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! 

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!

Backstage Pass #2 - Tara Frejas {Title/Cover Reveal}

Okay, flash confession time:
(1) I haven't done this in forever (IKR?!) and I'm so stoked to be doing this again with a #romanceclass title eep!
(2) tbh, I haven't read Scandalized (Backstage Pass #1) yet
(3) *deep breath* ...I'm not into KPOP (pls don't h8 me)

For the record, I already have Book 1 in my kindle way, way back (and I recently got a physical copy of the repackaged ed!) but things happened and my TBR isn't exactly linear so...it got pushed back by other reads huhu but now, I am so ready to hop in before the launch of the second installment of the Backstage Pass Series!

While I've mentioned that I'm not much into Korean Pop Music, I thoroughly enjoyed Chinggay Labrador's Popped Trilogy before, and of course, I'm always excited to see more of #romanceclass so I'm really looking forward to finally getting on board with this!

Anywaaaaay, for fans of Fi and the gang in the Scandalized Universe - and for #romanceclass peeps in general - you're in for a treat because book two is finally happening! Check out the official title AND cover of Tara Frejas' Backstage Pass#2 below!

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!) 

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!

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 ;)

Bookish Babble [2] - Post-Internship Book Haul!

Post-Internship Book Haul!
('cause Summit Books are the best!)

~~~

Classes are about to start again (for us Thomasians, anyway) but I haven't really felt the "vacation vibes." Not complaining though! Because I just spent the best break ever - interning at my dream company: Summit Media! Being at Summit is one of my biggest #careergoals ever since my aunt introduced me to it and I've always wanted to go there (even just for an internship haha!) The experience was pretty amazing especially seeing how things work "behind the scenes" and actually being part of it. Another thing I liked about interning here was that I was able to meet people! Celebs, writers, journalists, editors, fashion icons, DJs and so many more that I never would've thought I'd see in the flesh! I even met some people I look up to whom I just talk with in social media (which I talked about HERE!) 

Last day of "work" :(

Of course, my last but definitely not the least favorite of all: books! During my last bookish babble post, I mentioned getting my Ines Bautista-Yao books signed (yay!) But aside from those, I also had a last-minute mini haul before my last day of internship. So thrilled to share it with you guys! :)

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

#FilipinoFriday [4]

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*

PROM QUEEN PERFECT - Clarisse David {Cover Reveal}

I've always liked the concept of "Proms." Not because my high school promenade was such a big hit but because it's the closest thing to a grand ball that a girl could attend. That's why I try to immerse myself more on stories with this theme.

Some time way ago, I've heard the buzz about Clarisse David's Prom Queen Perfect and when I learned that they're opening a cover reveal event for it, I immediately signed up!

A quick thank you to Lola's Blog Tours for organizing this event and for allowing me to participate :)

And now, just right below the break, is the prettiness of Prom Queen Perfect by Clarisse David! in all its glory! Check it out below :)

StrangeLit#4: KILLER SEASONS [Book Tour Stop] {Review}

TITLE: Killer Seasons (StrangeLit Bundle#4)
AUTHOR/s: Maita Rue, Chrissie Peria, C.P. Perez, Lana Garcia, Arlene Manocot,
Amae Dechavez, Den Lim, Roselle De Guzman, Tara Frejas, Japonicus

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015
GENRE: Paranormal, Fantasy
AVAILABLE AT: Buqo 

Hooray for the final installment in the #StrangeLit Bundles! I've reviewed the first few bundles in the past and now, here's the finlae to this chilling anthologies! Thanks to the Bookish Diaries Book Tours! Feel free to be part of their team by signing up below (click the logo below!)

#StrangeLit was a writing class held in 2015. For five weeks, participating authors wrote paranormal/fantasy stories, and this ebook bundle is a collection of work produced during the class. Read more #StrangeLit stories in the anthologies FATEFUL TURNS, INCREDIBLE TRUTHS, and DARKEST DREAMS.

THE BYE BYE BOUQUET - Chi Yu Rodriguez {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [3]

The Bye Bye Bouquet

- Chi Yu Rodriguez

TITLE: The Bye Bye Bouquet
AUTHOR/s: Chi Yu Rodriguez
PUBLICATION DATE: 14th of February, 2016

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | PRINT

Yay for another dose of some Filipino luvin' <3 And for today, we have here on the blog Chi Yu Rodriguez' The Bye Bye Bouquet!

For those who don't know: Most local authors and readers (including myself) have 'pledged' to boost their support of Filipino-authored books this 2016 and thus, the burst of little projects that could help Filipino writers get their works out there (click the Share The Love banner to know more!)

One of them is #FilipinoFriday which I learned from Miss April. The experiment is quite simple: You- yes, you- can have the opportunity to read works of Filipino authors under the romance class catalog (http://romanceclassbooks.com/) in exchange of an honest review and a little social media blast. Click the #FilipinoFriday banner to know more!

*Thanks to Miss April (@iambinibini) for providing a review copy! Receiving one did not affect my views on the book.

StrangeLit#3: DARKEST DREAMS [Book Tour Stop] {Review}

TITLE: Darkest Dreams (StrangeLit Bundle#3)
AUTHOR/s: Jay E. Tria, Madelyn Tuviera, Myra Mortega, C.J. Edmunds, D.A.,
Motzie Dapul, Therese Barleta, Yeyet Soriano, Chen Cabaluna, Mikael Javellana

PUBLICATION DATE: 2015
GENRE: Paranormal, Fantasy
AVAILABLE AT: Buqo 

I've reviewed the first bundle months ago and I'm glad to be given another chance to review this one too! Thanks to the Bookish Diaries Book Tours! Feel free to be part of their team by signing up below (click the logo below!)

#StrangeLit was a writing class held in 2015. For five weeks, participating authors wrote paranormal/fantasy stories, and this ebook bundle is a collection of work produced during the class. Read more #StrangeLit stories in the anthologies FATEFUL TURNS, INCREDIBLE TRUTHS, and KILLER SEASONS.

THE HOMETOWN HAZARD [Book Tour Stop] - Dawn Lanuza {Review + Excerpt + Giveaway!}

TITLE: The Hometown Hazard
AUTHOR/s: Dawn Lanuza
PUBLICATION DATE: 29th  of January, 2016

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON

Last week, I raved about how much I loved Dawn Lanuza's The Boyfriend Backtrack for my first ever #FilipinoFriday post (check out my review HERE!) Today, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the author's second book - The Hometown Hazard!

Just a quick info: I've read this one first before The Boyfriend Backtrack although I've reviewed it earlier so technically, this is my first Dawn Lanuza book and I can say that I am not disappointed!

As part of my 2016 goals, I pledged to more actively support Filipino authors this year by reading, reviewing, and promoting their works and I can say that so far, I've been doing well :) Click the Share the love banner below to check out other ways on how you can help Filipino Indie authors :)