Bookish Babble [3] - Bookworms Unite PH Year 4 Recap + Giveaway!

#BookwormsUnitePH
Year 4 Recap!

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I know I’ve been MIA in the blogging sphere recently but attending my very first #BookwormsUnitePH is definitely something worth talking and sharing about. Plus, maybe this can serve as a springboard for my comeback? :)

Anyway, for anyone who follow me on twitter, you'll know I’ve been wanting to attend BU since its very first year but things haven’t been in my favor and stuff kept coming up that I had to tell myself “next year, for sure” 

2 years ago when I still CAN'T make it to Bookworms Unite PH 3 :(

FINALLY, after years of waiting, the stars have aligned and I am officially going to BU Year 4! You know I’m very excited that I signed up the very moment the preregistration opened and ended up being the first one to register haha! 

See that 001 right there? That's how excited I was!

So for all who’ve missed out on this year (who wants to experience the fun even through secondhand feels) and to those who attended (who wants to relive the day!) Sit back, relax, and brace yourself for incoming fangirling feels as I attempt to get myself together for this recap!

*Please bear with the long post, I waited 4 years for this! Plus, the event was really packed with so many things you just gotta know!

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!) 

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! :) 

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}

#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*

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

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.

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.

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 :)

THE BOYFRIEND BACKTRACK - Dawn Lanuza {Filipino Friday Review}

#FilipinoFriday [1]

The Boyfriend Backtrack 
- Dawn Lanuza

TITLE: The Boyfriend Backtrack
AUTHOR/s: Dawn Lanuza
PUBLICATION DATE: 3rd of October, 2014

AVAILABLE AT:  AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | BUQO | KOBO

Hooray for my first ever #FilipinoFriday post! A little infoblast here: 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!

And for my first post on this project, I've read - and LOVED! - Dawn Lanuza's first book, The Boyfriend Backtrack :)

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