Poem: Sunday Rain

It was Sunday when you called me at home
You asked me out so I was smiling at my phone
Soon you picked me up in your old blue truck
It was all lovely and all I could ever asked

Then we drove down to our favorite place
I was so happy to see a smile on your face
We were laughing and dancing and happy
We were everything we wished we could ever be

Suddenly the angry rain poured down on us
It was when I hoped for everything to last
Your hands on my waist, my arms around your neck
That was the best night 'cause everything was perfect

Then you brought me home that cold rainy night
I still remember when everything felt so right
  You slowly made your way to keep me warm
And I was so thrilled to be tucked inside your arms

You lent me your shirt and asked me to stay
Of course I wouldn’t have it any other way
And then your hand found mine after a while
Soon we were tangled together which made me smile

Book: The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace

★★★★★/★★★★★

when
someone
offers to
save you
make it
your
mission
to
save yourself.

  —i believe in you.

Wow. I mean, wow. Okay, maybe what I'm really trying to say is that this book is so emotional and powerful and oh my god I can't stop crying when I was reading it! I think this book just hit me so hard because it's so damn beautiful! Like, seriously, read it!

The Princess Saves Herself in this One is a poetry collection divided into four parts; the princess, the damsel, the queen and you. I loved all the parts but I guess the one that really got to me was the YOU part! And at some point I didn't notice but I was already crying and well, some just really hurt.

There's nothing really to tell except for you to read this book to know what I mean. And I'm sharing some of my favorite ones here.

once upon

a time

the princess

rose from the ashes

her dragon lovers

made of her

&

crowned

herself

the

mother-fucking

queen of

herself.

―how's that for a happily ever after? 

he

opened me up

like a book

& poured the

poetry

back into

me.

―my personal pen & paper

the princess
locked herself away
in the highest tower,
hoping s knight
in shining armor
would come to her
rescue.

―i didn’t realize i could be my own knight 

I'm pretty sure you have stardust running through those veins.
―women are some kind of magic.

Book: The BFG by Roald Dahl

 ★★★★/★★★★★

‘I is a dream-blowing giant,’ the BFG said. ‘When all the other giants is galloping off every what way and which to swollop human beans, I is scuddling away to other places to blow dreams into the bedrooms of sleeping children. Nice dreams. Lovely golden dreams. Dreams that is giving the dreamers a happy time.’

One night, by the witching hour, Sophie sees a giant. Because Sophie has seen him, the giant decides to kidnap her from the orphanage. Sophie is scared and thinks the giant will eat her but to her surprise, he doesn't. When they reach the Giant Country, the giant explains that he only took her so she can't tell anyone about his existence. Soon, the giant tells her that he doesn't eat human beans like the other giants, that he's a Big Friendly Giant. As Sophie and the BFG spend more time together, they become closer and each learn a thing or two from each other. They avoid the other bully giants who always go away to find new human beans to eat at night, they go dream collecting and later will pay the Queen a visit to stop the other giants from eating more human beans.

 My first book of Roald Dahl was Matilda which was brilliant. This time I read The BFG and no doubt loved it too! Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant are soooo fun to read!! It's only my second book of Dahl but definitely not the last! It's very entertaining but beyond that I think it's very ironic too that it'll make you ponder at times.

‘Do not forget,’ the BFG said, ‘that human beans is disappearing everywhere all the time even without the giants is guzzling them up. Human beans is killing each other much quicker than the giants is doing it.’ 

‘Human beans is the only animals that is killing their own kind.’

I enjoyed everything about this book! Sophie is a brave and smart girl while the BFG is a kind, thoughtful, well, friendly giant. I loved their adventures and somewhere along the way they formed a beautiful friendship. I liked it everytime the BFG talks in a funny way and Sophie corrects him everytime. They're hilarious and I found myself cracking up at the BFG's words most of the time.

‘You is welcome to go and search my cave from frack to bunt,’ the BFG answered. ‘You can go looking into every crook and nanny. There is no human beans or stringy beans or runner beans or jelly beans or any other beans in here.’ 

