Our Anniversary and a Must See Movie

Yesterday William and I celebrated our 6th anniversary of being a couple.

We were introduced by a mutual friend at the end of 2007, and officially started dating a few months later.
As with most normal couples, our road hasn't been an easy one. Rather like a race track with hurdles every couple of hundred meters. We have traveled somewhat, encountered some amazing people and shared in memorable experiences together. We have also spent more time at the home affairs offices than any couple should have to, but that chapter is now closed (and not a moment too soon). One thing I can say is that our journey has been anything but ordinary, and it has matured us in many ways. It has made us stronger, and we will continue to go from strength to strength. We have so much more we want to see and do, and I look forward to writing the next chapter of our book and seeing what the universe has in store for us.

To the upcoming years (cheers!)

Oh, and for those that were disappointed we haven't gotten engaged - go back and read my post 'So when are you getting married?" :)

On Wednesday night, a group of ladies and I went to watch Winter's Tale at the cinema. Wow, what a mixed bag of emotions this film is. Starring Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe, Will Smith and others, the story-line revolves around Colin Farrell's character in New York in the icy winters of 1914 and 2014. Synopsis: a burglar falls in love with an heiress, who tragically dies of consumption at age 21. When he learns he has the gift of reincarnation he sets out to save her. I don't want to give too much away so that's all I'm going to say but this is definitely one for the ladies. With some romance, drama, action and even sci-fi it will not disappoint. Colleen and I particularly enjoyed it after recently reading Theresa Caputo's "There's More to Life Than This" - some of the connotations and references in the film were similar to content in Theresa's book. I can highly recommend it, so if you don't have plans this weekend, phone a friend and have a girls day/night out. Don't forget the tissues!

Have a fantastic weekend.

Until next time
x

Literary Review: Bared to You, author Sylvia Day

Surely you've heard of the "Crossfire" series? The next big (read erotic) trilogy since 50 Shades of Grey last year. Yes, this series (published June 2012) reads like a soft porno and will have a few conservative readers blushing at intervals.

But is it good?

Naturally a story line around such purely sexual behaviour can only be so dramatic, needless to say if you are after an insightful or thought provoking novel, this one is NOT for you.

One can't help but notice the similarities between the two series, almost to the point where the reader wonders if Sylvia Day copied EL James' scripts and changed some of the details? As the 50 Shades series was published first (May 2011) it is assumed to be the original. I'm not pointing fingers but rather making an observation.

Here are some of the keynote points:

Similarities

• Both Christian Grey (50 Shades) and Gideon Cross (Crossfire) are hugely successful corporate billionaires, that seem to possess the business acumen of Donald Trump and Richard Branson combined. They are both under 30 years of age and have troubled backgrounds.
• Ana (50 Shades) and Eva (Crossfire) have similar sounding names. Both women have recently finished varsity and are entering the working world in a city far from what the call home. The female and male lead characters are introduced at (wait for it)...their places of work. Ana and Eva's parents have both separated, and both women feel a strong connection to their fathers as their mothers have moved on and remarried. The two women strongly rely on their roommates for emotional support.
• The plot: girl meets boy. Girl likes boy, but feels inadequate/unequal/undeserving of him. Boy likes girl too. Boy fears his tortured past may ruin their relationship. Enough said?

Differences

• Gideon is not as experienced as Christian in the S&M field, and the bondage/dominant/submissive bit is downplayed largely until the last few chapters of the book.
• Eva is more street wise than Ana. Being older than Ana (24 vs 21), she isn't a virgin but has her fair share of demons.
• Gideon doesn't propose marriage to Eva (a la Christian) when he fears he may lose her.
• Gideon and Eva are turning out to be the more mature couple for their willingness to attend both individual and couples counselling.

Read the book, and let's compare our thoughts. Until then, I'll continue with book two in the series "Reflected in You"

Happy reading!