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Costa Leona Series #8
Sunburned Heart
- GenresSecond Chance
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Jonaxx
56 books2,264 followersJonahmae Pacala (publishing as Jonaxx) was never fond of reading longnovels during her elementary years but found a deep connection with sshort sad stories. She discovered her flair for writing at the early age of ten. What was once a hobby has now grown into a passion for writing online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 28, 2024
When you never really liked the pregnancy trope but there’s always one book that makes you think otherwise, it’s this book for me. This book’s not without its flaws but reading books by this author is a guilty pleasure. Jacques is sooo cute.
October 28, 2018
* This is a book written in Filipino that can be found on Wattpad.
I have long moved on from reading from Wattpad but I just cannot give up on anything written by Jonaxx.
Jonaxx writes with a certain formula, but still gives something different for each story. She also manages to make me cry or at least tear a little. Always. In every book.
She also has the tendency to create characters you will get attached to. Her characters are what she often interconnects and have them make cameos in other stories. Which is great. By the way. For a fangirl like me.
I can honestly say that I will definitely read more of her works.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.09/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☁
I have long moved on from reading from Wattpad but I just cannot give up on anything written by Jonaxx.
Jonaxx writes with a certain formula, but still gives something different for each story. She also manages to make me cry or at least tear a little. Always. In every book.
She also has the tendency to create characters you will get attached to. Her characters are what she often interconnects and have them make cameos in other stories. Which is great. By the way. For a fangirl like me.
I can honestly say that I will definitely read more of her works.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.09/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☁
November 3, 2018
This is a review that is a bit hard to write *sighs*
Suburned Heart still has that Jonaxx trademark that we all love but sadly, it did not wow me *hides*
Feel ko kasi may kulang. Simula pa lang, feel ko na may kulang kaya kahit na nung tumagal, hindi ko na siya masyadong maenjoy.
I have some issue with how fast Jax and Amber’s relationship progressed. Pakiramdam ko masyadong minadali lahat. Sana mas naestablish pa yung history nila nung bata, kasi parang ayun na agad, inlove na si Jaxon sa kanya, tapos I just can’t deal with an immature Amber (though naging maganda naman na nung tumanda kasi napakita yung laki ng ipinagbago niya).
Then, come the time skip, masyado ding naging madali ang mga pangyayari for me, nakukulangan lang ako. Sana mas maraming chapters? That would probably solve the issue. And also, i think half of the story dealt with Jacques (not that I am complaining), pero ayun, imbes na magfocus ako sa main couple, I was stuck focusing on Jacques, like how I could not wait for his story? And also this story is sort of like the transition story, transition sa second generation and also transition na din sa 4th gen.
Still, this is not my least fav. of the series, think I will do a blogpost about the whole third gen by the time I’m done re reading the whole series :)
Suburned Heart still has that Jonaxx trademark that we all love but sadly, it did not wow me *hides*
Feel ko kasi may kulang. Simula pa lang, feel ko na may kulang kaya kahit na nung tumagal, hindi ko na siya masyadong maenjoy.
I have some issue with how fast Jax and Amber’s relationship progressed. Pakiramdam ko masyadong minadali lahat. Sana mas naestablish pa yung history nila nung bata, kasi parang ayun na agad, inlove na si Jaxon sa kanya, tapos I just can’t deal with an immature Amber (though naging maganda naman na nung tumanda kasi napakita yung laki ng ipinagbago niya).
Then, come the time skip, masyado ding naging madali ang mga pangyayari for me, nakukulangan lang ako. Sana mas maraming chapters? That would probably solve the issue. And also, i think half of the story dealt with Jacques (not that I am complaining), pero ayun, imbes na magfocus ako sa main couple, I was stuck focusing on Jacques, like how I could not wait for his story? And also this story is sort of like the transition story, transition sa second generation and also transition na din sa 4th gen.
Still, this is not my least fav. of the series, think I will do a blogpost about the whole third gen by the time I’m done re reading the whole series :)
February 25, 2019
I can't believe I stayed up all night just to finish this story!
