Reading Icons: Matt Bomer

Can we just talk about Magic Mike for a minute? It stars Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello and Matt Bomer as male strippers. As in men who take their clothes off. For our viewing pleasure. That right there has already guaranteed that I will watch this movie. Possibly multiple times. It's like a smorgasbord of hot bodies. Add in the fact its genre is "stripper buddy comedy" (pretty sure that's a first) and I think you've got the makings for the greatest, most craptastic movie ever. I can't wait.

Oh, you came here expecting to see pictures of, like, books and stuff? OK, OK, twist my arm...

Bookish Buys: Costume Fun

Man, I wish we celebrated Halloween in Australia. It seems like so much fun. Just look at these costume ideas!

Mad-Eye Moody (in possibly the scariest interpretation of a Harry Potter costume ever)

Sookie Stackhouse Merlotte's Tee

Dread Pirate Roberts Mask

Austen Character Regency Dress (*siiiiiiiigh*)

Queen of Hearts Costume

Robin Hood Pet Costume (Hee!)

Complete Jacob Black Costume

So, if you're doing the Halloween thing, let me live vicariously through you - tell me what you're dressing up as!

My Book Boyfriend: Jace Wayland

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader, all about fictional boys who make us swoon. This week I've chosen Jace Wayland from The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I was expecting big things from Jace after he amazingly won nearly all the categories and was crowned the ultimate YA Bachelor in the YA Bachelor awards on Amber's blog, Down the Rabbit Hole. That's pretty big, considering he beat out Dimitri Belikov, Peeta Mellark, Adam Wilde, Etienne St Clair, Edward Cullen... yep, you can see why I was expecting to have my socks rocked off. After reading the books, I have to say he doesn't beat the aforementioned boys for me (sorry, Jace fans), but I did enjoy him - certainly enough to admit him into my man harem.What I liked most about Jace was his intelligence, wit, passion and strength. OK, his cockiness was kinda hot too. I pictured him as Alex Pettyfer.


Swoon-worthy Quotes

"It was almost as if he hadn't wanted to kiss her: His mouth was hard on hers, unyielding; then he put both arms around her and pulled her against him. His lips softened. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart, taste the sweetness of apples still on his mouth."

"'There is no pretending. I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then."

"'And now I’m looking at you,' he said, 'and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.'"

"'I know it's wrong - God, it's all kinds of wrong - but I just want to lie down with you and wake up with you, just once, just once ever in my life.'"  

Images via Alex Pettyfer Source

Pash, Pick or Pass: The Guys Of The Mortal Instruments

Time to play Pash, Pick or Pass - a game where we pick from a random book trio and say who we'd pash (and dash), who we'd pick for a relationship and who we'd pass on all together.

The Contenders
Having finally read the first three books in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare in the past week, I thought it was about time I featured the boys from the books. Note: I'm using the actors I pictured while reading, not who has been cast in the movie.

The badass smartass with a heart, Jace

The BFF-worthy nerd, Simon

The protective brooder, Alec

My Choices

Pash: Alec. OK, he's gay. But he's hot. And... that's all I've got.

Pick: Jace. I like his wit, strength and the fact that he's not afraid to show his sensitive side. He's a bit romantic, which is a bit noice.

Pass: Sorry, Simon, but you're way too whiney for me. Grow a pair, and then we'll talk.

Who would you pash, pick and pass out of this tasty trio?

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I was surprised at the strong reaction I had to City of Bones, the story of the mysterious underworld of New York City (no, not the mob - the paranormal). You see, it made me freaking mad.

I wasn't mad the whole way through, of course. At first, I felt kinda "meh", and wondered why everyone raves about the book so much - more specifically, the love interest, Jace Wayland (he just wasn't doing it for me)...

Then, about a third of the way in, I really got into the action and found it hard to put down. I loved Clary, the strong, smart, quick-witted protagonist, and Jace was growing on me. I enjoyed their relationship, and thought how refreshing it was that there were no apparent obstacles for them being together (though I did wonder how the tension would be sustained throughout the rest of the series)...

Little did I know there was a big freaking twist at the end...

Yeah, that about sums up how I feel about the book right now. I liked it overall; though there were a few inconsistencies in the plot, it moved along at a good pace and provided plenty of action, while the characters were all likable and real (er, as real as Shadowhunters can be, that is). I saw one twist coming a mile away, but there was another that, as you might be able to tell, I was NOT expecting. I usually enjoy when that happens - it's definitely a sign of good writing - but this one just made me very cranky. I nearly threw my book across the room, I was so mad; instead I just ranted to my poor fiance for five minutes while he nodded along with a bemused expression on his face that said, "I'm trying to look interested because it interests you, but really I don't care, because it's a BOOK." When that didn't satisfy me, I went to Google - yep, I looked up spoilers. They calmed me enough to make me want to continue with the series... but I'm still kinda mad.

