What do you think?
The Lakambini Verse #4
Love As You Are
Former violinist Isagani Alvez hasn’t had a serious relationship in almost ten years, but at thirty-seven, romance is the least of his priorities. There are, after all, many more important things to prioritize. Like taking care of his mother, managing his family’s home, keeping himself in shape, and, most recently, making sure the Alvez Foundation for the Arts remains true to its objectives.
Office manager Moe Castellana has been single all thirty-six years of her life. She is finally about to go on a date for the first time, something she should be looking forward to. Unfortunately, her soon-to-be first date swiped right on a severely outdated photo, and she fears he would accuse her of catfishing when he sees her—twenty kilos heavier—in person.
A series of awkward encounters locks Isagani and Moe in each other’s orbits, and the longer they spend time together—workout sessions, cheat days, and campaign rallies included—the more they feel a blooming sense of affection for each other. But he thinks she’s taken (or is about to be), and she thinks he’s way out of her league. Who will be brave enough to take the first step and let their feelings be known? And would they be able to do it before it’s too late?
Office manager Moe Castellana has been single all thirty-six years of her life. She is finally about to go on a date for the first time, something she should be looking forward to. Unfortunately, her soon-to-be first date swiped right on a severely outdated photo, and she fears he would accuse her of catfishing when he sees her—twenty kilos heavier—in person.
A series of awkward encounters locks Isagani and Moe in each other’s orbits, and the longer they spend time together—workout sessions, cheat days, and campaign rallies included—the more they feel a blooming sense of affection for each other. But he thinks she’s taken (or is about to be), and she thinks he’s way out of her league. Who will be brave enough to take the first step and let their feelings be known? And would they be able to do it before it’s too late?
- GenresRomance
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
Tara Frejas
18 books61 followersFilipino author Tara Frejas has been writing and self-publishing romance books since 2015, and now has a total of 16 books (including collaboration work) in her backlist. As an active member of the #RomanceClass creative team, she’s helped the community organize events and produce podcasts, online book launches, livestream talk shows, mini series, and short films. She is also in charge of keeping the #RomanceClass social media accounts updated.
In 2024, she became part of the translation team for Tepai Pascual’s Duty Ka Ba? (Vol. 1), published and distributed by 19th Avenida Publishing House. She also shared valuable knowledge about writing and developing romance work as a panelist for the 21st Ateneo National Writers Workshop.
As of this writing, Tara is working with BoldMP in Los Angeles for a screen adaptation of her book, Scandalized.
She's @tarafrejas on X, Instagram, and TikTok. Give her a follow if you'd like!
In 2024, she became part of the translation team for Tepai Pascual’s Duty Ka Ba? (Vol. 1), published and distributed by 19th Avenida Publishing House. She also shared valuable knowledge about writing and developing romance work as a panelist for the 21st Ateneo National Writers Workshop.
As of this writing, Tara is working with BoldMP in Los Angeles for a screen adaptation of her book, Scandalized.
She's @tarafrejas on X, Instagram, and TikTok. Give her a follow if you'd like!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 23, 2026
in the words of kang younghyun:
i love you
i love you
i love you
i love you
—
full review tk.
i love you
i love you
i love you
i love you
—
full review tk.
August 26, 2026
Love As You Are might just be Tara Frejas’ most relatable book yet. Moe and Isagani were incredibly easy for me to root for because I saw so many little pieces of myself in them. Moe’s tendency to feel like she doesn’t deserve certain things, and Gani’s constant fear of not being useful—and therefore not deserving his place in his family—felt especially personal. I also loved that they’re both in their mid-to-late thirties because the story is such a lovely reminder that there’s no deadline for finding love, trying something new, or figuring out what you actually want in life.
One of my favorite things about this book was getting to see the Alvez family together. I’ve always been a sucker for stories with a big family cast—the Aritzes in the Alta anthologies by Carla De Guzman, Bianca Mori, and Suzette De Borja, or the Primas of Power cousins in Alexis Daria’s books are exactly the kind of family dynamics I eat up. As an only child from a very small family, I apparently have to experience sibling chaos vicariously through fiction. And LAYA absolutely delivers. Watching the Alvez brothers interact, bicker, support one another, and occasionally be with their queen, Cecilia Alvez, was such a delight. I could read 40 more chapters of their banter and I would still savor every bit of it.