It made me mad, sad, happy, and crazy in love. There were some corny parts but danggghhhh!!!! Jonaxx did it again. I can't count how many times I giggled and squealed like a love sick teenager reading this story.
Man!!! I think I am going insane again and might binge read all the other books in this series that I haven't read yet, lol.
It made me mad, sad, happy, and crazy in love. There were some corny parts but danggghhhh!!!! Jonaxx did it again. I can't count how many times I giggled and squealed like a love sick teenager reading this story.
Man!!! I think I am going insane again and might binge read all the other books in this series that I haven't read yet, lol.
April 23, 2019
I really love this book, my second favorite among CLS series. This gave me mixed emotions I got mad, I laugh, I cry. A must read books to YA, General Fiction lovers. Guys this is written in tagalog.🙈
April 20, 2024
ah, yes taguan ng anak.
taguan ng anak is always atleast minimum 3 stars to me. this books is good. better than the dumpster fire that is scorching love.
let this be a lesson na if you are a fucking adult dont date fucking teenagers. jusko. bukod sa bata pa, they’re immature. and yun ang conflict dito. amber cannot handle and is too young to handle a relationship. gets naman na 17-18 lang siya nung pre timeskip pero yung jealousy scenes niya is unbearable jusko. kakaasar. girl stand up!!!!! hahaha but its jaxon so i get it
ang di ko lang magets is bakit sobrang jolly ni jax sa scorching love tapos ang serious niya dito sa story niya? bawal na ba maging magsaya sa pagibig ang mga jolly boys? hahahaha pero babaero siya so
and please dencio and marem 😭 idc what yall say they love each other. mej naluha ako sa scene nung na d-word si dencio.
nakakakilig siya and very satisfying yung nalamn na ni jax na may anak sila. this is why we read taguan ng anak trope hahaha
(ready na ako basahin yung story ni marem at achilles 🤠)
taguan ng anak is always atleast minimum 3 stars to me. this books is good. better than the dumpster fire that is scorching love.
let this be a lesson na if you are a fucking adult dont date fucking teenagers. jusko. bukod sa bata pa, they’re immature. and yun ang conflict dito. amber cannot handle and is too young to handle a relationship. gets naman na 17-18 lang siya nung pre timeskip pero yung jealousy scenes niya is unbearable jusko. kakaasar. girl stand up!!!!! hahaha but its jaxon so i get it
ang di ko lang magets is bakit sobrang jolly ni jax sa scorching love tapos ang serious niya dito sa story niya? bawal na ba maging magsaya sa pagibig ang mga jolly boys? hahahaha pero babaero siya so
and please dencio and marem 😭 idc what yall say they love each other. mej naluha ako sa scene nung na d-word si dencio.
nakakakilig siya and very satisfying yung nalamn na ni jax na may anak sila. this is why we read taguan ng anak trope hahaha
(ready na ako basahin yung story ni marem at achilles 🤠)
August 5, 2019
This book is the last of the Costa Leona Series 3rd Generation and I personally think that ending the 3rd Generation CLS with Jaxon Riego and Amber Sevilla was the wisest thing Jonaxx did. Ito ang pinakapaborito ko sa CLS at sa lahat ng libro na naisulat ni Queen J. Tumigil ako magbasa sa wattpad for awhile after Scorching Love and I only came back this year, finding so many books of Jonaxx waiting to be read. And tutal summer ko naman ay talagang nag-binge read ako ng works niya. ALL of Costa Leona Series, I finished under a month and Sunburned Heart is definitely my favorite.
CLS started with Sibal and I remember it being my favorite story back then. Something about the setting, Costa Leona, ika nga. It's really nice to imagine at ang sarap paglaruan sa isip ng mga scenes na naisulat ni Queen J. Doon na-introduce si Jaxon at first. I remember na tuwang-tuwa ako sakaniya kasi nagseselos sakaniya si Sibal because Jaxon and Snow were close. But I didn't really focus much on him back then kasi, duh, story naman 'yon ni Sibal and Snow.
Tandang-tanda ko na mala-playboy talaga si Jaxon sa Scorching Love kaya nung sinimulan ko 'yung Sunburned Heart tapos first chapter palang eh nakabuntis na siya, 'di ko alam kung magugulat ba 'ko o ano. The start was definitely different from any other books and when I say na it started off with a bang, it LITERALLY started off with a bang. Sobrang nakakagulantang 'yung miscarriage ni Amber, especially since first chapter palang at ganoon na agad.
Though, I continued reading and I found myself very very invested.
I loved each and every character in this story.
Amber, for how she grew and matured. For the first few chapters, so many readers hated her character dahil sa pagiging isip-bata niya. But I couldn't really find myself to blame her. She was sheltered and spoiled all her life. Hindi niya alam 'yong mga kabigatan sa buhay kasi never niyang naranasan 'yon and she was still so so young. I would say na she has the greatest character development in every story Jonaxx has ever written. Sobrang laki ng pag-mature niya sa future chapters and it was really satisfying to read.
Jaxon, for how strong and brave he is. Sobra-sobra ko siyang nagustuhan because, no matter how much he didn't want to put himself in a life owned by a Galvez, he still did dahil ganon kabait ang kalooban niya. He protected Amber when Amber was still young and vulnerable and he was the one and only person Amber leaned on during the times she needed someone.
Their personalities really complemented each other pero syempre may differences din. Iyong mga away nila, may laman. You could see the character's flaws very well dahil sa misunderstandings. May negative side si Amber at Jaxon just like how they both had a positive side. And for me, Queen J wrote their characterizations really well.
Characterization, check. Flow of the story, check. Dialogues, check. No unnecessary subplots. Lahat ng scene may laman, walang filler chapter ni isa. Each character had their own story to tell, even the villains. Some readers considered Marem the villain, but personally I don't think she was. Or maybe she really is. Pero I don't consider her one. Yes, she fucked up multiple times. Ang dami niyang nagawa na hindi kayang patawarin ng ibang tao. But that's just how she is. She was a great mother, a great wife and she was a great friend. She did all of the things to protect her daughter, her husband, and her best friend. Amber, Gaudencio, and Nicholas.
My most favorite scene in the book is 'yong meeting ni Jaxon and Jacques. God, I cried buckets while reading that scene. Punong-puno ng emosyon at ramdam mo na pati ikaw nandoon. I felt bad for Jacques but I also felt super bad for Jaxon, especially after kong mabasa 'yong point of view niya sa Wakas. Sobrang tagos sa puso nung scene na nililibing niya iyong nalaglag na anak nila ni Amber. That was the most raw scene in the book for me.
When Amber asked him if he started seeing other girls during the time na umalis si Amber ng Pilipinas and he answered with a "I lost a child with the woman I love the most. How could I look at anyone else after that?" I. Felt. That. Sobra-sobra 'yong pagmamahal niya kay Amber pati sa anak niya..
Here are some of the memorable lines from Sunburned Heart na hinding-hindi ko malilimutan.
"It's called first love dahil diyan ka matututo kung paano talaga magmahal ng tama."
"Loving right isn't pouring your whole self to the other person. Loving right is loving a person with self preservation."
"Sa unang pagibig, hindi mo alam kung paano magmahal. Masasaktan ka dahil hindi ka nagtira para sa sarili mo. The pain will change you. Sa unang pagibig, they are not meant to stya. They are only meant to teach you a lesson that you will appreciate once you get older and wiser."
"There are things in life that you'll never get over. Because if you did, you'll forget the lesson."
"Your end was my end too. When I lost you, I lost myself."
"If we turn back time and change some things, maybe we won't be the same people. What happened in the past made us who we are today."
"Our burns in the past turned out to be our blessings of the present in the future."
