The Boy with Words Review

**I received an e-copy for an honest review.

The Boy with Words by C.E. Wilson (The Boy with Words #1 & 2) 

White Frost has only ever known the darkness. Everything outside of her closed society is The Unknown – a strange and dangerous place accessible to only a chosen few. White’s only glimpse of the world beyond comes from her beloved cousin in the form of mysterious collections of words that hint at astonishing wonders. When an accident upends her simple existence, she’s given an unlikely chance to see the truth for herself. What she finds is greater and more terrible than she could have imagined, and before long she is forced to make the most important choice of her life: does she accept her safe, limited world that she’s known or take a desperate gamble in a world not meant for her with the Boy with Words?
 MY RATING: 3.5/5

The Boy with Words is weird. The good kind. I wasn't sure where it would take me when I started reading it-like the Unknown. At first, I thought it was a dystopian sort of thing, but who knew I was in a good surprise because the blurb doesn't really give out anything.

It was a little hard to get into with all the secret, vague information, and guessing in the first part, but once things took a sharp turn, I couldn't put my reader down especially after I got to the second part (book two as it appeared). And White. Such a strange name. Shade. Salt and Pepper. But it really fits well with the story. White is a very curious girl and stubborn, and there were times I hated her because of it, but she's definitely likable.

But out of all the characters, I liked Kes the most. It was fun discovering the meaning behind the title. His character is intriguing, odd in some ways (not the piercings, of course), brave, and open-minded. His relationship with White, even if it was beyond the norms, is more than interesting, and I admit it's a little cute. It's not that usual romance that I normally read and it turned kinda frustrating in the last part, but I found myself cheering them on the entire time.

Apart from that, I seriously had some trust issues with the other characters. I didn't know who to believe anymore. C.E. Wilson delivered the mystery part well. But there were also parts that I wish were elaborated more as there were still questions left and I thought there would be more adventure. I was also quite bothered and I ended up pondering about the papers and its size. It would be a spoiler if I explain further and I believe that you'll enjoy reading this book more if you know little about it.

The Boy with Words will take you to a world that's the same with ours but it wouldn't be what you're expecting. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Shoujo/anime fans, I think you will like this one. I can imagine it as a manga except the characters are of course American.

You can buy this book for $0.99 in Amazon Kindle. You can contact the author in Goodreads, her website: 

http://cewilsonauthor.com/ or twitter @cewilson1

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 7

61. Shitsuren Chocolatier by Mizushiro Setona

I tried watching this drama because of Matsumoto Jun because I haven't seen him act since I couldn't even remember how long. By the way, his latest drama is 99.9 Criminal Lawyer. I will watch that soon too.

Heartbroken Chocolatier was serialized first in Rinka then to Flowers. It was published in total of 9 volumes by Shogakukan. It is published in French by Kaze Manga and also in Taiwan.

The TV drama series was aired in Fuji TV in 2014 with 11 episodes starring Matsumoto Jun, Ishihara Satomi, and Mizukawa Asami.

Shitsuren Cholatier is a josei series about Koyorugi Sota who is the renowned Chocolate Prince of Japan. After he comes back from Paris, he turns their bakery shop to a chocolate shop. All of this is driven when he fell in love with a girl one year his senior, Takahashi Saeko during his high school year. Despite being the complete opposite of Saeko's type of boys, handsome, powerful, and popular, Sota confesses to her in Christmas after Saeko broke up with her boyfriend. They date and break up during Valentine's day with Saeko, refusing Sota's homemade chocolate. The two meet again, and Saeko is still the same as ever, still crazy for chocolates but already married.

I haven't read the manga, and I have only watched couple of episodes of the drama, but Matsumoto Jun in chef's uniform was something else. I'm still not sure as to where the plot is headed as Sota is still madly obsessed with Saeko, tempting her with his chocolates even though she's married. That girl is so lucky. I can't believe it. I'm curious as to how it ends, so I'll give it a try again someday. But if you've already seen it, what do you think? Is it good?

62. Good Morning Call by Takasuka Yue

Songs of Our Break Up Review

It's official. Jay E. Tria is my favorite English Romance Filipino writer. But as to now, I'm still not quite sure whether I like Songs of Our Break Up more than Blossom Among Flowers because I'm biased to Japanese setting stories. Shinta is Japanese too, so that's a bonus, but I'm not gonna lie. I love Kim. Kim. Kim. Kim. Can you hear me sighing dreamily?

