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Cover (Story) Girl
1) She has amnesia.
2) She’s on the run from her father’s creditors.
3) She’s enjoying her last days on earth.
Ever since Jang Min Hee walked into Gio’s small museum, she’s given him one excuse after another about why she’s vacationing at scenic Boracay Island. Rarely has Gio’s neat and organized world been shaken like this. Soon he finds himself scrambling over rocks, hiding in dressing rooms, and dragging her out of bars. But how can Gio tell what's true from what isn't? Their worlds are getting unraveled -- one story at a time.
2) She’s on the run from her father’s creditors.
3) She’s enjoying her last days on earth.
Ever since Jang Min Hee walked into Gio’s small museum, she’s given him one excuse after another about why she’s vacationing at scenic Boracay Island. Rarely has Gio’s neat and organized world been shaken like this. Soon he finds himself scrambling over rocks, hiding in dressing rooms, and dragging her out of bars. But how can Gio tell what's true from what isn't? Their worlds are getting unraveled -- one story at a time.
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First published July 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 28, 2021
So many cliches but this was so cute!
August 7, 2013
Borocay Island sounds really lovely. One of the things I enjoyed about this novella is that the protagonist, Gio, works there and lives nearby, and though he’s proud of the island and enjoys showing it off to tourists, it is his home, a place he also takes for granted. I enjoyed this take on a tropical paradise vacation spot, more so than if the protagonist had been a vacationer.
I really liked Gio as the protagonist, I have a definite weakness for responsible guys who take care of their families, and let me just add here that it was nice to read a romance where the protagonist was the guy rather than the girl. This one had to be written that way, though, because the girl, Min Hee, tells Gio all kinds of whoppers about why she’s on the island — she’s on the run from her family, she has amnesia, she had a brain tumor and is enjoying her last days in this world — so of course the story can’t be told from her point of view or it’d give everything away.
I think the basic truth about who Min Hee really is pretty clear to the reader, though Gio misses the clues. But the exact reason Min Hee came to Boracay is harder to guess — I didn’t — and Gio’s reaction to finding out is both understandable and, um, perhaps not well considered. Of course things work out in the end, though!
This novella is nicely written. Here's my favorite passage:
“The watercolor she was doing captured the beach as if seen through a dream, all soft sea-foam and powder, the colors disappearing into the white edges of the paper. The sea itself danced with different shades — white near the shore moving to pale green, then growing bolder into the deep blue of the horizon. Boracay was usually seen in the loud and bright colors of summer. But under Min Hee’s brush, it looked like a filtered paradise, something old and fragile and familiar.”
Beautiful, eh? Art is an important thread right through the story.
This novella also left me with a deep desire for calamansi muffins. Which I actually made this morning, because I have a calamansi plant in a pot on my deck. Mmm! Tasty, even without the white beaches and palm trees.
I really liked Gio as the protagonist, I have a definite weakness for responsible guys who take care of their families, and let me just add here that it was nice to read a romance where the protagonist was the guy rather than the girl. This one had to be written that way, though, because the girl, Min Hee, tells Gio all kinds of whoppers about why she’s on the island — she’s on the run from her family, she has amnesia, she had a brain tumor and is enjoying her last days in this world — so of course the story can’t be told from her point of view or it’d give everything away.
I think the basic truth about who Min Hee really is pretty clear to the reader, though Gio misses the clues. But the exact reason Min Hee came to Boracay is harder to guess — I didn’t — and Gio’s reaction to finding out is both understandable and, um, perhaps not well considered. Of course things work out in the end, though!
This novella is nicely written. Here's my favorite passage:
“The watercolor she was doing captured the beach as if seen through a dream, all soft sea-foam and powder, the colors disappearing into the white edges of the paper. The sea itself danced with different shades — white near the shore moving to pale green, then growing bolder into the deep blue of the horizon. Boracay was usually seen in the loud and bright colors of summer. But under Min Hee’s brush, it looked like a filtered paradise, something old and fragile and familiar.”
Beautiful, eh? Art is an important thread right through the story.
This novella also left me with a deep desire for calamansi muffins. Which I actually made this morning, because I have a calamansi plant in a pot on my deck. Mmm! Tasty, even without the white beaches and palm trees.
August 9, 2016
I loved that the main character is a straight-laced, rod-up-his-bum Filipino boy who works at a museum. I loved how his love interest is a lively Korean girl who could have been any other manic pixie dream girl but was much more than that. I loved that it's a multicultural romance set in Boracay, and not only the island as tourists know it, but its hidden roads and deep crevices that most people rarely see. I loved how the story was steeped in culture and history, and how the romance kind of creeps up on you the way it creeps up on Gio. I loved/hated how it made me crave for calamansi muffins. Chris Mariano writes romance like I haven't read it before, with a deliberate but deft hand, and it's nothing short of magic :)
May 23, 2020
Cute little contemporary romance! I really enjoyed being transported to Boracay (it’s been so long since I’ve been actually), and the story itself wasn’t necessarily anything too new but it was still adorable.
September 12, 2013
The first time I went to the island of Boracay in the Philippines ended in some sort of disaster, and I haven't really "recorded over" that memory yet. To the uninformed, my month-old phone took a dip in the saltwater on our last day at the beach, so the last few hours on the island was kind of stressful. Not to mention that moment where I thought I was going to drown at Ariel's Point while I was snorkeling, and that it was rainy half the time. It was a good vacation in some ways (Hello, Boracay PubCrawl!), but you know, not exactly the most relaxing one.
I haven't had the chance to go there again, but I got a taste of the island when I read Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl . Chris is a fellow book blogger and a classmate in #romanceclass, so it was no question that I will buy her book the moment it was released. Cover (Story) Girl is about Gio, who works in a museum in the island of Boracay, keeping it neat and organized and ready for visitors. In the middle of preparing for an exhibit, Jang Min Hee walks into his life, and starts messing with it -- literally and figuratively. Thing is, Gio wasn't sure what's keeping her in the island and why she's sticking with him. She tells him all these stories and he goes along with her, sometimes even saving her from some trouble. Gio is mystified...but how will he know which among Min Hee's stories are the truth?
Okay here's the thing: I was just a teensy bit hesitant about this because of the Korean angle. I'm not a fan of K-pop, or K-drama or anything Korean, really, except maybe for the food. And maybe Daniel Henney. Every time some friends squee over Korean stuff, I just look blank, like how I look blank over anime. I was kind of worried that I wouldn't get or like the story, because of the Korean things...but I'm glad to say that it didn't. I liked Min Hee a lot. I liked what I learned about her from Gio's eyes, and how she seemed so flighty at first and then had more depth later on. She provided a fun contrast against Gio, who likes his routines and his organized life. Okay, maybe he can be a little boring, but it worked well for the story, and I liked how he lost this as he spent more time with Min Hee. Gio reminds me a little of Macy from Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever , all organized and perfect until people came and threw her out of the loop. Gio is the kind of good guy I like reading in fiction, and it was fun being in his mind in this story. I liked reading his POV, and I think Chris did really well with it.
