The Filipina Booknote

I laughed, swooned, got pissed and cried over this book.
It was a gigantic bomb of emotions that's bound to surprise you every turn.
Crazy, consuming, captivating. :)

It's all about the find when it comes to love, the moment when you meet the one person in your life you can't possibly live without, that was what intrigued me.

Rosie dreams of writing a successful romance novel by delivering love and passion through pages. She gets inspiration from reading lots of romance books, and dreams on finding her own true book boyfriend. But there's a problem, how is she suppose to write about sex when she has no experience at it? Thus, begins her journey to finding romance and the man who will finally end her virgin days.

The Virgin Romance Novelist had me crying from so much laughter right from the beginning. I was literally giggling and throwing my head back from chuckling so hard people around me were starting to look at me strangely, but I didn't care because they weren't reading this book.



Reading The Virgin Romance Novelist meant getting yourself inside a big ball of fluff and never getting out of it for days. I was in a book high for days and I never wanted it to disappear. It was THAT good of a book high.


Never mind those who looks at you strangely. LOL

It was full of awkward moments that every girl know happens once in a while in her life, and dating life. TVRN presented romance that was real and relatable. That finding love and being in a relationship isn't just all about hearts and flowers. That attraction may bring flutters to your heart, but it is love that will keep those flutters from going away. It was like having a girl talk with a book.

Isn't that how all romantics are, give love a chance? That was the sole basis of every romance novel out there; give love a chance.

I'm such an idiot. I'm that girl! I'm that girl you read in a romance novel that you want to shake uncontrollably and say, You idiot! He's the perfect man for you!

I loved every character in this book, major and minor. 

Meghan Quinn created people, and not just characters, because you know deep down that even if these were fictional characters, once or twice, we get to meet these kind of people in our daily life. Rosie Bloom, the main character, was my favorite of all. She was adorable, funny and was very curious and naive it makes me love her more than dislike her. Being a writer herself, she'd even come to a point were she describes herself as "that girl", meaning that girl from romance novels who are very naive and stupid when they start to fall in love. This was a first for me, meeting a character who's literally talking to me while I'm reading her story. It was like the author putting her reader's mind on print and letting every romance book junkie's brain talk.

The romance was done very well and I liked it very much. I have to admit, it was a lovely feeling reading Rosie's love story unfold. It was like the male protagonist was hidden from you at the beginning and it will keep you guessing on who will be the lucky man and before you know it you've already fell in love with him. Rosie met a LOT of candidates aiming for her v-card but all throughout the story there will always be this one guy you can't help but root for. It was literally raining men on Rosie's life but none of those guys impressed except for the guy I rooted for. I pretty much started a prayer vigil for him to be "the guy" over Goodreads. 


CHOOSE HIM! CHOOSE HIIIIIM!

The book is about Rosie looking to get her virginity away so one of my most anticipated scene was the sex scene. I was looking forward to it so much because everything was already good from the start that's why I expected so much. And oh boy, it was hot and romantic at the same time. 



You know how in other books it was just passion and heat and intensity and uh thrusting, that are present during sex? TVRN had a totally different take on sex. Meghan Quinn didn't hold back on vulgarity and yet it didn't felt dirty. Instead, it was a beautiful and lovely moment for Rosie and you know that she chose well. I'm having a hard time coming up with words to describe the moment perfectly but would it be enough to tell you that it made me smile while reading it? It was tastefully done and I wouldn't have asked for any other way for the author to deliver it.



The story wasn't complex or anything heavy and was a perfect light read any day, any time, but maybe not anywhere because you're gonna laugh a lot and people WILL look at you strangely. Reading this was just like being inside Rosie's mind, it was very spontaneous. Seriously, I mean you know how our mind doesn't hold back on the things it thinks at wants to say but your mouth don't speak of it because it might be too crude? It was like that with this book. TVRN won't fail on lifting up your mood. It's so good I'm already planning on when to re-read it.

Might not be the best I've read, but everything was nicely done.

