Fall Like Rain

by Ana Tejano

Rain De Castro has been in love with her best friend, Mark Velasco, for almost the entire time she has known him, but she’s clearly in the friend zone because he’s happily in a relationship. Or so she thought, until the news of his break-up reaches her. Now that Mark’s single again, she decides that it’s time to get out of the zone. But when her cousin Lissa comes into the picture and sets her eyes on Mark, Rain feels troubled when he gets a little too friendly with her. Rain is determined to fight for what she feels this time, but is it worth the effort if it's a losing battle from the start? Will she back off to give way for her best friend's happiness, even if it means losing him to someone else again?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Friends To Lovers, Young Adult

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2014

About the author

Ana Tejano (@itstimeana) has loved words since she started reading books for fun in elementary school. From writing short stories in her free time as a kid, she got published under her full name in various Philippine print and online publications including Didache, In His Steps, Fish Magazine, Family Time, The Female Network, and The Top Knotters. In 2014, she self-published her first romance novel, Fall Like Rain, written during the first batch of #RomanceClass. Her books and stories are all zero heat and always with happily ever afters.

Ana was part of the Filipino ReaderCon core committee from 2010 to 2015, handling the event’s content and social media strategy, and the first Filipino Readers’ Choice Awards in 2012. When she’s not writing romance and reading books, she works as a marketing manager for a multinational tech company, serves in CFC Singles for Christ, and fangirls over BTS. She’s working on her next book(s) and promises they will be done soon. Ana lives in the Philippines with a five-year-old shih and spitz mix and three rowdy aspins.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

A Filipino romance, own voices author. This is a very gentle sweet novella about best friends too scared of ruining their friendship to admit they're in love. That's basically it for the conflict and indeed the plot, so the pleasure of this is in the atmosphere and emotion as Rain tries to overcome her tendency to withdraw from others rather than face up to feelings or difficult situations. If you are prone to shouting "Oh for god's sake just talk to him!" at books you won't like this one, but I felt the author pulled off Rain's character well enough to make her lengthy havering psychologically plausible. Loads of atmosphere too and a lovely family set-up, where the suffocating quality of a close family is right there along with the positives, and lots of strong female friendship. I think Rain's growing friendship with Mark's ex, of whom she was previously bitterly jealous, was my favourite bit.

Well edited except (?not except?) for a weird thing where the past tense narrative slipped into present for like one verb in an otherwise past tense sentence. It happened so often that I started to wonder if it's a dialect feature. Any enlightenment on this would be welcome.

[Paula M · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a Filipino author. Who-hoo!



Such a cutie story!!

UPDATE. Here's my full review:

You can also read it on my Blog: HERE.

Awwww. I bet everyone who finishes this story will have the same reaction like mine.



 

This is such a short read for me and I'm not complaining! Fall Like Rain is actually such a refreshing read  because it's great to get a prespective of someone who fell in love because of deep reasons and not just because of the guy's appearance. Plus.. THE FRIENDZONE! FYI: It happens to girls too, you know.



I'm pretty sure Rain is not alone in this kind of situation. Having a guy best friend.. and uhmm, being in love with him as well. Look, let me tell you. IT IS NOT EASY. I'm not gonna tell you that this kind of things doesn't happen because IT DOES. It's hard and heartbreaking and will totally make you eat ice cream for I don't know, a month or two. 

I love how realistic and relatable Rain's point of view is. Maybe because she's a Filipina like me. (or maybe because I've been through that situation). But let's not talk about my sob story (it did not end pretty well :P) Let's talk about how Rain's story is made of awesome because even though the blurb tells us that it's about her having feelings about her best friend, it is so much more than that.

I love the family relationship and the friendship between Rain and her friends. They  made me laugh, made me want to hug them and they showed how important friendship is. 

And Mark.. how do I tell you how and who Mark is. He is charming. He's what you're looking for a best friend and yes, in a boyfriend. I don't really blame Rain for falling. It's pretty hard not to. But I don't agree with some things that Mark did. Anyway, there's a lot of things that guys do that I don't agree with. I'm still waiting for that day when I actually understand how a guy's brain works. 

I don't really know what to say anymore but READ IT NOW. This is for girls who value friendship. For girls who believes that taking risks is what makes love more worthwhile. It's for girls who despite the pain they felt, won't give up on love because she knows she deserves it. Congratulations to Ana Tejano for this debut novel of hers and I may not know her personally but I am so proud of her and this incredible book she made. I cannot wait for her upcoming books! 

**

[Biena Magbitang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossposted @ The Library Mistress

Let me start by saying that the plot of this novella is not something unheard of, we've seen this several times in movies, TV series and even books like this but what made Fall Like Rain special is that it is cute and fluffy, it will certainly give you warm, fuzzy feelings and I must say, I definitely missed reading stories that give off happy vibes. The plot is simple. Rain has been in love with her best friend Mark but just can't spill it out and confess. Then, Lissa, Rain's cheery cousin comes into the picture making it more difficult for Rain to finally tell her guy best friend that she is in love with him. Vaguely familiar? Well, if you ask me, all these reminded me of a Jolina-Marvin movie. The one where Jolina uttered that infamous 'friendzone' line: "Oh yes kaibigan mo ako, kaibigan mo lang ako… And I'm so stupid to make the biggest mistake of falling in love with my bestfriend!" Bujoy, the character Jolina portrays has been in love with her bestfriend Ned (Marvin) and everyone else in their circle just assume that even if they still aren't a couple, they will definitely be one in the future. That's before Vanessa del Bianco entered their lives (Sorry! Forgot the name of her character there!).