The romance was also very, very compelling. Leave it to Tara to write one moment of something very cute and very safe-for-work, only to turn around and amp up the heat in the next. And all of it helped make the story better. The spicy scenes never felt like they were written just for the sake of checking a box. Instead, it felt to me like a lot of care and respect were woven into the writing. I’ve always trusted #romanceclass to deliver on this front, and this is one of the many reasons Tara is one of my favorites from the community.
If I had one minor nitpick, it would be that Moe and Gani were almost too agreeable at times. There wasn't much conflict between them until much later in the story, so some parts felt almost suspiciously healthy for a romance novel. I’m even afraid to admit that this might be the reason why it took me weeks to get me through the first half of the book. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for these characters. They're two adults who have spent years putting everyone else first, and maybe when something good finally comes along, you don't necessarily want to fight it. I also appreciated how the story tackled the very real struggles of being the eldest child, feeling responsible for everyone around you, and learning that you don't always have to carry everything alone. (Akala mo naman talaga, eh only child naman ‘yan siya.)
All in all, this was a great book. The wait has definitely been worth it. It offers a heartfelt story about love, family, self-worth, and learning to accept that you deserve good things simply because you are you. And while I do understand that the Alvez story ends with this book, I’m still holding out hope that Tita Cecilia and Tito Bobby get their own book—even if it takes five to ten years. (Tara, pls.)
One of my favorite things about this book was getting to see the Alvez family together. I’ve always been a sucker for stories with a big family cast—the Aritzes in the Alta anthologies by Carla De Guzman, Bianca Mori, and Suzette De Borja, or the Primas of Power cousins in Alexis Daria’s books are exactly the kind of family dynamics I eat up. As an only child from a very small family, I apparently have to experience sibling chaos vicariously through fiction. And LAYA absolutely delivers. Watching the Alvez brothers interact, bicker, support one another, and occasionally be with their queen, Cecilia Alvez, was such a delight. I could read 40 more chapters of their banter and I would still savor every bit of it.
The romance was also very, very compelling. Leave it to Tara to write one moment of something very cute and very safe-for-work, only to turn around and amp up the heat in the next. And all of it helped make the story better. The spicy scenes never felt like they were written just for the sake of checking a box. Instead, it felt to me like a lot of care and respect were woven into the writing. I’ve always trusted #romanceclass to deliver on this front, and this is one of the many reasons Tara is one of my favorites from the community.
If I had one minor nitpick, it would be that Moe and Gani were almost too agreeable at times. There wasn't much conflict between them until much later in the story, so some parts felt almost suspiciously healthy for a romance novel. I’m even afraid to admit that this might be the reason why it took me weeks to get me through the first half of the book. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for these characters. They're two adults who have spent years putting everyone else first, and maybe when something good finally comes along, you don't necessarily want to fight it. I also appreciated how the story tackled the very real struggles of being the eldest child, feeling responsible for everyone around you, and learning that you don't always have to carry everything alone. (Akala mo naman talaga, eh only child naman ‘yan siya.)
All in all, this was a great book. The wait has definitely been worth it. It offers a heartfelt story about love, family, self-worth, and learning to accept that you deserve good things simply because you are you. And while I do understand that the Alvez story ends with this book, I’m still holding out hope that Tita Cecilia and Tito Bobby get their own book—even if it takes five to ten years. (Tara, pls.)
August 16, 2026
4.5⭐️
Isagani Alvez is the eldest among the three brothers. As such, he prioritizes his family and manages Alvez Foundation for the Arts. He barely has time for personal life. Meanwhile, Moe Castellana is the office manager for a co-sharing space. Certified NBSB, she is open to dating apps to meet bachelors. However, she did not feel true to herself as her profile picture was taken years and many pounds ago. When the two met post-pandemic, they bonded over coffee, workouts, and more. Isagani is still hesitant to explore his growing feelings as he felt Moe will be taken soon (by her online situationship).