Songs of Our Break Up is novella about the vocal lead of the band called Trainman (Densha Otoko, fans out there? You'll get along fine with Son). Jill and her longtime boyfriend breaks up, hence the title of the book. The catch is that they belong in the same band as Kim is the lead guitarist and leader of Trainman. Drama, right? But wait, there's more. A hot Japanese actor named Shinta, who's Jill's friend-almost best friend. As the line says in the cover, what do you when forever ends?

But you read it right. I love Kim. Cue happy, dreamy sigh again. Yes. Not Shinta. I admit Shinta is gorgeous, almost every girl's dream, but there's this gravity that pulls me towards Kim. 

Okay. I'm going to pause my admiration slash explanation why I pick Kim. If you have read the official blurb for the book, you can already see who would end up with Jill. If you haven't read it, check it on the goodreads or amazon.

Apart from Kim, I also like the songs in the book, and it would be nice if it were ever recorded or performed. It is a well-written quick read that would make you smile.

Once Upon A Player Review

When I think of volleyball, I think of Haikyuu (which reminds me I have to watch season 2 before the season 3 is aired) first then my first year of college when I was crushing on someone in the team. I would drag my close friend to watch it with me even if it was Sunday. Looking back, I can't believe I had a overwhelming crush on that guy. What did I ever see in him. Anyway, the next thing it reminds me is UAAP. My twitter feed is filled of updates whenever there's a game. My friend remained a volleyball fan, and I fizzled out of it. So when I saw a retweet of the blog tour, I signed up because of it's a Filipino book (I want to read from other authors of Romance Class) and the manga called Crimson Hero (go and read it too).

But now that I've thought about it when I revisit this post to finish it, if I didn't see the cover, my impression of the title would be playboy or something along those type of plots.

So below are the blurb, cover, and my review. 

Blog Tour [Heist Club]: Classified

Classified (A Prologue to Les Dames des Fluers) by Georgette S. Gonzales

SYNOPSIS: Danilo Halili was not an investigative journalist. He was simply a photographer who accompanied the news publication's events reporter to cover the province-wide festivities. But his curiosity was piqued when he overheard something he was not supposed to hear... and we all know what they say about curiosity killing the cat.

Ramon Tanchangco had no doubt in his mind and in his gut that the victim of the gruesome murder in Quezon was his brother Danilo who had been unable to get back to Manila from his assignment. Angered and aggrieved, all he wanted was to find out who the killers were and why Danilo died the way he did.

He had a vague inkling that there was more to the crime than met the eye and he was ready to expose what that conspiracy could be. If only the French nun would refrain from detaining him at the Couvent du Sacré-Coeur with her hospitality.

Classified is the prologue to a 4-book series titled Les Dames des Fleurs chronicling the story of four military-trained women and their black ops team of dedicated individuals who fight for justice for the common Filipino.


MY REVIEW: I'm open to any genre even though I haven't read a story under sci-fi. Apart from romance and fantasy, thriller and mysteries are one of my favorite genre.

TV Drama Series and Films Based on Shoujo and Josei Manga

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Can't get enough of your favorite series? Or are you looking for some Asian drama/movie to watch with additional material in case you want more?

This is the master list. For more information (poster, actors/actresses/number of episodes/different versions), click each parts.

Part 1

1. Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flower) by Kamio Yuko
2. Hanazakari no Kimitachi (Hana Kimi) by Nakajo Hisaya
3. Itazura na Kiss (Mischievous Kiss) by Tada Kaoru
4. Hachimitsu to Kuroba (Honey and Clover) by Umino Chika - Josei
5. Bokura ga Ita (We Were There) by Obata Yuki
6. L-DK by Watanabe Ayu
7. Koizora by Haneda Ibuki (Original Cell phone Novel by Mika) -Actually, Seinen
8. Chihayafuru by Suetsugu - Josei
9. Kin Kyori Renai by Mikimito Rin
10. Full House by Won Soo Yeon - Josei