"Everyone who met us for the first time thought we were together. When they found out we were not romantically involved, they assumed that we would get there eventually."

People from my high school batch would probably tell you that I only read this because I can totally relate. "The girl with a guy best friend?" That's Biena. "The girl so in love with her guy best friend?" Oh, definitely Biena. They were so caught up with the idea that my best friend and I will end up liking each other because, isn't that what happens in the movies? Our friends, classmates and everyone around us were programmed to think that life is like a screenplay that even though I shut them off, they would just tell me to wait it out because my best friend and I were meant to be. Until he wooed another girl, someone they know as well. Then, I thought everyone will stop bugging me to confess my feelings but that little plot twist made them more agitated, to the point that they hated this girl's guts because she knew all along that my best friend and I were supposed to end up together. Oh boy, if I can only travel ten years back, I would, to witness all these unfolding. But as I've always said, my best friend and me, we had those childhood friendships wherein you have to give being romantic a try, just to see if it would work, but invariably, it won't. Sometimes, I just want to blurt: Why can't you wrap your heads around the idea that a guy and a girl can be friends? Platonic. No romance involved and not even a slight premise of what people do in the bedroom. Just plain and pure friendship. Why? And then, I'll just hear my best friend tell me, "No one will understand what we
are but us alone,".

"We didn't talk about relationships much in the years of our friendship - except whenever one of us was brokenhearted, and even those weren't discussed in detail."

If there is something that I like so much about this book, it's that it hits close to home. Not the happy-I'm-in-love-with-my-bestfriend (Oh, LSS!) dilemma but the way the author wrote the guy-girl bestfriend-ship.
It was depicted in such a way that Rain still hasher own set of best friends and Mark also has his own circle but even after all that, they still are the best of friends and I was really happy to read about that. Perhaps because I know, in real life, it's never like Bujoy and Ned who almost basically only have each other so their world crumbles when the other one went away, or like Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson's characters in Paano Na Kaya? wherein Kim's life only revolves around Gerald's character, Bogs. In the real world, you are busy with other things and you also have other friends. Yes, like Bea and Dingdong in She's the One.


I had to pause for a while to laugh at myself after I wrote all that. My friend, Karina would totally be rolling on the floor laughing if she ever saw those things and tell me, "You are the I'm-in-love-with-my-bestfriend expert. Admit it." Well, maybe I am, having years of experienced tucked under my belt. Hahaha. Oh, how about this line from My Best Friend's Wedding?


Fall Like Rain would be all too perfect if only I didn't know that Rain is an arguably independent 24-year-old professional. I actually felt that for one who already had relationships before, she is kind of naive. I almost thought that this is a high school type drama since that one hurdle plaguing them is just a one goddamn confession. Okay, hate me now for saying that. It's not just a confession, I get you, you can all start with that "But their friendship is on the line" argument on me but I won't have any of it! She could've at least tried, even once in that whole 6 years! Or send some signals, maybe? Because I can't remember a single time she sent Mark that I-like-you-like-you vibe. Or maybe,she
is just too timid and reserved, who knows?

"I wished like crazy that the pain I saw in his eyes was the same as mine: the one you feel when you discover that the one you love was in love with someone else. But I had no someone else, so why would he feel that way? And in the first place, who said he loved me that way?"

If I'll turn my "I Am A Girl Theory" into a thesis or a book, (The one that says girls are crazy because they are some sensitive, insecure overthinker who happens to also think everyone should understand them even when they don't tell anyone anything) this will be part of its Related Literature. Rain is a fragile little girl. Too much assumptions, reading between the lines, and overthinking. She is that one annoying friend everyone should take care of(Realize everyone always had to come to her side and all the while we are hearing her thoughts she never thought of other people's problems but her wounded heart alone?). It's also hard to be friends with her because you always have to exert a little too much effort for her to open up. But who am I to judge? Aren't we all a little too reserved and self-absorbed sometimes? Well, especially when we are head over heels in love?

The Playlist

While I'm reading this, I humored myself by creating an 'Unrequited Love' playlist on Spotify.
Listen to them for some more #feels.

1. Why - Avril Lavigne
"Why, do you always do this to me? Why, couldn't you just see through me? How come, you act like this, like you just don't care at all? Do you expect me to believe I was the only one to fall?"

2. Why Can't It Be - Rannie Raymundo
"Why can't it be? Why can't it be the two of us? Why can't we be lovers, only friends?"

3. Friend of Mine - Odette Quesada
"You tell me 'bout the love you've had, I listen very eagerly. But deep inside you'll never see, this feeling of emptiness - it makes me feel sad."

4. All You Never Say - Birdy
"All you never say is that you love me so. All I'll never know is if you want me oh."

5. I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt
"I can't make you love me if you don't. You can't make your heart feel something it won't"

6. Insensitive - Jann Arden
"I'm one of the chosen few who went ahead and fell for you. I'm out of vogue, I'm out of touch. I fell too fast, I feel too much."