Of all the love stories of the Alvez brothers, this is my favorite.😍 And I did not expect this because I have a favorite Alvez brother, the charming (and malandi) brother, Pio.🤭 Maybe it’s because this is the most heartfelt romance storytelling for me, made by the author? While the story has the elements of a rom-com, with the meet-cute and hilarious sexual tension, what stood out for me is how the characters dealt with their feelings when they could not deny falling in too deep with each other. I love the way they paid attention to details, and how they took their time in their relationship.🥹
As an eldest child, I welcome stories featuring firstborns. I could not help but get teary-eyed over situations that felt familiar.😞 I love how the author inserted into the story Isagani and Moe’s family issues and later on, resolutions. These stories about their families were well threshed-out and contributed to what made LAYA overall as an amazing book.👏
LAYA is categorized as heat level 3, and expect some scenes that will definitely make you blush.🔥 And of course, it doesn’t hurt that you would always imagine a lean but muscular male MC who’s a bit clueless as to how beautiful he is. And just like Moe, I felt how she salivated over this gorgeous creature.😂 The story is also fast-paced and there are definitely no dull moments. The author delivered what she wanted to convey: it is okay not to be selfless and responsible all the time, it is okay to feel beautiful and desirable.
Prepare to be entranced as you read about how two people fell in love, with music and fitness as backdrop, as well as activities during the post-pandemic era. Ms. Tara packed a lot in the story but there’s no room to be overwhelmed, as words aligned to give way to this moving story of love, brotherhood, forgiveness, and parental attachment.
If you’re a fan of the Lakambini universe, then you will definitely enjoy this. I sure had fun meeting again the other characters in this universe (yes, I’ve read all of their stories).💕
Isagani Alvez is the eldest among the three brothers. As such, he prioritizes his family and manages Alvez Foundation for the Arts. He barely has time for personal life. Meanwhile, Moe Castellana is the office manager for a co-sharing space. Certified NBSB, she is open to dating apps to meet bachelors. However, she did not feel true to herself as her profile picture was taken years and many pounds ago. When the two met post-pandemic, they bonded over coffee, workouts, and more. Isagani is still hesitant to explore his growing feelings as he felt Moe will be taken soon (by her online situationship).
Of all the love stories of the Alvez brothers, this is my favorite.😍 And I did not expect this because I have a favorite Alvez brother, the charming (and malandi) brother, Pio.🤭 Maybe it’s because this is the most heartfelt romance storytelling for me, made by the author? While the story has the elements of a rom-com, with the meet-cute and hilarious sexual tension, what stood out for me is how the characters dealt with their feelings when they could not deny falling in too deep with each other. I love the way they paid attention to details, and how they took their time in their relationship.🥹
As an eldest child, I welcome stories featuring firstborns. I could not help but get teary-eyed over situations that felt familiar.😞 I love how the author inserted into the story Isagani and Moe’s family issues and later on, resolutions. These stories about their families were well threshed-out and contributed to what made LAYA overall as an amazing book.👏
LAYA is categorized as heat level 3, and expect some scenes that will definitely make you blush.🔥 And of course, it doesn’t hurt that you would always imagine a lean but muscular male MC who’s a bit clueless as to how beautiful he is. And just like Moe, I felt how she salivated over this gorgeous creature.😂 The story is also fast-paced and there are definitely no dull moments. The author delivered what she wanted to convey: it is okay not to be selfless and responsible all the time, it is okay to feel beautiful and desirable.
Prepare to be entranced as you read about how two people fell in love, with music and fitness as backdrop, as well as activities during the post-pandemic era. Ms. Tara packed a lot in the story but there’s no room to be overwhelmed, as words aligned to give way to this moving story of love, brotherhood, forgiveness, and parental attachment.
If you’re a fan of the Lakambini universe, then you will definitely enjoy this. I sure had fun meeting again the other characters in this universe (yes, I’ve read all of their stories).💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
(Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Is there enough disclaimers to go around for lil old me when talking about this book? Because the works of Ms. Tara that I have read miraculously are all from this overarching universe so I grabbed the opportunity to be an ARC reader for "Love As You Are", knowing fully well this will be another home run of a five-star read for me.
And just like "Waiting in the Wings", "Like Nobody's Watching", and "Keeping Miss Kalila", "Love As You Are" DELIVEREDDDDDD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ICYMI, "Like Nobody's Watching", and "Keeping Miss Kalila", and "Love As You Are" feature each of the Alvez brothers (from youngest to eldest) whose parents started the Alvez Foundation for the Arts, one of the main theater supporters in "Waiting in the Wings".
