Tag: Sara Alva

Pura Vida by Sara Alva ~ Audiobook

61Ih1Mh73wL._AA300_Title: Pura Vida
Series: N/A
Author: Sara Alva
Narrator: Joseph Northton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Publisher: Sara Alva (08-14-2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Simon has found himself in an open relationship for the summer – though not by choice. Instead of wallowing, he’s decided to make the most of a family vacation to Costa Rica by hooking up with the first hot guy available. The trouble is, he has no clue how to go about doing that.

Luckily, he runs into someone with a little more experience. But when the moments of lust turn into something more, Simon isn’t so sure he’ll be able to return to his old relationship. And there’s no way to hold onto this new one, either, as thousands of miles will separate them in only a few short weeks. Either way, he’ll have to learn to let go.

Product Link(s): http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Pura-Vida-Audiobook/B013U1K68G

http://www.amazon.com/Pura-Vida/dp/B013Y8T6NQ/

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Pura Vida has a simple English translation but a far more profound meaning to the people of Costa Rica and anyone spending any amount of time in this majestic country. Pura Vida. Pronounced POO-rah VEE-dah, in English means, “Pure Life”.

Vacation is supposed to be a happy, relaxed time where you can forget your troubles and just enjoy the peace. But for Simon this vacation is racked with stress, worry and a nosey sister. He and his long-term boyfriend are taking a “break” for summer break.

Translation: boyfriend wants to be able to screw anything in a pair of pants and not feel guilty about it. Simon sits on the beach soaking up the sun and drinking margaritas while mentally lining up all the possibilities that surround him. The one that catches his attention turns out to be a local with a lot of character.

Juan sells bags, sunglasses and hats around town and down the beach by day. But at night he camps out at a local reserve for turtles. He watches the sea turtles; helps protect them and their eggs from poachers and find their way back to the sea. Simon is intrigued with what it is Juan does with the turtles, even more intrigued with Juan.

The two decide to “pass the time” together, both fully aware it is nothing more than that, until feelings grow and hearts get involved.
I really loved the message behind this story, Pura Vida. And I enjoyed the way the romance wove its way around the scenery of Costa Rica, helping to shape and mold both young men, especially Simon.

The sea turtles were an odd secondary character, but it worked so well in the storyline. Those turtles are what brought these two unlikely lovers together. There was a little bit of danger added to the mix, giving the story just a little bit of suspense. But overall it is a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be, then making it happen.

Narrated by Joseph Northton who really brought Simon and Juan to life. Simon was sort of wistful and unsure and that really conveyed will the way he was voiced. Northton did a great job of bringing Juan to life with an authentic accent, especially the way he pronounced Simon’s name.

It was a fast, fun read that kept me entertained and engaged from start to finish. My first from this author and this narrator, but I’ll be looking for more from both.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Silent by Sara Alva

18247083Title: Silent

Author: Sara Alva

Genre: Contemporary/New Adult

Length: Novel (383 pages)

ISBN: 1493665901

Publisher: Sara Alva (October 27th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: Alex’s life as a teenager in South Central LA is far from perfect, but it’s his life, and he knows how to live it. He knows what role to play and what things to keep to himself. He’s got it all under control, until one lousy pair of shoes kicks him out of his world and lands him in a foster care group home.

Surrounded by strangers and trapped in a life where he could never belong, Alex turns to the only person lower on the social ladder than he is a “special” mute boy. In Sebastian, Alex finds a safe place to store his secrets—those that sent him to foster care, and the deeper one that sets him apart from the other teenagers he knows. But Sebastian has secrets of his own, and when tragedy rips the two boys apart, Alex will stop at nothing to find the answers—even if it means dragging them both through a past full of wounds best left buried.

It might just be worth it, for the slim chance at love.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Sara-Alva-ebook/dp/B00G8UF0JM

Review:  This book was long and quite complicated. You truly do get the understanding of Alex and who he is. When he understands something or learns something, you being to feel for him and learn.

Sara Alva truly shows what life in South Central LA is like. The tough times, the dark times and then some. I found this book to be a bit long for my taste and at the same time, I found it intriguing at the same time. Maybe it was too much for me but I’m sure someone who appreciates a great amount of detail would appreciate a book like this.

I just honestly didn’t like this novel. I don’t know specifically what made it a bit of a drag but I know that it was tough to start, tough to continue and then some.

What I did like was how the characters were willing to protect each other. How they were willing to hide the secrets each other didn’t want to voice. And while I didn’t like the length or how rough it was for me to read it, I found it to be somewhat intriguing.