Part 2

11. Kimi wa Pet (You're my Pet) by Ogawa Yayoi - Josei
12. Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
13. Goong (Princess Hours) by Park So Hee
14. Akuma de Sourou (Devil Beside You) by Takanashi Mitsuba
15. Switch Girl by Aida Natsumi
16. Ao Haru Ride by Sakisaka Io
17. Mei-chan no Shitsuji (Mei-chan's Butler) by Miyagi Riko
18. Fujoshi Kanojo by Shinba Rize - Original Light Novel by Petanbu - Josei
19. Paradise Kiss (ParaKiss) by Yazawa Ai 
20. Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Wallflower Evolution) by Hayawaka Tomoko

Part 3

21. Lovely Complex by Nakahara Aya
22. Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu (I Gave My First Love To You) by Aoki Kotomi
23. Koukou Debut (High School Debut) by Kawahara Kazune
24. Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu by Minami Kanan
25. Orange by Takano Ichigo
26. Skip Beat by Nakamura Yoshiki
27. Hotaru no Hikari by Hiura Satoru - Josei
28. Mars by Soryo Fuyumi
29. Senpai to Kanojo by Nanba Atsuko
30. Gokusen by Morimoto Kozueko - Josei

Part 4

31. Nodame Cantabile by Ninomiya Tomoko - Josei
32. Sumika Sumire by Takanashi Mitsuba - Josei
33. Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji (Wolf Girl and Black Prince) by Hatta Ayuko
34. Kimi ni Todoke (Reaching You) by Shiina Karuho
35. Sukitte Ii na Yo (Say You Like Me) by Hazuki Kanae
36. NANA by Yazawa Ai - Josei
37. Kiyoku Yawaku (Beyond the Memories) by Ikuemi Ryo
38. Zettai Kareshi (Absolute Boyfriend) by Watase Yuu
39. Strobe Edge by Sakisaka Io
40. Aozora Yell by Kawahara Kazune

Part 5

41. Oboreru Knife (Drowning Knife) by Asakura George
42. Peach Girl by Ueda Miwa
43. Kurosaki-kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai by Makino
44. Cat Street by Kamio Yoko
45. Otomen by Kanno Aya
46. Mary Stayed Out All Night by Won Soo Yeon - Webtoon
47. Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru (The Liar and His Lover) by Aoki Kotomi
48. Dame ni Watashi ni Koishite Kudasai (Please Love Me) by Nakahara Aya - Josei
49. Taiyou no Uta (Song of the Sun/Midnight Sun) by Bandou Kenji - Actually, the manga was based on the movie.
50. Sprout by Nanba Atsuko

Part 6

51. Heroine Shikkaku (No Longer Heroine) by Kouda Momoko
52. 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made (From Five to Nine) by Aihara Miki - Josei
53. Bara no Tame ni (For The Roses' Sake) by Yoshimura Akemi - Josei
54. Boku wa Imouto ni Koi wo Suru (I'm in love with my sister) by Aoki Kotomi
55. Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop) by Unita Yumi - Josei
56. Marmalade Boy by Yoshizumi Wataru
57. Parfait Tic! by Nanaji Nagamu
58. Otoko no Isshou (Her Granddaughter) by Nishi Keiko - Josei
59. Suppli by Okazaki Mari - Josei
60. Ai Ore! by Shinjo Mayu

Part 7

61. Shitsuren Chocolatier (Heartbroken Chocolatier) by Mizushiro Setona
62. Good Morning Call by Takasuka Yue
63. Himitsu no Akko-chan by Akatsuka Fujio
64. The Embalmer by Mihara Mitsukazu
65. P to JK by Miyoshi Maki
66. Clover by Chiya Toriko
67. Cheese in the Trap by Soon Ki
68. Orange Marmalade by Seok Woo
69. Hapi Mari (Happy Marriage?!) by Enjouji Maki
70. He Was Cool by Gui Yeoni

Blog Tour: We Go Together

We Go Together by Carla de Guzman   
Genre: Romantic Comedy  
Release date: January 19, 2015

Links:
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28355389-we-go-together
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/We-Go-Together-Carla-Guzman-ebook/dp/B019TCM1E2

SYNOPSIS: What happened to Beatrice and Benedick? They used to be in love. They used to be together. But something got in the way and its turned them into angry, bitter rivals that can't get along, much less work together on a project that could change everything for Bea and Claudia's little paper company. 

Bea isn't going to let Ben ruin her mood. Ben isn't backing down from Bea's barbs without a fight. But why is Claudia telling Hiro that Bea is head-over-heels in love with Ben? Why is Hiro convinced that Ben is in love with Bea? Set in Washington DC, this book is a modern adaptation of WIlliam Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

My Rating: 3/5

Beautiful Cover, right?




