Chasing Mr. Prefect

by Katt Briones

For the first time in her life, Vinnie finds herself on the brink of academic suspension.

While standing up to a bully is something she'll never regret, she has to take on additional responsibilities in lieu of punishment for the offense. This unfortunately involves working with Cholo, the head disciplinary prefect, who seems to take delight in other people's blunders. Her determination to match his expectations eventually leads her into a crazy chase to keep up.

Will Vinnie be able to carry on and eventually catch up? Or will the chase be too much for her to handle?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

136 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Katt Briones writes romance stories to unwind and de-stress. She graduated with degrees in Business Economics and Information Technology and is currently working as a System Analyst. When not busy with studying, she spends her free time reading, sketching landscapes, fangirling over Girls’ Generation, and looking up recipes on Youtube. She currently resides in Melbourne.

Works by Katt:
Chasing Mr. Prefect

Luck From The Skies (a part of Start Here - a Queer Romance Anthology featuring M/M, F/F, and F/NB stories - Happily ever after guaranteed!)

Worth a Second Look

I Shouldn't Have Told You #TalesFromTheMetro

Reviews

[charlotte, · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rep: Filipino characters and setting

- the mc is horrible to everyone and yeah so she develops (kind of), she never actually apologises for a large amount of the shit she's put her father and step-family through

- why is everyone getting so angry at the tiniest things?? why is literally every third speaking verb snapped??? chill out dudes

- the relationship angst was tedious and would have been solved if a) vinnie didn't get angry at the slightest comment, and b) they talked things through like adults???

- i genuinely don't believe vinnie's 20 she's a selfish brat and she spends her time kicking and pinching people??

- their teacher is the most unprofessional teacher i've seen in any book ever oh my god she hits vinnie with piles of paper when vinnie's hurt her [teacher's] cousin (after the relationship angst point) she threatens to flunk her in a class because of this too??? jesus fuck aren't you supposed to base assessments like that on, ya know, work

- the blurb claims that vinnie has to do all this disciplinary stuff because she fought a bully, but all she does is call a girl a slut because she's asking too many questions in class?? that's not a good way of getting me to like a character

[Kris Mauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everyone just needs a chance and some time to get their shit together. A lot of people don't get that. They'd rather spend time judging others than learning from them."

I am finding all of these lovely books set in the Philippines by Filipino authors and I AM LIVING for all of them! Chasing Mr. Prefect is another great read to add to my collection. I adored this sweet, touching romance novel.

Our main character, Vinnie, is on the verge of getting suspended from college after a fight. But thankfully, her professor is on her side and along with the head prefect, Cholo, she makes a deal that ends up changing her entire life. I really enjoyed Vinnie even though she's completely different than who I am as a person. I admired her care-free spirit and passion. Also, her family was just the best and I loved her relationship with her step-sister.

Vinnie and Cholo end up spending more time together and there's a little bit of a "hate-love" thing going on but it's a little different than the usual trope. It totally works for this book, though. And with Cholo's help, Vinnie goes on an intriguing self discovery journey and I was happy with her character development by the end. AND CHOLO!! He was the cherry on top of this whole story because their romance was so swoony and I loveeeeed it. They challenged each other, made one another better, and their relationship had flaws which was so refreshing to read because it felt relatable for me. Cholo is just amazing/sweet/the best guy ever - all I'm going to say is PLANE TICKETS. You'll know what I'm talking about! ;)

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. If you're looking for a great diverse romance novel then check this one out!

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Mr. Prefect made my morning better. It lighted up my insides and made me want to fall in love (as always). It has top level banter + teasing, some hate to love beginnings and definitely that journey from friendship to love.

Cholo is a really good love interest, he's so adorable but yet tries to act cool and calm but when he's with Vinnie everything just exits the room ~ he's a complete dork and he just wants to make her laugh and be there for her in every step of the way. This reminded me a bit of Weightlifting Fairy because of the grand love the hero has for the main character.

