Charlotta Yvonna del Real is the queen of Altagracia. Anak ng may-ari ng malaking Azucarera, she has it all - friends, popularity, riches, boys. But well, maybe, not all. May madilim na lihim ang kanyang pamilya. Isang bagay na hindi inaasahan para sa kanila. The deal Real's were always the epitome of a perfect family, not until that night.
Inukit sa puso niya ang galit at pagkamuhi para sa mga Castanier. She was sure that when the Lenadro Castanier is back, she would throw them out of Altagracia. Even if it was against her heart.
Jonahmae Pacala (publishing as Jonaxx) was never fond of reading longnovels during her elementary years but found a deep connection with sshort sad stories. She discovered her flair for writing at the early age of ten. What was once a hobby has now grown into a passion for writing online.
This was a good read, though nakukulangan ako. I felt like I didn't really know much about Leandro. It would've been better if we delved into him as a character more. Nevertheless, I still liked this, and if I had to pick a favourite character, it's neither the hero nor the heroine but the heroine's brother.
first of all, is no one proofreading this? i have the physical copy of the series and there are minimal spelling errors. they are readable but it’s a published copy 😃(these are only the chapters i noticed: 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 25, 26, 30, 35, wakas, special chapter)
it seems as if the book focused more on chayo and her development. i’m not complaining about that, i just wished the author delved more into leandro’s character. and what the hell happened to levi and chantal? if they weren’t mentioned in the pov of leandro, we would’ve been so clueless about them after the tragedy.
i was really intrigued with how chayo is exploring and still learning how exactly relationships work. it’s like reading the mind of a teenager who wants to learn grown up things (which she is and me too ig). which is perfect since this was promoted i believe as a coming of age series.
‼️ just my thoughts and some spoilers ‼️
“he loved her the wrong way but what if that was the only way he knew to love?”
how can you say you truly love someone when you repeatedly cheat on them and your kids and the whole town knows it? cheating as a way to cover up your hurt ego because your partner loves someone else more does not justify it. you can be hurt and angry and feel every thing, but that doesn’t mean cheating is an acceptable way to cope. how can you say that he truly loved his wife when he knew all along how much his actions hurt her yet continue to do it? both partners are wrong, but rosario already said from the start that she’s in love with someone else. cheating doesn’t just mean physical, it can also mean emotional. both partners cheated, but the difference is luis was blinded by his ego; he failed to see that rosario stayed with him and had a family with him until her death.
it’s not exactly a love story. it’s a story about love.
The character of Chayo and Leandro somehow reminds me of Eury and Vincent (Blown by the Wind). But of course, they still have their own traits. I love Chayo's childish antics and Leandro's seriousness.
Chayo is trying to find out if she can handle love that's why she tried having different boyfriends. But in between her relationships, she always finds herself interested with Leandro, her brother's bestfriend. She thought it's just because Leandro's not so friendly towards her. So, in an attempt to get closer, she devised a plan to help him "move on" with his ex-girlfriend by using her expertise on the relationship department.
It's an easy read with the right amount of twist to the story. But I felt like there's something missing. Maybe because this story is much shorter compared to her usual writing style. So, there are instances within the book that I feel like the scene is too short or something else could've happened but didn't.
All in all, I still enjoyed reading this but not as much as her other works.
I like the book. It actually gave me some sort of deep emotions that I don't usually read in international romance books. I don't know if it's just me but the book reminds me of the story of Riguel (?) I can't remember the title but I'm quite sure that it's the work of the same author. Idk, but it feels repetitive.
Anyway, kudos to the writer because she really did emphasized everybody's hardship in the story. She let us see what could possibly be the effects of the tragedy to each relevant character. I also feel so much single and hopelessly romantic after reading this book, Leandro Castanier is THE GUY. Before reading the book, everybody said that the male main character is a huge green flag, I doubted that since I've read a couple of Jonaxx books and they were not quite... green. But LEANDRO CASTANIER changed that. I'm telling you, he sets up that standard.
Meanwhile, Chayo's character at first was really annoying, but afterwards I get to sympathize with her and better understand her thoughts. I'd love to read more of Jonaxx's books with this kind of plot and writing.
