This is my first book review for Xpresso Book Tours and I’m so happy that I am given a chance to read the ARC of this amazing story. If I Were Beautiful by Devon Hartford (If I Were…, #1) Publication date: January 23rd 2017 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance Synopsis: Is life better when you’re beautiful? Jane Johnson has tried every beauty tip and trick known to woman, but none of them have ever made men notice her. Until now. Finally, something is working. She barely recognizes herself in the mirror. Is it her new haircut? Two years of yoga class? Her new eyebrow tweeze? Or is it all that nasty wheat grass juice her sister insisted she drink finally working some kind of magic? Whatever it is, something is transforming Jane from plain to downright beautiful. For the first time in her life, men are noticing her. Constantly. Jane is getting so much attention from men she doesn’t know what to do with it. Before her inexplicable transformation, she couldn’t get a date to save her life. Now she has a date every night of the week. Gorgeous eligible men are throwing themselves at her. They’re even fighting over her. Actual fist fights to win her affection. It all seems too good to be true. The only question on Jane’s mind is whether or not her newfound beauty is going to last or if it’s some cruel trick of fate that will fade away as quickly as it appeared. Because everybody knows, when something seems too good to be true, it probably is. ***If I Were Beautiful is a saucy romance with a mystical twist that will leave you breathless to find out what happens next. This is book one of a three book series. Book two will release April 2017, Book three, July 2017 (or sooner). Author’s Bio: Devon Hartford is a dude who writes romantic comedies because he likes to laugh as much as he likes to love. Join Devon’s newsletter and you’ll receive teasers of his upcoming books before anyone else, exclusive freebie short stories and novellas, and no spam. Copy and paste this link into your web browser to sign up: http://www.devonhartford.com/newsletter/ Learn more about Devon Hartford and his works here: http://www.devonhartford.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7151069.Devon_Hartford https://www.facebook.com/Devon-Hartford-Author-123504977858834/ https://twitter.com/DevonHartford What I like about the story: The Fairy Tale feels… It brought memories and emotions, like when you are reading fairy tales and waiting for your Prince Charming to come, kiss you and voila, you would be gorgeous in an instant! Like Jane, who deep inside believes that somewhere out there, someone will accept her for being a plain and a geeky manager of 95 cent store and would not compare her from anyone. The ‘Magical’ Ring and Being the Ugly Duckling! I could relate with Jane’s disappointment and frustration being compared to her beautiful and model like her sister, Chelsea. All of her life, Jane feels like the Ugly Duckling that someday will be transform into a lovely swan. I’m glad that she ‘accidentally’ got a ring that changed her into a sexy and uber hot supermodel look. #TeamBrodie versus #TeamWesley… I hate Brodie Bolden at the beginning because he is a man who only likes sex, but later on when he and Jane had this ‘getting to know’ each other, I am already rooting for this guy! Behind his bravado and model body, he teaches developmentally challenged adults on how to manage their lives, how awesome is that right! Enter, Wesley Callaway whom Jane met first when she asked for water because she was too tired from walking. He is the real estate guy who is the grandson of a famous Hollywood celebrity. He is everything a woman can ask for from looks, personality and money, but he meets more than the eye because who have thought that this guy loves playing video games just like Jane. How it ends: Plain Jane to Supermodel Chelsea going back to Geeky Jane, who is torn between wearing the ring again or forever settling with her ordinary life. Verdict: I enjoy that this is not a typical story that starts with speed dating and ended up being chased not only one but several hunks. Jane is quite a lucky woman! I like that it didn’t reveal in the beginning the men that would grab Jane’s attention. It is difficult to choose between the two, but for now I’m #TeamBrodie yet I know that Jane might end up with Wes whom she really likes. This is a must read novel by Devon Hartford that will make you laugh and fall in love at the same time! Visit this website: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32991591-if-i-were-beautiful Purchase: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/If-Were-Beautiful-ebook/dp/B01N9SFCFE Giveaway: Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)
Perk’s rating: 4/5 Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to be part of this blog tour! I can’t wait to read the next two stories from this series! |
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Last Sunday (January 29) was a great day for discovery new places and experiencing things for the first time.
