Blog Tour: Lobizona by Romina Russell Garber

Some people ARE illegal. 

Lobizonas do NOT exist.

Both of these statements are false.

Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.

Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.

Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past--a mysterious "Z" emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.

As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it's not just her U.S. residency that's illegal. . . .it's her entire existence.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

I've been eyeing this book since I saw it on Twitter and I am surprised to get an advanced copy. I am so thankful for this. I am so thankful for the extra free time due to quarantine. In all honesty, I am not much of a fan of werewolves stories because the previous books I've read didn't catch my attention that much - first impressions right? Anyway, this book is really different! It has this charisma where you just want to read it. I love the book cover as well, it is attracting and the illustration is really awesome.

Lobizona, it started with a very interesting chapter. It got me hooked easily and it was honestly hard to put down the book. All I wanted is to turn the pages until I get to know all the mysteries hiding from the story. How will the character discover her true self? What would be her reaction? What is her future? Things like those are in my head until I was able to discover the answers in the book. I liked how the story were made, the twists of the story was shocking especially that one near the end. I didn't expect that turn.

Manu is the main character in this story and she only wanted to live normally. She's been hiding all her life with her Ma and all she wanted is to become a citizen so she won't be discriminated and no more hiding from the authorities. But, her life changed in an instant when she discovered some of the things about her life, her true nature and soon her future. There are other interesting characters as you go along, Catalina, Saysa and Tiago are some of Manu's close friends who helped her discover herself. Every character are interesting and the power they poses is something else. They might not know their full capacity yet but it does sound like promising and amazing. Also, isn't it cool that they have a school for werewolves, witches and other creatures? I seriously can't wait for everyone to fully discover their true nature especially Manu she recently discovered hers and I'm curious what else can she do. How powerful can she be?

"Our trust in each other is the only thing they can't take from us."

Before I end this, I do suggest that this book is really worth reading. I'm excited for the next one and the book twist is really something I didn't expect. I have a feeling that Book 2 will be more exciting! Also, more Tiago and Manu story.

My Rating

Romina Garber is a NYT/International Bestselling YA author who also writes under pen name Romina Russell. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Miami, Romina currently resides in Los Angeles but would much rather be at Hogwarts. As a teen, Romina landed her first writing gig—“College She Wrote,” a weekly Sunday column for the Miami Herald that was later picked up for national syndication—and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She is a graduate of Harvard College and a Virgo to the core. For more information about her books, follow her on Twitter/Instagram: @rominagarber.

Blog Tour: Music From Another World by Robin Talley

It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay political campaigns. Tammy’s only outlet is writing secret letters in her diary to gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk…until she’s matched with a real-life pen pal who changes everything.

Sharon Hawkins bonds with Tammy over punk music and carefully shared secrets, and soon their letters become the one place she can be honest. The rest of her life in San Francisco is full of lies. The kind she tells for others—like helping her gay brother hide the truth from their mom—and the kind she tells herself. But as antigay fervor in America reaches a frightening new pitch, Sharon and Tammy must rely on their long-distance friendship to discover their deeply personal truths, what they’ll stand for…and who they’ll rise against.

 
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

Music From Another World is another interesting read from Robin Talley. I don't know who was Harvey Milk before I read the book, I had to Google search him and boom... things become clearer from my end. I had no idea he got a big name during this time and I think, I'm gonna thank him now for fighting what he knows was right. These days if he's still around I could say he's gonna be happy for the results. 

Being a Catholic and having a strong belief, reading the book somehow made me question things before people get the idea of "open mindedness". While reading, I was like does this really happen before? but deep inside I knew these things happen until now that's why some people are so afraid to "out". Some treat them like a curse or worse. I'm not sure where and how did they get that idea. But, in my personal opinion, straight or gay, you're still human. You might be different from others but so what? People should value the humanity more. I think now is not the time to discriminate gays or bi. Acceptance is the answer to these issues. It may not be written in the holy book or any book before that gay exists because that term doesn't even exist before, right? 

