I've been reading romance a lot lately. I mean I've been reading this for years now but nowadays, it's like all I want to read is this. I won't lie, back then I didn't even wanna tell people I read romance because they either laugh at me for reading something so "cliche" or they just look down on romance books. But I grew out of that, I don't even give an f-word anymore *cries I can't curse here so here we are lol*.

This is a random post because I need more content in my blog since I'm quite inactive lately.
And this has been in my drafts for a while now but I just finished editing it so.. 😅

---

1. I enjoy the tension between the characters. And I don't mean tension as the negative kind. I meant the kind of tension where both characters are so close to admitting they like each other but it's still not happening. Enemies to lovers? Hate to love? Best friends to lovers? Marriage inconvenience? Idiots to lovers? Friends to enemies to lovers? This one applies to majority of tropes. Nothing screams like "GET TOGETHER ALREADY OH MY GOD" while you're feeling the frustration AND excitement at once.

2. I get amazed by some stories where the author is capable of making me feel all kinds of emotions. Romance authors should really get some credit for how they're able to weave stories that could tug our heartstrings. It's not that easy to write a romance book with a story that can make your readers feel a rush of emotions that either knock them off their feet or have them grinning so wide like a Cheshire Cat or being able to connect with the characters emotionally. There are just those certain books where you have to pause because you're feeling so many things but loving it at the same time. Books that made/make me cry are ones I'm always wow-ed at. I'm a picky romance reader so making me cry is a big deal.

3. Some stories where the main character is successful also makes me feel successful. This is so random but yes. I love reading the main character's journey to success and the things they went through to be there. I feel a sense of pride for the character and I don't know, I love feeling it even if it's just fictional. Some stories are pretty inspiring too. I know this applies to other genres too but with contemporary romance, I feel it so much closer to home since it's set in the real world. I'll give Georgie from Tessa Bailey's Fix Her Up as an example. Georgie is successful with her work because it's something she's passionate about and her main goal is to make her customers - or people - happy, and they are, and it gave me a sense of pride and happiness for her because she fought for that job. It's something she believed in and there's this "WOW I FELT THAT" moment talked about it passionately.

4. Because the romance books I read are contemporary, I see myself in a lot of characters. Back then, I enjoyed this genre (NA/Adult) because the age of the characters and my age are closer. Now, it's more than that. Like my point in number three, it's set in the real world so it's a lot closer to what I also feel in real life. I relate to characters whether their feeling is related to school, or their family, or their love life, or even to the things they want or not want to do. This is where that hashtag #RELATABLE is applicable.

5. Romance has a very wide variety of stories to choose from. It irks me when someone who's never read romance generalizes all books as the typical "CHARACTER A FALLS IN LOVE WITH CHARACTER B AND THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER BLAH" because the ones I've read are so much more than that. Every character has their own story to tell that doesn't just float around inside the romance bubble. There are romance books that also tackle the issues of society and are explored in the story. There are also so many tropes to choose from I mean, you're like eating a buffet.

6. I like to get lost in the couple's love. I don't know if I worded this right but I love feeling the love... you get me.. Like I love reading about their journey of falling in love or falling out of love and then finding each other again. And sure, that moment where you'd find your OTP.

7. I love feeling happy. This is like all the points in one. I love picking up a romance book because most of them put me in a good mood even if the story's journey was rough. The ending's always worth it *granted if the story's good and it has a HEA though

---

I don't know if I made enough sense in this post to get message across but like I said, I've been reading more and more romance books these days. I just wanted to express how much I enjoy them and why it's my go-to read. 💖

---

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus // HANDS DOWN ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS THIS YEAR. I'm excited for the sequel even though I'm curious of what will happen since the first book kind of wrapped up alright?

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus // Another one I loved this year! I read this first before of One of Us is Lying. Now this one had me more interested in the YA thriller/mystery genre.

Sadie by Courtney Summers // I'm neutral over this one. I did like some aspects of it but I wasn't just into the story entirely.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins // This isn't a favorite but this was a refreshing and kinda surprising (because of the genre) read from Stephanie Perkins' contemporary romance stories.

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas // I wasn't that fond of this too but it was still engaging at some point in the story.



Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake // I don't really remember much from this book but I did rate it high.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke // ONE OF MY FAVORITE COVERS. Look at that typography~ anyway, this was one of the books that got me into YA horror.

A Magic Dark & Bright by Jenny Adams Perinovic // This isn't shelved in horror but I did remember getting scared/crept out when I read this. I don't know what happened but it's been years and there's still no update for the next book.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman // I loved the movie as a kid (wasn't that scary for me) but I just read this book around...two years I ago I think, I forgot.