Okay, back to the main program 🎬
"Love As You Are" features eldest brother/interim programs director Isagani Alvez and office manager Moe Castellana who got off on the wrong foot and later became gym buddies... and some things more along the way. This may be enjoyed as a standalone just like the titles I previously mentioned but it just hits different when the reader (aka me) is emotionally invested in everyone's character development. This book also soothes a particular ache in me as someone who is very much capable in her own right but never seen as a love interest & an eldest child to boot. With the characters being a decade older than I am, I feel comforted that the future (or even a sliver of it) doesn't seem too bleak as we age and try to accept that there are things we have to outgrow and even strive for to live the kind of life worth celebrating.
It was such a blast reading "Love As You Are", which the way everyone is fun and funny and full of heart! I caught myself saying funny parts out loud & searching Filipino movies and references I was too young to know lmao. I even got to crying from Chapter 23 and beyond, a first for a romance book these days. It was freeing and also so unfair because ALL THESE FEELINGS 😭
And before I forget: yes, this is @romanceclassbooks heat level 3 🌶🌶🌶 (though to be fair, this is calmer than "Keeping Miss Kalila" IYKYK)
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ms. Tara, for this chance to read LOVE AS YOU ARE before it launches this Saturday, August 15 on Amazon! 💝 Hope you can get to pre-ordering your copies!
Is there enough disclaimers to go around for lil old me when talking about this book? Because the works of Ms. Tara that I have read miraculously are all from this overarching universe so I grabbed the opportunity to be an ARC reader for "Love As You Are", knowing fully well this will be another home run of a five-star read for me.
And just like "Waiting in the Wings", "Like Nobody's Watching", and "Keeping Miss Kalila", "Love As You Are" DELIVEREDDDDDD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ICYMI, "Like Nobody's Watching", and "Keeping Miss Kalila", and "Love As You Are" feature each of the Alvez brothers (from youngest to eldest) whose parents started the Alvez Foundation for the Arts, one of the main theater supporters in "Waiting in the Wings".
Okay, back to the main program 🎬
"Love As You Are" features eldest brother/interim programs director Isagani Alvez and office manager Moe Castellana who got off on the wrong foot and later became gym buddies... and some things more along the way. This may be enjoyed as a standalone just like the titles I previously mentioned but it just hits different when the reader (aka me) is emotionally invested in everyone's character development. This book also soothes a particular ache in me as someone who is very much capable in her own right but never seen as a love interest & an eldest child to boot. With the characters being a decade older than I am, I feel comforted that the future (or even a sliver of it) doesn't seem too bleak as we age and try to accept that there are things we have to outgrow and even strive for to live the kind of life worth celebrating.
It was such a blast reading "Love As You Are", which the way everyone is fun and funny and full of heart! I caught myself saying funny parts out loud & searching Filipino movies and references I was too young to know lmao. I even got to crying from Chapter 23 and beyond, a first for a romance book these days. It was freeing and also so unfair because ALL THESE FEELINGS 😭
And before I forget: yes, this is @romanceclassbooks heat level 3 🌶🌶🌶 (though to be fair, this is calmer than "Keeping Miss Kalila" IYKYK)
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ms. Tara, for this chance to read LOVE AS YOU ARE before it launches this Saturday, August 15 on Amazon! 💝 Hope you can get to pre-ordering your copies!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love as You Are gives us a glimpse of the past. It was like walking down memory lane during the pandemic and the 2022 election. It was one of yearning for “sana” and wondering if it could have been better. It was a season of unexpected things, bringing people together.
And this novel was quite like that; it gives unexpected turns. Two people who were brought together by one co-working space, and everything that comes after. Having Isagani and Moe in their late 30s seems relatable to those in their trentahin era and beyond, showing that there is no timeline for finding love.
I like the concept of learning things as one nears their prime. The notion of suddenly becoming conscious of something missing in their lives. It is about starting something new for oneself and finding joy in it. With Moe having been ridiculed for the way she looked in her younger years, looking good and feeling good about oneself is a milestone in anyone’s life.
The novel also gives us different themes that are quite interesting. It gives us the usual struggles of being the panganay. As a panganay myself, it is relatable. The notion of growing up fast and having to take care of our siblings as instructed by our parents was relatable to the story. In a way, this leads to having that sense of keeping things to oneself, as if the other siblings would not care. It was sort of a healing part for a panganay, just to accept that things can be relayed to any of the siblings as something that Isagani did.
The story might be an insta-attraction, yet I love how they navigate their relationship and help one another with things that seem to be new to them.