"Wrath is sometimes a misplaced passion. Anger is sometimes a cry of pain. Hate is sometimes a bruised and broken love."
"Let's stop blaming ourselves."
CLS started with Sibal and I remember it being my favorite story back then. Something about the setting, Costa Leona, ika nga. It's really nice to imagine at ang sarap paglaruan sa isip ng mga scenes na naisulat ni Queen J. Doon na-introduce si Jaxon at first. I remember na tuwang-tuwa ako sakaniya kasi nagseselos sakaniya si Sibal because Jaxon and Snow were close. But I didn't really focus much on him back then kasi, duh, story naman 'yon ni Sibal and Snow.
Tandang-tanda ko na mala-playboy talaga si Jaxon sa Scorching Love kaya nung sinimulan ko 'yung Sunburned Heart tapos first chapter palang eh nakabuntis na siya, 'di ko alam kung magugulat ba 'ko o ano. The start was definitely different from any other books and when I say na it started off with a bang, it LITERALLY started off with a bang. Sobrang nakakagulantang 'yung miscarriage ni Amber, especially since first chapter palang at ganoon na agad.
Though, I continued reading and I found myself very very invested.
I loved each and every character in this story.
Amber, for how she grew and matured. For the first few chapters, so many readers hated her character dahil sa pagiging isip-bata niya. But I couldn't really find myself to blame her. She was sheltered and spoiled all her life. Hindi niya alam 'yong mga kabigatan sa buhay kasi never niyang naranasan 'yon and she was still so so young. I would say na she has the greatest character development in every story Jonaxx has ever written. Sobrang laki ng pag-mature niya sa future chapters and it was really satisfying to read.
Jaxon, for how strong and brave he is. Sobra-sobra ko siyang nagustuhan because, no matter how much he didn't want to put himself in a life owned by a Galvez, he still did dahil ganon kabait ang kalooban niya. He protected Amber when Amber was still young and vulnerable and he was the one and only person Amber leaned on during the times she needed someone.
Their personalities really complemented each other pero syempre may differences din. Iyong mga away nila, may laman. You could see the character's flaws very well dahil sa misunderstandings. May negative side si Amber at Jaxon just like how they both had a positive side. And for me, Queen J wrote their characterizations really well.
Characterization, check. Flow of the story, check. Dialogues, check. No unnecessary subplots. Lahat ng scene may laman, walang filler chapter ni isa. Each character had their own story to tell, even the villains. Some readers considered Marem the villain, but personally I don't think she was. Or maybe she really is. Pero I don't consider her one. Yes, she fucked up multiple times. Ang dami niyang nagawa na hindi kayang patawarin ng ibang tao. But that's just how she is. She was a great mother, a great wife and she was a great friend. She did all of the things to protect her daughter, her husband, and her best friend. Amber, Gaudencio, and Nicholas.
My most favorite scene in the book is 'yong meeting ni Jaxon and Jacques. God, I cried buckets while reading that scene. Punong-puno ng emosyon at ramdam mo na pati ikaw nandoon. I felt bad for Jacques but I also felt super bad for Jaxon, especially after kong mabasa 'yong point of view niya sa Wakas. Sobrang tagos sa puso nung scene na nililibing niya iyong nalaglag na anak nila ni Amber. That was the most raw scene in the book for me.
When Amber asked him if he started seeing other girls during the time na umalis si Amber ng Pilipinas and he answered with a "I lost a child with the woman I love the most. How could I look at anyone else after that?" I. Felt. That. Sobra-sobra 'yong pagmamahal niya kay Amber pati sa anak niya..
Here are some of the memorable lines from Sunburned Heart na hinding-hindi ko malilimutan.
"It's called first love dahil diyan ka matututo kung paano talaga magmahal ng tama."
"Loving right isn't pouring your whole self to the other person. Loving right is loving a person with self preservation."
"Sa unang pagibig, hindi mo alam kung paano magmahal. Masasaktan ka dahil hindi ka nagtira para sa sarili mo. The pain will change you. Sa unang pagibig, they are not meant to stya. They are only meant to teach you a lesson that you will appreciate once you get older and wiser."