7. Every Now and Then - Earth Wind and Fire
"I can't escape the thought of all that might have been every now and then."

8. To Be With You - Mr. Big
"I'm the one who wants to be with you. Deep inside I hope you feel it too. Waited on a line of greens and blues just to be the next to be with you."

9. Wanted You More - Lady Antebellum
"Wasted too much time, should've seen the signs. Now I know, just what went wrong - I guess, I wanted you more."

10. Chasing Pavements - Adele
"Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements even if it leads nowhere?"

11. Shiver - Coldplay
"I'll always be waiting for you. So you know how much I need you. But you never even see me, do you?"<

12. Even If - Jam Morales
"All those sleepless nights, all the tears I cried, all the pain I kept inside. I keep asking myself, 'Why?'."

13. Jealous - Nina
"When you looked at her where was I? Shoulda been in her place. Here I am, all alone imagining what might have been, what could have been? If I had been there."

14. Migraine - Moonstar88
"Oo nga pala, hindi nga pala tayo. Hanggang dito lang ako. Nangangarap na mapa-sayo."

15. I Never Told You - Colbie Caillat
"But I never told you what I should have said. No, I never told you, I just held it in."

16. Say That You Love Me - Martin Nievera
"Here I am alone starting to realize that my days would be brighter if I could learn to hide the feeling that I have for you keeps haunting me inside."
17. What Do We Mean To Each Other - Sergio Mendes
"What do we mean to each other, am I friend, am I lover is it over now?"

[Lynai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried. Because, all those *feelings*. Heh. More thoughts soon.

*UPDATE*

Also posted in It's A Wonderful Bookworld.

When I first read the blurb for this book, I thought that this will be a typical bestfriends-turned-lovers story where I’d get the expected conflicts of communication (or the lack of it) which I would always see on local TV shows featuring teen stars. Well, I did read that, but Fall Like Rain was so much more. I did not expect to be so attached to Rain’s character, to the point that I cried with her during that terrible heartbreak.

It was amazing how Ana Tejano was able to weave a story that does not only deal with the romance, but also provided ample depth into the main character’s personality and her relationships with her friends and family, despite the obvious limitations in length required by a novella. I liked how the story captured the rawness and reality of the emotions felt by the main character, the struggles she had whether to let go or hold on, and the apparent conflicting forces that pull her –whether to say her feelings out loud or just keep them to herself. Rain’s fears were real, her confusions were real, in fact, she is so real because I saw myself in her (note: although I didn’t have a guy bestfriend, I knew what unrequited love feels like, heh.)

This is such a good story every girl can easily relate to and can get enough life and love lessons to learn from. I am looking forward to more stories by Ana Tejano. ;)

Plus factor: I love it that the story does not dwell too much on the character’s looks.

Favorite quote:

“But what if this doesn’t work out?” I asked, my voice cracking a little. “What if he still doesn’t choose me?”

Meah reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze as she smiled sadly. “Then it’s really time to let go.”

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahh, college days :) Makes want to grab hubby and haul our asses back to where we began.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from Pinoy Book Tours when I signed up for its blog tour in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All are my own opinion and is not compensated by any individual, organization, or company. This might contain minor spoilers.

Fall Like Rain is a story about Rain and how she dealt with her feelings for Mark, her best friend.

Sweet, right? Best friend love story! Chills, chills everywhere.

Best friends-turned-lovers stories are pretty much common plot nowadays. I was actually addicted to reading on Wattpad before and I remembered that I always searched for stories with best friends who fall in love to each other and end up being together. But because of the popularity of this kind of ‘plot’, a lot of this is scattered everywhere. For me, it becomes a very ugly cliché. So when I signed up for this...


I was hopeful that I won’t get disappointed.

The first chapters of the book is very nice, it kept me intrigued on how Mark is. It’s like the author is throwing all the snazzy ideas about him that it triggers an excitement from my insides. I was actually looking forward for when Mark had made his appearance. When Mark had his debut, I was like...

“Oh, okay, so he’s that type of guy.” 
You know that type of guy everyone can’t avoid but like because of his character? He’s that.

The story is written in Rain’s perspective. I find it good at first but later on I kind of got bored of it. I kind of like got tired of all her thinking. I wasn’t sure anymore if it’s because she is too absorbed of herself or because I find her wishy-washy. It’s like the story is becoming wishful without doing anything and just keep on its slow tracks.

I like the dynamicity of things I read so maybe this story is too overly passive for me.

I was actually pitching on Meah’s character. It is a relief that there are colourful characters around Rain, because hers are too dull to maintain good watch. I find the scenes with Meah fun and easy. It would do good if there are side stories about Meah, too, or maybe about her Kuya Raymond, or Cams.



That would be good too!

The pace was picked up around midway, and it was a relief on my part. It’s such a good thing because finally I can connect fully to the story. I could finally feel the ‘feels’ to the point of me shedding a few drops of tears. I really like the character development that happened here. It taught me about how your family and friends could back you up at all times even when you don't require them to do so. That nature alone is so touching. I should commend Rain also for she is the one who actually made the biggest development in the story.