It was another great story from Tara. I want to thank Tara for allowing me to read the ARC of Love as You Are.
And this novel was quite like that; it gives unexpected turns. Two people who were brought together by one co-working space, and everything that comes after. Having Isagani and Moe in their late 30s seems relatable to those in their trentahin era and beyond, showing that there is no timeline for finding love.
I like the concept of learning things as one nears their prime. The notion of suddenly becoming conscious of something missing in their lives. It is about starting something new for oneself and finding joy in it. With Moe having been ridiculed for the way she looked in her younger years, looking good and feeling good about oneself is a milestone in anyone’s life.
The novel also gives us different themes that are quite interesting. It gives us the usual struggles of being the panganay. As a panganay myself, it is relatable. The notion of growing up fast and having to take care of our siblings as instructed by our parents was relatable to the story. In a way, this leads to having that sense of keeping things to oneself, as if the other siblings would not care. It was sort of a healing part for a panganay, just to accept that things can be relayed to any of the siblings as something that Isagani did.
The story might be an insta-attraction, yet I love how they navigate their relationship and help one another with things that seem to be new to them.
It was another great story from Tara. I want to thank Tara for allowing me to read the ARC of Love as You Are.
August 24, 2026
Romance is the last thing on thirty-seven years old Isagani Alvez. He has set his priorities on the family’s foundation, taking care of his mom, running the family home. Thirty-six years old Moe Castellano, an office manager, has never been in a relationship. She is about to go on a date for the first time and looking forward to it. Somehow, Moe and Isagani’s path cross with series of embarrassing encounters. The more they spend time together, the more they start to feel affection for each other. But who will make the first move and let their feelings be known, before everything will be too late?
The story is straight forward and simple, no drama, not much conflict which is refreshing to see in this kind of story. I like that everything is as real as it can get. Both the MCs are old enough to decide and know what they are getting into and take their time in committing fully into the relationship. It also deals and focuses on family as both Moe and Isagani give priorities to the family, with Isagani the eldest in the family and the responsibilities falls on his shoulder, and Moe looks after her grandmother who raises her.
While reading, it reminds me of those kilig days and it put a smile on my face. The simple text messages or gestures are enough to swoon over. The story also takes place during covid and right before the presidential election, so everything is so relatable, the uncertainties, the frustrations and disappointments that go with it.
I will definitely hunt for the two other Alvez brothers stories.
Received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story is straight forward and simple, no drama, not much conflict which is refreshing to see in this kind of story. I like that everything is as real as it can get. Both the MCs are old enough to decide and know what they are getting into and take their time in committing fully into the relationship. It also deals and focuses on family as both Moe and Isagani give priorities to the family, with Isagani the eldest in the family and the responsibilities falls on his shoulder, and Moe looks after her grandmother who raises her.
While reading, it reminds me of those kilig days and it put a smile on my face. The simple text messages or gestures are enough to swoon over. The story also takes place during covid and right before the presidential election, so everything is so relatable, the uncertainties, the frustrations and disappointments that go with it.
I will definitely hunt for the two other Alvez brothers stories.
Received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is #romanceclass world building as its best. <3
I've followed this series from Erin and Ramon, and we've just completed the Alvez brothers like the infinity stones!
What I loved:
- Characterisation: We've met some of the characters here, but they continue to have their own voices. Everyone's voices are distinct. I don't have to read who spoke or messaged even - I feel like the reader would know it was Datu or Pio or Kuya Gani, and it shows how strong each character build is.
- Moe's back story made me sob. By the end of the book, I still haven't forgiven the family member who had an atraso haha huhu. (But still better character development compared to another character I am also side-eyeing. Trying so hard not to spoil.) Everyone here got me invested! But fear not for Moe, absentee family yes, but she gets auto-family via Kuya Gani. Instant hipag treatment and addition to the kumander group chat. (wink!) I live for this.
- Filipino family dynamics: The way it was portrayed here was so real and vivid, and it tugs at your heartstrings. Kuya Gani's guilt is a prevailing theme and it was handled so well. The brothers disagreeing and ending up shielding Cecilia from it, Moe's Lola, absentee Alvez dad and his audacity (LOL) - it's all so relatable. The part I enjoyed the most was the kulit moments between the Alvezes, whether over group chats or in-person teasing? Such a treat.
- The spicy scenes? So hot. KUYA GANI ALAM NA ALAM MO ANO GINAGAWA MO EH. How dare you with those glasses. How dare you very much.
