Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.★★★★★ out of 5 stars!!
But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?
The result to being 85% out of the loop from the internet world? Reread the books from 2012 and give it a proper review!
And so, my second journey with Anna Oliphant to Paris started at mid-day yesterday. It was nice to refresh my memory of her burning hatred for her Father who, eventually, sold-out after writing Nicholas Spark-ish books. Truthfully, I have this certain empathy for Anna as I feel the same way (with my own father, of course but that's not the point).
First of all, I'd like to congratulate Miss Stephanie Perkins for choosing the most perfect settings. If you're wondering, Paris or France is my number one most favourite place in the world although I haven't been there really.
When Anna and St. Clair crossed paths (or bumped paths I don't know), there was this tiny spark that ignited inside me. It must have been the feelings because until now, I still can't stop swooning about the two. Regardless of the fact that St. Clair is sort of cocky (even for his height) and a little too friendly, he was undeniably perfect for Anna. To be quite honest, I don't exactly consider their relationship extraordinary but admit it! You were pissed at St. Clair and you were pissed at Anna for being so...emotionally indecisive. And with regards to Anna's wonderful penchant for making movie reviews, I am just in awe by her passion. Even if she isn't really real, I could feel how much she
All in all, I've embraced these two and their story together, and are some of my most favourite fictional characters along with Lola and Cricket.
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.★★★★★ out of 5 stars!!
When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
I only have four words to express my intense emotions towards this novel: CRICKET. GRAHAM. FREAKING. BELL
A little back-story about when my friend (Fiel) recommended me this book, I started to read it before Anna and the French Kiss.
I know, I know! And I'm sorry! I didn't realise I was reading the wrong book until Lola mentioned Anna and St. Clair, so I was like ".......ok I should read that one first" and I did!! So no harm done, I wasn't even far into the book. Okay, moving on.
To be quite honest, there was a bit of hesitation when I was about to start reading Lola and The Boy Next Door. It was probably because of the book cover. There is no way Cricket looks like that, I know it. But all doubts disappeared as soon as Lola introduced her two Fathers and her dog, Heavens to Betsy. (How could I not love them?!)
Then came the next door boy genius *slash* inventor Cricket Graham Bell, who basically almost ruined Lola's life back when she was 16 (?). What the Bell twins did was undeniably harsh, for sure. But come on, pinstriped pants? All is forgiven. I just love, love, love how Lola and Cricket balance each other out. They're both such talented people, and have the perfect chemistry. Cricket being quite geeky allowed me to imagine him as this 6'2 tall, lanky bodied guy who walks around wearing a shirt that isn't too short nor too long for his lean body. (ABSOLUTELY NOT THE GUY IN THE BOOK COVER, Sorry Stephanie P. I love you but he is just not the Cricket for me)
Lola, on the other hand, reminds me of Ramona Flowers with her colourful wigs and peculiar costumes. And her name or nickname just fits perfectly. It is so her. What I didn't like about Lola was that she was trying so hard to (I don't know how to say it exactly but I'll go with) save her relationship with Max, when you can clearly see from the start that there was no hope in there. He was freaking 22 and obviously had other better things to do with his band. On the upside, I do like his taste in music! (of course, Cam. He's in a freaking band, what do you expect??) But still, I wanted to kick him in and crush his nutsack when he attacked Lola for being a Liar. From the moment she mentioned Max, I knew he wasn't going be someone I'd like. He purposely ignores Lola's best friend, Lindsey. How can you not dislike him?!
Anyway despite my apparent loathing towards Max, I loved the book entirely. Cricket and Lola's love story is one of my favourites.
I am 9128731983712893% recommending you to read the first two. Also, Isla and The Happily Ever After is coming out soon!! So expect a review filled with GIFS and more graphics to express my feels!