Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin | Release Blitz

Today we are celebrating the release of a new, standalone title from Jennifer Millikin. 

BEYOND THE PALE is available now to purchase or read for FREE as part of Kindle Unlimited, and you will not want to miss this love story! 

Be sure to follow Jennifer for exclusive updates about the book.

Read it now as part of Kindle Unlimited

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook

Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin

Available Now | Contemporary Romance

Read it now as part of Kindle Unlimited

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/beyondthepalebook

My whole life I’ve known Finn Jeffries and Brady Sterling would be my undoing. The three of us were inseparable, but growing up with two boys as your best friends comes with it’s own certain type of growing pains. As a child, Finn was wild and free, and grew up to be a devilishly handsome man with a smirk that frustrated me as much as it did other things to me. Brady was brave and loyal, and the kind of man he grew into didn't surprise me a bit: devoted and gallant, with a handsome, trustworthy face that made my heart beat faster. We went our separate ways for college, but now it’s eight years later and a pact we made back then has brought us back to our hometown. Back to the complicated situation we ran from. Back to the love triangle we never really escaped. I love them both, and it’s time for me to make a choice. I’ve always known one of them would be my forever, I just never knew which one. And I still don’t.

Add the book to Goodreads

Join Jennifer's Reader Group for Exclusive News!

Jennifer Millikin is a contemporary fiction author of five full-length novels and a contributor for Scottsdale Moms Blog. When she isn't writing she can be found cooking, hiking, or in downward dog.

FIND JENNIFER:

Join Jennifer's Reader Group

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads

One Small Thing by Erin Watt | A Book Review

I won this book from a giveaway on Instagram. I read this a few months ago but I have been feeling so tired lately, actually these past few months, that I have rarely written reviews. I kept thinking, this weekend, I'll write some reviews because I am way behind but when the weekend arrives, I am just too exhausted to do anything that requires any conscious thinking. I'd rather do anything that requires lesser brain usage because I just don't have the energy left. That has been my days lately. I am not sure if it's a health issue or night shifts are just too taxing and the added stress caused by concerns at work just took all the fight in me. 

So, with all those things I've said above, this book reminds me that when everything seems to be going downhill or nothing seems to be going as planned, think of one small thing to make you get through the day. Just one small thing. And it usually works. I've tried it. 

The book cover says: A Boy. A girl. An impossible situation. These three things exactly sum up this book. What that impossible situation is will definitely blow your mind. It's tragic. It's cruel. You wouldn't wish it to happen to anybody. But it happened to Beth. And just when she thought that their lives couldn't get any worse, she was wrong, because the person who caused everything in her universe to shift from its axis is the same one she wants to spend time with. The only one who seems to understand her. But her friends, her parents and everyone is telling her to stay away from him. What should she do? Follow her heart and break her parents' heart even more or break her own heart?

This story has left me breathless, even hours after finishing it. It broke my heart the same way Beth's heart broke to a million pieces when her sister died and her family fell apart. There seems to be no going back from that. The pain is so immeasurable and comprehensible only to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Pain that has no plan of ever going away or receding. It's as permanent as the changes it has brought to the lives it has touched. That's how Beth and Chase' life seems to be going until they met and suddenly there seems to be hope. Everything that has lost its color seems to take its hue again. The sun, which seemed to be absent for some time has decided to take a peek from the dark skies again. It looks like everything might just turn out to be all right. Or was it just wishful thinking?

Beth and Chase' life changed in an instant due to one very tragic event.  These two didn't know that the instant connection they have is actually going to be either strengthened or broken by the one tragedy they were both victims of. Fortunately, what most people thought should keep them apart was actually the one thing they could actually share to help deal with the pain and the loss. These two found strength in each other instead of destroying each other further. 

I think the most admirable character in this story is Chase after the tragedy. When he came back, he was a different person. He grew up while he was away because he had no choice. And in order to survive, he has to dig very deep into himself and find the strength to last each day. One small thing each day is all he needs to survive another day. And that was what he did. He tried, even in his very desperate situation, to find that one small thing each and every day that would give him the strength to keep living for one more day. And that alone is true strength of character for someone at a young age, barely an adult, who had to go through something unfortunate. Hope, even in the most dreary and darkest room is still hope. No matter how tiny or minute it is.

This story may start out as tragic and bleak but it's actually very full of hope. Even when it looks like Beth and her family's life is all going to be looking gray because of the tragedy they experienced. But the truth also has a way of making everything all right. Maybe not back to the way things were but at least, the hatred would be lessen and all the pain would at least be relieved. And then finally lead to healing and forgiveness. 

I give this book 5/5 doors. Yes, the door is very significant in this story. It represents the last vestige of freedom Beth has that her parents took away. When that door was taken down, they might have as well taken Beth's life. That was how bleak the story of Beth's life is shaping up to be. Until she met Chase. This book will definitely destroy you. That was what it did to me. I cried like Rachel was my sister and Beth was my only other surviving relative. My heart broke every time Beth's did. But in the end, the story will also build you back up. Repair all the damage it inflicted because that's how love is. That's how love works. It makes the impossible possible and the hopeless alive again.