(P.S. I read the story from the published book and I can't help but notice that there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors. I hope they would be able to fix them soon, and that they would take great care and consideration before actually printing a book.)
the characters were fine, but they weren't loveable. it's hard to be fond of the author's characters. the way Leandro liked Chayo at an early age made me agitated and uncomfortable, but at least he didn't initiate anything. it's just so weird how Leandro reacts to Chayo's romantic relationships and the author's description of him (eg. he looked at me darkly) like dude. . . but i liked Kuya Levi and that's all.
the plot is just bland. just leaves me with distaste.
I love this book so much, but I couldn't give it a 5 stars because I bought the published books and their are some word errors. Like some of them have wrong letters on them, but you can still understand the word. But, did the MPress proofread the book before publishing? 😭
Reading Against the Heart by Jonaxx truly holds a special place in my heart. I didn’t expect it to move me this much. At first, I thought it was going to be a light story—but I was wrong. It surprised me with its depth, the emotional twists, and especially the main issue it tackled: cheating—a topic that hits harder when it’s happening inside a family.
What amazed me most was how the right words came at the right time, and even the wrong ones landed at the worst time—and that’s life. Sometimes, words wound more than actions. And no matter how hard you try, there are things you just can’t control. But what struck me is that everything, even the timing of pain, happens for a reason.
Chayo’s parents both cheated, and honestly, no one was in the right. It made me realize something I didn’t know I needed to hear: Don’t settle for a love that’s forced, dull, or uncertain. Because in the end, it’s not just about staying in a relationship—it’s about the kind of love that grows with you, not breaks you.
Cheating should never be a way to cope. It’s not a valid excuse. If you’re in a relationship, you’re supposed to face problems together, not tear each other apart. It was heartbreaking to see how Chayo and Kuya Levi were affected by their parents’ choices. Children shouldn’t have to carry the weight of the mistakes they didn’t make.
I admired Kuya Levi and Chayo’s sibling bond so much. Kuya Levi was protective, sweet, and selfless. I honestly found myself wishing I had a brother like him—someone who would fight for me, defend me, and love me no matter what. Their bond gave me comfort and reminded me of the importance of having even just one person who stays.
And then there’s Leandro. My JBoy. My favorite. I didn’t expect to fall for him this much. He was patient, respectful, and honorable. Chayo was right—he’s the kind of man that’s rare in this generation. He waited for her. He protected her purity. He respected her boundaries. He even respected her father, even though her father hated him.
What made me love Leandro more was how gentle he was with Chayo, and how he fought for her—not in a loud, dramatic way—but in quiet persistence, in deep loyalty. He didn’t rush anything. He allowed her to grow, to become her own person, before asking to be a part of her life fully. It takes strength to love like that.
Honestly, I hope someday I meet someone like Leandro. Someone who will wait, respect, protect, and love me without rushing, without hurting, without conditions.
The title Against the Heart sounded like it would be about a love that shouldn’t happen. But in the end, I realized it’s about how love, no matter how “against the heart” it may seem, will always find a way. Because when love is real, no one—not even time, distance, or disapproval—can truly stand against it. It always finds a way back home.
This book reminded me of the kind of love I deserve—the kind that’s patient, pure, and persistent. And that’s something I’ll hold on to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
against the heart ⭐️: 3.75 🌶️: no spice 📝: tagalog-english
jonaxx has been one of my favorite filipina author ever since. her books made my teenage years bearable. i love her writing style. when you read her books, you can feel the unique personalities of each character. it’s been a while since i last read her work (i think the last one i read was to fall again — josiah montefalco's story), so it was refreshing to dive into another one of her books.
anyway, here's a little context for the story: we have chayo, our young and naive female main character. when she saw a girl she looks up to with her boyfriend (who is her brother's friend), she became curious about love and what it's like to be in a relationship. after witnessing their breakup, she felt the urge to help them get back together.
i love chayo's character, it was fun reading this in her perspective. the romance is slow burn, which i really like. i enjoyed every moment of the tension and angst, especially with chayo being naive (most of the time) and in denial but still cute.
this was a quick read; i finished it in one sitting. however, i’m giving it 3.75 stars because the ending felt too rushed. i wanted to see more depth in chayo's character development, especially regarding her views on relationships. i also wished for more exploration of her relationship with leandro when they got together and how it progresses.
i highly recommend this if you're looking for a quick read to help you get out of a reading slump.
