Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue

Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue

I’ll be honest. I was very confused he first time I encountered Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue on GoodNovel because a few years ago I read Mated to the Alpha Twins by Jane Doe. It is one of my favorites of the stories Jane Doe has written to date. I know, I know, it isn’t the same thing, but it was so similar (one letter difference) that I think my eyes skipped over it. That being said, despite my skepticism, I gave it a shot.

One reason I decided to give it a try is that, despite the author’s African name, they have surprisingly good English skills. I mention this not to be racist, but based on my experiences with several people from Africa. While they do speak English, much like Filipinos, their proficiency in grammar and spelling tends to vary.

Are they really fated mates?

Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue starts with Lily, the female lead character (FLC), being bullied by Liam and Lucas, the Alpha twins with whom she is supposed to be fated mates.

From the context, I understand that Liam and Lucas are already 18. Lily, on the other hand, was just about to turn 18. What does this mean? Based on standard werewolf lore, where fated mates sense each other at 18, Liam and Lucas already know, but they still chose to bully her. On Lily’s part, as she is hours away from turning 18, it means she should be feeling an attraction to the twins.

That isn’t what happened.

Instead, the twins (and the entire school) continue to bully her. Then, on the night that Lily turns 18, she feels no pull to a mate and tries to leave and cross the border and finally be free, only to be stopped by the twins and INFORMED that they were mates.

Again, there was no attraction. If anything, there was just disgust. She was dragged back “for the benefit of the pack” and forced into a mating ceremony, again, for the pack. Lily (and we, the readers) will have to take their word for it that it was the Moon Goddess’ will because there was just no indicator of this at all.

No scenting.

No touch.

No attraction.

No divine intervention.

They still are not attracted to each other. As a matter of fact, Liam has a girlfriend, Lexa, who thought she was going to be Luna, who threw a fit when it turned out they were not fated. After the mating ceremony? Business as usual. What do I mean by that? I mean that aside from not being able to leave to have a chance at a better life, Lily also continues to be bullied by her “mates” and the pack, especially those she goes to school with.

HOW IS THIS A MATE BOND?!?

In the meantime, another Alpha enters the picture. Alex meets her and is kind, caring, and protective. Lily finds herself drawn to him. Lily’s first kiss? Alex. She pulls away, says “it’s complicated,” and leaves. How difficult would it have been to tell the truth? Is it just too soon for Alpha Alex to know he was kissing the supposed Luna of the pack? Isn’t that something that should have come up earlier, like, before they kissed?

What kind of romance is this?

Since the title is “Fated to the Alpha Twins,” it immediately implies reverse harem, but it turns out it is a bully romance since Liam and Lucas are her bullies (and continue to do so). Thirty chapters in, and there is still no romance between Lily and the twins.

This story has 180 chapters, and I have questions.

  • How many more chapters do I need to read before I find out if Liam and Lucas are ever going to be proper mates?
  • Will the Moon Goddess ever show up?
  • Is Alex secretly a twin, and, therefore, is it actually Alex and his twin that Lily is supposed to be mated to?
  • Why was the Alpha family so sure Lily was mated to Liam and Lucas?
  • What’s with all the “L” names?
  • How did the author not think that calling Liam’s girlfriend Lexa and calling the other Alpha, Alex, would not be confusing?
  • Am I wasting my money continuing to read this story, HOPING it gets better and my questions get answers?

Cover design

They should also have the cover redesigned because, why, oh why would they think having cheated margins is okay? The text gets truncated EVEN before I placed it in the frame! Don’t believe me? Check out the link on Goodnovel.

My Husband Wants An Open Marriage by Elysian Sparrow

My Husband Wants An Open Marriage by Elysian Sparrow

I usually shy away from stories with ridiculously long titles, such as “My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow. The reason is that these stories often tend to be predictable, formulaic, and frequently written by young authors whose first language is not English, which can be evident in the text. At times, I get the impression that the manuscripts have been machine-translated, as the English can be quite poor.

“My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow surprised me with its well-written narrative. The story follows a familiar formula: Ryan and Julie O’Brien have been married for several years but are unable to conceive. A significant event causes a rift in their relationship. In their case, the issue arises from their struggles to have a child, prompting Ryan to propose the idea of an open relationship. However, what he truly means is that he wants the freedom to explore outside their marriage, while Julie cannot.

Ryan is openly having an affair with his secretary, Emily. He even goes so far as to bring her to their home, forcing Julie out of her bedroom and effectively ending her role as Mrs. O’Brien. Meanwhile, Julie endures the pain and humiliation of working in the company where her husband is the CEO, all while managing the Marketing Department. One night, she decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows. There, she meets Luke, who offers to be her fake boyfriend whenever she needs one. This is where the story starts to become interesting.