I also liked the cover for her other books especially Cities. Though I haven't read it. I got an e-copy of We Go Together for the tour.

Apart from I wanted to help Filipino authors and that pretty cover, I was  interested in this book because of the Shakespeare modern retelling even though I hadn't seen or read Much Nothing Ado. It also hasn't been long when I read Just One Day collection of Gayle Forman, and it made me want to read more of Shakespeare.

I had no idea about the Much Ado About Nothing which wasn't any problem at all, but it did make me research about it midway the story. The story of Ben and Beatrice, Hiro and Claudia is a light short read that will make you wonder what happened between Ben and Bea during their college, like the summary says. But I also think that it is a bit downfall of We Go Together.

The start of the story was light, and it was also interesting to see Bea's crush on Claudia's brother, Leo and the friendship between the two. Bea was refreshing, and I like her even though it was a little hard to root for her without knowing what exactly Ben did to her. I don't understand why the character in the book assumed she's lesbian. Ben, on the other hand, is definitely a likeable character. I also like Claudia, but I can't say the same with Hiro. Their love story was as intriguing as Bea and Ben's, but the conflict between them stole spotlight from Ben and Bea. Hiro was an asshole. (Sorry. I just have to say it). Don, well, Don is...I don't have anything to say about him. It was like he was just there to mess things up without any particular motivation.

I thought Claudia would have more say in the story since there was one part where it was her perspective. We Go Together is told from Bea and Ben's perspective with italicized flashbacks most of the time. I don't particularly like or hate it, but I think it was effective. A little distracting at times but still entertaining.

Bored? Looking for a Shakespeare inspired story? Or a light short read? Or just romance story for your guilty pleasure? Try We Go Together. It will only take a page or two for you to be absorbed in some place else. 

Be sure to enter the Giveaway below! And check her other books: Website You can buy her print books directly from her (You can contact her in Twitter, @somemidnights or in her website).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carla de Guzman is an author, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.













GIVEAWAY: a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Happy June First

Even though it's already June 2 here. I know I should be writing or sleeping instead, but I wanted to write this post before the excitement sizzles.

What am I excited about? You might have already read this in wattpad though.

First, new D. Gray Man anime: D. Gray Man HALLOW. It will be aired on NTV starting July 4th. Can you hear me screaming? The manga also came back this year. How long has it been? 8 years? That's a lot of time. But I'm really excited for Allen, the anime, the merch. The drawings look awesome. Maybe I should my name back to Lenalee Walker in Twitter in July.

Check out the PV:

Second, there's a new anime that I'm really excited about. (The last anime I've been this excited was Gintama 2015. Sadly, it is over, and they didn't animate other sorta filler stories. Just all the serious ones.) Yuri!!! on Ice. I know with the recent increase (because figure skating is already popular in Japan) popularity of figure skating, there is bound to be a new fs anime. My first fs anime is Ginban Kaleidoscope. But YOI is a male figure skating anime. I wanted to elaborate more, but I've already written a comprehensive, slightly rant about it in Tumblr. 

The PV looks rad and promising.

Third, I finished revising Ugly Little Feelings, and I submitted it to Swoon Reads. (I'm more worried about this than excited.) You can it read for free (click the picture for the link). I'd love some feedback. <3

Because falling in love isn't always beautiful. A love story in Tokyo.

Reiko's university life is supposed to be smooth and all planned out--graduate, enter law school, and pass the bar. Her future career is her top priority, and serious relationship is the last thing in her mind after her breakup with her longtime boyfriend.

But a blind date changes that when a younger art student, Akira, offers her an exclusive, convenient relationship.

Lastly, I'm finally back on my other WIP about Sena which I had been thinking about since 2012. I contemplated whether to go back and start rewriting Did You Just Melt My Heart, but that story needs a lot of more planning. And I'm half way done with my first draft for Sena. Then I'll be plotting the Nessy Series. 

