by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 7, 2024 | Book Reviews
A few weeks ago, I was searching Goodnovel for a new story to read. It’s always Alpha this, Alpha that. Then, I encountered a couple of stories that piqued my interest.
The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story
The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story
The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story is a story about Piper, a woman who was working as a waitress to raise her twin sister’s daughter. Unbeknownst to her, her friend entered her into a contest by the royal family for all unmated women of eligible age. Whoever wins will become the Luna for one of the three Princes, meaning there will be three winners … one for each Prince. She discovers that one of the Princes is her ex, Nicholas. At the time they were dating, she had no idea of his identity.
She gets chosen as a candidate, and as the story progresses, the candidates go through different challenges where one or more will be eliminated. She brings her niece, who everyone thinks is her daughter, with her. Things are more difficult for her as she has the added challenge of being wolfless and not being high-born. However, she does not really let that stop her. She knows she will get eliminated early, but while she competes, her niece gets the medical care she needs.
Most of the other candidates hate her, some of the servants hate her, some of the guards hate her, and the King and Queen hate her. It seems like only Princes Nicholas and Julian like her. What will her fate be in The Luna Choosing Game?
How she lost her wolf when Nicholas was sure she had one before is part of the mystery of this story. Why are more and more people losing their wolves? Where is Piper’s sister? Why did she leave her daughter with Piper?
Luna Battle: The Game by Billiejo Priestley
Luna Battle: The Game by Billiejo Priestley
Luna Battle: The Game by Billiejo Priestley is about Elara, a slave to Alpha Draven’s pack who secretly entered The Luna Battle in hopes of escaping the torture of her everyday life. She lost her wolf at four years old, has lived her life as a servant, and when she was old enough, she became a sex slave and was made to service Alpha Draven, his betas, and his guests. She was bitten and claimed by Alpha Draven when she was twelve years old and had no mate.
The Luna Battle is a competition to select the Luna Queen for King Darius and the Luna Princess for Prince Kellan. Each candidate will be asked to perform various challenges. At the end of each challenge, one or more of the candidates will be eliminated and sent home.
Magic selected her as a candidate, and when she arrived at the Palace, most of the other contestants hated her and called her “mutt,” but that didn’t stop Elara from being the bigger person and reminding them of how a Luna is supposed to behave. After all, she didn’t really expect to stay in the competition for long. But what happens when Prince Kellan starts to show her favor, and the King seems to do so, too?
The Luna stories go head-to-head.
I started reading The Luna Choosing Game first and then paused at Chapter 102 because I, quite honestly, got bored with the minutiae. More than a hundred chapters in, and it feels like only a little has happened. Some scenes could have been removed, and chapters could have been compressed. You know those telenovelas that seem to go on forever? That’s what it felt like when I was reading this book. It was interesting, but it was taking forever to get to the point.
In addition, as of this posting, The Luna Choosing Game has 460 chapters and counting! For crying out loud! Know when to stop! If you must, then serialize it, book one and book two, etc.
At the point I was getting fed up with it, I encountered Luna Battle: The Game, and the first thing I noticed was the parallels:
- wolfless
- no family
- forced into a life of servitude
Even the challenges were similar, but then, you know what they say, there really is little that is original as we all build off what other people have done in the past. There’s a big difference, though. Luna Battle is fast-paced and engaging and, more importantly … ONLY 151 CHAPTERS!
YES! The author was able to tell THE WHOLE STORY (COMPLETE!) in just 151 chapters. Value for money? Check!
Will I go back to finish The Luna Choosing Game? I am unsure. At this point, as I see the chapter count climbing higher and higher, it doesn’t seem very certain. Maybe I will wait until the book makes its way to Amazon, hopefully, KU, and then read it there. I’ve already spent way too much on it, as it is.
Head to head … Luna Battle Wins!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 26, 2024 | Book Reviews
Do you know how there are stories that get so much hype on social media that you end up giving it a chance and buying coins just to be able to read more? Well, that is what happened with me with Moonlit Mates, a recommended anthology by Dreame. Moonlit Mates is supposed to be a compilation of short(ish) stories from different authors that Dreame highly recommends. But is it all hype or are the stories really good?