I found this story on Goodnovel, but I saw it on other reading apps as well. As is my wont, when I find myself engaged after a few chapters, I turn to Amazon and check if the story is available on Kindle. And, YES, it is there! Woohoo! “My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow is divided into three books on Amazon Kindle and costs $12.97— that is LOADS cheaper than on the reading apps. Click here for Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3 of this story on Amazon Kindle.

38 chapters in and I still love it! So far, it isn’t as predictable as I thought it would be and I love it! I think you will enjoy this billionaire romance, too. And like me, you might fall for Luke as well.

Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother

Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother

Book 13 of the Huge Series, Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother

Book 13 of the Huge Series, Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother

Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother is book 13 of the Huge Series and was just a joy to read! As soon as I received my ARC copy, I put my iPad on a stand, snuggled under the blanket, and read until my eyes dried out … or I lost consciousness, lol! Then, I resumed as soon as I woke up.

What did I like about it?

  • Triplets … because why not? They’re brothers, and there are three of them. I think my eyes just crossed, lol!
  • Guys into sports – there is just something sexy about watching them skating on the ice (in my head) and the excitement and adrenalin rush when they are up against a good team. Hockey can get rough, but so can they. Meow!
  • They’ve got history. They aren’t new to the concept of being steps, which means that the physical attraction has been there for some time but suppressed.
  • The drama of the socials! This was not an issue that would even have been possible back in the day.

It all made for a titillating story that had me holding my breath, laughing at times, and quickly turning pages to know what would happen next.

Grab your copy of Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother soon on Amazon. Free with Kindle Unlimited.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

#bookrecommendations #reverseharem #whychoose #stepbrotherromance #enemiestolovers #HugeSeries #StephanieBrotherBooks

A New Era of Beauty and Wellness: Montesa Medical Group at the Manila Hotel

A New Era of Beauty and Wellness: Montesa Medical Group at the Manila Hotel

Montesa Medical Group, a leading name in the field of dermatology and aesthetics, brings its expertise and cutting-edge technology to the Manila Hotel.

The group’s state-of-the-art clinic, located within the hotel’s premises, offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

  • Advanced Dermatology: Addressing skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and pigmentation disorders.
  • Anti-aging Treatments: Utilizing innovative techniques to combat the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
  • Cosmetic Procedures: Enhancing facial features and body contours through minimally invasive procedures.
  • Wellness Programs: Promoting overall well-being through personalized treatments and lifestyle advice.

The synergy between the historical grandeur of the Manila Hotel and the modern approach of Montesa Medical Group creates a unique and luxurious experience for guests. The clinic’s elegant ambiance, coupled with the attentive and professional staff, ensures a serene and rejuvenating environment.

This partnership not only benefits the hotel’s guests but also contributes to the growing demand for high-quality aesthetic and wellness services in the Philippines. By combining the heritage of the Manila Hotel with the innovation of Montesa Medical Group, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for luxury and holistic well-being.


 

I’ve heard of the Montesa Medical Group before, partly through social media but also from seeing their signage not too far from my place at the CTTM Building on Tomas Morato. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to experience their services at the recently opened branch at The Manila Hotel.

 
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Asking the hotel staff for directions to Montesa is very helpful in finding the aesthetic clinic, as it is not visible from the lobby. But once you find your way to Cafe Ilang-Ilang, it is just a hop, skip, and jump away.

The Vibe

The shared lobby with the hotel spa lives up to the standards of The Manila Hotel: old-world elegance. Going in further reveals that the aesthetic clinic itself continues this elegant vibe while adding the modernness of the latest technology.

White-and-gold is the color scheme they employed, with shades of gold used as accents. The logo and signages on the walls are gold mirrors perfect for an aesthetic center.

The treatment rooms are spacious, and their equipment is state-of-the-art. They have specific rooms for specific types of services, so rather than the equipment changing rooms, it is the client who needs to move from room to room depending on the service they are availing of.

Available to all

With the Montesa Medical Group located deep in the Manila Hotel, it is not surprising that most people would assume that their services are exclusive to hotel guests. Just as with other amenities of the hotel, such as the restaurants, Montesa’s services are available to both check-in guests and hotel visitors, with no difference in their published rates.

The interview

Dr. Anna Marie Montesa personally interviewed me. In our interview, I liked that she did not make any assumptions or immediately make suggestions on treatments. She asked me first what I would like addressed.

Besides the obvious, a need to lose weight and possibly look slimmer, my only real challenge is thumbing my nose at the signs of aging, so, yes – sagging skin and wrinkles.

She gazed at my face and told me that she noticed I was flushed. She asked if this was normal. I looked at her and had to think about it. I know I’m usually flushed when it’s warm or if my blood pressure shoots up.

She asked me if my cheeks are always rosy that I tend to skip putting on blush when I do my makeup. I looked back at her with surprise and realized it was true! Still staring at my face closely, she tells me that I have a condition called rosacea (row-zay-shuh) , which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a common skin condition that causes flushing or long-term redness on your face. And here I thought it was just because I had fair skin.

