She Flies with Faeries Reviews: CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.

***

Rainbow Rowell is one of those authors whose works I’d always–ALWAYS–read. And CARRY ON, for starters, is one of those stories that I’ve waited for ever since it was announced that she was going to write it–not just as part of FANGIRL (which is one of my favorite books, ever), but on its own.

Here’s a little backstory, if you haven’t read FANGIRL. CARRY ON is this story that Cath and Wren made a fanfiction of. So, it’s basically a story within a story, which made it so cool and captivating.

You see, CARRY ON is like a mix of Harry Potter and Twilight in its own dreamworld; in its own reality. It’s not trying to pretend to be something else. It’s about finding the CHOSEN ONE, slaying dragons, falling in love with vampires, living in a world full of magic–which definitely made it an easy read. It’s one of those books you’d want to get lost in, especially when you’re feeling like this world is dampening your spirits yet again.

Let’s see. Well, I’d have to say, CARRY ON kind of started out as too “meta” for me. I was like, I’m pretty sure I already know what I’m getting, especially because there were bits of it in FANGIRL. But what’s great about this book is that the author was able to explore its world, and give us more of it in return.

I’d have to admit, there were parts in the beginning where I felt a bit bored–until ta-daaaa this mysterious character suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Oh, and that’s one of those things I like about this book, too, mind you: the fact that it’s told in different perspectives. I always like stories like that because it helps me get in the head of various characters, and not just one of them.

Okay, so, mysterious character started talking and I was like, What fresh hell is this? (sorry, obsessed with Scream Queens right now) and well, it was also nice getting in Baz’s head. That vampire is probably one of my favorite vampires right now–or ever–because he’s sexy, he’s dapper, he’s…well, he could be arrogant, and that’s what makes you like the banter between him and Simon Snow.

I thought there was a lack of banter and connection between the two in the first few parts of the book, which I would have wanted to see. Buildup was slow but man, once it started happening, it just couldn’t end and I swear, you’ll totally swoon (I sure did). Baz and Snow have this unique dynamic. I’m not a DRARRY shipper but I could totally feel them between these two (haha!) and you’d just love to read more. Their arguments are cute, but what’s better is how their feelings for each other unfolded; how we get to see them fall in love, and just get lost in it–while still trying to fight it.

Their love story is complicated, and it doesn’t help that the whole Magickal world is complicated, too–but there in lies the promise. There were betrayals. There were points when you’d feel like Oh god, that was not supposed to happen, and it would break your heart.

Another thing I like about this is that we got to see how each of the characters chose their own endings; how they didn’t just let the world trick them, and we get to understand why they made the choices their made. I guess, this book holds a lot of answers–which is good, considering I don’t know if we’re getting part 2.

All in all, CARRY ON is truly captivating. You’ll swoon, you’ll smile, you’ll laugh…maybe, even cry. But what’s important is that you’ll feel for each of the characters. You’ll root for them. And, well, they’ll help you CARRY ON. 

She Flies with Faeries Reviews: HELLO GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

   

Title: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they’ll retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night will lead them to friends and family, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

This new must-read novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that must be made when life and love lead in different directions.

***

Oh, I love Jennifer E. Smith. You know, I believe she’s one of those authors who could weave words magically and really get through to you, even in the simplest way. So, when I learned she had a new novel out, I definitely read it as soon as I could.

The thing with HELLO GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN is that it deals with a turning point in a couple’s life. Quick. Ask yourself: When was the last time you were in a relationship and you felt like…Is this it? Can we make it? Maybe, we should just stop altogether.

And that’s basically where this book revolves in. You see, Aidan and Clare are about to enter college, and for a while, they’ve been debating whether they should stay together or not–until they’ve come to the conclusion that maybe, they should just break up for good. After all, it’s not every day that you find high school couples who survive college together; they had to think logically.

This story happens during the last night of their relationship; the night they chose to break up, but had this scavenger hunt sort of thing going on. One last adventure, you may say.

My problem with this book, though, is that it was as if a mountain has been made out of a molehill. I am not saying there wasn’t any premise, but somehow, I felt like it could have been about a couple who tried to survive the odds, rather than choose to end things right away. Because it wasn’t like they had a toxic relationship–it was actually healthy, and the fact that they chose to end it somehow could just make you feel like, uh-oh, why?

But then…why not?

They’re in high school, after all. And in high school, you make decisions that when you look back on years later, you’d basically wonder why you made them at all.

This novel was still quite enjoyable. It had those cheesy moments, and it also had its fair share of heartbreaking ones. I personally thought that although some parts near the ending of the book felt “odd”, they’re pretty realistic.

HELLO GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN is poignant, and would get you thinking. Maybe, you’d look back on that old love. Maybe, you’d think about who you have now–but remember, it is the in between that counts. It’s what you have now that counts, and that’s one of those things you’d learn in this book.

#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!

#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.

***

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

***

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***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BuqoYA Bundle 1: Taking Chances -- An Excerpt of Jen Suguitan's NEVER TOO LATE + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hello, Darlings! This week is a celebration of #BuqoYA Bundle 1: Taking Chances and I'm going to let you read an excerpt from author Jen Suguitan's  NEVER TOO LATE, which is one of the stories you'd read from this book!

But, before that, let's get to know more about this bundle first, shall we?

GET THE BOOK FOR ONLY $0.99 ON Buqo!!!

TAKING CHANCES

Whether looking for closure, proving their worth, or wondering what happens after a moonlit night, the characters from these stories will invite you to take a chance for love. Will they find what they’re looking for? Or will their hearts get broken? Step into their shoes and find out.