The story can feel a little slow and quiet, but I think that adds to the charm. You won't really get too many exciting things at the start, except for Gio and Min Hee's banter. The quiet flow of the story fits into its setting, which was my favorite part. I really liked that this was set in Boracay. I've only been there once, but reading this made me miss it. I liked how Chris focused on the quiet part of it and not much on the partying that happens there. I was never really a party girl, so I appreciate how there was more of the lesser known side of Boracay (and Aklan) in the story than the usual. And of course, the calamansi muffins. Oh my Lord, this book will have you craving for Real Coffee's calamansi muffins, if you've had them before. If you haven't, then you might want to bake some on your own, instead. (I really should do that.) Because calamansi muffins are yummy.
I really liked Cover (Story) Girl , if it's not too obvious yet. By default this can be considered as a summer romance read because of the beach elements...but if it's rainy and cold where you are now (which is also how it is on my side of the world now), Cover (Story) Girl is also a really good rainy day companion. Come to think of it, it's a perfect companion anytime you want some swoon. :D And again, don't forget your calamansi muffins!
* Also posted at I Like it Dog-Eared :)
I haven't had the chance to go there again, but I got a taste of the island when I read Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl . Chris is a fellow book blogger and a classmate in #romanceclass, so it was no question that I will buy her book the moment it was released. Cover (Story) Girl is about Gio, who works in a museum in the island of Boracay, keeping it neat and organized and ready for visitors. In the middle of preparing for an exhibit, Jang Min Hee walks into his life, and starts messing with it -- literally and figuratively. Thing is, Gio wasn't sure what's keeping her in the island and why she's sticking with him. She tells him all these stories and he goes along with her, sometimes even saving her from some trouble. Gio is mystified...but how will he know which among Min Hee's stories are the truth?
Okay here's the thing: I was just a teensy bit hesitant about this because of the Korean angle. I'm not a fan of K-pop, or K-drama or anything Korean, really, except maybe for the food. And maybe Daniel Henney. Every time some friends squee over Korean stuff, I just look blank, like how I look blank over anime. I was kind of worried that I wouldn't get or like the story, because of the Korean things...but I'm glad to say that it didn't. I liked Min Hee a lot. I liked what I learned about her from Gio's eyes, and how she seemed so flighty at first and then had more depth later on. She provided a fun contrast against Gio, who likes his routines and his organized life. Okay, maybe he can be a little boring, but it worked well for the story, and I liked how he lost this as he spent more time with Min Hee. Gio reminds me a little of Macy from Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever , all organized and perfect until people came and threw her out of the loop. Gio is the kind of good guy I like reading in fiction, and it was fun being in his mind in this story. I liked reading his POV, and I think Chris did really well with it.
The story can feel a little slow and quiet, but I think that adds to the charm. You won't really get too many exciting things at the start, except for Gio and Min Hee's banter. The quiet flow of the story fits into its setting, which was my favorite part. I really liked that this was set in Boracay. I've only been there once, but reading this made me miss it. I liked how Chris focused on the quiet part of it and not much on the partying that happens there. I was never really a party girl, so I appreciate how there was more of the lesser known side of Boracay (and Aklan) in the story than the usual. And of course, the calamansi muffins. Oh my Lord, this book will have you craving for Real Coffee's calamansi muffins, if you've had them before. If you haven't, then you might want to bake some on your own, instead. (I really should do that.) Because calamansi muffins are yummy.
I really liked Cover (Story) Girl , if it's not too obvious yet. By default this can be considered as a summer romance read because of the beach elements...but if it's rainy and cold where you are now (which is also how it is on my side of the world now), Cover (Story) Girl is also a really good rainy day companion. Come to think of it, it's a perfect companion anytime you want some swoon. :D And again, don't forget your calamansi muffins!
* Also posted at I Like it Dog-Eared :)
January 2, 2015
Also posted in It's A Wonderful Bookworld.
Can I just simply say that I really love this book?
First off, the cover is already a delight to look at. It perfectly captures all the wonderful things that make up the story and more than that, just by looking at it makes me think of ice cream (haha!). I love the colors used – because I am partial to blue (:P) – and the font used makes me think of gummy bears (!!!) which I also love.
And then there are the characters. Gio reminds me a bit of my bookish crush Lincoln although of a milder degree. I like it that this novella has decided to use the unpopular route by narrating through Gio’s – a male – POV instead of the more fashionable female one, and still got away with it.
I am no big fan of Korean pop culture (maybe aside from the few Korean melodramas that I used to watch a few years back) but aside from that my knowledge of K-pop is close to nil. And so although I am prepared to be disinterested with Min Hee at the beginning, I found myself growing to like her as the story progressed. “Brownie points” to the author for making me like a character whom I don’t have much in common with. :)
Gio and Min Hee’s story is actually not uncommon. Theirs is a tale of “opposites attract”. Gio is a neat freak who likes to always be on the safe side, while Min Hee is more outgoing and adventurous. While the mystery about Min Hee’s character did not really mystify me, I find myself enjoying her tales and antics – her cover stories – and how she was able to worm her way into Gio’s heart. The banter between Gio and Min Hee are fun to read as well because they sound normal – not overdone or too “scripted”. There are the kilig moments, of course, but in just the right amounts.
But what really made me love this book is because it made me feel at home. The setting is the infamous Boracay Island, a mere five-hour bus ride from where I live. Although Boracay is practicably near, I can count on my ten fingers the times I’ve been to Boracay. I have this notion that Boracay will always be there so there is really no hurry for me to be there. But for the few times that I did go and visit, I must say that it is indeed a paradise.
BUT. I am glad that Cover (Story) Girl portrays Boracay as more than just powdery sand and scenic beach. It is able to weave into the story the other (more unpopular) side of Boracay and snippets of Aklan culture and tradition (including the dialect) and don’t I just love that? It is not often that I get to read a Filipino contemporary romance which is not set in the big city of Metro Manila and for once, I get to read about familiar places and phrases. Somehow, all these local culture has made me all the more involved in the story.
My only complaint is that the story ended to soon! Still, I love the epilogue and I find it a very creative way to cap Gio and Min Hee’s story.
Complaint aside, Cover (Story) Girl is a delightful read. It affirms my belief in happy-ever-afters and in choosing to love despite the odds.
Now, where do I get to try those calamansi muffins? ;)
Can I just simply say that I really love this book?
First off, the cover is already a delight to look at. It perfectly captures all the wonderful things that make up the story and more than that, just by looking at it makes me think of ice cream (haha!). I love the colors used – because I am partial to blue (:P) – and the font used makes me think of gummy bears (!!!) which I also love.
And then there are the characters. Gio reminds me a bit of my bookish crush Lincoln although of a milder degree. I like it that this novella has decided to use the unpopular route by narrating through Gio’s – a male – POV instead of the more fashionable female one, and still got away with it.
