Review: Perfect Scoundrels

Just as Kat and Hale's relationship is getting serious, his grandma passes away and Kat's suddenly confronted with Hale's family life. Why didn't she notice how close they were -- or how lonely he is now that she is gone? As Kat struggles to stay in Hale's life, a case comes up about grandma's will being fake. Can Kat tell Hale, even if it means that he will be written off as heir?

Loyalty is the theme behind this third book of the Heist Society Series as Kat learns that you don't really need to choose a boyfriend vs work. The best thing about Kat is that although she's always learning things, she doesn't make the same mistake twice. The tension grew more intense as the squad reunited for a major heist. For this one, Kat will not only need her uncle but her Dad too. Making it a full family affair.

Hopefully, we'll get to see a fourth book.  

Feature and Follow Friday: Spread the news

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Have you ever been to BEA? If not, what's stopping you?

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 7 Août 2014 à 13h23 PDT

School finals stopped me from going last year, but this time is different as I will be graduating next month!! I would love to see Mindy Kaling live as well as several of the YA authors signed up for the event.

What advice would you give new BEA attendees?

Book and Movie Challenge: The Duff & Insurgent

Romance and Action --  who can ask for a better weekend?

The Duff

Despite the differences between the book and the movie, the subject of self-confidence was well examined, and I must say, somewhat inspirational. Bianca feels invisible after a school mate, Wesley, points out where she ranks in terms of hotness compared to her friends. Instantly, Bianca feels ugly, unfriending all of them from social media. Determined to shine on her own, she goes as far as to seek advice from Wesley (yeah, I know how pathetic that sounds) in regards to dress code and guy approach only to realize the importance of being herself. The movie had less sexual tension than the book, but was certainly funnier. I'd wait for the video though 3/5

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 27 Mars 2015 à 10h16 PDT

Insurgent

The film opens with an action scene, giving us a taste of just how climatic the experience will be. Tris and Four are hiding out with a fellow dauntless (yes, Caleb is with them too) in the amity camp. Unfortunately their presence is not welcomed. Not only is Tris having problems adjusting to the outside world, but deep down, the remorse over her parents and Will's death is taking its toll on her. 

Just like in the movie, the special effects are impressive when it comes to the simulations. The only thing missing for me to rate the movie a 5 would be the connection between Shailene and Theo. Even the actor himself said that the sex scene was the funniest scene to shoot. Ouch! What happened? They were so much closer in Divergent  4/5

**If you've reviewed this film or any other movie adaptation this month, please make sure to leave your link below. I'm always searching for movies to watch or be aware of (renting isn't cheap, let's help each other out.)

Feature and Follow Friday: Wildest Moments

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Have you ever been inspired by a book character to do something?

Une vidéo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 13 Déc. 2013 à 5h18 PST

There are sooo many adrenaline junkies in YA.

I did a whole piece on this a while back after Tris, Bella, and several other YA MC's inspired me to fly for the first time. Aside from showing me how I can get out of my comfort zone, book characters have also taught me to be loyal to my friends, stay positive and the importance of reconsidering certain decisions.

Who's your inspiration?

Review: Both of Me

Ever meet a guy with a double personality?

The first time Clara encountered Elias, he ended up with her bag by mistake. He had attitude about it too, and Clara was forced to wait a whole day to get it back. It was only until Elias's mother explained he had a multiple personality disorder that things began to make sense. Sort off! It turns out Elias has a calling across the country to  help a Kingdom far away, and Clara is destined to go along so that he may be whole again.

"If my brain finds whatever it wants in the real world, the other one won't need to create a new one to search in."

At first sight, I believed Both of Me to be a new YA take on Bridge to Terabithia, but when both characters set out on a road trip (their quest)  the story took a different shape. Sadly, new characters were introduced way too fast, and Elias decided to change his name and Clara's, so that we could differentiate when he was switching personalities which made the story more crowded. Every little obstacle they encountered always got resolved too fast.

On the plus side, the plot twist at the end was incredible.