And the more I read on, the more I loved the BFG!! He dislikes the other giants because they eat human beans and it's really cute that instead of eating them, the BFG gives them pleasant dreams. And because the BFG is only 24 feet tall, not 50 feet like the others, and he doesn't eat human beans, the other giants bully him but of course, he doesn't hurt them back because for him, “Two rights don't equal a left.”

I think this book is amazing! When talking about giants children always think they are scary but Dahl was able to write a book about a friendly giant who befriends a sweet girl. Yes, there are scary giants in this book but Sophie and the BFG are able to punish them for being brutish. It gives the idea that even little girls and friendly giants can do great things together. I also like that it shows us that not all giants are scary and eat human beans. In short, don't judge a book by its cover!

This book is really entertaining with Sophie and the BFG's adventures, the BFG's silly words but I especially loved the dream collecting part and when they visited the Queen! And the fact that they involved the Queen is brilliant enough!

Then out he came!

Twenty-four feet tall, wearing his black cloak with the grace of a nobleman, still carrying his long trumpet in one hand, he strode magnificently across the Palace lawn towards the window.

The maid screamed.
The Queen gasped.
Sophie waved.

The movie adaptation came out months ago but I'm yet to watch it. The trailer looks great and it's really cute so I'm really excited to watch it! :)

Porter Robinson & Madeon – Shelter (Official Video) (Short Film with A-1 Pictures & Crunchyroll)

I just have to share this video with everyone. It’s only 6 minutes long but very emotional and beautiful!

Shelter tells the story of Rin, a 17-year-old girl who lives her life inside of a futuristic simulation completely by herself in infinite, beautiful loneliness. Each day, Rin awakens in virtual reality and uses a tablet which controls the simulation to create a new, different, beautiful world for herself. Until one day, everything changes, and Rin comes to learn the true origins behind her life inside a simulation.

Original Story by: Porter Robinson
Music: Porter Robinson and Madeon

 My friend sent me a link to this video and next thing I knew I was crying. :"( It's beautiful!

Book: The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1) by James Dashner

★★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

“Just follow me and run like your life depends on it. Because it does.”

Maybe I was too excited to read this series because of the movie but now that I finished the first and second books I'm not too excited to pick up the third book anymore. It was also recommended to me by a friend, saying she really enjoyed it and things but for me it was a little disappointing. But either way, it was engaging and intriguing and a bit frustrating.

The first book in the series tells the story of Thomas when he wakes up in a lift called the Box and next thing he knows he's surrounded by dozens of teenage boys. He remembers nothing, only his name, and to his luck no one tells him anything about the Glade, his new home. He tries hard to gain information, asking this and that, who and where but even his new-found  friend, Chuck, tells him only the basic things he needs to know. But spending a day in the Glade, seeing the runners, the walls closing, knowing about the Maze, witnessing what happens when a glader undergoes in the Changing, and hearing the Grievers, Thomas knew he has to find a way out of the Maze, one way or another. The next day, the Box brings them another newbie glader, but this time it's a girl, Teresa, with a note saying she'll be the last one ever. Whatever that means, they all know it couldn't be a good thing. And true enough, after Thomas and Teresa showed up things start to change and others start to blame them both.

“Holy crap, I’m scared.”
“Holy crap, you’re human. You should be scared.”

I liked the concept of the book with dozens of boys trapped inside a big Maze, the scary Grievers that roam around the Maze at night, the Changing when get sting by Grievers, the mystery behind the Maze and everything else and it was kind of intriguing why it's happening to Thomas and the other gladers. I was glued right from the beginning until the middle part but when I realized that the book wouldn't tell me anything about what's happening, I started to get a little frustrated. The characters are also likeable but underdeveloped and there were times when I can't tell them apart. I mean, Alby was the leader but Newt was running things around and I honestly still get confused about who is who even after reading two books. Who I liked a lot is Minho. He's the Keeper of the Runners in the Glade and probably the best  among the gladers. Chuck is also a cute character. I liked that he became friends with Thomas and that he's the youngest and therefore the all-around glader. 

 “I just...feel like I need to save everyone. To redeem myself.”

