Book Tour Stop & Review: Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

Hey everyone! Today is a very exciting day because I have chosen as one of the tour hosts for Mia P. Manansala's debut novel - Arsenic and Adobo! I've always had my eye on this book ever since its official announcement, and even though I'm not a big Adobo fan (hello, my fellow Sinigang people!), …

ARC Review: Like Cats and Dogs by Kate McMurray

Can you fight like cats and dogs, and still be perfect for each other? Things are getting ruff in this Brooklyn neighborhood when new veterinarian Caleb Fitch moves in next door to the Whitman Street Cat Cafe and gets on the wrong side of cafe owner Lauren Harlow. Lauren has a few things to teach …

April Wrap-Up & May TBR ft. #AsianReadathon and #StanAsianAuthors

April has been a very satisfying reading month, especially in terms of the quality of books that I managed to read. It was also another fantasy-filled month for me, but with some specks of romance and mystery thrown in the mix. And undeniably, the best book I've read this month and something I've added to …

Book Tour: Fae Books Written by POC Authors

Folklore is a widely used inspirational material for books, especially fantasy novels, and one of the most known folk tales featured in fantasy books are the ones based from the massive world of the Faerie. Originally derived from European tales, these beings living in Faerie such as faeries, elves, goblins, mermaids, banshees, pixies, brownies, trolls, …

Book Tour Stop & Review: In the Jaded Grove by Anela Deen

Hey everyone! Today is my book tour stop for Anela Deen's newest fantasy release - In the Jaded Grove! I would like to thank Caffeine Book Tours for selecting me as one of the tour hosts. I'm always looking for more fae-centered books that have darker and more sinister themes, hence I was super excited …

Goodreads Was Wrong Book Tag

It's undeniable that Goodreads is the most popular book review platform, despite its many flaws, and until now, it's still my go-to reading tracker and source of titles, even though it's far from perfect. So when I read this tag post from The Corner of Laura, it seemed like an exciting tag, and of course, …

Review: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he’s on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian – leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies. Nobleman Captain Jezal dan Luthar, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, has nothing more …

Review: CrossTalk by Connie Willis

In the not-too-distant future, a simple outpatient procedure to increase empathy between romantic partners has become all the rage. And Briddey Flannigan is delighted when her boyfriend, Trent, suggests undergoing the operation prior to a marriage proposal - to enjoy better emotional connection and a perfect relationship with complete communication and understanding. But things don't quite work …

ARC Review: Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras

Key West is the ideal backdrop for the summer read you need! Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory, and Jen DeLuca, this gorgeous and stirring new love story from the author of Island Affair will touch your heart… Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left …

My Quarterly Wrap-Up: Jan-Mar 2021

The first quarter of 2021 has been long gone, but it was a promising reading streak so far. I noticed a lot of bloggers and vloggers making their own quarterly wrap-ups, and I decided to do my own spin on it! This is my first time to create my own quarterly wrap-up and statistics for …

Review: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

A mother struggling to repress her violent past,A son struggling to grasp his violent future,A father blind to the danger that threatens them all. When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even …

Review: Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo. And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life. Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to …

Review: A Secret Service by Joy Jenkins

Carter Owens, daughter of a Secret Service agent, is trained to disassemble any weapon, any situation, and anyone.  Her biting sarcasm and razor-sharp mind make her impossible to beat in a word fight and when talking doesn’t work, she uses her fists. She attends Hamilton Prep, Washington D.C.’s most prestigious high school, where everyone is …

My PhilMyth Readathon Wrap-Up + Weekly Update #2

My PhilMyth Readathon Wrap-Up I decided to join the PhilMyth Readathon this year, and I posted my TBR list a couple of weeks ago. I'm really happy to say that I manage to complete all 7 prompts for this readathon! Although I had to change 2 titles from my original list - namely Sweet & …

Review: Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley

Tamsin is the most powerful witch of her generation. But after committing the worst magical sin, she’s exiled by the ruling Coven and cursed with the inability to love. The only way she can get those feelings back—even for just a little while—is to steal love from others. Wren is a source—a rare kind of …

ARC Review: The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme

For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner's daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne. Alac Thungrave, the king’s second son, has always been uncomfortable …

Books I’d Gladly Throw Into the Ocean

Top Ten Tuesday is a book blog segment created by The Artsy Reader Girl to spread the love of list making about almost everything under the sun - especially books. “Books train your mind to imagination to think big."Taylor Swift I always believe in the great power of DNF-ing books. Nothing destroys the pleasure of …

ARC Review: Twinfluence by Grace Costello

Twenty-six-year-old Dani’s identical twin sister calls her out of the blue with a colossal problem. Sophie needs to jet off to Mexico to save her friend from a botched tummy tuck but her boss won’t let her take any PTO. Dani, eager to repair their strained relationship, leaves her glamorous LA life behind as a …

Review: All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice. She will reign. As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer — the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their …

Review: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let …

March Wrap-Up & April TBR

March has been my most productive reading month to date, because I managed to read a whopping 20 books! I can't even remember the last time I've read this much in a single month. I am definitely owing this reading achievement to the great help of audiobooks. I really milked in my money's worth of …

Series Review: Wax & Wayne (Mistborn Era 2) by Brandon Sanderson

Series Summary Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds. Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are …

Review: Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved …

My PhilMyth Readathon TBR

The PhilMyth Read-a-Thon is a yearly Filipino-based readathon hosted by Gerald the Bookworm running from March 28 to April 10 that uses Filipino mythological creatures as reading prompts. This is my first time joining this readathon, and I've been looking for an exciting readathon for months now that will help me discover new books and …

20 SFF Books Written by Women on my TBR

March is considered as Women's Month - a great month to remember and continue to empower and give recognition to women in all various fields, no matter huge or small. Before the month ends, I wanted to do feature wherein I showcase the fantasy and science fiction books currently in my TBR written by amazing …

