Thank you Fully Booked for providing a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review!
Didn't See That Coming highlights the following topics: sexThank you Fully Booked for providing a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review!
Didn't See That Coming highlights the following topics: sexism and bullying.I can relate so much to the main character Kiki Siregar and we have one thing in common. We're both avid gamers. Jesse Q. Sutanto laid down facts about a girl gamer's experiences on sexism.
It's filled with threats such as rape, death, suicide etc., vulgar words and belittling women/girls because we are weak. This is very common in one of the multiplayer team fighting games like Mobile Legends, Farlight, Call of Duty, League of Legends, etc. Stereotypically, boys think that we only excel by picking the "easier" heroes like mage, marksman, support etc. Unfortunately, some of them are arrogant and sore losers. They can't handle when someone stepped on their egos when they refused to acknowledged a girl plays better than them.
The difference between Kiki and I are our perceptions. Kiki pretends to be a guy by having a username that identifies her as a male player and it makes her feel safe. In contrast, I proudly use my gamer username: Ladyvantassel / LadyVanGarrett -- I got these names from Sleepy Hollow and other players know I'm a girl. I'm not a pro player but I refuse to let my guard down on these whiny players. To be a leader, is to be a team player.
So when Kiki realizes that her game buddy: Sourdawg studies at Xingfa, she wonders who he is but she's also terrified someone will reveal her true identity. Anyways, this is going to be a lengthy review as I want to address the bullying part: it was a slap in the face to Jonas and Principal Lin. I believe Kiki and those who were bullied didn't get the justice they deserved. I am so furious with Jonas for being such a jerk, spoiled misogynist. Don't get me started with Principal Lin. Someone should replace his job for being biased and tolerating bullies. Obviously, favoritism is common in Asian schools.
This is a good contemporary romance. It will be better if it has an alternate ending or slightly extending the pages addressing properly the issues.. (view spoiler)[Jonas is expelled and when the issues circulated the social media tainting the reputation of Xingfa, the higher education government office takes an investigation to the issue. Principal Lin will be proven guilty of what's happening. Hence, he'll be fired from the office and a new female teacher takes over the school imposing rules that will create a safer space to everyone. (hide spoiler)]...more
Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Chess is an underrated sports that I rarely see iThank you Penguin Random House International for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Chess is an underrated sports that I rarely see in books. We need more sports romance books that highlights Chess. Not everyone will appreciate this game and truthfully, it requires strategic thinking. Check & Mate is about two chess players, Mallory Greenleaf and Nolan Sawyer. These two Chess prodigies are rivals.
Nolan is currently the number one player, the defending champion and many admired him for his unbeatable streak. While Mallory is the underdog who returns playing after an amazing match with Nolan, whom she defeated.
Mallory doesn't want to play Chess anymore because it reminds of her father. It's evident the sport is her passion and when she's recruited by a Chess club to be trained and compete. She cannot refuse the offer because of her financial needs as she's the breadwinner of the family.
There's a lot of tension between the characters and I am pining for both of them. I love their chemistry whether they're in a competition or not. Mainly the novel focuses on sexism in sports. Majority of the sports are dominated by men and often underestimated women. This is about breaking barriers that women can compete with the same and opposite sex. They can excel and be an icon. Very much like Queen's Gambit.
I rarely gravitate towards YA contemporary romance. I recommend this book if you're into sports romance. It's well-written....more
So I accidentally deleted my old review due to duplication. I really like this one but it's not really my favorite in the series. The Titan's Curse seSo I accidentally deleted my old review due to duplication. I really like this one but it's not really my favorite in the series. The Titan's Curse sets the bar high and given to the plot twist in this book, it's not enough to dethrone the previous book.
I can't believe we're back in the world of Camp-Half Blood. It's been years since I've read The Last Olympian and I never thought there'll be another I can't believe we're back in the world of Camp-Half Blood. It's been years since I've read The Last Olympian and I never thought there'll be another book from this series. Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover return for another quest. Can you believe Percy and Annabeth are bound to college? I feel so OLD reading this book. Percy needs recommendation letters for his college application so he can be nearby Annabeth. He's offered three quests to finish and obtain these admission letters. One of those is to find the missing chalice of the gods
Ganymede, the cupbearer, lost the chalice of the gods and he seeks Percy's help to find the stolen cup and find out who the thief is. I miss the adventures of this trio. As always, Annabeth is an intelligent heroine and may I commend Grover for being such an amazing sidekick? HE DESERVES ALL THE PRAISE.
