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*

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!

THE SUMMER OF LOST WISHES - Jessa Gabrielle {Book Spotlight}

Summer reads are always my thing whatever the time of the year is. The sandy beaches, cottages, palm trees, and of course, the potential start of another adventure!

With Jessa Gabrielle's debut novel, all these will be brought to readers without even leaving the comfort of their own homes. Plus, it has a lovely cover! *hearts!*

A quick thank you to YA Bound Book Tours for organizing this event and allowing me to participate! :)

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

Bookish Babble [1] - Bookish Meet-ups!

Bookish Meet-ups!
(AKA meeting a few people in the bookworms' world!)

~~~

So yesterday was a day that most book lovers and bloggers have been looking forward to for weeks: #BookwormsUnitePH! 

On its second year, Bookworms Unite is an event hosted by amazing book bloggers in PH which, hopefully, becomes an annual event! Unfortunately, like last year, I still wasn't able to go because reasons (boohoo).

Fact: I've been blogging for quite some time now, yet, I still haven't been into any "real" bookish event which means so far, I still haven't officially met any friends in the blogosphere nor any of my fave authors (hear my heart break). 

On the brighter side, despite not being able to make it to these said events, the past few weeks have been amazing since I started my internship at Summit Media *yay* I have always dreamed of being in this company and now that I'm here even if it's just for OJT, it still feels surreal especially being surrounded (and interacting!!!) with the great minds behind the amazing stuff I've been reading in magazines (read: Candy, Cosmopolitan, K-zone, Total Girl, Yummy, etc.) and books (Summit Books, buqo.ph, etc.). 

However, I never really thought that I'll be meeting people from the bookish community here at Summit aside from Editors-in-chief, publishers, and writers whom I admire.

Want to find out who they are? Read on!

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 :)

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.

UNA & MIGUEL - Lilledeshan Bose {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [2]

Una & Miguel 
- Lilledeshan Bose

TITLE: Una & Miguel
AUTHOR/s: Lilledeshan Bose
PUBLICATION DATE: 2012

AVAILABLE AT:  Amazon

A couple of months ago, I received an advanced Valentines' Day gift from a friend (shoutout to my fab bookish friend, @WalkinLibrary!) It was a book he's been recommending to me because he knows how much I support locally published works (and he said that the lead character reminds him of me lol) Since it fits the theme of the annual celebration (and it was a gift for that event), I decided to spend Valentines reading this beauty :)

So today, although it seems waaaay overdue, I'm sharing my thoughts about my Feb. 14 read: Lilledeshan Bose's Una & Miguel :)

HALFWAY THERE - Nikki Godwin {Review}

TITLE: Halfway There (Falling From the Sky# 1.5)
AUTHOR/s: Nikki Godwin
PUBLICATION DATE: 25th of March, 2016
AVAILABLE AT: Smashwords | Amazon

 

I initially planned to post this review during the release date of this short story (after receiving an advanced copy from the awesome Nikki Godwin herself! *squeee*) However, life happened and I failed to do so. Nonetheless, it's better late than never eh? :)

Last month, I joined the big reveal for the cover of the Bear Creek series' book 2 - Crash Landing. You can check it out over HERE! Aside from that reveal, it seemed like Nikki had another little something for us fans to get us through the wait for the next book. I was excited to read more of Ridge and Micah! 

Halfway There takes place after the events of the 1st book, Falling From The Sky (which I reviewed HERE!) and before the next one which will be published hopefully soon! Here are some of my thoughts :)

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.

On the grill! [2] - Dream Literary Collection

Dream Literary Collection

~~~

Imagine that I won the lottery but the only things I could spend on are books. I wonder what I would buy with all of those? Probably shop on bookstores and buy everything I want!

Months ago, Ryan from invaluable.com contacted me and asked if I wanted to be part of a little project that their team is working on - and I said yes!

Just backtracking a bit, invaluable.com is a basically a haven for collectors all over the globe. From jewelry, clocks, antiques to even first edition and signed copies of books for sale! Upon going through their website, I discovered other collectibles and knick-knacks that I'm sure most of you guys would fancy. Considering how much of a packrat/hoarder/collector I am, I did actually enjoy sifting through their website.

Going back, Ryan asked me and other bloggers around the blogsphere to come up with our own dream literary collection. As a big fan of these beauties, I found it hard to decide which ones to include (because books are BOOKS! You'd want to have 'em all!) but as went through my shelf (and Goodreads Account) I realized which ones I definitely must-have in my collection and I'm really glad to be able to share what they are to all of you (and just in case some generous people out there would want to 'gift' them *ahem*) :)

CRASH LANDING - Nikki Godwin {Cover Reveal + Giveaway}

So.... you guys know how much I loved Nikki Godwin's Falling From the Sky (see my review HERE!) That is why, when I first heard that Micah and Ridge's story will have a sequel, I was hyped!

And now, I am glad to be part of the event that is happening today: the day that for Crash Landing's big cover reveal! But before that, I want to share to you guys the beauty that is the cover of the first book in the Bear Creak series:

Just look at all that prettiness! *confetti of hearts* I've always had this thing for dreamcatchers (and any shade of the color blue haha!)

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

And now, without any further interruptions, I present the latest cover of Bear Creek#2: Crash Landing by Nikki Godwin! (+ some other details you might be interested with *wink*)

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 :)