This story left a permanent mark in my heart and in my head. Every time my day seems to be gloomy or everything is out of control, I think of this book. I'm reminded to remain calm even if I'm more tempted to get hysterical. This story reminds me to think of that one small thing, one tiny good thing that I want to happen or that had happened. That somehow makes the day a little less overwhelming and it helps give me some small measure of strength to at least go through the rest of the day. That "one small thing" idea is actually very powerful. And I want you, the one who happens to read this, to do the same thing when life seems to press you to smithereens. Think of that one small thing and the world won't feel too scary at all on days when you'd rather die than live.

I lean into him, borrow his strength, because now that the seal is off, I can't stuff any of this back inside the bottle. 

The pain stretches its tendrils, traveling through my veins until every part of my body aches and shudders under its burden. 

- Erin Watt, One Small Thing -

Thank you so much @nadirasworld for hosting this giveaway which led me to win this book. Maybe the universe knows that I badly needed to learn from Chase. Thank you also Erin Watt for writing this very inspiring story and for that one small thing idea. You have just made a difference in this world because of it and I hope that more people will be inspired to follow that kind of mindset. We all need it.

Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet by Igor Martek | A Book Review

Happy Sunday everyone! Wishing you all have a relaxing weekend. September has ended and  October is here. Meaning, Christmas is right around the corner. September was my birth month. I am thankful that I am way past singing "Wake me up when September ends." Life is a lot better. I am looking forward to the next year because I have a few good things lined up and planned. True, another year has been added to my age but I'd like to think that I am wiser. I've mastered the art of tolerance even when the situation tests the limits of my sanity and patience. I've also mastered indifference so as not to get overly stressed over situations I have absolutely no control of. Good or bad, that's a totally another discussion.

So, anyone of you watched Aladdin already? I've watched it online but haven't gotten to finish it. From what I've seen so far, it's good. Why am I asking about the movie? Well, the title of the book for this review is saying about a magic carpet which automatically makes me think of Aladdin right away. But this book does not speak of magic or genies or flying carpets but rather the land where all those are from - the Middle East. The land rich with oil, of desert and of sandstorms and for people from third-world countries, a land of opportunities.

Ricky, a Filipino, the main character in this story represents a lot of Filipinos who left their homeland in search of greener pastures and better opportunities. For Ricky, that's Hong Kong and then Kuwait. In this story, Ricky, represents the better lot of Filipinos who made it big and became successful in their career abroad. He's successful in his career which landed him a chance to work in Kuwait. His sister though isn't very fortunate. Like all other educated and college graduate Filipinos, his sister ended up as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Much worse, she was mal-treated by her boss. 

The story centered around Ricky's inability to see things beyond what they are. I feel sorry for him because he can't seem to see if people are telling him the truth or not. Or maybe, he hasn't just grown mature enough to see how he's easily manipulated, especially when it comes to the women in his life. In fairness to him, he exactly knew what he needs to do but I think he lacks the conviction to actually do it. That's the biggest flaw in his character. 

Ricky and Breeze' relationship, right from the onset, is obviously doomed to fail. Ricky had no idea that he was actually targeted by Breeze because she thought with his position in the company, he could easily be the ticket who could take Breeze and her family out of poverty. Breeze manipulated him and took advantage of his feelings for her. When he seemed to be not useful anymore, she dropped him quicker than a hot dimsum. 

I especially hated Breeze and the people she represents. Yes, poverty allows us to do things out of necessity and desperation but there should be limits. Breeze' obsession with escaping her poor life just knows no bounds. She'll do just anything, even cheat, lie and do much worse if it means she could wear expensive clothes and expensive things. The sky is the limit and nothing could stop her from getting what she wants. Oblivious Ricky was no match for her.

What I liked about the story is how Ricky came to realize his losses after Breeze dropped him. He realized what Breeze was after all along and he also realized his worth, what he can do and the things he needed to do which he should have done before. The story ended with a very happy note, with Ricky and her elder sister from Hong Kong reunited in the Philippines. They can work on the dreams they used to talk about as kids and finally have the lives that they deserve, not dependent on another person who he thought could add meaning to his life but by leaning on and repaying back the love that had helped him become successful in his career. Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet reminds us of the most important things in life. Love, family and friends. Sometimes we try to look for love elsewhere, only to find it in our simple beginnings - in the care and dedication of our siblings and family, and the time to return the same love, nurturing and comfort they've given to us when they badly need it. And this is true enough for Ricky. All the success in the world, the large salary he's getting and all the rich people he comes in contact with could never silence the one thing his heart has kept telling him to do. It was time to man up and be the man in the family. Finally! Good job, Ricky.

I give this book 4/5 flying carpets. How the author explained why the story was called Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet is probably the best part of the story. The insights into the Muslim and Arab culture is also very educational. I was so disappointed in Ricky's character the whole part of the story and I even wonder how he'd be able to redeem himself. I could easily overlook his failed relationship with Breeze. He was just too trusting and he refuses to see what's been nagging him subconsciously. But his sister is a another story altogether. He knows he needs to do something for his sister, Eunice and he knows it's absolutely within his power but he just simply put it off. The breakup with Breeze was actually the best thing that happened to him because it opened up his eyes to the most important things. Family.