I am looking forward for the upcoming books for this series. You can read this even if you haven't read other Rick Riordan's series. ------------------------------------ AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, I AM EXCITED TO GET BACK IN THIS WORLD. I miss my teenage days binge reading the entire series. MY PERCABETH...more
Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Like a Love Song is an adorable YA Contemporary RoThank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Like a Love Song is an adorable YA Contemporary Romance about a Brazilian teenage popstar, Natalie, who had been publicly dumped by her boyfriend during her awards. It made it to headlines that slightly damage her reputation. Such embarrassing moment drive her team to uplift her image by setting her up with a fake boyfriend, William Ainsley. A British Indie Actor who needs more exposure in the Hollywood scene.
Nat and William are polar opposites. I wasn't a fan of Nat first. She is pretentious and shallow. Trying to understand her personality, she was a crowd pleaser and a perfectionist. We see her character growth towards the end and embracing her true beauty. She becomes more confident with herself.
William is a breakout star. He is charming and a gentleman. He steps out of his comfort zone without outshining the heroine. The supporting characters, Brenda and Padma are commendable. These two gals are sassy! I love them.
Overall, this book is great. The romance definitely stands out....more
I'm on a binge in reading Ms. Rachel Lynn Solomon's novels because they're greatly written and her characters feel authentic. In Today Tonight TomorroI'm on a binge in reading Ms. Rachel Lynn Solomon's novels because they're greatly written and her characters feel authentic. In Today Tonight Tomorrow we have rivals-turned-lovers trope and I LIVE FOR IT.
Rowan Roth and Neil McNeir are rivals since their freshmen year. Now in their senior year, the competition between them still exist in every aspect. Some find it childish, I love them pushing each other's buttons. There's no friendship between them and in the end, Neil remains the class valedictorian.
On their last day, Rowan is determined to beat him before they parted ways but ended up as teammates in a game. Unexpectedly, they learned about each other and changed their outlooks. They got mellower and the connection developed between them is genuine. Especially learning the reason of their competitive nature.
It's adorable and cute throughout. However, I cannot relate to them because I'm not an overachiever. Like, I do my best in high school but I also don't want to take out my enjoyment by having a little fun and explore outside academics. Still, this is a good contemporary romance....more
Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How long has it been since I last read a Kasie WestThank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How long has it been since I last read a Kasie West book? She's one of my go-to YA authors whose novels take away effectively my reading slump. Sunkissed is a good summer themed story set in camp. Avery Young and her family spend their vacation in the mountains, no internet connection and physical activities.
Sometimes it's nice to unwind away from the social media and reflect. Avery is a quiet, talented girl who loves music but needs to overcome her stage fright. With the help of Brooks, the boy she met at the camp and is part of the band, worked together in a competition. Both worked on their music secretively.
The story is decent but something is missing. The main characters lacked the romance build up and I find them platonic. The ending was cute but I am not head-over-heels in love with it unlike The Distance Between Us or On the Fence. I miss that vibe....more
I discovered We Can't Keep Meeting Like This thru Inah @ Fueled by Chapters and the premise caught my attention. The story is lighthearted, sweet and I discovered We Can't Keep Meeting Like This thru Inah @ Fueled by Chapters and the premise caught my attention. The story is lighthearted, sweet and angst-y. It's been a long time I found a great young adult novel that transitioned to new adult. I'll say this one is a gem.
Quinn works on their family's wedding planning business and she's a harpist. Her family works with Tarek's family wherein they have a catering business. Tarek is a baker and she has a crush on him whenever he bakes those beautiful cakes, I can't help craving. Our protagonists are passionate on what they're doing and I love seeing them enjoy it in spite of dealing with mental illness. It never stopped them and I love they openly talk about them. (view spoiler)[Quinn has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) while Tarek has depression (hide spoiler)]
The thing I love the most about this novel, the characters are unapologetically honest and relatable in every way. I love Quinn and Tarek talk about their sex lives. Most of the YA books I've read, they are not entirely detailed and I find this unexpectedly steamy and romantic. Plus, I love the teenage angst and the flaws shaped them to learn from their mistakes. I appreciate it a lot. Aside from these, it also talks about religion. I'm not familiar with Judaism and it's nice to see it here.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, crush to lovers, friends to lovers romance. I recommend this book. When you have chance, listen to the audiobook version. It's wonderfully narrated....more
I buddy read this book with my book gf, Rhyzza. :)
It took me a while to finish this book and honestly, it was quite dramatic. The story was good and tI buddy read this book with my book gf, Rhyzza. :)
It took me a while to finish this book and honestly, it was quite dramatic. The story was good and the last part saved it. If it wasn't for the annoying characters, I would have rate this higher.
