Hi guys! I'm back from the dead

I AM BACK BABY!

 

This is such an informal post, and I am so sorry for that but I just wanted to say that. I'M BACK!!

This has got to be the most stressful term EVER in my college day so far. And I fear that it will only get worse. I WAS SWAMPED with school work. Apart from doing 2D animations and vector classes the whole 2 and a half months that I was gone. I was also very busy helping out the student council as part of an Adhoc Comittee. (Yes I was a busy woman lately haha).

But being away for a whole term. WITHOUT EVEN OPENING MY BLOG
at all is the most depressing term of my life. I would often think of it and would want to just wallow in misery over not having time at all to open it. This is why I've been thinking of a regular blogging schedule that works with my school schedule to make sure that I won't let my blog go stale. I may not post regularly that much, but I promise to bring new content more often that I do.

And one of my announcements will be: "JULES BOOKSHELF WILL BE A HAVING AN INTENSE RENOVATION"

I've thought hard about what I've been planning for this blog and I've decided to make one big step for change in the blog itself. I'll give you a hint, it will involve a lot more than a new blog design. (wink wink)

As for blog hopping and other activities, I'll definitively be more active in that, I've missed reading your blog guys! And you'll be seeing me soon in your comment section!

Well that's that for now! Its good to be home.

Blog Tour Stop : Review : Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts + Giveaway

YA Bound Book Tours is organizing a Blog Tour for: Playing the Player by Lisa Brown Roberts from Entangled Teen: Crush. This tour will run from September 14th to September 25th. 

Add to Goodreads

Playing the Player by
Lisa Brown Roberts (5 Stars)

Release Date: 08/18/15

Entangled Teen: Crush

Summary from Goodreads:

Trina Clemons needed the money. Why else
would she—the most organized, prepared student in school—spend the summer as a
nanny and partner with the biggest slacker ever? Now she's ready to tackle
nannyhood with her big binder of research and schedules. Just don't ask her
about the secret job of “fixing” the bad habits of a certain high school
player…

Slade Edmunds prefers easy hook-ups, and Trina is definitely not his type.
She's all structure and rules, while Slade wants to just have fun. Fortunately,
Trina has no idea about the bet Slade made with his best friend that he can
totally get her to unwind by the end of summer

Then the weirdest thing happens. There's chemistry. A lot of it.

But nothing gets between a boy and a girl like a big, fat secret…

Book Review: The Zeuorian Awakening by Cindy Zablockis

The Zeuorian Awakening by Cindy Zablockis (1 star and a half)

Lexi’s no ordinary teenager. She was born with the ability to read minds and sense danger. But on her seventeenth birthday, she realized how different she was after transforming, literally that is. Now she’s developing powers stronger than a superhero. But she’s no superhero.

Far from it.

She has no control over her abilities and causes accidents every time she’s nervous or upset, which being a teenager is hard to avoid, especially when the most popular boys in school are fighting to be with her.

If that isn’t bad enough, a stranger is following her. She doesn't know who he is or what he wants, yet he knows all about her abilities and that she’s developing more. And . . . he’s her only hope of understanding why she’s changing and others are after her. What she learns will send her life into overdrive.

A romantic and suspenseful story with several unexpected twists, The Zeuorian captures the struggle between wanting to survive and longing to know the truth even if it means risking death.

Are you an out or in the closet book blogger?

Idle Chit-Chats is where @ Jules Bookshelf talks about bookish and non-bookish topics that is related to a bibliophile

 

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Sorry for that really really weird title hahaha! But really let's talk bout' this haha.

When I first started blogging, no one ever knew about it. Not even my parents or classmates knew about it. I did share it to my bff since highschool. Tho she doesn't really understand it, she's happy that I'm happy haha, (Mostly tho we fangirl when the fave author we love responds to me/her/our tweets ) my mom only found out when she saw me typing a blog post. (She's a big fan now haha, in a cute/embarrassing kind of way, she even tells her co-workers about it haha) and gradually people knew about it as well.

Mom? You told them?

Tho I have always tweeted my reviews on my account on Twitter, but I never imagined anyone I know even thinking of clicking it. But yes, eventually a lot of my reality friends knew about it until it became common knowledge that I was indeed a blogger.

It was a cute experience to be honest. I was always seen as the reader kind of girl so they weren't really that surprised about it haha. They were a bit surprised about having a blog in itself. They thought I was this bigshot famous blogger when I really wasn't haha. But yes when blogging became "part" of my life it was easier for my parents to understand my complete love for books (so when bookish events come up, they totally understand that I'd want to go :D ).

Let me welcome some of my friends who are here to write about their experience on this topic :D

First person to share is a personal friend of mine. And she shares her first opinion on me. She's also a blogger, more lifestyle in genre. Dyanne of  D-Ture

1. What was your first impression of me?

I seriously have NO idea. HAHA. But I kinda think it was that I sorta sensed some leader type in you.
(Seriously tho, I have an OCD when it comes to projects, so I tend to be bossy and my friends know this so I only say sorry to compensate haha) 

I was a leader type? hahaha didn't think people would see that in me haha. I'm quite lazy but I do take responsibilities seriously.
 