Here’s my experience. So far I am on chapter 19 of the first story called “Lies and Betrayal” by Melissa and it is an uphill battle. The story has potential but I don’t see what all the hype is about. The author does not seem to have the chops yet to be receiving the raves this book is supposedly getting. Character building, world setting, and story flow are half-baked. Intimate scenes are rushed and rough, with no finesse.
As for grammar … sigh. Often the author is guilty of using homonyms or simply possibly similar-sounding or spelled words. For example: composer when what she really means is composure.
But this is how much I want to believe it is worth it … I purchased all the 150+ chapters then crossed my fingers hoping I didn’t just throw money in the shredder. So far, with the first story, it is a bust. What are the other stories and who wrote them? No idea. One would think Dreame would have put it in the preview blurb at the very least, but nope!
Why is no one recommending copy editors, at the very least, to these authors? I get the value of uplifting, but doing so should not make us blind to room for (much) improvement.
Color me disappointed. 🙁
The following are the stories within:
- Lies and Betrayal by Melissa
- Deepest Regret by Valerie Irene
- The Moon Goddess Daughter (The Hybrid) by Titania Sattaur
- His Warrior Luna by Cassidy Wilson
- The Alpha Games by Jessica Christensen
I’m hoping your experience is better than mine. I started reading this in December 2023 and I have yet to get beyond chapter 19 of the first story. This, from someone who reads at least 1 completed story a day.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 23, 2024 | Book Reviews
I read Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has A Son by Jessica Hall in 2022 on Goodnovel, and I don’t even remember when exactly anymore, and I LOVED it … a lot! Compared to her other stories, this one is fairly “innocent”. Translation: it isn’t as steamy. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it as the story is quite compelling.
I’ve recently started listening to books on audible and discovered that this book is there. Gasp! I just HAD to get it. I am so glad that I did … worth every penny. The voice actors were really good and did a pretty good job of bringing the story to life. My only regret is that book two (aka the second part of the story) has no recording yet.
If you’ve read this story on a reading app, then you know it is actually one long story, so cutting off where it did can be frustrating. That being said, the story is worth making that double purchase on Amazon. After all, it still comes out cheaper than reading apps.
Both books are available on Amazon.
Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has a Son in a Nutshell
Everly is the daughter of the Alpha or her pack and his successor. She was only seventeen when she met and inadvertently ended up in bed with Valen, who was the Alpha of a rival pack. They were drunk at a time, which should really not be an excuse in this day and age, but there you have it. When Everly wakes up in the morning, she realizes what happened, and she attempts a French exit but is met at the door by the Beta. After quick pleasantries, she still manages to leave alone, and the Beta was not able to get her name either.
Weeks pass and Everly realizes that she is pregnant and there can only be one person who could be the father so she tries to reach out to Valen to let him now but was rebuffed and he denied being with her. When her father discovers she is pregnant he disowns her and labels her a rogue whore when she would not agree to an abortion.
She leaves the pack and lives the life of a rogue from that point forward and eventually gives birth to a son.
Everly realizes early on that Valen is her fated mate but he did not know until several years later which lead to her suffering from his infidelity for years. This is the point in the story where the courtship of Valen and Everly begins. With everything that she has gone through I was glad that she does not succumb to easily to his charms. If she did, I would be very disappointed. She didn’t deny the mate bond, but she was better at resisting it.
My Thoughts
To say that I think this story is a masterpiece is putting it mildly. I have lost count of how many times I have read this story. Jessica Hall has me on an emotional roller coaster and I don’t want to get off it. In my head I see this story as something akin to a TV series … not a movie as that would be too short. So many things happen to Everly and Valen in this story that it would be an injustice to chop off as much as they do for movie adaptations.
If it isn’t obvious yet, I highly recommend that you add Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has A Son by Jessica Hall to your bookshelf, stat! Don’t just put it in the TBR (to be read) pile. Put it straight to the MUST-READ pile and enjoy!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 23, 2023 | Yummy Reviews
Working toward your health goals can be a long process, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. A small change to your diet, for example, can make the journey fun and worthwhile.
Here’s an idea: how about making plant-based milk drinks a part of your morning meals? Ready-to-drink milk brand Vitasoy is here to help you level up your breakfast with its range of delicious and nutritious plant-based milk drinks.
