SYNOPSIS
One shy lost soul.
One silent lonely heart.
One love to save them both.
Life has never been easy for twenty-year-old Levi Carillo. The youngest of the Carillo boys, Levi is nothing like his older brothers. He isn’t dark in looks or intimidating to everyone he meets. In fact, he’s quite the opposite. Haunted by a crippling shyness and the tragic events of his past, Levi spends his days with his head buried in his books, or training hard for his college football team. Too timid to talk to girls, Levi stays as far away as possible and completely on his own… until he saves the life of a troubled pretty blonde, a troubled pretty blonde that might just be the exception to his rule.
Elsie Hall is homeless. Or at least that’s all anyone ever sees. Every day is a fight for survival on the cold streets of Seattle, everyday a struggle to find food and keep warm. Alone in life—a life that’s dangerous and cruel—her will to keep going is an ever-losing battle. In her world of silence, Elsie has given up hope that her life will contain anything but constant struggle and pain… until the beautiful boy she has severely wronged comes to her rescue at precisely the right time.
New Adult novel—contains sexual situations and mature topics. Suited for ages 18 and up.
*****Patty’s Review*****
*****FIVE MIA ANIMA GEMELLA STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review}
(BR with Mel)
“I want the world for you, mia luna. And I pray that the girl who claims your tender heart is just as sweet as you. Someone to care for your fragile soul. Someone to cherish the gentle gift that you are, when I am no longer here to do so…”
Tillie Cole is truly one of the most talented writers out there today. She is one of the reasons why I started blogging. Every time a book of hers is due out, I find myself waiting on pins & needles. What I knew before going into this book was that it was going to mess with my emotions, and oh boy did it ever. I certainly shed a few tears reading about the Sweet Shy boy who finds his way out of the darkness with the help of a Beautiful Silent girl.
Levi Carillo is the youngest of the Carillo brothers and the one with the biggest heart. It would seem that he’s got everything going for him. He’s on the starting offensive line for his college football team, and usually voted MVP. He’s gorgeous, smart, and has a loving family, but the pain and guilt he feels over his mother’s death, has haunted him for the past six years. Levi is painfully shy and avoids social situations at all costs. He has felt like a lost soul, unable to move on with his life since the death of his mother. His brothers and family constantly worry about him, because he keeps himself so closed off from friends and normal college shenanigans.
Elsie Hall is a young woman who has not had it easy for most of her eighteen years of life. Her mother was disabled and also addicted to drugs. More often than not, her mother failed to provide the basics needed to keep them both safe, warm, and well nourished. They lived most of their years together being homeless and hungry. Through it all, Elsie never blamed her mother, and only held so much love in her heart for her instead. But circumstances cause Elsie to be separated from her mom and soon after being placed in a facility she learns of her mother’s untimely death. Not only does she find herself utterly alone but she crosses paths with a ruthless bully who causes her to live her life in silence and eventually she finds herself back out on the streets.
Elsie’s life will begin to change on the fateful night she is caught trying to steal Levi’s wallet from his locker. She ends up taking something that means the world to him and at first Levi is devastated but then he recalls the haunted look of the frail girl with the huge expressive eyes and he can’t help but feel true compassion for her. She manages to get away from him at first but eventually when she runs into him again she’s lucky to have Levi and his brothers come to her rescue.
While being nursed back to health at Austin & Lexi’s home, Levi and Elsie start to form a deep connection. Levi has never felt anything for a girl until Elsie. He has this strong need to protect and stand up for her. The once shy young man now has to find his voice to speak up for the girl who seems to be even more shy than he is. But there is a reason why she refuses to talk and when you get the whole story, it will be hard not to shed a tear for her. I also have to say that some of the poignant moments between Levi and Axel were so heartbreaking.
There is a bit of steam but it was so beautifully written. Every moment was filled with so much tenderness, I felt like my heart was about to burst. And I love how Levi handled Elsie with so much care, and was always encouraging her to embrace what makes her different and to follow her dreams.
I have a serious hatred for bullying and that is one of the major themes of this story and what is truly sad is that it doesn’t just happen in grade school or high school. It can happen to anyone, during any stage of life.
If you haven’t read this series yet, you need to add this to your TBR. All four previous books in this series are on sale on Amazon US right now @ 99 cents each.
SWEET SOUL is now LIVE on AMAZON US!
http://amzn.to/1lLWgBS
AMAZON UK
http://amzn.to/1P51ulo
*****Mel’s Review*****
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty)
Levi Carillo is a 20 yr. old gorgeous, quiet guy from Alabama. He lives in Seattle, & attends The University of Washington where he plays wide receiver for the Washington Huskies. Levi & his 2 older brothers suffered a tragic childhood that still devastates & haunts his thoughts. He has lived so much for being so young, and has trouble just acting his age & being carefree. He spends most of his time either playing football or studying. He has a heavy heart & is so kind & sensitive. He loves hard & feels so much. He’s the gentle brother of the three.
Levi hasn’t had any experience with girls yet. He’s extremely shy, and just isn’t comfortable around the opposite sex, until he meets a girl named Elsie Hall. Elsie is 18, & from Portland, Oregon. Her whole life has been one obstacle after another. She is homeless, cold, hungry & alone. She has nothing & is desperately trying to hold onto a shred of hope as she’s trying to survive while living on the streets.
Elsie’s hope comes in the form of a beautiful boy with an even more beautiful sweet soul. Levi shows her compassion & a kindness she’s never experienced before. He rescues her, takes care of her, & makes her feel safe. She is able to be herself with Levi, & eventually opens up to him about her painful past. They find happiness & a peace through each other & end up saving one another through love.
I have loved this series so much, & been dying for Levi’s book! I ADORE ALL the Carillo brothers! SWOON SWOON SWOON X 3!!! Thank you Tillie Cole for writing Levi’s book. He is such a special, breathtakingly beautiful character. I enjoyed this book so much! It’s one that touches the heart & stays with you.
-“You’re my kind of extraordinary. Levi Carillo, you’re the sweetest of souls.”
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