Also expect some great family dynamics from both sides of the ship //Cholo's siblings are us. Like they can't stop shipping Vinnie and Cholo and practically make bets if they're gonna get together or not. And Vinnie's family is so !!!supportive!! and they care so much about her and don't even blink when Cholo and Vinnie get together because they already suspected something was going on lmao.

Overall this book is definitely something to pick up if you are in need of light romance, a couple who has to buy two pizzas because chicken vs shrimp battle going on, great family that supports the main characters, and definitely more you will find lovely and fun.

[kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had my doubts about this one when I first saw it circulating on my feed late last year (December?). I've only ever encountered prefects in Harry Potter books and other British lit, plus I wasn't sure how much I was into that cover. But as it's part of the #SparkNA books which was supervised by author Mina V. Esguerra, someone whose work I respect and admire, I kept it in my to-read list. (*gasp* I found out I actually signed up for #SparkNA back in 2015 but didn't push through with it. )

This got bumped up when Merie, a classmate from one of my online classes, recommended it for possible feature on Bookbed, a book community I help run. The author was very nice to send us an ARC, which one of our writers, Inah, read and reviewed. (Read the review here.)

That review made me about 75% more interested, and the remaining 25% came from the 'discovery' that the author is a fellow K-pop&drama fangirl (FIGHTING!). My assumption was that her book was going to have some legit K-romance inspired plot and kilig I was sure to enjoy.

Which, after having read it twice now—in both digital and print form, I definitely wasn't wrong to think. Chasing Mr. Prefect had me all



... like how K-dramas can make you feel! The writing is fun and funny, the plot realistic, the characters spunky (including the supporting ones), the romance just about perfect. Vinnie (one-of-a-kind sassy Vinnie) and Cholo (who ended up being so much more than the huge douche I expected him to be; he's a dreamboat—very sweet, caring, supportive, galante! *cough plane tickets cough*, lol, etc.) are one of my favorite couples to ever go down NA lit history—and not just because their bickering is * L I T * but because they understood, supported and helped each other grow. Special points for taking me back to college, and all that I'm-failing-boo-hoo and so-busy-with-org drama (except, thankfully, I don't think I ever met anybody like evil Summer back in college; after college, different story), plus the Tagalog words and expressions that helped make the story come alive~. Two things, though: 1) I wish I could have seen more of their time in Seoul because that IS the motherland (city?), after all, and people in love travelling together is ALWAYS swaaaaag, and 2) If in case this gets a shot at Project Re-Cover, I hope the cover design artist does a better job! Still, highly recommended for those looking for Filipino NA romance novels to love.

[Janus the Erudite Artist · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I appreciated the most about this book is how relatable Vinnie's character is, from being a hot-headed (I'm somewhat temperamental, but jeez, this girl!) to her love for nuggets and wa-poise fries gobbling, she's definitely interesting.

I love the fact that it's more than just a love story. That it showed a growth in our protagonist and lets readers see that loving someone helps you discover parts of who you are that you never knew you had in you.

[Jay Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this! Vinnie is a tough cookie who needed to work through some difficult family issues and other things that needed unpacking. Achiever, all around good boy Cholo didn't swoop in like a savior but as somebody who saw the best in Vinnie and pushed her towards that. Fun read, plus comes with a healthy side of Asher and Chan and also hello Gian and Liana, couples from Katt's existing (Start Here) and maybe upcoming (??) books.

[Inah (Fueled By Chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that Vinnie is a potty mouth because I need that kind of representation in my life haha! I, too, am a potty mouth, a graduating college student, and stressed both in acads and org works. I've never resonated with a character so fast than I did with her!

Full review tk.

[Brain Tabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like my girl boss heroines, who have flaws alright, but mostly know what's happening with their life. When the story started with Vinnie in the prefect's office, I wasn't so sure I'd like her. I was all Judy McJudgy at first, but as I got to know more about this feisty and snarky character, I understood where she was coming from and I actually found her relatable. Her stress-eating, sarcastic, potty-mouth, you-can't-bully-me attitude, it me in real life. I also thought I am Ms. Easy-To-Anger, but Vinnie quickly gets that title. Haha. She's more intense that way. She could be frustrating to deal with at times, but she cares for others deeply as well.