Regretting You explores a mother-daughter relationship and how grief affected their lives. Morgan Grant had Clara when she was a teenager. In her 30s, raising a teen has its difficult moments after a tragic loss and unexpected revelations about her husband. The book was told in Morgan and Clara's perspective and we get a glimpse of their own story. More importantly, the romance is secondary in this book which is a plus.
The relationship between Morgan and Clara gave me mixed feelings. Clara has this teenage angst and sometimes she acts like a brat. I couldn't blame her as Morgan shuts out. There's a lot of miscommunication between them and made simple things more complicated. As much as Morgan wanted to protect her daughter from the truth, she should have addressed it earlier because she deserves to know it. I wish Clara should be more respectful towards her mother as well. If I was acting like that towards my mom, she would whip me. ...more
Bird Box didn't live up to my expectations. It has been on my radar for years but I never got around it. The audiobook was greatly narrated by CassandBird Box didn't live up to my expectations. It has been on my radar for years but I never got around it. The audiobook was greatly narrated by Cassandra Campbell and the idea going outside the house, exploring the forest, row a boat by some creek...BLINDFOLDED is terrifying. Imagine the darkness and you rely to your other senses except for sight. The idea makes me anxious. However, the story felt flat towards halfway the book.
That's my unpopular opinion. It lost its creepy atmosphere and I have a feeling I'll enjoy the movie more....more
Dear Martin is a realistic fiction story about a teenage boy Justyce McAllister. He's intelligent, kind, persWithout a doubt a must read by everyone.
Dear Martin is a realistic fiction story about a teenage boy Justyce McAllister. He's intelligent, kind, persevering and obedient and he's bound to college. However, it's traumatic for him to experience being held by cops and being falsely accused for a crime he didn't commit. Aside from this, he receives racist comments from the people around him. It made him question about equality, social injustices and racism. He seeks answers from Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings by writing a journal. I thought it's a great project and each entry was a reflection. It became his outlet when times get rough and his voice left a huge impact.
This books deserves a lot of attention as it leaves a powerful message to its readers. Through Justyce, you'll feel his struggle being accepted by the society because of his race. It saddens me others treated black people and persons of color in general lowly. No matter how hard it is, some people are too privileged and don't want to be educated. That's the sad truth about this world we're living. You cannot please everyone but never let others drag you down. The change starts in you. Be a good role model and chase your dreams.
Overall, Dear Martin is spectacular. There are parts you'll feel anger, sadness and frustration. Still, I love how it gives you the positive vibe and the problems can be resolve without violence. That is such an important lesson younger generations should learn. ...more
Bland as a potato. I've been on a hiatus and I'm too exhausted to read. This mafia novel was free on Amazon and it's one of the backlist titles I'm roBland as a potato. I've been on a hiatus and I'm too exhausted to read. This mafia novel was free on Amazon and it's one of the backlist titles I'm rooting for because it's mafia romance. (You know how much I love this trope and I can't resist reading it.)
Anton and Megan's story is an insta-love. There's a lot to be explored between them and it's too short. Everything happened so quickly it doesn't make any sense. I might continue the series but it's not a priority....more
I never cared about President Snow. He's a coward, heartless and self-centered human being. This is nothing compared to the trilogy I loved during my I never cared about President Snow. He's a coward, heartless and self-centered human being. This is nothing compared to the trilogy I loved during my teenage years.
The romance is forced and should have never happened. After all, he's not a redeemable character. Nope. Let me forget this book existed even if it's narrated by my favorite voice actor, Santino Fontana.
----------------------------- Suzanne Collins is BAAAACKKKK!!
Thank you to the author, Ms. Fe Esperanza Trampe and Bookworms Unite PH / Inah of The Bibliophile Confessions for providing a copy in exchange for an Thank you to the author, Ms. Fe Esperanza Trampe and Bookworms Unite PH / Inah of The Bibliophile Confessions for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review as part of the #LaroTour.
Ang Larong Nagwakas Sa Atin ay tungkol sa dalawang high school Chess players na sina Dennis Manansala at Esther Pamintuan.
