Ines B. Yao - ONLY A KISS: Book Review + GIVEAWAY

Hi Darlings! Today I'm reviewing Ines Bautista Yao's ONLY A KISS! 

Title: Only A Kiss

Author: Ines Bautista-Yao

Publisher: Chamber Shell Publishing

Date of Publication: November 29, 2014

Genre: contemporary romance

When she was nine-years-old, Katie knew she wanted Chris to give her her first kiss. It wasn’t because she was in love with him (no way, he was her best friend! Besides, she was in love with his fourteen-year-old big brother), it was because she could make him do anything she wanted.

Besides, it didn't really mean anything. It was only a kiss after all.

But then things started to change. They grew up. They parted ways and went to different high schools. And other girls and boys—well, just one particular boy—came into the picture, throwing their lives upside down.

Told from the alternating points of view of Katie and Chris, this love story between two best friends will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking how the simplest things can mean so much.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23705867-only-a-kiss

Purchase links: Amazon | Buqo.ph 

Oh, and you can actually get the book for just $0.99 until February 14--Perfect Valentine gift, eh?

Also, Paperback Copies of the book are already available in the Philippines! You can get them at National Book Store and Fully Booked! 

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 First up, I have to say that I've always admired the author because I was part of that generation when she was CANDY'S EIC (I know I'm old lol) and I was excited for this book! Well, the cover's super pretty. I mean, just look at it. And when I saw that, I was like, this has got to be good.

I have to say that the story was really, really cute. You can't go wrong with two kids who are in that stage of "puppy love" or whatever you might call it. I also am obsessed with all things weddings so the premise worked for me. However, a bit of a problem I found with this book is that I found it a little too light for my liking. It had some of those moments where I felt like something more, something bigger could have happened, but there was none, and that kind of made me sad.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, what made this book special for me is the fact that it doesn't pretend to be anything rather than what it is. It takes you back to that time when you were a kid and you may have fallen for your closest friend. It takes you back to that time when you grew up and had to move away from people around you, and had to break some connections--and only choose the ones that matter. It makes you feel "kilig" in the most innocent form of the word, and it makes you realize that sometimes, the things you need are really just around you--and you only have to open your eyes some more to appreciate and understand them.

After reading this book, my heart was happy--and kilig. And if a book can do that, then it's something good. 

Oh, and you know what else is good? The author's giving away a stash of prizes! Check out the GIVEAWAY below and join!

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GIVEAWAY TIME!

For Philippine residents:

One (1) winner will get a signed paperback of ONLY A KISS, a gift card from FILA, and a back issue of CAST comic book

Two (2) winners will each get a signed paperback of ONLY A KISS, light up laces, and back issue of CAST comic book

For everyone:

FIve (5) winners will each get an ebook of ONLY A KISS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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 in Sola 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/

She posts on Instagram and tweets @inesbyao and her author page is facebook.com/inesbautistayao.

Blog - http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/inesbyao-author-project/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/inesbyao

Instagram - http://instagram.com/inesbyao

Facebook - http://facebook.com/inesbautistayao

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5359512.Ines_Bautista_Yao

  

Gezellig 2: (Un)breakable--Interview with the Author, Kesh Tanglao

 Title: Gezellig 2: (Un)breakable
Author: Kesh Tanglao


Lorin Perez's life is finally back on track after almost losing it six years ago. She knows meeting and dating sizzling hot professional rugby player Spence Clarke is a huge part of her healing process. But with her father starting a new family, she decides to follow her best friend Caitlin to UK--Spence's home country--and start a new life.

However, moving to UK brings certain complications in the form of Gezellig band member Nigel Whitmore, a.k.a. the one who didn't follow through three years ago. And even though Lorin is very clear about her no commitment rule, Nigel ignores this and pursues Lorin like never before.

Caught between the man who made her feel safe and the one who makes her feel alive, will she finally be able to set her heart free and make the right choice?

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So, I got the chance to ask Kesh a few questions about this book and more and here's what she had to say:

1.  Gezelig 2 (Un)Breakable is not only about the music business but you have also introduced the readers to sports, in the form of Spence the hot Rugby player. What made you decide to do this? 

Kesh: I decided to introduce rugby primarily because the sport--and the team--deserve more exposure. I met these players, and they're really good at what they're doing. I know the sport hasn't really become big yet, like basketball or football, but I think it's one sport that the Filipinos could really excel in. 

2. How do you feel about what happens between Marcus and Caitlin in this installment? Was it a conscious effort on your part to develop their story like that or it just happened? 

