Book Review: More Than This – Jay McLean

Posted on May 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
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If you’ve read The Secret of Ella and Micha, you’d notice a striking resemblance on the writing style of Jessica Sorensen and the author of this book, Jay McLean. Not that it’s bad but it feels like reading a book from the former. But hey, this first book from the “More series” is actually truly much more than the “Secret series by Sorensen”. This I enjoyed reading tremendously. I appreciate the characters more and the story development is more enticing and fast-paced.

 You see, Mikayla and Jake met each other under some horrible circumstances. Mikayla caught her boyfriend cheating with her bestfriend, then her whole family was murdered and these things happened in just one night. A girl couldn’t handle that much right? That’s where the knight in shining armor, Jake Andrews shows up and helps Mikayla get through all of these. With all of these things, both developed feelings for each other but they are both scared to admit it believing that they’re not yet ready for it or the other may feel differently.

 I just love how progressive the characters here are. They are funny in a very strange way and they’re adorable all at the same time. Jake’s character so reminds me Micha that is why I mentioned the book by Sorensen but the reminder only begins at their “loyalty” with one girl and it stops there. I love the chemistry between him and Mikayla. I love that they have friends who are much involved. I love one of their friends Lucy who loves reading e-books and is a mean drunk! That girl’s way too funny! My one slightly unfavorable critique is the interchanging POV. It gets a bit confusing a couple of times but I guess that’s okay. I mean, the story’s beautifully written and the characters are well introduced. It was a strong book and a great start of a series!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Review: Maleficent (2014)

Posted on May 29, 2014 | 5 comments
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She’s one of Disney’s most iconic villains and she’s the “evil” fairy that casted a spell on Princess Aurora – the princess we came to know as the beloved Sleeping Beauty. This film was told from the perspective of Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) – the once good fairy whose heart was shattered by the only man she loved which turned her into a lost and angry villain. Truly, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. The events on the film mainly focused on what transpired after she gifted a curse to the newly born princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) and from there we see another persona of Maleficent as the misunderstood, hurt, angry and someone who is also capable of love.

Angelina Jolie owned this character into perfection. Her portrayal was beyond graceful. I’d even think that this was Angelina at her best. She was graceful, composed and that evil smirk just gave me goosebumps! I thought the that narration went well into the film highlighting each event and the characters. I was particularly drawn to Diaval (Sam Riley) because he’s got it good with Maleficent. There were some fun moments in there. Fanning was an okay choice but was rather dull most of the time. Perhaps, that’s what her role was supposed to portray (Anyway, I find the character of Sleeping Beauty the most boring amongst the Disney Princesses – no pun intended) and if that’s the case – she did well then. Sharito Copley was barely there and I could easily replace Brenton Thwaites with any other actors who could play a good prince charming role better than him.

The whole vibe of the film was okay. ‘Love the scoring, the story development and the animation but it’s really Angelina who gave the film an absolute curiosity to be seen. It’s a movie about this villain Maleficent and she did her part to make it all about her. Angelina Jolie is one and only – singular. And I should think that she’s enough reason for you guys to watch this one.

Director: Robert Stromberg
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharito Copley, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites

Rating: 7/10

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The Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014 Schedule

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

For those of you guys who would like to check out the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014 – here’s the schedule of the shows lined up. I actually missed to post this a little bit early but better late than never right 🙂 If you didn’t get any invites, you can still see some of the shows which will be held in MOA Atrium as stated below or check out the collections at the official website of the Philippine Fashion Week HERE.

via philippinefashionweeklive.com

via philippinefashionweeklive.com

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Jodilly Pendre & Katarina Rodriguez on the cover of Metro Magazine – June 2014 Edition!

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Metro Magazine

via Metro Magazine

Jodilly with her copy!! Yay!

Jodilly with her copy!! Yay!

Yesssiirr! I am totally loving the next month’s cover of Metro Magazine which features the second and third placer Pinay models in Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2  – Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez. It’s just so refreshing to actually see working models making it in the cover of a fashion magazine esp. here in the Philippines!!! I’m so glad that Metro decided to to go with this and I’m very proud of these two ladies as well!!!

