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LITTLE BLUE EYES

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A BROWN GIRL'S STORY! Whose baby is this?

On the same day Elena (30) is fired from her bank job, her younger sister Terry (24) decides to move out of their Brooklyn apartment. Elena, college grad, romantic, ambitious, longing to be part of the “mainstream of society,” is brown and Latina (a self-named ‘hybrid’) and clinically UNABLE to conceive a child.

To inflame complications, Elena finds an abandoned WHITE INFANT in an alleyway.
She weighs her option: bring the three-month-old child to a nearby hospital, or sell it to Carlos, a nefarious baby broker. The money would expand her slender savings until she finds the job she wants. She calls Carlos, who instructs her to deliver the colic boy to his apartment in three days.

But it’s not long before Elena becomes emotionally attached to “Todd,” the baby. Maternal instincts she thought would never surface take over. She reneges on the agreement with Carlos and chooses to keep the baby.

Her resolve will soon clash with the people she becomes involved with: Her militant black roommate Keisha, the blonde woman who abandoned ‘Todd’ and now wants him back, Carlos, who threatens to kidnap the child, and Mike, a debonair stranger she meets at a bar.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2021

2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read

About the author

ROB SANTANA

23 books21 followers
Author/Filmmaker.

Some of my short stories have been "traditionally" published.

Two of my feature films have screened at various festivals. (Bomber Jackets and Heysoos)

I love talking to other writers, especially about their work. Got something? Bring it on.

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5 stars
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8 (38%)
3 stars
3 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Sara Santos.
429 reviews62 followers
June 6, 2022
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the premise of the book, but sometimes I was confused with so many characters, some of them weren't that important to the plot.
I think the book ended abruptly and suddenly wanted the lead character to have a romantic relationship with a guy near the end, that it made no sense.
I will read other books by this author and I recommend this book.
13 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2021
Rob has managed to capture the harsh realities faced by people of race especially women who are trying to make it in their careers despite being overlooked. The book also shines the spotlight on the dangers of drugs, black market baby business as well as the complexities of sharing spaces. The storyline unfolds beautifully and really captures the imagination.
Profile Image for VA Fernz.
44 reviews
September 30, 2021
This is a story that revolves around black woman, love, motherhood and struggles. This story promotes how the world of other black people and even their dreams were ripped off because of judgment and racism. Motherly love isn’t just felt by those who bore the children but with those who have kind hearts with pure intentions in having the baby. I love the way how she took care of the child even though she, herself has her own financial problems. Above all, she tends to do the right thing and chose what she thinks is the best for Todd, the child. I admire how she stands for Todd in her family. This book also tackles how bad humanity could be in these days. People often base on the physical appearance of a person not minding how he or she is capable. Even though a lot had been promoting equality there is always that someone who will look down at other people that they think we're not good enough because they did not exceed their physically-based expectations. A lot of people were discouraged because of this problem. “Black people are resilient. Even the shadows of slavery, we still shine”, this quote proves that no matter how people look down towards black people we cannot deny how effective their work could be. I believe that we do not have the right to discourage anyone who continually makes progress. As a human, it is our choice to show humanity and we must think that the people who spread love establish peace and harmony is a source of betterment. It doesn’t mean that someone who does not look like us needs to be cut off in society. We must be conscious of our actions and what we speak as it creates a great impact on someone. I love the message of this book.
Profile Image for Vivienne Neal.
Author 14 books24 followers
August 19, 2021
A Compelling Read

The plot is engaging, challenging, and a page-turner. The backdrop is Brooklyn, New York where sibling rivalry happens between Elena Mitchell and her younger sister, Terry who seems to have an idyllic existence, but life is different for Elena who will face unexpected and precarious episodes. I was on the edge of my seat reading this novel that draws into the storyline, which is a blend of transgressions, suspense, and mystery. There are attention-grabbing, complex, multi-ethnic characters, expressive settings, and extensive dialogue drawing into the preferential treatment by external forces, as well as inner biases and expectations being Black Latinos. The narrative is loaded with twists and turns, secrets and lies, deception, greed, manipulation, desire, and unrewarded love, building up to an ending that I never saw coming, reminding us that we are more alike than we are different.
Profile Image for Munie  Moe.
71 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2021
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

If you like to beat your reading slump. You can read this book as it is can be read in one sitting. It is quiet fast paced even though at the beginning it is quite confusing to relate the main character with other characters.

