Review: This author is going places!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2013
Sometimes, if we are lucky enough, we come across a great book that hits you like a punch to the gut. Well, today was my lucky day! Chasing Stars blindsided me with a round-house kick to my heart and put an unrelenting choke-hold on my soul. Every word, from the first to the last, reached through my kindle screen with some crazy voodoo, Harry Potter-esque magical wizardry and branded me.Ms. Duarte is either a witch or a freaking genius. I'm betting on a little of both. The way she writes is pure magic. I still can't believe this is her debut novel! Where have you been, woman, and when can I get more of you?! I kid you not; this is one of the best books I have ever read! Alright, time to put my inner fan girl on the back burner so she can simmer down a bit. A few amazing characters are in need of some attention now.Portia: Her name just screams "self-righteous rich b itch" don't you think? Yeah, I did too. I was positive I was going to loathe her and that she would be some whiny brat who thought the world would stop spinning if something didn't go her way. NOPE. I was wrong and I'll be the first to admit it. She was born with a golden spoon in her mouth. Yeah, she could probably wipe herself with my paychecks, but all the money in the world couldn't fill the voids in her life. The media paints her as a shallow self centered actress who treats men the same way she would a new Prada purse; use it until the next new style comes out. Which, that part is true I suppose. She doesn't do relationships, doesn't do feelings. She knows the effect she has on men and enjoys every minute of it. She knows that all she has to do is throw them her signature smile and her sex-me eyes and they'll be eating out of the palm of her hand (among other desirable areas). Every now and then she will be confronted with a challenge, which brings me to my next character. Get ready to swoon, ladies!Will: Oh, Will. He is a walking work of art, let me tell you! His body was sculpted by Greek Gods I just know it! Anyways... I had an insta-love with him, no doubt about that. He's an artist, a very, very talented one at that. He's a tattoo artist and he loves it, but his true happiness comes from a paintbrush. When he paints, he digs deep into his soul and rips out a piece of him to splatter onto each and every canvas. He grew up completely different from Portia. While her life was full of unicorns and rainbows, his was filled with dark, dirty demons that still continue to haunt him. She would never understand. So when she walks into his shop to get a temporary tattoo for a new movie she's shooting, he doesn't buy into her crap. He's been dealt a horrible hand in the game of life and is finally in a good place. The last thing he needs is some high maintenance spoiled brat to come into his life and turn his world upside down.But, the world works in mysterious ways. Some people are brought together for a reason when you least expect it and this story is a perfect example of that. Chasing Stars is a beautiful story that teaches you to look deeper, love harder, and to surrender yourself completely even if you don't feel like you have the strength to do so. Sometimes a second chance may be your only chance, and if you're lucky enough to be given one, don't waste it."Lights will guide you home. And ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you." -Coldplay