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by multiple authors, stories selected by April Genevieve Tucholke // I LOOOVE THIS BOOK! A part of me wants another one of this. The stories were creepy (okay some of them, some stories were just mild) and it lives up to the title. One story in particular was downright disturbing and horrifying for me. List of authors that participated in this book:

• Stefan Bachmann 
• Leigh Bardugo 
• Kendare Blake 
• A. G. Howard
• Jay Kristoff 
• Marie Lu 
• Jonathan Maberry 
• Danielle Paige 
• Carrie Ryan 
• Megan Shepherd 
• Nova Ren Suma 
• McCormick Templeman 
• April Genevieve Tucholke 
• Cat Winters

---

Right now, I just want to lie down and sleep for a bit.
But I got stuff to do and I want to read.

I need to sort out my priorities.

---

ON THE BLOG

I didn't do much blogging for this week because I wasn't feeling it. I only have one post and it's not even book-related but I am happy about it since it's my first post that doesn't talk about books. I have more lined up but they need more editing so I don't know when to post them for now.

• I Don't Get Tired Of Them: Pixar Films 

---

BOOK TALK

---

LIFE TALK

SCHOOL

• That's pretty much my week in a nutshell via tweets
• For Tuesday class, I've never felt so much pressure working on a (illustration) plate 
• I DON'T LIKE HAVING A TIME LIMIT WHEN IT COMES TO ART
• I felt awful last Tuesday and I hate what I felt because looking at my work, IT WASN'T ENOUGH
• And what's worse is that the professor in-charge of that class is famous of failing his students
• I'm mentally breaking down
• But I'm trying so hard to be positive right now
• Also my class schedule changed
• I was one of the unfortunate ones to be transferred to the Saturday afternoon class from my Friday morning class
• I'd rather have my classes early in the mornings than late afternoons BIG SIGH
• I have FIVE PLATES to do (2 down, 3 to go)
• I really need more extra time
• On the lighter side of things, I do feel motivated and determined so I guess that's good?
• I'm tired and running out of ideas but I'm not letting it get to me
• This is... a lot to take in I'm so sorry

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

• I met with a close friend yesterday
• And I rambled to him about life
• And it felt good to let it out to someone who also listens
• And the rambling was done with pizza
• I missed eating pizza

---

FIRST POST THAT ISN'T BOOK-RELATED!! FINALLY!! I've been wanting to do this for a while now. I love talking about movies, tv shows and music as much as I do with books so I decided to start this. Also a bonus of getting to know me a bit.

I hold animated movies close to my heart and they're a big reason why I'm fond of animation and why I pursued the arts in college.

So about this, I have watched all of Pixar's movies. I have all of them in my laptop and my favorites are on DVD. The earliest one I could recall was A Bug's Life and I was fascinated because the movie looked so different from the Disney Classic Films which were in 2D.

Anyway, here are my favorites!!

---

A Bug's Life (1998)

On behalf of "oppressed bugs everywhere," an inventive ant named Flik hires a troupe of warrior bugs to defend his bustling colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers led by the evil-minded Hopper.

One of the movies I truly enjoyed when I was a kid. I never really thought I would be fascinated by insects but Pixar did a good job of making me feel bad for ants even though they like to bite me when I'm just minding my own business. And in the process, I really viewed the bird as the evil one when it was just trying to be a momma to her kids and looking for food lol.

Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters.

I wasn't fond of this movie after watching the trailer. It's why I didn't watch this at the cinema when it came out. However, this was played on Disney Channel on TV during a countdown to the new year - I forgot what year that was - so I sat down and watched while waiting for midnight and well... it was actually fun. And now I've rewatched it a bunch of times. Props to Rascal Flatt's Life is a Highway though because that song's catchy and perfect for a road trip playlist. I don't like the sequels though.



Brave (2012)

Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Mérida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Mérida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Mérida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Mérida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.

Someone from Tumblr pointed out that Merida reminds them of Clary Fray (The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare) because of the hair and now I can't unsee it. And she kinda reminds me of Avery Morgansten too (Wait for You by Jennifer L. Armentrout) and very appropriate too how Cam calls Avery "Shortcake". For some reason I love rewatching this. Partly for the humor and the other for Merida's relationship with her mom. I love my mom so this one really hit in the feels.

James Sullivan and Mike Wazowski are monsters, they earn their living scaring children and are the best in the business... even though they're more afraid of the children than they are of them. When a child accidentally enters their world, James and Mike suddenly find that kids are not to be afraid of and they uncover a conspiracy that could threaten all children across the world.

I still smile so wide whenever Boo says "Mike Wazowski!". It's so cute. The scene from at the sushi restaurant is something that I will remember forever because Disney had that scene on TV as a promotional clip when this movie was about to be aired on TV for the first time. I mean Boo saying "boo!" to a bunch of monsters and them freaking out over a little girl was iconic.