I am no big fan of Korean pop culture (maybe aside from the few Korean melodramas that I used to watch a few years back) but aside from that my knowledge of K-pop is close to nil. And so although I am prepared to be disinterested with Min Hee at the beginning, I found myself growing to like her as the story progressed. “Brownie points” to the author for making me like a character whom I don’t have much in common with. :)
Gio and Min Hee’s story is actually not uncommon. Theirs is a tale of “opposites attract”. Gio is a neat freak who likes to always be on the safe side, while Min Hee is more outgoing and adventurous. While the mystery about Min Hee’s character did not really mystify me, I find myself enjoying her tales and antics – her cover stories – and how she was able to worm her way into Gio’s heart. The banter between Gio and Min Hee are fun to read as well because they sound normal – not overdone or too “scripted”. There are the kilig moments, of course, but in just the right amounts.
But what really made me love this book is because it made me feel at home. The setting is the infamous Boracay Island, a mere five-hour bus ride from where I live. Although Boracay is practicably near, I can count on my ten fingers the times I’ve been to Boracay. I have this notion that Boracay will always be there so there is really no hurry for me to be there. But for the few times that I did go and visit, I must say that it is indeed a paradise.
BUT. I am glad that Cover (Story) Girl portrays Boracay as more than just powdery sand and scenic beach. It is able to weave into the story the other (more unpopular) side of Boracay and snippets of Aklan culture and tradition (including the dialect) and don’t I just love that? It is not often that I get to read a Filipino contemporary romance which is not set in the big city of Metro Manila and for once, I get to read about familiar places and phrases. Somehow, all these local culture has made me all the more involved in the story.
My only complaint is that the story ended to soon! Still, I love the epilogue and I find it a very creative way to cap Gio and Min Hee’s story.
Complaint aside, Cover (Story) Girl is a delightful read. It affirms my belief in happy-ever-afters and in choosing to love despite the odds.
Now, where do I get to try those calamansi muffins? ;)
December 5, 2019
:(
I don't like leaving bad reviews on Romance Class books but this one just didn't do it for me :(
I felt the writing a little too simple and, while it started okay, at the end I didn't like Gio and how easily he was forgiven.
I also think the "I make up stories about my life" thing isn't emphasized enough.
I don't like leaving bad reviews on Romance Class books but this one just didn't do it for me :(
I felt the writing a little too simple and, while it started okay, at the end I didn't like Gio and how easily he was forgiven.
I also think the "I make up stories about my life" thing isn't emphasized enough.
February 13, 2014
Originally posted here.
Boracay is one of my most favorite places on earth. It’s not just because of the beautiful beach, the lovely white sand and the breathtaking sunsets – it is also a place that holds so many memories for me and my family. I have been there several times already – the last three was with my husband and daughter – and after each visit, I always end up feeling excited and looking forward to the day when we can go back.
So when Chris Mariano, a writer who I only came to personally meet last December (but have known online since 2010), fellow Sweet Dreams reader/collector and an alumna of Mina V. Esguerra’s #romanceclass last year, came out with this novella set in sunny Boracay, I just knew I had to read it. In fact, I began to read it on my family’s most recent vacation in the island last December, and was quickly drawn into the love story of local boy/Mr. Museum Gio and Korean actress Min Hee.
In a nutshell, I totally, completely adore this book. I love how it was written – I am a sucker for simple, clean prose. The exchanges between Gio and Min Hee, more particularly the romantic ones, completely did me in. (I will never forget "One for coconut. One for vanilla.” – and if you want to know the scene and the context in which these were said, you have to read the book!) The story was told in the third person POV of Gio, and you don’t get to read a lot of contemporary romance novels narrated from the guy’s point of view. The characters were fun and entertaining: Gio wasn’t the typical hot, gorgeous hunk of a guy but he was charming and cute – the kind of guy you’d be proud to bring home and introduce to your mama. On the other hand, Min Hee was more frivolous and quirky, and she was perfect for Gio because she was his perfect opposite. I also love how the novella explored various facets of Boracay, providing the reader with snippets of island life and the many things it has to offer: island hopping, water activities, and of course, calamansi muffins. YUM.
And the ending! That was a lovely ending, wasn’t it? The circumstances leading to it were admittedly fairytale-ish, and Gio was fortunate enough to have the financial means to carry out his plans. I would gather that in real life, the underprivileged Gios out there – and I know they exist – would have to content themselves with e-mails and other internet-based communication in order to cope with long distance relationships, should they even come to that. But it worked in Mr. Museum’s case here, and who are we to deny him that? Oh, definitely not me.
So yes, Cover (Story) Girl is a charming romantic novella, and I love it. Even if I am not a fan of anything Korean, and never will be. :D
September 16, 2013
(review can also be found on my blog
Another great thing about this book is that it promotes Philippine Tourism. You'll love how the author put in all these Filipino elements--the island of Boracay, Calmansi Muffins, and so much more--and how it makes you want to travel the Philippines--whether you're from here and have been under a rock for so long or even if you're from other countries. There's just that big travel-bug touch that will make you want to see Aklan--or other Philippine islands if you haven't already.
The pacing was also pretty good. Not too fast, not too slow, perfect for those with very minimal attention span. You'll go "kilig", you'll cheer for Gio and Min-Hee, you'll wonder what the real story is. You'll wonder what the truth is. You'll wish the best for them, because they're the kind of couple who deserve the best.
And then of course, there are some conflicts. When that big heartbreaking conflict happened, I really just couldn't help but feel like crying. It's because the characters in this book are the kind that just...get to you. the kind that you feel for. And I guess, that's what makes this such a great read: The fact that the emotions are so real, they're almost tangible. And the ending? Man, it'll make you want to scream for more...
Cover (Story) Girl is the kind of book that has so much promise. It's the kind of book that you'd want to read over and over again. It's the kind of book you should be reading NOW!
Another great thing about this book is that it promotes Philippine Tourism. You'll love how the author put in all these Filipino elements--the island of Boracay, Calmansi Muffins, and so much more--and how it makes you want to travel the Philippines--whether you're from here and have been under a rock for so long or even if you're from other countries. There's just that big travel-bug touch that will make you want to see Aklan--or other Philippine islands if you haven't already.
The pacing was also pretty good. Not too fast, not too slow, perfect for those with very minimal attention span. You'll go "kilig", you'll cheer for Gio and Min-Hee, you'll wonder what the real story is. You'll wonder what the truth is. You'll wish the best for them, because they're the kind of couple who deserve the best.
And then of course, there are some conflicts. When that big heartbreaking conflict happened, I really just couldn't help but feel like crying. It's because the characters in this book are the kind that just...get to you. the kind that you feel for. And I guess, that's what makes this such a great read: The fact that the emotions are so real, they're almost tangible. And the ending? Man, it'll make you want to scream for more...
Cover (Story) Girl is the kind of book that has so much promise. It's the kind of book that you'd want to read over and over again. It's the kind of book you should be reading NOW!