 

I've also been thinking whether I should watch Daiya no Ace since it's also a baseball anime, but I get my daily dose of baseball already with NPB. I also want to try watching some MLB, but I don't know where to start and time difference plus we have no TV channel that airs the game. I wouldn't get into NPB if I hadn't accidentally seen a live game between Tohoku Rakuten and Nippon Ham Fighters in NHK. I only knew Tohoku Rakuten and Carps from Yuzuru and Hanshin-Kyojin from Lovely Complex. I just wanted to do some research, but it's baseball. There's a game everyday except Monday. Now, I'm rooting for Giants just like Reiko in Ugly Little Feelings. I would have chosen Carps too because of Yuzu, but the second game I saw was Tigers vs. Giants, and Sugano was the pitcher. They had me at Sugano and Kobayashi. Then Sakamoto.

Anyway, have a productive and lovely June. <3

By the way, I'm still looking for beta readers or critique partner. Hit me up if you're interested, so we could swap first chapters and talk a bit.

Wait. Cardcaptor Sakura has a sequel anime!!

Wait. Wait. There's a third book of To All The Boys I've Loved Before!!!

These news were a little outdated, but I haven't post about it so... I'm sure you can feel my excitement.

The Hometown Hazard Review

Remember Blossom Among Flowers? Remember  #romanceclassbooks? I haven't read much of romance class books too, but I will, soon. I came across this book because of an RT in Twitter. I got a free e-copy of this novella when the author, Dawn Lanuza, gave out 27 copies.

The Hometown Hazard is a chick-lit story set in the Philippines. Jules (Juliana) Coronado goes back to her hometown after years because of distress call from her mother that there was a intruder in their house, in her old room. She sees her childhood best friend's younger brother and neighbor, Kip Villamor scaling up their wall who is not what she remembers him to be.

At first glance, I thought The Hometown Hazard is a sci-fi love story sort because of the cover or am I the only who thought of that? I was thinking of abduction and all of sorts when I hadn't read the summary, but I was dead wrong. It's a chick-lit which is my first when it comes to a Philippines setting.

The Hometown Hazard has this familiar vibe of the countryside since I do live in one. The rooster at mornings, the cockfighting (sabong), the town fiesta, and I admit it was nice to read. Jules is a spunky, intelligent woman, and she has that mysterious aura in her. She lived in the city for years and never came home once after she left for college. That will got you thinking, what the hell happened to her in her hometown? The story has that - mystery and that building up romance between childhood neighbors. I would consider this in the category of older female and younger male even if their age gap isn't much, but it is weird to see a boy you sorta grow up with to turn into this charming young man. 

The story had a nice phasing. It wasn't too slow or fast, and I was just not probably used to reading novellas because I wanted more. The reveal may have been a little anticlimactic, but it seemed right and went well with the flow of the story. It could have use a one more editing but other than that, The Hometown Hazard is a light read and that mystery they are after for and whatever Jules is hiding will keep you reading the book. I came up with my own theories once they were close enough to the truth, and I guessed right, one way or another, so go ahead and check The Hometown Hazard, form your own hunches, and be charmed by the countryside love story.

I'm not sure if this is available in print but it is available in Amazon Kindle for $2.99 and Buqo for P135.

About the author:

Dawn Lanuza started writing stories when she was just a kid (they weren't good or even finished). She's a music elf by day and a meet cute writer by night. 'The Boyfriend Backtrack' is her first book. She currently lives with her family and an adopted dog.

Find her in Twitter: @dawnlanuza || Facebook || Blog || Ask.fm || Goodread

Blossom Among Flowers Review

I guess this is my first time writing a review about a book. I don't know but it feels a little weird. Well, this book doesn't stray away from my usual reviews, manga (Japanese comics), because Blossom Among Flowers is a young adult fiction set in Japan too (more like a shoujo, yeah?).

This is my copy <3 Nice cover, right?

Blossom Among Flowers by Jay E. Tria is about Hikaru, a senior in high school who has this obsession with manga and Takeru, the popular genius guy in school. Their paths cross when they bumped into each other in a bookstore in one Saturday morning and they get even more closer when Takeru is asked by their English teacher to tutor Hikaru.

This is my short review without any spoiler: Blossom Among Flowers is a quick read, light, a little slow but entertaining. It gives you a familiar setting and drama of a manga set in modern Tokyo but it still offers you a different vibe from manga or TV dramas. It has that little romance, young love, and struggles. It has this charm that you'll come to like. I enjoyed reading it. The ending is open-ended, a little anti-climatic, but it's an ending that suited the story. It was memorable, sweet, and the type of ending that makes you sigh and hanging at the same time.