Cholo, on the other hand, was such a dreamy love interest. He's ambitious, driven, and he has good looks, yes. But what's more important is his heart is in the right place. He's sweet and soft despite all the complications in his life. Also, I think his love language is gifts. Bongga eh.

I liked how Vinnie and Cholo's relationship progressed and how they helped each other grow to be a better version of themselves. Haters to friends to lovers trope <3 I also found their Filipino banter hysterical. Lakas mambara ni Vinnie eh.

There are a number of supporting characters and while they initially confused me, I appreciate the way they all helped drive the story forward. I love them and I don't think I'm the only one calling for Gian's and Liana's story or even Asher's and Chan's . :)

I absolutely adored the family dynamics on this one. Vinnie's and Cholo's families aren't exactly simple, but the way Katt explored their complexities tugged at my heartstrings. She also tackled diversity, representation, college life, and relationship struggles brilliantly. I especially liked how Vinnie's struggle was told - how healing is a process and we grieve in different ways. We must respect other people's pace and acknowledge feelings instead of hurrying them to get over the pain.

Overall, I was delighted by reading Chasing Mr. Prefect. Like a Korean rom-com, it was the right mix of fun, drama, and kilig. I'm definitely picking up the next Katt Briones read.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Mr. Prefect is the first published book of Katt Briones and I can't tell you guys how excited I was to read it!

What I love about this book is that unlike other books that has their MC perfect, this one has her flaws. Vinnie is a potty mouth, she's sorta hard headed, she acts tough when deep inside she feels like screaming, she acts like she doesn't care when in reality she does. She's relatable. The LI on the other hand, aside from his sungit moments, is just soo... perfect.. Cholo is the exact opposite of Vinnie. He's responsible, he's sorta prim and proper. But you can see ( or feel ?? ) the spark between them the moment they argued at Ms. Co's office. I'm a sucker for the cat and mouse trope wherein the MC and LI never stops arguing but have no choice but to work together and eventually falls in love with each other. So yeah, that is what I love about it.

[Bookbed · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Chasing Mr. Prefect may be a short and quick read but it’s pretty much overloaded with kilig! Katt Briones is a natural storyteller, her words flowing and smooth. A plus is that this story is easily relatable, making it appealing to the readers of my generation." Continue reading our review here.

Please note: We don't use ratings but for this purpose, we tag books with three stars by default.
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[Irah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for a light read and I'm glad to have read this at this time.

Cholo is a very lovable character. At first I thought that this will be like the trope in which the opposites attract would just instantly click and the end! But it did offer depth, both on Vinnie and Cholo's backgrounds which made them more real for me.

I enjoyed reading the whole book, a small part of me is a bit sad on why I just read this now but hey I still enjoyed it.

I recommend this for everyone who wants to read a light read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. If you are into the angsty, bickering relationship between 2 college students this is for you. The story progresses nicely throughout the book and has its kilig moments as well.

[H. Bentham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been putting off writing this review because I’m lazy (are you even surprised? LOL), but also because I don’t know if words can fully express how much I enjoyed Vinnie and Cholo’s story.

See, Vinnie is this really flawed, really relatable girl and Cholo is, well, rearrange Mr. Prefect and he’s actually Mr. Perfect! They’re both really smart and hardworking, especially when it comes to the acads and that drive to excel, however different their motivations, were exactly what brought them together initially.

And then Katt Briones’ superb writing brought out the characters out in 3D (in my mind, okay?). They go through wonderful changes, Vinnie dealing with her angst and Cholo embracing the fact that he can’t always be perfect, and that’s okay.

I am personally irked with works that shift between Tagalog and English sporadically but in this one, where Tagalog words are mostly in dialogue, it wasn’t jarring. I actually enjoyed it, experiencing their banter in its full glory.

