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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Read it here on Sandra's World of Books
I have was highly anticipating to reading this book when I requested it on Netgalley. I am always looking for books revolving around long distance relationships, because they are just cute and it reminds me that I'm not the only one that's in one. And they are just cute. Really cute.
In this book we follow Laura who accidentally meets Lee, who is American Korean, but lives in South Korea. But of course he has to go back to Korea. They keep in contact though. Using Face Time.
The thing that bothered me was the entire Apple mention. IPhone. IPad. Macbook. Face Time. IPhoto. IMessage. (Author did mention that she was a total Apple girl in the beginning though) But. Really. Is that necessary. Instead of IPhone can't you just say 'cell phone' whatever brand it is? But okay, that was the author's decision, but it was a thing that kind of bothered me. Laura was constantly struggling with money and couldn't really pay her apartment on her own. Well, then maybe she shouldn't spend so much money on overpriced Apple products...But okay. Sorry. Maybe it is that my experiences with MacBooks are just bad.
I think this book qualifies a bit as insta-love. Lee and Laura did fall in love pretty quickly, talked a lot and really didn't want to separate from each other immediately. It's okay. I understand that. But it was a little unrealistic. Like, if I have known a person for 4 weeks, I wouldn't really have internet sexy times with them. (not that I ever would, damn, imagine ending up online...)
Despite this being an Adult book I was delighted to read that this didn't revolve around sex and how this book didn't contain extremely graphic descriptions of sex. I like that. Of course I was expecting things. But I was glad it wasn't so descriptive. It was there, but it wasn't the most important.
The book was definitely a fun read. I am still contemplating between 3 or 4 stars, because it was lots of fun, but it also was a little insta-love-ish. But I really liked it anyways. I loved the writing. There were a few terms I didn't really understand but that was probably because I'm a bit of a prude... But besides that, it was lots of fun and I really liked it.
I would definitely recommend it if anyone is looking for a fun read about a long distance relationship between two 30+ year olds. If you have read this book, let me know. Would love to hear about you!
I have was highly anticipating to reading this book when I requested it on Netgalley. I am always looking for books revolving around long distance relationships, because they are just cute and it reminds me that I'm not the only one that's in one. And they are just cute. Really cute.
In this book we follow Laura who accidentally meets Lee, who is American Korean, but lives in South Korea. But of course he has to go back to Korea. They keep in contact though. Using Face Time.
The thing that bothered me was the entire Apple mention. IPhone. IPad. Macbook. Face Time. IPhoto. IMessage. (Author did mention that she was a total Apple girl in the beginning though) But. Really. Is that necessary. Instead of IPhone can't you just say 'cell phone' whatever brand it is? But okay, that was the author's decision, but it was a thing that kind of bothered me. Laura was constantly struggling with money and couldn't really pay her apartment on her own. Well, then maybe she shouldn't spend so much money on overpriced Apple products...But okay. Sorry. Maybe it is that my experiences with MacBooks are just bad.
I think this book qualifies a bit as insta-love. Lee and Laura did fall in love pretty quickly, talked a lot and really didn't want to separate from each other immediately. It's okay. I understand that. But it was a little unrealistic. Like, if I have known a person for 4 weeks, I wouldn't really have internet sexy times with them. (not that I ever would, damn, imagine ending up online...)
Despite this being an Adult book I was delighted to read that this didn't revolve around sex and how this book didn't contain extremely graphic descriptions of sex. I like that. Of course I was expecting things. But I was glad it wasn't so descriptive. It was there, but it wasn't the most important.
The book was definitely a fun read. I am still contemplating between 3 or 4 stars, because it was lots of fun, but it also was a little insta-love-ish. But I really liked it anyways. I loved the writing. There were a few terms I didn't really understand but that was probably because I'm a bit of a prude... But besides that, it was lots of fun and I really liked it.
I would definitely recommend it if anyone is looking for a fun read about a long distance relationship between two 30+ year olds. If you have read this book, let me know. Would love to hear about you!
(Read this review and more at Pretty Bookmarks)
Disclaimer: I received a review copy c/o the Publisher via Netgalley.
Face Time is a little difficult for me to rate. As I’m writing this review I’m leaning towards a three-star rating for the simple fact that I did enjoy the first half of the book. I wanted to like Face Time, and I really tried my best to try and get into it but it just wasn’t for me.
There are two main factors why I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d hoped:
1. The plot
2. The repetitiveness of said plot
Face Time was a compelling read at the start. I enjoyed getting to know Laura and Lee and seeing how they tried to make this whole long-distance relationships worked. I’ve been in two, and I found it somewhat relatable and I understood the struggles behind LDRs. I struggled with the plot line, namely because I was expecting different struggles/plot, wherein distance played a part in their relationship and not the difference of culture. I hadn’t expected a vast majority of the plot to be so culture-centric and focused on the struggles of being in an interracial relationship.