Anyway, Thomas as the main character is fine. He's driven, curious and well, the reason why things started to fall apart. He eventually wants to be a Runner like Minho, analyzing and solving the Maze so they can find a way out. He can be annoying and hardheaded at times but I understand his will on solving the Maze. Being stubborn and breaking one the rules also earns him a few haters and it doesn't help that people who went through the Changing seem to remember him from it. Thomas is also quite special from the others because of his ability to talk to Teresa in his mind. Or rather, he can hear Teresa talking to him in his mind. I didn't really get their telepathy thing because for me it wasn't necessary but well, it was there. Teresa is a so-so character. For the first part after she showed up in the Glade she is asleep and when she wakes she and Thomas start to feel connected with each other.

“It was you and me, Tom. We did this to them. To us.”

The writing didn't impress me that much. The prose is disappointing and I was actually hoping it would eventually improve but it didn't. It felt flat that even though I wanted to feel something, anything, about what's happening, I can't because the writing somewhat lacked emotion and it was very tell-y, just saying this and that and nothing else. The slang words are also kind of annoying sometimes. Okay, maybe a lot of times but you get used to it at some point. What infuriated me so much was the lack of information! Seriously! Because there are so many questions asked but the book only answered one or two and it didn't help that the characters also don't really know anything since their memories are erased when they were thrown inside the Maze. Ugh! But the turn of events are satisfying and I was resolved on just finishing the series for the hell of it. Like I said, it was fine but I really think it could be better if the writing is improved and the characters are well-developed.

So for me, The Maze Runner is an intriguing book with some infuriating aspects. A bit long (for me) but enjoyable enough. I also got to finish to second book in the series (will write a separate review soon) and thinking of reading the third book some time next week.

Movie: Doctor Strange 2016

I had a chance to win invites to an exclusive screening of Doctor Strange a couple of weeks ago courtesy of Cadbury Dairy Milk and Nuffnang Philippines. Since I scored two tickets, I went with my friend and we both definitely enjoyed the movie!

 ★★★★/★★★★★

Main characters:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange 

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo

Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer

Benedict Wong as Wong

Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius  

Tilda Swinton as Ancient One

 Doctor Strange is a character from the Marvel Comics of the same name and tells the story of Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who, after a tragic accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions in search of a way to heal his hands. 

Strange is a talented but arrogant doctor who chooses his patients and thinks highly of himself. After losing the use of his hands due to a car accident and not finding a way to heal them through traditional medicine, he ventures on a journey to Kathmandu after hearing the story of Jonathan Pangborn, a paraplegic who is able to walk again. Strange finds Karl Mordo in Kamar-Taj who then brings him to the Ancient One. The Ancient One shows Strange her power, revealing the astral plane and other dimensions such as the Mirror Dimension. Strange is skeptical at first but when the Ancient One shows him more, he begs her to teach him. The Ancient One initially refuses because of Strange's arrogance and because he reminds her of Kaecilius, a former student who turned rogue and now seeks greater mystic power. Eventually, the Ancient One agrees to teach Strange and soon Strange finds himself fighting to save the Earth from evil forces from other dimensions.

As expected from Marvel Studios, they did a good job with Doctor Strange. I admit I didn't have the chance to read the comics but I'm a huge fan of Marvel movies! And like their other superheroes, Doctor Strange is a brilliant, engaging and funny character.

 Visually satisfying and mind blowing, Doctor Strange will surely capture everyone's interest not only because it's a Marvel movie but also because the effects are incredible. I mean, how cool is it to see the whole Manhattan turning into a Rubik's Cube while Strange and his enemies, who can pull weapons out of thin air, can teleport and can leap out of their bodies into their astro form, fight each other?

  I also love the characters! Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange was an excellent choice and Rachel McAdams as Christine was perfect! I loved Rachel McAdams' character, a co-worker and past lover who puts up with Strange's not so good attitude. She cares for Strange and even though Strange is kind of a jerk for misinterpreting her kindness, she still understands him. Strange actually reminded me of Tony Stark for being arrogant, filthy rich and somewhat self centered at times. They're both invested in what they do but when life threatens to take everything they've worked on and a new opportunity to prove themselves appears, they decided to take the chance.

