BREAK-UP ANNIVERSARY - Dawn Lanuza {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [10]

Break-Up Anniversary
- Dawn Lanuza

TITLE: Break-Up Anniversary
AUTHOR/s: Dawn Lanuza
PUBLICATION DATE: 8th of April, 2016

*this is actually a late-post. I've written this review a day before we came back from the Holy Week break but I was easily swept in with class activities and I never really got the chance to post it in between tours and reviews. But here it is now! :) *

April 18, 2017

So last day of the Holy Week break and I did not do anything quite productive over the vacation. What I did though, is to make my heart so happy before returning back to reality which I can already foresee as something full of stress – last two weeks of undergraduate school yaaas! 

How did I make my heart happy, you ask? Well I got caught up with my series (iZOMBiE’s back, you guys! And I finally got to see the Supergirl x The Flash episodes I’ve missed, aaaand finally went through Netflix's 13 Reasons Why. I’ll get back to you on that one though, still reeling from it) Also, got to catch up with a couple of reads (yay!)

Anyway, instead of readying my stuff for the coming week, I lie in bed procrastinating and scrolling through my files (do not do this kids. Procrastinating is not good for you) As I go through some of my books, I saw Dawn Lanuza’s Break-Up Anniversary sitting there, waiting to be read. I remember getting a copy of it through instafreebie (yay thanks Miss Dawn) and getting quite excited because the plot was actually intriguing but I never really quite got into it.

A while ago, though, I impulsively opened it and read the first few pages. Before I knew it, I’m through! It was actually a very short read but a good one, I can say! Should’ve read it sooner lol Here are some of my thoughts!

Promdi Heart - #romanceclass authors {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [9]

Promdi Heart
- #romanceclass authors

TITLE: Promdi Heart (Hometown Love Stories)
AUTHOR/s: Georgette S. Gonzales, Agay Llanera, 
Chris Mariano, C.P. Santi, Jay E. Tria, Ines Bautista-Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 29th of March, 2017

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON

Back at it again with the anthologies! When I first heard about Promdi Heart and the fact that a tour is opening up, I excitedly registered. That witty title hooked me (Promdi Heart = From the heart? Gettit? LOL!) and that pretty cover reeled me in more - because, why not? Just look at all those cutesy postcards and typography and that pastel-y color palette! *hearts*

But what really made me stick is the line up of authors contributing! So excited to read new content from my favorite authors and to meet new ones too! I was pretty sure I'd love them - and I did!

So excited to share my reading experience AND to encourage you to get your own copy! Details below :)

SUMMER FEELS - #romanceclass Authors {Cover Reveal}

Summer is one of the best times of the year - and it's finally here in the Philippines! With an excuse to be at the beach, go home to the provinces, or even just laze around sipping iced cold beverages while hanging out with friends, exciting things can definitely happen under the sun!

In line with the season comes an upcoming anthology from #romanceclass authors and I'm excited to share its cover today! I'm pretty sure you'll adore it as much as I did because it was made by one of my favorite artists and #romanceclass author as well - Miss Miles Tan! 

Don't forget to pre-order your copies, whether in print or ebook! It will be up by the end of the month so the wait will soon be over. Check out the details below for more information :)

For now, while waiting, indulge your eyes with the refreshing cover of Summer Feels!

ALL THAT GLITTERS - Ines Bautista Yao {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [8]

All That Glitters
- Ines Bautista-Yao

TITLE: All That Glitters
AUTHOR/s: Ines Bautista Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 2017

AVAILABLE AT:  PRINT COPIES (from the author)

AMAZON!

Happy e-book birthday All that Glitters! In celebration of it, I want to share my thoughts with you guys (even though I've first read it in a physical copy - available with other Sparks Book on bookstores nationwide!) 

On the Grill! [3] - Perfect Night-In Starter Pack?

