To be continued...

"Most of my regrets have to do with things I didn’t do versus things I did.”

Addison's trust is broken once and for all by the treacherous betrayal of Duke and her best friend Laila who were making out behind her back. She doesn't know what to do especially after her turning point of almost-to-die. Still she's gathering her scattered pieces. Nor she's in favour of searching her future again which does more harm physically than good. It does look like she's able to slow down time on top of everything. Despite her gift, she hasn't foreseen that coming. Does it mean her ability goes wrong without recognition? Is her mind irreversibly damaged?

Unfinished business

Addie spends her winter holiday at her dad in the 'Norm' world so as to leave her messy fake-and-finite-relationships behind for a while. Then bumm! As life gives the green light Addie and Trevor's way comes to a cross-road or more likely a round-about as they're circling around each other non-stop, uncapable to hit the highway together. The good news are that they're stuck together in this new life as well, even though they don't remember what they have gone through in their other lifes theoretically. Wow that's pretty confusing!

Obviously what's meant to be always find a way...

"Trevor had some kind of hold on me, and I couldn’t figure out what."
"Why was I having such a strong reaction to him?"

Addie can feel a tangible bond between the two of them, something inexplicable feeling is gnawing on the edge of her mind as though she knew him from somewhere...it's as clear as daylight that love tends to overstep sheer logic and is capable of existing beyond space and time. It doesn't matter that she doesn't have a single memory about him but she has already lived this love once. Lack of memories don't erase feelings apparently.

"As I watched him drive away, I stood wishing I would’ve taken the other path."

Trevor is being suspicious concerning Addie's superpower. As a matter of fact, that's what makes a wedge between them. I wish she didn't wallow in the sea of would-have-beens and do-overs and actually take action to win her well-deserved shiny award. In the past she may have chosen to save Laila's life but she has to bear the consequences. The consequences of not being able to repeat the past.

I have to admit the knowledge of certain future events isn't as cool as it sounds. But oblivion is much worse.

In the meantime, Laila, choked by compunction, resolves to learn how to expand her ability and restore Addie's memory. She owes her that much. It's time to bury the hatchet. Easier said than done. She invokes the aid of a supplier of illegal enhancing devices, Connor who's resistance to Laila's charm is quite surprising. She always get what she wants. In case she doesn't, she is used to erase memories and start over till she carries out her plan. It's not working with Connor however. His mind is impregnable. This out of the ordinary catches Laila off guard.

How come she is prone to show her vulnerability in his presence? She's the formidable-Laila-McMemoryEraser-who-doesn't-care-other's-feelings. Connor is no exception. Same rules apply. But do they if she can't help thinking about him all the time? Beyond comprehensable.

Life isn't about do-overs

Laila successfully restored Addie's memories which instantly brought a full-on, Trevor-delivered knockout. Now that she's fully aware of the One specifically put together for her, letting him drift any inch further is out of question.

She launches the “Operation Win Trevor Back" at full speed but while she's totally and irrevocably in love, Trevor just starts to get to know her. It doesn't happen the same way it did last time. To make things worse during her stay three meters above skies, the Compound is going after them not being sure how much Addie told Trevor about her world. To eliminate the smallest threat they take control over events. This time however she can't depend on a paternal warning but a complete swipe of Trevor from her life which she can concededly hardly bare, let alone accept it.

Fantastic Four

The Clairvoyant, the Memory Eraser, the Healer and the Mood Controler form a league against the once-upon-a-time-believed-to-be-good Compound and prevent (their) world from falling into chaos. It's more like an action film really. Exept for car races, there is the trinity of handcuffs, Matrix-stunts and kick-butts I assure you. Even I lost following tracks sometimes. You'd better read that part thoroughly.

Happy endings

To be frank, I favored the blooming romance of Laila and Connor over the bumpy relationship of Addison and Trevor. I justify myself with the reason of having lived their love with them in the previous book. (Like a crazy invisible third wheel) Besides, it sucks that Trevor simply likes Addie. Where's the oath of till-the-end-of-time,  the delicate words of eternal love plus the warm whispers of passion as the icing on the cake?...well, I could not find any of them, that's why my attention had to turn to the other Cute Couple (taking them on pedestal) whose backstory is full of loss, regrets and the desperate need of each other. What else do we need really? They have earned their number one place.

“Can I come in?”
“Why?”
“Because I want to talk.”
He rolled his eyes and started to shut the door. I put my hand on the edge. “Because you need me, and I’ve never needed anyone more than I need you.”