September 25, 2013
I enjoyed this one a lot. It's patterned after the light Koreanovelas - quirky, funny scenes; tearful goodbye and then a grand gesture (At one point the main character blurts out, "What is this, a Koreanovela?" Yes, yes it is, Gio) - but is written with such care and intelligence that it never feels over-the-top, or silly, or false. I am delighted to see Boracay (keep in mind that I've never been to Boracay) through the eyes of a resident, and not a tourist. If Gio were a tourist he would have waxed poetic day in and day out about the beach and the sand. Gio in the novella works there, so he sees it as it is, simply as a path on his way home. It's pretty, sure, but it's just there, also have you seen the bats? The "five-colored beach" only becomes charged with heavier meaning when he falls in love. We say a place changes us, but most of the time it's just ourselves finding new meaning and new connections.
My gripe is how Gio regarded Korea as though he had simply crossed the street. His only comment is on the weather. I would imagine Gio, who I don't think travels much, would at least comment on the airport, the road, the cab fare? Granted his eyes are trained on his one goal, but he talks so much about "creamy skin" and now he is suddenly, conspicuously unimpressed that he's in another country? He displays no terror when he pretends to be someone important to Security, which seems very un-Gio-like to me.
The big scene in the end felt a bit out there, but it was saved by humor that I felt was so distinctly Filipino that I actually laughed out loud. (Live dubbing through megaphone - I can see that happening in a Sarah G/John Lloyd movie.)
Still, entertaining read. I can see this on the big screen.
My gripe is how Gio regarded Korea as though he had simply crossed the street. His only comment is on the weather. I would imagine Gio, who I don't think travels much, would at least comment on the airport, the road, the cab fare? Granted his eyes are trained on his one goal, but he talks so much about "creamy skin" and now he is suddenly, conspicuously unimpressed that he's in another country? He displays no terror when he pretends to be someone important to Security, which seems very un-Gio-like to me.
The big scene in the end felt a bit out there, but it was saved by humor that I felt was so distinctly Filipino that I actually laughed out loud. (Live dubbing through megaphone - I can see that happening in a Sarah G/John Lloyd movie.)
Still, entertaining read. I can see this on the big screen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2014
Way too delightful opposites attract story. Min He and Gio couldn't be more different. He is a staid, solid, if not quite boring museum curator, and she's a colorful mysterious Korean girl prone to fantasies and make believe. But their romance develops despite their differences and each brings color and perspective to the other. Cover (Story) Girl is one of the most enjoyable stories I've read lately and I finished it in a few hours, staying up late into the night. It is also one of the few romances written in the male point of view. You'll come to love Gio, even if you think he's a stick in the mud at the beginning.
I can't wait to read more by this author. I also enjoyed learning about the culture on Boracay Island.
I can't wait to read more by this author. I also enjoyed learning about the culture on Boracay Island.
July 14, 2016
Really enjoyed this sweet romance. Male MC, mysterious Korean LI, the hidden side of Boracay and Kalibo, and calamansi muffins? Yes, yes and yes! Chris Mariano has a deft touch, weaving a light and spellbinding story I couldn't put down.
November 2, 2021
Originally posted on my blog dated February 19, 2016
Okay. So before anything else, I want to thank Ms. April (@iambinibini in Instagram and Twitter and seasuras in Facebook) once again for this chance to read and review another book from #romanceclass. This is the second post I have as my participation for #FilipinoFriday that was arranged as a little project to show support to the Filipino-authored English books.
Can I just say ‘thank goodness’ because I only liked—or loved—two characters in this novel? Weird start for a review, right? But that’s the truth. The characters that really made me like this story were the leads, of course—Gio and Min Hee. Usually, I would end up liking more characters than the two leads. Anyway, at this point, I haven’t listened to the episode of the #RomanceClass podcast which featured a scene from this story. At least not yet. Thankfully, I didn’t. That’s because it means that I have something to look forward to—the feels, to be specific—when I finally decide to listen to it. I wonder what scene did Rachel and Gio (Wow! Similar name with the male lead) read for the podcast.
This is the first time I’ve read a local romance novel entirely written in the male lead’s perspectives, which is a good thing. You don’t actually read something like that everyday. It’s a good break from the majority of all the local romance stories I’ve read written in the female lead’s perspectives and POVs. And honestly speaking, I think the author did well when it comes to writing the male lead’s perspectives.
So I ended up finishing this in two days but I only started writing this review on Thursday night and finished it this Friday morning. Of course, I did that while the song “Only With My Heart” by Lena Park kept echoing in my mind. I know it doesn’t actually relate much to the entire story. But for some reason, especially when I remembered the song’s translation, it reminded me of Min Hee during and after the break up. Seriously, I really want to strangle Gio for doing that to her. But don’t worry, I only want to do that in my imagination since I don’t have that kind of violent tendencies in real life. I nearly cried when Gio was being stubborn and decided not to listen to Min Hee for her explanations. I don’t know why but it kind of hurts, you know. Somehow, the rejection and the one you love pushing you away was something I could relate to.
Min Hee came to me as a glamour girl that was a little bit hard to reach. She projected a really intimidating aura when she first appeared in the story. I know it’s just a story but that’s what I felt about her. So I couldn’t really sympathize with her at first. And then as the story progressed, it made me see a vulnerable side of her. She wanted to tell the truth to Gio but somehow, getting him to believe in it was another thing. She probably tried to break free from her world in some way, that’s why she went to Boracay. And even though Min Hee came from a completely different world as Gio, she came to realize that perhaps he could help her experience things she never got to do before. She was being herself whenever she was doing her drawing. The same way when she appreciated Caridad’s artworks. She was being herself in front of Gio—though she did tease him a lot just to get his attention. Somehow, it worked. Hehe!
Even though the story was told entirely in Gio’s perspective, there were times that I could truly empathize with Min Hee more than Gio. I don’t know why, though. But most often than not, Gio is somehow relatable to me—probably because we’re both boring in more ways than one. In Gio’s case, though, he organized his life as much as he could that everything around him, everything he does became something monotonous. No life. No thrill. Calculated. Safe (as he’d like to call it). But that only made him unable to break free from his own barrier. Until Min Hee came to his life and drastically changed it for him. Of course, they didn’t have a really good start since Gio’s impression on Min Hee was similar to mine—that she was intimidating and unreachable at one point. At that part, though, I couldn’t help wondering if someone would actually make an effort to change my boring—not to mention hermit-like—lifestyle. But I guess I’ll wish for that one of these days.
This story has definitely allowed me to explore at least parts of Boracay. When I was younger, I only saw the island from a port in Aklan when me and my maternal grandparents were about to head to Mindoro via a RoRo. Until now, I still wonder what the island really looked like for real and not just learning about it from news, TV shows, or pictures. And does calamansi muffins really exist? That’s what made me frown as soon as I read it from this story. Honestly speaking, that was the first time I’ve known about it. Was it a specialty in Boracay? I don’t like citrus fruits that much but I hope I could myself to try it one day.