But as you turn the pages, everything make senses and definitely become a page turning thriller. It also got a few relevant issues nowaday like racism, addiction and also underhand baby selling business that cannot be ignore.

A short book that can finish in one sitting but after reading it, the story line kind of lingering within you. And actually make you thinking what happen if you deal with the same situation? Did you do the same? Or maybe another choices? 4 stars from me for the page turning thriller.
Profile Image for Vasiliki Tzalachani.
11 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
I want to thank Booktasters on Twitter and the author, Rob Santana, for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in an exchange for an honest review!

This book is about a woman named Elena who in the beginning of the book she had been fired from her prestigious work and is spiralling mentally now that she has no job. She feels lost and without purpose while her sister, family and new roommate are being very critical about it. After a failed attempt at finding a job interview on Wall Street, she ends up drinking at a bar, while exiting she hears a baby crying in a back alley. Elena meets a beautiful baby boy of Caucasian origin with striking blue eyes and with it a whirl of adventure begins!

Spoiler warning from here on out!

Reading this book was an experience that I'm still reeling from! As a woman looking for a job in a state of a world that is heading nowhere, I could relate to Elena's failure of landing a job.

Although I did grew a bit angry reading how her roommate and some of her family were a bit racist towards the fact that Elena, an African Latina woman living in America, couldn't raise a child of different ethnicity and skin tone from hers! I grew annoyed since they have been demanding less racism and equality, here they were doing the same thing towards a baby of all things! As if the child could control his melanin levels!

Unfortunately, I'm aware that people like them exist in our world but it was frustrating nonetheless! My anger might stems from the fact that I grew up in Europe in a predominantly white town although I was taught to not be racist towards anyone. But living in present day Europe where some of US's issues are our issues such as racism and social class I couldn't help but relate and grown angry at how much segregation still exists!

I loved reading this books since it had a huge racial, motherhood, maternity and social class issues depicted and explored through different points of view. It was very enticing and the dialogue in the book was written so lively that I felt as if I was watching it happen before me and not reading it.

I found the bander between the characters very entertaining. Although I would love to punch Mike Tranche and take Dawn and their child away, he's a major red flag of a person! And I would have preferred if the baby remained with Elena and named Todd and not Gustav with a very toxic family. Yep, that family is heading towards divorce and the husband is definitely sleeping with the twin sister of his wife... And also I would love to punch Nick! Troy was the only guy I liked!

I would love to read a second book, a sequel to this, but this time the narrator is Todd (Gustav) searching for his biological parents and Elena after years of growing up in that weird family. It would would have been sooo interesting!

If you're looking for a book that is not only quick to read but also keeps you on your toes and threatens to make you lose your buses because you're reading it and time flies then this book is for you!

Rob Santana, is a writer with potential and I can't wait to see where he will go! Again, thank you to Booktasters and Rob Santana for this opportunity!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angelica.
6 reviews
November 29, 2021
Little Blue eyes is a story about An Afro-Latina woman named Elena Mitchell, who is down on her luck when she discovers a white blue eyed baby one night in an ally. Unable to conceive children of her own, she contemplates keeping the child before ultimately deciding to contact the necessary services to arrange for him to be adopted.

Warning, this review contains spoilers.The story was a bit slow to start but became a page turner about half way through. The story highlighted Elena’s bond with the baby and how in a way, they saved each other. The way Elena cares for The baby highlights that you don’t have to birth a baby to be their Mother or motherly figure. Through her love, the baby, once thought to be colicky, cries less and less as Elena is able to provide the care that his biological parents could not.