I was actually thinking of using lychees but I really hated Breeze' character so I don't want to use the lychee as an allusion to her though the story about the Lychee Park is a good story.

One thing I also noticed and I also read it in one other review, is that the story was lacking a little humor. The story was a bit too serious and a little light touch would have made it a lot better. I enjoyed it but a sprinkle of little fun and sunny parts would have made it more. Probably, a little less sad because the part about the flying carpet need not only be the one happy thing about the whole story altogether.

One character in the story who I really like is Walid. He's Ricky's friend who is rumored to be a bastard son of a Kuwaiti royal. I like his honesty. He has no qualms about stating the bullshit and admitting to his faults and the faults of his people. Here are one of the things he said:

That's what's wrong with us. Our wealth is a curse. It prevents us from doing anything for ourselves.

Truth is never what you know. It is how you know. Real truth is a journey. It transcends the fizz of details that come and go along the way.

 - Igor Martek, Dreaming of an Arabian Carpet -

Thanks, Igor Martek and Netgalley, for the review copy. I was very curious to know if you were a Filipino. I actually had to Google it. Thanks for being able to find the life of Ricky a good subject for a book. I know Ricky represents a lot more than just being a Filipino working in the Middle East but thanks for giving a life to his story and sharing it with the rest of the world. More power to you and I hope that you write more stories such as this that captures real-life and its struggles. 

I Am Marcus Fox by Bryon Cahill | A Book Review

It's Monday again. Those in the US or those working for US companies, we had a long weekend. I didn't go out of town. I just stayed home and relaxed since I was feeling under the weather. My all-cure for all ailments is sleep. I did just that and watched movies and Korean dramas online. I was also able to write two reviews. Good, but not that good. I was hoping to write more but I felt so uninspired. Anyway, here is another one.

The book - I Am Marcus Fox is an action-adventure. That's what it seemed at first. It seemed like a real-life story but might be too impossible to believe. It's somewhere between fiction and real life. Some events are just too plausible to be actually true. The book started really good. How Marcus Fox was abandoned by his parents and got miraculously saved and adopted by an African couple. He grew up to be a strong man loved by his adoptive parents like their own and then tragedy struck again. It was going well until he got to the part where he battled a shark which felt too unbelievable. I was doubtful about that part. There were other similar scenes in the story which will make you question - "Is this a real story or pure fiction born out of the author's imagination?" In a way, I got confused because in the first few parts you were made to believe that this is a tragic story of a boy who had the misfortune of being born out of crazy and criminal parents. Then along the way, the story seems to blend together reality and fantasy because then Marcus suddenly does these feats that you can only see in the movies. It suddenly felt like a bunch of kids talking about a movie they've watched together and were not satisfied with it that they then decided that the main character should have done this and that. Injecting feats that require supernatural or superhuman abilities which is what happened here.

In a way, even if some parts bordered on impossible, it has a way of getting the reader hooked. I read it in one go. Unbelievably, I didn't put it down though I had times where I had my eyebrows raised and had wrinkles pinned on my forehead. The story has a way of pulling you in and make you root for Marcus Fox to finally have a good life. That's one of the merits of the story. You will wish all his troubles will come to an end and that he will finally live a life he deserves after all the perils and heartbreaks he has to go through. 

I give this book 3/5 sharks.The part with the shark is where I couldn't get over. It's crazy. In the end, I am still unsure if this is part-true embellished with fiction or pure fiction skirting the limits of fantasy. I am still a bit confused what to make of the story. It started really good and the bones of a really satisfying read is there but I can't seem to take it all seriously. Or maybe, it's meant to be that way. It doesn't have to be boxed into what kind of story it is. As one of the reviews on Amazon say, "It's skirting the realm of fantasy and realism." That sentence perfectly sums it up. 

Would you want to read this book? I can't answer that. As I have said, I am unsure. The beginning and some parts of the story were very solid. I just wished it was more believable. If this was meant to be a fantasy, it wasn't really hitting it. If this was just meant to feel more like an action-adventure, then it's so over-the-top. The best answer to the question is to read it yourself and tell me what you think. I may be wrong about all of it but that's how the story felt like to me. Or maybe, I just don't do well with realism like Murakami's Hear the Bird Sing. 

Truth doesn't set you free. It only turns you to dust. 