Rapid Review: Short Stories I’ve Read Recently

Audiobooks have been a lifesaver for me this month, and I've been squeezing the juice out of all my Scribd subscription and my remaining credits on Audible. Aside from the big chonks (yes, I love the words chonk and chonky) that I listened and followed along with my eyes, I've also read a few novellas …

Books by Asian Authors that I Love

The pandemic we're still currently experiencing isn't just because of a virus, but of hate. Hate is an even worse form of virus that greatly affects many, regardless of sex, identity, race, culture, or beliefs. While we are on the path to stopping the spread of a deadly and contagious virus, we are all still …

Weekly Updates #1

I don't normally give regular updates on everything going on with my life, but I decided to do a new segment on my blog about all the random things currently going on with my life. It won't probably be a weekly thing, but it's nice to look forward about something to write about. Things I've …

Book Tour Stop & Review: Songs of Insurrection by J.C. Kang

Princess Kaiya’s voice could charm a dragon. Had she lived when the power of music could still summon typhoons and rout armies, perhaps Cathay’s imperial court would see her as more than a singing fool. With alliances to build and ambitious lords to placate, they care more about her marriage prospects than her voice. Only …

Cosmere Book Tag + Cosmere Crabalong Invitation

As you guys have porbably figured out by now, I'm a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson's books, particularly the books in his Cosmere universe. All the books are living rent-free in my head since I started them last year, and I actually just finished reading The Bands of Mourning earlier, and I'm now planning to …

Review: A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

A lyrical and dreamy reimagining of Dracula’s brides, A DOWRY OF BLOOD is a story of desire, obsession, and emancipation. Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving …

ARC Review: A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova

Ice is in her blood. Eighteen-year-old Waterrunner Eira Landan lives her life in the shadows — the shadow of her older brother, of her magic’s whispers, and of the person she accidentally killed. She’s the most unwanted apprentice in the Tower of Sorcerers until the day she decides to step out and compete for a …

ARC Review: The Dog Share by Fiona Gibson

Suzy Medley is having a bad day… … when a shabby terrier turns up at her door. Just like Suzy, Scout has been abandoned, although only Suzy has been left with a financial mess and a business in tatters thanks to her ex. Suzy takes Scout in and her chaotic world changes in unexpected ways: …

February Wrap-Up & March TBR

Audiobooks have saved my reading life in February. My reading slump has been on an all-time high, and I'm so glad to have their help. It might be a slow process, but the experience was totally worth it because I've read awesome books, and even more amazing audiobooks that changed the whole reading experience. Dead …

Review: Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect …

My BGPH Titas & Titos’ Valentine’s Day Exchange Gift + February Book Haul

It's that time of the year again! Our book club, as we fondly call ourselves the BGPH Titas and Titos, has this biannual book exchange gift that happens every Valentine's Day and Christmas that started when we first formed our small group almost 3 years ago. It's a well-prepared and though out event that is …

ARC Review: All The Wong Shelves by Felicia Blaedel

Nessa Ravn couldn’t have picked a better time to look for a library ghost. Zander is making the right decisions to fight the indifference that has shaped his life. When one of those decisions leaves him temporarily homeless, he never expected to gain a new friend. Nessa is real, she’s honest, and she believes in …

ARC Review: Bet the Farm by Staci Hart

Olivia Brent has one summer to save the dairy farm she just inherited. But there’s one problem, and it’s not her lactose intolerance. Jake Milovic. The brooding farmhand has inherited exactly fifty percent of Brent Farm, and he’s so convinced the city girl can’t work the land, he bets she can’t save it in a …

My 5 Star Predictions | Adult Fantasy

I don't give a full 5-star rating for books easily. I usually tend to reserve those ratings based on certain strict criteria within my objective and subjective opinions regarding any book. I have always I first saw Ashley @ Falling Down the Book Hole do this in her blog, and I had the urge to …

Get To Know the Fantasy Reader Tag

Everyone who knows me well knows how much I love fantasy books, and live and breathe fantasy. My bookshelves have nothing but fantasy books in them. So when I found this tag at Madeline @ The Bookish Mutant, I suddenly got excited and decided to do this! The tag was originally created by Bree Hill …

Review: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Nahri has never believed in magic. Certainly, she has power; on the streets of 18th century Cairo, she’s a con woman of unsurpassed talent. But she knows better than anyone that the trade she uses to get by—palm readings, zars, healings—are all tricks, sleights of hand, learned skills; a means to the delightful end of …

The Mystery Blogger Award

I want to thank Siren @ Sweaters and Raindrops for tagging me for this fun tag! Rules: Display the award logo on your blog.Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.Mention Okoto Enigma, the creator of the award.Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.Answer 5 questions from the blogger who nominated …

Review: Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with seven directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamorous family’s mansion. The next items? • Enjoy a drunken night out.• …

ARC Review: The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley

Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable—a curse that gives her the ability to blend into any crowd. When the only father she's ever known makes a dying wish for his adopted family of orphans to recover a missing painting, she's the first one her siblings turn to for stealing it back. No one expects that in …

January Wrap-Up & “Next Month’s TBR”

January has not been a good reading month for me in terms of quality, because I've been in a serious reading slump that I haven't had in a very long time. Despite that I was able to finish 19 books, they were mostly composed of short stories and novellas that I've enjoyed. It was a …

Review: Daybreak by A.J. Navab

Protect the world. Preserve peace. Guard the secrets. For centuries, Hunters have worked from the shadows to protect the world against Rev’ers. Ordinary people would call them demons but the Hunters knew these creatures for what they were. They weren’t possessed by devils, nor were they demons spat out of hell. They were just creatures …