Take it or leave it

The plot made me think of the choices we are confronted in life. It doesn't worth to mull over the chances we may or may not miss. We should probably make our best at choosing. Period.

“Thanks for choosing me, Addison.” - Trevor

How I feel now

Butterflies in the stomach. It rarely happens to me I can follow two love stories crammed in one book. It duplicates the exitement!

Rating

4 out of 5

'Jane Austen was my favorite author, hands down, and I knew that my true life’s story would be told in her style. Someone who was capable of calling bullshit in the most elegant way imaginable.'

Entwined

Happened naturally. After I read These broken stars I needed to be dragged out from its somber world. And eventually I happend to read a witty and flat-out amusing story. It was written in the stars. Really.

My lover

For sure!

The Glamorous Life of Devon Tennyson

'I just want to know why you want to continue your education.'
'My parents.'
'To get away from them?'
'To keep them from murdering me.'

Devon Tennyson (what a cool name by the way) thinks of herself as 'stunningly average' and 'plain boring', however each dumb human being could tell that's not the case at all. Having started her senior year the time has come to make up her mind what the hell she's going to do with her life. What if she's good at school but not remarkable? If she's reading Jane Austen 24/7 and does suck at PE? The best qualifications ever in case you wish to cook steaks at McDonald's. Ronald would be proud.

Nevertheless like every little girl she has a dream, too. Not the locked-up-in-a-fortress-waiting-for-Prince-Charm-to-save-the-day type of version because who cares about him right? No. Her frosted dream is to study in the shade of the oak trees of Reeding University. Goodbye 'advanced breakfast with a minor in cable television'! Welcome 'drunk roomies and inebriated classmates'! Yeah, It would be so colligate.

CELEBRATE TEMPLE STERLING’S OWN ALL-AMERICAN

'Get a ball.'
'Get it yourself.'

Ezra Lynley chosen for the army’s All-American Bowl East team  barreled down Temple Sterling High School like a frantic tempest in the stale TS air while taking over varsity football team. He's so freaking talented that due to the rules of the wilderness part of the population deifies him as a Divinity and according to a larger section he's a visitation of God. Surprise, surprise. He must love high school.

In Devon's regard Ezra's a great big giant asshole. And that'd be even an understatement. He made a pretty shitty first impression but she doesn't go out of her way to get to know him better either. That situation sounds familiar....bingo! the lovely Dizzy (LOL) relationship in her beat-up Jane Austin copy which also starts off on a rather bumpy road. The best couple ever. Hands down.
Apart from the obvious he's rather sulky and reserved sitting in the corner while everyone else parties and he struggles to compose a whole reasonable sentence Devon finds a way to make him talk. There are times when they hold a complete conversation. That's what I call PROGRESS. Congrats.
The time of Jesus-I'll-die-he's-so-hot-I-fall-for-him-at-first-sight expired and the age of the thoughtful  'inaccessably handsome' bad-at-talking football genious has come finally. I love you Ezra;)

'Ezra’s like baking chocolate. When you cook it up, it’s full of flavor. But by itself, it’s too … intense to be understood. Ezra’s just a really intense dude. You got to get him in order to really … get him. He’s the kind of person you want on your side, isn’t it?'

Weirdo in sight

Freshman Foster Devon's cousin member of The Future Science Revolutionaries of America (watch out!) not to mention he wakes up at five thirty every day and he sneaks under the table from time to time (weird), which is not included in his CV...at least I hope so. I feel sorry for the poor fellow since he lost his daddy and after fourteen years of upbringing his mum dumped him. Like literally let her brother-in-law adopt Foster because she has drug issues. She's just doomed him to therapy sessions for the rest of his life. What a petty slime bag.

Thus he has no choice but crush at his new sister's place. Devon isn't dazzled by the idea, regardless she gets used to her lame companion. What's more, it turns out that ZipLip Foster is a natural kicker so it's an evident step that he gets into the varsity team. Imagine the skinny all-teenager dude among the giant bulky seniors.

To much of Devon's surprise the mysterious Ezra takes Foster under his wings. It's inevitable Devon must attend each of their training as long as she can read Sense & Sensibilty on the bleachers. It's quite a miracle Ezra's able to take her mind off Mr. Willoughby for a few minutes at all. Her heart would be in great danger unless she's committed to an unrequited love which has no future. Period.

Revelations

Dev starts to realise (at last!) that she's lived so far in a convenient bubble that shut people out. Besides, she easily put her fellow school mates into various categories. But those who like wearing make-up and taking selfies also can be smart and intelligent at the same time. I suppose it was high time she'd figured it out at the age of seventeen. Clever girl.