"There are things in life that you'll never get over. Because if you did, you'll forget the lesson."
"Your end was my end too. When I lost you, I lost myself."
"If we turn back time and change some things, maybe we won't be the same people. What happened in the past made us who we are today."
"Our burns in the past turned out to be our blessings of the present in the future."
"Wrath is sometimes a misplaced passion. Anger is sometimes a cry of pain. Hate is sometimes a bruised and broken love."
"Let's stop blaming ourselves."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2020
a bit cliche but adorable plot. made me cry.
November 26, 2021
I just love jonaxx stories that's why i want to read it
April 23, 2024
Re-read.
Love Jaxon, Amber and Jacques so much.
Amber was sexually abused so I really think Harper should have been out of the picture after that night. But I still think Amber cheated on Jaxon by lying again and again even tho Jaxon asked her about what happened multiple times. She clearly remembers being kissed and chose not to tell Jax because in her mind, Jax won't know because she and Jax doesn't have the same circle of friends so no one would tell him.
I understand why Jax got mad, but for a smart 23 y/o, making Amber jealous through Rowena was such a petty and childish move.
I super love Nikolai tho. He's such a very good friend.
That gathering everyone in Admiral's birthday was so nostalgic and such a nice way to close this generation of CLS.
Love Jaxon, Amber and Jacques so much.
Amber was sexually abused so I really think Harper should have been out of the picture after that night. But I still think Amber cheated on Jaxon by lying again and again even tho Jaxon asked her about what happened multiple times. She clearly remembers being kissed and chose not to tell Jax because in her mind, Jax won't know because she and Jax doesn't have the same circle of friends so no one would tell him.
I understand why Jax got mad, but for a smart 23 y/o, making Amber jealous through Rowena was such a petty and childish move.
I super love Nikolai tho. He's such a very good friend.
That gathering everyone in Admiral's birthday was so nostalgic and such a nice way to close this generation of CLS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
ANO BA TALAGA TAYO JAXON?!?!?! i can't say anything, i'm literally speechless😩 i want to feel how jaxon loves amber tbh. amber can't relate to "all of the girls you've loved before" by taylor swift, because she's the only girl jaxon has ever love. hindi ko na alam kung sino ba bias ko sa cls series jusko😭. nevertheless i enjoyed reading this story so so much! i'll definitely reread this story. i love youuu jax, amber and of jacques💗
December 11, 2024
Jaxon's POV is one of the most emotional male perspectives I’ve ever read from Jonaxx. It was eye-opening to experience a miscarriage through the male partner’s point of view and see how deeply it affected him. Most stories focus on the woman's grief in such situations (AS THEY SHOULD), but this book sheds light on the man's struggles—his pain, guilt, and vulnerability. It’s a fresh and impactful take that made the story even more heartfelt and unforgettable for me.
November 14, 2025
I've reread this so many times yet it still gives me the feeling like what I felt when I read this the first time back when I was in high school. This is definitely one of my favorite stories by Jonaxx. I'll continue to reread this as long as I am still alive. :))
June 28, 2019
Perfect story revolved with So much love
February 26, 2020
'Thou has cleft my heart with twain'
- Hamlet (Shakespeare)
- Hamlet (Shakespeare)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
TAGUAN PO ITO NG ANAK! HIGH TIER RECO ! MUST READ !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2021
Its nice
December 2, 2021
pls ignore these i just forgot to add them to my reading goal so yes :')
June 26, 2022
Pregnancy trope.