The punch lines were delivered well and it was at the right place and time. And the ending? Oh my. Even the ending was perfect. It wasn't dragged and was just the right way to end this amazing story. This book had my heart from the beginning until the end.

Love is funny. It comes in all different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it’s hard to find and sometimes it’s sitting right in front of you, waiting to be recognized. What I learned from all the books I’ve read and from the book that I’m writing is that no matter what, you have to work to find love. It isn’t a given and it isn’t instantaneous. It’s a privilege to find, and should never be taken lightly.

Isn't it already obvious? I LOVE THIS BOOK. EXTREMELY LOVE THIS BOOK. I forced to drag three days unto reading this because I loved it so much I never wanted it to end. You want light, fluffy, sexy, romantic book? Read this. Just a few pages in this book it already had landed on my favorites list and I hope it will be on yours too.

Originally posted at The Filipina Booknote

It's funny how the mind chooses what it wants to remember.

A girl who woke up from a coma only to discover that she can't remember anything. Who she was, her family, friends, where she lived and that she's not a virgin anymore. Her parents, friends and people around her pressuring/expecting her to go back to somebody she doesn't recognize. And a therapist she had seemed to latch on because of an unknown connection she can't explain.

If you're looking for a book that has complex characters and story, then this is not what you're looking for.

This had a lot of potential, unfortunately it only lasted half of the book. At first, I thought this deserved at least a 4-point rating because it was really good at the beginning. The conflicts were slowly unfolding and it showed promise of a good story. The romance wasn't made hastily and it was written beautifully. The back story of her accident and why she's drawn to her therapist made me anticipate what really happened, and of course, the suspense of waiting to see if her memories will come back and what will happen then.

These were what made me excited to finish the book. How amazing it would have been if all these were answered right? Well. This is where things went a bit awry. I was expecting too much from this book after it laid down all these issues that it disappointed me a lot when I realized I already reached the ending. BAM! It just ended. It felt like it had no distinction whether it will be a light fluffy read or a heavy deep book. It felt in between and I was confused.

Don't get me wrong, all these were resolved towards the ending and every question was answered. However, it felt so abrupt that I'm not even sure if that was really the ending. It did end on a happy note because she ended up with the person she wanted to be with and the pressure of who she's going to be is gone, but in a way, it didn't felt like a happily-ever-after to me. The characters may have resolved everything, but I haven't. The book presented issues that could have been a deal breaker if only it was thoroughly settled.

I mentioned that the romance was really good in this book, but even this went amiss after a while. Both of them fell in love with each other despite having conflicting opinion on where their relationship's going to be. See, even this started a whole new conflict for the story! I wish this had a sequel. (I saw on Goodreads that it has a sequel but it features a different story.)

Where the story went might have disappointed me but there's one thing that I liked from start to end, Mason. His character was very like-able despite some discoveries that might make you think of him otherwise. He was older than Emma and he acted his age. He was matured and acted like it. I had a lot of negative theories regarding his relationship with the main character and what happened to her and I was glad that none of it came true. Shelly Crane created a character that's dreamy not just for his looks but also because of his values that never wavered even in the middle of a very tempting kiss. He's every mother's wish for a son-in-law, I swear. He's considerate about others and his needs will always come last. I fell in love with him too.

Wide Awake wasn't a bad read overall. Yes it was disappointing for me but it doesn't mean others won't enjoy this. I still enjoyed reading this despite all these issues, it was just a let down to see a good story go askew. If you're looking for a light read with no deep story and over-complicated past then this is for you, but if you're looking for a mind blowing twist then maybe schedule this for another day.

I want to commend the author  because she finished writing this book despite her own health issues. 

This so bad! So bad I didn't want it to end, EVER!
Why did you have to end? Can't you go on forever?
I want more Alex and Lily and more babies and more scandals! AAAH!

