Like Nobody’s Watching by Tara Frejas
Genre: NA Contemporary, Romance
Publication: October 24, 2017 #romanceclass books
Series: Waiting in The Wings #2
Format: eARC
Rating: ★★★★★
Amazon || Print Copies (PH only)
It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.
If there’s something Pio Alvez is good at, it’s pretending to be someone he’s not. On stage and on-screen, the actor has mastered the art of becoming the characters he plays, and his new role should be no different. After all, how difficult would it be to pretend to be smitten with a beautiful, intelligent go-getter like Audrey Alonzo?
Perhaps it’s more difficult pretending not to be.
Huge thanks to Tara Frejas for letting me be a part of the blog tour she’s hosting, and for providing an e-Galley of this book. This did not, in any way, affect my overall opinion of the book and/or the story.
Waiting in The Wings, up to this very day, is one of my most favorite #romanceclass books that I’ve ever had the chance to read. It’s light, heartwarmingly conservative, filled with bits and pieces of Filipino Theatrical Culture, and the message that it exudes to its readers is not just positive, but it’s also seemingly moving. And one of the reasons why I continuously love and support the book / series is because of my endless love for its characters. Today, I’d love to share with you all how much I adore one of the characters from Waiting in The Wings, Pio Alvez, through my review of his spinoff, Like Nobody’s Watching.
I’ve been anticipating Pio’s story ever since I turned the last page of Waiting in The Wings. I’ve had such high expectations, seeing that I absolutely adored Erin and Ramon’s story, and the author, Tara Frejas, along with Pio, and his cast of new characters, most definitely did not disappoint. Readers were given a fresh, new story that’s perfect, not just for fans of its forerunner, but also for those who’s in the market for light, yet meaningful stories. It’s also extremely fast-paced, and those who are looking for the kind of one-sitter stories will find delight in Like Nobody’s Watching.
Pio and Audrey’s story focused on conservative themes such as close-family ties, and the importance of trust and faith in relationships, and I can’t even express how much I appreciated this because I feel like this is an underrated topic, especially in books. Filipinos are naturally close to their families, and I love seeing this Pinoy trait on print. Both Pio and Audrey came from such sweet families, and to see just how much they value them is a wonderful thing altogether. I can’t help but feel elated to know that readers from all over the world can develop this uniquely Filipino trait just by reading this book. And being true to your partner and being faithful in all forms is always a great trait to have, whether you be Filipino, American, or whatever. I loved this book mainly because of these concepts.
With regards to individual character traits, I think it suffice to say that Pio Alvez and Audrey Alonzo are tremendous people who works great both as individuals and as a pair. Pio’s your not-so-average boy-next-door actor who’s as passionate as he is flirty *winks* and he has found his equal in Audrey, a woman of substance that’s been wronged by a guy she dated for 10 years, and in trying to move on, found herself in the process. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it has been so long since I last encountered characters that seemed so destined for one another, I can’t help but feel honored to have read their story.
Here are some Pio quotes that might help convince you to read his book:
“As expected, I was delighted to have read Pio and Audrey’s captivating story. It’s a fast-paced spin-off that is written beautifully with characters that were all charming in their own ways, a trope that’s a well-known favorite for romance lovers, and a twist that will tug on everyone’s heartstrings. It pays great tribute to the undying relevance of close family ties, and the importance of being faithful. I had an amazing journey with Pio and Audrey, and I’m pretty sure other readers will too. Everyone deserves to read a heartfelt story at least once in this lifetime. Let Pio and Audrey’s story be that story for you.”
With Pio Alvez (Fred Lo!!!) 
With Fred Lo (Pio Alvez!!!)
Me: Hi, Pio! Thank you for taking the time to answer a few of my questions. I’ve been a fan of yours since you made an appearance in Waiting in The Wings, and I’m so happy to have you on my blog today! Let’s get started!
Pio: Hi, JM! Thanks for having me! Let’s do this!
M: For those who don’t know you yet (shame on them, *laughs*), would you please introduce yourself? And to add to that, what 3 adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
P: Hello, everyone! My name is Pio Alvez, and I play different characters on stage and on TV for a living. If you watch a lot of free TV you probably have seen me in Channel 8’s Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas, La Dolce Vita, and Muli’t Muli Ay Ikaw. Or, if you’re a theatre aficionado, I’ve been in Teatro Lakambini’s Hanggang Ulap, Alistair Production’s Almost Love and Valentine’s Eve, and several other shows at the Cultural Center.
If I could use three adjectives to describe myself, I’d say I’m sentimental, passionate, and jovial. M: You’re an actor, am I right? And a good one at that. *winks* What shows or movies would you like to star in and who would you love to work with?
P: Wow, thank you! I’d gladly take on any project if it meant I could work with veteran actors I look up to, like John Arcilla and Pen Medina. I recently saw the film Patay na si Hesus, and I would love to work with Ms. Jaclyn Jose as well. Rio Locsin too.
And this might sound funny but I wish my brother Datu would want to cast me in one of his films someday. (laughs)
M: If you didn’t get the chance to pursue an acting career, what other fields or industries would you like to try and make a living out of?
P: I probably would try my hand at producing music if I weren’t an actor.
M: Now, we know you’re happily in love with the girl of your dreams, Audrey Alonzo. Tell me, how is it like being his man? What’s it like to finally get the girl, and not end up basted? P: (giddy laugh) Oh dear. I have to say nice things now, don’t I?
It hasn’t been long since we started dating actually, so we’re still kind of at that stage where everything is new and fun and wonderful. Honeymoon period, hah!
She just makes me happy. Having Audrey in my life makes me look forward to waking up every day. Corny ba? Basta yun. I’m stupid with words when it comes to her.
M: If you were to take her out on a date, with no regards to time and/or budget, what would you do? Where would you take her?
P: I’d really love to take her on a road trip across the country. No strict itineraries, we’ll just go where we feel like going and do whatever’s interesting wherever we are. I think that’d be really fun.
M: Now for some fast-talk questions, Boy Abunda style!
- Liza Soberano or Audrey Alonzo? // Audrey, always.
- Acting or Singing? // Acting.
- Baguio or Tagaytay? // Baguio.
- Choco Flakes, Ube Halaya, or Alfajores? // Chocolate-dipped alfajores. I’m greedy like that.
- You’ve been given the chance to come up with a movie idea, and you’re the leading man. What would it be, an action movie, or a romantic-comedy? // Action with a side of romance.
- Mrs. Fields Choco Chip Cookies or Chocolate Cake? // Chocolate cake.
- Sex or Mrs. Fields Choco Chip Cookies? // Sex.
- Lights on or lights off? *winks* // On, but not too bright.
- You want to take Audrey on a food date. Who will help you out? Datu or Gani? // Kuya Gani.
- (Now, I know you’ll love this one) Ramon Figueroa, Luigi Blanco, or Pio Alvez? // JAIME PIO SEVILLA ALVEZ, thank you very much.
M: Ahhh, that was fun! Thank you, again, for taking the time to answer my questions! Do you have a message for your fans, or for the readers out there that haven’t read your book yet?
P: Not a problem—I had fun too!
Hi guys! Thank you so much for the support you’ve given me so far, and I hope to be able to meet all the fans soon with a new project. Hope you have a great day! (waves)
Tara Frejas is a cloud-walker who needs caffeine to fuel her travels. When she’s not on work mode, she keeps herself busy by weaving her daydreams into stories.Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes.Fun fact: She’s a Piscean. Go figure. You may find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You may also check out her website, send her an email, or subscribe to her newsletter.
Until the next one!
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