Perfect Night-In
Starter Pack?

~~~

I personally consider myself as someone who greatly enjoys the company of others. Maybe not in the party and bar scene but staying up late for hours and hours just to catch up with friends is not a new thing to me. In fact, I actually look forward to those kind of talks especially when it feels like the whole world is quiet except for me and my peers.

However, like most ambiverted bookworms out there, I still appreciate an ol' comfy me-time. Sometimes, we just need to de-stress and recharge our social batteries and simply be left on our own. Of course, this doesn't mean that we like being lonely. It's just that sometimes, we feel the need to really breathe and do things that makes us happy... alone.

That's why when Leesa's Mattresses reached out to me a while back and asked what are my perfect essentials for a night in, I had to say yes (despite my super busy sched) because it's something I want to share with you guys! So without any more delay, here's my top Ailla-time companions!

WAITING IN THE WINGS - Tara Frejas {Filipino Friday Review + Excerpt + Giveaway}

#FilipinoFriday [7]

Waiting in the Wings
- Tara Frejas

TITLE: Waiting in the Wings
AUTHOR/s: Tara Frejas
PUBLICATION DATE: 21st  of February, 2017

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON

A week back, I've shared with you guys the cover for Tara Frejas' latest work - Waiting in the Wings! And now, for the second part of the tour, I'm so excited to share my thoughts AND a sneak peek on what you can expect in this beauty!

Without further ado, here's my review! (Thank you so much, Miss Tara Frejas for this opportunity!)

*curtain rises*

Do go around and check out others' tour stop of Tara Frejas' Waiting in the Wings!

KEEP THE FAITH - Ana Tejano {Filipino Friday Review + Excerpt + Giveaway}

#FilipinoFriday [6]

Keep the Faith
- Ana Tejano

TITLE: Keep the Faith
AUTHOR/s: Ana Tejano
PUBLICATION DATE: 31st  of July, 2016

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | SMASHWORDS 
BARNES & NOBLES | KOBO | IBOOKS

Important note: It's already Saturday but I originally scheduled this post to go up yesterday for my tour stop (+ as part of Filipino Friday.) Unfortunately, blogspot's been glitch-y lately and a couple of tech problems came up *cries* but better late than never, eh? :) 

______________________________________________________

I first saw the title while browsing through the online #romanceclass catalogue. Upon reading its blurb, I knew that I'll like it and immediately added it in my continuously growing TBR pile. Then, as if the Universe had planned it all along, Miss Ana Tejano wanted to put up her own blog tour for this one and I was more then eager to join! 

Keep the Faith was a quick read for me and I finished it within a day (I may or may not have been munching on fries while reading haha!) It may have been my first Ana Tejano read but it will most definitely not be the last (especially since her first work that I knew of, Fall Like Rain ft. of course, Rain, is also stuck on my TBR for a while now. Sadlyf.) I may be ~dense~ but typing that up just made me realize how the author actually incorporates her MC's names on her titles. Cool!

Would definitely try to start on the other one soon but for now, here are some of my thoughts for Keep the Faith! :)

Do go around and check out others' review of Ana Tejano's Keep the Faith!

WAITING IN THE WINGS - Tara Frejas {Cover Reveal}

Recently, I've heard about a new #romanceclass story from our large pool of amazing local authors. Upon learning that a little tour will be coming up, I eagerly signed up! Today, for the first part of the tour, is the grand cover reveal of Tara Frejas' latest work - Waiting in the Wings along with its synopsis!

I was not left disappointed because, you guys, the cover is gorgeous! I especially loved its typography *hearts* Also, I'm really excited to get my hands on this because just basing on the blurb, I know that I'm going to like it a lot (Theater geeks unite!)

In case you didn't know, the lovely cover is also courtesy of another wonderful #romanceclass author - Miss Miles Tan! Without further ado, the curtain rises for Tara Frejas' Waiting in the Wings cover reveal!

SOMEDAY WITH YOU AND OTHER STORIES - Ines Bautista Yao {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [5]

Someday With You 
and Other Stories
- Ines Bautista Yao

TITLE: Someday With You and Other Stories
AUTHOR/s: Ines Bautista Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 22nd of October, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  PRINT COPIES (from the author)

+ Ebook version will be up on Amazon by February 1st!

Back at it again with #FilipinoFriday and my never ending love for anthologies! Recently, last December to be exact, I rekindled my passion for binge-ing on compilations. It did not only cure my reading slump but also, reminded me how much I enjoy reading short stories.

