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Tuesday 28 November 2017

Blog Tour / Book Review - Dennis & Greer by Molly Gould



Historical Romance
Date Published: October 3, 2017
Publisher: Belle Reve Press

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Dennis and Greer is a nonfiction love story in letters and journals between 2 college students during the Vietnam era. (This is nonfiction that reads like fiction)

A true story that encapsulates the horrors of war and the innocence of young love.

Buried in a trunk for fifty years, this long-forgotten tale, told through letters and journals from the war-torn Vietnam era, has been resurrected.

College students, Dennis and Greer, met and felt a spark just before moving to different states. Their witty correspondence through letters conjured a desire to meet again, but Dennis tried to keep his distance; duty is more important than love.

As the two embarked on their journey into adulthood and navigated their relationship against the backdrop of war, they were writing a love story that will span the test of time.

My Musings :

Heart touching - heart rending is how I would describe Dennis and Greer's story.

That said I would like to say that I found the starting a bit hard. It took a while for me to get into their story inspite of being eager for the love story. That is because of the language. The language is formal and poetic at times and it takes time to read. So this is a very slow read. This doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it. I did.. It was hard not to. But it detracted sometimes with the lengthy letters and so I am guilty of just perusing them in certain parts. 

But the slow reading has a good side to it too. It helps in assimilating the emotions of Dennis and Greer. The story in the form of letters is very suited for the purpose. I loved reading into the minds and hearts of Dennis and Greer. It was fun looking into their lives and sad at the distance between them physically. 

The romance plays out in slow motion and it adds to the enjoyment. Dennis and Greer grow through their letters from friends to mates to husband and wife. The feeling of poignancy and sadness permeates the book from the beginning because I knew the ending or part of it from the beginning. And this is what kept me on tenterhooks, getting to know how that state comes about. I loved reading the historical aspects of the story. It is another attraction of the tale.

The addition of Greer's life after Dennis' death and their pictures at the end of the book have kept me thinking of it even after finishing the book. There are few books which evoke such strong feelings and emotions. And I will treasure their story in the years to come. 

I received a free copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't impact my review in any way.

My one line review : A heart touching real romance

My rating : 4/5

M reread factor : 3/5

About the Author


ASU graduate, Molly Gould, lived in the wilderness for 28 days when she was 16 years old (she’s your go-to-girl in the zombie apocalypse). She now confines herself indoors with the AC full-blast in her sunny sate of AZ. Occasionally, she’ll brave the scorching heat with her husband and four children.

When Molly inherited a treasure of vintage journals and letters, she was swept away by the love story contained within those writings. She couldn’t keep Dennis and Greer to herself, so she began transcribing and Dennis and Greer was born.

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Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Blog Tour / Book Review - The Bachelor Contract by Rachel Van Dyken


THE BACHELOR CONTRACT 
by Rachel Van Dyken 
(November 28, 2017;
 Forever Mass Market; 
$7.99;
 The Bachelors of Arizona Book 3)


A second-chance romance from the #1 New York Times bestseller of The Bet, Matchmaker and Elite series!

She's everywhere.
Ex-wife.
Love of his life.
The last person in the world he wanted to see...ever.

And now that he's working beside her every day, he can't escape her. Her scent, glimpses of her smile, even the tension in the air that makes his body hum with the kind of need he'd only experienced with one person-all of it is driving him over the edge.

Brant Wellington was certain of three things:
Alcohol wasn't going to solve this.
He really was losing his F-ing mind.
And his gorgeous ex-wife was going to be the death of him.

Buy the Book!
NOTE: The print and ebook editions have different covers!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iHwtLP

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2iGC98K

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2zsqzIL

Nook: http://bit.ly/2zZZuvU

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jf6gDO

iBooks: http://apple.co/2BeSB7Z

Google: http://bit.ly/2iJsmyX

My Musings :

I definitely didn't expect this from the author!!

Did that scare you? Well, I had to express my pent up emotion! I actually meant it in the best way. I have read the other books in the series, so I knew Brant had something serious in his past. But this is way beyond my expectations. Wow, the author had me pretty emotional in the end!