When a former high school classmate and friend invited me that we watch Sa Wakas The Musical, I didn’t hesitate to join her because I loved musicals and the songs that will be featured are from Sugarfree! We both were first timers at Circuit Makati where the musical took place. The Circuit Makati Mall was unlike any other Ayala Malls because it was not yet finished and most of the restaurants there was not the usual that you see from malls. I was also not a fan of the structure of the place because it was confusing. It was 6:30 in the evening and yet, most of the restaurants at the Circuit Makati Mall were full but we were glad that we found seats at Black Canyon Coffee. It is a dining place with cute seats and it serves foods with Thai, Filipino, and Korean fusion. My friend and I were both hungry so we ended up getting their bestseller Pad Thai (452 php) for sharing and Katsu Fish Fried Rice (238 php) which has reasonable price and good quantity. We were satisfied with our dinner and we definitely try their other dishes when we go back to Circuit Makati. We were excited because we were sitting in the VIP seats (first row!). I believed it was the closest seat that I ever been near a stage! The setting of Sa Wakas is basically a house with walls, movable bed, couch, table and chairs. The title of the show came from Sugarfree’s last album before they decided to disband. Sa Wakas is a musical play that tackles why a relationship fails and keeps on falling apart. It is a bittersweet story of Topper, Lexi and Gabbi. Topper is a freelance photographer who is very passionate with his craft and he presumed, one day that he would become famous. He is engaged with Lexi, a neurosurgeon who saves lives and planning to take a Master Degree in San Francisco. I loved how the stage play started from present to past where they incorporated the famous songs of Sugarfree with every scene. It began with Kwarto followed by other likable tracks of Sugarfree like Hari ng Sablay, Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, Mariposa, Hang Over, Telepono and Wag Ka Nang Umiyak, Sinta, Kandila, Huling Gabi, and Cuida. The scene of Tulog Na was so sweet though they were just sitting on the couch and teasing each other! Topper and his Kuya while doing the scene of Dear Kuya was hilarious! Kudos for the awesome movements and gestures while they sang Pinakamagaling na Tao. I was very happy when they sang Burn Out because it was my favorite song from the band. When Topper sang Ikaw Pala to Gabbi, it broke my heart into pieces. I was smiling all the way when I heard Bawat Daan, a current song from Ebe Dancel. They ended the show with Prom, which was superb! I was absolutely hoping that we saw Pepe Herrera on the stage, but he performed from the earlier slot. Yet, the handsome Vic Robinson, who played Topper surprising sounded like Ebe Dancel when he sang! Hands down to Cara Barredo (Lexi) who effortlessly sang every song with confidence and Maronne Cruz (Gabbi) who has this cool personality despite of being the other woman. Applause to Chuwariwaps for stealing the spotlight every now and then! You go gals! Dear Kuya, Hans Dimayuga, you rock! I gave a standing ovation to the musical team who played the beautiful tracks throughout the show. If you want to see Sa Wakas The Musical, you still have ample time because they extended their spectacle until February! You should not miss it! Thank you to my dear friend that we watched this lovely and incredible Pinoy Rock Musical! Up until now, I still can’t get over with Sugarfree songs! What’s up with the new hair style? Why do you have curls? One of my friends asked me when I shown up with new hair look in an event.
I was in college when I had curls for the first time. I just tried it and somehow I got to manage it for six months. The second time that I had curls were three years ago and it lasted for eight months. My friends kept on telling me that curls suit me well. So before the year ended, I finally had digital perm. I bought a Tony and Jackey voucher from Metrodeal which was 3,000 php instead of the regular price of 6,000 php. It was done only in two hours and so far, I’m enjoying my curls. No need to comb my crowning glory. Every day is like, “I woke up like this” moment! If you are planning to attempt a digital perm and you also want to have a new look this 2017, I’m recommending the products that I’ve been using which can also help you to maintain your curls for quite awhile. *SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER* Avoid applying the ‘regular’ shampoo and conditioners that have been with you for quite sometime.Look for brands that have all-natural ingredients, no harmful chemicals. Human Nature is proudly Filipino brand that you can check out. For my shampoo, I pick Human Nature Cool Peppermint with CreamFoam (129.75 php). It is for strengthening hair which help reduce hair fall and leaving the scalp healthier. I like how it refreshes my hair and the cooling sensation that you can actually feel afterwards. I choose Human Nature Mandarin Fresh Natural Conditioner (149.75 php) because of its smell. I’m not into fruity type scents, but this one I cannot resist. It moisturizes and deeply condition dry and rough hair. I will try the other variants of Human Nature products after I emptied these two bottles soon. ~HAIR LOTION, SPRAY AND OIL~ Curls would not last long if you only rely with Shampoo and Conditioner. When I first had my curls, I was advised to use Mousse. I was okay with it, but then I felt my hair was heavy every time I applied it. This time around I stick with products that can flaunt my curls naturally. My every other day use: Monea Curl Defining Milk Lotion (99.75 php) and Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil (299.75 php) I don’t apply this two in one day. I preferred to have the Curling Lotion today, then the Sunflower Oil for tomorrow. Why should I not use only one from these two? I tried and tested these two and it works well for my hair. Monea Curl Defining Milk Lotion is affordable and is not sticky to apply with the curl ends. If you are quite in budget, you can go to the small bottle which costs around 60 php. It gives life to my curls without costing too much! True to its promise, Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil is a best seller that gives a superb result. Believe me when I read an article about a blogger that she used beauty oil with curls, I was taken aback. I was hesitant to purchase one but I ended up convincing myself I have nothing to lose just in case it would not be effective on my hair because I can still use it on the other parts of my body. I fell in love with my curls more with this sunflower oil. My crowning glory becomes shinier and healthier thanks to the miracle oil. Other products that I found good with my curls are: Snoe Hair Heroes Super Fresh Texturizing Beach Waves (300 php) and Beach Born Sea Salt Spray (200 php) There are days that I feel like I don’t have curls. I usually have Snoe Hair Heroes to save the day! After my digital perm treatment, I was advised not to wet my hair. Good thing I have this Hair Heroes, which not only smells absolutely great, it reminds me that I have gorgeous curls! A little bit pricey though for its bottle size, but who cares if you like the outcome, right? I purchased this Beach Born Sea Salt Spray last week because I’ve been reading amazing reviews about this. If you are quite sensitive with odorous items, this sea salt spray doesn’t have smell at all. I tested it twice with my curls but I haven’t seen an effect yet. However, I asked one of my colleagues to apply it to her damp hair. She sprayed it, then bun, her hair and after awhile she loved the instant bouncy curls! She even asked me to use it next time, which I happily said yes. I guess this works better with straight hair, but I will still use it with my curls. How about you? Do you have a new hair style look this 2017? I hope you can also share your secret products to me. |
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