That kiss in the ending is so familiar and cinematic also. It is the kind of ending you see often in romance-themed films.

I recommend it to dedicated romance readers out there because I was sure it would do better to them than me. I recommend it to people who loves charming guys like Mark, ecstatic bestfriend like Meah and Rain's cousins and a little passive type woman like Rain.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND OTHER REVIEWS HERE.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also posted at Oops! I Read A Book Again*

Thank you to Pinoy Book Tours and Ana Tejano for the review copy! Having received one did not affect my views of the novel.

First, THE COVER. I love EVERYTHING about the cover. The typography, the fonts, the art, the monochromatic color, REALLY. I just dig this cover so much. It would look so good in my shelf! Now that I've put that out of the way, let's get to the actual story.

I've always loved a good best friend romance story and Fall Like Rain fits that category. Our heroine, Rain, has been in love with her best friend, Mark. Oh, how hard her situation is! Pop culture has been harping about guys being in the friend zone but Ana Tejano's take reverses that. Rain and Mark just never get to be single at the same time and Rain doesn't think that Mark likes her that way. She's afraid to take that next step or to admit her feelings because she doesn't want to shake the status quo for the worse. Her friendship with Mark is too important for her and she'd rather have Mark as just a friend than not at all. THE AGONY OF OVERTHINKERS. #relate

Given that the characters are young professionals, I was expecting a new adult read with a bit of sexy in it. But thank the gods because whew, this was completely clean. I think this is my first clean new adult/adult novel in a long while. I was actually taken aback at first because it was so different from what's populating our Kindles and Nooks nowadays. Anyone here watch Korean dramas? Or classic Filipino movies or dramas? I actually thought it was a bit like them, with handholding and hugging being big things. The slow build-up, the heroic gesture, and of course, the huge part family and friendship play. I loved how not only was Rain's relationship with Mark the focus of the novel. We also have her extended family, or I think it's more aptly described by the word clan, and her awesome friends. It was so characteristically Filipino and the characters even use the honorifics we use here in the Philippines. Rain's younger cousins call her ate and Rain still calls her older brother kuya. The close-knit family ties of Filipino families is central to the novel too, which added a layer of conflict too as Rain isn't exactly close to her family.

Fall Like Rain is told in Rain's perspective and with that, we get to know her character deeply. That she finds it hard to open up about anything to anyone and how she's fine being solitary and actually finds happiness with it. Mike was such a sweet guy and an overall nice guy. Like what a character said in the novel, Mark is perfect boyfriend material. Not only that, but he's a great best friend as well. Unlike some best friend romances, you really feel how close Rain and Mark are. I mean, of course, to the reader, it was pretty obvious that Mark likes Rain too, but Rain's obliviousness and chronic overthinking, made her doubt all the way. Sometimes I just wanted to be able to go inside the book and tell Rain that MARK LOVES YOU just so they'd get together. #impatient But in the end, slow gratification is always the way to go because I was so fulfilled with the ending and with everything. I admit being giddy with a big smile on my face and what we call kilig here in the Philippines.

Ana Tejano is definitely an author I'm looking forward for more! I recommend this to any contemporary romance lover. It's a quick read too and I just breezed through it. Read it during a rainy day (Rain's namesake, being born on a rainy day during the summer) and it'll leave you feeling contented and happy.

[Hazel (Stay Bookish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visit Stay Bookish for more book reviews!

I think we’ve already established in this blog that my favorite kind of romances are the ones that start out as friendships. Fall Like Rain is a classic best friend romance story and I enjoyed a whole lot. I was excited to read it when I first heard about it, not just because of its romantic plot, but because Fall Like Rain was written by a Filipina author and the cover was done by Aia, whose illustrated works and lettering art I admired. Anyway, I happily got into the book and I found myself easily devouring it in a sitting.

“Only best friends can keep this dancing game on for so long.”

Rain is the type of protagonist you’ll quickly grow to like- she’s believable and totally relatable. Look, I’ve never been in the friendzone (but only because I don’t have boy friends that I want to be in a relationship zone with LOL) but Rain made me realize how hard it is to be in it. She’s constantly wondering ‘Does he like me just as a friend? Or does he have romantic feelings for me too? WHAT DOES THIS LINGERING TOUCH MEAN???’ and I seriously felt how torn and confused she was despite the fact that Mark’s signals were pretty obvious from an outsider’s point of view. Despite Rain’s angst, the book still proved to be a very lighthearted read which was completely refreshing.

“You’re the first person I would always look for.”

Mark was a great romantic interest- the type that just makes you kilig, in Filipino speak. He was nice and adorable and just as effortless to like as Rain. The fondness between the two was sweet and had me rooting for Mark and Rain to finally realize they’re more than just best friends. That said, while Fall Like Rain caters to be more a story of romance, it’s really much more than that. What makes the book better than the many books in this genre is that there’s a good focus on family relationships and friendships. I really liked how prominent Rain’s friends and cousins were in the story and how the strengthening of those relationships were just as palpable as Rain’s romantic one.

“No one said things like these are easy, you know?”

