Like Nobody’s Watching by Tara Frejas

There are stories that will induce some light-hearted kilig (giddiness) to tickle your heart. Stories that will pull heartstrings and make you feel emotions sneak up beside you until they finally catch you off guard. I really love those kinds of stories. Ones that’ll make you spit-out-your-coffee-while-laughing type, those ones that’ll make you wanna punch some douche bag character for being a first class asshole, and of course the one that’ll unknowingly make you shed a few tears, of both sadness and happiness.

That’s what Like Nobody’s Watching made me feel.

That’s how Pio and Audrey affected me.

Like Nobody’s Watching is Tara Frejas latest work that’ll capture your heart. This is the story of Pio Alvez and Audrey Alonzo. Pio Alvez is already a familiar face/name, we last saw him in Waiting in the Wings with Erin and Ramon. Although he didn’t exactly get the fairytale happy ending that he wanted he was gifted with a good company of friends in the form of the entire Teatro Lakambini. His story continues now as he faces new challenges and deals with his personal struggles. Suffering a bit of a setback in his career we first see Pio trying to wade in the tricky corners of his industry. Auditions, screen tests, and table reads mostly filled his calendar. Trying to get out of the funk he is in. Then at the most unlikely time, he met Audrey.

Audrey Alonzo is still dealing with the fallout of getting dumped. A decade-long relationship that went down the drain. But it seems that her now ex, Luigi Blanco is doing just fine moving on to a new girl and parading her to all their friends to see. And in the advent of social media, it feels like there’s no escaping it. While she is still carefully dodging telling her family about her heartache, she also has to work on staying professional and civil, because, after all that, she still has to work with Luigi back at Same Feather Media. Then she met Pio, and just when she thought it’ll be just a one time acquaintance it seems the universe has some other plans for them.

Pio and Audrey’s story is a delight to read. From the straight out funny banter (that bit where Shinta Mori was mentioned made me cackle so hard) and comebacks to the moving heart-to-heart conversation they share. Like Nobody’s Watching sheds more light to the celebrity that is Pio Alvez. When I first read about him in Waiting in the Wings, to be completely honest, I thought his kindness was just a facade. Something he had to portray for his fans. Maybe just keeping up appearances with the roles he took, but that thought was quickly dismissed by the events in WITW. It made me curious about what makes him tick. And what really lies beneath that smile.

Like Nobody’s Watching was successful in giving us an in-depth look at Pio. The funny, thoughtful and caring guy that he is. Always trying to fix things that are broken, whether that is an unruly faucet or maybe a broken heart. It also revealed the steamy and sexy side of him (YAAAS!).

I like how absolutely relatable Audrey is. From her no non-sense attitude, professionalism at work to her dedication and loyalty to her family. Her struggles are all too real too and somewhat hits a little too close to home. I admire her spirit, the petite thing that she is, she definitely packs a whole lot of punch. She takes as well as she gives. It’s no wonder connecting to her was easy.

Pio and Audrey’s story teaches you about the chances that you take and where these chances may lead you. About how starting over sometimes begins with taking that step into allowing yourself to feel a little happiness apart from the usual sadness. About maybe taking that leap of faith and learning how to trust someone else with your heart again. 💜

 

Read: October 21, 2017

The BookNut Verdict: 5 out of 5

Paper Planes Back Home by Tara Frejas

I just finished reading Norse Mythology last Sunday and I decided to take a little break from my fantasy reads and go for something a little different. So I went for one of my go-to local authors, Tara Frejas.

Paper Planes Back Home is one of Tara’s earlier works. I don’t even know why I waited for so long to read this story. I’ve always loved her storytelling and the way she develops her characters. This one is no exception. Paper Planes Back Home only lasted 2 days in my bag (I just finished it!). It kept me so glued to the story that I didn’t notice the morning traffic to work.

I can’t wait to gush about this on my review post. Also looking forward to seeing Tara and the #romanceclass crew this coming weekend for the #FeelsFest2017!

Cover Reveal: Like Nobody’s Watching by Tara Frejas

I have a handful of authors who are part of my instant #OneClick and to-buy list, and Tara Frejas is pretty high on that said list. She first captivated me with her amazing storytelling in The “Forget You” Brew and there was no looking back from there. She made me fall deeply in love with all her characters in Scandalized, she sent my adrenaline rushing in Settle the Score/ Hustle Play, and of course, made me swoon and get swallowed up with all the feels in Waiting in the Wings.

At last, Tara Frejas‘ much-awaited #ProjectPio has its official title and release date! Finally, we’ll get a much closer look at Pio Alvarez. As part of the Pio Alvarez appreciation club (ehem my laptop screams it!) I’m very excited to read more about his story.