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Book Review: The Forever Of Ella And Micha – Jessica Sorensen

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Published October 15th 2013 by Forever

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via goodreads

Maybe I’m truly a masochist because reading this book was terribly painful and I went through it even if it hurts – bad pain that is. I was thinking that I owe it to my friend (who bought some ebooks for me including this one and eight titles from the same author) to finish the book since I’ve already started it but this one’s just utterly disappointing! It’s probably one of the worst books I’ve read so far this year.

Ella and Micha have survived tragedy and heartbreak. When they’re together, anything seems possible. But now they are thousands of miles apart, and managing their long distance relationship will put their love to the test.

Ella is back at school, trying hard not worry so much about her future. But with her father in and out of rehab, she’s having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.

Micha spends his days touring the country with his band, but deep down he knows something is missing. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought it would be. He wants her closer to him-needs her with him. But he won’t ask her to leave college, just to be with him.

The few moments they do spend together are intense and passionate, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever? (source)

The pacing of the story was my main problem here and the story arc isn’t going anywhere – that is beside the fact that it tends to be predictable. I wasn’t even hoping for redemption of some sort at the end because the whole thing feels so heavy – just unbearable. I didn’t expect that I’d have such intense dislike of these first two titles from the series. For now, I think I’m going to skip the rest and delay reading the other eight titles that I’ve gotten from the same author.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Secret Of Ella And Micha – Jessica Sorensen

Posted on May 27, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I’m currently on the second book (The Forever Of Ella And Micha) while writing this review. I was able to finish this book in six hours and it’s not because it’s that good but because I just want to get over the whole thing. It’s not that bad though, I’m just really disappointed with the whole story.

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it’s summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes. (source)

I thought the beginning was very promising and the characters of Ella and Micha are very interesting but the whole vibe of the story’s just borderline boring. I love the setting but I didn’t like the narrative at all. Ella’s character’s just too overbearing for me. Whilst I love Micha’s character – I thought it lacks characterization. I’m even more interested with Ethan and Lila’s character (their respective bff’s and I’m glad that they have their own book which I’m more excited to read in the coming days.) Anyways, I’m gonna make this quick. I still want to give this two a chance (since I’m having more fun this time reading the second book) but the first one was just a total snooze fest. I thought the title’s great but really – the inside of the book is nowhere near the impressive and curious title.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Review: Mad Love (1995)

Posted on May 26, 2014 | 3 comments
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8345481

Mad Love remains one of my personal favorites from Chris O’Donnell. It may not be his best or most acclaimed film, but it was one of the first I saw of him—and it stuck with me.

O’Donnell plays Matt Leland, a straight-laced teenager who falls for Casey Roberts (Drew Barrymore), the wild and impulsive new girl next door who struggles with bipolar dhttps://amzn.to/3V6fpRpisorder. Fueled by young love, rebellion, and a desire to escape their troubled lives, the two run away together in hopes of finding freedom. But Matt soon learns that love isn’t enough to outrun reality—especially when mental illness is part of the journey.

Despite its lukewarm reception from critics, I still find Mad Love watchable and emotionally resonant. Yes, the story has its flaws—the plot is thin, and at times, the pacing falters—but there’s a quiet honesty in how it portrays teenage angst, first love, and the complexities of mental health.

The film doesn’t get everything right, but it has heart. The chemistry between O’Donnell and Barrymore carries the story, and the soundtrack adds just the right amount of 90s grit and sentimentality to give the film its own flavor.

Mad Love may not have delivered a perfect narrative, but with a solid cast, a moody soundtrack, and two compelling leads, it still deserves a second look—especially for anyone who grew up in the era or has a soft spot for 90s teen dramas.

Via PEx Movie Challenge – Movies Released Before 2000

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Book Review: Tangled – Emma Chase

Posted on May 25, 2014 | 3 comments

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This book got me smiling from ear to ear in less than three pages from the moment I started reading it. Crazy right? But true, the book’s really quite funny. I feel like reading the diary of the male version of Carrie Bradshaw! Drew’s narration of his epic love story is funny, witty, clever and 100 percent honest to goodness orgasmic! LOL. Now top that!

You see, Drew’s got the looks, the power, wealth and that sexy adorable charm. The guy’s got everything – yup, almost until he catches “the flu”. Yup, dear ol’ Drew fell for Katherine Brooks – a newbie from his father’s investment firm where he’s the main star – until Kate came around the picture. And she’s engaged.

