****(4) out of 5 stars!
The Bulletproof Boy (Sophie Shields, #2)
by Loretta Lost
Publication date: November 1st, 2016
Genres: Mystery, New Adult, Romance
SYNOPSIS:
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…
REVIEW:
Like the predecessor volume in this series, there was a lot that I did not like about this book. First and foremost, the narrative style of switching back and forth between characters has always annoyed me. I just find it hard to follow. And this one adds an extra layer of confusion by switching time periods as well. I can see why the author utilizes these tools, however. The exchange of viewpoint between Sophie and Cole does help things to be seen more clearly from the point of view of each of the protagonists. And the change in time frames allows her to expose the reader to certain parts of the story, without giving away other facts that prove important only later. There is a lot of mystery and suspense in the way that the tale unfolds.
Like the predecessor volume in this series, there was a lot that I did not like about this book. First and foremost, the narrative style of switching back and forth between characters has always annoyed me. I just find it hard to follow. And this one adds an extra layer of confusion by switching time periods as well. I can see why the author utilizes these tools, however. The exchange of viewpoint between Sophie and Cole does help things to be seen more clearly from the point of view of each of the protagonists. And the change in time frames allows her to expose the reader to certain parts of the story, without giving away other facts that prove important only later. There is a lot of mystery and suspense in the way that the tale unfolds.
We do learn quite a bit more about both Scarlet and Cole,
their relationship, the things in their pasts that brought them to who and
where they are now. But there are still
many major facets of the story that do not appear to have been revealed
yet.
Some of the peripheral individuals introduced in the first
book are given some more screen time in this volume and their characters are
fleshed out a bit further. It is quite
fun to learn more about Agent Lopez, Detective Rodriguez, Mr Bishop, Levi,
Miranda, even Zack. Their personalities
are all rather unique, definitely supportive of Scarlet and Cole, and quite
interesting in their own rights. Additionally,
a couple of new characters are introduced, who don’t get a lot of attention,
but do seem like they could be major players in the future. The only one that it is not good to see more,
yet whose presence we are subjected to a few times, is Benjamin; but then
nobody ever does like to view the bad guy, I guess.
This story is also rather sad and depressing. There are a lot of obstacles to be overcome
before the main characters can even hope to have a chance at a happily ever
after ending. But there the overall tone
of the storyline seemed a bit more hopeful and a better future at least a bit
more possible.
The tiny glimmers of a paranormal aspect in the story that
were there earlier in the story are mentioned a bit again, but never expanded
on. Leading me to believe that this apparent
storyline is just another distraction or aside, not, after all, something that
will play a meaningful part in the overall tale. Although it is still unusual that an
earthquake plays such an important role in two very significant events in the
lives of Scarlet and Cole. But perhaps
not any more so than the seeming superpowers they each exhibit during
significant events in their lives.
The first book at least had a relative resolution; there
were still many things to be figured out, but enough that it felt like an
actual ending. I must say though that the
ending of this volume absolutely infuriated me!
It was a total manipulative marketing tactic to make you go out and
immediately purchase tome three in the set as soon as it is published. The ending was sad and scary and a total
cliff-hanger, something I just abhor in a book series. Of course, it is going to work and I am going
to race to consume the next edition as soon as possible, but I just resent the
method of blatant manipulation that it implies.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from Xpresso Book Tours,
and have willingly provided an honest review.
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