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.
First read: May 2020 (4 stars ratings) Second read: March 2021 (3.5 stars) Third read: May 2023 (4 stars)
Still love Vincent. I wish we knew more about the Hidalgos. Also, I often forget that the series is set in Aklan lol. I'm an Aklanon but I never would've known that Costa Leona was a real place and only a few hours ride away from where I live if not for this series 😭
After finishing this story, Blown by the Wind, I found myself speechless. I really don't know what to say right now. While I was halfway through this story, I have a lot of things to say, and now that I'm done, I don't know what to say or where to start.
There are two reasons why I get speechless, it's either I love the story or I hate it. But for this one, it's far from hate because I loved it well, not that loved to get a 5 star rating but hear me out first eh?
I'm always biased when it comes with Jonaxx's stories as I'm really a big fan. It wasn't really hard to keep up with my adoration with her as her stories we're always amazing. And Blown by the Wind is just that..amazing!
I have to say that I was a bit confused and also some readers had the same experience with the first chapter too. The shifting of scenes were a bit hard to comprehend so I was asking what's happening. Jonaxx just signed up for a new publishing company plus with her work as a teacher, I'm pretty sure her schedule was hectic, so editing her stories we're not always a priority, besides, it's in Wattpad and I am reading it for free so why the heck am I complaining?! Haha. But after that chapter, the next chapters were all making sense that I was thrown into insanity...again. My! Blown by the Wind is absolutely another masterpiece from the Queen!
When it comes to pure romance, Jonaxx definitely dominated that area. She knows how to write scenes that will make you blush like crazy and might even kill you because of the super romantic scenes between the leads. When I first read a story from Jonaxx, there were no sexy scenes, but as I read her recent books, it doesn't just have sexy scenes but all of them kind of surpasses the previous books and the scenes were getting way more hotter. And you can't hear any complaints from me haha. Her way of writing it didn't really made me feel violated or uncomfortable. Actually, I'm almost imagining it in my head, haha, I'm afraid I'm getting pervert(er) every story that I read from Jonaxx *wink.
The scenes and execution of lines were superb as ever and I love love love that she added suspense, thrill and mystery in this one. Which again reminds me how hopeless I am in naming the culprit lol.
Characters
For the main characters, during the first few chapters, I feel some sympathy for Eury for what she experienced with her parents. Imagine being that way, of being unwanted and always a failure in their eyes. Always spouting those harsh words to her, at a young age she experienced that. Imagine what will that makes her when she grew up. That's why I kind of understand what she felt before; on how she loathed Vince when he first got into their home, on how her parents were gushing because they loved him more than they love her. Her actions were normal for a teenager so I understand that, but what she did a few years after that was excruciating to read. I'll tell you more about it in the conflict part.
Also, aside from that, her jealousy is really getting into my nerves. It's so obvious that I am the one who's ashamed of what she is doing and saying out of jealousy. Well, if I have Vince as a partner, I don't think I'll ever make it a day without feeling jealous at all too, haha. But reading about it just kind of irritating considering that Eury is so pretty. Yep, she's so pretty that I wish I am her, minus the being jealous part ofcourse *wink.
To Vince? What can I say, I love the guy even after a few minutes he was introduced. Well, to be fair, that's what I always feel for all Jonaxx's heroes haha. Thinking about it now, I guess all of them have the same traits - they are all extremely hot and good looking (too good looking for your own good), domineering, successful, intense, and very intimidating. Just like Sibal from the 1st book of the Costa Leona which is the Scorching Love, Vince also came from a humble start, that's why when I found out how successful he is now, I can't help but think that getting away from Eury's family was a good thing as he was able to achieve what he achieved now.
I don't have any complaints about his character actually, I love him. All Jonaxx' heroes are in my favorite list actually, haha, I can't just pick one! They're all so hot, besides, it's fiction, so I can always have as many guys as I want aight?
Conflict
There's really a lot of conflict in this story, but all the other things were pretty minor. The showbiz life, the jealousy, the supposed to be an act relationship, the inexistent girls, the ex, and the life-threatening situation Eury experienced.