My favorite part (and I think I tweeted/IG’ed this already) is the part where Cholo tells Vinnie, “Seatbelt mo.” UGH! KILIGGGG! This is exactly how you say I Love You without really saying it, you know. And I do think this simple phrase wouldn’t work if it was translated. Argh.

Okay, so where was I again? The review, right. Got distracted with remembering the kilig for a second there. Heehee.

Anyway, what else do I love about Chasing Mr. Prefect? The conflict. Because while it utilized both of the MC’s and LI’s character flaws, it wasn’t predictable. I mean, I expected Vinnie’s volatile angst would come into play at the end of Act 2, but I didn’t hate her for it. And I think Cholo’s characterization handled the conflict well, too. He didn’t coddle Vinnie, nor did he immediately forgive her. H stood his ground, even when they both got hurt in the process. There was enough grovel, and I loved it.

What I need more of is the Korea parts. Not to give too much away, but ugh, I WANT MORE VINNIE AND CHOLO!

*Also #ChAsher, but heehee, I feel like I don’t need to wait too long for this.

4 of 5 Stars. It is amazing. Character depth is A+ (I even loved to hate Summer and Miki) and the plot is well executed. <3

This review also appears on my personal blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com

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

Full review over at The Bookaholic Blurbs!

This is one of the books that I wish I could read for the first time all over again! Chasing Mr. Prefect will move you to tears. One of the unputdownables, this story will get you hooked from page one till the end!

Thank you super duper, Katt, for sending this copy for review!

[liana ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Date finished reading: February 19, 2025

Alright, it's a happy ending and I did like the funny banters between the leads. But it's a different story for the characters. 🥹

I really tried to love Lavinia, I did. But I ran out of patience on her for every chapter I read. I found the FMC to be so annoying. Not enough character development (actually, she just did it on the last pages of the book!), bullies everyone, a spoiled brat, and above all else, CREATES PROBLEMS THAT DON'T EXIST. If she would just stay calm and be rational, she wouldn't have to deal with those (because the problems won't exist in the first place!). FOR REAL.

Other bad characters are Mikayla and Patricia. They are so unprofessional. Like why would you use Vinnie's personal problems to get back to her academic standings?!

There are so many other characters to mention. The end point is, almost all are flawed (I somehow want most of them to be helpful and contribute to Vinnie's character development, instead, they acted against it.)

The only lovable characters in my opinion are Cris, Liana, and Cholo's family.

Ended up finishing the book though. The ending is just okay. They had their happily ever after.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favourite quotes:
“It won’t make you any less human, you know,” he told me. “Admitting you actually have emotions.”
“I closed mine, so I wouldn’t have to look at her. My eyes had been through enough today and I didn’t want to subject them to even more suffering.”
“Are you sure he’s in love with you, and not with the image of you in his head that he’s hoping you could be?”
“There will always be something he’ll want to change. Is that something you can put up with?”
"I sat on the sofa, marveling at every word I had thrown at him, clutching at every wound it made inside of me, and the mere air I breathed felt like shards of broken glass."

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik dacht de hele tijd dat het perfect was ipv prefect lol. Stiekem irritant dat er de hele tijd zinnen in het Filipijns werden gesproken... Zonder vertaling ofzo. Had ook gemist welke taal het was. Eerlijk gezegd was het nogal saai en het plot leek er niet echt te zijn.

[jules ⠀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

was very cute and was a quick read, i enjoyed it

[Coralie · Rating 1 out of 5]

No

[Bianca (The Ultimate Fangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here's a list of puns that I thought of while reading this book:

- Mr. Prefect? More like Mr. Perfect, am I right?

- Have fun summoning impyerno with Summer Tiu.

- Chololol on the dance floor

- Living Lavinia loca

Okay, that being said, I truly liked this book. It has been such a long while since I've felt THAT level of kilig for two fictional characters falling in love. The density. The pining. The teasing. It gave me such a serotonin boost that I needed in the moment and I am under the placebo effect that the text cleared my skin. Char.

Highly recommended for those who thrive on enemies to lovers.

[rea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like it . I'm sorry. I tried to find something that I liked but I couldn't.