Lee is Korean-American, but he acts more American than he is Korean and yet somehow this becomes a spiderweb of problems and drama. To me it felt that Laura was obsessed with the fact that Lee is Korean, and slowly I felt that the relationship was very superficial in that sense. Needless to say, it stopped being cute. I absolutely understand why Lee’s mother behaved the way she does but Laura’s mother, I just don’t understand. She seemed to be kind of a bully and I don’t think I fully grasp why she’s so nasty to her own daughter.
It seemed that to the end, Laura is like an onion. She keeps shedding so many layers of herself and seems to consistently keeps part of herself closed even though she loves him so much. I don’t know, maybe my idea of being in a relationship is to bare your soul to your partner. Is it just me? I’d say my problem lies more with Laura and her seemingly desperate need to fit in into the Korean culture. It’s not a bad thing, but I just wanted her to love herself enough to see that people accept her for who she really is. There isn’t much I can say about Lee. He does come off like a robot sometimes but there’s nothing particular I want to talk about with him.
It became very apparent throughout the book that the problems seem to stem from being of a different culture, making the plot somewhat stagnant and repetitive.
Overall an okay book, but probably not the book I’d recommend to someone.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy c/o the Publisher via Netgalley.
Face Time is a little difficult for me to rate. As I’m writing this review I’m leaning towards a three-star rating for the simple fact that I did enjoy the first half of the book. I wanted to like Face Time, and I really tried my best to try and get into it but it just wasn’t for me.
There are two main factors why I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d hoped:
1. The plot
2. The repetitiveness of said plot
Face Time was a compelling read at the start. I enjoyed getting to know Laura and Lee and seeing how they tried to make this whole long-distance relationships worked. I’ve been in two, and I found it somewhat relatable and I understood the struggles behind LDRs. I struggled with the plot line, namely because I was expecting different struggles/plot, wherein distance played a part in their relationship and not the difference of culture. I hadn’t expected a vast majority of the plot to be so culture-centric and focused on the struggles of being in an interracial relationship.
Lee is Korean-American, but he acts more American than he is Korean and yet somehow this becomes a spiderweb of problems and drama. To me it felt that Laura was obsessed with the fact that Lee is Korean, and slowly I felt that the relationship was very superficial in that sense. Needless to say, it stopped being cute. I absolutely understand why Lee’s mother behaved the way she does but Laura’s mother, I just don’t understand. She seemed to be kind of a bully and I don’t think I fully grasp why she’s so nasty to her own daughter.
It seemed that to the end, Laura is like an onion. She keeps shedding so many layers of herself and seems to consistently keeps part of herself closed even though she loves him so much. I don’t know, maybe my idea of being in a relationship is to bare your soul to your partner. Is it just me? I’d say my problem lies more with Laura and her seemingly desperate need to fit in into the Korean culture. It’s not a bad thing, but I just wanted her to love herself enough to see that people accept her for who she really is. There isn’t much I can say about Lee. He does come off like a robot sometimes but there’s nothing particular I want to talk about with him.
It became very apparent throughout the book that the problems seem to stem from being of a different culture, making the plot somewhat stagnant and repetitive.
Overall an okay book, but probably not the book I’d recommend to someone.
I received a complimentary ARC of FACE TIME from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A chance meeting at a bar in N.Y.C. brings Laura and Lee together and sparks an instant attraction. After one wonderful date, Lee must return to his home in Seoul before traveling for work again and Laura is left behind in the New York apartment she shares with her mother. Unable to resist contacting each other, the two start a long-distance relationship. Their feelings grow and the sexual tension builds with each FaceTime date. But they both have less than perfect pasts and neither is sure how to tell the other of their shortcomings. Can their love survive the ups and downs of a cross-continental relationship?
I loved how S.J. Pajonas presents a growing, dynamic love in FACE TIME. Thought the chemistry is instant between Laura and Lee, there is no hopeless in love at first site that is so common in books but is often hard to believe. At times the physical and emotional boundaries seem insurmountable, but all the while there is hope that these two will make it work. The alternating point of views weaves the story together perfectly. This is truly a love story for the modern world!
A chance meeting at a bar in N.Y.C. brings Laura and Lee together and sparks an instant attraction. After one wonderful date, Lee must return to his home in Seoul before traveling for work again and Laura is left behind in the New York apartment she shares with her mother. Unable to resist contacting each other, the two start a long-distance relationship. Their feelings grow and the sexual tension builds with each FaceTime date. But they both have less than perfect pasts and neither is sure how to tell the other of their shortcomings. Can their love survive the ups and downs of a cross-continental relationship?