Don't get me wrong, I do love the suspense part, but the part where Eury is acting like a martyr got to my nerve. A few page before it's going to be introduced, I know they're going to blackmail her, so I swear to myself that I will be retracting 1 star if she ever give in an become a martyr. And dang! She really did. Like the ek she did!
2nd time around, or was it 3rd time? Nah..whatever nth time that is
They are always separated or in a verge of breaking up, but the last one really pisses me off. Aside from angsty teenage acts, what I always hate about the conflicts used in romance stories is one of the main leads sacrifice something or becomes a martyr and leave the other one so they could be save or something similar to that.
Like heck! This isn't the old time, this is the 21st century. Why can't you just tell your partner right away so that the two of you could plan it out together. Is that difficult to do? Well, how would I know, I'm never been in love before, unless you consider some fiction characters haha.
So 6 months after the breakup, Eury did everything to find Vince and admit everything and hoping she could have him back. She went through a lot of trouble and I was kind of glad about it (I could be mean sometimes, haha). I'm not being spiteful or mean, but after what she did to him, (he begged for her, imagine that!) I think a little hardship would be enough to compensate with what she'd done.
The scene after that was kind of funny but intense at the same time. I don't want to elaborate more or I will be dropping some spoiler again and I know you wouldn't want that *wink.
Epilogue
I really thought there's no more epilogue so imagine my happiness when I found out that there is! For the Costa Leona series, Jonaxx creates an epilogue based from the heroes POV, so you can imagine my excitement.
It talks about those time when Eury was so mean to Vince and how she hates him. We were also got an idea how she started liking him as well aside from hating him lol. But the explanation on how he started liking her isn't enough or isn't clear for me. I think there isn't a part that explains how he started to really like her as a woman. But oh well, you can't have everything eh?
But at least all Vince's feelings during those romantic and even saddest times in this story were finally out in the open and it really makes me feel so sad for him. I really hate the playing the martyr part. He's really so devastated and so lost that I wanna take him away. It's a surprise he was still chasing her after what happened lol.
And when I found out about him stalking Eury before was kind of weird. I mean, it's not really like him and that just proves how he really loves her.
And lastly, the part where Eury's parents were rushing to her saying sorry for what they did, well, it wasn't really enough for me. They've been a jerk to the highest level to her that I think if she died, they will be happy about it. But heck, even if that's what I'm feeling, I still cried. It's just. I dunno. Whenever it's about family, I can't help but be a cry baby.
Special mention
I can't end this review without mentioning these set of characters that made my reading experience more enjoyable.
The first one is Milo, he's Vince's nephew. He's so cute and his admiration to Eury is so adorable to read. Haha. I think it's safe to say that he's Vince number one competitor when it comes to claiming Eury's heart haha
Amer, he's Eury's best friend since childhood. Btw, he's gay and he's really funny. He's also always there for Eury and that definitely won his title as the best best friend for this story.
Andres, he's Milo's father and is one of Vince's close friends. He keeps on teasing Vince about his stalking to Eury and is the one who's always cool and chill lol. He's one of the most amusing character I've encounter so far *wink.
I really wish there's an English version of Blown by the Wind because I really want everyone in the world to read Jonaxx's stories so you can see why I get so insane whenever I read one from hers haha.
Also, it's the fourth book of the Costa Leona series but you can definitely read it standalone. Each books in the series were from different pair-up so whichever of the books you want to go first would be fine.
And btw, I'm loving that all the people who done wrong to Eury was able to pay for what they did especially Blair and unfortunately, the one whom I'm sharing a name with. Haaay! Unfortunately for me, I was given a name that is not fitting for lead role but as a third party or worse and bitchy antagonist.
But whatever. Blown by the Wind is definitely a perfect read for every tagalog romance lovers out there.
Favorite Line/s
Kaya na kitang alagaan. Sa paraang gusto mo. At sa paraang gustong-gusto ko. You just have completely made me so crazy, Eury. At hindi ko alam na may mas ibabaliw pa pala ako sa'yo.
My whole life in my arms.
It's all a cover up because I'm lusting on the woman I couldn't have. Even when I'm already successful. Even with my name now.