So without further ado, here’s the first look at the cover of Like Nobody’s Watching:

Genre: Contemporary Romance / NA

Release Date: October 24, 2017

Book Cover Design: Miles Tan

Photography: Chi Yu Rodriguez

Model: Fred Lo

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.

If there’s something Pio Alvez is good at, it’s pretending to be someone he’s not. On stage and on-screen, the actor has mastered the art of becoming the characters he plays, and his new role should be no different. After all, how difficult would it be to pretend to be smitten with a beautiful, intelligent go-getter like Audrey Alonzo?

Perhaps it’s more difficult pretending not to be.

Add Like Nobody’s Watching on Goodreads: bit.ly/GRProjectPio

Pre-order Like Nobody’s Watching on Amazon:bit.ly/ProjectPioNovel 

 

Summer Crush by Jay E. Tria, Tara Frejas , Six de los Reyes

I have always found myself unimpressed by anthologies. For me, it felt forced and sometimes even just lip service for fans. Most of the anthologies I’ve read fell flat so I don’t get excited by them anymore. But when I heard that Tara Frejas, one of my favorite local/ #romanceclass authors collaborated with two other equally talented #romanceclass authors Jay E. Tria and Six de los Reyes, I ignored my aversion and one-clicked the book.

Summer Crush is, as the name suggests, a summer anthology from three separate universes written by Jay E. Tria (Playlist Series), Tara Frejas (Scandalized), Six de los Reyes (Just For The Record and Feels Like Summer). These universes collide and stars aligned to make all these characters cross paths with each other in one wonderful place. Or mainly they were brought together by a music festival “Summer Crush” set in the lovely province of La Union. Here were sun, sand, music and surf come together in perfect harmony.

The book is set over one fun and music filled weekend set in San Juan, La Union a favorite surf spot up north. When three bands from different stories come together to a summer music festival, you know you are bound for an exciting ride/read.

It opens up to You Only Need Reminding: Miki and Ana’s story of the Playlist Series (Songs to Get Over You). Their story picks up from where they left off, on how they were making their relationship work. Ana the corporate warrior and Miki the indie rock star, from countless all-nighters for tax deadlines and graduate school to nightly gigs around the metro, this was their life. It was an exhausting life but one they both filled with long kisses and sweet embraces. Spaces of time reserved to admiring each other’s passion and a special kind of love that only Miki and Ana shared. But there were certain changes in the horizon that will alter their lives. And in this weekend, Ana would try to make decisions that would affect her and her life with Miki.

The second story leads us back to a familiar road manager, an infamous South Korean band, and an incredibly lovable PR guy. Almost There is Fi Legaspi, Jo Yihwan, and Gabriel Park’s story. Fi is finally back at the helms of being East Genesis Project’s road manager and she’s stoked that this festival is set at home. Engulfed with all the flurry of preparations for the band’s appearance, Fi is unaware of certain feelings that are building up inside EGP’s frontman Yihwan. And just as she is finding her way into settling to her fairly young relationship with Gabe, some feelings surface and realizations will be made that might shake Fi’s universe once again.

The last story, Ocean Eyes is about Rhys and Isaiah and of course about that group of handsome, rowdy and talented boys called Arabella. Rhys is facing too many challenges this weekend, “babysitting” Arabella, singing a new record live and finally making decisions and providing answers to questions that she’s been actively running away from.

Summer Crush is one helluva summer anthology. All the stories the three authors wrote are special and will tug every emotional heartstring they can find in you. Even if you don’t know the characters or their universe well (when I read this I haven’t read the Playlist series yet, and now I’ve finished it, will do a separate review for that soon!) or if you live & breathe their storylines you’ll be able to relate to it. It’s what anyone can ask for a summer anthology: fun in the sun, the relaxing calls of the waves, music to groove to, mouth-watering abs, uh! I mean cuisine and unforgettable love stories. It had the right amount of funny quips and digs, all the pa-kilig and feels plus steam (more please! LOL). These three ladies will make you wanna be inside the book and experience that weekend of sights, sounds, and tastes of La Union.

If you’re out and about making your own adventures this summer or simply doing staycations in the metro, Summer Crush is this season’s must-read!

Read: April 13, 2017

The BookNut Verdict: 5 out of 5

#OneClick Summer Crush and add it to your Goodreads NOW!

• Amazon – http://bit.ly/summercrushnovel
• Paperback (via Tara Frejas) – http://tarafrejas.com/orderform
• Paperback (via Jay E. Tria) – http://www.jayetria.com/print-books-order-form
• Paperback (via Six de los Reyes) –

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34821832-summer-crush

Speaking of experiencing La Union…

Yes, I really went to La Union!