Champion of Her Heart

'Baking chocolate for the soul.'

When things are getting better and better like cuddles emotional supports and invitations to the Homecoming dance plus the spark between them that I can sense through the pages, that's when the powers of the universe pull in the handbreak and poke their nose into none of their business. A heated quarrel in an un-Jane-like style composed of way too much 'fucking' and similar delicate adjectives ruin something they had.
To boost excitement Ezra takes another girl to Homecoming (traitor) and throws a fancy part at his fancy house with all the fancy seniors invited (playboy). Trouble in paradise: some idiotic bastard starts a brawl and Ezra ends up in the pool. Devon reacts immediately and jumps after him. At least she didn't embarrassed herself as much as she does at PE since her instinct proved to be lifesaving. A real freaking heroine. As for me, I definitely wouldn't mind to CPR of american version...

Yet it's still not what breaks the ice. Ezra writes a letter in a Darcyish style to the HS newspaper in which he apologies to Devon and writes his entire résumé. (Besides he seems to have a damn good vocabulary and expresses himself just fine. Well, you could've done it earlier, bro.)

'I feel about you the way they feel in those books. The way those guys feel about those girls that they don’t always deserve.'

By this time I felt like this:

Jane's getting together part - when the person does reciprocate your feelings

Neither fireworks nor background music but who could possibly need more than a guy who admits having read a Jane Austen novel for a girl. Heavens, he's so adorable! (squels and screams;)

Rating

5 out of 5

Starring

Tyler Hoechlin the dark grumpy not-really-talkative football player. Any girl looks nice next to him ;)

Expectations

As I expected I got involved in the middle of Hollywood love fighting against all odds, desperately trying to overcome the haunting press, the judging opinion of LA mixed with the utterly cruel Adams family. Like a giant M&Ms icecream flavoured with salt&pepper,icing on the top. It looks irresistible you spit it out in the very moment you taste it after all.

Entwined

My sister got me into this. I resisted very hard but finally destiny reached me. I was ready to encounter my fate.

My lover

Maybe.

Beginnings

Basically you sense the foul smell right away when Ella and her mother have a car crash on her eighteenth birthday in which her mum is killed and she is seriously injured. If you suppose things will not exactly be part of a fairytale with singing birds perching on your shoulders you may not be mistaken. On the very same day Ella loses her best netfriend Cinder who turns out to be the famous superstar Brian Oliver, dream of every single and taken girl of the country.

Altough they have never met so far as they live on the opposite shore of the US, their bond is especially strong. What is more, they're in love. However, their relationship ends up in a dead end since Ella is struggling to recover physically and emotionally from the accident ignoring the outside world. Not to mention she is forced to live her monstrous, long-ago-forgotten father and his perfect shiny new family in LA. Alienated from all the familiar things she is used to in Boston, she doesn't know her place anymore.

Who could she fit in this fake world surrounded by mocking, hostile classmates and malicious stepsisters who's waiting every opportunity to get you down and make you fell completely worthless? I wouldn't put up with them that's for sure. I'd rather shave their heads in their dreams...well I've never claimed that I'm an easily lovable pearson but at least I do what has to be done. Without batting an eyelid.

 And with great pleasure.

What I can't put up with

I cannot tell how outrageous and nauseating her stepfamily is. They treat her like a damaged product, a socially uncapable burden which I'm not able to imagine.

Are we even in the 21st century? C'mon guys. You should take up some activity to live up your excessive energies. I'd like to illuminate you: Internet EXISTS. Videogames? Porn? Gross reality shows about fat people? Suit yourself! 

Whatever. 

Let alone his father who makes my head ache. However, I must admit he acts perfectly the worried, wants-to-give-everythig-to-my-one-and-only-daughter daddy. 

After almost ten years he shows up and plays the God's messenger. Here he comes:

'Hey, I'm your personal guard angel who returned to save your soul in order to live a happy eternal life on the soft white clouds of heaven. I landed on this planet in order to prevent you from screwing up on earth end ending up in the deepest bottom of hell. I was assigned a great mission when I left you. You know, marrying another woman, having twins who replace you just fine, and earning a huge amount of wealth including a successful career. Odinary stuff. My life is just P-e-r-f-e-c-t. Hey, kiddo! How are you feeling?'

Jackass.

Moreover, his stepsister Anastasia is a real harpy. She does everything ro ruin Ella's life beause she's upset her cosy nest. To make things worse she betrayed and sold Ella to the newspapers. 