I have been so crazy about you for years. You think I can stop myself from kissing you that way? D*mn!
I've seen you grow beautifully in spite of pain, Eury. And now that it's my turn to take care of you, please, give your full trust to me. Baby, I will give you anything you want... everything you need. I will protect you and support you even when you think you don't need it.
Alam mo ba kung gaano ka sakit iyon? Habang ikaw ang inspirasyon ko, ako and pabigat sa'yo! When you were young all I want is for you to reach for your dreams! Dahil alam kong hirap na hirap ka pero nagpapatuloy ka!
I respect your dreams and decisions. So much. I don't care if it'll destroy me.
Baby. This is the only way I know how to love. Is it not enough? Tell me, what else do you want?
Kailan ba naging mas importante sa akin ang pangalan ko? If it's you or my dignity, Eury, I don't care what they say about me as long as you're with me! If it's between you or any other things, baby, I will always choose you!
Naiintindihan mo ba, Eury? Kailanman, walang mas himigit sa'yo para sakin! Not my name, not my career, not anyone!
The happiest moments in life are not actually spent laughing or smiling the whole time with so many people around, sometimes it is spent in silence with the people who matters the most.
The only thing I'm scared about is losing you, Eury.
Passion will always be a weakness. It could lead you to hell, even when it feels like heaven. It could lead you to evil, when all you want is good.
I want to give her the love that she deserves. No matter how much it will cost me... no matter if it will cost my hear.
No matter how cold, dark, and mysterious the night will be... No matter how hard and violent the winds will blow... she will always be blown to me. And I will always... always... find my way to her. No matter what.
Now this is more of the CLS that I've come to love and adore. Vince and Eury are made for each other, though kahit minsan gusto ko na tuktukan si Eury. Am so glad that aftet the little bump that is IOF, hindi pa rin nawala ang Jonaxx magic for me (though, katulad ng issue ko sa ibang series na nabasa ko, at some point, parang masasaturate na din yung enjoyment mo, pero sana the next book would prove me wrong kasi favorite yun ng mga kaibigan ko).
p.s. I suuuuuuperrrr love Milo! Halos magkalebel na ata sila ni Beau sa puso ko.
first of all I really want to thank jonaxx for writing a masterpiece truly you’re one of a kind. the first time read this I really didn’t feel anything special maybe because I skipped some of parts but after I re-read this book and read the whole damn thing boommmm suddenly I’m so attached to the characters specifically VICENTIUS THERON HIDALGO (ILYSM) and found myself hard to move on. I really love this book as it tackles favoritism in the family which I can really relate, i feel so sorry for her damang-dama ko talaga yong line niya na hindi pa ako pinapanganak disappointed na sila sa akin (ilysmm eury) I love how eury fight for her dreams despite of the prejudice of her parents toward her and of courseeeee vince, he really inspired me. I always wanted to be a doctor but what really spoil my dream sometimes is the expenses we all know how meds school can be pretty expensive but through vince I realized that If I really want to pursue something I have to really want it despite of the evidences that i cant like they say if there’s a will there’s a way.
what really amazed me is how vince love eury he is willing to ruin his reputatation just for eury he knew and witnessed how her parents treated her so he promise to himself that he will not be one of the people who will stop eury from going to what she really wants and he really did not stop her from dreaming even tho the dream of eury will destroy and does not include him. i really love vince when he decided to let go of eury when the time comes like they said true love is when he support you and let you grow to a better version of yourself ( srsly i can talk the whole day why i love vince but I think this enough lol Im writng way to long) one of the reason why i love this story is the friendship of amer and eury i wish I also have that kind of friend (introvert alert) i love how they cherished and supported each other and correct each other when one is doing wrong things. (message to amer dont settle for less you’ll find someone who will love you for who you are ) my all time fave moments is when the met in elevator and vince confront eury and after confronting her he immediately marry eury lul lastly ANG CUTE MO MILO i really love the love amd hate relationship of milo and vince. #abovealljonaxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
i stopped reading jonaxx stories long ago, but i recently came across a tiktok about her and felt the urge to reread costa leona— a series i was fond about until i grew up and realized how problematic it is. i still read taboo stories and dark romance today, but my problem with cls is that it’s never presented that way. it is simply categorized as romance, and has no proper content warnings. take note that most of her readers at the time the series was ongoing were easily impressionable minors and young adults.