2. Was it obvious that I was a really big avid reader?

No, not really. You probably seemed one but I never imagined you to be that big of a reader until you mentioned about your book blog! And I was actually like, Ohmaygahd, someone understands me!

I do. I do. Haha, I was glad I could influence you to love Rose and Connor too ;) 
 

3. Were you able to relate to me? Did I influence you in anyway when it comes to anything bookish or blogging wise?

I sure did! Especially on the blogging aspect. A lot of people haven't really accepted the fact that blogging is now a young industry. Most people still see them as nothing but a hobby. It was nice to know that at least 1 of the thousands of people in Mapua, understands me in this way.

Hm, I've long been into reading since I was but a little child. I think it kinda helped that I have some friends in Mapua who's really into reading as well. (who actually turns out to be waaaay more into reading than me) I've kinda detached myself from books since I started college but it's good to know that I could have a sort of reading buddy to gush about all things reading.

AND GUYS WE DID GUSH. I SWEAR WHEN SHE FINISHED KISS THE SKY ALL WE COULD TALK ABOUT AT THE TIME WAS HIM. AND ONLY HIM HAHA.

this is how we were when we talked about Connor Freaking Amazing Cobalt! :D hahahahha

So you see it wasn't a really big big thing, but I guess them knowing about my book blog made them understand me more and they always take that into consideration. (They know that I always stop when we go through a bookstore hahaha). Inah of The Bibliophile Confessions also shares her firsthand experience about blogging on our "real life"

When I decided to start blogging about books, I didn’t want my friends to know about it. I was a bit shy, I guess and I didn’t want to them to read my reviews about the books I’ve read, although I’m pretty much eager to share book recommendations to them, of course! Maybe I didn’t want them to judge me and well, writing my reviews in English because I don’t casually speak in that language when it comes to talking to them. I’m not good when it comes to handling compliments. I get too flustered and all red, which is pretty funny.

When I created my blog, I made a separate Twitter account for the blog and to share all my book love. It was kind of fun living with two identities. I told my closest friends, my roommates that I do blog and review books. But since I have a lot of friends and most of my friends know how much of a bookworm I am, the word got out that I am a book blogger. I was kinda nervous they would look at me in a different way, most of them didn’t. Some treated me like I’m someone famous. It was embarrassing and funny at the same time. I was shy about it at first but I decided to shake it off and be proud of that fact that once I ramble about books, I could go on for hours. My friends love that about me.

About a week ago, one friend discovered my blog-related Twitter and decided to follow me. I was surprised and I freaked out a little at first because she was the only one from my school, besides my co-blogger Jem, who knows about my Twitter. The thing is, after I realized that it’s cool for me for people to know that I’m a book blogger, I put a link of my blog related Twitter account on my personal one. I just didn’t think people would actually click it.

A friendly advice, unless you’re not comfortable with people finding out you’re a book blogger, I think it’s totally okay for your friends or family to know. Besides, isn’t our love for books is what pushed us to become a book blogger? There’s nothing wrong in sharing and proclaiming our love for books to other people. Last thing, always be proud to be a book blogger!

I agree with Inah here :D I wasn't really a big blogger, but I am proud that I am able to share my love for books and converse with other book bloggers as well. That I think is the best thing about this. So whether you're an in/out of the closet book blogger. It doesn't matter because we all love books all the same and we are so proud of that :D

So yeah that's my discussion today! I hope you guys had fun reading it and hope to see you soon. *here's a gif of Loki winking :D

How about you? Does your family know? Maybe your bestfriend? Tell me your story :D

DNF Reviews (1st Edition ft, The History of Glitter and Blood, Riot, & The Concequence of Loving Colton)

DNF REVIEWS (FIRST EDITION)

Lemme tell you I just DNF’ed a lot of books. And this is a surprise because I don’t ever DNF as much as possible. But this one is just too much for me.

The Consequences of Loving Colton by Rachel Van Dyken

When I saw that this was available to request at Netgalley, I immediately got excited because I loved this certain book from Van Dyken. So I wasn’t hesistant to try this. But then the characters gaaah. It made me want to bang my head at the nearest cement wall and at the same time hurl the book as far away from me as possible. THESE CHARACTERS ARE THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE. The girl, is just to indecisive and feels too much like a marie-sue character. Then the guy who is also indecisive. And just ends up making a fool of himself and does nothing but do stupid decision which was really obvious by the way. Its just overall annoying and hard to read.

Flex by Ferrett Steinmetz

I remembered that the main reason why I wanted to read this book is because I loved what I read from the summary. Very sci-fi and it looks different compared to most of the sci-fi books that I’ve read. But it all just felt too much for me. There was a part in the beginning that felt too much like an info-dump which almost made me want to stop reading it entirely. I’m stopped by half of the book, and as much as I want to try to finish this book, I don’t think I can.