That is why when Miss Ines Bautista Yao (AKA my fave PH author ever) proposed having a street team for her anthology Someday With You and Other Stories, I did not hesitate to say yes! Aside from simply being in love with her writing, I am actually excited to see more of her short stories since Plain Vanilla (which I've heard would be available in paperback soon eep!) 

For now, here are some of my thoughts and feelings for Someday With You, One Last Thing, and Things I'll Never Say!

TROUBLE MAKES A COMEBACK (TROUBLE#2) - Stephanie Tromly {Review}

TITLE: Trouble Makes a Comeback (Trouble #2)
AUTHOR/s: Stephanie Tromly
PUBLICATION DATE: 22nd of November, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Recently, I’ve reviewed the book 1 of Stephanie Tromly’s Trouble series – Trouble is a Friend of Mine. As you can see, I loved it to bits! That’s why I immediately devoured the second book without any hesitation. In fact, I started reading it the night before our first day back in school and told myself to read just one chapter. Of course, any reader will know how much of a lie that is and before I know it, it was already past 4am and my heart is exploding with feels as I got to the end! My zombie-mode the next day during 8AM period is definitely worth it!

In relation to this, Sherlock Season Four is also over and my feels are all over the place! During the second day of classes, I arrived at school with puffy eyes from crying because of The Final Problem. Yes, my fangirl life interferes with my real life, I know. No regrets, though!

Anyway, I’m thrilled to share my rambling and fangirling thoughts on the second book of the Trouble series – Trouble Makes a Comeback! Admittedly, it’s a bit longer than my usual reviews because I just have a lot of feelings on this one okay? So please bear with me as I blabber. Will hide possible spoilers for those who haven’t read it or the first book yet (but seriously, what are you waiting for? GO NOW!)

Ooh! One last thing! Saw this thread while going through Stephanie Tromly's feed and I would like to share it here too – because Nick Robinson is definitely auditioning for Digby! Check it out HERE!

TROUBLE IS A FRIEND OF MINE (TROUBLE #1) - Stephanie Tromly {Review}

TITLE: Trouble is a Friend of Mine (Trouble #1)
AUTHOR/s: Stephanie Tromly
PUBLICATION DATE: 4th of August, 2015

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

If you’ve been following me on twitter (@MioneJeanPotter!) or you simply just know me well, you’ll know that I’ve been on Sherlock world recently because after years of waiting (literally), the much awaited series four is on! Before the broadcast of S04E01 – The Six Thatchers, I’ve already marathoned the entire Sherlock series (which isn’t exactly difficult considering that there are only 9 full length episode, 1 full length special, and 1 mini episode)

In between the new episodes comes the idle time where we dissect the previous episode and come up with crazy theories for the next. So while the fandom waits (a thing we do best), I turned to other Sherlock-ish themed stories that would allow me to be occupied instead of twiddling my thumbs while I impatiently await the new episodes. That lead me to my gigantic pile of TBR and realized that there are a couple of titles that has been there for quite some time…and would definitely ease my detective cravings even just a bit. 

Aside from Brittany Cavallaro’s A Study in Charlotte, I stumbled upon Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly and I realized that I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now – been so long that its sequel is also already out! 

Now, after reading about Zoe and Digby and all the gang’s adventures, I definitely regret not reading it earlier. But I finally did and I can’t wait to get started on the second one! But first things first, I need to convince you people to read it because you JUST NEED TO! Thoughts ahead! :) 

THE TRIALS OF APOLLO: THE HIDDEN ORACLE - Rick Riordan {Review}

TITLE: The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo#1)
AUTHOR/s: Rick Riordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of May, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Happy 2017!

It’s been a while! (okay, it’s been MORE THAN a while) I’ve been on a pretty rough schedule lately (I know, ugh life) but I’ve missed writing! Of course, there were times when I thought that I should just go ahead and come up with something especially since I’ve been away for too long but then again, I didn’t want to force myself to do it. I didn’t want blogging to be such a chore.

Thankfully, something got me out of my writing funk! I know I just have to write this down and share it with the world or I’ll probably explode with feels. I’m definitely late to the party but it’s never too late to pick up a Rick Riordan book! I’ve been wanting to read this for quite some time now but I guess this week is the perfect time to pick this one up and just go for it. 

As expected, Rick Riordan’s “pilot” for his new series did not fail to boost my spirits and I could say that The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle deserves a slow-clap! Here are some of my thoughts (I promise not to spoil too much!)