#SparkNA: What does it take to be BRAVE?

Some two months ago, I joined Mina Esguerra's #SparkNA class. Basically, as a member of the class, there are assignments you'd have to pass, and hopefully, by the end of it all, The Anvil Spark team would like your manuscript, and get it published. Last Saturday, I submitted mine.

Sounds easy? Of course, it's not. There's still a chance that you won't get published. There's still a chance that people won't like your work. 

One of the things that we were asked to do was to write a Main Character who's BRAVE. He/she doesn't have to wield a sword, or be the generic version of a "hero" to be brave--but you have to write your MC in such a way that he/she would exude bravery; that when people read your story, you're able to tell them that one doesn't have to conform to what society expects, but could be a better, more extraordinary version of himself. At least, that's my take on things.

Was my MC Brave? You bet. She's not your typical brand of heroine. She's not goody-goody, let's take her home to mom, she's instantly amazing. I bet you wouldn't like her right away. But, she always stands for herself, and she doesn't conform to society. 

Now, was I brave enough?

Let me tell you something. In the duration of the class, there were times when I felt like giving up. There were times when I just wanted to shelve my story. I could be hypersensitive sometimes. I could be my own worst critic. Sometimes, when I feel like no one wants to listen to my stories, it's like...why the hell would I still write, right?

Well, the doubts really came. There were times when some of my classmates and I would talk and we'd be like, could we still do this? At the end of the day, we'd just cheer each other up, and remind one another that WE CAN DO THIS!

That's basically what I told myself the whole time: YOU CAN DO THIS. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE UP NOW. NOT NOW. 

I guess, in the end, when you have a story to write, you should go ahead and write it. Stories in your head are meant to be written; they're meant to be OUT THERE. Now, I don't know whether the editors would like my work or not. I only have the best hopes. But, what matters is that I gave it a shot. I didn't give up.

You could be brave if you allow yourself to. You could be brave even in the most silent manner.

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes, courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says "I'll try again tomorrow". --Mary Ann Radmacher

Too. Many. Feels: P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU (Jenny Han) -- Book Review

P.S. I Still Love You

Author: Jenny Han

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

***

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing. 

***

Titus the Bear with Lara Jean

AHHHHHHHH! The book that was with me in my sickbed. Let me first just sum up the roller coaster of emotions that you'd feel by reading this book. Mainly, it would be:

AAHHH THIS IS SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE--NOW THIS MAKES ME WORRIED--THAT'S CUTE--OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED--NO NO NO--NO YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT--WHAT THE HELL---HMMM WILL THIS WORK---I STILL LIKE THAT ONE THOUGH--WHOA---WOOOOOH---HELL YES---OH MY GOD BE STILL MY BEATING HEART---YES YES YES--NOW THAT'S HOW YOU END A BOOK

So, basically, you'd really be treated to SO. MANY. FEELS. once you read P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU. You see, ever since I finished reading TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE at around the same time last year, I've waited for the sequel already. This is one of those series that are good for your heart, you know. Light, real, and would really make you feel things.

**This might be spoilery so please stop reading if you hate spoilers**

Anyway, P.S. I Still Love You is the continuation of Lara Jean and Peter's story. What I like about this story is the fact that it picks up from where the first book left off. It has that certain amount of excitement--the spark that you're probably looking for in a love story--and would really make you feel for Lara Jean, especially if you've been in her shoes (or close).

That New Year's Eve Dinner was...really "kilig". It's simple, but kilig, and damn that contract! Haha! Super cheesy, but hey, they're young! How many times have you actually made extremely sane decisions when you were young? Not a lot, eh? So, yeah, I think that's what made it cute for me. Also, there's the fact that both of them were trying to understand where it would go; they were both trying to understand how they could make the relationship work. 

Also, those text messages? Those should I call or not call stuff? They're super real! 

“So I take Peter’s hand; I put it on my heart. I tell him, “You have to take good care of this, because it’s yours.” 

I like their chemistry. That's the main reason why I was TEAM KAVINSKY in the first place. They just have SO. MUCH. CHEMISTRY between them that you can't help but root for them; you can't help but wish that things would really work out between them, and for them, because there's just so much promise in there. And things like these could really give you hope. 