Overall, I’m very glad I read gave Fall Like Rain. It was cute and delightful! I definitely recommend it for lovers of contemporary romance who need a quick feel-good read and most especially to fellow Filipino bookworms who want to read more of their own.

[Meliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

Also posted in mecanism.

“But what if this doesn’t work out? What if he still doesn’t choose me?”
“Then it’s really time to let go.”

Fall Like Rain is Ana Tejano’s debut novel, a contemporary romance story about a girl who is in love with her best friend. We heard the same dilemma in books and movies before, but it’s a popular topic which I know a lot can relate to. So when I heard it is already available in Amazon (and because Ana Tejano! :D ), I readily bought a copy.

This is a short but very engaging read. I was busy lately so I said I’ll read just one chapter at a time. But I was always eager to know what happens next. Just like Rain, who kept on thinking what will happen next with her relationship with Mark. So I’d say another chapter more. And another.

With regards to the characters, I like Mark. He’s charming. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a friend like him? (Okay, maybe others won’t. Hehe!) Yet he should be more open with his feelings so that we don’t keep on guessing what he really feels. Just friends? Just nice? Leading on? So that we refrain from assuming. I also like the relationship between family and friends shown in the novel. I particularly like the scenes with Meah, Cams and Kuya Raymond. I don’t know but I didn’t like Lissa that much. (Or maybe I’m biased because she’s the third party? LOL) Also, I wasn’t that much convinced about the storyline regarding Francis. I’m not sure, like there was something lacking in his character, in what he said and did in the end.

But here’s what I really like. Rain. I read some reviews of people not liking Rain’s character that much. Because she’s timid, and an overthinker. But I like how Ana Tejano wrote her. Her thoughts and feelings were written in such a way that we could understand her and empathize with her. Her struggles, her confusion, the heartbreak. The pain when the one you love loves someone else. Assuming. Expecting. She is very real and relatable. Well, Rain and I actually have a few things in common. (Like placing keys on the top of the fridge. :P )

I really enjoyed reading this sweet and entertaining novella about family, friendship and love. So when Ana Tejano’s next novel is up, I will definitely read it too.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain has always been in love with her best friend Mark. But it seems like Mark is oblivious to her affections. So she accepts the fact that she'll always be on the friend zone in their relationship. Especially when she thinks Mark's now interested with her cousin Lissa. How much more pain can a broken heart take? Don't ask Rain coz she might just break down.

I have always been a sucker for contemporary romances, especially about best friends falling for each other. Or when the other half seems to be stuck in the friend zone. Fall Like Rain got that interesting romantic vibe that made me smile and close my eyes just because I got flutters in my stomach while reading the story. I like it whenever I easily get pulled into the lives of the characters I am reading. Mark & Rain's chemistry sparkles and you can feel it all throughout the book. Outside my room, the rain is beating down the roofs and interestingly, this scene lets me imagine Mark and Rain under the rain and I can't help but snuggle through my bed-sheets and pillows. Ahh, a perfect rainy afternoon read, indeed!

One thing is for sure, I always love a great love story and Ana Tejano's novel makes me really happy and content and hopelessly in love. Hoping to read more from her soon!

[Neil Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend love. Hmm. Not that I can relate. Lol.

[Christine Alibutud · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But I think you should tell him how you feel, before someone else does. If you lose him again, you might not get him back anymore."

After finishing this book, I have one word: KILIG! What a super cute and quick read by Ana Tejano! I've been on a roll with books having a bestfriends-turned-lovers concept, and I can't seem to get tired of it. I've always been a sucker for this kind of story, and I'm happy to say that Fall Like Rain didn't fail me!

"But why didn’t he just tell me?

Then again, why didn’t I just tell him that I loved him if that was the case?

It all boiled down to that, didn’t it?"

Like the other books I've read with the same concept, I can't really say that I can relate since I don't exactly have a guy best friend I'm secretly in love with, but I do know the feeling when you want to say something to someone but you don't exactly know how. In a way, I kind of get what Rain was feeling. What I really love about books like these is that they make me ponder as to why we humans have a hard time in expressing what we feel. It makes me ask why can't we just honestly tell people what we want to say without being judged? A fear of rejection, maybe? Or I guess, we just don't have enough courage. In a way, the storyline was predictable, and honestly, I didn't have to finish the book to know the ending, but I did finish it and it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. It was also nice to see how Rain and Mark finally came to be.

"I opened my eyes and looked at him, at his beautiful brown eyes and his smile that told me from the first day I met him that I wasn’t alone, and now the smile that told me I was loved. That he loved me, all along."

I also liked how I got to read about Filipino traditions, especially the close family ties. I must say: Iba talaga ang pagsasama ng mga pinsan, lalo na sa Pilipinas. It's really nicely-incorporated, and again, I could very much relate to it. Also, I loved the minor characters as well, especially because they gave little additional, but essential touches to the story. I also have grown to love Mark especially because he was so sweet and caring towards Rain. He was portrayed as a gentleman, and who says nice guys finish last? Totally a great book boyfriend!