You know what’s funny? When I decided to finally read this story, I ended up selecting some of my favorite Korean ballad songs from my playlist and play it on repeat while reading. I did that ever since I’ve seen from the story description that the female lead was a Korean. Weird, huh? But somehow, it gives me the feels I wanted to achieve while reading the story. It’s a total of 34 songs and I usually play them whenever I was writing a sad scene on my stories, be it a Filipino story or an English one. Most of them are sort of ‘old’ if you consider the songs from year 2005 and slightly up as old. I’m not exactly updated to the Korean songs lately, that’s why.
Here’s the list of the songs, in case you want to know:
“Back In Time” by Lyn
“Because I Miss You” by Jung Yong Hwa
“Because Of Love” by Han Seung Yeon
“Broken Up Today” by Younha
“Can You Love?” by Jo Hyun Ah
“Consolation” by 2AM
“Dear Love” by Wax
“Don’t Forget Me” by Suzy Bae
“Even When I Die” by F.I.X
“First Love” by Park Gyuri and Han Seung Yeon
“For You It’s Goodbye, For Me It’s Waiting” by Kim Jaejoong
“Forgotten Season” by Kim Jaejoong
“From Now, I’ll Walk Away” by 2AM
“I’ll Protect You” by Kim Jaejoong
“It Has To Be You” by Yesung
“Live In The Love” by Page
“Memories” by Super Junior
“Moonlight Is Setting” by Heora
“Not Because” by 2AM
“One Spring Day” by 2AM
“Only Person” by BoA Kwon
“Only With My Heart” by Lena Park
“Only You” by 4Men
“Over The Destiny” by 2AM
“Please Take Care Of My Boyfriend” by Younha
“This Must Be Love” by Taeyeon and Sunny
“Should I Love Alone?” by Han Seung Yeon
“Spring Rain” by Baek Ji Young
“Take Care Of My Heart” by Oh Jong Hyuk
“Tears Are Also Love” by Baek Ah Yeon
“The One And Only You” by Kim Soo Hyun
“The Story I Don’t Want To Believe” by TVXQ
“This Song” by 2AM
“Waiting” by BoA Kwon
Final note: I hope I’ll be able to have a chance to read books like this from the #romanceclass catalogue again, be it a gifted copy for a review or finally buying a copy for myself. Thanks again, Ms. April! More stories to come, Ms. Chris Mariano! I hope you’d be able to find your own Korean hottie to love—romantically, for real. Hehe!
Okay. So before anything else, I want to thank Ms. April (@iambinibini in Instagram and Twitter and seasuras in Facebook) once again for this chance to read and review another book from #romanceclass. This is the second post I have as my participation for #FilipinoFriday that was arranged as a little project to show support to the Filipino-authored English books.
Can I just say ‘thank goodness’ because I only liked—or loved—two characters in this novel? Weird start for a review, right? But that’s the truth. The characters that really made me like this story were the leads, of course—Gio and Min Hee. Usually, I would end up liking more characters than the two leads. Anyway, at this point, I haven’t listened to the episode of the #RomanceClass podcast which featured a scene from this story. At least not yet. Thankfully, I didn’t. That’s because it means that I have something to look forward to—the feels, to be specific—when I finally decide to listen to it. I wonder what scene did Rachel and Gio (Wow! Similar name with the male lead) read for the podcast.
This is the first time I’ve read a local romance novel entirely written in the male lead’s perspectives, which is a good thing. You don’t actually read something like that everyday. It’s a good break from the majority of all the local romance stories I’ve read written in the female lead’s perspectives and POVs. And honestly speaking, I think the author did well when it comes to writing the male lead’s perspectives.
So I ended up finishing this in two days but I only started writing this review on Thursday night and finished it this Friday morning. Of course, I did that while the song “Only With My Heart” by Lena Park kept echoing in my mind. I know it doesn’t actually relate much to the entire story. But for some reason, especially when I remembered the song’s translation, it reminded me of Min Hee during and after the break up. Seriously, I really want to strangle Gio for doing that to her. But don’t worry, I only want to do that in my imagination since I don’t have that kind of violent tendencies in real life. I nearly cried when Gio was being stubborn and decided not to listen to Min Hee for her explanations. I don’t know why but it kind of hurts, you know. Somehow, the rejection and the one you love pushing you away was something I could relate to.
Min Hee came to me as a glamour girl that was a little bit hard to reach. She projected a really intimidating aura when she first appeared in the story. I know it’s just a story but that’s what I felt about her. So I couldn’t really sympathize with her at first. And then as the story progressed, it made me see a vulnerable side of her. She wanted to tell the truth to Gio but somehow, getting him to believe in it was another thing. She probably tried to break free from her world in some way, that’s why she went to Boracay. And even though Min Hee came from a completely different world as Gio, she came to realize that perhaps he could help her experience things she never got to do before. She was being herself whenever she was doing her drawing. The same way when she appreciated Caridad’s artworks. She was being herself in front of Gio—though she did tease him a lot just to get his attention. Somehow, it worked. Hehe!
Even though the story was told entirely in Gio’s perspective, there were times that I could truly empathize with Min Hee more than Gio. I don’t know why, though. But most often than not, Gio is somehow relatable to me—probably because we’re both boring in more ways than one. In Gio’s case, though, he organized his life as much as he could that everything around him, everything he does became something monotonous. No life. No thrill. Calculated. Safe (as he’d like to call it). But that only made him unable to break free from his own barrier. Until Min Hee came to his life and drastically changed it for him. Of course, they didn’t have a really good start since Gio’s impression on Min Hee was similar to mine—that she was intimidating and unreachable at one point. At that part, though, I couldn’t help wondering if someone would actually make an effort to change my boring—not to mention hermit-like—lifestyle. But I guess I’ll wish for that one of these days.
This story has definitely allowed me to explore at least parts of Boracay. When I was younger, I only saw the island from a port in Aklan when me and my maternal grandparents were about to head to Mindoro via a RoRo. Until now, I still wonder what the island really looked like for real and not just learning about it from news, TV shows, or pictures. And does calamansi muffins really exist? That’s what made me frown as soon as I read it from this story. Honestly speaking, that was the first time I’ve known about it. Was it a specialty in Boracay? I don’t like citrus fruits that much but I hope I could myself to try it one day.
You know what’s funny? When I decided to finally read this story, I ended up selecting some of my favorite Korean ballad songs from my playlist and play it on repeat while reading. I did that ever since I’ve seen from the story description that the female lead was a Korean. Weird, huh? But somehow, it gives me the feels I wanted to achieve while reading the story. It’s a total of 34 songs and I usually play them whenever I was writing a sad scene on my stories, be it a Filipino story or an English one. Most of them are sort of ‘old’ if you consider the songs from year 2005 and slightly up as old. I’m not exactly updated to the Korean songs lately, that’s why.