And of course, there's conflict. Lots of it, actually. There's Genevieve, and I thought Josh would still come into play but alas! Jenny Han treats us to this new (well, not really new, as he's one of the recipients of Lara Jean's letters) guy. A guy who's also charming, and cute, and nice, and kind and all that, but somehow, he just didn't work for me. (Again, TEAM KAVINSKY)

I have to admit...I kind of felt worried when the whole Kavinsky Mess started happening. I was like, OH NO. No, you did not make me love and root for him just to mess him up this way. I was like, is this a sign that bad boys really cannot change? That Chuck Bass would be "Chuck Bass" for life? Because, seriously, some of the things Kavinsky did in this book were just...cringe-worthy. HAHA! I mean, I just didn't want to believe he would do that (Especially the Necklace Thing. And Anabel Lee). I thought it was unnecessary, but then I realized that:

 1) He's young, he's gonna eff up. You'd expect that people won't, but realistically speaking, it happens.

 2) The people we love could really break our hearts. How they make up for it is what matters.

3) Every Love Story really has to have some conflict for it to work. 

“I say, “In the contract we said we wouldn’t break each other’s hearts. What if we do it again?” Fiercely he says, “What if we do? If we’re so guarded, it’s not going to be anything. Let’s do it fucking for real, Lara Jean. Let’s go all in. No more contract. No more safety net. You can break my heart. Do whatever you want with it."

So, when the whole thing was redeemed, I was, of course, happy. I couldn't be happier. You know, when a book plays on your emotions, it's something good. When it makes you think, when it pulls at your heartstrings, it's amazing. Even when you don't often agree with the author, what matters is that he/she made you feel something. And if you've been following my reviews for some time now, you'd know I don't give 5 stars just like that--but this one deserves it.

"There's a Korean word my grandma taught me. It's called Jung. It's the connection between two people that can't be severed, even when love turns to hate. You still have those old feelings for them; you can't ever completely shake them loose of you; you will always have tenderness in your heart for them."

Another thing I liked about this? It's the fact that it kind of makes you reflect on the people you once had in your life. It makes you realize that not all relationships are meant to be forever--and that's okay. It makes you remember some of the people you had in your life, especially those who aren't there anymore, because that's life, you know? You meet people, some of them make a mark on your life, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be there forever. And there is nothing wrong with that. 

Jenny Han surely exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to read more from her! A Kitty spin-off, maybe? Yes? 

Toodles!

#BuqoYA 5: Perfect Moments -- Excerpt from Audrine Pascual's ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO

Hi, everyone! I'm back with an excerpt from #BuqoYA: Perfect Moments. This one's from Audrine Pascual's ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO. Check it out below and swoon!

*Blurb*

Oh, Via. Such in a hurry to have a boyfriend. Now look who got dumped on social media, just before the epic party happening tonight.

So why is she hanging out with Franco Castañer? It’s all good – Via’s always been immune to all that yummy goodness, him being her best friend’s brother and all.

But is Franco actually being flirty? Or is she just reading too much into this? How exactly do you decode the species they call boy?

Vodka shot, anyone?

*EXCERPT*

"So where's Via's boyfriend?" I catch someone blurt out. I'm supposed to debut Kyle Olvera tonight. I’m supposed to introduce him to all my friends. I’m supposed to make them all drool in envy, because he’s gorgeous and rich and totally hot for me. I’m supposed to drink and dance with him by my side. I’m supposed to take a million make out selfies when we’re good and properly smashed. Where’s Kyle? The photo saved in my phone flashes before my eyes. Didn’t you see the picture online? It must’ve been shared a million times by now. He's busy. Busy kissing someone else!
 I was already home yesterday when my phone chirped to notify me that Kyle had just created a post. I opened the app to find the picture that would make me stumble backward and stifle an outraged scream.   It's a close up. There’s Kyle’s unmistakably angular profile and it’s pressed against a face that isn’t mine. Pink lips, delicate cheekbones and unbelievably thick lashes that can only be fake or unfair. The caption: #todaywasafairytale. Fairytale? What kind of a banal hashtag is that?
 The girl is tagged in it. Who the expletives-that-would-make-my-dad-faint is Nicole Valencia? Who does she think she is? Doesn't she know anything about Kyle and me? He posted it. He wants me to see it. He wants everyone to know. A boy breaking up with a girl is already bad. A boy breaking up with a girl, then getting it on with another one, is a jerk. A boy breaking up with a girl via text is listed in the dictionary under the word ‘asshole’. But a boy breaking up with a girl, using a picture of him sticking his tongue down someone else’s throat, uploaded on social media? OMFG, I want to die.