I loved how S.J. Pajonas presents a growing, dynamic love in FACE TIME. Thought the chemistry is instant between Laura and Lee, there is no hopeless in love at first site that is so common in books but is often hard to believe. At times the physical and emotional boundaries seem insurmountable, but all the while there is hope that these two will make it work. The alternating point of views weaves the story together perfectly. This is truly a love story for the modern world!
If there’s one thing S.J. Pajonas can do, besides yoga and knit, it’s tell a love story. More impressive is she can weave a love story so romantic and sexy through an iPad screen.
Told through both Lee and Laura’s point of view, Face Time is one of the most original novels I have read about letting go of the past and moving forward. It also focuses heavily on the scrutiny interracial relationships face as Lee is Korean American and Laura is Caucasian. Both Lee and Laura have dealt with difficult pasts and exhausting families. Their loves grows fast and furious, and the heat between them is enough to set your Kindle on fire.
The growth between these two characters is tremendous and beautiful. The main characters are in their thirties, established in life, and know what they want. If you’ve been looking for an inventive romance, be sure to check out Face Time when it releases April 25th (I was lucky enough to review a copy before release!) This is the first in her Love in the Digital Age series.
If you can’t wait for April 25th, S.J. Pajonas has two other novels out which focus on Japanese culture. Check out her website for more! http://www.spajonas.com/books/
I'll also note that I've read this book 3 times already & in 3 different drafts. I feel like I know Lee & Laura so well!
Told through both Lee and Laura’s point of view, Face Time is one of the most original novels I have read about letting go of the past and moving forward. It also focuses heavily on the scrutiny interracial relationships face as Lee is Korean American and Laura is Caucasian. Both Lee and Laura have dealt with difficult pasts and exhausting families. Their loves grows fast and furious, and the heat between them is enough to set your Kindle on fire.
The growth between these two characters is tremendous and beautiful. The main characters are in their thirties, established in life, and know what they want. If you’ve been looking for an inventive romance, be sure to check out Face Time when it releases April 25th (I was lucky enough to review a copy before release!) This is the first in her Love in the Digital Age series.
If you can’t wait for April 25th, S.J. Pajonas has two other novels out which focus on Japanese culture. Check out her website for more! http://www.spajonas.com/books/
I'll also note that I've read this book 3 times already & in 3 different drafts. I feel like I know Lee & Laura so well!
I received this book through GoodReads First Reads
Wow! This book gripped me from the beginning it was lovely to see them start out by getting together the good old fashioned way yet use modern technology to keep things going! This books is about two people who meet in a bar but reality is they live 7'000 miles apart and Lee is leaving for Seoul just hours after a fantastic date with Laura. Laura carries a lot of "baggage" and her life sounds awfully depressing but she has overcome so much which helps her keep strong with Lee and she eventually helps Lee make tough decisions become easier to make. I loved FaceTime and I cannot wait for the next one! I will definitely be buying a copy. This books kept me up all night and I was determined to finish it before I went to sleep. It's just that good!!
Wow! This book gripped me from the beginning it was lovely to see them start out by getting together the good old fashioned way yet use modern technology to keep things going! This books is about two people who meet in a bar but reality is they live 7'000 miles apart and Lee is leaving for Seoul just hours after a fantastic date with Laura. Laura carries a lot of "baggage" and her life sounds awfully depressing but she has overcome so much which helps her keep strong with Lee and she eventually helps Lee make tough decisions become easier to make. I loved FaceTime and I cannot wait for the next one! I will definitely be buying a copy. This books kept me up all night and I was determined to finish it before I went to sleep. It's just that good!!
*I received a free copy of Face Time in exchange of an honest review*
Full review to come soon.
Sweet story about how dating via Face Time is possible while living in completely different parts of the world.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Full review to come soon.
Sweet story about how dating via Face Time is possible while living in completely different parts of the world.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
My Review:
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review
When I heard that SJ Pajonas was writing a contemporary romance book I knew I had to read it and the blurb sounded so good and original. When I received my ARC review copy I tried to convince myself I had some other review books I had to read first, but after finishing my current read my self control flew out of the window and I had to start this. This year has been slow so far in terms of reading, but I finished this book in only 3 days. I loved it so much and I want to read anything else this author is going to write. I love her writing style, the originality of the story and the fleshed out characters.
Face Time is an original story about two people who after their first date start to date through FaceTime. I have never read a book where people dated like this and it was really original and refreshing. Although I did wonder a bit how they where going to fall in love without actually seeing each other, but the author handled this really well. And beside the romance aspect there is so much more, both characters have a past, family issues and friends. I loved it all and couldn't stop reading.