The story attempted to touch on the obstacles many people of color endure but ironically the writing played into many of the negative stereotypes given to people of color while praising Eurocentric features. The main character is described as rude, bitter, angry, etc. and her dark skin tone is frequently referenced. Meanwhile, fairer skin characters features are praised and described as highly desirable.

At times the storyline timeframe was confusing and character development lacking. The story ended abruptly with no resolution/contact noted between the main character and her sister. Also the character Michael Tranche seems unnecessary to the storyline and his character was poorly written but takes up a lot of overall story. Sharon getting cleaned in what seemed to be 2 weeks and trying to find her baby only to conveniently overdose at the end felt rushed to tie up lose ends.

I did find myself wondering what would happen next and the suspense of everything unfolding in Elena’s apartment kept me intrigued. Troy’s adventure to follow Carlos and Benny was a page turner and thrilling.

The ending felt abrupt and was disappointing as I’d hoped Elena would end up with someone that we’d followed in the book. We leave the main character, Elena, still unemployed, and in no better situation which felt like a let down as I was rooting for her. I believe the book could have been a bit longer to wrap up her family dynamic. Or perhaps the first part of a sequel?

I’m rating the book 3 stars as the storyline and timeframe were confusing at times and the story rushed at the end to wrap up things. Overall it was an easy read and definitely made you think what you would do in a similar situation.

A big thanks to the author, Rob Santana, for providing a copy for me to read well as @booktasters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews1 follower
Read
February 7, 2021
Another suspense-filled thriller by Rob Santana. In his new novel Little Blue Eyes, Rob has created a moving story, built around a strong female character, Elena, whose journey we follow as she endures racial injustice when being overlooked for a promotion at the Bank where she served for eight years.
On the day she quits her job, her sister announces she is leaving their flat. Elena is faced with the anxieties of finding a new job and a new house tenant to contribute towards paying the rent.
To add to her sorrows, Elena has to live with the fact that she cannot have children, which upsets her tremendously. In her struggle to find a new job she runs into many controversial characters who bid to help her in various ways, some with honest intentions, but others with hidden agendas.
It is when she finds a baby left abandoned in an alley that her adventure becomes even more challenging. She is struck with a series of moral decisions to make. Should she leave the baby in the alley? Or report him to the authorities? It is when she decides to look after him until she finds a permanent solution that more troubles ensue in various forms.
When willing admirers offer to help her find a job and save the baby, the true mother surfaces. This story is filled with so many unpredictable twists and turns that leave you gripped, constantly wanting to know what happens next.
Rob is very direct and creative in his writing. He has a gift of describing each scene in such detail that you not only can picture the scene clearly, but you can feel the emotions of the characters. This story follows many highs and lows and captures true life in a story which explores the struggles of survival and demonstrates the sacrifices and pain which come with love. It is a short and pleasant read, filled with suspense and unpredictable storylines. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Well done Rob.
Profile Image for C.H. Eryl.
Author 8 books8 followers
March 24, 2021
I don't know quite how to categorize this new offering by Mr. Rob Santana. It's part thriller, part romance, part mystery and ALL wonderful. It starts as Elena, the main character, finds an infant that has been cast aside in an alley. Much to her surprise when she uncovers the child, she is met with startling blue eyes and pale skin. She is torn on what to do but her nature makes the decision for her and she takes the child home to care for him.

This is just the beginning of the tale. From here on the reader is confronted with a rollercoaster ride that roots for Elena and has you hanging on the edge of your seat wondering what decisions she will make, not only for young Todd's (the baby) life, but for her own. Enter into the mix, a baby broker, the child's parents having a change of heart, a roommate with a brother that is falling for Elena and a mysterious gentleman, Mike, who wishes to change Elena's living conditions.

This was a well orchestrated story that held my attention from the beginning. I couldn't guess what would happen on the next page. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling kind of romance novel to devour. A full 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Dacia Johnson.
14 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
Little Blue Eyes was a wonderful book that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The main character, Elena, was in pursuit of a job, but what she received was so much more than what she ever thought would happen.