That's just one of the stories you'd get from this bundle! Go grab a copy on Buqo for just $0.99 this week! 

**More information about this bundle can be found below**

PERFECT MOMENTS

Sometimes you’ll meet your match: at detention, on the badminton court, in a resort hotel in Davao, at a lab, in a foster home, at an epic party. You’ll never know. But always keep your heart ready for that perfect moment. Read these stories and experience the bliss of first love.

A Moment Like This by Sue Donymko

Kris Mercado and Noel Abad are trapped in a posh resort hotel in Davao City during a particularly bad flood. After spending almost everyday together, they realize that they are undeniably attracted to each other. But reality bites as usual, and they now have to decide whether to chalk their romance up to forced circumstances or to explore what could be the sweetest love they've been looking for...

Anything You Want Me To by Audrine Pascal

Oh, Via. Such in a hurry to have a boyfriend. Now look who got dumped on social media, just before the epic party happening tonight.

So why is she hanging out with Franco Castañer? It’s all good – Via’s always been immune to all that yummy goodness, him being her best friend’s brother and all.

But is Franco actually being flirty? Or is she just reading too much into this? How exactly do you decode the species they call boy?

Vodka shot, anyone?

Something Real by Charm Jacinto

Hailey's principle is heart over mind. It's Rick or nothing at all. Brett's scholarship comes first. His, was mind over matters of the heart. A laboratory experiment in Physics brought them together making their lives entangled with each other. From lab partners to having a crossfire of misread signals to friendship. Will they ever find the perfect formula when it comes to the principle of love?

Match Point Mishap by Madelyn Tuviera

"Shit happens to the best of us," goes a saying, and Lester Torres, a now-starving student-artist, cannot agree more. The family business has reached a steady decline. His parents are distraught. His education is at the risk of being put on hold because tuition's too expensive, impractical. Something they are no longer able to afford. Unwilling to give up, he tries to apply for an athletic scholarship in the hope of keeping the dream alive. He was in the high school badminton varsity team, after all. Might as well put his dormant skill to good use, right? He aces the first few matches, winning them in a breeze, and thinks that he's got this scholarship in the bag already. Easy as pie.

Enter a talented player by the name of Wency David, and Lester lands the first missed service of his game.

Someone to Care by Jessica Larsen

After her parents die in an accident, Jennelle is passed around by her relatives. Hindi siya tumatagal ng isang taon sa piling ng mga kamag-anak bago siya itulak ng mga ito patungo sa iba. At fifteen, nalibot na yata niya lahat ng isla sa Pilipinas. Not that she cares, because she has learned from the moment she loses her parents that not getting too involved with anyone will keep her from getting hurt. Subalit nagbago ang lahat ng iyon nang makilala niya si Valentine, ang adopted son ng distant relative niya kung saan siya sunod na titira. Like her, Valentine has been orphaned at a young age, but unlike her, Valentine loves to keep everyone close—except her. And as if sharing a home wasn’t enough of a torture, they would also be attending the same school.

The Offside by KZ Riman

All I wanted was to move on to sophomore year. And, of course, to have Soccer God Mattheus Estevez back into my life, despite my brother’s incessant demands that I stopped dating jocks. What I didn’t count on, though, was to go through detention work with Geovanne Estevez, Mattheus’ identical twin brother, just so I’d realize both. And what I found baffling about it all was how Geovanne seemed to be putting a lot more effort into it than we had all bargained for, making this detention the best one yet.

**ABOUT THE AUTHORS**

Sue Donymko

Sue Donymko lives and works in Manila, Philippines. When not writing or working, or working some more, she eats, watches a lot of television, sings -- much to the neighbors' dismay -- and reads until she falls asleep.

Blog | Twitter

Audrine Pascal

My heels are sky high. Always.

Twitter | Wattpad

Charm Jacinto

Charm Jacinto's first choice of books are historical romances written by Barbara Cartland, Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux way back in college. She graduated as BSBA major in Human Resources Development but had an epiphany that her path leads to still helping people but more on the medical side. Her life became more meaningful because of her husband and daughter who encourages her to be the best that she can be.

