KEEPING MISS KALILA - Tara Frejas {Reaction Review}

"But what I'm sure of now is this:
I want to keep choosing you."

Waaaay overdue but here we are!

This has been my last read for 2020 and 2 months later, I still have difficulty expressing everything without just being 😭😍💕 All I can say is I loved every single page of this and I can't recommend it hard enough!

Keeping Miss Kalila is part of Tara Frejas’ Lakambini Universe, along with Waiting in the Wings and Like Nobody’s Watching - both which I absolutely adored as well.

See my live tweets here and read more quick feelings below! 

WHERE DREAMS DESCEND - Janella Angeles {Reaction Review}

"May the best Magician win."

Happy New Year!

2021 just rolled in and I started the year with a bang by reading Janella Angeles’ debut and the first book of Kingdom of Cards Duology - Where Dreams Descend! (I love duologies! I need more of it in my life tbh.)

I mean, a Phantom of the Opera-esque story written by a Filipina author?! My PH Phan heart rejoices! When I saw that gorgeous cover though, it’s game over for me. I must read this.

 I'm so late to the party but no matter, because Where Dreams Descend definitely is a spectacular way to kickstart the year! I tried so hard to savor this book and make it last but I ended up finishing it way too quickly.

I already had a live-tweet reading thread on Twitter (see it here) but with the amount of feelings I have, here’s more of my in-depth thoughts on this riveting debut!

TABLAY - Katrina F. Olan {Review}

"Zeros and ones. I think of the monitors. In life, there is only death and survival. Today, I refuse to be a zero."

I'm going to start this off by saying that mech (and scifi in general) is not my usual cup of tea but for some reason, I got really hooked when I first learned of Tablay during Komiket (which I wasn't able to attend huhu)

Bulk of it may be because of my natural inclination towards mythology - especially that of the Philippines. Plus, it's always refreshing to discover new local writers! Particularly someone who is so hands-on (I mean, have you seen the marketing for this book?! More on that later!)

That's why when I discovered the online purchase form of Tablay (you can check it here and order yours today!), I ordered mine immediately.

And boy, reading it during #BuwanNgMgaAkdangPinoy - specifically for #Wikathon and #RCReadathon2020 Pinoy Creators Edition Bingo - was such a good decision! Word vomit Thoughts below :)

*Spoilers ahead! Will be hidden (drag-select to view) but proceed with caution!

WARM BODIES Series - Isaac Marion {Review}

Add the books at Goodreads!

Disclaimer: Not exactly a "comeback post" I've been meaning to do for a while now but I just really needed a space to air out all the feelings so here we are.

I realized that despite being a fan for the longest time, I’ve never really been able to properly put my thoughts and feelings into words. Attempting again this time, I understand that it’s because it’s so hard to words!! And now, even though it is way overdue (for more than a year!), I really tried to word vomit everything and it’s sinking in that R and Julie’s and the rest of the gang’s adventure is really over AND I AM EMOTIONAL.

No regrets (except maybe not being able to get my hand on Soul Vomit super special signed copies bc I was a broke young lady straddling the line between graduating college and adult responsibility things that come after that)

So here's my version of my own soul-vomit about most things I kept tucked in the corners of my brain (and occasionally over at Twitter and Instagram) Here we go.

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}

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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 :)

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

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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!) 

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!

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!)

WHEN SPARKS FLY - Ines Bautista Yao {Review}

TITLE: When Sparks Fly
AUTHOR/s: Ines Bautista Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 15th of August, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON

Happy book birthday, When Sparks Fly! (*cough* and advanced happy birthday to me *cough* hahaha!)

Anyway, I first learned of this story a couple of months ago from Miss Ines Bautista Yao herself when I first met her personally (check it out HERE!) I was so thrilled to know that she was working on another full length piece since it's been a while since she released a book (not considering the shorts she published occasionally) and I was even happier when I learned that it's the story of Ben and Regina which I first saw - and liked - in her last work Only A Kiss.