The author's writing is spot on, finding perfect targets for her words. All the scenes either had me laughing with the way the supporting cast was poking into the hero and heroine's lives or sad and angry with the way their past had played out. The author has portrayed the characters well and had the past and present so entwined that at times it felt overloaded.

Brant is such a guy! I understand his situation but I didn't like him in the beginning with his attitude and crass behaviour. But he too redeems himself because towards the end I could see what caused the change in him. And even the strongest person would be overwhelmed with the horror the author has put him through. Yeah I totally blame the author! (kidding!)

Nikki..Nikki.. What do I say about her? She is so strong and I can't imagine anyone in her plight. The way she deals with everything and her final capitulation to Brant's love had me favouring her throughout the book.

The story had me sniffling with the pair's trials while the family's meddling had me smiling in delight. I especially loved Cole and his surprise in relation to Nadine had me agog to see if there's a future book for him!

I received a free copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't impact my review in any way.

My one line review : Pretty heavy and emotional!

My rating : 4.5/5

My reread factor : 3.5/5

About the Author



Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult, Regency, and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, son, and their snoring boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers!

Social Media Links
www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

Add The Bachelor Contract to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2jP2ipa

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Thursday 23 November 2017

Blog Tour / Book Review - Hunger Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff


Hunger Moon
Alexandra Sokoloff
(The Huntress/FBI Thrillers #5)
Publication date: October 24th 2017
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Revenge has no limits.
Special Agent Matthew Roarke has abandoned his rogue search for serial killer Cara Lindstrom. He’s returned to the FBI to head a task force with one mission: to rid society of its worst predators. But as the skeletal symbols of Santa Muerte, “Lady Death,” mysteriously appear at universities nationwide, threatening death to rapists, Roarke’s team is pressured to investigate. When a frat boy goes missing in Santa Barbara, Roarke realizes a bloodbath is coming—desperate teenagers are about to mete out personal, cold-blooded justice.
Hiding from the law, avenging angel Cara Lindstrom is on her own ruthless quest. She plans to stay as far away from Roarke as possible—until an old enemy comes after both her and the FBI, forcing her back into Roarke’s orbit. This time, the huntress has become the hunted . . .

Previous books in the Huntress/FBI Thrillers Series:

My Musings :

First thing I would say about this book is that it can be read out of sequence. I have read only this book in the series so far and I could understand it good. Of course, there was a slight adjustment period in the beginning. But the author made it easy to follow with sufficient backtracking at times.

There's only one word to describe the book - Chilling. When I finished the book, it took me a few hours to digest it. The subject it focuses on and the way the people, male and female, react to it in tangent directions had me feeling disturbed and frightened. The way the author has penned the story had me going through the emotions of the characters alongside them. 

The language used and the descriptive way in some scenes had me biting my tongue and hissing in anger and fear. This series isn't for the faint of the heart and it's also not for the people who tend to overlook things either. What has been written about is true in this current modern society and talks to the heart of the reader in a way. 

The characters are realistic with real emotions and feelings especially Roarke and his team. I could understand Jade's plan and Cara's journey. There were places where I felt like throwing stuff at the frat boys' heads. It was frustrating and had me nervous with my own reactions. The writing is evocative and strong!

Now I am reading the previous books and I can't wait to read the next book and see where it is heading. 

I received a copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't impact the review in any way.

My one line review : Chilling thriller!