Twitter | Wattpad

Madelyn Tuviera

Madelyn Tuviera is a twenty-something woman whose ideal way of spending a day is sipping coffee while writing (and trying not to spill coffee on said output). She started writing when she was in fifth grade and hasn’t looked back since. She’s grossly fascinated with drama, romance, and tiny creatures that can be tamed and kept in capsules. She does not grammar on weekends. But she does think of writing 99.9% of the time.

Blog | Twitter

Jessica Larsen

Jessica E. Larsen is a hopeless romantic, who will forever be young at heart. She enjoys traveling a lot, drawing inspiration from places she visits and interesting people she encounters. She loves to read, and writes in different genres and spends hours arguing with her characters. At times she likes playing the villain and gives them a taste of hell when they refused to listen to her demands.

Jessica was born in the Philippines and lived in Spain since she was eighteen.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

KZ Riman

This romance, erotica and fantasy author spends each moment of her days writing. She spends her free time -- if she ever gets any pf that -- inside her room, where she reads steamy novels and watches romantic comedies.

KZ is a pure-bred Filipina who lives with her family in Tarlac City, Philippines. Growing up, she has dreamed of becoming a novelist and screenplay writer, and has written countless stories, which she shares with her friends. Now, she dreams further by sharing her imagination to the world.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

 

The Last Five Years

Quick: How do you see yourself five years from now? 

If you've ever been to a job interview, you've probably heard this question already, and have answered it with the best of your ability (I want to have a stable job, I want to have my own house, I want my novel to be published, ladida, ladida)

I'm asking this because I got to thinking, and I realized that it's been five years and like a month or so since I graduated from college. Five years since I've answered that question over and over again, like a mantra you have to repeat just so you'd get hired. Five years seem like such a long time, but everyone knows time simply just gets through our fingers, going wherever it's supposed to go.

So...in a nutshell, did those "where do you see yourself five years from now" answers came true?

I don't live at home anymore (but still don't have my "own" house per se), I do have a job that I like (of course, there are bad days but who doesn't have that with their jobs), I was able to get one of my stories published...I guess, some of those dreams came true, but probably not in the way I expected them to.

And you see, that's the thing about life: Too often, it gives you what you need, but not what you want. And when it gives you what you want, it's not really in the way you wanted it to. And sometimes, it makes you have all these questions: Will you ever really get what you want? Will you ever see yourself as successful? Will you ever think that things are already good enough?

Will you ever be good enough?

I guess, I'm just having so many doubts lately. It's hard when you feel like you're so close to your dreams, and yet, they're not coming true the way you want them to. It's hard when you somehow feel stuck. It's hard when you're not sure about the future.

But I guess, that's life. You do what you can and hope that it all works out somehow. You do what you need to survive. You do you.

And maybe someday, that'll be good enough, too.

#BuqoYA Finding Fairytales: An Interview with Anne Plaza + WIN a Powerbank from Buqo!

Hello, Everyone! #BuqoYa Finding Fairytales makes another stop on my blog today with an interview with Anne Plaza (author of Fall for Grace). Check out our convo and learn something about books, writing rituals, and Loooooooove!

She Flies With Faeries (SFWF): If you were the MC (Main Character) in your story, would you have made the same choices that he/she has made, too? Why or why not?

Anne Plaza (AP): First of all, thank you, Cass for having me on your blog! I think I would've made the same choices given the knowledge I had of the other person. When I was in high school, I was really shy and I didn't know how to act around guys since I only had 3 years of co-ed school experience. I usually acted snobbish and aloof during those years simply because I was afraid to show my true personality in case I got picked on (but I still did). I think it was my defense mechanism of sorts, so I sympathize with my characters' actions and would have probably done the same things they did.

SFWF: What are your writing rituals?

AP: I don't have any regimen that I follow to the dot; my rituals depend on my current mood. But before I start writing or during the process when I outline my story, I like to have visual pegs of my characters so I can visualize their actions and expressions when I write the story. I have a Pinterest board (which I need to update regularly haha) that helps me with that. Throughout the writing process I sometimes listen to music to get the feels going. And as much as possible I stick to a writing schedule (usually in the evenings after my work) so I can devote time to just churning out the words.

SFWF: What's one YA Novel that you would recommend to everyone else? Something that you know is a MUST READ?