Fast forward to a few weeks later, I saw that she was looking for a street team to help promote and announce the release of her latest book. Of course, I wouldn't dare miss the chance to help out :)

So if you still haven't hit that purchase button yet, allow me to show what you've been missing ;)

MAYBE THIS TIME - C.P. Santi {Filipino Friday Review}

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Maybe This Time
- C.P. Santi

TITLE: Maybe This Time
AUTHOR/s: C.P. Santi
PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of June, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON

I honestly feel guilty for this late, late review! I got a free copy of this anthology from the author herself (the birthday girl that time hihi hello Ms. Santi! *waves*) and was actually looking forward to diving into this but unfortunately, I wasn't able to until just recently :(

Anyway, I first read the author back when I participated in the tour for Buqo YA bundle 3: Finding Fairytales and read When Cocoy Became Kikay. Since then, I knew her works would be an auto-read for me not only because her writing is such a beauty but also because she's really nice (plus points too 'cause co-Thomasian!) 

Oh well, better late than never! And I'm really glad that Maybe This Time isn't just part of #FilipinoFriday but also, is my first review that is related to #BuwanNgMgaAkdangPinoy yay! Loving that my birth month is also a month of celebrating something I really enjoy *hearts*

THE RIGHT WRONG NUMBER - Barbara Delinsky {Review}

TITLE: The Right Wrong Number
AUTHOR/s: Barbara Delinsky
PUBLICATION DATE: 2nd of April, 2013

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON (Get it while it's free!)

Months ago, I saw someone live tweet while she was reading Barbara Delinsky's The Right Wrong Number and I found myself heavily curious (Thank you Miss Dawn Lanuza!) So, a few clicks later, the short story ended up downloading in my kindle.

However, because *life* happened, I wasn't able to go through it until recently. Rant Thoughts ahead! :)

DOROTHY MUST DIE STORIES v.2-Danielle Paige {Review}

TITLE: Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 2
AUTHOR/s: Danielle Paige

PUBLICATION DATE: 16th of February, 2016
GENRE: YA Fantasy, Retelling
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | The Book Depository

As a big, big fan of the series, I'm back with a review of another work from Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die Universe! This time, I'ma share with you guys the feels thoughts I have from the second volume of Dorothy Must Die Stories! 

A little bit of flashback - you can read my back-to-back review of the first two books in the series, Dorothy Must Die and its sequel The Wicked Will Rise HERE! and my review of the third book Yellow Brick War HERE!

All set? Let's gooooo!

YELLOW BRICK WAR - Danielle Paige {Review}

TITLE: Yellow Brick War (Dorothy Must Die #3)
AUTHOR/s: Danielle Paige
PUBLICATION DATE: 15th of March, 2016

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

As a child, I've always been a big fan of tales especially Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Now, as a "grown-up", it's always nice to see various retellings based on stories I've loved during my childhood. However, I didn't think it was even possible (probably growth hormones) but sometimes, I actually like these retellings more than the original stories themselves since they add new flavors and give a deeper exploration to the world I grew up in. Just like the Dorothy Must Die Series!

Sometime last year, I've started the first two books in Danielle Paige's  Dorothy Must Die Series  as well as its Companion Stories. Since then, I've eagerly anticipated the release of its third installment, Yellow Brick War. And now that I've FINALLY gone through all of its goodness, I'm excited to sure my thoughts with you guys :D

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES - Jennifer Niven {Review}

TITLE: All the Bright Places
AUTHOR/s: Jennifer Niven
PUBLICATION DATE: 6th of January, 2015

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Recently, best selling author Jennifer Niven popped into the Philippines. Unfortunately, (1) I haven't been able to attend her signing and (2) I still haven't read her book *cries*

Fast forward to a few weeks later, I finally had the chance to get my hands on this beauty! It's one of the titles that I've patiently waited for ever since I learned about it. Just by its plot, I knew All the Bright Places would be a book for me. And I definitely was NOT mistaken! :)

WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE SUMMER - Jenny Han {Review}

TITLE: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer#3)
AUTHOR/s: Jenny Han
PUBLICATION DATE: 1st of April, 2011

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Ever since I've read - and loved - her To All The Boys I've Loved Before, most of my friends heavily recommended this series. Actually, I thought of staying away from this because basing on the blurb, the plot wouldn't really be for me. However, due to the continuous recs (and fine, my curiosity on what they hype is about), I decided to give in.

After a few months, finally, I'm down to the last book of Jenny Han's Summer Trilogy! I've previously reviewed the first two books in the series - The Summer I Turned Pretty and It's Not Summer Without You. I also immediately read this one after the second but I had a hard time thinking of a way of putting my emotions into words. And now, even though it's long overdue, here are my thoughts on We'll Always Have Summer :)