 

The History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz

I’ve read a book from Hannah before. But I have no interest in completing this book at all. I tried to continue it since I do have a big interest about faes and faeries and everything fantasy. But this one, I don’t really have a big interest in. It’s a a bit early for me to stop at 10% or so. But this book just doesn’t do it for me at all. As sad as that is.

Black Wolf Release by JA Redmerski

If you guys know, I am so so so addicted to JA's very intense novels. Andrew and Fredrik are in my line of book boyfriends for life. So I am happy to tell you guys that the latest installment for the Company of Killers series is finally out!

HI GUYS. I'M ALIVE!

Hi guyssssss!

*waves like maniac*

Did you guys miss me? ahaha

Mini-Review: Decaying Empire by Laura Thalassa

Mini-Review: The Decaying Empire by Laura Thalassa (The Vanishing Girl #2) (3.5 stars)

I received this book via netgalley in exchange for a review, my receiving a copy does affect opinion and rating.

When eighteen-year-old teleporter Ember Pierce wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, she remembers only the basics: she’s been trained by the government as a spy, she’s sent on dangerous missions, and her last assignment—the one that landed her in the hospital—was a setup.

Caden Hawthorne has spent the past ten months of his life grieving Ember’s death. So when she shows up in his room like an apparition, he can’t believe his eyes. But this Ember is different. Her hair is longer, her skin is paler, her gaze is haunted. She tells him what he’s already begun to suspect: someone he trusted betrayed her.

Now, uncertain who is friend and who is foe, Ember and Caden face the toughest mission of their lives—to stay together and survive, as they run from danger toward an unknown future.

Top Three's: What Bloggers Do Behind the Laptop

Top Three's is a feature here @ Jules Bookshelf where I list three bookish or non-bookish things from my mind.

Book Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Confess by Colleen Hoover (3 Stars + 1 Star because the last chapter broke me)

Goodreads | TBD

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

Idle Chat: YA Withdrawal

My lack of interest with YA

Idle Chit-Chats is where @ Jules Bookshelf talks about bookish and non-bookish topics that is related to a bibliophile

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JULES BOOKSHELF 3.0

Hi guys! Yes, you are looking at this right. This is in fact, Jules Bookshelf!

To plain white, to very colorful :)

I actually personalized my blog back then (I think 2014? or 2013?), my first design was very dark, like black and red (I had a big fascination with black and red then) and the next year, I wanted it to be more simple and clean, and this was the result. It was really just a few alterations on the previous design, but this year, I wanted to add a pop of color to my blog, and at the same time, show out my style in art.

Thing is, I didn't want it to be too simple, and very template ish? So I took the courage to revamp almost everything in the blog. From the colors, the CSS, the new graphics, and of course the fonts.

                         

You see, after starting college, I started developing this style when it comes to painting. And I wanted to apply that kind of style on my own blog.

I wasn't able to apply everything that I wanted because it would look weird if I did everything I wanted but overall, I am very happy about the outcome of the blog. :D

I hope I get the chance to design other blogs as well.

Hope you guys have a good day :D

Release Event: 12 Hours by Hannah Harvey + Excerpt

12 Hours, A Novella by Hannah Harvey

Hi guys! Hannah Harvey has just published a new novel! Go ahead and check it out!

Idle-Chat: The good guy that got away

Idle Chit-Chats is where @ Jules Bookshelf talks about bookish and non-bookish topics that is related to a bibliophile

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#CONFESSRELEASEPH | FILIPINO COHORTS UNITE

A HAPPY DAY FOR US COHORTS

Today was a very happy day for bookworms who love Colleen Hoover. It has been a long while since I was able to attend an event that is specifically for bookworms like me (the last was the Tahereh-Ransom-Rossi signing event, april last year. So, as you see it has almost been a year since I went to an event dedicated on bookworm activities if I may say so freely.

Book Review: The Vanishing Girl by Laura Thalassa

The Vanishing Girl by Laura Thalassa (4 Stars)

Every night after Ember Pierce falls asleep, she disappears. She can teleport anywhere in the world—London, Paris, her crush’s bedroom—wherever her dreams lead her. Ten minutes is all she gets, and once time’s up, she returns to her bed. It's a secret she’s successfully kept for the last five years. But now someone knows.

A week after her eighteenth birthday, when frustratingly handsome Caden Hawthorne captures her, delivers her to the government, and then disappears before her eyes, Ember realizes two things: One, she is not alone. And two, people like her—teleporters—are being used as weapons.

Dragged off to a remote facility where others like her live, Ember’s forced to pair up with her former captor, Caden, to learn how to survive inside until she can escape. Only Caden’s making escape seem less and less appealing.

But even as Ember falls for the boy who got her into this mess, she knows that she is running out of time. Because the government has plans for those like her, and those plans might just cost Ember her life.