July 5, 2023
spicyy🤌🫦
November 5, 2023
POGI NI JAXON
CUTIE NI JAQUES
GUSTO KO NG FRIEND NA KAGAYA NI NIKOLAI
I LOVE YOU DENCIOOO 😭😭😭😭
CUTIE NI JAQUES
GUSTO KO NG FRIEND NA KAGAYA NI NIKOLAI
I LOVE YOU DENCIOOO 😭😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
5 star sana kaso may namatay huhu 😭😭😭
January 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 18, 2024
yung inamin na talaga na may anak sila e. habulan kayo d'yan
April 22, 2025
Best girl Amber
April 23, 2025
Top notcher ✨
September 29, 2024
'Sunburned Heart' has all the hallmarks of a romantic story, written by a well-known contemporary Filipino author, with fantastic chemistry between its two main leads and humourous situations that are sure to make you smile.
The book opens on a confrontation between Jaxon Archibald 'Jax' Riego and Amber Emilianna Sevilla as the latter reveals that she is pregnant with their child only to witness an intimate scene between Jax and his friend, Rowena.
SH soon develops a meditation on why the book is titled that way. A brilliantly written, soul-stirring drama about love, family, sex, career and sadness, it is a rich, visceral and heartbreaking story about grief and jealousy.
Jax is a tall, handsome and fresh chemical engineering graduate who is waiting to take the boards. Amber, a stunning and vibrant college freshman transferee from Manila, captures Jaxon's heart and soul. She tried approaching him when she was 15 to ask about the fish Jax, his father and the other fishermen caught to which Jaxon shooed her away. They met again after four years when Jax filled in as a substitute teacher at the North Western College where she is taking up her business degree.
Amber, an incoming freshman in college, was originally studying in Manila but then was forced to study in Costa Leona due to a small scandal that her mom witnessed during her ex's birthday party. While she has friends in Manila, she now lacks knowledge of how college cliques operate in Costa Leona. No one wants to be friends with her because of her middle name and what her mother did to her cousin's love life. SH analyses college culture in great depth and with a level of observation that seems surprisingly informed.
As her math professor, Jaxon is more convincing and endearing than most fictional college instructors and is also charming. He then saves Amber from her bullies. Amber starts to develop feelings for Jaxon, and she handles it in an immature way that leads to misunderstandings. Trust me, their misconceptions and arguments totally make sense and aren't clunky devices created for the plot's convenience. Together, they spend authentic and sensual moments that are so in touch with the ground you can smell it. Then, one day, Jax has to go to Manila to find a job after topping the chemical engineering boards, while Amber is left in Costa Leona with only her parents as her support system.
Jax is doing his best in Manila to become worthy of Amber, but he can't bear to be apart from her. So, he goes back to Costa Leona to work under Riego Steel instead. Unfortunately, Amber needs to spend the holidays in Manila. The night of her 18th birthday, she unintentionally kisses her ex-boyfriend, Harper, to which Jax finds out. He confronts her about the kiss, which she totally denies. They weren't able to resolve their issue. Shortly after their heated fight, Amber finds out she is pregnant. As she breaks the news to him, she suffers from a miscarriage.
The middle chapters become a complex and extremely observant tale of how a couple is coping. Their anguish levels them. Amber leaves the Philippines to get away from Jaxon, while Jaxon buries one of their twins to their hangout spot. They spend a lot of time in a fog separately, still haunted by their grief for the daughter they have never met. They are rattling angrily in an emotional void.
Soon, they are no longer in constant pain. Life is starting over. Amber goes back to the Philippines so her surviving son, Jacques, can meet his father. SH fills in the gaps between the situation's clichés.
They meet again during one of Amber's go-sees for an international company where Jaxon is the president. She becomes their model and he starts courting her. She doesn't want to get back with him; she just wants a father and son reunion. Denial and avoidance have evolved from sadness for her. She thinks being in a relationship for Jacques's sake is not the right response. SH is very intriguing because it bravely looks at what the leads say and feel.
What I love about Amber is that she is the story's centre of gravity who changes maturely in the book. Despite the events that occur in Jaxon's life, he fundamentally remains the same person... A man still in love with his angel. 'Sunburned Heart' is about how Amber is being drawn by inner tides because she is concerned and disturbed beyond the depths that were first developed seven years ago.