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5



Author Bio:
"Some of the most original and freshly unnerving work in the genre." - The New York Times
ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF is the Thriller Award-winning and Bram Stoker, Anthony, and Black Quill Award-nominated author of the Amazon bestselling Huntress/FBI series (HUNTRESS MOON, BLOOD MOON, COLD MOON, BITTER MOON, HUNGER MOON - now in active development as a TV series), and the supernatural HAUNTED thrillers (THE HARROWING, THE PRICE, THE UNSEEN, BOOK OF SHADOWS, THE SHIFTERS, THE SPACE BETWEEN). The New York Times Book Review called her a "daughter of Mary Shelley," and her books "Some of the most original and freshly unnerving work in the genre."
As a screenwriter she has sold original horror and thriller scripts and adapted novels for numerous Hollywood studios. She has also written three non-fiction workbooks: SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS, STEALING HOLLYWOOD, and WRITING LOVE, based on her internationally acclaimed workshops and blog (www.ScreenwritingTricks.com), and has served on the Board of Directors of the WGA West and the Board of the Mystery Writers of America.
Alex is a California native and a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, where she majored in theater and minored in everything Berkeley has a reputation for. In her spare time (!) she performs with The Slice Girls and Heather Graham's all-author Slush Pile Players, and dances like a fiend. She is also very active on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. But not an addict. Seriously, it's under control.

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Tuesday 21 November 2017

Book Blitz - The Duke Who Came to Town by Sophie Barnes

The Duke Who Came to Town

The Honorable Scoundrels
by Sophie Barnes
  Publication Date: November 21, 2017 
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance


Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

She doesn’t want to be a kept woman… Josephine Potter knows she must retain her employment to provide for her younger sisters and to maintain the house. While a young woman working as an accountant – at a hotel no less – could be frowned upon by some, it’s still a respectable way to earn a living. No matter what a certain duke might think. Besides, Josephine has a few rules she lives by: Don’t rely on others, don’t accept money from someone you don’t know, and never allow a man to control your life. But when she is fired from her job, Josephine may have to bend a few rules… Devon, the Duke of Snowdon, has never met a more bull-headed woman than Josephine Potter! The Potter sisters are granddaughters of a Viscount and should not have to work for a living. So despite Josephine’s arguments, Devon insists she end her employee status immediately and accept a stipend for her and her sisters. When she is then fired, she accuses him of meddling in her life…and things are about to heat up despite the cold winter weather. As they work together to figure out why Devon’s hotel is losing money, a mutual attraction that won’t be denied, grows between them. But when rumors of impropriety abound, can Josephine’s reputation be saved…or will her life be destroyed by scandal?

 About Sophie Barnes


Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses. While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing. When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.



Friday 17 November 2017

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Spell Book & Scandal by Jen McConnel


Spell Book & Scandal
Jen McConnel
Publication date: October 31st 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Shelby King is tired of living in her sister’s shadow. Just because Christina is the most powerful caster in school doesn’t mean Shelby’s any good at magic; she’s a scribe, like her mom, and everyone expects her to write spells for her sister, the way her mom always has for her dad. But Shelby’s spells fail spectacularly, and by the time she’s a sophomore, Christina won’t touch them with a ten-foot-pole; their parents aren’t much better. Shelby is fed up, and she decides to show the world she doesn’t care if she isn’t as good as her stuck-up sister, or as talented as their powerful parents. In fact, she decides it’s time to break all the rules, magical and otherwise, and she starts sneaking out to meet Jeremiah Smallwood, the second-best caster in school at illegal pop-up spell battles around town. She may not be able to scribe for him, but she doesn’t mind letting him think that she could; Shelby’s been half in love with Miah as long as she can remember, but he’s never paid attention to her until now, and she’s not going to risk her chances worrying about a pesky thing like the truth. But when Christina rats her out to their parents, Shelby can’t control her anger, and words come pouring out of her that she can’t take back even if she wanted to, threatening Christina’s future…and Shelby’s own chances with Jeremiah. It’ll take more magic than Shelby’s ever dreamed of to set things right, but no scribe has that much magic…right?

My Musings :

At first glance, the implied conflict between siblings is what caught my attention. Then I was in the mood for some YA so everything together got me reading this book. When I started the book, the school part felt a bit routine inspite of the concept of normies and casters and scribes. But as the book went on, I got caught up in the life of Shelby and her family. I believe if you can get through the first few pages, you will enjoy the tale as much I did. 

The familial problems especially with Christina had me frowning a lot because it was outright favouritism. It all adds to the "flavour" of the book. Shelby grows in characters quite a bit according to me. In the beginning she is so unsure of her and towards the end, she comes into her ability. Miah had me suspicious from the starting because of his emphasis on Shelby scribing for him. His attitude at the end felt rather abrupt and quite a about turn change. 