For me, Doctor Strange is a huge success for Marvel! And though it's not my most favorite from Marvel, Doctor Strange is a very entertaining movie. :)

KDrama: Descendants of the Sun 2016

Main characters:

Song Joong ki as Yoo Si jin

Song Hye kyo as Kang Mo yeon

Jin Goo as Seo Dae young

Kim Ji won as Yeon Myeong ju

I remember when Descendants of the Sun made a buzz when it was aired back in February and people went crazy over it! It was what everyone was talking about, how the scenes were sweet and how hot and handsome Song Joong ki was. Even my friends who don't really watch kdrama watched it and became addict since then. My sister and I didn't watch it until two months later when all the episodes were already aired and I admit it was addicting. But then we thought it was over-hyped since we've seen better dramas.

So the story revolves around the lives of Yoo Si jin, the Captain of Team Alpha, an elite special forces in South Korea, and Dcotor Kang Mo yeon, a cardiothoracic specialist. These two accidentally meet in the hospital where Mo yeon works and there Si jin quickly falls in love with Mo yeon's assertiveness. At first, Mo yeon is skeptical towards Si jin but soon sees that Si jin is really a soldier. They then begin dating but every time they go out something comes up. It's Si jin who usually needs to go because of his job and soon Mo yeon realizes how different the two of them are. Si jin is a soldier who kills to protect lives while Mo yeon is a doctor who saves lives. Eventually they stop seeing each other. 

Mean while, Sergeant Major Dae young (also Si jin's friend) struggles with his feelings towards Myeong ju, an army surgeon. He likes her but he can't risk being removed from the army by Myeong ju's father who is the commander of the South Korean Special Forces Brigade. 

Eight months later, these four meet again this time in Urk carrying their own mission. Si jin, together with Dae young, was sent there earlier to lead his team on a peacekeeping mission while Mo yeon is sent there to lead a medical team. Myeong ju, on the other hand, followed so she can be with Dae young. There, the four of them fall in love again and together they help save lives. 

I actually enjoyed this drama with all its kilig moments and funny scenes. I also understood why girls went crazy over this drama because the writers surely did a good job developing the relationship between Si jin and Mo yeon who had a great chemistry and of course, the intense feelings between Dae young and Myeong ju. And though they did a good job building the relationship between the characters, they did little to the sub-plots and to the plot in general, for me anyway.

 They also have good and funny secondary characters. Sang hyun (Lee Seung joon) and Ja ae (Seo Jeong yeon) were my favorites and Onew as Chi hoon was a surprise to me but nonetheless did a good job.

Descendants of the Sun surely captured a lot of hearts but I still think it was over-rated. Don't get me wrong, I loved it and enjoyed every single episode but like I said, I've seen better drama with better plot. I mean, the plot of this drama had lots of potential with its military and medical stuff going on but they settled on melodrama which is really not a bad thing. I'm just saying that maybe they should've developed the military and medical sides of the show which would be more interesting since I, myself, am a huge fan of action-romance! But either way, I guess DotS's magic worked on a lot of people seeing that the drama's ratings were higher than expected.

Overall I give it a 3-star rating out of 5! It wasn't that bad but it wasn't that great either. I guess people were just too excited to see Song Joong ki in uniform which I admit was really manly and sexy! This drama was also his first role after getting out of the army which I think also helped on gaining viewers since people were waiting for his comeback.

And, oh, I forgot to mention about the bromance in this drama because there was!

♥

Book: On The Fence by Kasie West

 ★★★★★/★★★★★

 “We can't let boys define how we feel about ourselves. You have to know who you are before you should let any boy worth anything in.”

Okay. So, On The Fence is officially my new favorite West book! Like her other books, this one is cute, sweet and everything is just so perfect! Few pages in and I knew I was going to love it. And West does not disappoint. If I enjoyed The Distance Between Us, The Fill-In Boyfriend and P.S. I Like You, I really truly dearly loved On The Fence!! ♥

On The Fence is the story of Charlie, a girl who grew up with a single father and three brothers, Jerom, Nathan and Gage, plus Braden, their neighbor who might as well be her fourth brother for always being with them. Right from the start it's always been Charlie, her father, her brothers and Braden. They're a family which everyone is comfortable with. Now Charlie is sixteen and growing up surrounded by her brothers and Braden, she has somehow became "one of the boys", acting and dressing like them which also became normal for her. All of them love sports; soccer, basketball, baseball, you name it, and they all get along so well when it comes to that. And being raised by all boys actually has its perks like in the field of sports and other boy stuff. But when Charlie suddenly takes a job at a boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she has no clue what to do. Being a tomboy, it's like she's lost and needs someone to teach her the basics when it comes to dresses, makeup and other girly stuff. Fortunately, Linda, her boss, can read her and just knows what to do. And it doesn't really help that one night she and Braden just suddenly starts having their own alternate world by the fence, which eventually leads to realizing some hidden feelings inside her.