Toy Story (1995)

Led by Woody, Andy's toys live happily in his room until Andy's birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy's heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, the duo eventually learns to put aside their differences.

My all-time favorite Pixar movie. Hands down. This movie was the movie that made me appreciate animation so much after watching a special episode or documentary of the Toy Story franchise's history. I loved all three movies. The fourth and recent one was kinda okay for me. I didn't love it on the same level as the first three but it was still... okay. Anyway, the Toy Story movies are just a favorite and I've literally memorized all the scenes. Legit. I still remember when I was a kid, I'd leave my toys unattended in my room during playtime and pretend to walk away then I'd open the door like some kind of member of the S.W.A.T. team to see if some of them moved or if there's any suspicious change of positions lol those were the days.

---

Lovely. It's Sunday!
Nothing much has happened in my life except that I miss my cats and dog.

---

ON THE BLOG

I only have two posts for this week:

• Book Review: Broken Knight by L.J. Shen (2 out of 5 stars)
• WWW Wednesday #05: Romance Books and a Movie

I also decided to share some of my favorite music finds or songs on repeat here and it gives me an excuse to gush over music. If anyone is familiar with #MusicMonday, I'll be posting music if I can on Mondays.

So far, those are the ones I planned to post.

---

BOOK TALK

---

LIFE TALK

SCHOOL

• So far it's alright.
• Got to use Adobe Illustrator during Graphic Design class WITH AN IMAC. I'm a Windows user (PC/laptop) through and through and I swear it was foreign as heck. I felt so lost. I mean I've used an iMac before from my previous workplace but ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR WITH AN IMAC AND I HAD TO USE THE FREAKING PEN TOOL?? Ground, swallow me whole. Right now.
• I love graphic design but this class is about to end me.
• Love how I still get to have lunch with two of my friends who aren't my classmates anymore. One is a Cinema major so he has different classes and schedule, the other is an Advertising major like me and we have the same classes but our schedules are different. The only common thing I have with them is the lunch-break time.

LOVER ALBUM

• Okay I love this album and how soft it is
• Cruel Summer! Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince! Paper Rings! Cornelia Street! Death by a Thousand Cuts! London Boy! Afterglow! Daylight!
• I replayed Afterglow over and over than any track.
• Soon You'll Get Better had me crying.

---

Hosted by: Taking on a World of Words

THE THREE W'S ARE

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

CURRENTLY READING:

I actually haven't fully started this yet - still on 12% - but I have a plan to marathon the entire Wedding Belles Series by Lauren Layne some time... today. 

I've done nothing but skim Welcome to the Underworld by Con Template last night and today. I'm just rereading (okay, skimming) my favorite books as of now because I just finished a book that I wasn't that much of a fan of. Anyway, Welcome to the Underworld Series is one of my favorite mafia (KOREAN MAFIA) fanfiction-turned-published books that left me in such an emotional state.

Hopefully I'd get to reading mode and enjoy the series. I'm always in the mood for something Lauren Layne. And due to my Welcome to the Underworld marathon last night, I'm also quite in the mood to read something sad and tragic... or just something heavy on the emotional scale.

RECENTLY READ:

L.J. Shen's Broken Knight was lost to me. 

I already wrote a review for this so I don't wanna talk much about it anymore here. But let me just say how this book got me tired of the enemies-to-lovers and hate-to-love tropes. A shame, really. I love and enjoy those tropes but having to write it really depends on how it's executed for this trope to work.

Oh well. I'm not a huge fan of the series but I still do want to read Angry God which will come out next year. I do like Vaughn and I like his parents (my favorite couple from the Sinners of Saint Series). I just wish his love interest gets a name already because people are hinting that it's "this girl" (if you've read Broken Knight, you'd know) and I definitely approve. It's just kinda tiring if the author keeps playing with the fans like this. You can hype a book in different ways though without stressing your fans/readers and without causing tension between the fandom (because fans are popping out theories here and there that there might be another girl and at this point I just wanna mute everyone talking about this). 

TO-BE READ:

I_HAVE_NOTHING.MP3

I don't know what to read yet, I mean yeah.. obviously it's gonna be the Wedding Belles Series but I wanted to put another book here and... nothing comes to mind yet. I'm currently busy watching Enchanted (2007) and singing along to the songs (I LOVE THE SONG "SO CLOSE" SO MUCH I CRY EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO THIS NOW THAT I'M AN ADULT HAVING FULL KNOWN HOW SAD THAT BALLROOM SCENE WAS). I might look for some fairy tale-ish books. This movie really got me singing "I'VE BEEN DREAMING OF A TRUE LOVE'S KISS~" (the scene where Prince Edward started singing that line but got hit by the cyclists instead always has me in hysterics). 

---