- Bryon Cahill, I am Marcus Fox - 

Thanks again, Bryon Cahill, for the review copy. Sorry, it took months for the review to come out. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ by J.M. Harrison | A Book Review

I actually had a hard time starting this post. It's not that I don't know what to say about the book but it's more of saying something that will eventually lead to the story. What recent event would somehow relate to the story? I could actually think of one. The recent incident in the sea involving a local fishing vessel that was allegedly intentionally hit by another fishing vessel but albeit bigger and belongs to a foreign nation who's not supposed to be fishing within our territorial waters. This is currently a very hot issue since our head of the nation clearly stated in his interview that we should just let them be if we don't want another world war. Who wants one, right? But there should be other ways in which we can insist our sovereignty and rights without resulting to firearms and violent means. It doesn't have to end in a war. Anyway, there's a lot that could still be said about this topic but it's also causing me headaches. So, I'd rather not delve deeper into it and it's probably more suited to another platform. But I am thankful to those who are standing up and protesting in front of the embassy of that foreign nation. Go on and never stop until they hear our voices. We are done being ignored and treated like we are insignificant. And to all those lawmakers who are also fighting for our government to make a stand, please don't ever tire of fighting. If there's a need for every Filipino to rally and make a stand, then let's do that. 

Chronicles of the Anti-Christ, how does the above relate to this book? Well, it's about fighting for what's right and just. Fighting for what's good, even if you are pitted against a very powerful opponent. Never lose hope. Just keep fighting! 

This book talks about the anti-Christ. And guess where that anti-Christ would come from? From whose seed would that person rise from? Make a guess. If you thought of Hitler, then you are on the right track. From all the conquerors, dictators and villains that have ever lived, I think Hitler is hailed the most vicious, greedy and evil. He killed millions of Jews and more. So, this story's proposition that the next anti-Christ would likely come from his bloodline is not too far out. It's actually the mostly likely possibility. I do agree.

I can't exactly remember if I read this book in one go or I stopped somewhere. All I could remember was how the story held some truth and the likelihood of it really happening. I hope never. That possibility ever becoming a reality is very grim, even if this was set in the US. The likelihood of another dictator and lunatic plotting world domination as his life goals is a very dark future. I hope it doesn't ever come true even if it won't happen in this lifetime. I hope the world would never again know of any dictator or megalomaniac dead set on having the world for his own or for any other self-serving purpose. It's dreadful to just even think of it and this story clearly paints that horrible picture. 

But with the way things are happening, especially with my country, it's not going to surprise me if another dictator comes into the open and proclaim his life's mission. At the same time, I'm also hopeful that there will be brave men and women, just like in this story, who will resist and find ways to outwit the Goliath and foil his grand plans. There will always be people who will risk their lives to expose the conspiracies and evil plans just to save many more. My country is a land of heroes, from Lapulapu to Dagohoy, to Bonifacio, to modern nameless Filipinos, who are fighting for justice and equality every day. This little and may be insignificant country to some, will never run out of fearless men and women who will risk everything to keep our freedom and sovereignty. Even if we are beset by countless problems from all directions, our faith, our hope even in the hopeless will continue to give us the strength of character to fight. Don't ever underestimate your enemy. Remember, the littlest ants sting the most.

So, again, this story painting the possibility of an anti-Christ is not far from reality. It's very believable. Harrison paints a dystopian America in this book but also very remarkable and very brave characters who will also stop at nothing to keep this new anti-Christ's plan from ever coming true. This is a very engaging story which will make you fear the worst but also hopeful because there are people who will save the day. And like most stories, the good always wins. No matter how battered and wounded, the hero will keep rising to his feet. He will fight to his last breath. This story also illustrates that no matter how formidable the enemy could be, but if all people, no matter how common or lowly, if they band together and stand up for one common goal, then the possibility of defeating the enemy is not impossible. There is always strength in numbers. And when more than two heads are working, then better and brighter ideas are likely to come out. 

I give this book 3.5/5 phoenix. The two main characters here - Jacob and Arianna represent real people. Jacob, who's too close to Martin Voors refuses to believe that he could be the evil incarnate hiding behind a very charismatic persona. Arianna, a fearless reporter who survived a rape and still, she never let that deter her from getting to the truth. These two characters made the story hopeful and I root for them. Sometimes, beating the enemy also requires beating him at his own game, breaking the rules and sometimes even a gentle persuasion or blackmail would do. Desperate situations call for even desperate and crazy measures. 

I cannot consider myself a true Christian.  I have done  too many things that cannot be forgiven even by Christ, but I sympathize with them. 

- J.M. Harrison, Chronicles of the Anti-Christ - 

Thank you again, J.M. Harrison for the paperback copy. Sorry, it took 48 years to post this review.

The Debt and The Doormat by Laura Barnard | A Book Review

It's a long weekend because of the July 4th. I work for a US company so I also enjoyed the long weekend.  I was feeling under the weather for the last two days so all I did was binge watch Korean dramas and movies. I was planning to write my very overdue book reviews but was feeling so uninspired. I have written very few reviews this year because when I get home from work, all I want to do is sleep. And on weekends, all I want to do are activities that do not involve brain function. Don't get me wrong, I love to write but it has been quite hard for me to find the time to really sit down and channel my emotion and thoughts. I guess, when you feel like you lack sleep and so stressed, it's a bit hard to focus. And I take writing my book reviews seriously. I need to be able to capture the emotions I felt when I read the book and convey it to the readers (to a few who read this blog). So, here I am again, trying to speak my thoughts. 