I thought Mike was a control freak who appeared to be on the verge of being an abusive domineering man. I’m glad Elena got away from him.

Baby Todd was so precious and innocent. I am so glad things worked out for him.

Troy was the unlikely hero who came to save the day. I didn’t like how his sister was trying to tell him what to do. I’m glad that he stood up to her.

There was one main area within the book that I didn’t like regarding Benny and Carlos and the sexual innuendos that entailed.

Overall, it was a good book and a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
132 reviews5 followers
Read
May 17, 2021
A new short story thriller that keeps up the pace and the suspense until the last page.
The book keeps you guessing and wondering what is going to happen next. Although the story is of a shorter length, the characters and story are written so well that you find yourself invested in them and they hold your attention from the first page. The faster pacing of the story also helps as it doesn't spend too long on dwelling on what's just happened before the author throws the action forward on the next page. I really liked that the twists the story delivered were completely unpredictable and made the story all the more interesting. Overall a thrilling read and highly recommended as an addition to your summer reading list.
Profile Image for Caribbean Didi.
88 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2022
A book that talks about emotions and racism and what black people have to face in their life... this book is so powerful and well written.
You put yourself through the story and you have this mixed feelings of motherhood and financial risks and issues.
I used to drop tears dring reading git, and my heart was hurt a lot. We are all human beings and we have to stand for each other.
Very gripping, very mysterious and the author is very talented that I will put my review for the next book right now.
I highly recommend this book.
5 reviews
August 8, 2022
I want to thank Booktasters on Twitter and the author, Rob Santana, for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in an exchange for an honest review.

This is story about motherhood, the love and struggles.It is quiet fast and at the beginning it is quite confusing to relate the main character with other characters but as you keep reading it gets better.I loved the book in general
I regret not reading it earlier but glad I did .
45 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2021
Unlikable...

So many things about this story are simply off putting. The main character is judgemental and the entire story from beginning to end has a vicious undercurrent of anti-Blackness. The writing style is odd also. Not a book I'd recommend and won't be reading this author again, either.
4 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
Written to address the race problem, the book is about love, womanhood and the many struggles. The author shows how people's effort and interests are limited because of race.

The book narrates Elena’s connection with the her baby. The author explores how the travails of Elena but in the end not much improved.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,495 reviews20 followers
January 27, 2023
A quick read following Elena's moment she is let go from her workplace to visiting the baby she found and given up for adoption. A lot of events occur within these moments and demonstrates a race difference, and Elena bouncing back after every change and confrontation.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,234 reviews18 followers
February 2, 2023
This had what I was looking for in a thriller novel, it had a great concept and I was invested in what was going on. The concept was suspenseful and I'm glad I got to read this. Rob Santana does a great job in telling the story and creating interesting characters. I can't wait to read more from him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marsha Welsh.
41 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2021
Wow what a read !
What a gripping story ! Twist turns ! Thrilling , romance wow 🤩
I really liked Elena very strong female character .
I am not going to spoil it telling you storyline etc as I went to read without knowing much about storyline etc at all just read it will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Koootar.
53 reviews18 followers
September 29, 2021
When her life started falling apart, there was this little angel, little blue eyes showed in her life. How could she handle him?! How would they survive?!

Elena, our main character who on the same day lost the opportunity to get a promotion and also had to look for a new roommate in order to handle the rent. and once she become jobless she found a baby in an alley, a little white guy with blue eyes. qt first she decided to sell him to Carlos a baby seller, but the motherhood side showed, and she was unable to get rid of the baby. Here her adventure begins, the mother of the baby shows, Carlos wants the baby, still seeking for a job, how would she handle this chaos?

I had the opportunity to read this book through Booktasters and the author Rob Santana, and It was an amazing book actually, showing up different topics through the struggle of our main character such as racism, unemployment, relationships, love ... and the book is full of twists and unpredicted events that keep the reader exited to know what is coming next. And I quite like the ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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