Kesh: Is this in reference to the ending? It was a conscious effort. Initially there were more of their scenes in this one, but it was diluting Lorin's story, so we had to take them out. Their story was already plotted right after the first book, and I had to get them there. (I'm sorry, don't hate me. *holds up a peace sign*)

3. If you were Lorin, who would you choose: Nigel or Spence? :>

Kesh: Oh boy! I feel like I'm going to shoot myself in the foot to answer this. At this point in my life, I'd choose Spence. A few years down the road, I know I need Nigel. :) (I badly want to expound on this, but I don't want to spoil!) 

4. You are a true-blue fangirl. What was the craziest thing you ever did as a fan?

Kesh: Ask me a few months back, and I'd say the craziest thing I ever did was to go to meet and greets and ask for pictures. Now, I think I upped the ante: fall in line for 17 hours for tickets to a concert (with very little food, too much stress, and I got sick after!). Also, the rugby player who inspired Spence knows about this book (eep.)

5. Lastly, what in your life would you consider as "unbreakable"?

Kesh: Love for and faith in my family. I may not always see them, but I know they have my back. :) 

 

The Cross of Santiago--Spotlight + Excerpt Reveal and GIVEAWAY

Title: The Cross of Santiago
Author: Evie Gaughan

“One cross will bind two couples across four centuries.”

An ancient love story, locked in the heart of a sunken Armada ship, is destined to find its happy ending... even if it takes four hundred years.

Amanda Morrison does not believe in love or destiny, but when a long-lost aunt leaves her a mysterious golden cross in her will, her uneventful life in Galway City is turned upside down. The arrival of Xavier, a charismatic yachtsman in search of treasure and adventure, complicates life further, as their paths seem destined to cross. While Amanda tries to uncover the truth about her family’s past, a strange series of events ensues, involving drama on the high seas, hypnosis, scary sheep, Armada treasure and five-a-side football championships. Though, not all in that order. An intriguing tale of love, redemption and the power of a soul's promise.

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An excerpt from the book is below:

Chapter Thirty-One

†

“I am running, barefoot across the cobbles.”

“Where are you going?”

“To see Brother Thaddeus. I try to go there whenever I can, whenever father is

away.”

Chris was sitting on a wicker chair that had in a former life graced his parents’

conservatory. He was sitting to the side of the treatment bed, where Amanda lay

comfortably with her hands by her sides. He did not for one second take her trust for

granted. However, he did feel slightly apprehensive about the fact that he had no idea

what he was doing. He had read over and over the ground-breaking work of Dr. Brian

Weiss in ‘Many Lives, Many Masters’, and how he had struggled to understand what

was going on, despite being a trained psychiatrist. His own credentials left a lot to be

desired.

Still, there was one thing Chris knew for sure; simply because there is no

explanation for something, does not mean it cannot exist. They would just have to

explore together and as long as Amanda was happy to continue, he would be there for

her, just like he promised her brother Jay. Her soft voice broke his pensive silence.

“It’s summertime; the bog cotton is growing like little white stars on the hillside.”

“Where are you now Amanda?” he asked.

“Amanda? No, my name is Annora.”

Chris felt his skin prickled by a million goose bumps. He was terrified and

exhilarated all at once. ‘What is going on here?’ he wondered to himself. Even her

voice had changed, she was still whispering, but like a young girl. She seemed to be

more innocent and naïve.

“We’re in the garden behind the monastery. The cloisters protect the herbs and

keep the air still. I bring Brother Thaddeus fish from the market and he’s teaching me

to read. We speak only in English or Latin, he won’t talk to me as gaeilge; he says I

can learn enough of that at home.”

“And how did you meet Brother Thaddeus”, Chris asked in a conversational tone.

“I told you, I bring them the fish. The Brothers won’t come to the market.”

Chris’s voice grew softer and almost inaudible, while for Amanda, the sights and

sounds of the medieval city grew brighter and louder. Until……..

Want more? Then purchase this book on Amazon now. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evie Gaughan is an Irish author based in Galway City, where she finds much of her inspiration. Influenced by writers such as Maeve Binchy and Diana Gabaldon, Evie has crafted her own unique writing style that is warm, engaging and full of humour. She has published several short stories, poems and feature articles and works as a freelance writer. 

When not writing, Evie likes to paint and has many works exhibiting in local galleries and on-line. A self-confessed crafter, her Galway home is full of hand-made designs. Evie is currently working on her second novel.

eviegaughan.wordpress.com | twitter.com/evgaughan

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway