Starfish (Starfish #1) by Lisa Becker | A Book Review

Lisa Becker is another author who sends me messages on Instagram every time she has a new book. I readily agree to read and review her books because they're always fun and delightful to read. Her characters are very real which most readers could relate with. 

Starfish is a rock star romance as described on the cover. I am not sure why but I really love reading rock star romances. I guess, it's a hidden fantasy of mine to end up with a rock star or some celebrity. I do have a few in mind. It's a situation akin to shooting for the moon but then what would you know? There are a lot of ordinary people who are married to rock stars and popular icons. Who knows, right? I am still single. What are the chances that I would actually end up with my favorite Korean drama actor? Dream on. Anyone can dream, right? Dreaming is free anyway.  Calling Lee Jae Yoon, Lee Dong Wook, Jung Il Woo.

Talking about rock stars, I've always had a crush on Alex Band of The Calling, Jason Wade of Lifehouse and Danny O'Donoghue of The Script. Aside from the fact that I love their songs and they're very talented, these guys are good for the eyes too. I've just started getting into K-pop too. Yes, I know, a bit late but I'm catching up. I really love CNBlue. I love alternative rock and their songs sound like that though they identify themselves as more of a pop rock band. I am so impressed by Jung Yong Hwa's ability to entertain and engage the audience in their concerts. He comes up with these ideas like playing the drums and have the other members do other things too. I would love to watch them play live if they ever come here to the Philippines. Jung Yong Hwa are you hearing this? I am actually listening to CNBlue while writing this review.

This is a story of Brad and Marin. Brad, obviously is the rock star. Marin is the ambitious intern who dreams of working for a big tech firm. Unfortunately, she ends up getting a four-month internship as the PR of a rock band who is hailed to be the next big thing - the Kings Quarters. I think Marin's job of being a PR girl for the Kings Quarters actually sounds incredible. Going on tour with the band is like a dream come true, right? I wouldn't refuse if I were presented with a rare opportunity as that. Aside from it being a new experience, it's also interesting to know if all the myths and popular beliefs about how the rich and famous live and breath would be true. I would take it as an in-depth investigation or an immersion. But not Marin, she wasn't very thrilled with the assignment. 

What I love most about the story is how Marin proved that she can be really good at her job. Yes, it wasn't what she really wanted but she ended up enjoying it even though it was a challenge at first, especially with the band members. In the end, she proved to be so valuable and essential to the existence of the band. Not to mention, she got close to the band members and yes, fell in love too. 

Brad is a very interesting lead male character. I find it refreshing to meet someone who would rather do coding on a computer than be in the limelight being a rock star. He'd rather have his inner nerd shine than bask in the fame and limelight. It's very humble and very endearing. Very few people would give up being popular than enjoy peace and quiet. It's very rare to find someone like that especially in this age of social media. Every one wants to be popular or want to go viral. Every one wants to take a shot at being an instant celebrity at any expense. 

This story tells of behind-the-scenes activities of what rock bands are famous for - yes, sex, drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, not all of the members enjoy all that. Some have grown tired of it. Some have outgrown it. Some just wouldn't grow up hence, the after parties are still a must. Of course, you can't exclude the people who want to take a bite of the popularity of the band and use it to their benefit. There's jealousy and intrigue and all other dramas too. 

I give this book 4/5 beanboozled jelly beans. This was a very fun read. It's like reading the real lives of rock stars with all the things that come with fame and money. It's not all that glorious as we are all made to believe. There could be conflicts and most of the time, not all bands are actually allowed to write the songs they want to write. Most of them have to conform to some marketing idea or branding image they have to portray. Yes, it's all about the money. This made me think about how western bands are way different from Korean pop or music idols. Korean pop idol aspirants have to train for years before they debut. A K-pop band or group has to live together in a dorm to develop team work among members. The size of the dorm would indicate how the group is doing. If they just started, they would be sharing a very modest or even a cramped space. They also have go through a lot and I guess, that keeps them grounded. Just like BTS, they were the underdogs. They were often bullied in reality shows they guest in when they first started. But look at them now. They endured all that and remained focused on their goal. They were the first ever Korean or Asian band to make it to the Billboards. It's probably one of the reasons why the ARMY would die for them because they've given their all (meaning they worked hard with no hanky-panky or no shortcuts) just to get to where they are now, yet remained humble. They don't feel so entitled as what some celebrities are. Sometimes they even forget they're celebrities. And yes, I like BTS. I root for them. Aside from being talented, they're also just ordinary people who worked hard to achieve their dreams yet never forgetting where they came from. 

When you feel like you can't go on, like there's nothing there for you...

Just remember: Laundry. Laundry is always there.

- Lisa Becker, Starfish -  

Thank you again, Lisa Becker for the review copy. I will be posting reviews soon for the other books you gave me. 

Other books by Lisa Becker: 

Clutch

The Subway Girl

Dear Future Self (review coming soon)

Links (review coming soon)

Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) by Laura Barnard | ARC | A Book Review

Every time Laura Barnard has a new book coming out or she wants to relaunch one of her books, she always sends me a message through Instagram and asks if I want to be a part of the launch or review the book. I always say yes because her stories are always hilarious and the characters are very real and imperfect. I find some of her characters irritating at first and then you will end up rooting for them. There was one story where I wasn't sure if I liked the main character but I really enjoyed the whole book which actually speaks a lot about the ability of the author to keep her audience. So, I was just thrilled when she asked me again to read and review this book. Excess Baggage was released August 18, 2020.

This book is another one with a very clumsy and imperfect main character in it. Erica is far from being perfect. I think she has the misfortune of always embarrassing herself in front of the guy she likes. The situations she gets herself into are the stuff that would mostly go viral on the internet if they were caught on camera that should never see the light of day. Yes, I feel so sorry for her every time this happens. Her character reminds me of Lindsay Lohan's character in 'Just My Luck. '

This is a second chance romance every one would wish would happen in their life except for the accidents that happen to Erica. She's like an accident magnet which reminds me of one of my bestfriends who happen to fall most of the time. At least, my friend only got scratches and a little blood here and there. Unlike Erica whose minor accidents are pictures you can't un-see.

This story had me thinking if I like Erica's character at all. I am not sure but I sure do wish she'd end up with Jack. I think Erica's character wasn't so striking except for holding her head high every after embarrassing situation she's into. But aside from that, I don't find a lot of other things endearing in her character. This story is at times hilarious but it came to a point where it felt predictable, especially where Erica is involved. I would most likely could tell when something embarrassing would happen to her again. 

I give this story 2.75/5 loosely tied bikini tops.  Though the story is very easy to read and you would want to finish it in one reading, I felt it to be so predictable. Of all the stories of Barnard that I've read, this is probably the less engaging of all. I wasn't so taken with the story. There were very few points of interest that would make you wonder what's going on like what Jack's hiding. But other than that, you pretty much would know how the story would end or when Erica would humiliate herself again. So, this was okay but I've read her other stories and they were more entertaining and delightful than this one. I would have given this a lower rating but I remember there were some parts, though very few, that had me curious. Jack's character is also a saving grace for this story. He's everything you would want in a guy and he's very protective and patient with Erica. I am glad that his feelings for Erica is as sure as the next moment Erica will embarrass herself. Realizing this was the first book in the series, and I've read book three, is I guess a good thing. Bagging Alice, book three, is way more hilarious and more fun to read. I like the cover of this book though. 

All I know is that the butterflies that have been lying dormant in my stomach have come back to life, flying around screaming 'He's here! He's here!'

- Laura Barnard, Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) - 

Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the advanced review copy. I look forward to reading your other books. 

Other books by Laura Barnard: 

Bagging Alice (Babes of Brighton #3)

The Debt and the Doormat (The Debt and the Doormat #1)

Angels' Whispers (War Eternal #1) by J. F. Cain | A Book Review

I've always been fascinated with Angels. There was even a point in my life where I was bordering on obsessed with them. I collected angel figurines and even read a lot of books on them. I even had a notebook where I had notes about them. I listed the names of the most popular angels, their special characteristics and what they can do. I also noted those very unique names so I could use them to name my kids. I still have that notebook until now. No kids still though. So, when the author reached out to me through the contact form on my blog last October 2017 asking me to review his book, I agreed without thinking. It's about angels, there's no way I'm going to pass that opportunity. Just so know you also, I had bought and read books on fallen angels by Lauren Kate and Becca Fizpatrick and I have ebooks for Thomas E. Sniegoski's fallen angels books too. Yes. Not too obvious that I am a great fan of angels and their stories. I am a believer too that these heavenly and otherworldly beings exist. I have a few experiences which in a way could be attributed to their interventions. 

Angels' Whispers. This story is a classic good versus evil. Here the unending battle between good and evil is showcased. This reminds me of scenes in the movies when a person is caught in a moral dilemma and he has to make a very significant decision. He's pictured with an angel on his right whispering him to do the right thing. Period! While on his left, the devil could not be outsmarted. He's whispering what the opposite decision would give the man. He's trying to buy him with material things, power, or a mighty boost to the man's ego, or all of the above. A lot of the same scenes are pictured out in this story. The only difference is, the devil or the angel picks a person they can influence. Obviously, those with thoughts and deeds that are leaning on the bad side are picked by the devil. Honestly, the devil doesn't have to do much. He just have to whisper what benefits will come out of it to inflate the man's ego or add to his wealth. The person succumbs just easily. The devil and his cohorts know that they only need to play with the man's selfish needs and desires and it's a done deal. No resistance at all. On the other side, the angels also take interests in humans who are trying so hard to do good. These charges are still susceptible to the devils persuasion but the angels make sure that their hold on their charges are as solid. Especially, if their charge is going to play an important role in the overall scheme of the good versus evil scenario.

Alex Mayer, the center of the Superior of the Angels' attention. Aranes was tasked to take a close guard on Alex. And then, Aranes broke the most sacred rule of all when she saved Alex' life after an avalanche. And the most confusing thing of all, it seems like the Eternal Source is also taking a very special interest in Alex and Aranes is yet to find out. What could be very special about Alex? Aranes vows to uncover that mystery.

This is a very good start to a very intriguing and captivating series. As I have said, I have read books about angels, both fallen and not. And this book is not anywhere the same or a repeat of those stories. Of course, you can't roll out the part where these heavenly beings fall in love too. But apart from that and the age old war between light and darkness, nothing else in this story is anything I have heard before. One aspect that I really like is Aranes being the leader of all the Angels. Even higher than Michael (my guardian angel), Raphael or even Gabriel. I totally am thrilled with the author championing women empowerment here. Yes. Aranes, a woman, leads all the heavenly hosts and she's very close to the Eternal Source. Very close in fact, that breaking the most important rule in the book had not lost her title and power. She knows something very big and important is going on and she needs to get to the bottom of it. She will need to do her own research since the heavenly sources and archives are not going to reveal the answers to her. 

Aside from the host of angels and demons mentioned here, other supernatural creatures are also in this story. There are werewolves and vampires also. It seemed like these two mortal enemies are also gearing up for war, just like the angels and the demons. These creatures have also chosen which side they are on. There's more too. It seemed that these creatures too are out to get the humans. So, the humans are not only in danger of the devils unflinching influence but also in mortal danger from the vampires and maybe the werewolves. Ah, the plot just keeps on getting thicker. 

I was really hooked to this story. Not to mention, the really paralyzing suspense and that some characters are not exactly what they are. I also liked how the tension, the push and pull, the undeniable chemistry and the strong connection between Aranes and Alex was set to play. I too was caught up in Aranes' dilemma. If I were in her shoes would I succumbed to these feelings that I thought I was immune to or was not supposed to feel toward my charge or would I fight it to the last inch of my power and strength? Or even give up everything for it? But then, it also raises the most controversial question. If God is love, then aren't angels allowed to love too? This question is one of the most important elements in this story. It explores its implications and maybe the consequences for the angels if they ever happen to fall prey to this most and greatest of all human characteristic. I simply relish this part of the story. 

This story reminds me of the movie "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan. So, if an angel falls in love with a human, does that mean it would be the cause of downfall? We have yet to find out. That question is yet to be answered and the story is just starting. And that is not the only concern here, even more pressing is the impending great war between light and darkness. Lucifer is adamant that he takes over the heavens and be the superior ruler. Or, that there might just be hope for him. Maybe he can still go back to the fold of the righteous and bask in the light again. That aspect of Lucifer's situation is a prospect that seems to just hold a very very tiny glimmer of hope. The story hinted that. Oh, I would love to see that happen--Lucifer becoming an instrument of good again. After all, he was once the greatest of God's army. His hubris-- he thought could be greater than God. In a way, he got what he wanted. He's the king of darkness now, yet there seems to be a part of him that seems to be not at peace with it. I hope these things get cleared in the next book.

I give this 5/5 pairs of angels wings. I was totally captivated by this story. It's an altogether different examination and unearthing of these enigmatic beings. It's another version of the exploration into the ever waging war between light and darkness with the fate of the humans in the midst. I am looking forward to the sequels of this book and I am sure, they are not to be missed. I guess, I'll never outgrow my fascination with angels if stories like these are always going to end up in my hands. I really hope not. I am going to remain just as ever fascinated by new stories about angels. Thank you again, J. F. Cain. I genuinely ate up this story. And yes, I admit. I feel sorry for not having read this sooner. Please forgive me. I think Aranes is whispering that you should let this slight pass.

Noting was more important than that unparalleled moment when love revealed its power. The power that defines everything, that takes away all your choices and makes you find the strength to go up against mighty forces.

- J. F. Cain, Angels' Whispers - 

Thanks again, J. F. Cain for the copy.

Pen and Xander by Laekam Zea Kemp | A Book Review

Hey, there. March is almost ending but I have yet to write my reviews. In fact, this is going to be my first one for the month. A lot has been going on and I have been going through a lot of crazy emotions and also not just from books but from what's been happening in my life. I hope everything turns out to be how I wish them to be. I'm still waiting and it's out of my control and the only thing I can do is pray. A little bit of crazy is good sometimes and it somehow made me feel how it is to be truly alive. I just hope things will turn in my favor. Aside from some sprinkle of craziness happening in my real life, that craziness has gotten to my bookworm life as well. I signed up to be listed in the bookbloggerlist.com and I just got accepted this month. To my utter surprise, I've been getting a lot of review requests from authors. I've been bombarded actually, which is really nice and good for my self-esteem. I know a need a lot of boost. Anyway, I can't find it to deny anyone, so I just accepted them but setting expectations that I may not be able to review their books within the next three months but I will try. So, the rest of the year has been spelled out for me. It's going to be fun getting to meet these new authors and be introduced to new worlds and characters. I just love being a bookworm! The free books are all I live for.

So, Pen and Xander. I got this one from Xpressobooktours.com. This site is one of my go to sites to get books for free. Giselle the owner of the site has a varied and interesting mix of books up for review. I usually check out her site if I feel like I need to find a hot new book. Pen and Xander is just one of the two that I signed up for. Then last February, the author herself reached out to me and asked me to review and do a post for her book. I don't know how she found me but she sent me a message through the contact us form of this blog. So long story short, I agreed to do a post for the giveaway blast and here comes the review.

I think I signed up for this book because of the title. Yes, titles always get to me. It's the first thing that I notice and then, that's when I read the blurbs. This one I think appealed to me because of food. There's a lot of food involved in this story and obviously, I love food. I call myself a frustrated chef. Not because I can't cook but because I'm a chef-in-progress. I would like to be a really good pastry chef without having to go to a cooking school or any formal training. So far, what I learned about cooking are from watching shows, practicing on recipes I got online, tips from friends and family. My father is a really good cook. I think I might have gotten from him the ability or skill (I'm not sure yet what to call it yet) to throw in whatever ingredients available in the pantry and make something. I'm proud to say, I have quite a few very creative and delicious adventures through that. And  basically, this story connected to that part of me, especially the part about wanting to be a pastry chef. Pastries are my weakness. A ketogenic diet would never work for me. I can't forgo pastries.

Pen and Xander are both children of immigrants. Penelope Prado loves to cook. Taking over her father's restaurant is all she ever wants in her life but her father doesn't want that. Pen could not understand why. She has done everything for the restaurant. The items she had put on the menu are bestsellers but her dad seems to not appreciate that. Xander is a teenager with a load of abandonment issues. He grew up with his grandpa and the memories of his mom and dad leaving him kept haunting him, even in his waking hours. It consumed his existence and is even the reason why he has strayed and got involved with really nasty people. His need for love and family has gotten him in really sticky situations that only few got out alive.