The world building is an alternate reality with the base being our normal world with paranormal races like scribes and casters which form an unique and intriguing community. I felt that it wasn't fully explained for the readers. There's lot more to it and for that alone I look forward to the next book. Add to it that the ending had me asking a few questions inspite of being  a non cliffhanger end, I am eager for the sequel.

The pace rather picks up as I follow Shelby's challenges and the flow also is in sync with the writing. All in all, I enjoyed the fast read a lot and I recommend this to those who like YA with magic.

I received a copy for reviewing purposes which doesn't impact my review in any way.

My one line review : A cool magical system with a heroine who grows with the story.

My rating : 4/5

My reread factor : 3/5


Author Bio:
Award-winning author Jen McConnel writes NA, YA, and nonfiction. When she isn’t writing, she can be found on her yoga mat or wandering off on another adventure. Visit www.JenMcConnel.com to learn more!


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Book Blitz - The Jupiter Chronicles The Orb of Terra by Leonardo Ramirez


Steampunk
Date Published: November 17, 2017
Publisher: Leonardoverse Books

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In the tradition of “City of Ember” "Chronicles of Narnia" and "A Wrinkle in Time", this family adventure is a high stakes space race to save our world from an invading force before it is too late.

-Book 3-

Will Ian’s quest to find his destiny away from Jupiter lead to Earth's untimely demise?

As he struggles with his identity, Ian Castillo helps one of Earth’s greatest scientific minds, Dr. Nikola Tesla, make the scientific discovery of a lifetime: a strange mineral that can perhaps power our world for years to come! They discover it is not just an energy source, but something much more! When the device powered by the mineral is activated, it awakens a sleeping giant buried under the Earth by the Martians generations before. The beast known as “Gigantes” leaves behind a trail of destruction and calls out to a deadly enemy headed for Earth.

And the secret inside the mineral will change everything for Earth and the entire Jovian Realm…forever.

FIND YOUR DESTINY.

Cover by Eve Milady and Ben Fosselman with Magnetic Dreams Animation Studios (Iron Man:Extremis, Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers, Sesame Street)


About the Author


Leonardo Ramirez is an author, husband, a father, and a Karate instructor with a 4th degree black belt. His first novel, "Haven of Dante", is a supernatural Young Adult story centered on an ancient war between the Dante family and the nine circles of hell. "Haven of Dante: The Staff of Moshe" takes readers much deeper into the world of the family line with a prologue that begins with the plight of Dante Alighieri himself!

His follow up is a Science Fiction book called "The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot". It follows the adventure of two children as they are transported to the steam-powered cities of Jupiter where they find the secret of their long-lost father in the midst of a Martian attack.
Leonardo Ramirez lives with his wife Kristen, their daughter Mackenzy and their two dogs, Duchess and Tinkerbell in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.

Contact Links


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Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Thursday 16 November 2017

Blog Tour / Excerpt - Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti





TWISTED TRUTHS by Rebecca Zanetti


Part of the BLOOD BROTHERS series.



November 14, 2017 | Trade paperback: $14.99 | eBook: $5.99 | ISBN: 978145559431



"TOP PICK! 4 1/2 stars! Zanetti proves that when it comes to RS, she is in a class by herself!"
―RT Book Reviews


DESCRIPTION

One year ago, Denver Jones blew up his life and left everything behind. To stay alive, he had no other choice. But now, when video footage of the woman he could never forget goes viral, begging for his help, he has no choice but to go to her. Her niece has been kidnapped and Denver and his blood brothers are the only people she can trust.

But Denver isn't the only one watching that video. The deadly forces from his past see it too-and they'll use anything--and anyone--they can to lure Denver out of hiding to exact their revenge.

BUY THE BOOK
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zjXVoC

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2xPyMG4

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/2zyPRS3

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2gPLWIQ

iBooks: http://apple.co/2gQxuAe

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/2l02mmb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2yspj7k

Excerpt :


Slowly, numbly, she shrugged. “I knew you were dangerous and relentless in pursuing somebody,” she whispered. But a killer? Her search for him had held a romantic element, and she knew it. This guy was all edge—no romance. “Am I in danger?” Her voice quivered, but she had to know.