AP: There isn't just one I'd recommend because I think YA readers (both in the age bracket and those who are aficionados of the genre) should get to add these to their TBR pile:
Anina ng mga Alon by Eugene Evasco - This story perfectly captures the plight of ethnic minorities in our country. I think every Filipino whether young or old should read this as it makes you think outside of your world and that Manila isn't the Philippines.
The Nancy Drew mystery books - This is a timeless piece of lit that every young adult should read. These books helped me develop a curious mind and appreciate the world and my surroundings. (The series is on its 85th year already! Yay!) 

SFWF:  If you could look back on your teenage years, what's one thing that you learned about love then that you know still holds true today?

AP: Wow, this is a tough question! Haha. Let's see. I think that when people fall in love (whether they're teens or in their 60s) those feelings are legit. I remember my parents and elders telling me during my teenage years that love is something I shouldn't think about at such a young age. While they speak true about prioritizing studies and stuff, love isn't something you can just sweep under the rug. You feel it when you feel it. Sometimes young love can make a lasting impression in a person's life and can affect them in the most profound way, so it's also important to acknowledge them and have a good balance with your everyday responsibilities.

SFWF: And, is there any story out there that you wish you yourself wrote? 

AP:  I have a lot of stories right now that I'm so excited to write about! In Mina's classes she's introduced several story tropes that I really want to explore. But looking at the #buqoYA stories of my classmates, I wish I wrote those story concepts, too. They're all brilliant ideas!

#BuqoYA 3: FINDING FAIRYTALES -- Review

Hello, darlings! #BuqoYA 3: Finding Fairytales makes a stop on my blog today with some excerpts and reviews! Check it out here and don't forget to buy the Finding Fairytales Bundle on Buqo by clicking the link below!

BUQO YA FINDING FAIRYTALES

Fall for Grace by Anne Plaza

Aso’t pusa, away-bati…
Sino sa inyo ang unang aamin?

Meet Grace Almeda—the darling of Luna East Arts Academy—maikukumpara sa isang artista sa hitsura, reputasyon, at katarayan. At heto si Jason Jacinto—the resident school genius—kilala rin sa pagiging go-to person ng mga estudyanteng problemado sa pag-aaral. Nang magkabanggaan ang kanilang maliit at magkaibang mundo, napilitan si Grace na hingin ang tulong ni Jason sa isang mala-life or death na sitwasyon. Mukha ngang pumuti na ang uwak dahil dumating ang araw na kinailangan ni Little Miss Spoiled Brat si Boy Genius. Pero ang hindi alam ni Grace ay may dahilan ang lahat sa likod ng pang-aasar at pambubwisit ni Jason. At sa ‘di inaasahang pangyayari, may isang mahuhulog ang loob para sa isang naghihintay lang ng tamang pagkakataon.

Just the Way You Are by Kat Sales

Rica Valdez has always been one of the guys, so it was hard for her to find a prom date. When her new friend and crush Joshua Fernandez volunteered to take her to the prom, she wondered if he liked her back too, or was he just being nice?

Love in the Time of Viral Videos by R. Linea

Like. Retweet. Follow. Fall in Love?

They say that that the things we own tend to own us in the long run. Today, at a time when we’re connected 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, social media has helped shaped who we are, how we want to be seen and how we deal with other people. And if that’s the case, then who knows us better than our own social media accounts? This is the story of Patch and Sebastian who met in real life, as told by their digital selves. This is their story in the time of #hashtags, inspiration boards, and viral videos.

The First Time They Met by Ana Valenzuela

What’s making Mayumi anxious on her best friend’s birthday party?

Is it her long time best friend Marie? Marie is now in college, and Mayumi starts to doubt their friendship as Marie meets new people and gets closer to them.

Or is it this basketball player named Micah? A guy she recently met and who has turned into an overnight confidant.

The Path of Us by Cassandra Javier

Are our paths already laid out for us, or can we make them ourselves?

Can fairytales actually come true?

Clara has always been fond of fairytales and grand gestures. She always had a plan of how she’d like her life to turn out, and that’s why she worked hard to be on top of the class, and make sure that she has her real life Prince Charming to boot.

And then there’s Andrew.

Andrew’s always been the easy go lucky guy, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not smart and appealing; it’s just that he chooses to go through life in a fuss-free, no nonsense way.

