ARC review: Dating the Influencer by Mark Fermill

Reading takes time, and once given an opportunity to read a free book, grab it quickly!

I am grateful that the author, Mark Fermill, gave me a chance to have an advanced reader copy of his soon-to-be-published novel, Dating the Influencer.

I was fortunate to be one of the bloggers to receive a free copy of this book. Thank you, Sir Mark!

Blurb: 

Anica Fernandez relies on her strict schedule in order to survive. Matagal na niyang binura ang bersyon niyang baliw na baliw sa lalaki at tiwala siyang kahit sino man ang dumating sa buhay niya ay kaya na niyang baliwalain.

Not until Derrick Manalo takes notice of her. This famous fitness influencer comes into her life like a whirlwind, and Anica, who once promised herself to never fall in love again, is tested to eat her own words.

What could Derrick Manalo possibly want from her? Is it money? A simple favor? Or could it possibly be... love?

What I like about the story:

Meeting an Influencer.  Who thought that you'd meet a social media influencer in the most unexpected way? That's what happened to Anica when she met Derrick inside a bookstore. Well, that was not the meet and greet that Anica wanted, especially from an old crush.

Social media toxicity. In this age, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube are the biggest platforms to meet your idols, and these avenues are also places where people will judge you regardless of who you are. Anica is happy with her Youtube page and even her followers, but when Derrick suddenly called her up on his channel, her views and following were boosted. However, when an issue came out, netizens used these channels to destroy Anica's life and image.

Depression and Suicide.  This book not only focuses on Anica and Derrick's romance, but I commend it for touching on one of the most sensitive topics in society today. It was difficult for Anica to be in a relationship and trust another guy because of the guilt that she has been carrying since her best friend, Jonathan, killed himself. She didn't know that by opening and telling her experience through her vlog, she inspired a lot of people, particularly another boy who also tried to self-destruct himself.

How It Ends:

Anica is vlogging again, but like a confession type, and Derrick is ever so attentive!

Verdict:

I started reading this book last November, but at that time, I was not fond of Sir Mark's writing style, so I stopped reading it. Sorry! Yet, I gave it a new eye when I re-read it again, and I actually appreciated the first few pages. I continued it, and then I finished it! I was happy that I was able to meet Anica and Derrick and get a glimpse of their lives. It was like I was back to being a teenager again, that feeling of meeting your idol and stalking him on his social media accounts. It was fun! But more than that, this novel is an eye-opener about the toxicity of social media, who the influencers really are in real life, and how one mistake can change one's life, which can be prevented.

 

Congratulations, Mark Fermill, on your newest gem, "Dating the Influencers." This book will be out by next month! Perfect for a heart's day reading pleasure!