It is my first indie book in print by a Filipino author. I saw it by chance in wattpad and been wanting to read the rest of the story ever since but I don't own a credit card and I prefer paperbacks any day. I'm glad I tried searching it again and discovered it is available in print. You can find Jay E. Tria in the following sites:

Jay E. Tria || Twitter || Wattpad || I ordered my book here and you can also email her at jayetria@gmail.com

I'm not sure if the print copy is available for shipping internationally, but her books is also available in Amazon Kindle, and she is also in Ask.fm so if you have any questions, you can ask her there. She's awesome. The print copy is 250 pesos and the e-book is $2.99 in Kindle.

From here on, there would be spoilers.

I liked both characters right from the start. Hikaru and Takeshi are nice characters though there are certain aspects of their personality that I wish that could have been tackled more deeply in the story like that instance where Hikaru would hit her head violently. It is not a normal behavior and I wish I could have seen her more get over it. With Takeshi Hinata, I wanted to learn more about his background. Is his hair natural blonde? It looks like it but which side of the family did he get it from? Is he a half? That kind of things.

As for other other characters, I enjoyed reading about the twins in the first few scenes. Hikaru has a twin and his name is Shintaro. I liked him more than Hikaru. I hope he gets a story or more snippets if the author decides to write a sequel or a spin-off.

Hikaru and Takeru are also in a love square of a sort with Tetsuya, a Todai student and Eriko, a Waseda student. Both schools are prestigious universities in Japan. The former is a top public school, hard to get into kind, and the latter is a top private school (many famous icons in Japan goes to this school). Tetsuya enters the story as a practicing teacher in their school which is also a private school and Eriko is a part-timer in the book store where Hikaru and Takeshi are frequent customers. Tetsuya kinda likes Hikaru at first sight. He is undoubtedly interested in her. It is quite the same for Eriko with Takeshi but only after their first conversation. As the story goes, the plot deepens, and the revelations are revealed, I find it odd that Eriko considers herself as a friend of Hikaru. I came to dislike Eriko even if she salvaged herself in the end. She could have come easily as one of the bullies.

And, Tetsuya. Well, Tetsuya is a neutral character for me. I can't say I like and I can't say I hate him as much as I did with Eriko. But Tetsuya is an important character in the story. He's the one who planted the idea of becoming a teacher to Hikaru. This aspect of the story could have gone more too in my opinion. It's a miracle that Hikaru manages to enter Todai despite her low grades before but I can see Hikaru in literature rather than as teacher, perhaps an editor or something. Finding what she wanted to do could have been a subplot like what Takeshi did when he left Japan. Anyway, it's all just an opinion, what I wanted to see more.

On to my favorite parts of the story. Number one goes to the scene where Takeshi fell asleep in Hikaru's bed overnight.Next is their first kiss. I remembered sighing in content and squealing in muted voice in these scenes. 

Lastly, in the overview, I thought Hikaru and Takeshi's set-up was quite similar with Itazura na Kiss' Kotoko and Irie but Takeshi is kinder and Kotoko doesn't have that love for manga. It has also that hint of Hana Yori Dango with the rich parents, princess of a sort rival interest, and bullies but it was just those little thing. I know I tried to avoid comparing but I thought it would be nice to see BAF in live action. You know, real flesh Hikaru and Takeshi though there is also that one thing that bothered me-the shoes. I won't elaborate more because it's just probably me.

Overall, Blossom Among Flowers was a great light read. You can read it in one sitting especially if you're one of those voracious readers especially after you get past the release of the results for the exams. I'll be reading more of Jay E. Tria's books. Hope you pick one of her books and give it a try. It's worth it.

Manga, anime and live-action fans, if you liked Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flower) and Itazura na Kiss (Mischievous Kiss), you might also like this one.

There are other English written fiction novellas written by Filipino authors in romance class. Search for #romanceclass in twitter or tumblr or go to their website. romanceclassbooks.com

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 6

51. Heroine Shikkaku by Kouda Momoko

It began its serialization in Bessatsu Margaret in 2010. The compilation of the series into 9 volumes was published by Shueisha.

The live action film starring Yamazaki Kento, Kiritani Mirei and Sakaguchi Kentarou premiered on September 19, 2015.

No Longer Heroine is a story about a high school who believes that she is the main character (heroine) of the story but when her first love and also childhood friend, Rita, gets a out of the stereotype girlfriend, Hatori realizes that she's just a side character.