I guess the only issue I have with this book was the part where Rain didn't give Lissa nor Mark a chance to explain what really happened. I can honestly say that I got frustrated in that part, and I just wished that she gave them the opportunity to tell their side of their story. But I guess the author deemed it a necessary part in the book, and I understand that. Also, I wished that the lines/dialogues could've been more authentic, but it did manage to make me swoon from time to time. Aside from these issues, I really enjoyed this one. This book gave me a light feeling, and was certainly a kilig read!

3.5 stars!

"Because you’re here and I don’t have to look for you anymore...You’re the first person I would always look for, Rain.

[Amanda (Fandomly Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall like Rain is more than just its pure and slow burn romance.

While I was scrolling through my timeline, I saw someone who retweeted a tweet saying that Fall like Rain by Ana Tejano is available for only $0.99 on Kindle. (For someone who frequently purchases ebooks that is a total steal!) So the price drew me in but what ultimately made me click the purchase button is its synopsis. You may or may not know this; I’m actually a sucker for books with premises which involves someone being on the friend zone and the typical best friends to lovers romance. Fortunately, Fall like Rain both have that.

"If only life, feelings, and love were as simple as making programs – you know, put in the right code, the correct input, and things will happen the way you want them. If something went wrong, then fixing it was as easy as adding or removing a character, or rearranging some lines."

Rain De Castro is real. I’m going to start this off by saying that I’m no way near to Rain’s situation. Well, I do have guy friends but we’re buddy buddy and all that. But I do know that a lot of girls out there would be able to identify themselves with Rain, stat. Girls like Rain who are experiencing situations wherein they have to guess and ask themselves the meaning of this and that gesture made this certain someone towards them. Does it qualify as a friendly gesture? A romantic one? Ana Tejano was able to perfectly capture and put Rain’s confusion, fears and frustrations into words. I felt it. The entire time I was reading the book, I felt like I was her – being doubtful, on the edge and thinking of all the possible what ifs. Add Francis’ character voicing out every scary scenario out there, oh the horror.


Those dreadful thoughts clouding Rain’s mind brought out the not-so-good side of her and made her do some unkind things. It was wrong but following her line of thinking it was pretty understandable why she felt the need to act like that. But I’m happy that she was able to learn her lesson and redeem herself at the end. Tejano was able to tie everything that went loose. To be honest, I’m highly impressed with Rain’s character development. In a short and limited amount of pages, I was able to see how she bloomed from a closed-off person to someone who mingles around with her cousins. From someone who has been passive for most of her life to someone who takes a risk and does something life-altering.

“You’re the first person I would always look for, Rain.”

Mark Velasco is swoon-worthy, charming and a really nice guy. His gestures towards Rain are truly giving the more than friends vibe but then we can only assume about it too. He’s so locked up tight with the specifics and alongside Rain we’re thrown in a loop on what could be his true feelings. Guessing and doubting game ensues. But seriously, everything that he does and says towards Rain gets me kilig. Especially that scenario with the flood.

For such a short read, Ana Tejano was able to incorporate and touch a lot of elements in Fall like Rain. The romance was presently there but it also highlighted how vital communication, friendship and family are.

As best friends, Rain and Mark definitely lacked communication and that’s something they have to work hard on. They were all about the guessing and waiting game and look how messy things turned into. It was obvious Rain was waiting for Mark to say what he feels first. Or at least a hint that will solidify what his feelings are. Along the way, Rain assumed something and caused for rifts to unfold. The struggle to directly say what we feel towards someone sometimes causes people to assume and for things to drive in circles. Instead of being able to easily understand each other, we’re stuck in a constant loop of being weary and doubtful. I’m glad Rain ended up finding her courage to just blurt it out and let her feelings be known. Unlike Mark, who really had a tough time letting out his intentions.

“…I hope you remember that your family will always be here. We all care for you. You know that, right?”

Rain and Mark may be best buds but I’m glad that Rain still has her own set of friends and I adore the friendship she has with them – Meah and Faith. They are each other’s perfect support system who encourages you to push through the challenge and will celebrate with you in victory. Or will also be there for you whenever things go south. Even the unexpected friendship Rain formed with Cams was cute. It was also a good way for them to start over and resolve their past issues.

Pinoy na Pinoy talaga was my thought while I was reading Fall like Rain. I hope a lot of Non-Filipino readers would be able to read this book because it painted a clear picture and represented how Filipino families are. How tight knit, how we crowd and fill the whole place with talk and laughter whenever we celebrate a relative’s birthday. All the Lolos and Lolas, Titos and Titas and Cousins are present and milling around. I love the fact that while Rain might be getting her romantic relationship on track, she was able to mend and strengthen her relationships with her friends and family along the way too.

If you are looking for a packed with kilig (all the feels), values friendship, family and totally a quick read (let’s say a hundred or so pages), then I highly suggest for you to pick Fall like Rain by Ana Tejano!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding up

Such a sweet friends-to-lovers story where the main conflict is basically being too scared to admit your feelings for fear of messing up a friendship. I always find this a realistic conflict with this trope and it was done well here.