The brand offers three great-tasting, nutrient-packed milky variants: the soy-based Vitasoy Plus Milky and two new milk options: Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond, made from 100% almonds and oat-based Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat. What you’ll love about them is how they are nutritional powerhouses — packed with calcium, protein, and Vitamin D. Vitasoy Plus products are heart and gut-friendly as they are cholesterol and lactose-free and low in saturated fat. With proper diet and exercise, these Vitasoy plant-based milk drinks will surely keep you strong and healthy while you enjoy that familiar milky goodness.
Don’t know which plant milk to choose? Vitasoy Plus Milky is soy milk that’s milky and creamy. Even vegans couldn’t believe it’s plant milk! Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond has a creamy texture and roasted almond taste, while Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat has a rich, “oat-y” flavor and a milky texture and aroma. You can enjoy these plant-based milk drinks on their own, mix them in your morning cup of coffee or tea, or use them to elevate your breakfast game. Check out some ideas below:
Milky Overnight Oats
Level up your overnight oats with Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat
In need of a quick breakfast? Prep one the night before! Just mix Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat, oatmeal, chopped fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of nuts in a jar, place it in your fridge, and enjoy it the next day. For your fruit and nut toppings, you can try bananas or apples, and cashews or walnuts. The creaminess of Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat enhances the various textures and tastes of this dish, making it a hearty and enjoyable meal.
Milky Breakfast Cereal
Enjoy your morning cereal with Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond
Yes, you can level up your basic breakfast cereal with plant-based milk! Pour Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond over cornflakes, and add your favorite fruits like strawberries or mangoes. Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond’s delightfully nutty flavor will complement the crunch of the cereal.
Milky Korean Ramyeon
Experience your Korean Ramyeon the Milky Way with Vitasoy Plus Milky.
Balance out the heat in your Korean ramen by adding the creamy goodness of milk! Pour some Vitasoy Plus Milky into your favorite Korean ramyeon recipe, and further level up its protein content with egg! Mix in some chopped vegetables and enjoy your healthy Korean breakfast!
You know what they say: there’s nothing better than starting your day with a healthy and hearty breakfast. It’s time to make Vitasoy Plus’s plant-based milk drinks a regular part of your morning!
Follow @VitasoyPH on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 18, 2023 | Yummy Reviews
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of sampling some of the scrumptious dishes served for lunch at the Marcelino Cafe located at the Manila Prince Hotel. I know what you are thinking … just another buffet, right? This is not a unique concept for hotel restaurants but is definitely a crowd-pleaser. After all, who doesn’t like value for money?
Buffet time!
Exploring the buffet showed mostly Asian cuisine, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino, with a smattering of Mediterranean and Italian. At every table, I saw a dish I would definitely like to try. However, I must confess that what immediately caught my eye were what I like to call the “fun buns,” which were shaped like a pig and mushroom.
The pig was filled with custard, which makes it a dessert bun, while the mushroom contained sauteed mushrooms in a savory sauce. Of the two, I enjoyed the mushroom more. The bread of the buns tastes just like mantou. To be honest, there was nothing wrong with the pigs except for failed expectations since I expected the inside to resemble the outside. That aside, the custard was okay. If the buns were warm, the filling would have been gooey, which would have been perfect.
The buffet table at its left had four dishes, and the one that caught my eye there was the beef caldereta and I knew my vow to myself not to eat rice was getting thrown out the window. In my opinion, it is impossible to eat caldereta without pairing it with lots of rice. Then, on the far side of the table where the buns were were beancurd rolls, and that was it. I told myself that I didn’t need to see the rest of the buffet, lol!
That being said, I knew I still had to explore the rest of the buffet. More food choices are available on the left side near the window overlooking the street and in the “al fresco” area near the hotel lobby.
The trick to enjoying buffets is to try to avoid eating too much carbs since they tend to really fill me up quickly. I’m not always successful at it, but I try. I helped myself to the dishes that caught my eye or made my mouth water. In my youth, I would probably have sampled everything, but nowadays, unless I want to look like a Goodyear Blimp, I have to pick and choose. Moderation is key.
I must confess, though, that it took a lot for me not to get more than two pieces of the deviled eggs. I LOVE deviled eggs!
Dessert
The saying “save the best for last” must have something to do with dessert because I always make sure to save space for dessert and pray for a good selection. With everything I had already eaten, I couldn’t eat as much as I wanted, but I had to try a few, especially with the chocolate fondue. I ended up trying the otap, dark chocolate bark, and pianono.