Simula pagkabata hilig na ni Dennis maglaro ng Chess at tinitingala niya ang kanyang ama dahil siya nagturo sa kanya kung paano laruin ito. Balang araw, gusto niya maging isa sa mga pinakamagaling na Chess player. Sumasali siya sa mga kompetisyon para maensayo at nakakakuha siya ng mga parangal. Bagong estudyante siya sa St. Louise de Marillac Academy at dito niya nakilala si Esther.
Si Esther ay isang masipag, masunurin at matalinong estudyante. Lubos akong humanga dahil napagsasabay niya ang kanyang pag-aaral at pagsali niya sa mga aktibidades ng paaralan nila kagaya ng paglalaro ng Chess (na hindi niya inaasahang magugustuhan niya ang larong ito) at sa opisyal na pahayagan. Alam niya kung ano ang gusto niyang tahakin sa buhay pero di maiiwasang magbago ang kanyang tadhana nung nagharap sila ni Dennis sa isang paliksahan sa huling taon nila bilang high school students. Ang mananalo sa kompetisyon ay makakakuha ng titulong Chess Player of the Year at scholarship na makakatulong sa kanila sa kolehiyo.
Habang binabasa ko ang nobelang ito, hindi ko maipagkakaila namiss ko ang buhay high school. Yung Intrams, Foundation Day, Retreat, Field trips, JS Prom, yung mga magandang alaala kasama ang mga kaklase ko at ang mga gurong na walang sawa na pagtuturo sa amin. Lahat yun bumalik dahil sa storya nina Dennis at Esther.
Maganda ang relasyon nina Esther at Dennis. Nagsimula sa pagkakaibigan hanggang sa nagustuhan nila ang isa't isa. Magkakampi or magkalaban, nandoon ang respeto nila sa bawat isa. Hindi sila nagsisiraan sapagkat sila'y nagtutulungan. Magandang ehemplo sila sa mga kabataan dahil kahit may mga problema sila sa pamilya o kung saan man, hindi nawawala ang kanilang determinasyon upang makamit ang kanilang pangarap.
Bihira ako makabasa ng sports romance na may Chess. Marunong akong maglaro nito ngunit hindi ako kasing galing ng tatay ko. (Siya yung nagturo sa akin at lagi akong talo pag naglalaro kami. Haha!) Maganda yung pagkakasulat nito. Sobrang detalye, pero wag kayong mag-alala hindi siya nakakalito kasi may litrato ng chessboard kasama ang mga piyesa. Kaya bawat tira nila, masusundan mo.
Pinaka nagustuhan ko sa librong ito ay ang mensahe ng kwento. Hindi sa lahat ng oras panalo ka sa laro ng buhay. May mga pagkakataon di mo inaasahang mabibigo at masasaktan ka. Mabigat man sa kalooban, kailangan mo itong taggapin at tumayo sa sarili mong mga paa para makabangon ka muli. Tuloy lang ang buhay dahil sa bawat pagsubok, may matutunan ka at meron itong kapalit na biyaya.
Sana may susunod na kabanata pa para kay Dennis at Esther. Gusto kong mabasa yung buhay kolehiyo nila.
Thank you SourcebooksFire and Rin Chupeco for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and Myrth of Cliste Bella for hosting the PH Blog Tour!
A bitterThank you SourcebooksFire and Rin Chupeco for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and Myrth of Cliste Bella for hosting the PH Blog Tour!
A bittersweet but a stellar conclusion for The Bone Witch trilogy.
The last leg on Tea’s journey rendered me speechless. Though I anticipated what’s coming for her, I sobbed like a baby. It was heart-wrenching especially Tea shared a strong bond with everyone. You can’t help rooting for her throughout the book.
This finale is both character & plot driven. Ms. Chupeco was consistent building up these aspects. We get to hear more history about the Seven Kingdoms and other revelations that’s key to Tea’s mission. They are fascinating and intricately written. I have this gut feeling about the betrayal of this person and I was right all along (that brings me joy..I KNEW IT). The secondary characters, they played important parts in Tea’s journey and none of them feel left out. From Lady Shadi and Lady Zoya, to Likh and Khalad. Wow. I love this diverse set of characters.
Tea’s relationship with this guy (purposely leaving it out because it’s a spoiler) was romantic. Wow. These lovebirds went through a lot and they pushed each others button. My god, they wrecked me as well. It was pure and eternal. The ending was sad yet so beautiful and satisfying. It was wonderfully wrapped up and this is one of the best fantasy series as each book becomes better. It may be a slow beginning but it’s worth it. If you love fantasy novels, you should pick this up....more
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