IT WAS OKAY. Maybe if I read the book instead of listening to it maybe I'd be less annoyed.
But I didn't so, yeah.
The story was simple but it was all over the place. It could have been a nice Cinderella-ish story if it stayed in one plot line. A lot was happening and please, I have to be honest and say Christian is a bit creepy. I liked the ending though, and the exchange of emails and text between Ana and Christian.
I now understand the appeal and the aversion of this book to other readers. It really depends on how you look at it. Like having your own view on an experience you might or might not like.

A funny, quirky, and sexy kind of read that will make you giggle like a crazy person, especially if you're reading this in public. Did I just say funny and sexy at the same time? Yes I did. Damn, this book should have come with a warning.

 

Friends Without Benefits is the second book in Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series. It follows Elizabeth Finney and Nico Manganiello's story and could be read as a standalone, BUT trust me, you will want to read the first book.

 

The story is told in Elizabeth's POV, and honestly I hoped this book had Nico's POV too because Elizabeth's stubborn attitude might have irritated me a bit. She is an adorable nerd who thinks of herself less than what she really is, a beautiful person. She has this stupid idea of "one great love" that made her miserable and I think, a bit of a drama queen. But despite those, she is a dependable friend, doctor, and partner, AND a good knitter lol. I might have thoughts of smacking her head from time to time but that was forgotten because of her hottie comedian Nico. These two were childhood friends/nemesis. Nico LOVED teasing Elizabeth, and Elizabeth in turn just saw this as Nico tormenting her life. But time pass and what Elizabeth thought was teasing was actually Nico trying to get her to notice him. When, finally, the time came for Elizabeth to notice Nico, something happened. The odds were still not in their favor, until after ten years, they meet again, thanks to cystic fibrosis.

 

It was the classic story of a boy pulling a girl's hair because he wants her to notice him. Who made this stupid idea anyway? Have they heard of a Disney princess going for the villain? 

 

"And Penny Reid does it again.." This was what I had in mind after reading this book. I actually had less expectation from this book because for me 2nd book/movie/part always tend to disappoint me, but in this case it was not. Reid's magic was still there, and if you've read the first book you'll know why I am this obsessed with this series. The silly nicknames, the metaphors, the jokes, everything was good. They weren't overused and was present at the right time. You know how some jokes could have been funny if the right punchline was hit right? It was exactly like that.

 

For an Asian drama junkie like me, it was like seeing my favorite romantic comedy drama transform into a book. It was a very entertaining read that will literally make you roll on your bed while reading. I didn't mind looking like a crazy person smiling at myself because it was that good.

 

Isn't it obvious? I love this book, love the characters, well, maybe the story was more of a like because the first book is still my favorite in this series, but nevertheless this book still is good. Penny Reid, if you're reading this(I hope you are) I love you, please don't stop writing. 

MORE! MOOORE!
I can't wait for Fiona's story!

Originally posted at The Filipina Booknote

This book literally took my breath away. It will tug your heart and yet comfort you too. It was disease and medicine in one. It will pull you down but definitely help you rise again. It was an experience I'd love to go through again and again. Damn, see what happens when Penny Reid does her magic? (I apologize for my lame attempt in poetry-sizing this book.)

Beauty and the Mustache exceeded every expectation I had on Penny Reid. She wasn't just good in making quirky and sexy characters, she was also good at pulling your tear plugs out. I already know that this will be a good read because, duh, anyone/everyone who has read her will know how amazing this writer is. But what I never expected was the rumble of emotions I was gonna feel upon reading this fourth book in her Knitting in the City series.

Another unexpected thing? How many times have you seen a fictional character talk about a fictional character from a book she read? Yes, Ashley did it here.

Reading, for me, was like breathing. It was probably akin to masturbation for my brain. Getting off on the fantasy within the pages of a good novel felt necessary to my survival.

Take romance for instance. Fictional women in romance novels never get their period. they never have morning breath. They orgasm seventeen times a day. And they never seem to have jobs with bosses.

Here we meet bookworm knitter Ashley Winston and her six hillbilly brothers. As she described, growing up with six brothers was like experiencing "perpetual adolescence" and hell in one, added to that is her father who is similar to evil on earth. That's why, growing up, she has always dreamed of leaving Tennessee and having a different life, a life she wanted, on a different place. But when her mother suddenly falls ill, she had no choice but to go back home and face the life she escaped.