When Andrew and Clara’s paths meet, things don’t exactly go easy. They hated each other with a passion, but then they got to share unexpected moments, and end high school with a memory that they’ll never forget. In college, they lose each other, and Clara has to go through the hardest things on her own--until a trip back home sends them to each other’s paths again.

Will they ever be able to understand their role in each other’s lives?

Or will they just get out of each other’s lives for good?

When Cocoy Became Kikay by C. P. Santi

Cocoy’s not-so-secret dream is to one day become a gun-toting, ass-kicking secret agent. But she has another dream—and this time, even her best friends don’t have a clue—she dreams of being with someone.

Problem is, she finds out that Jaime Arguelles—a.k.a. the guy she’d been secretly crushing on for years—likes girls who . . . well . . . like pink. 

*REVIEW*

You know the thing about this world? We often fail to realize that we don't have to just be on a certain path--there actually are lots of roads to take in life--and that makes it all the better.

Take for example FALL FOR GRACE. We've all been there, haven't we? Sometimes, being in school could make you feel like you have to be with a certain group of people; that you have to be a certain type of person just to be considered popular, or successful, or amazing...And Grace will soon find out that life is more than that--that she could be someone else; that she could enjoy the company of people whom she didn't know she'd have fun with.

And that sometimes, those people could help you grow--sure did, with Grace.

Then there's also the fact that life today? It's definitely not the same as it was five years ago--more so ten, twenty years ago. Life is so fast paced now and no matter what you say, the fact that Social Media has a lot to do with the state of relationships is just so true--and LOVE IN THE TIME OF VIRAL VIDEOS would surely show you that and more! 

And then there's JUST THE WAY YOU ARE--a simple, unpretentious story about how sometimes, we fail to see that the things we need are exactly right in front of us--we just pretend that we don't see them because we're afraid of the outcome. 

Now, with THE FIRST TIME THEY MET, you'd realize that there's exactly a reason why we meet the people we meet. That no matter how confident we are, there would still be some people who'd shake our worlds for a reason--and we just have to figure out what those reasons are--or something like it.

With THE PATH OF US, you'd understand that although you may have all these plans for your life, sometimes, life would really just come make its way to you. You'd see that although you may not be ready for what life has in store for you, and that you are not the perfect person you think you are, that the person you like isn't as perfect as you deemed him to be, it's still okay--and you'd see how Clara will understand that, while finding real love in the process, too!

And finally, with WHEN COCOY BECAME KIKAY, you'd see how sometimes, a little change could do you a lot of good, and that you don't always know people the way you think you know them. And that makes life a lot more endearing: those surprises, those unexpected things--and hose things that you think would never really happen.

So, why not check these stories out? I assure you, after reading them, you might as well believe that fairytales do come true--just maybe not in the way you expect.

And what's unexpected could actually be what you really need!

Kiera Cass - THE HEIR - Book Review

 

The Heir

Kiera Cass

My Rating: 3/5 stars

Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

***

So, The Heir.

Well, this is the 4th book in The Selection Series and I have to say that I was pretty excited for this because you know, I'm obsessed with princesses and fairytales and all those beautiful things, and I did enjoy the first three books in the series. Also, Kiera's amazing so it would be impossible not to read this.

“Didn't they know who I was, what they'd trained me for? I was Eadlyn Schreave. No one was more powerful than me.
So if they thought I was going down without a fight, they were sadly mistaken.” 

(This would be spoilery so stop reading now if you hate that)

When I started to read this book, I felt like there was something off about it. Like, there were some things that didn't make sense because the thing is, I think the story should really have ended with The One. Because...you know, it's really tricky to add more stories, make more, when there's really not a lot of things to work on anymore, you know what I mean? I do agree, though, that there are some more stories that need to be told (especially The Favorite), but this one just felt awkward for me.

Here's why I had to say that it's awkward:

The effin' Selection. Seriously, what was the point of that? America didn't enjoy it in the past. Maxon tried to change everything but tralala crazy stuff started to happen and all he and America could think of was create another Selection for their daughter? That kind of irked me. I mean, maybe there could have been something else, right? Like, maybe, we could get to know Eadlyn in a different manner and she could have gotten a different love story--without any Selection.

Those conflicts. What in the world? No, seriously. I really just felt like...they just had to be written in for the sake of err, conflicts. And that's what made it a bit off.

“I’m smart and beautiful and strong. I don’t need to be rescued.” 