Rating: 3/5

Spoilery Talking Points

• There's not much I can say except... WTF?! I was not expecting incest in this book. I was most shocked that, in all the praise I'd read for it, I'd never come across any mention of this little twist. I wondered how everyone could swoon over Jace if he's in love with his sister. Which made me think maybe she wasn't after all, and sent me searching for spoilers. But I was still surprised the book ended with you thinking Clary and Jace are siblings... in love. Seriously, WTF?!
• One thing I wasn't surprised about was Valentine being Clary's father. What a creep! I was kinda disappointed with Jace in the end when he so readily believed everything Valentine said... but then, I guess he'd be pretty messed up after the years of emotional and physical abuse he endured. That hunting bird story?! Yikes.
• I'm sure there were other things I wanted to discuss, but I'm finding it hard to get past anything other than the brother/sister thing right now... Was anyone else as shocked or angry as me after reading this book?

Eye Candy
With Jamie Campbell Bower and Lily Collins cast as Jace and Clary in the upcoming movie, I automatically pictured them.

I think Lily totally works for Clary, but despite Jamie Campbell Bower's prettiness, Jace was coming off more creepy than cool when I pictured him. So I didn't get far before I switched to picturing...

Alex Pettyfer, circa 2008 when he had longer hair on his head and less on his face. Also, before I knew he was such a douche. Though the douchiness kinda works for Jace (well, the arrogant part of it anyway). As for the others, I pictured Nina Dobrev as Isabelle, Ethan Peck as Alec and Penn Badgley as Simon.

Fine Print
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
Published: 2007
Publisher: Walker Books
Get it: Book Depository

Search Me: Pantless Alex Pettyfer, Shirtless Ian Somerhalder and, Erm, Hagrid

This is probably a bit sad, but one of the things I love about blogging is seeing what searches people do to find my blog. I don't know why, but it amuses me no end, and makes me feel somewhat better about the random things I type into Google. So when one of my fave blogs, ...in the Attic (check it out for lots of V.C. Andrews awesomeness), recently featured a hilarious post on search term shenanigans, I thought it would be fun to do one myself.

Now, if you could guess what the number one incoming search term OF ALL TIME is for my blog, what would it be? I'll give you a hint...

Yeah. It's Hagrid. WTH?! Not that I've got anything against Hagrid - in fact, I love him, as I said the ONE TIME I mentioned him on this blog. I don't get how something I've only mentioned once - all of ten days ago - could be the most popular way people find my blog in the history of this blog. Who'd have thought Hagrid would be so dang popular?

Something that doesn't surprise me as much - and that I'm actually rather proud of - is that after Hagrid, and "Princess Bride Westley"(holla!), the most popular search term is "Ian Somerhalder Shirtless". My job here is done. I'm, like, totally contributing to the greater good of humanity. Or something. Anyhoo, I'm certain that the reason this search directs people to my blog is because of the fangirling in my review of Stefan's Diaries - but that's no reason not to post more shirtless Ian Somerhalder. Just giving the people what they want.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find that if you google "Adam Wilde", my blog comes up on the first mother lovin' page of results (as does Missie's - YAY for My Book Boyfriend). But I was rather less pleasantly surprised to discover that Adam Wilde is not just a gorgeous character in If I Stay and Where She Went - he's also a real-life gay porn star. I wonder if Gayle Forman knew this when she named him? So, er, if you came here looking for porn - sorry, this isn't the place for you. No judgement or anything. Just move along you dirty, dirty perv.

Speaking of dirty pervs, the most random award goes to the searcher looking for "pictures of Alex Pettyfer taking his pants off". Now, while I've posted a picture of Alex on the loo, I've never actually seen one of him taking his pants off. Pants-less, yes. But not in the process of taking them off. So this will have to do...

Finally, to the two people who searched "fuck yeah Mila Kunis", there's not much to say except...

My Book Boyfriend: Peeta Mellark

My Book Boyfriend is most definitely my favourite meme ever. It's hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader, and is all about fictional boys who make us swoon. Thanks to my Hunger Games binge in the past week, Peeta is currently occupying my mind the most, so he's my book BF this week. I love him because he's kind, sweet, devoted, affectionate, selfless, smart, built... just the perfect package, really. I know some people think he's weak and sure, I got frustrated with him at times, but given all that he has to go through in the trilogy I think he's actually pretty damn strong. With his blonde hair and blue eyes, I pictured Peeta looking like Alex Pettyfer - who I'm a bit suss on coz he seems like kind of a douche - but goshdarnit, he's pretty.