So, The Debt and The Doormat, I received this last year. I also read it last year, just haven't gotten around to posting a review. I was supposed to review the other books but it turned out I didn't have any pictures yet so I have to just review another one. I chose this book because this was so fun when I read it. This is a romantic comedy set in the UK. Yes, the voices of the characters when I was reading this were in British. 

The main character of the story is Poppy. Honestly, I am not sure if I like Poppy. Her character is not exactly the most admirable book character I have encountered but she had her good points too. Most of the time, I feel sorry for Poppy, especially with her obnoxious Mom. She can't seem to be honest with her Mom or if she did try, she was brushed aside. Yes, it seemed like it's so easy for people to not take her seriously and walk over her. Poor Poppy. Even her best friend, Jazz, seems to not take Poppy seriously sometimes, though she loves Poppy dearly. 

All in all, this was a fun read yet there would be times that you would feel irritated with the way the characters are acting. Sometimes you want to knock on their heads to put sense into the them. Poppy and Jazz' characters are not exactly lovable but you will feel like you want to get involved in their lives and help them. That's how the story was to me. I felt like wanting to be one of the characters and tell Poppy to stand up for herself and tell Jazz to grew a pair and start becoming a responsible adult. Good thing that these two actually developed and become better people by the end of the story. But a lot has to happen, mostly to Poppy, to make her see that people have been walking all over her and she just let them. 

One of the most delicate situations in this story was the one involving infidelity and the people involved are related to Poppy. She had caught the cheating couple and the dilemma is to tell the partners of these two what's going on. If I were Poppy, I would have told my brother. The truth will surely hurt and maybe destroy their marriage but I won't stand and just let my brother be made a fool. 

I think the flaw in Poppy's character is that she was unsure of herself, which most of us are also. But then again, even so, we have to know our strengths also. We have to know our values. What things do we love most and we should stand up for those things. We shouldn't let people just trample on them or destroy them. Somewhere, we have to draw the line where being nice and being such a pushover ends. But then, some people don't even realize that they've been taken advantage of. That they've been made a doormat. I guess, if I were one of Poppy's friends, I would have told her already. Of all the characters here, only one person was honest and cared enough to tell Poppy. It was Ryan. I would have done the same thing Ryan did. I would tell Poppy over and over how she's encouraging people to walk all over her. She should push back. I know her heart is in the right place but sometimes you have to tell people off. I am just happy that at the end, it all worked out for Poppy.

I gave this book 4/5 doormats. As I have said, Poppy is not the best character I've ever read but the whole book was entertaining that even if I have to read it again for the second time to make sure that I write my review right, it still felt like reading it for the first time. It was as entertaining as I remembered it. And that means a lot to me because I don't exactly reread books. To me rereading books either mean two things- one is I didn't understand the story or the book wasn't very memorable. The other is there is a need for me to read the story again because I badly needed to be reminded of how the story made me feel and I needed to feel that emotion in that very moment. There are stories that I have to reread because I needed to feel good about myself. I very rarely reread books. I reread this book because I am unsure of some of the details. Again, not liking Poppy's character so much, I had to be reminded of why I felt that way. With that said, I am not saying that this is not a worthy read. It is. I enjoyed it so much and the fact that Poppy's character bothers me so much is in itself evidence that the story got to me. Me being involved in Poppy's well-being is saying that I do care for Poppy although I wished she were firmer in her convictions. 

Maybe it won't be that bad to fancy someone a little bit. It might actually be good for me. He might be like medicine to me, a bit of a remedy. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be poison.

- Laura Barnard, The Debt and The Doormat -

Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the review book. 

All the Hidden Pieces by Jillian Thomadsen | A Book Review

It's halfway of May already. It's summer here in the Philippines and it's scorching hot. We haven't been to the beach yet. My summer did have a good start. I went to Korea last April and it was spring there but it felt like it was still winter. The air was still freezing cold. I had a blast though. I had a lot of first experiences in South Korea which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I felt so alive and it's been quite a while since I've felt like that. 

So, this book is a suspense-thriller. At first glance, you may think that it's a bit of drama. I thought so. The title seems to suggest that some secrets are about to be uncovered. Major drama, right? Well, not too far out. This book is really a revelation. There's family drama, I give you that. Yes, secrets are about to be revealed and more.

I know I've said in my previous posts that I am a mystery, suspense, thriller fan. It's my favorite genre. The guessing game and the excitement keeps me glued to the stories. And being such a big fan, I have become familiar with some of the things that come with thriller stories. I then start to formulate my own theories as to how the rest of the story will unfold or who the killer is or what the big mystery is about. Unfortunately, in this book, my experience and great affinity with mysteries wasn't very helpful. This is a very riveting story and a few suspects were thrown in but were actually too far from what really is going on. And that's the best part. I love that a story could throw me out of my wits and keep me wondering. And at the end of it all, I was flabbergasted because it was totally different. It's a satisfaction every reader loves, to be thrown out of the loop, yet the ending is way way much better for it. I crave that kind of high. This story delivered it all with much gusto and much more.