I think the book taught me a lot of things, I really had a great time reading it. It was intense on some parts, there were lots of what ifs in my head like; what if their parents found out? what if someone tells their secret to others? - I feel afraid for them, I feel afraid for people who's in a close minded family or environment, who knows what will happen to them? I like this phrase from the book and I one-hundred percent  (100%) support it. 

"You are who you are, and you don't care if other people don't like it."

One more thought before ending my review, maybe people experiment on lots of things because they don't feel accepted on who they really are. Some change because they feel neglected. Maybe, that's what we need to understand from here. I hope, as the days go by, people will accept more what kind of society we are in nowadays. To be honest, I'm happy that there's pride celebrations, but some countries doesn't accept that yet. I hope one day, they all do. 

"I want to be proud of who I am, the way you are, but how? How do you make yourself feel something when everyone around you believes the exact opposite?"

My Rating

I live in Washington, D.C., with my wife, our baby daughter, an antisocial cat and a goofy hound dog. Whenever the baby's sleeping, I'm probably busy writing young adult fiction about queer characters, reading books, and having in-depth conversations with friends and family about things like whether Jasmine's character motivation was sufficiently established in Aladdin.

My website is at http://www.robintalley.com, and I'm on Twitter and Tumblr.

Bookworm Life while in Quarantine

Hello bookworms!

Welcome to another random thoughts post. I believe, we're all experiencing the enhanced community quarantine due to Covid-19. No schools, employees are on work from home mode, no one should get out of their homes unless getting your necessities (e.g. groceries, medicines, etc.) but all of the malls are closed. Is it just me or anyone here thinks it's also a relief for the environment? and for our tiring social life? I have this introvert side soooo I am so much affected and relieved, thanks to social distancing (kidding). 

On a serious note, I am worried for most people specially the affected ones. I'm having this anxiety every time I go out of the house until I return. I keep on telling myself that I can't be sick since I am prone to asthma and allergies. I think, this virus is not just affecting our lungs or physical aspects of life but also mentally. I hope and pray that people like me, specially those mentally challenged people are okay. This will all be temporary. You guys will be fine. Just stay at home and always practice the proper hygiene and every thing will be alright. I may not be in a proper position or an expert to tell all these things but, at least just a reminder for some, I could help. 

So, for this blog entry, I'll share my routines as well on how to fight my own anxiety. Some might not be applicable to others but at least you'll have some ideas. 

1. READ BOOKS - since I started working at home, all I'm thinking was, finally I could get some time with reading. I have a lot of pending books to read and my TBR is very long so maybe this is the time to read them one by one. I also made a list specifically for this quarantine days. 
2. CLEAN YOUR BOOKSHELVES - during this time, I am putting this task as one of my priority because I really can't remember when was the last time I had my shelf cleaned up. Aside from that, it's a sad thought but I need to let go some of my books so I have to sort them out.  
3. WATCH ON NETLIX - do you have some movies or tv series that's been added to you list for a long time? I guess now is the time to start watching those. I did the same thing and during my free time that's the only thing I do. 
4. DO YOUR JOURNAL - have ever think of making a journal? to some it's called diary and yes I still do that. There are plenty of guides or ideas in the internet (e.g. Pinterest & Instagram). If you're artsy, there's a pretty type of journal that could be your guide. 
5. DO YOUR HOUSE CHORES - this, I think is really important. I guess it's time for some of us to throw those old clothes, old items from our home. Aside from that, it's time to sanitize things around the house and make time to rearrange things based from your perspective. 

So far, aside from work, I'm doing #1 and #3 and over the weekend I could finally focus on the other things. I still have work stuff to do and that's an 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM kind of work, I just do breaks if I feel tired or something.

Anyways, may you have a good health always and please, take care. If you're sick, make sure to get it checked right away. Don't wait for it to get worse, okay?

Book Review: Me Myself & Him by Chris Tebbetts

When Chris Schweitzer takes a hit of whippets and passes out face first on the cement, his nose isn't the only thing that changes forever. Instead of staying home with his friends for the last summer after high school, he's shipped off to live with his famous physicist but royal jerk of a father to prove he can "play by the rules" before Dad will pay for college.

Or . . . not.