A Portrait of Jade by Justine Camacho-Tajonera

Jade Alverio is dying to get to summer art camp in Baguio, far away from her demanding parents and her ultra-perfect sister, Ruby. She thinks it will be a haven of likeminded spirits until she gets her first critique from Alexander Santamaria III, who seems to have converted all female camp members into his groupies.

Things get worse when she's paired up with him on a major project. Will she survive dream-turned-nightmare art camp, or will she go running back home, the very place she wanted to escape in the first place?

Loving You All My Life by Rafael P. Pascual

Isang ulirang estudyante, kaibigan at anak si Danielle Natasha Lastimosa. Ang kanyang pagsisikap, talino at kabutihan ang nagdala sa kanya sa Philippine Institute of Arts, Entertainment & Culture (PHINAREC), ang pinaka-una at natatanging paaralan para sa mga nagnanais makapasok sa larangan ng sining, kultura at libangan. Maayos na sana ang kanyang buhay-estudyante nang isang Jairus Roman Vera-Perez ang biglang nagpagulo rito. Ang lalaking iyon ang anak ng may-ari ng PHINAREC, pero ito rin ang pinakalider pagdating sa katamaran, kayabangan at kakulangan ng disiplina. Pagtatagpuin sila ng isang kakaibang proyekto para sa kursong kanilang pinag-aaralan. Maging mitsa kaya ito ng lalong paglala ng kanilang bangayan, o ito na kaya ang magsilbing daan para sila ay maging magkaibigan – at magkatuluyan? Masabi kaya nila sa isa’t isa ang katagang “I’LL KEEP ON LOVING YOU ALL MY LIFE”?

Never Too Late by Jen C. Suguitan

When Cass goes to a trip to Corregidor, she thinks that it’s the key to finding closure over her sister's death. But things change when she gets mixed up with the wrong tour group where she meets Noah, a budding filmmaker and photographer who wants to relive his grandfather’s war stories through the tour.

As they explore the historic island together, will Cass and Noah find what they are looking for? Or will they find something more, like a chance to fall in love, too?

Second Sight to Forever by Racquel Sarah A. Castro

Sasha Salazar, a passionate A-Girls dancer, met her ‘crush-at-first-sight’ in the stairway of Escuela de Rojo. She ignored him because she was still into Norman Gil. The second sight at the EDR’s rooftop began the daily rooftop moments (RTMs) of Sasha with the famous basketball varsity player, Joshua Bonifacio. Take a glimpse on how their relationship bloomed as they both found out the spy.

After the Moment by Six de los Reyes

Under the most normal of circumstances, Aria de Luna could never imagine herself kissing the boy she has always considered to be miles and miles out of her league. She’s known as their year’s resident emo-girl and she plays the part flawlessly with her violet hair, scuffed boots, and her alleged angst from living under the shadow of her over-achieving, perfect, older sister. Meanwhile, Kristoffer Li is living the perfect life. He’s popular, next year’s captain of the basketball team, attractive, if maybe a little too frowny for people’s liking, but he looks very pretty on a chocolate-milk drink carton.

So it is only under the most unusual circumstance that Kris shows up at the Arts and Culture Festival Aria has been looking forward to all year. But does a morning of awkward conversations, an afternoon of provoking discussions, and a moment under the moonlight really change three years of oblivious coexistence? Or will everything go back to the way it was after the moment?

When a KISS Falls by Kaye Dee

Do you know someone tagged as a KISS?

Nastasha and Stefano are both aware of the uncanny relationship they have as best friends. Nash has always been the KISS or knight-in-shining skirt - always so protective of Stef. In her, Stef found a personal on-call heroine. Stef, on the other hand, is often seen as vain, weak and feminine, making him the perfect bully target. Until one day, Stef realizes it should be the other way around. It is time to switch their roles and be his best friend’s protector and defender. But being the strong-willed girl that she is, Nash just cannot deal away with her tough nature.

Will Stef prove his worth and fulfill the new role in their friendship? Will this be the bridge that can take their friendship into something more?

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An excerpt of NEVER TOO LATE

Chapter 1: 8:03 AM, Manila to Corregidor
 [4:30 AM:] Wake up!!! 7am sharp @Soleil Tours terminal! DON’T BE LATE THIS TIME!!!
[6:45 AM:] I am almost there. Where are you? Why aren’t you answering my calls?!?!
[7:01 AM:] YOU ARE LATE!! Where are you, Cass?
[7:15 AM:] Called Daisy, she isn’t picking up. Where are you, Cass?!
[7:16 AM:] I’m calling mom. You are soooo screwed.
[7:18 AM:] Ferry’s leaving at 8. Where the hell ARE YOUUUU?!
[7:21 AM:] This isn’t funny. You can’t make the ferry WAIT for YOU.
[7:36 AM:] Okay, talked to the tour staff, we’re leaving EXACTLY at 8. Where are you?
[7:48 AM:] Acknowledging that you got my messages would be NICE, Cass.
[7:53 AM:] This is why mom and dad never should’ve trusted you.
[7:57 AM:] Three minutes. Corregidor will still be fun without you. #sorrynotsorry
 I scrolled past my sister’s other pesky messages as I handed my ticket stub to the woman behind the check-in counter. I only replied to Anj, my sister, once and that was to tell her that I was five minutes away from the terminal. Knowing Anj, I’d probably get a lecture for not checking my phone’s battery level before leaving. But it was Anj’s constant nagging that distracted me before from my preparations for the trip. Besides, my phone wouldn’t die on me if she hadn’t called me twelve times in a span of twenty minutes.

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