I tried reading this series twice but I could never get past the part where everything turned messy. The series started good and no, I'm not sick of love triangles or square, but I guess I couldn't like Rita that much for me to continue the rest of the series. I may pick it up again if the movie will be good. Don't let my comment stop you from checking out the series. You may like it because I really enjoyed the first parts.

 
52. 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made by Aihara Miki

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 5

41. Oboreru Knife by Asakura George
It is a 17 volumes series that was serialized in Bessatsu Friend of Kodansha. 

The poster looks so good. If only I could watch it in cinemas too. I would probably watch the live action first before I try reading the manga.

Komatsu Nana is Mochizuki Natsume and Suda Masaki is Hasegawa Kouichirou. The film is set to hit the cinemas this November.

Oboreru Knife or Drowning Knife is a story about a 6th grade girl who moved from Tokyo to the country side. There she meets a boy named Kouichirou, the son of a Shinto priest, which stirs something inside of her.

I haven't read the manga but the cover kind of reminds me of a manhwa entitled Love at First Sight. 


42. Peach Girl by Ueda Miwa

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 4

Hi! So you've made it to part 4. Find anything you like or your favorite adaptation?

I didn't know Screen Red by HBO also airs TV drama series. I only found out now. Remember to buy DVDs or stream it legally. I read that Netflix also has a limited Asian drama series.

But also support the mangaka by buying the manga published in English.


31. Nodame Cantabile by Ninomiya Tomoko

It was serialized in the magazine Kiss. The 23 volumes manga was published by Kodansha and Del Ray Manga in English. It has been adapted into three seasons anime, covering the whole plot of the manga.

The first TV drama was broadcasted in 2006 on Fuji TV, a year before the anime was aired. The 11 episodes was starred by Ueno Juri and Tamaki Juri. A 4 episodes special showing Nodame and Chiaki in Paris was aired in 2008.

There was also a loosely adaptation South Korean drama starring Joo Won and Shim Eun Kyung. It was aired in KBS2 on 2014. I don't recommend Cantabile Tomorrow or Naeil's Tomorrow if you're a fan of the original plot but if you're a fan of Joo Won or any other character like Park Bo Gum (I watched it because of him after seeing him in I Remember You), why not.

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 3

The part 3 of shoujo/josei manga with live action adaptation (21-30). Remember to buy DVDs or stream it legally or buy the manga.

Is your favorite series included in this part of the list? How many have you watched?

21. Lovely Complex by Nakahara Aya

This 17 volumes series was published by Shueisha and serialized in Bessatsu Margaret. Viz Media translated and published it in English. 

This is the famous tall girl-short boy series set in the Kansai region of Japan. Koizumi and Otani is teased by their teacher and classmates as the All Hanshin-Kyojin comedy duo.

The live action film was released in 2006, a year before the anime was broadcast. The movie starring Koike Teppei and Fujisawa Ema was also released in DVD with English subtitle by Viz Media in 2008. The series has also two Drama CDs and an adventure game in 2006.

Shoujo Manga with Live-Action Adaptation Pt. 2

This the part two (11-20) of the Shoujo/Josei Manga with Live Action Adaptation (Film or TV drama series). Don't forget to leave a comment and remember to buy official DVDs. 

11. Kima wa Pet by Ogawa Yayoi
Also known as Tramps Like Us or You're my Pet. It was serialized in Kodansha and published in English by Tokyopop with 14 volumes.

I have never read the manga but I've seen the television drama series aired in TBS in 2003 starring Matsumoto Jun from Arashi and Koyoku. The series has 10 episodes. There's also a Korean movie starring in Kim Ha Neul and Jang Geun Seuk in 2011. Even though I was a fan Jang Geun Seuk before, I haven't seen the movie yet. Any idea if it is any good?

This series is under Josei and a story about a career woman who just had been dumped by her cheating boyfriend and found a runaway guy in a box outside her house which she later on takes as a pet and named Momo.

Shoujo Manga with Live Action Adaptation Pt. 1

If you have seen the anime or read the manga, then I guess the next that you must be looking for is Live Action drama or film. Many manga fans including myself are not totally looking forward to this kind of adaptation because it mostly stray from the original plot but still, there are a lot of adaptations that I truly liked and even became fan of it or just can't help but try it as well. After all, who wouldn't want to see their favorite characters in flesh. 