Nothing could have prepared me for this story. The blurb may have been a bit longer than usual but there's more to it. You would think that it has summarized the story in all its essence but you are very very wrong. There's more and much more. I love it! That's why it's good to read blurbs to at least know what you're walking into. But it's much more satisfying, like ice-cold water after a parching walk under the sun, to read each page and find out that there's a great deal more to know. It's an adventure in itself going through each page and be more confused and horrified that all your theories had to be scrapped. It's a great satisfaction to realize that the author is a master and has played you cruelly in her hands. Cruel because you can never figure it out for yourself. 

I had the time of my life reading this book. I never put it down. I had to finish it if I wanted to maintain my sanity. I need to find all the hidden pieces and where each character fits into the story. The ending was so far out of my thoughts that it was a relief and really satisfying to finally know. Ah, what a great adventure it is having to accompany Detective Hobbs and be as astounded as she is when the truth finally hit her. It was wow! 

I can't say enough how I have enjoyed this story and how I was confused and bewildered by the turn of events. I was actually happy to be confused and be out of my wits figuring it out. It's one of the best things about this book. You will never know. So, I gave this 5/5 puzzle pieces. Everything just fits perfectly.

There was something about accepting an apology so many years after the fact that made it insufferable. It was like the nominal payment of a library fee many years after the book had been destroyed in a horrible fire - long after the fine was written off.

- Jillian Thomadsen, All the Hidden Pieces - 

Thank you again, Jillian Thomadsen for the review copy. I'm looking forward to your next stories that would make me confused yet satisfied at the end.

Be A Better You by Inte and Chiara Alfonso | A Book Review

It's been a while since my last post. April had been a very busy month both at work and in my personal life. I went to South Korea. It's been a while also since the last time I got to travel abroad. I'd say, it's one of the most memorable trips ever. There were a  lot of things I got to do and experiences that are bound to help me face whatever challenges ahead. The best thing is I got to be the best version of myself again. 

Be a Better You is a book I won in Goodreads. It 's a self-help book in finding yourself, being a better version of yourself and how to be just better in whatever aspect of your life. The things written here are not new. I'm sure, you've heard and read them already but what's different is it's given in small and very practical doses. No lengthy explanations or examples, plus really really cool artworks for each nugget of wisdom. 

I think the most important nugget of wisdom that I want to share from the book is about loving one's self. I know I don't think I love myself enough. I have to remind myself that putting myself first is not wrong and loving myself is not being selfish. I think the author also agrees that this is the most important thing because he put it in the very first part of the book. It's first and foremost and above all else, because if you love yourself, then you are secure and confident in everything you do. You're sure of yourself that you don't have to feel jealous or envious of others' success or fortune. You'll feel happy for them instead. I say that I don't love myself enough because I have self-esteem issues. I grew up so shy and so unsure of myself. Being bullied didn't help too. I felt like I was an easy target for ridicule and insults. I don't know why. I mostly keep to myself. I have friends but only later in life did I really get to understand what real friends are. Real friends make you feel better about yourself. They help you be better and accept you no matter who you are. There are no conditions. They love you for all the good and the faults and through the happy days and the difficult ones. That's why, I don't exactly spend much on material things but rather on experiences. I wanted to be enriched by traveling and meeting new people. Reading helps a lot too. Clothes and jewelry does not make a person but kindness, humility, integrity and respect for others do. So, here is the quote:

Therefore the most important thing about love is that you love yourself. Why is it important to love yourself, because once you love yourself you know what love is and then you know how to love others. 

To love yourself is to learn to be happy with yourself and let the inner energy within yourself shine and radiate out. 

Like the above quote says, if you are happy, you mostly likely want people around you to be happy. Misery loves company. If you are miserable, almost often, you would want people around you to be miserable as well. Most of the time, more miserable than you are. That's why some people would try so hard to pull people down with them because they are so unhappy. Seeing people happy is an eyesore to them.

Be a Better You is a very concise and easy to read book. It's very handy and very practical. It doesn't talk of very technical concepts. It is a very good guide to living everyday life and how to be a better person each day. Lastly, I do agree with what the author says about having things to live by, mainly principles to follow. This is very basic and as you try to follow each principle everyday, it will be so ingrained in you that it would be second-nature. 

So, with that said, I give this book 3.5 paper cranes. Why paper cranes? Because the cover is that of an origami crane. I know of a story wherein if you make a thousand paper cranes, whatever you wish for will come true. I think this story also symbolizes what this book stands for. That if you practice to be better everyday, then nothing is going to stop you from achieving your goals, reaching your dreams and be the best of what you can be. No one becomes a champion overnight. Constant practice is the key. Practice makes perfect. Everything good and fulfilling comes with hard work.

Thanks again, Inte and Chiara Alfonso and Goodreads for the book.  

Blood Rose by Danielle Rose | ARC | A Book Review

It's Monday again and March has just ended. Another month is here. Another new beginning, another chance to start over, just like this story. The main character is in a way forced to leave home and start over in a way far different from what she knew. She had to live and trust strangers because the worst thing happened. She had become what she hunted and loathed the most.

