The Liberty Box (The Liberty Box #1) by C. A. Gray | A Book Review

And just like that, October is gone. November is here and that means December is just around the corner. Time flies so fast. I can still remember going crazy with worry about what the year would be like for me. I'm so glad and relieved that I'm way past that. I'm happy to be tired but productive. Not bone-tired worrying but rather tired after a day's work. I could say, I'm at a way better place where I am now. I'm so thankful and I am going to do my best to stay where I'm at. 

This book is another author request. I got this through the Contact Us form of this blog. I have read about this book before. I think in one of those book scavenger hunts that I joined. It might be the New Adult one or the YA one, but I am pretty sure I have heard about C. A. Gray before. I just haven't read any of her works. This is the very first of her books that I've read.

I mentioned about escaping from my worries earlier which is just fitting because this book talks about escape and worries too. It talks about fears and the harsh realities set in a dystopian landscape.

 "This room is what we call the Liberty Box." " Isn't that an oxymoron? Liberty in a box? "

This statement is a good explanation for the title and in a way provides a very short summary of the story. And yes, it's a bleak future knowing freedom means being in a box. A world full of rules, restrictions, and deception. You have to conform and any deviation from what's required and mandated by the new Republic of the Americas will be punishable by death. It's about control. If death doesn't scare you enough, then the brainwashing will take any fight out of you. And you're not even aware that you're being constantly brainwashed. That's how the future looks in this story.

And then, enter Jackson MacNamera. One who didn't grow up in the States. He returns to the US for his mom's funeral, only to be arrested and taken into the Liberty Box because he stands out. He is different. Jackson knows there's something terribly wrong with the situation or with the people he has seen so far and he has to use every bit of what his Grandpa has taught him to get his freedom back.

Kate Brandeis, a news anchor  who suddenly felt like she just woke up from a hazy dream and into a nightmare. Bereaved and confused, she stumbled into a group of people living in the forest, away from the government's reach. It's where she met Jackson and these two formed a bond.

Yes, it's starting to look like a love story but no. A lot more important things are at stake here, so it's really good that the author held off on pursuing the love angle. I guess,  romance does not sound so appealing when freedom is a great issue. For the characters in this story, nothing is ever more precious than taking back what rightfully belongs to them and death doesn't seem as scary if it means getting that robbed freedom back.

I really enjoyed this story. Jackson's character is  just the perfect person that the story needs. A fighter. A person rightfully equipped with the skills needed to go against the Potentiate. A champion to help rally the people to fight back and save the rest. I think the best  thing about him is that he's not clueless. He doesn't blunder into the story and he has to learn his way. No. He comes in with purpose and determination. He was prepared for what was waiting for him in the US. Though at first, he wasn't aware that was what all his Grandpa was training him for. Yes, a great credit to his Grandpa for being smart and for having the foresight to know what Jackson would very well need.

The way Jackson comes into the story was not in any way forced. In a way, I know that the story would have this one very strong character who would serve as a voice and rally everyone and help them open their eyes to the grim reality. I just didn't expect that it was someone like Jackson who was more than ready than he thought he was for what awaited him. I think this is what separates this story from other dystopian.  This story  wasn't waiting for someone to rise from the abuse or from the rubble. You will be spared from that. It was like Jackson was created first and then the rest of the story followed because he has to be in a setting where his  skills had to be essential. Here's one who's all ready to go to battle, only he wasn't aware that there's actually one waiting for him. In here, the main character doesn't have to keep reacting but rather a little ahead of the enemy which isn't really common in a lot of stories. And that's the best thing about this.

Aside from Jackson and his Grandpa, there are other interesting characters in here. Men and women of strong character who value  freedom above all else. They're a great ensemble that make the story more engaging.

How the story builds up and how these band of people started to really make a statement against the enemy is a very hopeful situation. Very daring and suicidal, in a way, but the situation is desperate so their methods need to be more aggressive. I was rooting for the success of Jackson and his friends the whole time. Not a very grim dystopia, if you ask me. It's actually very hopeful which is again one thing that's different.

What I was not so taken with was this Council thing. In some way, it was holding the group down. It felt like they weren't that free from the Potentiate's clutches after all because here is a group of people just as willing to stump on free will. I hope that this Council will get disbanded and leaders who are really looking out for the benefit of the people will take their place. It's bad enough that they're hiding from a bigger enemy. Where they are should be a safe enough place to express their opinions and do something to help those still out there walking with their eyes in the fog. I feel like this Council is going to be another obstacle in Jackson's and his friends quest to take back their freedom. 

This story promises a sequel and that's a good thing because this should end well with all things neatly tied and wrapped up. This book ending with a cliffhanger was, in a way, not how I wanted it to go. But then, a prospect of another book to continue Jackson's fight is just what I am hoping. And cliffhangers are really good indicators of more interesting things to come. Thankfully, as of this review, book 2  and 3 are out, so I don't have to worry about waiting for the rest of the series to unravel.

I give this book 5/5 steel containers. This is a really good start to a very engaging series. Jackson's character alone is enough and I can't really stress that enough. I am so glad this book ended up in my lap. Thank you so much C. A. Gray. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Power is a byproduct of a peaceful and quiet mind... but the moment power becomes an end in itself, the peace evaporates. 

"I ask myself that all the time, love.  But there is something in the psychology of an abused woman that I don't understand myself and can't explain. It's like an addiction." "Variable reward." "Sometimes she gets affection and sometimes she gets a beating, and it's not knowing which it'll be is what keeps her coming back. It's like that experiment of the pigeons pecking at a disc--"

- C. A. Gray, The Liberty Box -  

By Light of Hidden Candles by Daniella Levy | A Book Review

I have always been fascinated with historical fiction/thriller stories. Anything with a historical background or story that transports me back to the past, as far back as the age of the cavemen, is surely going to end up in my TBR. This book is one. Even more so, because it talks about faith--Jewish faith. Judaism. I am not Jewish but this story had me reeling because it hits my weakness. I love stories about conspiracies or theories or just about anything about faith, religion, and artifacts. This story just had a mix of all that.

This is my first time to read a book by this author and I am happy to admit that it was not a wasted effort. This book transported me to Spain--the modern and the old one. It brought me as far back as the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The time when Jews were exiled and persecuted by the Spanish authorities. This story also reminded me one of the books I just read last month about Christopher Columbus--The Virgin of the Wind Rose by Glen Craney. The same book spoke of the Spanish Inquisition and how Jews at that time hid their faith just so they could stay alive. 

Unlike Glen Craney's book which was more of conspiracies and plots and a likely theory of the real identity of Columbus, this book is more of a romantic genre. This book centers on two strong characters of opposing religion--Alma, a devout and practicing Jew; and Manuel, a Catholic Spaniard who wants to become a priest. These two crossed paths when Manuel, out of curiosity stopped at a Jewish shop of Alma's grandma. Both were oblivious to the fact that their lives are more entwined than they ever could imagine.

The story goes back a few generations where the ancestors of these two characters met. The beginning of the story which leads up to the current time where Alma is tasked to fulfill what her grandmother and her great-grandmothers before her were unable to accomplish. Alma, out of her love for her grandmother and for curiosity of the women in their family that came before her, gladly accepted the honor and the opportunity to get to know more about her family tree. 

At the same time, here is Manuel, obviously, taken with Alma when he first saw her. As fate would have it, Manuel and Alma get to partner with each other to do the research on their family tree in Spain. These two's  differences in faith would prove to be both an advantage and a hindrance to their slowly blossoming closeness. Manuel, by some inexplicable force or reason could not temper his curiosity for the Jewish religion. It seemed like an unknown hand is guiding him to probe deeper into the intricacies and ceremonies of the Jewish culture and Judaism. And it doesn't help that he is bound by his love and loyalty to a Catholic priest who was like a second father to him.

All these doubts and confusion going on both in Alma and in Manuel, added to the air of suspense to the whole story. Not to the mention, the quest for each of the stories of each ancestors. The daunting task of both being able to unravel their families history and background has been a really addicting ride. At first, the search proved to be hitting a dead end and then, the unlikely discoveries, one after the other, were leading up to the climax of both realizing they were a product of a long history of friendship, business partnership, and more.

And the best part of the story was when Manuel met his grandmother's sister. It was what I have been waiting all along. I had a suspicion that the little things his mother does for him, like being a vegetarian and all, weren't just nuisance details but a hint into something more. It was the grandmother of all revelations. I took a really deep breath after that part. Ah...a happy ending after all.

I give this book 5/5 lit candles. This story brought light to me as to the customs and intricacies of the Jewish religion and culture. It is a good insight into the religion that was purported to be the origin of the Catholic faith. The intricately planned and written historical background of the characters and the connection between Alma and Manuel just blew me away. I admit, at the start, I had an inkling that Manuel will prove to be a big part of Alma and her quest to fulfill her grandma's last wish. As to how the story was beautifully and artfully uncovered was just so beyond me. It was so exhilarating and fulfilling. It was like I was with Alma and Manuel in Spain, digging through the archives for some document that will contain some evidence as to lives of my descendant. This book had me thinking that maybe, since the Spaniards occupied my country for 333, I too may have a drop of Spanish blood in my veins. What an adventure it would be to go and research that lost family connection? That's just a thought. I am not actually sure if we have Spanish ancestors. Just the thought of undertaking the same endeavor as Alma and Manuel and then finding actual proof is just too hard to pass. I actually have a desire to trace my family tree, especially on my mother's side since they are a really big family and relatives are scattered all over. I have started with the project but have not been really giving a lot of thought to it. Who knows, because of this story, I might continue on reconstructing that family tree and eventually find I might be related to some important hero like Lapu-lapu. Again, just a thought.

But you know, our story is not only about exile and oppression and suffering. It is the story of thriving, of triumph, and of great faith. It is the story of a people that laughs in the face of deepest despair, that stubbornly clings to life and to joy even in the face of horror and death. We take our pain and turn it into poetry. We take our misfortune and transform it into opportunity.

- Daniella Levy, By Light of Hidden Candles -

Thank you, Netgalley and Daniella Levy, for the copy of this amazing story.

Sad Girls by Lang Leav | A Book Review

Sad Girls

by: Lang Leav

Publication date: May 30th 2017

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age

“Your first love isn’t the first person you give your heart to—it’s the first one who breaks it.”

Sad Girls is the much anticipated debut novel from international best-selling author Lang Leav. A beautifully written and emotionally charged coming of age story, where young love, dark secrets, and tragedy collide.

School is almost out for Audrey, but the panic attacks are just beginning. Because Audrey told a lie and now her classmate, Ana, is dead. Just as her world begins to spin out of control, Audrey meets the enigmatic Rad—the boy who could turn it all around. But will their ill-timed romance drive her closer to the edge?

This is my first time to read a Lang Leav. I have heard that her previous books of poetry were a hit. I was so thrilled when I was approved by Netgalley to review this book. This is her first novel. Finally, I will be able to experience her writing prowess.

Which do you want to hear first? Good news or the bad news?

I will start with the good news because I think the bad ones would likely overpower the good ones. Yes, I have a few good reactions to this book. I also want you all to read this whole review, so starting with the bad things will likely lead you to not read through the rest of this post.

The one thing that I could clearly remember was painstakingly rooted to the pages. I was, in some bizarre way, unexpectedly, wanted to finish the whole book. I wanted to get to the end. I wanted to know how all this turned out. And I am giving myself a pat in the back for making it through the last page, even if my subconscious was telling me to just let the book go. I ended up finishing this at 3am. I get an "A" for patience and perseverance.

I also like the concept of a"toolbox". It means we are all like a toolbox. We add in stuff and build on it. The more tools you have, the more you fare in life. This made a lot of sense to me and I am actually thinking of applying this school of thought.

I'm trying to wrack my brain for some other positive things to say.
...
...
...

Sorry, I can't seem to find anything more. Let's just go ahead to the not so positive things I have for this book. First, the lack of emotional connection. That's the most important thing for me. For the author to be able to reach out and touch the readers. To make me feel like I am an active participant in the story. That I have a stake in the outcome of the events and how the characters were changed or evolved in the story. I kept trying to locate that elusive string that tugs at my heart in this but unfortunately, could not find a single thread. I am not sure why. The main character, Audrey, went through something tragic and traumatic, but I just can't seem to empathize with her. In some way, her character even felt disconnected to her own experiences. And until now, I can't seem to fathom why.

Second, how the story ended. I think it was not right. It can't be! Audrey and Rad, didn't feel like two main characters in a story worthy of emulation or inspiring at all. These two did not make amends for all the hurt and pain they have caused. Yes, they never intended everything to turn out so badly and for lives to be lost resulting from their actions or inaction, but I can't seem to swallow that they just let everything be. There was no resolution. I don't think they deserve to be together yet. Rad should have paid the price for what he did or failed to do. And Audrey should have been the one to move Rad to do the right thing. Audrey should have owned up to her part in all of it also. I think their characters have both been tainted because of what happened and the lack of redemption at the end of the story was just so frustrating and horrible. I can't accept it.

Third, I don't know how the characters came to be created but I think they were the worst I have encountered ever. Main characters are supposed to be inspiring and models of transformation and survival. No matter how flawed and how bad they were at the start, in the end there should at least be some kind of "Eureka" moment where one of them inspired the other to be selfless and even offer him/herself up as the sacrificial lamb just to make amends for all the wrong done. I think, there was only one "Eureka" moment in this story and it was for Audrey which turned out to be a false-alarm. In Audrey's moment of clarity, she came to realize the impact and the magnitude of what they had done but then it evaporated just as quickly as it appeared. She resolved that she could not ignore her and Rad's love and their idea of moving on and starting over is just so twisted. Bury everything and just move on. Do these two have a conscience?

Fourth, this story repeatedly talked about love. The real, all-encompassing, forgiving and great love but it portrayed it in such a distorted way that I hope no one will ever mistake it as a good example. I think there are a lot of ways this book could have ended which would have resolved all the questions of morality, values and other factors. A better ending could have saved this and I would have at least felt that all is not totally lost.

And lastly, I simply do not want to comment on the rest of the characters. I think they should have been given more interesting personalities and more exposure. After all, the title did say sad girls, right? Plural. It seemed that this just focused on one sad girl--Audrey. In some ways, some of the characters were bad examples and simply did not help in the formation of the two main characters' well being and outlook in life. 

I am really sorry but I think this book gets 1.5/5 sad faces. I am so distraught to give this rating. It was just sad how this book turned out. I did hear a lot of disappointed reviews about this but I assure you, I was not in any way influenced by them. I tried to be as objective as possible, even though it was easier to just not write a review at all. I think, this book failed me. Maybe like everyone else, I will favor her poetry books better. I have about two of them lined up in my TBR.

You are a toolbox, and you have to add stuff to it and build on it. I think the more tools you have, the better life gets.

- Lang Leav, Sad Girls - 

Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy. 

 

The Tribulations of August Barton (August Barton #1) by Jennifer LeBlanc | A Book Review

The Tribulations of August Barton 
by: Jennifer LeBlanc 

Publication date: October 25th 2016
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, New Adult

August Barton could never have mentally prepared himself for his freshman year of college: not only has his anxiety increased, but his parents are divorcing, his new roommate thinks Augie is the biggest nerd in existence, and his grandma, a retired prostitute named Gertie, has taken to running away from her nursing home. Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride including naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe-just maybe-with Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.

 
This is a coming of age story of August Barton. Finally, he has the confidence to come out of his shell and do the things he never thought he would ever do. Of course, his new (mis)adventures were courtesy of his very cool and lively Grandma. What a hoot this book is. An absolutely enjoyable story that will let you forget your worries temporarily with all of Grandma Gertie's stories and antics. This story just proved that there's nothing wrong with hanging out with old people, some of them may just turn out to be just what our soul needs--a taste of adventure and penchant for breaking the rules.

One thing that struck me in this story was Grandma Gertie's character. She is not ashamed of her being a former prostitute. I think she is even proud that she was the "Floozy of Freemont Street". I guess her saying that was without malice but with a conviction that she did her best during a very hard time. Hard times call for desperate measures. She rolled with the punches to survive. A very admirable trait. She also said that being a prostitute, she also tried to help the men who came to her. She listened to them and helped them navigate the issues and problems that beset them. To her, she did not just offer physical relief but also sorted out the emotional and psychological needs of her customers. But I am not advocating that it is okay to be a prostitute. 

In a way, I could relate to August. I was once shy and very unsure of myself. At times, I still am. I feel like I wanted the floor to swallow me whole, especially in very awkward situations. I did not have a strong self-esteem growing up. I never wanted attention directed at me. I would gladly hide in the shadows and be the one behind the scenes. So, I found it very easy to associate with August and how it feels to be in an environment outside of the comfort zone. Unlike August, I did not have a highly-spirited grandma who would push me beyond the limits of my safety and comfort. Whatever confidence I found now and love for adventure, I painstakingly have to work through and it helped a lot being around people who made me want to be the  best of who I am. People who are oozing with positivity that I can't help but be like them.

I learned one new term or word in this story--Gerontology, which I never ever heard before. If it's the first time you heard this word, them welcome to the club. Gerontology means the study of caring for old people, how to improve the ways to care for them. And if you are wondering how that came into the story, then better read this book. When I found out the relevance of this word to the whole tale, I was very surprised and felt that it was still premature to conclude, but I was already drawn to this cute, unassuming and clueless August character.

I also loved the ending. It was a perfect ending of all the grand comedic endings of great proportions. I never saw it coming. I was absolutely tickled and it left me with a promise that more misadventures of August and Gertie and her cohorts are yet to come. More are coming and I am so so so freaking looking forward to them.

I give this book 4.5/5 toy cars. I adored the characters of this story. They were perfectly written with very unique personalities in mind that were very memorable. Every time I think about this story or one of the characters, I would surely have a smile on my face as I reminisce the hilarious and shocking (I mean it in a good way) situations in this book. I can't help but shake my head in disbelief, at the same time, be amused at all the funny and awkward situations August had to face, compliments of his Grandma and her daring accomplice--Tunes. There was never a dull moment in this story. I would love to see this in the big screen. I am sure this is going to be a hit and a riot! I was right! Just looking at the cover and the title of this book, it already said a lot and it holds a promise (aside from the very fantastic ending) that you will never be sorry for picking up this book.

...how time was as infinite as the space above. The future shortly became the past and one could never predict how things would turn out.

- Jennifer LeBlanc, The Tribulations of August Barton - 

 

 Thank you again, Giselle, of Xpressobooktours for the copy.

Four of Clubs (War and Suits #3) by J. A. Armitage | A Book Review

It felt weird for me getting on to this story because I don't have book two-Three of Clubs. I felt that the first book had a few loose ends that needed to be tied and my not knowing what happens after is bugging me. While waiting for Three of Clubs to be on sale, I decided I just have to get on with my reading of this series. 

This is the story of Tarragon Brodie Club. The third from the youngest of the Royal Clubs Family. Tarragon is the usual pretty boy, spoiled and treats women unfairly. Until, he met a new girl who is not falling for his charms. Tarragon is bound to learn his lessons the hard way in this story.

As I said, Tarragon is the typical good-looking, rich and confident guy. But he now meets his match. A girl who is so pretty yet immune to his charms. It was so amusing to see Tarragons so confused and baffled why this girl seems to hate his guts. This was like a cat-and-dog-fight kind of love story. Girl hates guy. Guy wants girl but realized that she is not exactly the girl for him. And in the end they found that they are not what they seem to be. This story will tickle you and can't help but root for Tarragon. You will hope that Tarragon will have a change of heart and realize that beauty within is the most important feature of a girl. And that looks definitely is deceiving. You will definitely fall in love with Tarragon in this story. He has bared his insecurities and fears and made him just like any ordinary boy. 

I give this book 4/5 treasure maps. The best part of the story was being shown into The Urbis University and some interesting places in Vanatus. The clever and impressive features like the university elevators and that magical gate in Diamas were fascinating. I wished they exist in real life. I had fun accompanying Tarragon and his team looking for the clues in the different magical places in Vanatus. It was indeed an adventure. And most of all, it was astonishing to see Tarragon transform from a boy to a man.

I felt strangely good about myself. It was a weird sensation, putting someone else's feeling before my own. I'd never done it before. The pain of giving up Izzy was massive, like grief almost, but I'd never had her in the first place. The pain almost felt good.

- J. A. Armitage, Four of Clubs -

Thank you again, J. A. Armitage for the copy.

Making Bad Choices by Rita Stradling | A Book Review

Making Bad Choices by Rita Stradling 

Publication date: January 10th 2017

Genres: New Adult, Romance

[Recommended 16 + this is a mature YA or New Adult book]

Watch the Book Trailer: Here

Culter Fuller came back into my life on the day my mother died, as if losing my mother wasn’t bad enough.

We hated each other since childhood. Well, I hated him. He had a very different story.

When I moved to my dad’s house to finish my last semester of high school, we went from bitter enemies to. . . something else. He was suddenly everywhere, occupying my space, determined to pull me into his life, filling me with thoughts I knew were wrong.

I knew that soon we would cross a line that should never be crossed.

I knew crossing that line could have very serious consequences; because Culter Fuller wasn’t just any irresistible boy, Culter Fuller was my stepbrother.

But, I was always very bad at making the right choices.

This is the story of Cassie. A girl whose family tree is a bit complicated. Oh, scratched that. Not a bit complicated but really complicated. At a young age, her usual hang out is the hospital to care for her mother who has cancer. When her mother died, she had to move from Los Angeles to Bulvin, Colorado to live with her Dad. In Bulvin, she will be living with her Dad's new wife Jen, her step-brother Josh and the other step-brother Culter--Jen's son from another man. Cassie used to have a crush on Culter but he broke her heart. 

Making Bad Choices. What kind of bad choices? Intriguing right? Exactly why I signed up to review this one. I was drawn in by the intriguing title. And the story didn't disappoint. It was full of scandals and dirty secrets. Like a can of worms just waiting to be opened. More like cans of worms.

Cassie thought that developing feelings for her step-brother was complicated enough, little did she know that her life in Bulvin is getting more complicated as she gets to know the people. The next days of her life are like accidents waiting to happen. Having to deal with the death of her mother is difficult enough, fitting into a new school and meeting new friends is also tricky. Will she survive the cold weather in Colorado and the snowstorm that is waiting to blow her life away?

This story spells complicated in capitals. I felt sorry for Cassie having to go through all these difficulties in her life and family. She thought her mom dying of cancer was the worst she had to deal with but she still have a lot learn. Her heart not only got cut into pieces but it also got pounded to pulp. But out of all the shocking revelations, she found strength and happiness in Culter and in some of the new friends she met. For the first time in a long time, she feels happy. Like she is able to breathe after holding her breath for like forever. After a long time, she feels alive. 

This book attempts to explore the relationships in combined families. The story poses a very delicate and difficult question. Is it still taboo to have feelings for your step-sibling even though you are not in anyway related? Like in this story, even if Culter's mom and Cassie's dad are married, when you really look at it, Cassie and Culter are not really related. They are both products of their parent's previous relationships. They may share a common sibling--in this story, Josh, but still, that does not make them any more related. For me, I think Cassie and Culter's feelings for each other is not wrong. Love is never wrong. Besides, the two grew up in different households. They never grew up in the same house together. Their situation may be strange but not as unusual as a guy marrying his dead wife's sister. Sister wives, right? I think the situation gets fickle when and if these two grew up in the same house. Definitely, them developing feelings for each other would be awkward and would really be an issue that would be quite delicate to navigate. I will let their parents worry about it.  I wouldn't even attempt to decipher the complexity of the implications.

I give the book 4/5 sticky notes. The Cassie and Culter's situation is definitely not the usual teenage love story we hear. I think Cassie deserves to be happy after all the heartbreak, loss and shit days she had been through. She deserves to feel like a teenager even for just a moment. She deserves to make mistakes, make bad choices and learn from them. Although, from this story, she choose to be happy. I think choosing to be happy, as long as you are not hurting anyone is always a good choice. 

The thing about shit days--I mean, the worst days of your life--is that they end.

...as I said, shit days always end, for better or for worse.

- Rita Stradling, Making Bad Choices -

Thank you, Giselle of xpressobooktoours.com, for the copy.

The Bulletproof Boy (Sophie Shields #2) by Loretta Lost | A Book Review

The Bulletproof Boy 

by Loretta Lost 

(Sophie Shields, #2) 

Publication date: November 1st 2016

Genres: Mystery, New Adult, Romance

At twenty-seven, Sophie Shields is given the opportunity to meet her biological family for the first time. But with one ex-foster father murdered, and Benjamin Powell stalking her, she is hesitant to build more family connections. Sophie considers hiding out in a remote desert location with the person she loves most, just until the danger passes; but an innocent woman has been killed in L.A. by the same monster who shot her brother. She feels compelled to help Detective Rodriguez and bring justice to Cole.

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., Sophie’s job at the CIA waits for her, and her ex-boyfriend Zack is begging her to return home. For the first time, Sophie is feeling torn between her separate lives and identities. But when Benjamin starts becoming more aggressive in his attempts to find her, no identity or location might be safe any longer…

——

All Cole ever wanted was to be a successful architect, with Sophie at his side. But life always seems to get in the way of their happiness, and he has been patient for over a decade. Now, after a recent brush with death, Cole is done waiting. He will go to great lengths to show Sophie that nothing else matters but their future, and he will not allow her to run away again…

I have been looking for this book for sometime. Right after I read The Fireproof Girl, the one before this, I promised myself I will have to get my hands on the next book. Thanks to Giselle of Xpressobooktours, she had this available for review. I think I will hate myself if I am not able to read this book and continue the story of Sophie and Cole.

Book 1 -- The Fireproof Girl ended with a suffocating cliffhanger. It was apparent that I needed to read The Bulletproof Boy as if my life depended on it. It was air to my oxygen-deprived lungs. 

Loretta Lost is one exceptionally gifted writer. I think she writes as easily as she breathes. This second installment turned out way better than I expected. The intensity was fully turned up. I was so over the moon for the way this book turned out.  I was happy that finally Sophie and Cole worked out their issues and decided to stick together. To stay glued to each other no matter what happens. To never let each other out of sight again. 

Details of Sophie's past and origin have been discovered and I was as thrilled and nervous as her of finally meeting her blood relations. I can't wait to find out what was the harrowing story behind her being left at the side of the highway. There was also a flashback on what happened to Cole right after the fire in The Fireproof Girl. It provided a better understanding of the difficult and painful lives these two had. It also proved that together these two were resourceful beyond imagination and unbeatable. And that they had too many people that had it against them and are viciously out for revenge. Will these two ever have a peaceful, happy and carefree life? 

The story as a whole had a lot of things going really well for Sophie and Cole though before they got there, they had to endure excruciating physical, mental and emotional pain. Sophie had to bring in her tougher and meaner persona to be able to survive and live through all the heartaches. And Cole had to go back on his words and to civilization so he could protect his dear Sophie. From being two orphans and foster home kids, they have made a successful career for themselves. They have shed their fears and have resolved a lot of issues between them. Now, they are ready to face all their demons as long as they have each other.

I give the book 5/5 red sexy high-heeled stilettos. I lot of things have been revealed about Sophie and Cole which added to the intensity of the story. They were totally so unexpected but were the best parts. My only concern was the ending. I wanted to slap Sophie. It was so dumb and so not her to have ended that way. Where was the martial arts training Levi had taught her? It was time she put them to real use but she made a wrong move. I totally did not approve of this version of Sophie. This was the worse place and time for her to act out of character. The cliffhanger ending was so out of the left field that I totally could not believe that it was happening. Like Sophie, I am hoping that her knight and the rest of her family will come to her rescue. I hated the ending but it just made the next book all the more not-to-be-missed. I think I will definitely lose it if I don't get to read it. Please Giselle, make sure to have The Shatterproof Heart on your for review list.

I am definitely not going to have a good sleep until I read the next book --The Shatterproof Heart. I think the pressure has built up and it's about to go over the rim and reach the boiling point. Gosh, I can't wait to find what explosive and heart-stopping events Loretta Lost has hidden in her crazy, twisted and talented mind of hers for the next book. I am absolutely psyched. The lookout for The Shatterproof Heart starts now. I hope it's not the last book yet. In as much as I hate these two beautiful creatures to continue suffering, but I also don't want their story to end. No, these two had to continue! Though maybe, less of the living-dangerously-thing and being bullied. Maybe, these two can show how ruthless a lifetime's worth of payback is. 

I think after The Shatterproof Heart, Loretta Lost is definitely joining my favorite authors' list. Congratulations! You are undoubtedly a keeper.

Life is a constant, backbreaking struggle. Real, worthwhile relationships require effort, and true love feels like you're in a scene from Ben-Hur, rowing madly in a slave ship, rowing your heart out to stay alive.

- Loretta Lost, The Bulletproof Boy - 

Thanks again, Loretta Lost and Giselle of Xpressobooktours for the review copy.

Other Books by Loretta Lost:

The Fireproof Girl (Sophie Shields #1)

Something by Shelby Lamb | A Book Review

Something 

by Shelby Lamb 

(Wisteria, #1) 

Publication date: March 7th 2017

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, New Adult

Review copy source: Xpressobooktours

“I will find true love and everything will be okay. I will find true love and everything will be okay…” she chanted.

They say be careful what you read. Something is wrong. Something is very wrong. It can happen to anyone. This is just four teenagers’ story. Aubrey Golding hates her face, her body, and is devastated after Nathan Silva leaves her. Alone, suicidal, and desperate for love, she discovers a book called Something and unknowingly links others to a dark and terrifying curse that is beginning to consume her. Nathan is glad to be moving on with someone new and can hardly believe what is happening now. Wild child and amateur porn star, Bella Broadhurst, loves bullying that “emo whore” Aubrey with the other girls, but mostly she loves partying, hookups, and plain ol’ drama when terror arises. And Kendra Coke is just a new teen mother working on a delicate relationship when things start becoming utterly bizarre. Chilling sleep disturbances and figures hiding in the corners of their rooms are just warnings of what is to come. Be careful what you read, they say. Tread carefully.

This book answered my craving for a horror story. I prefer to read them than be frightened out of my wits by the movies. I never watched the Conjuring or any other recent horror movies. I would rather stay sane and not drive my imagination to overdrive and scaring myself shitless. 

Aubrey Golding is a character I am not sure I like, I pity or hate. Or maybe all of the above. She skates the thin line between nice and being mean. She is suicidal and has very low self-esteem. She is bullied and had very few friends. Her best friend is not even loyal and honest with her. But all these changes when she found a mysterious book in a second-hand bookstore.

I can't imagine seeing and experienceing bizarre things after reading a book. I hope that never happens. I love going to second-hand bookshops and the possibility of opening a book that is sort of a portal to the undesirables and unearthly beings are way beyond terrifying. Being stalked by the devil is not on my bucket list. 

Reading this story when the lights are out and at the wee hours of the night added to the mystery and scary factor. There were some parts that the hair on my arms stood on end and I am seeing objects out of the shadows by the window. There's a part of the story where you will be carried away by Audrey's scare. I had to remind myself that I am at home, in a safe place and this house has been blessed twice by the Catholic priests so no unholy elements could penetrate its walls. I believe.

Bullies reading this book will come to know fear. Knowing what happened to the bullies of Audrey in this book, I hope will lead them to a change of heart. Something sinister is lurking and walking in these pages. Whether you are nice to people like Audrey or not is no reason you will be spared, especially if you are mean. 

I give this book 4/5 skateboards. This book talked not just about the third eye but something more otherworldly. More horrifying and stupefying. I never heard of this ability before this book. It's an ability no one would want because it is disturbing. You will never ever have a good sleep. 

The story is very unique and I never figured out what was really going on until it was explicitly expressed. To my surprise, I have never heard of such thing before and it got me curious. I am looking forward to the next book. For everyone who wants to get into a very different story that has never been heard of, you have to read this book. That is if you don't mind the devil at your door.

Ya fourth eye is your internal spiritual eye dat opens, lettin' you see and be seen. And ya can't shut it back.

- Shelby Lamb, Something - 

Thank you again, Giselle of  Xpressobooktours for the copy. 

Autumn's Dance (The Season Named Series #1) by Sarah Gai | A Book Review

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! In the Philippines, everybody celebrates Valentine's Day. It is not just a day for lovers but also for families, friends and for every person who has a loved one. It is a time to express our love and the value we give to each of the people close to our hearts. We give out cards, flowers, chocolates and food to remind those special to us that they are important and loved. It is our way of thanking them for the care, kindness, and support they have provided. 

Let us all remember that you should foster and give love not only on Christmas, Valentine's but every single day of our lives.

Autumn’s Dance 

by Sarah Gai 
Publication date: February 14th, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

“A story that captures your heart and continues you thinking about it long after you fall asleep.”

Autumn Nash lives a nomadic existence with her harvest-travelling father, except every summer when they return to one place like clockwork…Ligonier, PA. But this season, Autumn meets a young man who changes her world and makes her long for more.

Eric Foster has been sent to stay the summer in Ligonier with his grandfather in hopes of altering his path as his life spirals downward. His direction changes the moment he sees Autumn; he knows his very reason for breathing is solely to be with her.

When Autumn is ripped away from Ligonier, she leaves Eric confused and devastated that their time is over. Both teens struggle through the years gone by without the other. Will Autumn ever see the boy who changed her life again? Will Eric wait for her? Will Autumn ever make it back to Ligonier? And what will happen when buried secrets surface?

Discover a love that takes you back to what it’s all about—the confusing, yet simplistic, beginnings of falling in love and watch it evolve into something that takes your breath away.

Autumn's Dance is a tragic story of a very unfortunate girl. Autumn. She has no permanent home. She never went to school. She and her father are nomads. They travel to wherever there is work, usually picking fruits. So, depending on the weather, they would drive to the area where fruit harvests are in season to get jobs. But every summer, they always go back to Ligonier, Pennsylvania, which to Autumn is the closest she could ever get to calling home. Probably, the only constant in her nomadic life.

I think Autumn's story is so not far-fetched from real life. The nomadic lifestyle may not be that common anymore but the life of domestic abuse and parental neglect is obviously a staple occurrence. I just hate her drunk and deadbeat of a father. He has no soul. He used and abused Autumn. Physically, mentally, financially and emotionally. Even in his last breath, he thought of nothing else but himself. I really hope he burns in hell. 

I really love stories about strong women. As they all say, adversity builds character if it doesn't kill you. I think Autumn has had more than enough of that to last up to her next life. Autumn is one very strong girl who has survived all the trials and tribulations life has thrown at her. Looking forward to each summer in Ligonier has been her only spark of hope in her mostly dark world. It was the only place where she has friends who treat her like family. The only place she felt loved.

This is another story of love conquering all. Familial love, romantic love, and love between friends. The love and support of Autumn's friends have given her the strength and the courage to stay alive.  Her strength of character and her disposition are also so admirable. I think she is sort of a martyr. She loves her father, even after all the hurt and pain he has caused her. I guess, the love for a parent, even if the parent does not deserve it, is just that. Her only fervent wish that one day her father will finally realize her value. I am so glad and relieved, that finally, Autumn realized that too much is enough. Her father will never change no matter how much she wishes and prays for it. She doesn't deserve all the pain and tragedy in her life. It is time that she saves herself.

This is a very sad story that will wring your heart out. If this were a true story, it would be so unfortunate and my heart out goes out to that kid who has to go through this kind of life. Yes, this may have the makings of a soap opera only because what happened to Autumn is just too tragic to even imagine. I hope no one has ever had to go through this torture in real life.

I give the book 4/5 plates of delicious pancakes. I love that this story has a happy ending. I would hate it if didn't because Autumn really deserved to have a happy life after everything she has been through. I think the universe owe it to her to make amends after a very difficult and cruel life. 

The problem with angry people is once the anger is gone, they just want to believe they are forgiven.

- Autumn's Dance, Sarah Gai - 

Thank you again, Sarah Gai and Xpressobooktours for the review copy.