“Yes.” He didn’t move. Didn’t even seem to breathe.

She blinked. Rapidly. “From you?”

His eyes darkened. “No. The only thing I’m capable of breaking is your heart.”

Cold swam through her. The arrogance. “You think you broke my heart?”

His lip twisted. “I know I did.” His tone was low with what seemed like self-hatred. Dark and raw. “I’m sorry.”

Those words. She’d needed those words and hadn’t realized how badly. “Thank you,” she said, going on instinct. “Then how am I in danger?”

“I’m in danger, and anybody close to me is free game for an enemy who will keep coming until I’m dead. Until everything I care about, everything I dream about, is taken away and I want death.” He looked back down at the computer, intensity pouring from him.

Whoa. Okay. Denver didn’t have one bit of hysteria in him. His words scared her, but curiosity still rose up. “Who?”

“Irrelevant. As soon as we get Talia back, you have to forget me. Now. Back to Richie.”

She could live forever, and she’d never forget him. Not for one second had she been able to pretend he didn’t exist. But he was right. They had to find Talia, but he still needed to explain more. She had a right to know everything. “I have files on everything.” She threw her pack at Denver, and he easily caught it before it smashed him in the face.

He didn’t so much as frown. “Thank you.”

She swallowed. They were in the same room. After a year of hurting for him, he was right there in solid form. More than solid. She hadn’t imagined his hard body or intense charisma. He owned every room he walked into with no effort. She’d never met anybody like him, and here he was. Her body tingled, her heart ached, and her mind spun. Yeah. Denver was definitely there. “What now?” she asked, her eyes gritty and her throat scratchy.

“I’ll do some research.” Slowly, numbly, she shrugged. “I knew you were dangerous and relentless in pursuing somebody,” she whispered. But a killer? Her search for him had held a romantic element, and she knew it. This guy was all edge—no romance. “Am I in danger?” Her voice quivered, but she had to know.

“Yes.” He didn’t move. Didn’t even seem to breathe.

She blinked. Rapidly. “From you?”

His eyes darkened. “No. The only thing I’m capable of breaking is your heart.”

Cold swam through her. The arrogance. “You think you broke my heart?”

His lip twisted. “I know I did.” His tone was low with what seemed like self-hatred. Dark and raw. “I’m sorry.”

Those words. She’d needed those words and hadn’t realized how badly. “Thank you,” she said, going on instinct. “Then how am I in danger?”

“I’m in danger, and anybody close to me is free game for an enemy who will keep coming until I’m dead. Until everything I care about, everything I dream about, is taken away and I want death.” He looked back down at the computer, intensity pouring from him.

Whoa. Okay. Denver didn’t have one bit of hysteria in him. His words scared her, but curiosity still rose up. “Who?”

“Irrelevant. As soon as we get Talia back, you have to forget me. Now. Back to Richie.”

She could live forever, and she’d never forget him. Not for one second had she been able to pretend he didn’t exist. But he was right. They had to find Talia, but he still needed to explain more. She had a right to know everything. “I have files on everything.” She threw her pack at Denver, and he easily caught it before it smashed him in the face.

He didn’t so much as frown. “Thank you.”

She swallowed. They were in the same room. After a year of hurting for him, he was right there in solid form. More than solid. She hadn’t imagined his hard body or intense charisma. He owned every room he walked into with no effort. She’d never met anybody like him, and here he was. Her body tingled, her heart ached, and her mind spun. Yeah. Denver was definitely there. “What now?” she asked, her eyes gritty and her throat scratchy.

“I’ll do some research.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher's Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat...and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off...and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

The Series
Series Page on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2dcQsPD

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Win 1 of 10 paperback copies of Twisted Truths.



