Hybrid Chronicles (Book 1)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (August 13, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062114883
• ISBN-13: 978-0062114884
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Fans of Stephenie Meyer's The Host will enjoy What's Left of Me, Kat Zhang's shocking, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged story of two souls sharing one body.

What's Left of Me, the first book of the Hybrid Chronicles, is set in an alternate reality where everyone is born with two souls. But one soul is naturally dominant, and in early childhood, the other soul fades away.

That didn't happen for Addie and Eva. Now fifteen, Eva clings to life inside the body she shares with Addie, although she can no longer speak or even move.

Addie does everything she can to hide the presence of her sister soul. Eva's very existence is illegal. If their secret is revealed, it could mean death for both of them.

About the author: Kat Zhang

Kat Zhang is an avid traveler, and after a childhood spent living in one book after another, she now builds stories for other people to visit. An English major at Vanderbilt University, she spends her free time performing Spoken Word poetry, raiding local bookstores, and plotting where to travel next. She is represented by Emmanuelle Morgen of Stonesong. You can read about her travels, literary and otherwise, on her website or check her out on Twitter.

My Review:  I picked this book up as I had see HOST by Stephanie Meyers and it rang of similarities but not copying.  This is the first book by Kat Zhang I have read and I will admit I was wary at the onset and confused at times.  There wasn't a thorough introduction into the life of this world or any details as to how this happened.  I became intrigued by the duality of the people and the intense passion against change as humans have so often shown.  I loved the story and the depth of characters Kat portrayed.  The trials those poor children were going through was heartbreaking to read but I had faith the story would lighten up and end a little happier.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I look forward to picking up the next in this instalment and enjoying it.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 for keeping me captured.