Bitch.

About their love

Because of the fortunate twist of fate they start talking again. Hurray! Christmas is here! Cinder wants more than anything to run, kiss her and tell her who he really is. But he can't. His career is at stake. He was pressed into a fake relationship with her costar, the gorgeous Kaylee whose heart is replaced by a huge rock. Brian is only a puppet in the film industry whose strings are dragged around by his father. The only time he could take a deep breath and allows himself to feel is when he talks with his best girlfriend on the internet. Ellamara is the only one he cares about.

Online chat is quite favourable for him because:

a) appearance is not important at all (not that if he has to worry about it ever Mr. Sixabs)

b) money, reputation, wealth that define him most of the time remain in the darkness of the unknown

and most importantly
c) he could be his true self without hesitation or regrets.

He's not afraid of being used. Neither he's afraid she makes profit of him. It's an everyday friendship in an ordinary world that's nobody else's business. Or at least both of them believe that.
When it comes to meeting in person they take a step back. Brian because he's tangled up in the craziness of his life and it'd be cruel to drag Ella into his corrupt world. As for Ella she's afraid of him finding out she's not worth his time.

Twist and turns

Fortunately our destiny is written in the stars impossible to avoid. Even when you're trying hard. 

And Ella tries really hard. That's why the two of them run into each other on a special occasion of FantasyCon where the stories of scince-fiction come to life, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet all of your dearest movie stars. Naturally Ella plunges into a heated debate with no other than Hollywood's favourit, Brian Oliver about Cinder the main character of his upcoming blockbuster and Ella's beloved hero of the book of The Druid Prince. 

It's quite enjoyable to see how their little chit-chat unfolds the truth about the two of them. Ella is challenging Brian's ego and self-assurance in a witty and outspoken way while Brian gets mesmerized by the beautiful eyes belonging to the precious girl he knows too well. There's no point of return anymore. The reality rocks their safe online sanctuary.

Brian decides to break up with his shrewd fiancée. His intention is clear: never let his true love slip away. So after his entreaty she agrees to make things clear in a reastaurant. The problem is she's terrified. The moment has arrived when Cinder (Brian) would never want to see her again after he gets to know she's damaged. That seventy percent of her body was burnt and she tried to commit suicide. Despite all her flaws he still longs for her. He doesn't want to miss his chance so he kisses her and whispers sweet promises into her ears. That's when luck changes and cameras are flashing. Midnight has come. The spell has broken. It's high time she returned to her everyday life. It sucks.

Ella cannot make her way out of the nightmare which started at the moment her lips touched his. She has to turn Brian down confessing that she'd not be able to handle the stress of his life. She's branded like a piece of juicy meat dropped in front of the wild animals becoming the sneaky bitch who seduced intentionally the-husband-to-be of the most anticipating wedding of the century. The malevolence of people is unvelievable. Consequently, Ella has a breakdown and her family has no choice but making her disappear from the frenzy crowd.
The advantage is she is starting to make a bond with her father and decides she's moving out. Luckily she has a supporting group of friends who help her pull through. The whole drama works out when Brian tells the story of their relationship an expresses his eternal feelings for his one soulmate in TV to millions of people. I'm not exactly shocked that happy end comes in no time. To be true to the fairytale Cinderella Brian offers tickets for his new premiere in case someone is aware of the whereabout of Ella. To prove it he has to name the two things Ella left behind in the restaurant which is a first edition of The Druid Prince plus the signiture of the author. Struck by the intension of his love Ella is planing an impressive entering on the red carpet. Emotional confession, Prince Charming on white stallion and breathtaking kiss are inevitable. Big surprise. 

Who did see that coming?

To sum up

Although everyone is familiar with the scenario and no groundshaking secrets come to life, the process of their finding ech other is worth to follow. They're cute together. On the other side, I can't easily believe them that they'll live happily in a far-away castle. But basically the story doesn't need to be continued. Thank's God.

How I feel right now

Neutral.

Starring:

Zac Efron would be the perfect, talented, blue-eyed prince who would dump Kristen Steward the little heiress of Hollywod throne without any evidence that she's ever showed a single emotion on her face instantly when the exotic beauty of Ellamara shows up who would be portrayed by Vanessa Hudgens. Well, you know Zanessa is unbreakable.

Rating

3 out of 5


Songs

Edwin Mccain-I'll be
Soundtrack of Star-struck

Similar books

Abbi Glines - Breathe

Films recommended:

Star-struck

A cinderalla story