i also remember being frustrated over her misogynistic portrayals, which seemed to foster a community of young girls who would bash other female characters just for not being the lead, while they easily understand the fmc (jgirl). kapag jgirl gumawa nang hindi matino, "inosente, nakakahiya pero mahal pa rin". kapag hindi jgirl, lumapit lang sa jboy, malandi na. it was a disturbing experience. not to mention the free pass they give to the mmcs (jboy).
right now, azi's story is ongoing. i'm not surprised everyone is pissed at the montefalco girls. i'm perfectly aware of her formula: make the female characters the annoying, interfering hypocrites; make the male characters the mature and misunderstood bad boys. but im still disappointed.
i think her female characters and her readers deserve a more responsible writer.
anyway, i've outgrown her stories, but i could still appreciate this one. i really loved eury's dillema of receiving no love & attention from her parents that led her to pursue a career that would allow her to receive those things from other people. most jgirls have attention-seeking tendencies, but with eury, it is explained where it comes from. and how vincent responded to her dillema—loving her selflessly—is touching, he's the jboy i least rolled my eyes at.
im glad this is the one i chose to revisit. i wont be revisiting her other stories because i already know i'd be pissed.
WALA BANG DUPLICATE NI VINCENTIOUS THERON HIDALGO DYAN?!? i understand eury's attitude towards vince at the start of the story, she's a teen wanting to be appreciated by her parents. but it's not okay that she lied about vince r@p1ng her just to gain attention from her parents & to get rid of him. i felt mixed emotions whilen reading this story like joy, sadness, nervousness, and excitement. i love how vince doesn't care if his name is ruined as long as he's with eury ++ the assurance he gives to her just. i would definitely reread this story a hundred times lol😆 i love you both sooo much!! 💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
😫😫😫 GOOD LORD. I am now reminded why Vincent’s name is etched in my heart. His love to Eury is so heartwarming — it is too much that I feel them through those words. Everything was beautifully written to show the emotions of the people. Vincent’s POV is a masterpiece too that it hurts. The main conflict is also built up well din, balancing the intensity of the small clues to the confrontation scene. Hindi naman na naging relevant in the last few chapters, instead, niresolve yung another conflict with the ex. It’s good to be reminded why you love a book
AUGHHHHH VINCE & EURY IS NOW MY FAVORITE JCOUPLE 😩🫶🏻 FAWK I cannot help but think while I was reading all throughout this book how much I LOVEEEED Vince’s character 😩 talk about a perfect man God it’s him !!! 😞🙏🏻 and Eury omfg she is EMBARRASING AS HEEEEELL 😭😭😭 WHICH I LOVED THE MOST ABOUT HER OMG SWEAR WAS LAUGHING EVERY TIME SHE DOES SOMETHING 😭😭😭 AUGH anyway love them both smsmsm !!! MY FAVE JCOUPLEEEE <33
GOSH MY HEART 😭 andami ko sanang say bc andami ko reng feels and emotions!!! ack grabe of all her stories this is rly my most fave! huhu mahal na mahal ko to 😭 ni-reread ko kahapon and di ko na natigilan talaga. I love Vince and Eury sm!!! Amer is SO FUNNY esp sa habulan na chaps HAHAHH😭 pede bang wag na to mag-end huhu I will rly miss this 🥺🫶 ily kwin!!!! tysm for this story!!!
This was definitely one of the most beautifully written book I have ever read. No words can describe what i feel right now. It’s beautiful, beyond that too. I love you eury, and most definitely i love you to the GREENEST FLAG i know.
It's good. But i didn't like it when the girl accused the boy of r*pe, and i think the author did a great job because it made her readers see the effect of fake accusations to someone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Theron gave her the love and support for which Eury had longed for a long time. Even after years of not knowing where to find each other, the wind helped her be blown for him.