This book seriously gave me all the feels! It's adorable and sweet and I just love everything EVERYTHING about it, thus 5 shining stars! The story runs in a good pacing, the characters are all lovely, the family dynamic is present and Charlie is the kind of character you can easily connect with. The story is actually refreshing since I've been reading vampires and dystopia lately so it was really nice to read a fluffy contemporary!

Let me give you three reasons why I superfreakin'love this book! First, Charlie has more sides than meets the eye. She may not act girly but at one point she starts worrying about how she acts and how guys look at her. And I think we all came to that point where we worry about how we present ourselves and how other sees us just like her. We all have our insecurities and I think it's harder for Charlie since she thinks she's not "normal" because she doesn't wear a dress or sparkly tops, doesn't put on makeup and instead of being a cheerleader, she plays sports. Her brothers make it even harder by treating her like she's one of them, wrestling and throwing her around. But despite struggling to find her true self, Charlie eventually learns that the people who truly cares will love her for who she is whether she plays sports better than any other guys or wears makeup and beautiful clothes. 

“I could've killed you guys three times by now. Stop flirting with my sister and get your head in the game. I'll give you a ten-second head start.”

Second reason, Charlie's family. I freakin' love her goofy brothers! Each of them has their own personalities and they're adorably protective of Charlie. They love her and would punch anyone who messes with her. Especially guys! I personally love Gage the most since he's the craziest and closest to Charlie. But Jerom and Nathan are cool as well. I liked it everytime they tease and harass Charlie. Lol. We also see Charlie's father and his struggle on how to raise a daughter. It's obvious he doesn't have a clue how so he depends on a book by Carol which is really heartwarming. Then there's Charlie's mother who died when she was young and I think it plays a major role in her character development. Sometimes it makes Charlie wonder if things will be different if only her mother is around. Will she spend more time with her than with her brothers? Will she be more feminine? Will she not play sports but go shopping and learn make up? And now that she discovers that she actually likes putting on makeup and dressing up a little, she's afraid to let her dad and brothers know because she thinks they might not approve. She thinks it will disappoint them to see her a little girly because they're so used to seeing her in baggy clothes and playing sports with them.

“What are you doing and why did you have a goofy grin in your face when you came in here? You sneaking around? Is there some boy I need to beat up?”

This book actually made me want to have brothers because how cool and fun would it be to have brothers like them? But either way I got my three super girly and fun sisters and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Well, maybe except for Braden? Lol. And that leads us to the third reason why I love this book. Braden. He's charming, sweet, kind, caring, athletic and he's perfect! He knew Charlie more than she knew herself and Charlie claims that she knew him more than he knew himself. They're actually perfect for each other! The romance in this book is slow but really sweet. Like ohemgeethey'resoadorable sweet! Charlie's interactions with Braden are my favorites and I so so love seeing them bantering with each other.

“If you can't be yourself around him, then you shouldn't be dating him.”

I think it's really sweet that Charlie and Braden started off as friends then eventually developed feelings for each other. They've known each other since they were kids so they knew everything about each other. They're comfortable goofing around and interacting with each other—sitting too close, holding each other, playing around—but when when Charlie starts realizing her real feelings for Braden, even looking at him becomes torture because she thought Braden only see her like a sister. Little does she know that Braden has been feeling the same way but only stopping himself because he doesn't want to ruin their friendship and I think he's afraid to face the wrath of Charlie's overprotective brothers, and father, in a way.