Along with my wonderful friends who have the same love for sun, sand and sea plus books, we went to relive or maybe experience just a glimpse of that Summer Crush weekend.

Suffice to say that LU did not disappoint, the food, the people (and pets!) and the atmosphere is so relaxing and laid back that it can refuel one’s soul.

Although we might have failed to spot the Holy Trinity of Abs (hahaha!), it was definitely another awesome experience for the books! Thank you to Summer Crush for finally making me go to Elyu, I’ve been planning it and mentioning it for years now and because of you guys, I finally had the guts to make it happen. ❤

xoxo

The BookNut 

Waiting In The Wings by Tara Frejas

What if you were the perfect leading lady, being wooed and chased by the most endearing leading men? Spouting off heartfelt lines scored perfectly by haunting and emotional songs and melodies? Wouldn’t you just love that? That was what Erin Javier‘s life was like. Well that was her life on the theater stage at least.

At 23, Erin has already headlined some of the most successful plays at Teatro Lakambini, but she has yet to fall in love or even really kiss a boy off stage. A certified NBSB, she’s now wondering if her heart would really get a chance to skip a beat, flutter and feel REAL love, not one prompted by different acts/scripts or perfected by countless rehearsals. With their next musical well underway a love story that is struck by tragedy, unknown to Erin there’s another love story about to present itself, hers.

Tara Frejas’ latest novel Waiting in the Wings is a light-hearted new adult romance which will give you all kinds of ‘feels’. It is set in the backdrop of a flourishing theater company (Teatro Lakambini) who is about to start a musical production (Hanggang Ulap). It is complete with heartwarming song lyrics and swoon-worthy love letters, Waiting in the Wings proves to be one delightful and ‘kilig’ read.

The story starts as Erin finds herself wanting to take a backseat in their latest production opting to do her part behind the scenes instead of auditioning for the lead role. She wanted to take the time off to maybe try to put herself “out there” in real life. Now that she realizes she hasn’t really tried to make an effort to date or maybe just get to know guys in order to get to that first step of falling in love. I like that Tara Frejas didn’t write Erin’s character as a desperate, sad or pathetic girl JUST looking for love, not that there’s anything wrong with that really. There was genuine longing to Erin and also realness in her expectations.

Now enter stage right, the wonderful guys (again, thank you Tara for them, really) who will vie for Erin’s heart:

Ramon “a.k.a. Ramoncito, Monfigs, Ramon Elias” Figueroa: college classmate, theater orgmate, choreographer extraordinaire, the guy who has had a long time crush with Erin who is just now building the courage to make his move, all around sweet, endearing and wonderful guy. (DIBS!)

Putting a hand against his chest, he exhaled a long breath, convinced now that Erin Javier was birthed into this world to kill him. Gently, with a warm smile on her face.

Pio “a.k.a. talented theater and film actor with that disarming smile” Alvez: son of theater icons who is also famous by his own rights, a knight in shining armor ready to defend your honor and protect you by all means, also happens to be bewitched by Erin, a romantic guy through and through complete with grand gestures. (DIBS AGAIN!)

“I wish I could do this all the time” he said, thumbing away a spot of frosting by the corner of his lips. “Drink coffee and eat cake?” Pio shook his head. “Make you laugh. A lot.” 

To say that I was torn about these guys would be an understatement. Throughout the book, they’ve proved themselves worthy, showed their vulnerable sides and even their imperfections.

Waiting in the Wings will make your heart flutter, it will make you giddy and confused and you’ll see yourself slowly falling in love with not just one but maybe even to both of these guys. They are not without flaws including Erin but that only makes them so relatable. Just as what I felt when reading “Forget You Brew”, I’m amazed at Tara’s ability to really transport me to the scenes in the book. With every description, the sounds and the feel of it. She has this talent to really make you part of the scene. One of my favorites would be that rooftop scene where it made me feel all swoony. Tara captured that moment so perfectly.

She also writes one of the best and colorful supporting characters who puts more texture and fun to the story. They have their own distinct personalities that it doesn’t feel like they were written in just for the sake of having other characters. They don’t feel out-of-place but they are as imperative to the narrative as the leads. It will even pique your curiosity, you’ll want to get to know their back story and make you wanna beg the author to write a separate book/novella about them (Yes, I’m talking about Hiraya and Jericho!haha). I also like the crossovers that you’ll read in this book (I see what you did there!). It’s always fun to read and encounter these characters just like a friend you haven’t seen in a long while.