For a lunch and dinner promo rate of ₱899 per person, I think those are good selections. I, for one, could not even sample everything I wanted to. Don’t be surprised if I post again in the future that I went here again with friends. They also have a breakfast buffet promo of ₱550 per person if breakfast is more your thing.
Speaking of which … I was happy to bump into Tita Lally, who happened to be billeted at the Manila Prince Hotel that day. She and Tito Art were there for a staycation.
In 2024, my next food trip destination is most likely going to be back at Marcelino Cafe. Would you like to join me? KKB!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 17, 2023 | Book Reviews
I first read Inked 8 by Stephanie Brother in March of 2022, and it is by far (to date) my favorite of all of Stephanie’s books. Some stories come close, but for some reason, this is the story that I can’t help but read over and over. And then, just yesterday, the audiobook version came out on Audible. To say I got excited would be an understatement, lol! I was curious to see if it would read aloud the same as it sounds in my head.
Good news, it is even better! I’m definitely a convert and am loving audiobooks now. However, I’ve found that I enjoyed the story more BECAUSE I’ve already read it. I tried listening to a book I hadn’t read before, and my attention wandered.
The story of Inked 8 is possibly one of the hottest stories I’ve ever read … not because of all the men in the reverse harem, but because of all the kinks. Talk about fantasies, phew! The book gave me palpitations, and the audiobook made me swoon! Kudos to the great voice actors Connor Crais and Melanie Hastings! I loved it so much!
What is Inked 8 all about?
The story of Inked 8 revolves around Kayla, a young woman who applied for a job as an administrator at Inked Factor, a tattoo shop owned and managed by eight friends – Carl, Kase and Kole (twins), Dex and Lex (twins). and Nash, Niall, and Noah (triplets). Yes, Stephanie Brother loves her twins and triplets!
As the story progresses, they all embark on a journey of sexual discovery (for Kayla) when Dex proposes a game where she dates each of them once and they each let her experience their kink. While each date is so hot it leaves her (and me!) cross-eyed, each time it leaves Kayla conflicted as she finds herself developing feelings for all eight of them.
How kinky can it get?
Voyeurism, light BDSM, exhibitionism, food play, are just a few of the kinks they explored. Maybe it is an extension of my own kink, but I was transfixed with this story. I couldn’t stop reading it when it came out last year, and I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook when it came out as well. Add in Connor Crais’ voice in the mix and swoon I’d be surprised if there will be dry panties while listening to this audiobook, especially during the steamy scenes.
I know I will be listening to this story (or excerpts of this story) over and over again, but with the buds on. I can’t have everyone in the house hearing my smut, lol! Inked 8 by Stephanie Brother is available on Amazon in Kindle, Audible, and Paperback format, free with a Kindle Unlimited account.
I’ve recently started listening to books on audible and discovered that this book is there. Gasp! I just HAD to get it. I am so glad that I did … worth every penny. The voice actors were really good and did a pretty good job of bringing the story to life. My only regret is that book two (aka the second part of the story) has no recording yet.
Exploring the buffet showed mostly Asian cuisine, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino, with a smattering of Mediterranean and Italian. At every table, I saw a dish I would definitely like to try. However, I must confess that what immediately caught my eye were what I like to call the “fun buns,” which were shaped like a pig and mushroom.
The trick to enjoying buffets is to try to avoid eating too much carbs since they tend to really fill me up quickly. I’m not always successful at it, but I try. I helped myself to the dishes that caught my eye or made my mouth water. In my youth, I would probably have sampled everything, but nowadays, unless I want to look like a Goodyear Blimp, I have to pick and choose. Moderation is key.
Speaking of which … I was happy to bump into Tita Lally, who happened to be billeted at the Manila Prince Hotel that day. She and Tito Art were there for a staycation.
I first read Inked 8 by Stephanie Brother in March of 2022, and it is by far (to date) my favorite of all of Stephanie’s books. Some stories come close, but for some reason, this is the story that I can’t help but read over and over. And then, just yesterday, the audiobook version came out on Audible. To say I got excited would be an understatement, lol! I was curious to see if it would read aloud the same as it sounds in my head.
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