In an alternate time line, Chris's parents remain blissfully ignorant about the accident, and life at home goes back to normal--until it doesn't. A new spark between his two best (straight) friends quickly turns Chris into a (gay) third wheel, and even worse, the truth about the whippets incident starts to unravel. As his summer explodes into a million messy pieces, Chris wonders how else things might have gone. Is it possible to be jealous of another version of yourself in an alternate reality that doesn't even exist?

With musings on fate, religion, parallel universes, and the best way to eat a cinnamon roll, Me Myself & Him examines how what we consider to be true is really just one part of the much (much) bigger picture.

 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

I've seen this book from Facebook and Twitter so, when I got the chance to request this on NetGalley, I really didn't think twice and try to get a copy and, it's an honor to have my request granted. I was really curious about this book since from the start, as far as I remember, I haven't read a book with an alternate universe yet (and if I do, it's not a lot since I can't remember LOL). Anyway, this book was a good read. It made me realize some things personally especially when I'm thinking about life and what's the worse thing that could happen...right? 

I like the characters, especially Chris. I feel like you really traveled to his world and how he thinks. It's sort of confusing at some points but everything is good. I somehow can relate to his life about his dad though. I knew how hard things are and how to pretend everything is okay but it's not, and one day, it will just feel like everything is alright and things are working well. I think, there's no such thing as permanent when it comes to this. Good things happen, yeah?

"A problem is a problem, and when it's not addressed, it gets worse. Sometimes, that's not about the substances, but about the way our choices impact our relationships with other people. Everyone's here for their own reasons."

I really enjoyed reading this book, a parallel universe where you have other possibilities yet, both endings could turn out good or it could be the opposite but whatever is the outcome, I think, it all points back to the decisions we made.

Anyways, I am looking forward for more books from Chris Tebbetts. I really had a great time with this one and the book cover is interesting. I loved it. Once again, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.

"I don't need every little thing to be predictable," she went on. "I know God has a plan for me, and that's very comforting."

My Ratings

Blog Tour: Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.

Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.

All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected.

can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. No payments made between me and the publisher.

This review has been a week late since I was having an issue with my blog plus I got tons of work last week so I didn't get the chance to go online and draft my review. Anyhow, I still want to thank the publisher for accepting me to be part of this blog tour. The moment I saw the book, I knew I'd like it instantly and it would be a good first book to read for this year 2020. And yes, I wasn't wrong at all. The first few chapters got me hooked already. The flow of the story was too cute to ignore, I couldn't stop reading. I love the Twitter war, the Weazel app and of course the friendship made outside of those two. It's funny how two people meet in unexpected ways. Aside from the story, I love the book cover, it is really catchy. 

I will never dislike young adult books especially books with a story like this. It's been a habit of me to read this kind of genre, it lessens the stress around me. I love the characters a lot. Pepper is some kind of a rich kid who's dealing with her own family issues and Jack, is the same thing. These two are already inseparable since they officially met during the swim team meet (At some point, I'd like to thank Jack's brother Ethan, for making him do some of his work. LOL) Their charisma is something you'll enjoy watching, it's like watching a love team bloom. Jack is such a smart kid yet shy, imagine having self thought on coding and building amazing apps? It's a real talent. Pepper is such a great baker though, I honestly imagine all her and her sister's (Paige) dessert invention, I wonder what's the taste of a Monster Cake. The way they described it, it was really delicious! ALSO, they're fighting for Grilled Cheeseburgers... OMG every time I read that, I am craving for burgers instantly!

I do recommend this book to other readers. I'm sure they would instantly love this. I can't wait to have a physical copy of the book. I must search the local bookstores around, seriously can't wait!!! I am really honored to be part of this. I do enjoy doing book reviews like this, it's fun and worth it.

"It's weird, how you have no idea how far you've come until suddenly you can't find the way back."

Emma Lord is a digital media editor and writer living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, grilled cheese, and a whole lot of love. Her sun sign is Hufflepuff, but she is a Gryffindor rising. TWEET CUTE is her debut novel. You can find her geeking out online at @dilemmalord on Twitter.