Dr. Anna Marie Montesa

Things we needed to consider when it came to the treatments I would try:

  1. I have urticaria, which translates to me being allergic to so many things. This meant that I couldn’t do any of the facials because I might be allergic to them; I couldn’t just do any treatment that needed to be injected for the same reason.
  2. I have a titanium implant. This meant, no RF treatments.

This left us with only non-invasive, non-surgical procedures, which I was all for, definitely.

Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis

Her recommended treatment for rosacea is a procedure called the Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis. After lying down on the treatment bed, they placed protective goggles over my eyes and applied lotion or cream to my face.

Dr. Montesa herself treated me and explained what she was doing and what this treatment was for. The Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis addresses skin flushing, removes fine lines, whitens skin, and minimizes pores. I perked up at the last one as enlarged pores on my cheeks were something I’d been bemoaning for some time.

The wand she hovered over my face produced a steady heat that was borderline uncomfortable yet soothing at the same time. Every now and then, it would zap like one of those bug killers, and Dr. Montesa said that those were facial hairs getting zapped. I could feel my skin tightening under the laser and visualized my pores closing in fear. Hyuk! Kidding aside, when later asked if the procedure was painful, I could honestly tell them that since I have my eyebrows threaded every month, the Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis was no big deal. The procedure is quick, at only 10 to 15 minutes.

Special year-end promo

The price for this procedure is ₱6,000 per session. The recommended treatment is once a month for three months, followed by maintenance every 6 months. That sounds reasonable, right?Right now, they have a special offer! If you pre-purchase three treatments, you get one additional treatment free!

Buy 3 get 1 additional treatment free!

Montesa Cold Lift

One other thing I mentioned to Dr. Montesa was that I recently had meso done on my face because I’m resigned to the fact that at my age, no amount of exercise will make my chin reappear without making my skin sag from weight-loss. Let’s face it, as we get older our skin just loses the elasticity of youth.

For this, Dr. Montesa recommended the Montesa Cold Lift – a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure used for jaw contouring, skin lightening, fat lysis, and removing the dreaded double chin.

To prove its effectiveness, Dr. Montesa did the left side of my jaw and chin first. After a few passes with that magic wand (I call it a magic wand because it is literal magic to me) she handed me a mirror and I was shocked at the difference. OMG, was there a difference!

It was a subtle difference, but it was enough to make me a believer. My jawline, which used to be oval and became round over the last 10 years has started to regain its shape. The point of my chin reappeared and the angle of my jaw made a reappearance.

The bottom of my chin which has started to develop a double chin shrank back. Amazing! Now I just need to remember to keep my chin up or my face level at least, to discourage its return.

Of course, she works on the other side as well and treats my entire jawline.

Special year-end promo

Compared to the Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis the Montera Cold Lift is more pricey at ₱25,000 per session. Just as with the former, the recommended treatment is once a month for three months, followed by maintenance every 6 months.

I shudder at the price but with results like what I described above, I can’t help but give it serious thought.

Buy 2 get 1 additional treatment free!

Same day results

I kid you not, the results are immediately visible. It isn’t just some placebo effect. My only questions after were:

  • How long will it last?
  • Do I need a special regimen to maintain it?
  • What should I remove from the products I currently use?

Dr. Montesa recommended some changes such as using products that are designed for babies as they are less likely to trigger my allergies. In addition she also said one thing that I keep forgetting … sunscreen! Lol!

Comparing the two

The Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis is a hot treatment with the occasional zap to keep me on my toes. On the other hand, the Montesa Cold Lift is cool and relaxing.

Comparing them based on how they make me feel, during and after, the Montesa Cold Lift is easily what I would recommend if not for the cost. A friend of mine even said “Mag-exercise ka na lang, mas mura pa (just exercise, it’s cheaper).” While that may be true, exercise at my age does not have the side benefit of tightening my skin and firming up my jawline.

But we really shouldn’t be comparing them at all since each one has a different purpose and possibly, like me, you need both!

Avail of the promos!

You want more bang for you buck? Then, avail of the promos!

  • Buy 3 get 1 free of the Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis at ₱6,000 per session
  • Buy 2 get 1 free of the Montesa Cold Lift at ₱25,000 per session

In addition, use the promo code MONTESA001 to receive an additional 20% discount at the Montesa Medical Group at The Manila Hotel!

HUGE discount with the promo code provided:

  • Buy 3 get 1 free of the Montesa Cutera Laser Genesis at ₱4,800 per session
  • Buy 2 get 1 free of the Montesa Cold Lift at ₱20,000 per session

Now’s your chance to try their services! Make your way to the Montesa Medical Group at the Manila Hotel and don’t forget to use the promo code! It will work with ANY of their services.