It's amazing how Jonaxx depicts Amber's perplexity. SH is a technological difficulty in and of itself. While it is easy enough to describe the story's events, it is more difficult to adjust them for warmth and humour. Even though I anticipated the story's subject matter, I was nevertheless amazed by how it was handled.
The book opens on a confrontation between Jaxon Archibald 'Jax' Riego and Amber Emilianna Sevilla as the latter reveals that she is pregnant with their child only to witness an intimate scene between Jax and his friend, Rowena.
SH soon develops a meditation on why the book is titled that way. A brilliantly written, soul-stirring drama about love, family, sex, career and sadness, it is a rich, visceral and heartbreaking story about grief and jealousy.
Jax is a tall, handsome and fresh chemical engineering graduate who is waiting to take the boards. Amber, a stunning and vibrant college freshman transferee from Manila, captures Jaxon's heart and soul. She tried approaching him when she was 15 to ask about the fish Jax, his father and the other fishermen caught to which Jaxon shooed her away. They met again after four years when Jax filled in as a substitute teacher at the North Western College where she is taking up her business degree.
Amber, an incoming freshman in college, was originally studying in Manila but then was forced to study in Costa Leona due to a small scandal that her mom witnessed during her ex's birthday party. While she has friends in Manila, she now lacks knowledge of how college cliques operate in Costa Leona. No one wants to be friends with her because of her middle name and what her mother did to her cousin's love life. SH analyses college culture in great depth and with a level of observation that seems surprisingly informed.
As her math professor, Jaxon is more convincing and endearing than most fictional college instructors and is also charming. He then saves Amber from her bullies. Amber starts to develop feelings for Jaxon, and she handles it in an immature way that leads to misunderstandings. Trust me, their misconceptions and arguments totally make sense and aren't clunky devices created for the plot's convenience. Together, they spend authentic and sensual moments that are so in touch with the ground you can smell it. Then, one day, Jax has to go to Manila to find a job after topping the chemical engineering boards, while Amber is left in Costa Leona with only her parents as her support system.
Jax is doing his best in Manila to become worthy of Amber, but he can't bear to be apart from her. So, he goes back to Costa Leona to work under Riego Steel instead. Unfortunately, Amber needs to spend the holidays in Manila. The night of her 18th birthday, she unintentionally kisses her ex-boyfriend, Harper, to which Jax finds out. He confronts her about the kiss, which she totally denies. They weren't able to resolve their issue. Shortly after their heated fight, Amber finds out she is pregnant. As she breaks the news to him, she suffers from a miscarriage.
The middle chapters become a complex and extremely observant tale of how a couple is coping. Their anguish levels them. Amber leaves the Philippines to get away from Jaxon, while Jaxon buries one of their twins to their hangout spot. They spend a lot of time in a fog separately, still haunted by their grief for the daughter they have never met. They are rattling angrily in an emotional void.
Soon, they are no longer in constant pain. Life is starting over. Amber goes back to the Philippines so her surviving son, Jacques, can meet his father. SH fills in the gaps between the situation's clichés.
They meet again during one of Amber's go-sees for an international company where Jaxon is the president. She becomes their model and he starts courting her. She doesn't want to get back with him; she just wants a father and son reunion. Denial and avoidance have evolved from sadness for her. She thinks being in a relationship for Jacques's sake is not the right response. SH is very intriguing because it bravely looks at what the leads say and feel.
What I love about Amber is that she is the story's centre of gravity who changes maturely in the book. Despite the events that occur in Jaxon's life, he fundamentally remains the same person... A man still in love with his angel. 'Sunburned Heart' is about how Amber is being drawn by inner tides because she is concerned and disturbed beyond the depths that were first developed seven years ago.
It's amazing how Jonaxx depicts Amber's perplexity. SH is a technological difficulty in and of itself. While it is easy enough to describe the story's events, it is more difficult to adjust them for warmth and humour. Even though I anticipated the story's subject matter, I was nevertheless amazed by how it was handled.
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