Here’s the list of the songs, in case you want to know:
“Back In Time” by Lyn
“Because I Miss You” by Jung Yong Hwa
“Because Of Love” by Han Seung Yeon
“Broken Up Today” by Younha
“Can You Love?” by Jo Hyun Ah
“Consolation” by 2AM
“Dear Love” by Wax
“Don’t Forget Me” by Suzy Bae
“Even When I Die” by F.I.X
“First Love” by Park Gyuri and Han Seung Yeon
“For You It’s Goodbye, For Me It’s Waiting” by Kim Jaejoong
“Forgotten Season” by Kim Jaejoong
“From Now, I’ll Walk Away” by 2AM
“I’ll Protect You” by Kim Jaejoong
“It Has To Be You” by Yesung
“Live In The Love” by Page
“Memories” by Super Junior
“Moonlight Is Setting” by Heora
“Not Because” by 2AM
“One Spring Day” by 2AM
“Only Person” by BoA Kwon
“Only With My Heart” by Lena Park
“Only You” by 4Men
“Over The Destiny” by 2AM
“Please Take Care Of My Boyfriend” by Younha
“This Must Be Love” by Taeyeon and Sunny
“Should I Love Alone?” by Han Seung Yeon
“Spring Rain” by Baek Ji Young
“Take Care Of My Heart” by Oh Jong Hyuk
“Tears Are Also Love” by Baek Ah Yeon
“The One And Only You” by Kim Soo Hyun
“The Story I Don’t Want To Believe” by TVXQ
“This Song” by 2AM
“Waiting” by BoA Kwon
Final note: I hope I’ll be able to have a chance to read books like this from the #romanceclass catalogue again, be it a gifted copy for a review or finally buying a copy for myself. Thanks again, Ms. April! More stories to come, Ms. Chris Mariano! I hope you’d be able to find your own Korean hottie to love—romantically, for real. Hehe!
June 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A very enticing and cute story! It captures those moments where you daydream about being with a Korean man or woman. The short love story did Min Hee and Gio justice— I absolutely loved their banter and Min Hee's attempts to cover up her identity (reason for the three stars). However, I do agree with the other reviews that it's a bit cliché (not in a bad way), as it did occasionally made my mind focus on other things than the book itself.
The book precipice is also misleading, I thought she really has brain tumor and were being chased by her dad's creditors (probably the reason why I have high expectations of this book, only to be disappointed by the end of it). I was even expecting in every each chapter that it would finally happen—the action. Unfortunately, there were none (wouldn't blame the author, it was supposed to be a short love story).
+ Anyway, Save the Cake #PartoftheRomanceClass Series brought me here! If you love this book, you'll surely love Save the Cake too!
The book precipice is also misleading, I thought she really has brain tumor and were being chased by her dad's creditors (probably the reason why I have high expectations of this book, only to be disappointed by the end of it). I was even expecting in every each chapter that it would finally happen—the action. Unfortunately, there were none (wouldn't blame the author, it was supposed to be a short love story).
+ Anyway, Save the Cake #PartoftheRomanceClass Series brought me here! If you love this book, you'll surely love Save the Cake too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Setting and premise are on point! It has a lot of charms but I think it lost its footing towards the big moments. The characters suddenly don’t feel real anymore and they’re these stiff figures. Even so, I still enjoyed it. I appreciate that it’s such a fast read and it’s a great way to rest my eyes from the screen.
I miss Boracay!!
I miss Boracay!!
January 7, 2018
Very lovely story
I enjoyed reading this story of two unlikely lover; their path to each other was complicated and sweet. Ms. Mariano has a great voice; her writing provides wonderful backgrounds and eloquent turns of phrase.
I enjoyed reading this story of two unlikely lover; their path to each other was complicated and sweet. Ms. Mariano has a great voice; her writing provides wonderful backgrounds and eloquent turns of phrase.
October 3, 2023
‘Someday, Gio knew, he was going to look back on this and laugh. Today wasn’t that day. Tomorrow wasn’t looking good either.’
January 25, 2024
Cute story. I love the big gesture of the hero at the end.
August 21, 2026
chill read!! nvm the cliche but this is so filo. romance media coded (i like it :Dd)
one day read lang HAHAHAHHAHA wala kasing power samin langya
one day read lang HAHAHAHHAHA wala kasing power samin langya
June 28, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
This review first appeared at Thoughts and Pens.
Having read a total 4 novellas for the past weeks, I must admit that I went into this with so much care. I hate being disappointed with abrupt endings and unwrapped loose ends so yes…you can say that I already had a pre-conceived bias when I dove into Cover Story Girl. It didn’t help that the premise is already overused. But guess what, I ENJOYED THIS ONE. In fact, I LOVED it. A rarity of course because nowadays, it’s so hard to gain gratification from something that has already oversaturated the market of contemporary romance.
Cover Story Girl is a light and funny romance story with good ol’ Boracay as a backdrop. It follows the boring life of a Boracay Museum curator, Gio Torres. He is someone who liked stability and fusses a lot over organizing things. While he was quite happy with the way he runs his life, Min Hee suddenly walked into it. And before he knew it, the Korean girl is already causing havoc in his heart and mind. Seeing their glaring differences in terms of personality, Gio tried avoiding Min Hee but Fate was determined to turn his life upside down.
I am not really sure how Cover Girl Story convinced me to dish out my 4.5 stars. I think I had let my heart ruled my mind when I was contemplating on what to give it. Yeah, it’s all about the feels. But wait…there’s a lot more… I loved how this book promoted Philippine Tourism with subtlety. I haven’t been to Boracay yet (I am poor you know) and just by reading this book, I know that I have to go there soon. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience eating calamansi muffins while barefoot and looking at the Boracay sunset?
Meeting the characters was like déjà vu for me. Gio is someone I’ve already met IRL. He is OC, his actions are always numbered, he is boring and everything that he does must always be according to plan. Gio is the boy version of my boss-cum-friend. And that made me kind of wary around him. My boss and I would sometimes get into disagreement because I just hate organizing even the smallest of things…i.e “by 10:30-10:45 am we have to stop by the high way and eat some snacks.” I mean where’s the fun in that, right? But things got really exciting upon Min Hee’s arrival because she is a mirror of thyself. She’s spontaneous, the type who just goes with the flow and if her plan went awry, she’s okay with it. No biggie. So you can just imagine how things are when they were thrown into each others’ arms.
Another plus for this book was the plot…Remember that Cover Story Girl is romance story but surprisingly (although predictable), it chugged at a normal pace without heavily relying from that aspect. The romance developed gradually toying with my emotions until it can’t take no more. I JUST EXPLODED WITH A LOT OF STUPID FEELINGS…tingling sensations, butterflies in my stomach…blah, blah, blah… It was definitely a swoon worthy romance which I hoped would even out the staggering amount of instalove that littered the genre.
Prior to reading the Cover Story Girl, I did read some of its reviews and found out that some bloggers were kind of hesitant to read it due to the KPop culture references. Apparently, they weren’t fans. Hahaha. And wow, that certainly cemented my decision to read this immediately. I love K-Pop so Cover Story Girl was just perfect since I haven’t yet read a book verion of Koreanovela. :D
Overall, Cover Story Girl is a short read that had me laughing instantly at the first pages. If you’re looking for a light book with a summery feel to it, then this is for you. Or if you’re planning to visit Boracay, Philippines then don’t hesitate to snuggle with this while you’re on your way to one of the famous tourist attractions in the Philippines!