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I can now post this review:

As one of the privileged people who got to read this book in its unedited glory last year, I'm really, really happy that this final version has improved a lot and turned out to be a fantastic read for me.
The story of Rain and Mark is the kind of love story that I've always been dreaming. I believe that  great love stories  always starts with great friendship as the foundation. So falling in love with your guy best friend, like in the case of Rain, is not anymore surprising. I love this book because this is the kind of love story I and maybe most girls, can easily relate to . The struggle of Rain is real, especially for the conservative type who still believe that guys should always do the first move. I'm also a sucker for nice and decent guys so Mark's character suits me (plus, I like his name, hihi! :D). But just what the author pointed out in the story, "the problem with nice and friendly guys is that it's hard to tell if they liked you or not without their saying it outright". So I understand Rain's dilemma but I like how the author ended the story.

I think I have to stop here because I know I can't rave about this book without giving too much spoilers. If you want some refreshing story of friendship and love, I believe this book is for you. :D

P.S. Because I can't get over with the book, I made my own playlist. It's more of a friendzone playlist, actually. You may want to listen to them while reading to give you more *feels*, haha!

Here it is:

¤Friend of Mine by Odette Quesada
¤You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
¤Migraine by Moonstar 88
¤Why Can't It Be by Nina
¤Friendster by Moonstar 88
¤The Art of Letting Go by Mikaila

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5)
<3 <3.5 <4 <5

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story many Filipinas can relate to

Four solid stars. Ana Tejano’s Fall Like Rain brought me back to my 20s with this friends-to-lovers story.

Both thinking their love for the other was not reciprocated, Rain and Mark spend 10 years being “just” best friends. Neither dares to declare their feelings for the other for fear of losing their friendship. While it is frustrating to the reader—I’m shouting, “Talk, people!!!”—the reluctance is understandable and well-explained. Rain’s characterization as an introvert and workaholic is firmly established, so her actions and reactions are consistent. Because Mark didn’t have a POV, his rationale needed a bit more work.

I love the female friendships and the family dynamics in this book and I look forward to Faith and Meah’s stories. This is the first book by Ms. Tejano that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last.

[Jm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay for Filipino authors writing good romance! I really enjoyed this book. Rain frustrated me so much - girl, just talk to him already! - but I think that added to the reading experience.

[Amanda Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute friends to lovers romance

[Justine from Novels and Panda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fall Like Rain was an okay read. It was not entirely for me. I was hanging onto something that would spark more joy within me but I was deprived in a way and ended up with a meh-kay? I am pretty sure that had happened with you as well.

Let’s break it down into two sides:

a.) let’s start with the things I personally did not like:

Introduction of the characters, it felt too formal; fine the surname was there making my mouth too wordy, it’s okay but the way it was introduced for the first-person point of view it’s too formal. Yes, we are meeting the character for the first time but I just feel like I would have connected with MC immediately if she was talking more casual.
Character growth was not for me. Oops. As much as possible I try to finish all the books I read in order fully delve into things like this. I love witnessing these things in books. As we arrived in the later parts of the book, Rain felt too self-absorbed in her own world. I wanted to scream. I am sorry it was not for me.
This may sound contradictory, I love the female friendship bond. Obviously awkward, like any human beings situated in such an arrangement will be. I love that it never turned to be a hostile situation. I love how supportive women are with each other. On that note, but there’s this situation wherein MC is angry at her cousin because of that little green monster, jealousy. It felt iffy for me to read those parts.
b.) parts I like:

I love the family dynamics. It was adorable to see; meeting Rain’s extended family. Her cousins and the plans that go in arranging events for the lolas and lolols in a family. A slice of life! It was nostalgic.
I like the sweet banter thrown between Mark and Rain. Yes. Made me think if these two really will have what they finally deserve or what?
I do love the slow burn, [thanks a lot Tiffany, idk if you’re reading this, but hi you are an amazing being]. I had learned to appreciate slow burns more than ever. The proximity or the universe’s schedule for Rain and Mark does not meet nor overlap. One is single, one is in a relationship and vice versa. When the time finally comes there’s
Overthinking, the relating power whilst reading Fall Like Rain was a personal attack to the readers, or just me. Basically, the author had captured this wonderfully. The slow burn of it and crafting the instances that have yet to meet. I was driven to finish it.
Lastly, if you’re worried if there is smut in here, no there are non just occasional hand holding and kisses.

More Fall Like Rain • Instagram • Twitter

[Kate (The Bookaholic Blurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review over at The Bookaholic Blurbs!

Fall like Rain is an amazing take on how fate finds ways to connect hearts that are meant to be. It's a story of uncertainty and dispair turned to happy the-best-thing-ever and it-is-finally-happening moments.

[Kimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Geeky Chiquitas

Fall Like Rain is a light and breezy read, that at the same time will tug at your heartstrings and give you all those hugot feels. I'm a huge sucker for best friend romances so I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm the type of person who believes that the best kind of romance is one that starts with friendship, so Rain and Mark's love story is one that I definitely rooted for.

While reading the book, I couldn't believe how much I could relate to the story - not just because of how Pinoy it is in the culture and nuances, with the extended family ties, the birthday "surprise" being planned by the cousins for the grandfather, and YES even the crazy traffic and flooding. I also found Rain a very relatable protagonist. How she struggles with her feelings, and interpreting Mark's actions is so on point. A friend once told me that it is never good for a girl to assume, and I definitely agree with Rain on that matter, when she refuses to believe that Mark could like her back despite his obvious feelings shown through his actions. It is a struggle for most girls who do not want to assume and get hurt, and would just play safe. I definitely understand this problem and I'm glad Rain finally stands strong with her feelings and goes for what she wants in the end.