And, and! I really liked that scene when Charlie just came back from camp and everyone is watching a rom-com movie courtesy of Amber and Charlie wishes they're watching an A's game and then Braden just starts spelling something on her knee with his finger letting her know that he wants to watch the A's game too but can't do anything about it. That's a really sweet scene! And oh my god that soccer scene where Charlie bites Braden on the neck and Braden bites her back. All the feels, you guys!! :")

I also remember Skye from The Distance Between Us and if I liked her there, I  loved her in this book! She and Linda are charming and it's good to see that she gets along well with Charlie too. The other secondary characters are also amazing. Amber and Evan are both likeable and Evan is actually nice. And I like that Amber and Gage end up together.

Overall it's a very sweet, charming and fluffy read! A cute contemporary that will surely give you all the feels. Charlie and Braden are so good together but can I please have Braden? I don't play any sport but I'll learn just for him. Or I can be his cheerleader! ♥ It's my fourth book of Kasie West and now I can't wait to read her next book!

* * *

He stared at me for a long time, as if trying to read my sincerity. His breath touched my lips. It took everything in me not to close the distance between us. When his lips brushed against mine, I let out an involuntary gasp. Had I done that?

“Am I reading you wrong?” he asked.

I shook my head no. I couldn't find my voice, couldn't dare to believe this meant what I  thought it meant.

He let out a slow breath of air that smelled so familiar. “I was going to tell you that.”

“You were going to tell me that you wanted to kiss me?”

He nodded. “Is this going to change everything?”

“I sure hope so.”

He smiled and his gazed went from my eyes, to my mouth then up to my hair. He tucked a piece behind my ear. “You're so beautiful.”

October 2016 Music Videos

24K Magic - Bruno Mars (Oct 6)

 Love Me Now - John Legend (Oct 6)

 Lagi Mong Tatandaan - Parokya Ni Edgar (Oct 7)


Body Moves - DNCE (Oct 11)

Grow Up - Olly Murs (Oct 12)

 No Regrets - Magic! (Oct 14)

 Don't Wanna Know - Maroon 5 (Oct14)

Famous - Nathan Sykes (Oct 17)

 Voodoo - Nick Jonas (Oct 17)

Shout Out toMy Ex - Little Mix (Oct 20)

Closer - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (Oct 24)

My Way - Calvin Harris (Oct 28)

Book: Vampire Kisses (Vampire Kisses #1) by Ellen Schreiber

★★★★/★★★★★

“The moon is so beautiful tonight,” he said, staring out the gazebo.

“Makes me think of werewolves. Do you think a man can change into an animal?”

“If he's with the right girl,” he said with a laugh.

This one is a re-read. I first read the series years back when my friend lent the first book to me and I remember loving it. I admit I wasn't into vampires back then, well, except to Edward Cullen, I guess, but Vampire Kisses was somewhat cute and entertaining so I guess that did it. And it's a vampire ROMANCE so, yeah, I was sold right away.

 Raven Madison is obsessed with vampires, she actually wants to be one. Her obsession started when she was in Kindergarten and since then it's become her ambition to find an actual vampire and be one. Now she's sixteen and her dream hasn't changed. She likes black, watches vampire movies and she dresses in a gothic way branding her a little different from the others. Her style also doesn't get her a lot of friends except Becky, a timid farm girl everyone makes fun of. And if there's one thing in Dullsville Raven loves, it's the abandoned mansion sitting on Benson Hill. Now when the creepy Sterlings suddenly claim the mansion, rumors say they are vampires. And what more can pique Raven's interest than a family of vampires right under her nose? One way or another, Raven knew she has to find out the truth about the Sterlings, she especially likes to know more about the son, the Gothic Prince, Alexander Sterling.

Vampire Kisses is a light but engaging read. I liked Raven so much because she's perky and funny and she never lets anyone boss her around. She has a weird family but don't we all have? Her parents used to be hippies but until now they're still cool. She finds her little brother, Billy—Nerd Boy, annoying but he can be cute and sweet too. I actually love their scenes, when they're fighting and annoying the hell out of each other!

“You didn't go to Oakley Woods with a poster. You didn't dress up like a vampire to impress a poster. And you didn't hide my dad's racket so you could gain the attention of a raging poster!”

Aside from Raven's family, there's also Becky, her shy but very supportive bestfriend, and Trevor, her nemesis who annoys her all the chance he gets. Trevor is obviously crushing on Raven but he denies it by bullying her. I liked that Raven doesn't fear Trevor and she actually provokes him once in a while which just makes things more exciting.