But when she came back, she was surprised to meet Drew Runous. A "fictionally handsome" game warden who was seemingly close not just to her brothers but also to her mother. At first he seemed repulsive to Ash because he first thought the "Ash" the Winston family was talking about was a man. He didn't expect that Ash was short for Ashley, a beautiful and sexy nurse.

He was fiction handsome. He was the Scottish highlander, Viking conqueror, bodice-ripper historical romance kind of handsome; an unshaven, lion wrestling, mountain man recluse, toss you over his shoulder and plunder your goodies kind of handsome. He was both scary and swoony. I wanted to braid his beard. I also wanted to run away.

If there was someone who could describe Drew best, it would be Ashley. Someone has read Outlander!

Although she was already lusting at first sight with Drew, she can't help but see him as a trespassing Viking in their lives. She was gone for eight years and her mother never told her how big everyone and everything has changed. She felt like an outsider. But this feeling gradually changed as her six adorable brothers warmed up to her and finally they were a family again. With a little bit of help from momma bear, Ashley began warming up to Drew too. AND with a little bit of poetry, their love flourished. I can't even imagine reading their story in Drew's POV. I might just die in a see of swoons and feels. Just because... AAAAH.. *dies*

I've decided units and measurements of distance are bullshit. With you there are only two distances that matter:
Here.
Not here.

You're not here.

-Drew

I might have died a bit from Drew's never-ending ammo of sweet words, and this man has a way with words. Forget about abs and smolders and good hair because admit it or not, a man without substance won't give you the romance you're looking for.

Half of the story revolved around Ash and Drew's taking comfort in each other midst the family's trials, and their dance around what will really happen to a Chicago woman and a Tennessee man. The other half of the story was how Ashley made her way back her family.

Not really surprising anyone, but I LOVED this book. My cheeks actually felt a little cramped from too much smiling! It had the right mix of feels on it that will surely make you laugh and tear a bit. Honestly, I was already expecting the Penny-humor in this, but never the I'll-clench-your-heart-you-better-get-ready part. I thought Penny Reid was only good at making me laugh and swoon, she was also good in making you feel things you never expected. Reading this was like getting inside the mind of a fellow fiction reader and experiencing her own fictional love story unfold. It was amazing. 

Smart romance? Check. Quirky characters? Check. Irresistible with a large brain man? MILLION CHECKS. Sometimes she makes me want to be one of her characters.

Aside from Drew, each Winston brother has his own handsomeness and I can't wait to read about these adorable men! Seriously, if they were already this charming in Ashley's book, I wonder how swoony they'll be once they get their own parts.

Penny Reid addiction is not healthy because the length of time in waiting for her next smart romance book will be painful and excruciating. I might even feel sorry for whatever book I'll be reading next because my book-high  will take a while before it subsides.

Hopeless romantics out there, if reading how I rave about this series doesn't push you to start reading these books, we will need to have a serious talk. This is an addiction I have to spread.

Babies and hot alpha-males. What's not to love? *whew*

I think it's official. Sugar Daddy started my curiosity, and this just made me a Lisa Kleypas fan.

It was believable and easy to get into. It was worth staying up late just to finish this.

Wow. How cruel. Reading this was like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It moves you all the way up and then suddenly drops you in a mess of sadness.

This book is a bucket of feels and bliss and love and realizations. It was hard to put down, and I read it just in time for Valentine's day. :) ❤️

This book could've been the last and the happily ever after book if not for the loopholes and questions unanswered part. But it's okay because I am liking this series more and more.

I'm giving this book a three not because it was an okay book, but because I'm torn. This book broke a lot of my "book rules" and yet I liked some aspects of the story. I might try reviewing this, although I'm not sure if my rants and ravings will find a common ground.

I liked this better compared to the first one.

This book is one gigantic ball of twists and turns.