BUUUUUUT that doesn't mean that I didn't like it. The Heir was still enjoyable. There would still be times when you'd find yourself smiling (I know I did), and when you know you'd be rooting for the characters (Team Kile all the way!). If you actually enjoyed The Selection, you'd enjoy this one because it has the same elements.

Also, it's safe to say that Eadlyn? She's her own person. Conflicted, sure, and maybe she's rebelling against things that she doesn't know about, but she is strong and brave on her own. And I think, that's something good. It's good when you have protagonists who could stand on their own and aren't always consumed by love and romance and all those things (There is also absolutely nothing wrong about that), especially in the world where she's living in. 

Also...I really, absolutely adored Kile! He's like his mother...and I do hope that in the next (is it the last?) book, we'd get to know him more. Other Selected were hmmm sketchy, for me. 

Oh, and yes, surprises? This book has its fair share of those. Now, I won't spoil those for you but I must say...they're intriguing. 

That ending? Oh, man, can't say I didn't expect that.

Will I read the next book?

I want to say no...but I'm pretty sure I still would. Because you know what? Sometimes, these romantic, crazy, sort of atrocious stories are just what we need in this dark, dark world.

#BuqoYA Sweet Complications: ONE LOVELY SUMMER DAY by Amae Dechavez--REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hello, darlings! #BuqoYA makes another stop on my blog, this time in the form of the #SweetComplications bundle--and you can get it for only $0.99 on  Buqo for the duration of the tour! (You may also click the header to follow the rest of the tour!) 

For this bundle, I chose to review Amae Dechavez's ONE LOVELY SUMMER DAY! (I've read everything, by the way, but I liked this one the best) Here's what it's about:

Kwento ng Pag-Ibig, Pangarap, at Pag-asa...  Sa Pila, Laguna, bakasyon at abala ang lahat sa bahay nila Tiya Isidra—“general cleaning” ika ng matanda. Bukod pa roon ay darating si Maylie, ang paboritong pamangkin niyang galing ng Maynila. Gaya ng inaasahan, naroon si Ethan para tumulong sa paglilinis at paghahanda. Bagamat mukhang tahimik ang dalaga, unang sulyap pa lang ay agad na nagandahan at nabaitan si Ethan sa kaniya. Naging matalik na magkaibigan ang dalawa. Sa isang di inaasahang pangyayari at proyektong kailangang lutasin nilang dalawa, lalong napalapit si Ethan at Maylie sa isa-isa. Gayun pa man, alam ni Ethan na isang araw ay aalis din si Maylie at maiiwan siya. Sasabihin ba niya kay Maylie ang nararamdaman niya?

***REVIEW***

First things first (I'm the realest), I've said this before, but I'll say it again: I like authors who can write so well in Tagalog--and Amae surely did it well. She was able to create a story that's easy to understand, and she was able to string words in a heartfelt manner. The premise is simple but there's really more to it than that. 

You know one thing that I really like about this story, though? It's the fact that it's simple, yet it will get through to you. I like it when the stories I read make me feel "kilig" without trying too hard, and this story did that.

ONE LOVELY SUMMER DAY is something that could happen to anyone. I guess, at some point, we've all been there: Some of our relatives have asked us to help out, to go to the province...you know the deal. But who knew that something so typical as that could actually lead to greater and grander things? Well, Maylie found out that it could actually happen.

I have to say that this story is pretty straightforward. In other words, walang pasikut-sikot. But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't hold its share of surprises, too. There are moments in this story when you'd really be like, so "kilig", and when you'd probably reminisce about your good old Highschool days, and there are also moments when you'd feel like whacking some of the characters in the head--because youngsters could really be complicated at times. It will hit you right in the feeeeels.

All on all, ONE LOVELY SUMMER DAY surely lives up to its title: it's something you shouldn't fail to read during one of these oh-so-hot but lovely summer days. It's the perfect companion to a boring day. It's short, sweet, and simple---and sometimes, that is all that you need.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amae Dechavez

Amae Dechavez (amaeauthor) is a blogger, fiction author, YA novelist, and children's book writer. She was born in Quezon City, Manila in 1983 and has a Penn Foster diploma in Child Daycare Management. She has been authoring for several digital distributor hubs in (the Philippines) and has been writing for many free online/ social media platforms. When not hugging or arguing with her dog, you can find her at Writerscafe.org.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

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More about SWEET COMPLICATIONS

 Would you do a set of dares to prove someone wrong? Would you risk your friendship so you can find love? Would you admit your real feelings? There are a lot of complications when it comes to finding love. Get the feels when you read these sweet stories.