“You want me so bad,” I shouted in his face. “And you can't have me!”

Now, now, let's get to Mr. Gothic Prince. Alexander Sterling is the son of the new family living in the creepy mansion. I remember adoring Alexander back then and now, well, he's still okay. He's nice but awkward in a sexy way! He likes hanging around the cemetery, doesn't go out in the day and loves the dark. Throughout the book we see Raven trying to figure out if Alexander is a vampire and really wishes he is. They eventually hit it off, Alexander inviting Raven to the mansion (not sneaking in, this time) and then decided to somewhat become friends.

“I want a relationship I can finally sink my teeth into.”

The humor and the darkness of this book mix quite well that I can't help but love it more and more. It's only the first book, I think I got through until the fifth back then, but I plan to finish all the books in the series now. And I know there's a bunch of other vampire books out there but if you want a quick, funny and very entertaining vampire romance, you should try this one.

Book: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

 ★★★★/★★★★★

 “The best discoveries always happened to the people weren't looking for them. Columbus and America. Pinzón, who stumbled on Brazil while looking for the West Indies. Stanley happening on Victoria Falls. And you. Amy Curry, when I was least expecting her.”

This might not be my most favorite Matson book but I surely loved and enjoyed it! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a perfect summer read with an exciting road trip and likeable characters. This actually reminded me so much of With This Heart by R.S. Grey with the road trip and a cute boy for a company. Light, heart warming and entertaining, this book is one of those you will certainly enjoy.

I always love road trip stories especially because they mean exciting destinations, good music, lots and lots of snacks and road trip games! I admit I want to have a bizarre road trip myself (of course, with a cute guy with me!) and who knows someday I might write a book about my epic trip too!

“But there are two things that are absolutely necessary if you're going to be hitting the road.”

“And what are those?”

Roger smiled at me as he paused at a stoplight. “Snacks and tunes.” he said. “Not necessarily in that order.”

Amy Curry just lost her dad in a car accident. Ever since the accident, Amy found herself afraid of driving and somewhat distant from her mother and twin brother. And it didn't really help that her mother decided to move to Connecticut to start anew. Now Amy is living alone in their old house, finishing school but once it ends, she must travel to Connecticut to live with her mother. Everything is going as they planned until Amy's mother tells her she has to drive her car all the way to Connecticut because it'd be cheaper that way than to ship the car. Instantly, Amy knew there's no way she can but, of course, her mother knew it and tell her she's got her a driver who's willing to drive her. Enter Roger, Amy's childhood friend and now driver. It's awkward at first but soon Amy and Roger find themselves enjoying and taking a little detour from the route Amy's mother had planned for them. It's an epic detour with lots of music, snacks, 20 questions and spontaneous stop overs. A journey that lets both Amy and Roger realize and accept some things in life.

“It’s not about the destination. It’s getting there that’s the good part.”

 I love all the characters! Amy is the kind of character that is so hard not to like and she's been through enough pain. There's the guilt from the accident which she really struggles from that she can't even talk about it and then there's her issues with her mother and brother Charlie. The trip also reminds her so much of her dad which just breaks her heart because she, her dad and Charlie were supposed to go on a trip their dad had planned and was so excited about. And Amy just seems so hurt and broken I want to hug her myself! Roger, on the other hand, is so good to be true! I mean, he's a total gentleman, adorable and sweet. He takes care of Amy all throughout and I love that along the way he gets to clear some issues of his own too.

The secondary characters are also as lovely and likeable! Walcott, Bronwyn, Loenard and Lucien are a hell of secondary characters and I enjoyed them all. I think they made the book more exciting, inspiring and entertaining. Amy's short but meaningful encounter with them surely teach her a lot about some things. And Lucien? If I didn't like Roger enough, I would've shipped him and Amy! Lol. 

“Tomorrow will be better.”

“But what if it's not?” I asked.

Walcott smiled and let go of the CD. “Then you say it again tomorrow. Because it might be. You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better.”