Swoon-worthy Quotes

"I swear, every bird outside the windows fell silent...and right when your song ended, I knew - just like your mother - I was a goner."

"I clench his hands to the point of pain. 'Stay with me.' His pupils contract to pinpoints, dilate again rapidly, and then return to something resembling normalcy. 'Always,' he murmurs."

"So after, when he whispers, 'You love me. Real or not real?' I tell him, 'Real.'"

"'My nightmares are usually about losing you,'  he says. 'I'm okay once I realize you're here.'"

 
All images via alexpettyferweb.com. Side note: I was surprised at the plentiful number of pictures of Alex Pettyfer in his underwear and - randomly - with his hand down his pants. And then there was this, the most random image of all:

Seriously, WTF?!

Pash, Pick or Pass: The Hunger Games Guys

Pash, Pick or Pass (a.k.a. Date, Do or Ditch a.k.a. Marry, Mate or Murder) is a fun game I sometimes play with the girls I work with; I thought it might be interesting to introduce it to my blog. If you've never played before, the idea is that you choose from a particular grouping of guys who you'd pash/do/mate with (as in a "wham, bam, thankyou ma'am" kinda deal); who you'd pick/date/marry (ie have a long-term relationship with) and who you'd pass on/ditch/murder (in other words, get rid of altogether!). It's funny to see everyone else's answers and their reasoning, so I was thinking of hosting this as a meme, focusing on book guys, if there's interest in it. To start it off, here's my selection for this week - let me know in the comments what you think, who you'd pick (and pash and pass on) from this trio, and if you'd be keen to participate if I turn this into a proper meme with a linky thing and a different group of guys each week. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Contenders (as I picture them)

                Peeta                    Gale                  Finnick

My Choices

Pash: Gale. What with all the hunting and mining and manly stuff he gets up to, he's gotta have a killer body on him. 'Nuff said, really.

Pick: Peeta. He's super sweet, loyal, smart, passionate and likes to talk about his emotions - totally the long-term type. Oh, and I also really like bread.

Pass: Finnick. I know Gale and Peeta are the two main guys to choose from, but I actually really liked Finnick and this game demands three options so I threw him in (I almost put in Haymitch just for fun). Finnick is brave and devoted (despite his reputation), but on the downside he's a little... unstable. So I'd have to pass on him if the other two guys are available.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Hellooooooo, PeeGale!

That's right, I finally read The Hunger Games. I finally understand what all the hype is about. I was afraid it wouldn't live up to it - but it did! I've avoided it for so long because this kind of story is not usually my thing. Y'know, the whole dystopian future thing, where the most popular reality TV show is so, so much scarier than Jersey Shore, as the country watches children fight to the death - it just doesn't usually do it for me. Except now I think maybe it does. Or this series does, at least.


What really drew me in was the characters. They're brilliantly established with a surprising amount of depth - especially Gale, who barely gets any face time in the book and yet is such a strong presense. I immediately liked the fierce Katniss, and was so happy to meet a protagonist who could put the "hero" in heroine. Collins' prose is well-paced and easy-to-read, and while a half-starved fighter like Katniss isn't exactly someone I have a lot in common with, I was completely immersed in her, feeling everything she felt. To the point where I'm firmly on the fence between Peeta and Gale. Seriously, those guys - wow, who could pick between them? Team PeeGale all the way!


I have to admit, initially I was a bit suss about reading yet ANOTHER love triangle, and a couple of times I did think, "Really? The only way to survive is to get all romantic?!" But hey, I'm a sucker for romance, so I guess the citizens of the Capitol must be, too. Plus, Collins has crafted such great characters that it's a very interesting triangle, at least. The only thing I don't like is that Katniss can't choose both... or can she? Does polygamy fly in YA? Probably not - maybe I'll have to check out the fanfic to get my way. Until then, I'm launching straight in to Catching Fire. I'm addicted. It's about time, right?


Rating: 4/5


Spoilery Talking Points

• Rue, ohmygosh, that was hard to read. 
• A couple of things I still don't quite get are why Peeta teamed up with the Careers to start with (the only thing I could think of was to keep them away from Katniss?!), and also what the hell was going on with those muttations. Were they just made to look like the dead contestants? Or had they actually been transformed into those wolfie creatures? Huh?
• I wanted more Gale - especially at the end. I felt a bit robbed of his reunion with Katniss, and I wanted to know his reaction to everything that went down in the Games.
• I felt so bad for Peeta at the end. He's done so much for Katniss and loved her for so long, without her even knowing. Poor guy!