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Tuesday 14 November 2017

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer



AVISHI
by
Saiswaroopa Iyer



Blurb

Long before the times of Draupadi and Sita
Immortalised in the hymns of the Rig Veda
But largely forgotten to the memory of India
Is the Warrior Queen with an iron leg, Vishpala

Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive King of the neighbouring Vrishabhavati begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement. But peril pursues her everywhere.

Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing amputation of her leg, can Avishi overcome Khela?

If stories about ancient India, especially those with strong women characters interest you, then Avishi is a story you must read!

Read an excerpt here:
The structure under the outcast control looked like an autonomous garrison. It was on the Southwestern corner of Vrishabhavati hidden by wild growth and as heavily guarded as the city square. Avishi counted two doors as Vyala carried her inside. From the inside, it did not look as dilapidated as from outside. The guards here were the ‘out-casts’ as the world called them. Unlike the guards of the city, they did not cover themselves with leather torso. Instead they wore loin cloth in various darker shades. Small and big weapons, strings made up of various animal teeth, tusk work and beads made up their ‘jewellery’. To Avishi, it looked atrociously out of proportion. But she also noticed the level of coordination with which the ‘out-casts’ functioned. Like they were trained to fight in an army.
“Untie her.” Vyala instructed Manduka, his forehead revealing wrinkles of dilemma. Manduka was happy to comply. Except for a few scars on his shoulder, the man had an enviable physique. But it was his nose that Avishi felt was the pronounced feature of his face. It was as though it was abruptly turned crooked by his right nostril. She could see that the Outcast Lord made no attempt to hide his displeasure about the predicament she presented him. What worried her more was that she found herself incapable of even walking to the closest stone seat and had to limp leaning on Manduka. The wound seemed deeper than she had imagined it.
“We don’t kill women.” He began and paused noticing her unimpressed glare.
“Is that supposed to impress me? Is that supposed to cover up the other crimes you commit for that monster Khela?”
Vyala shook his head, a resentful smile appearing on his lips, but for only a moment. “Whatever we, the outcasts do would be a crime in the eyes of others…you are?”
“Avishi, the Ganamukhyaa of Ashtagani.”
“But he said that you are a traitor’s...”
Avishi glared back at him showing no inclination to explain. She saw Vyala sit on the stone seat next to where she sat.
“If Khela does not find a proof of your death soon, we would have to incur his wrath! An atrocity against the outcasts would not even be seen as a transgression by anyone.” His lips pursed for a long moment.
Avishi wondered if he expected a solution from her. Something she would have to help him out if she had to escape alive. But before she or Vyala could speak, a sound of heavy anklets was heard. Avishi turned to her right and saw a young woman, not older than seventeen autumns scurry and then clutch at her bulging belly. Her arrival only seemed to increase the gloom on the faces of both the men.
“Brother Vyala, did he not come with you?” Her shrill voice made Avishi think she was even younger than she looked. And impregnated at this age?
“Go back to your room, Majjari.” Vyala hissed.
But Majjari was in no mood to heed her brother’s words. She eyed Avishi, her head tilted to left and brows knitting. Her eyes then brightened.
“So, he sent me a slave!”
“Majjari!”
“Slave, do you know how to groom my hair the way Queens do?” Majjari approached Avishi taking her arm. “And mind you, slaves don’t sit when their mistress stands!”
Avishi had decided that her patience was at its tail end when she saw Vyala hurry and pull Majjari away, making her wince at his grip.
“Listen, you disgrace! Nobody is going to slave for you! Scurry back to your room and dare not show that inauspicious face of yours again!”
Majjari shook his arm away with a hiss. “Wait till I become the Queen, you, worthless dog!” Her tone broke. “I shall make Khela punish you! I bear his prince! Mind you!” The fierce frown stayed on her forehead long after she countered her brother. Avishi saw Manduka intervene and lead Majjari away with endearments that one would use with a toddler.
Vyala’s shoulders slumped.
“You let Khela impregnate your own sister.” Avishi shook her head at Vyala. “Lord Vyala, where do I even begin?”
“You are nobody to judge us Ganamukhyaa. Khela promised us a slow integration with his military if…”
“You loot and kill for him? He gets the spoils hiding behind the dread of Dandaka?”
Vyala’s jaw clenched. “You’ve never been to Dandaka, Ganamukhyaa Avishi. If you did, you would… Why in the name of Mother earth am I even justifying myself to you.” Vyala gathered himself signalling at two other outcast followers. “Take her inside and treat her wound.” Turning to Avishi for a brief moment, he added with a tone of finality. “I shall do my best to not kill you, but I can’t afford Khela’s wrath on my people. Not now, Ganamukhyaa.”
Future still hung in balance. Avishi had to come to terms with the fact that any attempt to escape from here will only complicate things for her. And she truly needed her wound to be tended. The knife that wounded her might have rusted. Tears of frustration threatened to flow out of her eyes. She told herself to bide her time and regain her lost energy.