- Bonus: Messed up pipe / plumbing. How very dare you x 2, Kuya Gani.
- I loved the twist with the match and how it served as the catalyst - ang healthy pa rin ng naging dynamic (and fun!)
- The PasigLaban scenes. <3 We love characters who fight for what is right. Bonus if they fall in love in the process. Multitaskers sina Kuya Gani and Moe, bakit ba. <3
- Ditas is so fun and very Pinay bestie coded. You just gotta have a Ditas in your life.
- The ending is like the cameo of cameos. What a treat. I felt like it was Christmas.
I would therefore like to live in this book and universe. Thank you <3
I've followed this series from Erin and Ramon, and we've just completed the Alvez brothers like the infinity stones!
What I loved:
- Characterisation: We've met some of the characters here, but they continue to have their own voices. Everyone's voices are distinct. I don't have to read who spoke or messaged even - I feel like the reader would know it was Datu or Pio or Kuya Gani, and it shows how strong each character build is.
- Moe's back story made me sob. By the end of the book, I still haven't forgiven the family member who had an atraso haha huhu. (But still better character development compared to another character I am also side-eyeing. Trying so hard not to spoil.) Everyone here got me invested! But fear not for Moe, absentee family yes, but she gets auto-family via Kuya Gani. Instant hipag treatment and addition to the kumander group chat. (wink!) I live for this.
- Filipino family dynamics: The way it was portrayed here was so real and vivid, and it tugs at your heartstrings. Kuya Gani's guilt is a prevailing theme and it was handled so well. The brothers disagreeing and ending up shielding Cecilia from it, Moe's Lola, absentee Alvez dad and his audacity (LOL) - it's all so relatable. The part I enjoyed the most was the kulit moments between the Alvezes, whether over group chats or in-person teasing? Such a treat.
- The spicy scenes? So hot. KUYA GANI ALAM NA ALAM MO ANO GINAGAWA MO EH. How dare you with those glasses. How dare you very much.
- Bonus: Messed up pipe / plumbing. How very dare you x 2, Kuya Gani.
- I loved the twist with the match and how it served as the catalyst - ang healthy pa rin ng naging dynamic (and fun!)
- The PasigLaban scenes. <3 We love characters who fight for what is right. Bonus if they fall in love in the process. Multitaskers sina Kuya Gani and Moe, bakit ba. <3
- Ditas is so fun and very Pinay bestie coded. You just gotta have a Ditas in your life.
- The ending is like the cameo of cameos. What a treat. I felt like it was Christmas.
I would therefore like to live in this book and universe. Thank you <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a highly bingeable read! It was so easy to get into, the characters were so relatable, and the story flowed really nicely. I actually cried, especially during the parts where the moms were involved, because if you don't know, I'm a mom too so those scenes made me emotional 🥹
I related to Moe a lot, because she was the type of person who had a tough childhood which resulted in a lot of insecurities, but not one to shy away from knowing what she really wants. It was a joy to see her eventually blossom, to lessen her overthinking ways, and to accept the good things that came to her because she deserved it. And Isagani was a super green flag, and you know me, give me my green flags over bad boys any day! They had a super sweet (and very spicy) romance which is very reminiscent of the early stages of a relationship.
I also really appreciated the absence of a third act conflict which was so refreshing. Just straight romance, and all the kilig feelings that comes with it 🥰
In addition, I just love how music and theater was incorporated into the story. I just wished there were more aspects of it shown!
This was such a highly bingeable read! It was so easy to get into, the characters were so relatable, and the story flowed really nicely. I actually cried, especially during the parts where the moms were involved, because if you don't know, I'm a mom too so those scenes made me emotional 🥹
I related to Moe a lot, because she was the type of person who had a tough childhood which resulted in a lot of insecurities, but not one to shy away from knowing what she really wants. It was a joy to see her eventually blossom, to lessen her overthinking ways, and to accept the good things that came to her because she deserved it. And Isagani was a super green flag, and you know me, give me my green flags over bad boys any day! They had a super sweet (and very spicy) romance which is very reminiscent of the early stages of a relationship.
I also really appreciated the absence of a third act conflict which was so refreshing. Just straight romance, and all the kilig feelings that comes with it 🥰
In addition, I just love how music and theater was incorporated into the story. I just wished there were more aspects of it shown!