Eye Candy
I can see now why there's been so much controversy over the casting. But I think Jennifer Lawrence will make a great Katniss - the guys, I'm not so sure about. Especially Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. Though I guess he must have done something impressive to be cast. Still, he's definitely not my idea of Peeta. In my head, for the moment, the characters look like:

Nina Dobrev (Katniss)

Gregg Sulkin (Gale)

Alex Pettyfer (Peeta)

 

The Movie Was Better: I Am Number Four

Oh dear.  My feelings for the movie were pretty much the same as for the book: meh.

 

I went in anticipating that I Am Number Four would be more exciting as a film than a book, and it was. I liked it a lot more. But I still didn't love it. And I still didn't hate it. I still didn't really feel anything for it. It wasn't bad enough to enjoy in a snarky way, and it wasn't good enough to enjoy at face value. It was just OK. And that was kinda disappointing.

Surprisingly, it was pretty different to the book. The main gist was the same, of course, but there were a gazillion little changes that I wasn't expecting (potential spoilers ahead)....

Changes that worked

• We see Six a lot earlier in the movie - and I wanted even more screen time from her. As much as I love Dianna Agron, her character was totally bland, while Six totally kicked butt. In fact, there was way more chemistry between Six and John than Sarah and John and I found myself wanting them to be together instead.
• Sam's father was investigating alien activity before he disappeared, and Henri brought John to Paradise because he wanted to find out what he'd been up to (John doesn't know this, of course). Henri is a lot more forceful with getting John to agree to leave, too. It just made a lot more sense.
• The Mogadorians (or Mogs, as they get called for most of the movie, heh) pursue John and co. immediately after running into them at the They Walk Among Us peeps' house. Again, it just made a lot more sense - I found the space between this incident and the final battle months later a bit ridiculous in the book. 
• Speaking of They Walk Among Us, it was a website, not a magazine. Way more realistic in this day and age. Sense!
• Mark was heaps nicer to John when he first meets him, and only bullies him after John himself is a bit of an arse to him. Granted, he has his reasons, but Mark being kinda nice to start with worked better with his niceness at the end - as opposed to the book where he does a complete 180.
• John and Six's powers were different. While it probably wasn't totally necessary, it did allow for the awesome shot of Six protecting John from the fire (when in the book, he could do this himself), and avoided the weirdness of thunderstorm demons.
• Bernie Kosar immediately transforms when the battle starts (it's actually a pretty funny moment). In the book, it felt like the fight had been going on forever before he finally showed up to save the day.
• It seemed like less Mogs showed up to fight in the final battle, so it was easier to understand why the kids were able to beat them. The battle itself didn't drag out nearly as much and was a lot more action-packed (as a battle should be).
• Sam had a jerk of a step-father he was desperate to escape from, so when he left with Six and John in the end he wasn't just ditching his poor mother like he does in the book.
• Henri's death earlier in the film allowed for a more triumphant mood at the end. 

Changes that didn't

• John appears pretty popular at his last school and is more standoffish when he gets to Paradise. It diminishes the reasoning behind his attachment to the town and to Sarah and Sam, and why he's so desperate to stay.
• Sarah isn't as overtly nice in the beginning. I didn't really warm to her at all. Like I said, as beautiful as Dianna Agron is, her character was pretty bland.
• They never really explain that there's a charm that means the aliens can't be killed except in sequential order. Which is kind of a big deal.
• Henri was nowhere near as important a character as he is in the book. While the way he died in the movie worked, it also wasn't quite as sad as in the book and didn't seem to effect John as much.
• Compressing the timeline improved the pace, but it also made the trip to school to develop photos (in between Sarah's rescue and the final battle) really, really dumb. Why, oh why, when you're on the run from evil aliens trying to assassinate you, would you make a pit stop to develop photos?! Seriously.

I'm sure there's plenty more that I missed, but that's what's stuck in my mind. It'll be interesting to see if they end up making the sequel that both the book and movie endings so clearly set up for, coz apparently (and understandably) it's been a major box office disappointment.

Rating: 3/5

Eye candy

As I mentioned in my review of the book, I already had Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron and Teresa Palmer in my head when I read it. Dianna matched the description of her character perfectly, and although Teresa didn't, I thought she was great anyway. John never really describes himself in the book and Alex, of course, is super pretty, but he just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I remember watching him as a little kid in Tom Brown's Schooldays not so long ago, and it makes me feel super-old:

I was surprised at how young and pretty Henri was (played by Timothy Olyphant), but other than his scarily white teeth, I couldn't really complain:

 

Sam (Callan McAuliffe) looked a lot different than how I pictured him (obviously), but that didn't bother me (Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!):

 

 And look at this pretty one: