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? :) 

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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!

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 ;)

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! :)

Bookish Babble [1] - Bookish Meet-ups!

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

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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!

THE HEARTBREAKERS (ARC): A Review :)

TITLE: The Heartbreakers 
(The Heartbreaker Chronicles#1)
AUTHOR/s: Ali Novak
PUBLICATION DATE: 4th of August, 2015

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

First things first: Happy book birthday, The Heartbreakers!

Secondly, I got accepted on my first netgalley request!

With both of that said, CONFETTI! 

So in celebration of those two special events, I'll be reviewing today Ali Novak's latest work :) I can't wait!

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy! Receiving one did not affect my views on the book.

(Sound)track It!- "Love, Rosie"

Soundtracking 
Cecelia Ahern's 
Love, Rosie 

~~~

For my first ever (Sound)track it! Post, I'll be featuring a book that I have recently finished and completely adored. Sure, I'm a few years behind since most of my friends have been raving about it for quite some time now. Well, it's better late than never! 

Also known as Where Rainbows End and Rosie Dunne, Love, Rosie is a novel by PS I Love You author Cecelia Ahern and has gathered a whole lot of praises from readers. 

Some time last year, it made the big screen (entitled Love, Rosie) with Lily Collins playing the titular role, Rosie Dunne and Sam Claflin as Alex Stewart. 

I admit that this is one of the rare books which I watched the movie first before reading the book. However, I could say that it did not affect my reading enjoyment that much except that I visualized Rosie and Alex as Lily and Sam. Not complaining, though 'cause I cannot think of any other who could portray my book babies (YES they're my book babies now, too) as well as they did :) I loved the movie as much as I loved the book so I guess no harm done.

Anyway, as I finished this beautiful book at 3am with happy tears in my eyes, I plugged my headphones in and shuffled my playlist. The first song that automatically played reminded me so much of Rosie and Alex's relationship that I just NEEDED to make a playlist for the book.

Here are the top 5 songs I personally think that should be part of the book's (and the movie's!) official soundtrack:

Have you heard?! - "Warm Bodies" sequel DONE!

"Warm Bodies" sequel 
DONE!

~~~

TITLE: Warm Bodies
AUTHOR/s: Isaac Marion
PUBLICATION DATE: 28th of October, 2010

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Last night, a wonderful news for Warm Bodies fans have circulated in twitterverse: the much anticipated sequel has been finished!

For around five years now, fans have eagerly waited for the said Warm Bodies 2. Occasionally, author Isaac Marion updated his readers on how the writing is coming up but doesn't exactly give out hints on what we should expect (aside that it would definitely be a bigger book- in scope and in pages- compared to the first installment.)

Finally, Isaac Marion tweeted about what readers have been craving for some time now:

See his actual tweet HERE!

Though there is no official cover, synopsis, or expected publication date yet, I'm pretty sure that fans were thrilled to know that the sequel is already finished, and with a title as well: The Living.

For those who haven't read the first book, (why haven't you?!), it's not too late yet! Go grab your copies now 'cause I'm sure you'll love it too! 

Warm Bodies synopsis (via goodreads):

'R' is a zombie. He has no name, no memories and no pulse, but he has dreams. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

Amongst the ruins of an abandoned city, R meets a girl. Her name is Julie and she is the opposite of everything he knows - warm and bright and very much alive, she is a blast of colour in a dreary grey landscape. For reasons he can't understand, R chooses to save Julie instead of eating her, and a tense yet strangely tender relationship begins.

This has never happened before. It breaks the rules and defies logic, but R is no longer content with life in the grave. He wants to breathe again, he wants to live, and Julie wants to help him. But their grim, rotting world won't be changed without a fight...

CHOCO CHIP HIPS: A Review :)

"So will you stay?"

TITLE: Choco Chip Hips
AUTHOR/s: Agay Llanera
PUBLICATION DATE: 16th of July, 2015

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON | SMASHWORDS

A couple of days ago, I've seen that wonderful cover above circulating around twitterverse and I learned that it was the the newest and the first YA book of a Filipina author. I've read a previous work of Agay Llanera before (Vintage Love) which I really enjoyed. I wanted to read her other book, Once Upon A Player, but I haven't had the chance 'cause I don't have a copy yet lol maybe sometime soon? 

Anyway, I was thrilled when Miss Mina Esguerra gave away a copy of Choco Chip Hips which I obviously grabbed at once! Even though I still have a handful of currently-reading's, I eagerly started on this one because I think I need a break from all the "heavy" YA's that I've been consecutively reading for the past few weeks. I could say that it is one of the best decisions I've ever made this week :)

P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU: A Review :)

"Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing"

*SPOILERS AHEAD! Proceed with caution!*

TITLE: P.S. I Still Love You 
(To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2)*
AUTHOR/s: Jenny Han
PUBLICATION DATE: 26th of May, 2015
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

*Check out my review of the first book To All the Boys I've Loved Before HERE!
**And, for Filipino readers, check out this amazing review of P.S. I Still Love You by Leng HERE! which actually expressed most of my un-expressible emotions quite well.

It's only been a couple of hours since I finished one of my most anticipated reads this year. No other than Jenny Han's P.S. I Still Love You. I don't know how to start right now but I NEED to let it out or else, my fangirl heart would probably burst out of feels.

This is going to be long and I would probably be incoherent (because!!!!!) but please bear with me :) I have a feeling it'll be pretty long too haha ^^ 

THE FANGIRL'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: A Review :)

"I am a fangirl, a feminist, and a force to be reckoned with."

TITLE: The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy: 
A Handbook for Girl Geeks
AUTHOR/s: Sam Maggs
PUBLICATION DATE: 1st of January, 2015
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Book Depository 

 

It's not uncommon knowledge to anybody who knows me that I'm a self-proclaimed Fangirl. That's why when I first saw this title (at Carmel and Kyla. Thank you girls!) I instantly needed to devour this beauty! (and that's saying a lot coming from someone who rarely reads non-fiction)

Fortunately I managed to do so a few weeks later! Yay! Here are some of my thoughts :)

Dorothy Must Die + The Wicked Will Rise: Review :)

"There's a new girl in town. And she has a mission."

(Spoilers ahead! Proceed with caution!)
*I suggest reading the books first because spoilers*

Thanks a lot for lending @WalkinLibrary !

I've been wanting to start this series since like- forever. But I don't really know why this series got stuck at the bottom of my TBR pile. Probably it was lack of time or maybe it's because there are other books which I prioritized.

One day, however, a new friend of mine (Hi Apollo! *waves*) offered to lend me his copies of the series after I've mentioned wanting to read them. And I'm glad he gave this little push to get me started!

I'm so excited to share my thoughts because feeeeeeeels! Brace yourselves, it's going to be one loooooong post! And yes, probably my longest post ever. (forgive the overuse of .gifs. It's the only way I could convey my emotions with this loss for words feeling)

*I repeat, this review is peppered with spoilers. I highly recommend NOT reading it if you do not want to be spoiled :) 

Buqo YA Bundle#2: Sweet Complications [Book Tour Stop]: Review + Giveaway :)

TITLE: Sweet Complications (Buqo YA Bundle#2)
AUTHOR/s: Sassy Fova, Ines Bautista-Yao, Amae Dechaves,

Charm Lee, Irish Fleur, Kristel Ann Cruz
PUBLICATION DATE: 2015
GENRE: Contemporary romance
AVAILABLE AT: Buqo 

My support for fellow Filipino writers is not a big secret.

Actually, I wanted to try joining this "workshop" headed by Miss Mina Esguerra but my hectic University Schedule prevented me from doing so. That is why when I heard that Dianne from Oops! I Read A Book Again is organizing tours for #BuqoYA works, I didn't second-guess!

Follow the tour for the second bundle here!

My Bundle#1: Taking Chances review + excerpts HERE!

Only A Kiss [Book Tour Stop]: Review + Giveaway :)

But it never really is, is it?

TITLE: Only A Kiss
AUTHOR/s: Ines Bautista-Yao
PUBLICATION DATE: 29th of November, 2014
GENRE: Contemporary romance
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Buqo (On sale for only $0.99 until February 14!)

Ever since reading her first book, One Crazy Summer, which has been one of my most favorite reads ever (no bluff), I've been a fan of Miss Ines Bautista-Yao. That is why when I learned that she was touring her other book, I immediately signed up! 

That is why, here is my review for Miss Ines Bautista-Yao's Only A Kiss! (Forgive the lengthiness of the review. I just had to say all of these hahaha! In fact, I don't think it's even enough to express all of my beautiful feels!) 

Follow the tour here!

Oh and by the way, paperback of Only A Kiss is now available in National Book Store and Fully Booked in the Philippines!

FINDING X: A Review :)

"Is there a science to falling in love?"

(Spoiler-free! Read on!)

TITLE: Finding X
AUTHOR/s: Miles Tan
PUBLICATION DATE: 5th of December, 2013
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Buqo

 

Happy New Year, everyone! Yes, I'm back! Sort of :) Anyway, I've been busy for some time now 'cause school stuff and work and everything in between especially my new found love for TV shows. (On another note, anybody a fan of Sherlock here?)

Nevertheless, I still got time for my first love, which is if you haven't guessed by now, reading. And I'm still on my goal of reading local author's works so here's a review of my latest read by Miss Miles Tan: Finding X :)

THE REAL SCORE [Book tour stop]: A Review + Giveaway :)

"Are they friends or are they something more?"

(Spoiler free! Read on!)

TITLE: The Real Score (Gezellig#1)
AUTHOR/s: Kesh Tanglao
PUBLICATION DATE: 28th of August, 2013
GENRE: Contemporary romance/Chick-lit
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Hey everyone! I'm joining my first ever blog tour and I'm really glad that it's one of a co-filipina's work. I am so excited! Hop in :)

Follow the tour here!

COVER (STORY) GIRL: A Review :)

"Weather forecast: Sunny with a chance of heartbreak"

(Spoiler-free! Read on!)

TITLE: Cover (Story) Girl
AUTHOR/s: Chris Mariano
PUBLICATION DATE: 13th of July, 2013
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Buqo

Hi!! I'm still on my local authors marathon and the next one I went through is Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl. I learned about this one after reading All I Want For Christmas and saw some other works of the authors, one which is Miss Chris. The blurb really hooked me and I knew that I really should read it soon :)

Well without anything much more to say, here's a review of Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl! :)

WELCOME TO ENVY PARK: A Review :)

"Can you ever really go home again?"

(spoiler free! Read on!)

TITLE: Welcome To Envy Park
AUTHOR/s: Mina V. Esguerra
PUBLICATION DATE: 19th of October, 2013
AVAILABLE AT: Amazon | Smashwords | Buqo

This past few weeks, I've been reading more and more of local authors (support filipino writers!) It's refreshing to take a break from my usual dystopias and get to know more of NA.

Being a fan of Miss Mina Esguerra (I've read a couple of her books before), it's natural that I wanted more so I decided to check out Welcome to Envy Park. Here are some of my thoughts :)