This is a very relatable story, for lack of a better word. I am not an immigrant but it speaks so much of the minority of the people in the US, especially the Latinos and Asians. If I were to migrate to the US, then I would be part of this minority and would definitely be part of the people in this story. So, it was so easy for me to get into their shoes and feel a connection to the characters. Pen is an exact example of what every daughter wants or longs for. A daughter who needs approval, a daughter who needs to be seen for what she can do and not for what she can't do. A person who longs to be seen as an adult and not some 6-year old who never grew up in front of her father's eyes. As it turned out, there was a reason why his dad didn't want her to take over the restaurant. But after finding out what it was, I think it was a valid reason in her father's perspective. He doesn't want that life for Pen but I think, Pen is a strong girl and is bound to be a very strong woman and adult. I think she has it in her to take on the cares, the demands and the responsibilities that came with the restaurant. I know Mr. Prado's denial of Pen's most dire wish sprung out of his great love for his daughter. But I think it was unfair of him to think that just because Pen is a girl, she would not be as strong as her brother to take on the heavy load of the restaurant. For me, not only sons can be Atlas. Daughters are Amazons and we can be anything we want to be. Our muscles may not be bigger and stronger but our hearts are and we work smarter too.

The story is a very genuine reflection of the life of some of immigrants in the US. How they survive each day in a neighborhood they try to call home. How everyday is a literal survival of the fittest and they live by each day's pay. This is a very touching glimpse of what a lot of us know but refuse to acknowledge. And how a lot of brave people like Mr. Prado have tried to do something in order to help the community. Yes, I didn't agree with Mr. Prado's decision to not let Pen take over the restaurant but Mr. Prado is every inch a very compassionate man. It's both his strength and his downfall. But I see it more of his strength. It is what makes him every bit a hero to the immigrant community in this story. I could never fault him there. 

Alejandro Amaro or Xander is a good kid who has gone astray but was fortunate enough to find angels like Officer Solis and Mr. Prado. Xander is hungry for love and attention from his parents who left him and sought it out somewhere and ended up finding it in the wrong place and in the wrong person. It took an Officer Solis to make hims see the truth and that he can live a different life. He deserves a second, third and every chance he's got because like everybody else he's a victim. Xander realized that  anyone can have a life and family that doesn't need him to prove his worth or do something to prove his loyalty in ways against his good nature. He was able to find people who were in the same dirt hole with him and have managed to change their lives. So, there's still hope for him.

Pen and Xander are two souls that needed each other. They are both imperfect people who needed each other to show that they are both strong on their own. I so love what Xander did for Pen. Yes, it is truly a grand and selfless gesture. He only wanted to show Pen how much he cares for her. Pen in turn did what she thinks could make Xander happy. His most ardent wish. Yes, a happy ending but it was even sweeter because of what each character had to go through. This isn't just some sweet and cute love story but a story of how a family had to stay together and survive the most trying of times. Even building their hopes and dreams back up from the ashes.

I just love the story. Everyone reading this story could find themselves either in Pen, Xander, Angel, or Mr. Prado. Each character could be any living person going through something right now. I could perfectly fit into Pen's apron. Just like every daughter wanting to be seen as someone capable and responsible. The reality is some parents refuse to accept that their children grow up and have to learn things on their own. They wanted to spare us from some things but then, they also deprive us of that opportunity to rise up and be the best of what we can be. We have to make our own decisions and the world now is far more different than what they have experienced. Things have changed and to keep up, we have to evolve too. How we see things and how we approach things are going to be a bit or if not totally different than how they were in their time. What's important is that our values don't change. 

I give the book 5/5 delectable and mouth-watering coconut cakes. Just like every triumph and success after every known hardship and experience, this story has all of that.  Including a mix of characters that add flavor and sweetness to it. This is a very relevant, touching, sweet and entertaining story that had squeezed and inflated my heart. Love in all its forms and that family, regardless of the fact that we share the same blood type or not, means loyalty and sometimes betraying yourself to do what's good for that family can be the best thing. 

That I could be easily manipulated into thinking that pain is some sick form of love.

The depression had wilted me like a hot flame over a flower, making me malleable, and while the medication the doctor prescribed reshaped the neurons in my brain, my father's fears reshaped the structure of my heart.