Two Times the Trouble by Stephanie Brother

Two Times the Trouble by Stephanie Brother

Two Times the Trouble by Stephanie Brother is different from the other stories she’s written that I have read. Identical twins are nothing new, but identical twins pretending to be one person to help a gal out by pretending to be her boyfriend … that’s new.

When a hot, grumpy, silent man entered her yoga class, Callie didn’t know what to expect. She certainly didn’t expect him to keep coming back! Then she encounters him again at the sandwich shop she also works at and encounters him again, but with his personality dialed the opposite way. How can he be so different in yoga class and outside of it? Turns out that the explanation is simple.

Dealing with the Pruitt twins must be like having a relationship with Jekyll and Hyde, except that Max and Miles really are two separate people! It boggles the mind how polar opposite their personalities seem, and yet whenever they switch places, Miles plays Max to a tee that in Callie’s shoes, I would get whiplash! Then there’s the added layer of mystery… what are these twins plotting? It’s clear that their machinations are unrelated to Callie and have everything to do with the family her sister is marrying into. The impending revelation is a source of dread. Hearts will be shattered, feelings will be bruised, and misunderstandings will run rampant.

I’d recommend this book, if only because it is different from most of Stephanie Brother’s stories, and yet it still hooked me! The unique storyline, the complex characters, and the element of mystery make it a compelling read. I think you should give it a shot as well. 🙂

Two Times the Trouble by Stephanie Brother on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Get your copy now! I enjoyed it, I think you will, too.

The Alpha and the Rental Luna by VictoryAnne Vice

The Alpha and the Rental Luna by VictoryAnne Vice

As I was going through my Facebook notifications, I encountered a post from an author named VictoryAnne Vice, who was asking for people to try out her story called The Alpha and the Rental Luna. She already has several books under her belt, and this is her latest ongoing story. Since the title intrigued me, I thought I’d give it a shot.

If you’ve been reading shifter romance as much as I do, then you are familiar with the werewolf concept of fated mates and chosen mates. For Alphas, that translates to their Luna, who is usually a fated mate in stories. But what if you only wanted a Luna part-time, no commitment outside of a contract? That’s where the Rental Lunas come in. The thought that Alpha females would actually choose to go into training to be a rental Luna is mind-boggling! These ladies aren’t looking to marry, even though it is a possibility. They are there to fulfill ALL of the Alpha’s needs while they are in the contract.

The Characters

The main characters are Sylvester “Sly” Sterling and Apple LeRoux.

The story opens from the POV of Apple LeRoux. She is introduced to us as a human from a small town who moves to Crescent City to pursue a college degree and to get away from her cheating boyfriend and abusive family. She is broke and homeless and desperately needs a job. She sees a notice for a job opening, not realizing that it is for a werewolf company.

In a case of misinformation and misdirection she ends up being interviewed by the Alpha who thought she was a Rental Luna. She wasn’t … but somehow, he ends up trying to convince her to accept the job of being his Rental Luna.

Sylvester “Sly” Sterling is the Alpha. Unlike in most stories, he did not inherit his title from his father. He earned it through hard work. It didn’t hurt that his former Luna was the former Alpha’s daughter, Alexis.

 

The Story

If Apple accepts the job, it will entail a lot of subterfuge as werewolf/human relations are frowned upon. A human Luna will definitely not be acceptable to the pack! The only ones who know are Sly, Apple, Beta Rudy, and Apple’s new friends with whom she shares an apartment.

Here’s the challenge … should Apple agree to this crazy scheme and become his Rental Luna?

On the up side it means financial security and being able to go to school and enroll in her chosen degree. In addition, being the helpful and caring person that she is, she doesn’t really mind helping the pack.

On the downside, she needs to hide her humanity and pretend to be a werewolf while at the same time fight her growing attraction to Sly..

My Take

As the story progresses, I keep waiting to get bored and move on. However, I am 48 chapters in, and it hasn’t happened yet. It helps that the author usually posts 1 to 2 chapters a day and tries her best not to leave us hanging.

I LOVE the daily updates! It keeps me interested and excited for the upcoming chapters. The story is fast-paced, which definitely kept me interested, and I occasionally went back a few pages just to reread something that caught my eye in the story.

Will they, won’t they? VictoryAnne Vice is good at edging us and making us want more. And what’s with Apple’s very vocal inner voice? My guess is she has a wolf but doesn’t know it. Maybe she’s a late bloomer. I’m on tenterhooks!

This story is something I highly recommend as it is fun, with its witty dialogues and humorous situations, and lighthearted, with its optimistic and feel-good vibe. There’s not too much drama, which I appreciate, and I can hardly wait for Apple and Sly’s first full intimacy. Here’s hoping it happens soon.

Start reading The Alpha and his Rental Luna on Goodnovel.

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