D'01 by Sassy Fova

Kat Arcanghel has just turned 18 and she feels that it is the right time to fall in love. She finds herself falling for Alech Crisologo, but she has always thought of herself as adeviant/rebel and there’s nothing more mainstream than crushing on the guy that everybody loves, thus she fights her feelings and tries to search for the right one—just not him.

Will Kat continue rebelling against her own heart, or will she let her heart conquer the battle and let it lead the way? She’ll find the answer when she meets D’01.

Once Upon A Sticky Note by Kristel Ann Cruz

Nate and Tanya have been “talk all day, every day” best friends for years but on the eve of Nate’s birthday, Tanya realized she has started developing more-than-platonic feelings him. They’re going off to college soon so confessing anything that might make things complicated between them doesn’t sound like a good plan, especially now that Campus Sweetie Armi has entered the picture. What would Tanya do? Could she? Should she? Grab a sticky note and place your bets.

Plain Vanilla by Ines Bautista-Yao

Despite her quirky name and equally quirky family, 16-year-old Tempest Juan knows she's ordinary. After reading a comment on Facebook which likened her to vanilla ice cream, Tempest decides she has to do something about it or be forever branded as plain, lukewarm, and well, vanilla. It doesn't help that the comment was made by Paco Lorenzo, her cousin’s cute friend (no longer cute in her book!). When she happens upon a book of dares, she decides to attempt each one, no matter how hard. This is her personality at stake, after all. But somehow, Paco, the cause of all this, finds a way to be at every dare Tempest attempts, confusing her and forcing her to question what’s really going on inside her heart.

Same by Charm Lee

March 2.

Of all places, Atasha never thought that she would end up in a hospital on this specific day. Rush was looking forward to just enjoying the day.

But with the white walls and medical noises around them, two young and very different souls cross paths. Rush and Atasha discover that even if they are as alike as night and day, they aren’t as different as they thought after all.

Travel of Two by Irish Fleur

Biyahe mag-isa? Check! Isa na namang item sa bucket list ni Isobel ang matutupad. Sino bang hindi magiging masaya kapag nagawa mo na ang gusto mo? Pero hindi lang pala si Isobel ang nagso-solo travel--si Arty rin. Si Arty na suplado, na-friendzone, makulit, at nakilala ni Isobel sa paglalakbay niya. At kahit ganito si Arty, mas naging exciting ang pagbiyahe ni Isobel.

So, magka-boyfriend... mache-check din nga ba ito ni Isobel sa sa bucket list niya?

THE AUTHORS

Sassy Fova

Sassy Fova is just your average girl from Ilocos Norte, PH. Sassy is a hopeless romantic who’s got her head in the clouds, and comes back down just long enough to write about it. Being an Ilocana, she is thrifty, but she spares none when it comes to sharing all the love.

Facebook | Twitter

Kristel Ann Cruz

It boggles the mind how someone so shy and awkward found herself in Public Relations, but somehow Krissy makes it work. If she were a fictional character, she’d be a female Ted Mosby. Whether it be prose, poetry, a watercolor painting, or a craft project, she is happiest when she makes. Talk about books, movies, and lipsticks with her on www.krissyfied.com.

Twitter | Instagram

Ines Bautista-Yao

Ines Bautista-Yao is the author of One Crazy Summer, What’s in your Heart, and Only a Kiss. She has also written two short stories, “Flashbacks and Echoes,” which is part of a compilation called All This Wanting and “A Captured Dream,” one of the four short stories inSola Musica: Love Notes from a Festival.

She is the former editor-in-chief of Candy and K-Zone magazines and a former high school and college English and Literature teacher.  She is also a wife and mom and blogs about the many challenges and joys of motherhood at theeverydayprojectblog.com. She has recently launched The Author Project, a section in her current blog devoted to the stories in her head: http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/inesbyao-author-project/

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Charm Lee

aspiring hero wanting to save the world. tv show addict. all around shy girl.

Twitter | Instagram

Irish Fleur

Irish Fleur is a Licensed Pharmacist, cat lover and travel junkie who loves writing since she was seven years old.

Twitter

***GIVEAWAY TIME***

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