- Laekam Zea Kemp, Pen and Xander - 

Thank you again, xpressobooktours and Laekam Zea Kemp for the copy.

Melody's Key by Dallas Coryell | A Book Review

The author reached out to me via Instagram and asked me if I wanted to review his book and I agreed. I don't think I have ever refused any author who approached me to review their book. You don't refuse an offer of a free book. It's such an honor for me to be noticed and offered a rare opportunity. Sometimes I am surprised how some of these authors find me. This blog has been in existence for 2 years. I started this January of 2016. I don't expect to be able to reach a lot of people. I only wanted to do this because it has been something that I wanted to do for a long time. This is also a medium of expression for me for bottled up thoughts, etc.  I am happy that so far, this has been doing good and that in some way, I have helped some authors get their book across to some of the people who happen to read this blog. Thank you everyone and I will continue to write reviews in spite of all the challenges, whether time or other things happening in my personal life. This has been one of the best things I have ever done and it has helped me more than I have helped the authors or anyone else through this blog.

Melody's Key. The picture seems a little eerie actually because of the vintage effect. For me, it somehow hinted of a horror or suspense story, if I were to judge the cover. But then again, as always, don't judge a book by its cover. This is a love story actually which I find to be most enjoyable. Very fun and a feel good story that brightens up your mood, if ever you're in a foul one. If feel like you need a pick me up, this book is for you. 

Tegan Lockwood. I think Tegan is such a cute name for a girl which also denotes strength. Though, Freckles is a very cute name too. For me, a girl named Tegan would surely be a girl with a strong personality and conviction. And the heroine of this story is exactly just that. Strong and selfless. She was supposed to go to Columbia for college but she decided to put it off to help her family run the family business to help pay off their debts. If you think about it, Tegan seems like a martyr but not really. I think she just loves her family so much and is just practical. She doesn't think they can afford yet to support her study in the US. Lockwood Manor is in England and it hosts vacationeers during summer. So, flying to New York to study is an  expensive expense the Lockwoods could not afford right now. They are up to their necks in their debts.

Tegan's ordinary and boring existence was disturbed when the famous American pop star, Mason Keane, with a widely known reputation for charming the ladies, a party animal and a big spender stayed in the manor incognito. Their first meeting was hilarious. It was in a way a meet cute only to the observer. These two batted heads on. Tegan confirmed her beliefs that Mason Keane was no good and she should just avoid him altogether. But that was not how to be.

How Tegan and Mason's friendship developed was hilarious and cute. Mason proved to Tegan he wasn't what social media purports him to be, yet Tegan still continue to refuse the evidence that were obviously staring her in the face. Their exchanges are often hilarious and full of references to movies, etc. As their relationships progressed, their conversations were filled with innuendos which are still hilarious as they get to know each other more. 

Mason probably represents a lot of celebrities that are not exactly what their reputation led to believe. How an artist or an actor is package or marketed to the public is not exactly his real personality. Like Mason, how he ended up a pop star when he hates his own songs. He only sang the songs but he never wrote them. If only he could sing his own compositions. 

As this story is written by a musician, it gives the readers a glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry. So, no wonder why some very popular celebrities just couldn't handle the fame and all the things that came with it. Simply because, it's not all glamorous as we are all made to believe. How many celebrities have we heard have overdosed on drugs or have gone out of control? Yes, they may seem like they have expensive and designer things and go to the hottest parties but are they really happy with their lifestyles? Are they exactly doing what they really want to do? Not everyone. And like this story, Mason Keane is one.

Mason is definitely a manicorn. A rare breed of a passionate, a gentleman and thoughtful person. What he did to help the Lockwood's was more than generous. He did everything he can because only the Lockwood's made him feel like he is part of the family and helped him  find the clarity that he has been looking for. They saw him as the real Mason Keane, the person, not the pop star. His short stay in the manor put things in perspective and made him feel alive again.

One other aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was the bit about the history of the manor and the love story of one of Tegan's ancestors. It was a really nice touch to the story. It added depth and mystery to the story. It is probably one aspect which made the story different from all the other girl-meets-famous-boy-and-fall-in-love story. It somehow added that quality that will make you take the story seriously and not just stereotype it as another unmemorable romance story to join the rest of the pile. With the Lockwood Manor and estate as the backdrop, somehow added a very good setting for the story where a lot of unexpected things can happen. So, another point for the author for that. 