With his main mantra, “What Drew wants, Drew gets” – our loverboy is set to sweep Kate off her feet but Kate’s like Drew  in every sense so how on earth could he win her especially if he never fell in love before?

Pretty interesting huh? You got to love the way Emma Chase tells you the story through the perspective of a guy who almost have it all and Drew’s telling it straight like a boss – straight in your face honest-no-bull-crap. This is actually a good self-help book for women if I’m being honest. Haha.

I am so getting on with the Tangled bandwagon – after all, the book’s author won last year’s Debut Goodreads Author of the year for this piece! It was freaking amazing that’s why it won so many hearts and so many swooning book dork (like moi.) This is one book I don’t mind seeing on the big screen! It’s just a total mouth orgasm! It’s too good a book not to be realized in the big screen! Cmon’ people start the petition and make this into a movie NOW!!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Nowhere But Here – Renée Carlino

Posted on May 25, 2014 | Leave a comment

Nowehere But HereAlthough predictable from the very start, the book was enticing enough for me to read and actually enjoy the whole thing. It’s a feel good read and after finishing it, I just feel totally rejuvenated for some reason.

Kate and Jamie’s love story is a tender story of love, loss and living life at the moment.

Kate’s a Chicago reporter in her mid-twenties who was given an assignment to interview the elusive R.J Lawson, a tech billionaire who disappeared in the public eye until he recently emerge as an owner of a successful Napa Valley vineyard. Here, Kate met the handsome and charming Jamie who showered her with attention and made her feel like “worth coming home to” but at the end of the week, Jamie disappeared from her and she was left heartbroken going home – that is after realizing that she didn’t really know who the man really was. Now, once the truth surfaced – will their love conquer everything or will this end all of the dreams she’s started to build in her head and in her heart.

I’m glad that I was able to get hold of this beautifully written love story. Renée Carlino writes with passion which I could tell from merely reading the wording of this book. It’s the first book I’ve read from her and it actually says on her bio that she’s got this series (a bestselling one called “Sweet Thing”) like seriously – I enjoyed this book so much and I’m actually very excited to read some of her works (which I’ve already purchased by the way *grin*.) Reading this book was rather a pleasant surprise and I’m just so happy that I stumbled upon this one at the right time.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Published May 5th 2014 by Atria Books

About The Author
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women’s novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

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Book Review: Warrior’s Cross – Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Posted on May 24, 2014 | Leave a comment

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I’ve read this book after reading the first eight books of Cut & Run series but don’t get me wrong though, this is a stand-alone book and if you happen to be curious about the characters in this one – meaning the main characters Julian Cross and Cameron Jacobs, then you can read the fifth series of Cut & Run – Armed & Dangerous but that won’t be fun if you won’t read the Cut & Run series right? Anywas, the events that transpired here happened before Armed & Dangerous so if you don’t have the time or you don’t want to read the Cut & Run series, you can just enjoy reading this one.

Cameron Jacobs is an open book. He considers himself a common waiter with normal friends, boring hobbies, harmless dogs, and nothing even resembling a secret… except a crush on a tall, dark, devastatingly handsome man who dines alone at his restaurant on Tuesday nights. All it takes is one passionate night with Julian Cross to turn Cameron’s world on its head.

Julian’s love and devotion are all Cameron could have hoped for and more. But when his ordinary life meets and clashes with Julian’s extraordinary lifestyle, Cameron discovers that trust and fear can go hand in hand, and love is just a step away from danger (source.)

The story’s actually fairly simple. An ordinary looking guy who works as a waiter in a fine-dining restaurant fell for his customer who’s also been attracted to him for like the longest time now. I’m not really digging the whole story. I thought it was repetitive and has a very weak storyline. I thought it’s the worst from the Cut & Run network of books. Though, I loved Julian Cross’s character – I thought the story didn’t give him justice. Cameron Jacobs’ well – as the book implies – is truly unremarkable. I think his character have more to offer in Armed & Dangerous. Here though, his character’s just plain flat. It was Julian’s character and his driver Preston who actually piqued my interest more than Cameron. Hey, don’t be discourage though, I thought the whole thing’s still readable – or better than some but I highly suggest that if you’re going to read this one – make sure you take some time off and immerse yourself in the world of Cut & Run.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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