Guessing from the title, you wouldn't think this is a paranormal story but the cover does say that it is. With that ball of light, it's kind of a giveaway, right? The main character, Avah, was the chosen one of her people. She was supposed to lead and be the most powerful witch. One who can master all the elements but that changed. And now, she felt so alone and abandoned by her family. Cast out because she failed them. Now, she's forced to live like the people she was born to destroy and she's one of them now. There's no turning back. What a cruel fate, right?

Yes, this book is another vampire versus witches story but what sets it apart is the part that Avah could still be the chosen one of her people. She could still be what she was meant to be. Only now, she's got a boost. She's a better version of herself even if it's not what she wanted. She had to live and the choice presented itself, so she took it. I guess, this is just how her life is meant to be. This is how fate wanted it to be and she had to learn the new way to live to prove to her family that she's still the same though physically she's not anymore. 

There are a lot of surprises in this story. Even the ending was a surprise and it explained the title which to me is a revelation in itself.  How Avah's character had to grow here is very interesting. How she had to embrace a new way of life yet still feel like she could still be her old self and tap into those abilities is very important. The core of her being, her essence, is still there and that's what makes her so dangerous and deadly. As I have said, she got a boost and now her abilities as a witch just got intensified and amplified. 

This is a very interesting and engaging start to a very intense series. Avah's character transformation alone is already very powerful and this book just started. What more could it offer in the next installment? What revelations could it still unravel? Yes, I am expecting to be blown away in the next book. I expect the same intensity, if not, more. From here on, I don't know how the story would go or turn. I can't get a glimpse of the mind of the author. This is beyond me. My detection abilities don't work here as much as reading a thriller or a suspense. This is supernatural and there are a lot variables here. Any minute, a new character could be introduced and my theories would all be undone. That is if I have one and I don't. I am working blank here and I look forward to be surprised and amazed in the next adventures of Avah and her new found friends.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 very red roses, as red as pulsating blood. Thanks again, Oftomes Publishing and Danielle Rose, for the ARC. Sorry for the delayed review. I've read this late of 2017, a few days or weeks before this was released but I was not able to post a review right away. I know it's very late but here it is. I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much!

All I want is to take this fragile part of you that you so generously share with the world and protect it. Shade it from the sun yet hide it from darkness.

- Danielle Rose, Blood Rose -

The Emergent Threat (War Eternal #2) by J. F. Cain | A Book Review

I've read this way back in July last year. Yes, I know. It took quite a while to write the review. As I've mentioned in one of my posts here, reading has never been a problem for me. It's the writing of the review that takes time. It's a bit of a process for me. Sometimes, I need to be in the mood to be able to come up with a really objective review. I just don't want to throw words out there. It had to be representative of what I feel and what feelings the story drew out from me. Sometimes, even if I intended to write a review for a particular book, I ended up writing a post for another one. Again, it's the mood. Sometimes the mood I'm in is not conducive or does not facilitate the writing of the review of a particular book. 

Right now, I'm not in any particular mood, so I think I can go ahead and finish this review. Alex and Aranes. These two are beings that have been with each other for years or maybe centuries. The only problem now is Alex can't remember his past or how he is related to Aranes. What he does remember is he's drawn to Aranes helplessly. 

This story continues the battle between good and evil. Here, Alex is starting to remember his past and why he's now on earth. What he's supposed to be and what's his role in the overall scheme of things. Aranes gave up everything for him and now he must do the same for her and to make sure that Lucifer does not succeed in his plans of dominion over heaven and earth. There are a lot more revelations here. Some are a bit disappointing because it may seem like Lucifer got the upper hand. The same way as the other characters were surprised by the revelations, I was too. 

One other notable character in the story which I think seems to be a wild card when you look at the bigger picture is the fallen commander of the Powers- Abriel. I am not really sure where his loyalties lay. I think he may still be playing the field. I think he has something up his sleeve which is probably the real reason why he's currently in Lucifer's lair. I'm going to go ballistic if this theory ever comes true.

So, there's a lot of things to look forward to in the next book. I can't wait to see what will happen next. A lot of things is going on and it seems that some of Lucifer's minions may have their own agenda. Of course, they're evil, they each had to look out for their own hides. Their selfish desires will always come before whatever Lucifer's main goal is. With that said, I give this book 4.5/5 pairs of black wings, reminiscent of Abaddon. I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to have more. I didn't like ending in this installment. It bodes for very dark things to come. But then again, I'm still rooting for the good angels to defeat the darkness. Just like how St. Michael's is represented in his statue - holding down Lucifer at his feet, defeated. I'm hoping in this series, it would be Abaddon who's going to rip Lucifer apart again. Just like in their previous encounters. 

Thanks again, J. F. Cain for the review copy. I'm really sorry for the delayed review. Thank you so much for your patience. 

Good On Paper by Jennifer Millikin | ARC | A Book Review

★★ AVAILABLE NOW! ★★

GOOD ON PAPER by Jennifer Millikin is live! 

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $𝟐.𝟗𝟗 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲!)  