I give this 4/5 skeleton keys. I obviously enjoyed the story. Not just the love story but its entirety. The setting, the historical background and the witty and hilarious dialogs. Not to mention, the supporting characters were given enough exposure to at least give the readers enough details to be able to picture and know the personality of those characters. Tegan's family and friends were an interesting mixture of personalities that contributed to the making this story different from the rest. I would always remember this story not with eerie cover but how it made me forget the worries of the world for a while. And Tegan is definitely one very memorable character with her very unusual name and a feisty personality to match. I would always remember this book as fun, though there were fights, misunderstandings, Tegan's battles and insecurities and all of the Lockwood's struggles. The positivity and the bond of this family eclipsed all the other sad things. What I would always remember were the hilarious episodes and all the teasing. Thank you Dallas Coryell for the opportunity to read this story. It's been a real pleasure.

Therefore I shall call you Lady Freckles McDermot of the Canterbury Gardens, Duchess of the Privy Seal and Holder of the Golden Chalice of Truth...or Freckles.

- Dallas Coryell, Melody's Key - 

Dallas Coryell is a musician and author residing deep in the untamed wilds of Michigan, USA, where he desperately attempts to assign meaning to his world through bouts of maniacal creative catharsis and pitifully doomed hopeless romantic fantasies. All of the songs written by the characters in this novel are real and can be viewed on the author’s fledgling YouTube channel. Selfies and other assorted randomness can be found on the author’s Instagram.

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Heritage (Transcend #1) by Addie Hunter | A Book Review

Heritage was released on March 30 of this year and spent the first week in the Top 50 for Superhero Fiction on Amazon. 

"Arhaus, Nevada is a small town on I-70 that currently has more superheroes than trees.

After an accident in the summer of 2012, six teens gain superhuman abilities and quickly decide to put them to good use and become heroes in a world that's since lost its good opinion of people with abilities. As if that weren't enough trouble trying to keep their powers hidden from their friends and family, they're going into their senior year of high school.

Strange symbols begin appearing all around town, a new kid moves in, someone threatens to bomb the news building, and Dave still can't find a date to his senior homecoming. Blaise hopes that they can figure out who keeps setting all these fires, and Kat just wants to graduate in one piece.

The first novel in the Transcend series, Heritage sets up a universe full of the supernatural, following the lives of six friends as they begin to find out the world is much bigger than it once seemed."

This book also came by the Contact Us link of this blog. The author said she found me on a recommended reviewers forum. It's flattering to know that I am sort of one of the recommended reviewers. Whatever forum that is, thank you. I strive in making my reviews as objective and honest as possible. This blog was first created just as a self-expression and to help tide me over a period of unemployment. This blog would turn two in January and I am thankful and proud that I have helped a few authors get their books known to a few people who bothered to read this blog. Now, I realized that is just what I wanted to do with this blog--to help all authors, in whatever way possible to spread a word about their books. This has become a lifestyle for me and I don't think I will have or will ever survived the long days of waiting and stewing of whatever is in store for me if not for those countless books that have come my way. The stewing and waiting is still on going and I hope that wherever this life takes me, books will be there to comfort and make things bearable. Thank God for books and for authors who never run out of ideas to make them.

Just by looking at the title, you would never guess that this book is about superheroes. Yes, not just one hero but a lot of them. Yes, this is like Marve'ls The Avengers or DC's Justice League. The only difference is that these superheroes are teenagers and they are all in one town--Arhaus, Nevada.

I never thought there could be too many superheroes in one place. It was fascinating. At least, they would never feel like Superman, overwhelmed by too many people to help or too many crimes to solve. They would never feel overworked by putting out too many fires. And isn't it nice to have a backup? If Superman gets hurt or needs help, who would save Superman, right? Well, at least here, there will be others who will be able to save the day.

There are two groups of teenage superheroes--a group of boys and a group of girls. Both have three members each. Each group does not know the real identities of the other. At the start, there seemed like a rivalry between the two groups, but then they found themselves always at the same crime scene. In the end, they found that it would be to their advantage if they helped each other out. Aside from that, it seemed that the boys were smitten by the girls.