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My Musings :

This is the first book I have read by the author. I haven't read her first book. So I wasn't sure how it would be when I started reading. And I am a lover of Mythology but I confess I am more in love with Greek Mythology than Indian. This book has made me reconsider my stand. It has made me look deeply within our own mythology.

The cover was what caught my attention at the beginning and then the blurb had me thinking of reading of this book. This blog tour has only accelerated my reading the book. If not, I would have accessed it on KU.

From the starting, Avishi's strength shines through, from her training to her subsequent heading of Ashtagani to the finale. At the same time her character has the necessary courage to look beyond herself and see the bigger picture and this is what makes her a good ruler. Satya is sometimes shadowed by Avishi but he also is important since without him there would be no iron legged Queen.

The romance between the two is treated right with the correct balance and doesn't overwhelm the story. While it might take a while to orient oneself with the characters and the places, it all makes for a rather engaging read. The amount of research the author has put into it shines through. The language is simple enough to read fast and the pace doesn't let go till the end. One thing I was afraid of  before starting the book was that the language would be more poetic since it deals with a long forgotten era. But it was just my paranoia!

The author has a way of bringing life to the story and the feelings evoked are equal to that of the characters, from passion to fearlessness in fighting. I was carried along with the flow of the story and I find the book a resoundingly 5 star read. I am eager to sample the author's works further in the coming days.

I received a copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't affect my review in any way.

My one line review : An engrossing mythological read with a strong heroine.

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

About the author


Saiswaroopa Iyer is an IITian and Venture Capital professional turned author. Her debut novel Abhaya, published in 2015, was a tale set in the Mahabharata period, exploring the legend of Narakasura Vadha. She likes to focus and expand on ancient Indian stories with strong female characters.

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Book Blitz - The Earl who Loved Her by Sophie Barnes

The Earl Who Loved Her

The Honorable Scoundrels
by Sophie Barnes 
Publication Date: November 14, 2017 
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance



Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

A chance meeting… Eve Potter can hardly wait to arrive at Amberly Hall for the Christmas season! The hope is that she will make a match with an eligible gentleman. But as fate would have it, she misses the coach that is sent to collect her from her point of arrival and starts out on foot…only to go in the wrong direction. Nearly frozen, she arrives at BlackHall, where she is invited inside and introduced to the master of the house, the Earl of Ravenworth. Eve is smitten, for he is beyond handsome, which makes him a temptation she must avoid. But can she…? Bryce Harlowe lives as a recluse, shunned by Society and even his own family after being accused of a scandalous transgression. The young woman at his door cannot stay at Blackhall less her reputation be ruined. And yet, when the pesky winter climate leaves them snowed in together at Blackhall, Bryce and Eve grow closer, each discovering a mutual respect and longing for the other. Until Bryce’s past is revealed, threatening to rip apart their newfound love…

 About Sophie Barnes

 

 Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses. While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing. When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.


Monday 13 November 2017

Book Spotlight - The Painter's Apprentice by Laura Morelli



Book Details:

Book Title: The Painter's Apprentice: A Novel of 16th-Century Venice
Author: Laura Morelli
Category: Adult Fiction, 482 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: The Scriptorium
Release date: November 15, 2017
Tour dates: Oct 16 to Nov 17, 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 (some adult situations but no sex or explicit violence)

Book Description:

Would you rather sacrifice your livelihood, your lover, or your life? When the Black Death comes knocking on your door, you’d better decide quickly.