And because this book has made me throw all my reviewing rules out the window, I’m gonna give it a button to display on my All-Time Favorite-Books page.
[image error]
This review first appeared at Thoughts and Pens.
Having read a total 4 novellas for the past weeks, I must admit that I went into this with so much care. I hate being disappointed with abrupt endings and unwrapped loose ends so yes…you can say that I already had a pre-conceived bias when I dove into Cover Story Girl. It didn’t help that the premise is already overused. But guess what, I ENJOYED THIS ONE. In fact, I LOVED it. A rarity of course because nowadays, it’s so hard to gain gratification from something that has already oversaturated the market of contemporary romance.
Cover Story Girl is a light and funny romance story with good ol’ Boracay as a backdrop. It follows the boring life of a Boracay Museum curator, Gio Torres. He is someone who liked stability and fusses a lot over organizing things. While he was quite happy with the way he runs his life, Min Hee suddenly walked into it. And before he knew it, the Korean girl is already causing havoc in his heart and mind. Seeing their glaring differences in terms of personality, Gio tried avoiding Min Hee but Fate was determined to turn his life upside down.
I am not really sure how Cover Girl Story convinced me to dish out my 4.5 stars. I think I had let my heart ruled my mind when I was contemplating on what to give it. Yeah, it’s all about the feels. But wait…there’s a lot more… I loved how this book promoted Philippine Tourism with subtlety. I haven’t been to Boracay yet (I am poor you know) and just by reading this book, I know that I have to go there soon. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience eating calamansi muffins while barefoot and looking at the Boracay sunset?
Meeting the characters was like déjà vu for me. Gio is someone I’ve already met IRL. He is OC, his actions are always numbered, he is boring and everything that he does must always be according to plan. Gio is the boy version of my boss-cum-friend. And that made me kind of wary around him. My boss and I would sometimes get into disagreement because I just hate organizing even the smallest of things…i.e “by 10:30-10:45 am we have to stop by the high way and eat some snacks.” I mean where’s the fun in that, right? But things got really exciting upon Min Hee’s arrival because she is a mirror of thyself. She’s spontaneous, the type who just goes with the flow and if her plan went awry, she’s okay with it. No biggie. So you can just imagine how things are when they were thrown into each others’ arms.
Another plus for this book was the plot…Remember that Cover Story Girl is romance story but surprisingly (although predictable), it chugged at a normal pace without heavily relying from that aspect. The romance developed gradually toying with my emotions until it can’t take no more. I JUST EXPLODED WITH A LOT OF STUPID FEELINGS…tingling sensations, butterflies in my stomach…blah, blah, blah… It was definitely a swoon worthy romance which I hoped would even out the staggering amount of instalove that littered the genre.
Prior to reading the Cover Story Girl, I did read some of its reviews and found out that some bloggers were kind of hesitant to read it due to the KPop culture references. Apparently, they weren’t fans. Hahaha. And wow, that certainly cemented my decision to read this immediately. I love K-Pop so Cover Story Girl was just perfect since I haven’t yet read a book verion of Koreanovela. :D
Overall, Cover Story Girl is a short read that had me laughing instantly at the first pages. If you’re looking for a light book with a summery feel to it, then this is for you. Or if you’re planning to visit Boracay, Philippines then don’t hesitate to snuggle with this while you’re on your way to one of the famous tourist attractions in the Philippines!
And because this book has made me throw all my reviewing rules out the window, I’m gonna give it a button to display on my All-Time Favorite-Books page.
[image error]
August 4, 2017
Read full review HERE! :)
To be honest, I was surprised to learn that the story follows Gio's perspective since I initially thought that it was going to be told through Min Hee's (I guess I was slightly mislead by the goodreads blurb. In fact, the plot actually turned out different than what I expected). Still, reading a book from the third person point of view is refreshing for me since I'm used to the first person POV with this kind of book. Following a guy's perspective is also a good break from female POVs and perspectives.
I liked how Cover (Story) Girl shied away from the bustling streets of Manila and brought the readers to the paradise of Boracay. As someone who had never been there (though I really want to!), the way the author painted the setting made me feel like I really was there.
The characters were soooo adorable too! I especially liked Min Hee (who I kinda see myself in haha!) Gio's character development was really good too (plus points because guys with glasses are extra adorbss AND a guy who loves his family? Swooooon!) Also, the secondary characters especially the locals were well written and showed much of the Philippine Culture. In fact, the WHOLE story showed much of the Philippine culture. It was amazing!
Saying that I LOVED the ending is an understatement. It was really cute and sweet and everything. Oh and by the ending, I actually meant the last few chapters (starting from chapter nineteen to the epilogue) Sure, small sweet nothings are adorable and charming but once in a while, girls do need grand gestures that would sweep them off their feet and that's just what I got :D Points for Gio Oppa!!
February 26, 2014
I am going to go on ahead and say that I enjoyed Cover (Story) Girl. More than anything else, the setting stood out for me. I have never been to Boracay. What I know is whatever I got from the media. And that is, that the island is a party place. The Vegas of beaches, if that makes sense. So I was quite surprised when Cover (Story) Girl depicted a different Boracay. That the island has a history, and a culture that is rich and interesting. That there is plenty more to Boracay than being a party destination. The characters, while nothing that I haven't seen before, are pretty solid. They're an "opposites attract" type of couple. Gio, the lead, is nicknamed Mr. Museum which points to the idea that he represents the a-type end of the spectrum, while Min Hee is the adventurous and free-spirited one. While I did not become wholly invested in them, I still found them to be likable.
As to the plot, what I like about it is the mystery angle. Who is this girl? Why is she acting strange? What is she running away from? There is that need to unravel this girl. I also have to note that the story is not heavy on touchy-feely stuff, or overdone with descriptions of body parts. Two things that makes me turn into a great big green monster and smash things. It's a restrained and low-key romance story. Just how I like it. It's equal parts travel book, and romantic K-drama. I can easily see this on the big screen.
See Original here: Rabbitin
As to the plot, what I like about it is the mystery angle. Who is this girl? Why is she acting strange? What is she running away from? There is that need to unravel this girl. I also have to note that the story is not heavy on touchy-feely stuff, or overdone with descriptions of body parts. Two things that makes me turn into a great big green monster and smash things. It's a restrained and low-key romance story. Just how I like it. It's equal parts travel book, and romantic K-drama. I can easily see this on the big screen.
See Original here: Rabbitin
September 16, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this one. The book – and the protagonist Gio – showcases everything Filipino. It highlighted Filipino values such as the Filipino’s strong sense of responsibility (especially towards family and work), strong family ties, hard work, pagmamano, and many others. (The Filipino tradition of pagmamano involves kissing an elder's hand or raising the hand to touch your forehead).