This once again proves why Tara Frejas is one of my favorite local romance authors. Her ability to introduce you to wonderful characters and transport you into different scenes in her book is simply unique.

Read: February 19, 2017

The BookNut Verdict: 4 out of 5

Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34102210-waiting-in-the-wings

One-click Waiting in the Wings on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WV7BPJ4

Cover Reveal: Waiting in the Wings by Tara Frejas

Heya guys! I know I’ve been MIA and it’s been a while since my last book review post. I swear I’m gonna make it up to you guys (or whoever else is reading my tiny book blog haha). Anyway, I want to share the newest book from one of my favorite local romance authors Tara Frejas.

Without further ado, here is the cover for Waiting in the Wings:

Genre: Romance / NA / Contemporary
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Book Cover Design by: Miles Tan

Synopsis:

At twenty-three, theatre actress Erin Javier has yet to fall in love or kiss a boy offstage and away from the klieg lights. She’s the perfect leading lady—whose heart men would fight for, win, and protect—unfortunately, only until the curtains fell and the lights went down. In real life, Erin’s a certified NBSB whose heart’s been hoping for a song to dance to for quite some time.

But when two (two!) men enter from stage left and right, Erin is confused. Who deserves to take center stage in her heart—Mr. Theatre Royalty whose attention and displays of affection make her pulse race, or a good friend whose steady support has helped steer her to success and allowed her to fulfill her dream?

Add Waiting in the Wings on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34102210-waiting-in-the-wings

You can also check out my reviews for some of Tara’s books here:

• The “Forget You” Brew
• Settle the Score/ Hustle Play

The “Forget You” Brew by Tara Frejas

This is the first time I’ll be featuring a book by a Filipino author and I’m so excited about it. The moment I spotted this title on display at this year’s Manila International Book Fair, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. So I grabbed what I think was the last copy and bought it. Unbeknownst to me the author of the book I was eyeing for the last 10 minutes was there, writing my receipt. She asked me if I want her to sign the book, I was so surprised that it took me a while to answer her question and she must have recognized it since she gestured to the name in the book, and pointed to herself with a smile. I must’ve shrieked “yes!” and was suddenly all smiles. I took that as a good sign. 🙂

The “Forget You” Brew by Tara Frejas is a wonderfully fresh and touching love story. For many the title alone will catch your attention and once you read a tiny bit of its summary, I know you’ll be reeled in. For a coffee and romance novel addict like me, it was a done deal.

This short but sweet novel is the story of Kyle and Allison, two friends who fell in love with each other. And as most cases, they did not want to act on their feelings because of the fear of rejection and the possibility of losing their best friend. I know this might sound like an over used trope but believe me, there’s more to their story.

As their feelings for each other grew complicated, Allison tries to seek refuge. Here she stumbles upon a little hidden place called Nowheretown. Known only to be discovered by people who needs it the most, as they say, the town can’t be found on any map, Nowheretown finds you. She heads over a tiny cafe called Kaipuhan Kafe where the menu is customized. It shows different drinks depending on what that particular customer seem to need the most at that moment. Here Allison sees the afforgeto – a drink for those who long to forget. Determine to whisk away her feelings she orders a cup. All the while, Kyle is trying to find her, undecided on whether or not he wants to confess his feelings to Allison. When he discovers the small and unique town, he steps into Mama Kata’s bunny house where he finds the Likha, the one person who may be able to help Kyle find Allison before it’s too late and she forgets everything that happened between them, all of it.

The funny thing about memory is — and I realized this on my own — that no matter how strong a potion you use to forget, it seems to weave its way back into your life in the most unexpected, oftentimes simplest ways.

Tara Frejas was able to write something original and wonderful. It was imaginative and I really admire her use of magical realism. She was able to create her own world complete with an array of colorful characters to go with it. These characters add dimension to the story without going overboard and it was so easy to fall in love with them. Of course, the story is not 100% perfect as there were certain holes to Allison and Kyle’s relationship, but for me, it didn’t affect the overall story. I like that there were questions left unanswered and that there might still be a continuation to the magic, to their love story.

The “Forget You” Brew immediately goes to my “quick reco” list. It’s the type of book I’ll recommend to all my friends. I’ll bug them to buy and read it until they get tired of me because I know in the end they will really enjoy reading it as I have. I’m elated to have discovered Tara Frejas as I vow to read more works by local authors. I hope to make more discoveries like this one.

The “Forget You” Brew is available on Amazon for just $ 1.99, just one-click here.

 

Read: September 17, 2016

The BookNut Verdict: 5 out of 5