Disclaimer: This review is for the Wattpad version only. I haven't read the published book.
Heartless really did turn me off from ever reading another book from this author, and trust me, it took a lot of years and convincing for me to even try this one.
And I can't say that I'm mad because I did end up seeing a different side to her writing.
It's still not the greatest thing I've ever read and I didn't connect with the characters as much as I wanted, but the story itself is pretty decent and not as cringey as I expected. I liked both Chayo and Leandro. Unlike Coreen and Rozen, they act like their age and for the most part, had a healthy relationship. The plot is also straightforward and simple and didn't require unnecessary drama to keep the characters apart. I'd even argue that the main focus of the book is Chayo's complicated relationship with her family and her romance with Leandro is just the icing on the cake.
Overall, this book did redeem Jonaxx for me and I'd definitely check out some of her other works that are similar to this one.
"It's like the Leandro of my precious childhood memories again. Si Leandro na mayabang pero matalino, suplado pero mabait, at mahirap pero hindi ko maabot.
I am a del Real, the richest of Altagracia and of Negros, and yet I am staring at a man that I think I don't deserve."
Siguro dahil sabi ni Jonaxx na honest and light take on romance lang itong Azucarera series niya kaya ganon din ang naramdaman ko.
It was not as intense as the CLS and not as indepth as her other works. It was an okay story for me, di ako sobrang naattach, siguro nga kasi this was a breather story for her. Or siguro kasi ito ang first sa series so everything was new for me? Ang hirap lang talagang kalimutan ang Costa Leona feels (inarguably her best series in terms of writing and characterization). Pero ayun, bitin or kulang, hinahanap ko na mainvest ako sa characters pero it didn't happen (I remember liking Sibal so pwedeng tanggalin yung first kasi ito sa reasons). Still, am looking forward to the other two stories of this series.
I’ve already read this when this was released on Jonapp/wattpad? I don’t remember na! This is a re-read, this time on a physical book na.
First of, kind of disappointed kasi there are many typos in this book. Although readable and understandable naman but it is disappointing kasi this is a physical copy, wala bang nag proofread neto?
Anyway, 3 stars for this story.
I always loved Chayo’s character, how strong and independent but at the same time kind-hearted she is. Re-reading this on a new perspective is kind of refreshing. Maganda naman ang story, Jonaxx never disappoints but this still feels kulang for me. Siguro lang kasi I want more depth in Leandro’s character, I want more moments of Chayo and Leandro. Parang kulang kasi, pero that’s just me lang naman. It’s true that you’ll change your opinions every time you re-read a book.
But overall, I love Jonaxx’s works and will always be re-reading her books no matter what feeling I might feel 😂
Now, onto the next book. Ano na naman kaya ang mararamdaman ko.. Abangan 🤣
The story reminded me of so many past works from the author but I don't necessarily mean that as a bad thing because she was able to make this one still unique. It's just so nostalgic to read it because I am very much reminded of tripped and some books from costa leona series. I enjoyed reading it especially around chapter 15 onward but I must say that it wasn't a favorite of mine nor it will be placed in my favorite jonaxx works. :) I wanted more background/exposure for the other characters like levi! I hope I can get them soon! I also would have appreciated it more if Chayo's character developed more. Anyways, I'm still really looking forward to the other works from this series. Jonaxx really has that magic when it comes to writing stories <3
Nung una ko itong nabasa, i haven’t really connected with it kasi nagbasa yata ako ng cls before it. So medyo from intense to this, mellow (kinda)—kasi wag kayong paloloko. One of the most heartbreaking conflicts happened here din. Anyway, ayun nga, medyo mataas pa ang nililipad ng damdamin ko nung una ko itong nabasa 😂😂
Upon rereading the first book, hay. I understood na —AGAD HAHAHAHAHA— kung bakit ito ang highly recommended ni Ate J na series for new readers. Innocent love, understanding, and maturity. Unlike my fave series, CLS, which portrays raw, passionate love, this series shows innocence. Wholesome.