But for better enjoyment, I suggest you watch the movie or drama series first before reading the manga even if it might spoil you or wait until the memory of it becomes slightly clouded.

Remember to buy DVDs or see the movie if it will be screened in you country with subs.

This is the first part of the list (1-10) because it's hard to edit a long post (^^). Part 2 is coming up soon. This isn't arranged based on my preferences but the first three are among the popular adaptation up to today.

Shoujo Manga with Anime

I bet you want to see your favorite characters and swoon over them in colors or you want to hear their voice or you just can't get enough of them. This post is the (incomplete) list of Shoujo Manga that has been turned to anime.

I grew up with Cardcaptor Sakura if I remember  correctly, also to Sailor Moon but I couldn't remember it so much and of course to Fushigi Yuugi and UFO Baby. Manga, especially shoujo manga, are not fully translated to English if it isn't as famous as Naruto, One Piece so it's hard to find an English version (especially if you live in a country like mine) and release of volumes takes time.

I find myself almost every night looking for something to read, surfing the net. Before I go to sleep, I have to read a manga. I've been obsessed with shoujo mangas that I find myself on google to search for what to read next according to my liking so I listed Shoujo Manga with Anime that I have read or watched so you can select one or two from my list or share a comment on your favorite series or share your favorites that are not on my list.

Still can't get enough of your favorite characters? There are also drama and movies based on manga. I've also made a list about Shoujo/Josei Manga with Live Action Adaptation.

What exactly is Shoujo?

Shoujo is a genre which is akin to Young Adult. Its main target is for young girls. Most popular manga is published weekly, monthly in magazines in Japan like Lala and others per chapter. 

This list is random and not arranged based on whatsoever.

Remember to support the artist by buying their manga or the DVD for the anime.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures below and the manga/anime listed, they are owned by their rightful and geniuses owner. The pictures were googled by me.

Concert Experience: One Ok Rock Live in Manila 2016

I should have posted this last Wednesday but alas, I only wrote it now. I have never made an entry about the only two other concerts I've been but I assure you, those were awesome experiences, probably one of the best moments of my life. All Time Low was the headliners in both of them. I missed their first concert here in the Philippines and I deeply regretted it but I won't miss future concerts from now on. 

Right. Back to One Ok Rock. If you're an avid fan of anime, manga, or live dramas, or even j-rock, then you must have at least know them. If not, then do you probably remember Samurai X or Rurouni Kenshin. I'm not talking about the anime but the movie. It was also screened here in the Philippines. I used to look forward seeing the billboard every week back then. The Beginning is one of their famous songs. If you still don't know them, then you probably heard a Japanese Rock Band who released an album in the United States. They were on the tour last year with All Time Low, Sleeping With Sirens and Neck Deep on The Back to the Future Hearts tour. Right now, they are on Asia Tour then on Japan Tour with All Time Low. 

First Concert of 2016

So, Happy New Year everyone even though this is quite late already. We're already in the half of January. Ever since my phone broke (which is still broken and I haven't gotten a new one because of reasons, certain reasons haha), I haven't been in Twitter or Wattpad either. 

I don't blog much often and I don't take pictures much but if I were to make a post about my 2015, that'll be for another one. This post is just for a quick update and to share my excitement. I hope you guys are happy and I know this would be a good year. 

As for the concert, it's One Ok Rock, this coming January 19. Just like other times, I'm going alone. I couldn't quite tell whether I'm destined to be alone or I'm too shy and awkward to approach others. But going alone doesn't mean I didn't have fun. I'm sure I'll also have a great time this coming Tuesday. But if you're going alone too, then do you want to be my concert buddy?

On other note, I'm planning to reconstruct this blog. I'm also planning to come up with new post/list/guide and finish my other posts. 

With that, I'll leave you with a recommendation of book (I haven't reading much manga lately. I blame my phone), Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. 

Oh, and last year I had a Detective Conan Anime marathon that went for days that turned to weeks. I started from 100+ episodes. I finished the entire 700+ episodes and I'm still waiting for the latest episodes. Why don't you check it out? It's one of the longest running series. One thing though, beware of fillers especially if you hate them. 

If you're not up for Shounen Anime or book, maybe an Asian Drama, Korean Drama to be exact, my most recommended for now is Angry Mom. (I've got to revise my list. My Mom and I have been scouring Korean Dramas since the holidays)

See you in the next post! Have a fruitful and happy 2016!