I loved that Amy and Roger both enjoy the trip and along the way they meet new friends, discover new things and feel new feelings. They both learn a few things and Amy finds herself slowly opening up and mending her relationship with her bother and mother. Same with Roger for he finds himself moving on from a relationship he doesn't deserve. And the romance between them is really sweet. Though it doesn't happen until the latter part, it's there. And I'm actually glad it's not an insta-love!

 

This book is really an entertaining read, has a simple plot, interesting characters and a bit emotional. I don't live in America so I also found it a bit informative with all the details about some of the states. The scrapbook part is one of my favorites too.The playlists, the pictures and notes make it more interesting and fun.

* * *

“Sancho Panza.” Drew repeated. “It's from Don Quixote. The navigator. But listen. The thing about Magellan is the thing about most explorers. Most times, they're just determined to follow impossible things. And most of them are so busy looking at the horizon that they can't even see what's right in front of them.”

Why I want an OPPO F1s

When choosing a new phone, we consider a lot of things. The look, the camera, the RAM, its OS and of course the other important specifications. I, myself, am choosy when buying a new phone. The camera should be at least 8MP, it should have big memory since I love downloading music, and it should be user friendly among other things. I admit I'm not an expert when it comes to the latest gadgets but I know what I want. And what I want is OPPO F1s and there's no doubt about it since it has the best features I'm looking for in a phone.

I first heard about OPPO F1s when it made a noise about its camera branding it Selfie Expert. I was intrigued so of course I made my own research. Sure enough, I've read a lot of good reviews about it and was convinced I needed to get one for myself.

But what I like best in OPPO F1s is its 3GB RAM because, really, who wants a slow phone that always lags when you're watching a YouTube video or playing a game? I'm a fan of watching online videos and I also have soooo many apps on my phone so it'll be perfect if I have an OPPO F1s to make switching between apps easier and faster.

In short, I really really want to have an OPPO F1s! It'll be the perfect Christmas present because, hey, Christmas is just around the corner! I also just said goodbye to my old phone of 4 years, if you believe it, so now I'm looking for a new one and like I said, I really want to have an OPPO F1s! A friend of mine also has an OPPO phone and told me she's loving it. The camera is her favorite feature because, of course, everyone loves to take selfies! :)

 And I believe I've been a good girl this year so I think I deserve a little present this Christmas. How I wish Secret Santa could hear my prayer! ♥

If you want more information about OPPO F1s, visit here.
To know more about the contest, visit Nuffnang.

#FreeTheJoy with Limited Edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas Flavors

It's October, you guys!! And Ber months mean Christmas is just around the corner. Yay! But, but! That's not all, because Cadbury Dairy Milk’s limited edition Christmas flavors are back which make Christmas even sweeter and merrier! :D

I remember everytime our dad comes home from abroad with a bag of Duty Free and my sisters and I are all excited to find Cadbury Dairy Milk bars inside. You can actually say that we're Cadbury Dairy Milk kids because since we were little until now it's our favorite. These limited Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas flavors actually remind me of them and now I know what to give them this Christmas! 

For each of them I decided to give these Cadbury Dairy Milk’s limited edition Christmas flavors.

My older sister, Anne, likes chocolate cookies and red jellies so I really believe she's going to love Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest. Since she's working even on holidays, Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest will keep her company and I'm certain she's going to enjoy its crunchiness and chewiness.

Yana, on the other hand, likes her chocolate to be filled with flavors so I think Cadbury Dairy Milk French Vanilla is perfect for her. The French vanilla cream will surely surprise her and I can't wait to see how she's going to love it.

 And then our youngest sister, Aly, will definitely enjoy Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse since chocolate mousse is just her favorite! This light and airy chocolate-flavored cream enveloped in classic milk chocolate shell compliments her personality of being a sweet sister.

Now I know what to give my sisters this Christmas thanks to Cadbury Dairy Milk. I'm sure all of them are going to love it and I hope this will earn me votes to be the Sister of the Year! :D

Are you looking for the best gift to give this Christmas? Why not give a Cadbury Dairy Milk to your loved ones? I'm sure they're going to love these limited edition Christmas flavors too!

“Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest, Cadbury Dairy Milk French Vanilla, and Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse are available in 180g packs for a suggested retail price of P180.00. Hurry and get all flavors – available until supplies last! #FreeTheJoy this Christmas with Cadbury Dairy Milk! ”