Face Time is told from both Lee and Laura's point of view and this really worked well for this boook. I liked seeing both their sides of the story. Almost from the start I liked both Lee and Laure, they are easy character to like and the more I read the more I fell in love with these characters and I kept hoping they would get their happy ending. The gradually more and more characters are introduced and even though there is a big cast of side characters they each felt reall and where eays to keep apart. A few side characters I liked even more than the rest where Nicole, Lee's dad, Cori and Nari, they each surprised me in good way. I wanted to know more about each character and the author has done an amazing job creating such interesting side characters.
The romance is done so well, it's so real. I sometimes have an issue with romance books because they feel a bit fake, that certainly wasn't the issue with Face Time. Laura and Lee's relationship feels real and believeable. And they are so good together! Although some of the Face Time chats where a bit frustrating because I wanted them to be together and not only chat through Face Time.
While the focus is on the romance, there is so much more going on. Further into the story we learn much more about both characters. There are some emotional scenes, memories from the past that get's dragged up, family problems and developments with the side characters that all play a role. There also is a lot of character developments especially concerning Laura and Lee, they both grow to be a so much better and stronger version of themselves and it was great so see them change that way and realize things about themselves they didn't knew before.
To conclude: I loved this book! It's a real and believeable romance in the digital age. The story is orginal and addictive. The characters are likeable and believeable and the cast of side characters where fleshed out and interesting. Beside the romance aspect of the story there is so much more going on and I can't wait for the next book in this series. SJ Pajonas is certainly one of my favourite authors now and I can't wait to read all of the books she writes next!
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review
When I heard that SJ Pajonas was writing a contemporary romance book I knew I had to read it and the blurb sounded so good and original. When I received my ARC review copy I tried to convince myself I had some other review books I had to read first, but after finishing my current read my self control flew out of the window and I had to start this. This year has been slow so far in terms of reading, but I finished this book in only 3 days. I loved it so much and I want to read anything else this author is going to write. I love her writing style, the originality of the story and the fleshed out characters.
Face Time is an original story about two people who after their first date start to date through FaceTime. I have never read a book where people dated like this and it was really original and refreshing. Although I did wonder a bit how they where going to fall in love without actually seeing each other, but the author handled this really well. And beside the romance aspect there is so much more, both characters have a past, family issues and friends. I loved it all and couldn't stop reading.
Face Time is told from both Lee and Laura's point of view and this really worked well for this boook. I liked seeing both their sides of the story. Almost from the start I liked both Lee and Laure, they are easy character to like and the more I read the more I fell in love with these characters and I kept hoping they would get their happy ending. The gradually more and more characters are introduced and even though there is a big cast of side characters they each felt reall and where eays to keep apart. A few side characters I liked even more than the rest where Nicole, Lee's dad, Cori and Nari, they each surprised me in good way. I wanted to know more about each character and the author has done an amazing job creating such interesting side characters.
The romance is done so well, it's so real. I sometimes have an issue with romance books because they feel a bit fake, that certainly wasn't the issue with Face Time. Laura and Lee's relationship feels real and believeable. And they are so good together! Although some of the Face Time chats where a bit frustrating because I wanted them to be together and not only chat through Face Time.
While the focus is on the romance, there is so much more going on. Further into the story we learn much more about both characters. There are some emotional scenes, memories from the past that get's dragged up, family problems and developments with the side characters that all play a role. There also is a lot of character developments especially concerning Laura and Lee, they both grow to be a so much better and stronger version of themselves and it was great so see them change that way and realize things about themselves they didn't knew before.
To conclude: I loved this book! It's a real and believeable romance in the digital age. The story is orginal and addictive. The characters are likeable and believeable and the cast of side characters where fleshed out and interesting. Beside the romance aspect of the story there is so much more going on and I can't wait for the next book in this series. SJ Pajonas is certainly one of my favourite authors now and I can't wait to read all of the books she writes next!
This book should come with a disclaimer--WARNING: EXCELLENT BOOK AHEAD. YOU WILL NOT SLEEP UNTIL YOU FINISH READING. This story grabbed me right in and I could not put it down. It is modern and romantic and different. The writing was so captivating. I was immediately drawn into both Laura and Lee's worlds, rooting for the to succeed despite the odds. There is no predictability; no cliched love story here. It is real life. How we put others' need before our own. How family does not live up to expectations. How ancient culture can affect our modern world. Ms. Pajonas' writing is a breath of fresh air, unique and flavored with the spices of the Far East. It may be different than what is out there, but that is what sets it far ahead of other contemporary romances. I very rarely give books five-star ratings, and almost never to romances. However, this book deserves all five-stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and all the ones thereafter. Bravo, Ms. Pajonas. Bravo.