There were some parts which I found a bit cheesy, especially in terms of dialogue, but I think these can be overlooked. There were also some moments wherein I found Mark a bit problematic, because it seemed like he is leading Rain on and playing safe with his feelings, but in the end it all ties up perfectly. I don't want to give out any more details as I might spoil everyone. Let me just say this: If you love best friend romances and cute, sweet guys who are willing to brave the flood to help you, then this book is a must read!

[Tuklas Pahina (TP) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the simplicity of the story. There's tension and conflict just like Memory Rail. (Rico was so obsessed with Mica to the point that Rico was unable to focus in his studies while here in "Fall Like Rain" Rain adores Mark as her longtime crush to the point that she was disturbed by her feelings)

Sabi nga ni Ricky Lee, laging may dalawang mukha iyan (two side of coin- head & tail, positive & negative, yes & no) What ever happens you must face it.

Ito ang tema ng kwento na maraming posibilidad, palapalagay o "uncertain feelings, vagueness" na gusto mo ay maka-siguro ka sa nararamdaman mo. Takot na harapin ang katotohanan. Takot sa magiging resulta ng anumang naging biglang desisyon.

Fortunately Rain overcomes those fear and face whatever the consequences.

Pagdating sa mga usaping relasyon ay sensitibo tayo sa nararamdaman natin. Pero kapag tayo na ang magmamahal tila may pagkalito, pagkatanga, o sa hindi maipaliwanag na damdamin na naghahalo ang akala at pagiging 'paranoid' kuno.

Dahil sa ipinakita ni Rain bagama't nadapa o nagulumihanan siya ay nagkaroon pa rin ng lakas ng loob, pagtanggap sa katotohanan at pagbabago sa kanyang buhay.

sa panahon natin bihira na ang ganitong mga istorya- na manindigan ang lalaki sa kanyang minamahal.

Gaya ng ulan- "Fall Like Rain" may dalawang mukha ito. Sumisimbolo sa ulan ng kalungkutan (tears of sadness) at ulan ng kaligayahan (tears of joy) sa kwentong ito ikaw ay parang Ulan na mahuhulog sa patibong ng pag-ibig nila Rain at Mark.

[Kristel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Another novella from our #romanceclass! If you want slow-burn romance about a girl in love with her best friend, then this book is for you! Other than the romance, I love the Filipino vibe that this book offered: the relationship of cousins, the way the kids treat their elders, the conservative actions of the characters... This is definitely a Filipino romance novella. I may have issues with Rain sometimes, but I guess that is how the author wrote her anyway, so I'm okay with it. The weird thing, though, was that I was rooting for someone else! :) She was just a very likeable character despite the treatment she got from Rain (again, I understand where Rain is coming from). It offers no surprises, but you'll still get curious at what will happen at the end of the story. :)

[Nenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The friend zone, how to move out of it? Not so easy, especially in more conservative cultures like the Philippines. Even the closest of friends can be calculating, too scared to profess their more than platonic feelings and risk the friendship.

This is a fast and easy read book that has a very sweet theme of family, friendship, and young love. A debut novel that took 8 years to finish, and as the author Ana Tejano said, almost as long as it took Rain and Mark to bring their friendship a step further. Still, I'd say it was worth the wait - for Mark and Rain, and for Ana, too.

Thanks to my friend Doni for gifting me a copy of this book, and to Ana, for signing that copy.

[Jay Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about the friendzone. It's just one of my favorite tropes. And I guess I love reading about it because it seemed to me like the best way to fall in love--slowly, in an old-fashioned, organic, albeit back and forth dance. Those were exactly the feels that Fall Like Rain delivered.

It was a slow, painstaking burn. So many times I wanted to conk Rain in the head, and Mark too. Their fears and hesitations were the very reasons they kept on hurting each other, and Tejano was able to show this vividly. An easy, kilig read :)

[Liana Smith Bautista | Libervore Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seriously sweet read that had me going "aww" a few times! The characters really grew on me, and the pacing was great and frustrating (in a good way because each obstacle that got in Rain and Mark's way made me go "arggh!" but also made me more convinced that they really, really needed that happy ending).

[Solaine Chioro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eu acho que teria gostado mais se eu tivesse gostado da protagonista. Me incomodou um pouco o jeito que ela só abandona o melhor amigo??? Eu entendo os sentimentos, mas ela só para de falar com ele??? E ela é meio babaca com os primos também, sem motivo nenhum???? APESAR DISSO, tem umas cenas legais e eu gosto que tem um espaço na história pra desenvolver a relação dela com a prima.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: This is such an easy book to read; it's like chatting with a longtime friend. I had a similar experience that's why it's so easy to related to Rain's woes. Narrative was fluid, casual and familiar.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's a 3.5 for me. I'm a sucker for best friend turned lover stories. Having friendship as the foundation seems a natural formula for a lasting relationship and says a lot about knowing someone in and out and still love them for it.

P.S. I loooove the cover art. :)