I never expected that I would enjoy this story of teenage superheroes. Along with saving damsels and hapless victims from any lawless criminals or unfortunate events, these superheroes had to be daughters and sons with family problems, friends who need to console or help out another friend. In short, they are like all other normal teenagers going through a bad hair day. Yes, this also reminded of the Power Puff Girls. Young heroes who had to rise up to the challenge and sweep in to get rid of their town's criminals and save those who needed help.

I give this book 4/5 superhero masks. These unlikely superheroes not only dealt with small thefts and fires but they also have to go against something more sinister and bigger than they are. A force they could only defeat if they all work together as a team against one common enemy who had been literally painting the town with unknown symbols and wrecking havoc. This book was skillfully written without sounding outrageous or ridiculous with superheroes in it. I was entertained and I look forward to their next adventures and villains to banish. Thank you Addie Hunter for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Who needs comics if there are books like these, right?

Don't say retarded. It's a diagnosis, not an insult.

- Addie Hunter, Heritage -  

After Impact (After Impact #1) by Nicole Stark | A Book Review

Today is May 1, Labor Day on this side of the world . Happy Labor Day to everyone!

The author reached out to me via the contact form on this blog asking if I would like to review her book. I read the blurb and even if I didn't, I would still agree to review her book. I have never yet declined any requests for reviews. I think this is one of the reasons why my blog was created. I would want to help those authors get their works known in my own little way. 

After Impact is a dystopian. It happens after the earth was hit by an asteroid. Unlike the movie Armageddon, the asteroid was not stopped from colliding with our planet and turned it into a smoldering inferno. In this story, a brilliant scientist was able to come up with another solution. Cryosleep. HOPE. Humanity's One Plan for Escape. Selected 5,000 young individuals are going to be put to sleep for a hundred years and woken up in time for the harmful effects to at least disperse and be fit for life to thrive again. 

Avalon, is one of those selected to be part of the 5,000. Aside from being the daughter of the scientist who proposed the plan for humanity to survive the destruction, she is also brilliant with computers. Only individuals that are within the age and skill requirement are included in the list for HOPE. Those unfortunate died upon impact of the asteroid or did not survive the aftermath of radiation, starvation, etc. 

I was reminded of this story of the series Kyle XY. Kyle was a human clone that was in a cryogenic freeze until he was a teenager. If you have watched that series, the same process of creating Kyle was done to preserve Avalon and the rest. And like the series, a lot of people died in this story also. Secrets. A lot of them. Avalon has to uncover them. And how to do that? Trust no one? An impossible feat for someone who has just woken up from a hundred years of sleep. The biggest question where to start? 

I am still not a fan of sci-fi and dystopians but once in a while there are stories that throw away my doubt and change my mind. This is one of those stories. My main problem of not really into a lot of them is the fact that a lot of highfalutin technical words are used that some are not thoroughly explained to make the reader unable to picture them in detail. Most of the stories that I liked so far on this genre were not lacking in technical details yet very elementary in their descriptions. I guess, the skill and talent of the author also played into it. Something to be said about an author's skill of making a story appear less brainy yet fantastic enough to be enjoyed. This one falls in the same category. Mentions of advanced technology is not absent in this book but it was not daunting at all. I can even imagine them likely happening in the future. Hopefully, without the asteroid wiping out humanity.

I really enjoyed this book. I am giving myself a high-five for agreeing to review this book. It was a good decision and just strengthens my belief to never deny any author requesting for a review. Whether a review is good or bad, in one way, it is going to help the author, as long as s/he keeps an open mind. What I make sure to put in my reviews, especially if I am not so into the story is to make sure that I also point out the merits of the book and making sure that my review appears objective and with enough tact in it. This book merits 4/5 smart watches. A futuristic read but not over-the-top. Fortunately, no nosebleeds here. A dysotopian yet, not so glum or dark. Easily enjoyable. The mix of mystery and some surprises makes this even more worth the time. I am looking forward to the next story in this series. Thank you again, Nicole Stark!. Again, I am glad to be proven wrong that sci-fi and dystopians are way out of my comfort zone. This definitely is a series to follow.

There is nothing more difficult, to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

- A Quote from Niccolo Machiavelli -