August 19, 2026
actual rating 4.5 stars
the wait was super worth it <3 i've been waiting for this book since finishing keeping miss kalila back in 2020. i was always curious about gani and his eventual love story. the things we knew about him from previous alvez brothers book and the man of the hour story on wattpad were so limited.
i loved the playful banter between gani and moe; i was genuinely laughing out loud irl because they're so funny. and i never expected gani to be that dirty (SUPER POSITIVE he's so hot) hahaha
i can't wait to get my physical copy <3
the wait was super worth it <3 i've been waiting for this book since finishing keeping miss kalila back in 2020. i was always curious about gani and his eventual love story. the things we knew about him from previous alvez brothers book and the man of the hour story on wattpad were so limited.
i loved the playful banter between gani and moe; i was genuinely laughing out loud irl because they're so funny. and i never expected gani to be that dirty (SUPER POSITIVE he's so hot) hahaha
i can't wait to get my physical copy <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Finished reading 1 day before the publish date and I'm glad I've finally finished it! Naiinggit ako sa love story nila Moe at Gani, mapapasanaol ka nalang talaga. I like how the setting was place in 2022, election era and after covid and hindi dds and fmc at mmc. It was indeed the biggest heartbreak of the Philippines tlga. So back in the book, maganda yung writing style, easy to read and pwede agad syang matapos. I love how family oriented yung both bida and nagandahan ako dun sa part ng inayos muna nila issues nila sa sarili nila bago bumalik sa piling ng isat isa.
Finished reading 1 day before the publish date and I'm glad I've finally finished it! Naiinggit ako sa love story nila Moe at Gani, mapapasanaol ka nalang talaga. I like how the setting was place in 2022, election era and after covid and hindi dds and fmc at mmc. It was indeed the biggest heartbreak of the Philippines tlga. So back in the book, maganda yung writing style, easy to read and pwede agad syang matapos. I love how family oriented yung both bida and nagandahan ako dun sa part ng inayos muna nila issues nila sa sarili nila bago bumalik sa piling ng isat isa.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love As You Are definitely gave me ALL THE FEELS! 🥹💕 This book reminded me so much of the classic Filipino romcoms I grew up watching—the kind of kilig that just feels so warm, familiar, ah basta, nakakakilig in the best way. 🤭 There’s something about the way the story unfolded that really gave me that nostalgic romcom feeling, and I absolutely ate it up.
I especially loved how Moe and Gani’s relationship was developed throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to see them slowly figure each other out and watching their relationship grow naturally. And can we talk about how much I appreciated the third-act conflict??? No cheating, no unnecessary red flags, no toxic drama just for the sake of having drama. The problems they faced were actually understandable and relatable, which made the conflict feel so much more realistic and satisfying for me.
The characters were also just so warm and easy to root for. I found myself genuinely invested in them and their happiness, and I think that’s a huge part of why this book worked so well for me.
This is my first book by Tara Frejas, and I am VERY happy to report that it definitely won’t be my last! I’m already excited to read more of her work, especially Keeping Miss Kalila and Like Nobody’s Watching. If this is any indication of what I can expect from her other books, then I am very much ready for more Tara Frejas and more kilig! 💕
Thank you so much to the author, @tarafrejas, for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. ☺️
I especially loved how Moe and Gani’s relationship was developed throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to see them slowly figure each other out and watching their relationship grow naturally. And can we talk about how much I appreciated the third-act conflict??? No cheating, no unnecessary red flags, no toxic drama just for the sake of having drama. The problems they faced were actually understandable and relatable, which made the conflict feel so much more realistic and satisfying for me.
The characters were also just so warm and easy to root for. I found myself genuinely invested in them and their happiness, and I think that’s a huge part of why this book worked so well for me.
This is my first book by Tara Frejas, and I am VERY happy to report that it definitely won’t be my last! I’m already excited to read more of her work, especially Keeping Miss Kalila and Like Nobody’s Watching. If this is any indication of what I can expect from her other books, then I am very much ready for more Tara Frejas and more kilig! 💕
Thank you so much to the author, @tarafrejas, for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. ☺️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC from the author. I loved knowing Gani and Moe (and Tita Ces is a favorite, too) 💖 Full review coming soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so good! I loved every second of it. Isagani and Moe's story touched my heart in ways I never expected. So so excited for other romance readers to read this one!
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