➣ Amazon

➣ Nook

➣ Apple 

➣ Kobo

Natalie Shay never imagined a day like this would come. She did what she was supposed to do: graduate college and marry her handsome, popular college sweetheart. With the ink still drying on their divorce papers, Natalie tries to move on from an ending she thought would be happy. 

When she feels a spark with her stubborn, charming best friend Aidan Costa, Natalie's life becomes even more unrecognizable. Aidan has been her best friend for years, stood beside her when she got married, and has a notorious aversion to relationships. As confusion and denial overwhelm them, their spark grows. 

Held back by a secret he has been keeping his whole life, Aidan decides to ignore his feelings for Natalie. Natalie's discovery of his secret pushes them past the boundaries they've carefully constructed around their friendship. 

For Natalie, this could be a second chance at her happily ever after. But when a person from Aidan's past reappears, everything he has built with Natalie is threatened.

Of all the books of Jennifer  Millikin that I've read, this is probably the lightest. I've read two other books of the author which squeezed my heart dry. This one, started out sad but there were a lot of funny and sweet moments along the way. And true enough, Aidan is the epitome of a male  best friend. He would do anything for Nat. Everything. I ended up wishing Aidan were mine.

Natalie. I never felt sorry for her divorcing her husband. It's a relief that finally she's free of the situation that's slowly killing her. I think what broke her heart most was the fact that she chose the wrong person. A  person who's only good for the time being but not for the long haul. She was blinded by the physical and the superficial qualities of Henry that she  never  actually took a deep examination of what she really needs. She was too hang up on not ending up like her parents that she  forgot to see what's really important. That love is beyond the physical. It encompasses beyond what could be seen and touched. That love is far beyond physical chemistry or sexual compatibility. It's so much more. Love should be felt to the farthest nerve endings and to the deepest marrow of our bones. It should be able to transcend all the physical, emotional and mental barriers. If you really love the person, you  embrace all of him/her, including all the baggage and what else. 

Having a best friend is like having one soul in two bodies. That's why it's no wonder that a lot of best friends end up with each other. It's inevitable. It's like the most natural thing. The same thing with Nat and Aidan. No matter how they try to ignore their feelings for each other, it's going to manifest and takeover. And they were powerless to stop it. 

Aidan. When he said that he doesn't believe in love, I didn't believe him. I know deep down that he still does. He was just waiting for it to finally happen to him. He was waiting for someone or Nat to prove him wrong. To prove him that you don't  choose love, it chooses you. That's why you have to do even the impossible and the improbable just to heed it. And that's exactly what happened to both of them. More so with Aidan, because he was so confused on what to do about his feelings. He was in denial that he's capable of loving nor a love like he feels for Nat is possible. 

What I really love about the story is  Aidan  being the absolute example of a male best friend. He's always there for Nat. He knows Nat completely. He knows how Nat's mind works. He knows what could make Nat feel better and he's also honest when Nat needs a doze of reality. Their relationship or friendship should be everyone's relationship goal. 

On the flip side, I think Aidan's idea of love is a bit simplistic which I also get. To Aidan, love should be two-way. It shouldn't make one sacrifice for the other. There should be no compromise. It should be win-win, like one of the 7 Habits by  Stephen Covey says. Like what his mom said, "Because you love the person, you would do anything to make him happy. " But then again, at what expense? I think this is the part which Aidan did not get and why lie? To him, love shouldn't be complicated. But in reality, it's not always that simple. 

With that said, I was so happy and relieved that these two finally realized what they're missing and what they badly need - each other. Not just as best friends but partners for life. So, though I was expecting to have my heart broken and cry buckets, which did not happen, I still had a good time reading this. Like I've said, I was psyched to breakdown and then be put back up because that's usually how Jennifer Millikin's stories are like. But still, this is a really good story. It's a feel good story. A deviation from her usual but still very good. I just probably needed a good cry so I was hoping this one will make me. But no tears were shed but I'm still a happy camper. 

I give this 4/5 reams of paper. The lesson learned from this story is be wary of those people who appear perfect or good in paper, because that's just they are - good only in paper. When it comes to scrutiny and going beyond, they won't pass. No matter how perfect they look on the outside but if the inside is hollow, there's never going to be anything you can do to fill that or improve what's beyond repair.

I had a hard time deciding what quote to put here. I have highlighted a lot as there were so many nuggets of wisdom here. If I could put them all in here, I would. But these are the ones that really really speak to me: 

What I do know is every single person has a tapestry. And every tapestry looks different. Some tapestries will have four or even five marriages. Some will only have one, or none. Who's to say which one is better? Who's to say that either one of them is bad?

Sometimes, the very best in life is what's taking place in the background while we are busy focusing on what we think is right for us.

- Jennifer Millikin, Good On Paper - 

Thanks again, Jessica Estep  of InkslingerPR and Jennifer Millikin, for the ARC. 

Jennifer Millikin is a contemporary fiction author of five full-length novels and a contributor for Scottsdale Moms Blog. When she isn't writing she can be found cooking, hiking, or in downward dog.

Website | Facebook | Twitter |Instagram | Goodreads |Amazon | Bookbub|Reader Group