Venice, 1510. Maria Bartolini wants nothing more than to carry on her father’s legacy as a master gilder. Instead, her father has sent her away from the only home she’s ever known to train as an apprentice to Master Trevisan, a renowned painter.

When the painter’s servants uncover the real reason why Maria has been sent away, they threaten to reveal a secret that could tear down her family and the future of their trade. She is forced to buy the servants’ silence, but as their greed steadily grows, Maria resorts to more desperate measures. She questions whether her heart’s desire is worth risking her family, her trade, and her future, but Maria’s sacrifices may amount to nothing if the plague arrives on her father’s doorstep before she is able to get back home.

From the author of the award-winning The Gondola Maker comes a rich tale of Renaissance Venice, a heroine with a lust for life, and love against all odds.
Pre-Order Campaign:
Laura Morelli's new book, The Painter’s Apprentice, is out on November 15, and she is offering a set of great bonuses exclusively to her readers. If you like to delve deeper into the “story behind the story,” you’ll want to take advantage of Laura’s pre-order package (ends Oct 31st), which takes readers behind the scenes of The Painter’s Apprentice with videos, pictures, commentary about Renaissance Venice, and other exclusive content. Learn more here and order your copy today!


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Meet the Author:




LAURA MORELLI holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, has taught college students in the U.S. and in Italy, and currently produces art history lessons for TED-Ed. She authored a column for National Geographic Traveler called “The Genuine Article” and has contributed pieces about art and authentic travel to CNN Radio, The Frommers Travel Show, and in USA TODAY, Departures, and other media. Laura is the author of the Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes the popular book Made in Italy. Her fiction brings the stories of art history to life. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, won an IPPY for Best Historical Fiction and a Benjamin Franklin Award.

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Friday 10 November 2017

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Sugarplum Way by Debbie Mason



SUGARPLUM WAY by Debbie Mason

Part of the Harmony Harbor series

published on October 31, 2017 by Forever.
Goodreads | Mass Market: $7.99 | eBook: $5.99 | ISBN: 9781538744154



"Heartfelt and delightful!" -RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising--and surprisingly passionate--kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor's holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can't have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing....

Aidan's only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can't help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, 'tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

Buy The Book Here
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vVuJGW

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2wAUXLN

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/sugarplumBAM

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2vWKrB1

iBooks: http://apple.co/2vWCsnk

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2wOTn8B

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uN1WPI

The Series

Series Page on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2dEusLY


My Musings :

I have read the earlier books in the series. So it was easier for me to remember the characters. But sometimes I did get lost, here and there. It definitely can't be read as a standalone if you want to enjoy it. This is one negative aspect of reading the author's books!

When I started the book, I was sure I was going to enjoy it as much as the others. In a way, I did. But there was a slight pace problem. Actually this is the only problem I could find with the story. The romantic aspect of the story seemed to go so slow. There was attraction between the protagonists but they weren't quick to act on it. They took it slow and steady which had me frustrated. But this point actually built up for a good ending. I believe if it was any other way, the ending wouldn't have packed quite the punch!

The characters, as usual, were  memorable. Some were familiar and some were new but all of them added to the charm of the small town romance. Speaking of the heroine, Julie had me falling for her from the starting. But the one who really stole my was the grumbly hero, Aidan. They make the perfect pair!!

The ghost's antics and the secrets involved in the characters' lives added to the intrigue involved in the story and Julie's secret was a tiny bit easy to guess. But it didn't detract from my eagerness to know how it all ended.

The author's writing has everything in it to make an enjoyable read - intrigue, romance and family sentiment. I am now waiting to see what will follow this book.

I received a copy for reviewing purposes which doesn't impact my musings in any way.

My one line review : A mix of family sentiment, romance and intrigue.

My rating : 4.5/5

My reread factor : 4/5


About the author: 



Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

Author Information
Author Website: http://bit.ly/1tArzDq

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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2dEh3YV

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Win 1 out of 10 finished copies of Sugarplum Way.


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