Sobrang nakakabitin lang, parang ang bilis ng mga nangyari nung dulo na. Dito ko nafeel yung nakakahingal nga daw magsulat ng 40 chapts, parang medyo namadali iconclude.
Leandro, i’m in love with you. Eme!!!! 😮💨😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I like how this book is written. It's really close to reality—like what's happening to some of families. The plot twist, is really jaw dropping. Young love that never fades. Even after they didn't see each other for years but when, they saw each other again, their love has grew bigger. This book will teach you acceptance, how to understand that young love will still grow, how it's connected to your family or somehow like that. This really made me cry, like a lot. Worth to read!!
I NEED A LEANDRO IN MY LIFE TOO🙏🙏🙏🙏 brother's best friend trope omggg!!!! i love everything about them to be honest. leandro is literally the standard, fight me. i love how leandro is ready to do anything for chayo☹️ the way she's willing to risk his life just to save her, and the way his words give me butterflies just like how chayo feels is just🧎♀️🧎♀️ leandro and charlotta i love you so much :))
BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND TROPE • easy read. try lang ulit mag jonaxx • not sure if it was me growing up pero mejo cringe na. i still gave it a chance though since I grew up reading a lot of jonaxx stories • I couldn't help but notice the grammatical errors :< • true enough, fell again for another jonaxx boy haha • Kuya Levi and Leandro 🫶 • made me miss the immaturity and just being really vulnerable in love
i don't know if it was because i expected less from this book but i actually ended up enjoying every bit of it. i wanted to shed tears during the climax because it was all so sudden despite the foreshadowing. bitin sa story nina chantal and levi kahit sa booklet :) plus, i feel like their father deserved to somehow be punished too, but i think the emotional and mental turmoil he was going through was enough.
Not as great as her usual stories and I think I want more because I think it's not as intense as her previous books. But in all fairness, it was still a good read. And my! I sure did squeal in delight with those romantic scenes hehe. The ending was just lacking though :(
tthis is my second time reading this and ofc jonaxx never failed to amazes me with her writing skills, I mean- for me she really did a great job showing the impact of infidelity on the characters' relationships and emotions and how the story tackles 'cheating' avajgshwua
anyways, slow gf 'chayo' + chicken na manok na bf 'leandro' = 🤝🏻
leandro + levi = exchange sister 🤝🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
i had a hard time finishing this story because i was so busy with my acads. fast forward, i got to the end of the book last march 21 and it was really a great read! it's my second time reading against the heart but i still enjoyed it. the story is not that light for me since it's dealing with a sensitive topic that's uncomfortable for some. another recommendation !! <3
3 stars. The story quickly shifted from a high school puppy love tale to dramatic family issues, then wrapped up with a happily ever after. This was my first read from this author, having seen great reviews about her work. It felt like watching a midday telenovela—entertaining, but not outstanding. Overall, it was good—not bad, but not great either.
It's a good read, but I feel like there's something missing. I like the character of Leandro but he lacks lines in the story. There's too much on Chayo's side. I wanna feel the story as much as what the CLS did to me.
I don't know why I never read this before, but this is the most wholesome among Jonaxx' stories. It made me cry. It made me feel pain. It made me giddy. It made me laugh, and it made me happy. 5/5 stars. The writing is simple and easy to imagine. I LOVE LEANDRO 😭
I usually don't want some slowburn book. But I really enjoy this book. It was a good coming of age story. I mean the character development of the characters were so good. It is cozy like a warm hugs, and very nostalgic in some ways.
oks lang d ganon ka weird interaction nila, n e way FAVE SCENE Q UNG NASA THE RUINS SILA SHIBAL sabi ba naman “ganyan talaga ang pag-ibig, chayo. masunog man at iwan sa mahabang panahon, mananatili. . . at maganda pa rin. ANO BA NAMAN YAN