I also enjoyed the setting of this book – I’ve never been to Boracay and after reading Cover (Story) Girl, I felt like I already did! I loved how the writer described the islander’s way of life, the beach itself, and oh, how I would love to try calamansi muffins! ^_^
And of course – there’s the main characters, and the story itself. I love their interactions – their adventures (made me want to go to Boracay, pronto!). It made me smile a lot. Gio and Min Hee are the complete opposites. Gio is the geeky, serious type while Min Hee is the happy-go-lucky though smarter one. I really like her because even though she came off as happy-go-lucky who wants nothing but to have fun – Min Hee is actually a very practical and objective person. (Not to mention mysterious). She doesn’t worry about what the future holds – she just plunges ahead. In my book, she’s one hell of a lady. ^_^ I’m glad Gio had his epiphany in the end.
Chris Mariano has a way with words. I hope to read more from her in the future.
I also enjoyed the setting of this book – I’ve never been to Boracay and after reading Cover (Story) Girl, I felt like I already did! I loved how the writer described the islander’s way of life, the beach itself, and oh, how I would love to try calamansi muffins! ^_^
And of course – there’s the main characters, and the story itself. I love their interactions – their adventures (made me want to go to Boracay, pronto!). It made me smile a lot. Gio and Min Hee are the complete opposites. Gio is the geeky, serious type while Min Hee is the happy-go-lucky though smarter one. I really like her because even though she came off as happy-go-lucky who wants nothing but to have fun – Min Hee is actually a very practical and objective person. (Not to mention mysterious). She doesn’t worry about what the future holds – she just plunges ahead. In my book, she’s one hell of a lady. ^_^ I’m glad Gio had his epiphany in the end.
Chris Mariano has a way with words. I hope to read more from her in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
What a wonderful little story! Most of the #romanceclass books I’ve read are set in Metro Manila, so I loved the setting in Boracay. Gio works at a local heritage museum, and he meets Min Hee when she visits for a photo shoot. Because she’s just a tourist (from Korea), and he knows so much about the area, there are so many opportunities to work little cultural touches into the book. I wanted him to be my tour guide, too!
This is certainly an opposites attract romance. Gio has been called “boring” and he’s very by the book. He likes organization and rules. But he’s also caring and sweet. He’s very close to the women in his life. There is something so sweet about the heroes in these books and I know it’s not a coincidence that they aren’t written as aggressive alpha-holes. He’s stubborn and judgmental at points, but he can also admit when he’s wrong.
Since the book is told from his POV (in 3rd person), Min Hee is an enigma for a good portion of the book. She’s spontaneous and artistic. And she’s secretive. She tells him all sorts of stories about why she’s in Boracay, and while I kind of guessed the truth, I didn’t guess the full story. Gio knows she’s making things up so he never knows what to believe. But as they spend time together exploring the island and working on an exhibit at his museum, they really form a bond. This book may be kisses only, but they have great chemistry. This is a low angst treat.
This is certainly an opposites attract romance. Gio has been called “boring” and he’s very by the book. He likes organization and rules. But he’s also caring and sweet. He’s very close to the women in his life. There is something so sweet about the heroes in these books and I know it’s not a coincidence that they aren’t written as aggressive alpha-holes. He’s stubborn and judgmental at points, but he can also admit when he’s wrong.
Since the book is told from his POV (in 3rd person), Min Hee is an enigma for a good portion of the book. She’s spontaneous and artistic. And she’s secretive. She tells him all sorts of stories about why she’s in Boracay, and while I kind of guessed the truth, I didn’t guess the full story. Gio knows she’s making things up so he never knows what to believe. But as they spend time together exploring the island and working on an exhibit at his museum, they really form a bond. This book may be kisses only, but they have great chemistry. This is a low angst treat.
September 30, 2013
I hate leaving low ratings on books but I really don’t feel like giving this book higher than two stars.
First of all, even as someone born from the Philippines I found this book exotic, Boracay settings attracted me (which is why I bought it.)
As I start reading it hooked me up, in the beginning that is, but it quickly become boring for me. I don’t how I should explain it… probably one reason is that even though the book is written from a third person point of view; it’s all narrated from Gio (the hero’s) perspective. Okay, I admit that I haven’t finished the book yet but I don’t feel like reading anymore, for me 50% (where I finally give up) is enough after trying to read it for almost a month.
I’m not saying that the book is bad though, it was well written, the author cleverly “show” me what the characters do and see, and I’m sure many others would love this story but let’s just say that this is just not my cup of tea.
First of all, even as someone born from the Philippines I found this book exotic, Boracay settings attracted me (which is why I bought it.)
As I start reading it hooked me up, in the beginning that is, but it quickly become boring for me. I don’t how I should explain it… probably one reason is that even though the book is written from a third person point of view; it’s all narrated from Gio (the hero’s) perspective. Okay, I admit that I haven’t finished the book yet but I don’t feel like reading anymore, for me 50% (where I finally give up) is enough after trying to read it for almost a month.
I’m not saying that the book is bad though, it was well written, the author cleverly “show” me what the characters do and see, and I’m sure many others would love this story but let’s just say that this is just not my cup of tea.
May 4, 2016
This review is also posted in Alice Kamatis.
There is more to Boracay than the powdery white sand.There are activities on Bulabog Beach, there's the party scene in White Sand Beach, but this book gives more than just that.
Enter Gio, a local guy who had to go back to the province to work for his family's museum so that he support his little sister's studies and at the same time be there for his mother and grandmother. Gio plans things to the littlest detail. So, imagine when Min Hee, a Korean model, CEO, amnesiac, and other things which you can believe what she says asks that he be her tour guide, well let's just say he also planned those two days carefully. LOL!
Forget #laBoracay and instead have Chris Mariano transport you to these beautiful islands,
There is more to Boracay than the powdery white sand.There are activities on Bulabog Beach, there's the party scene in White Sand Beach, but this book gives more than just that.
Enter Gio, a local guy who had to go back to the province to work for his family's museum so that he support his little sister's studies and at the same time be there for his mother and grandmother. Gio plans things to the littlest detail. So, imagine when Min Hee, a Korean model, CEO, amnesiac, and other things which you can believe what she says asks that he be her tour guide, well let's just say he also planned those two days carefully. LOL!
Forget #laBoracay and instead have Chris Mariano transport you to these beautiful islands,
November 17, 2016
Mariano’s excellent use of Boracay as a milieu in Cover (Story) Girl made for a magical reading experience as Gio and Min Hee discovered and fell in love with each other’s charms and flaws. It’s the perfect reading companion when you’re headed for a beach vacation, or when you can’t go on a vacation but want to, if only through the pages of a book. If you are a fan of quirky Korean girls (who are a few crazies lower than The Girl in My Sassy Girl) and are fascinated with art/paintings, this book needs to be on your shelf.
Full review on Tara Tries to Write!
Full review on Tara Tries to Write!
September 4, 2013
I felt like it was draggy in some parts, but overall a cute novel. :)
April 11, 2016
This was such a fun, light novel that I needed. Although I found some parts to be slow, it still turned out to be sweet and cute. :D
December 5, 2016
4.5
Puede o puede que no escriba una reseña luego esta semana.
Puede o puede que no escriba una reseña luego esta semana.
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