Bookish Indulgences

30 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 30, 2015 1

#BookReview :: Bride by Mistake (Montana Born Brides #3) by Nicole Helm

Wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta…
And Kaitlin Shuller’s groom of her dreams is marrying someone else… her sister.
Worst day ever. Her heart is broken, and all her carefully laid plans destroyed. Enter Beckett Larson, her older brother’s best friend and a very good bad decision.
Beckett has spent his life trying to outrun his bad reputation, but everyone already thinks the worst of him, so when Kaitlin offers herself to him — virginity and all— he just can’t say no.
But one night together has permanent consequences, and this time Beckett knows he can’t outrun his bad boy reputation. He’s determined to make Kaitlin his bride… even if he has to seduce her down the aisle.

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Check out my Review of His Blushing Bride (Montana Born Brides #2) by Dani Collins

Kaitlin Shuller is almost a perfect girl. She does everything that is expected from her and more. Always following the rules and always taking care of what others might think. It was all for Carter, the boy she fell for when she was eight. She had since then dreamt of marrying him – the perfect guy, according to her. But real life has other plans which do not match with her dreams. Carter ends up marrying Kaitlin’s sister. As if a broken heart was not enough, Kaitlin has to go through the wedding pretending to be happy!

Beckett Larson has a reputation, one that is exactly opposite of Kaitlin. He is the bad boy that every mother warns their daughter about. Beckett never cared much about what people had to say about him and as such he never went out of his way to prove things either way. He rides out the waves as they come… But when he is accused of cheating and stealing from the business he helped build with his partner, he has had it…
Kaitlin and Beckett end up together as they try to drown their sorrows in a couple of drinks that lead the way to a passionate night. But is that is all that is there between those two? From enemies to lovers, they have come a long way. But will that be enough when life throws a curve ball at them?

Beckett was easy to fall for. He is the hottie bad boy that every girl has a thing for. But he also comes with a soft heart and lot of baggage. However, I do not agree to his ‘running away’ whenever there is some misunderstanding or so. It is okay if he doesn’t care what people think of him, but he should at least not take the blame for things he has not done by running away instead of standing up for himself. Kaitlin is a complete masochist… I can understand her wanting to be the good girl and all. But planning her sister’s wedding to the man she loves is a bit too much. Yet she takes it on anyway. They may be perceived as complete opposite of each other, but reality, they are a perfect match. Beckett can show Kaitlin how to loosen up and have a little fun while Kaitlin can show Beckett to calm down and actually care. Both the main characters are flawed and that is why I loved them so much. It is easy to point out what each of them needs to do yet, we see it around and within ourselves – small flaws that turn out to be so difficult to overcome.

The plotline is predictable and you will know every twist that is to come. But the sweet narration and the smooth flow of the story, along with its characters will keep you glued to the book.

Review Copy received via NetGalley

29 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 29, 2015 0

#SpecialFeature :: #Interview with June McCrary Jacobs, #Author of Robin's Reward

A Quick Recap

1st May - Introducing June McCrary Jacobs
8th May - Guest Post: 'Setting The Scene' for 'Robin's Reward'
15th May - Guest Post: A Page from the Journal of Robin Bennett
22nd May - Character Interview with Robin Bennett

Interview with the Author

JUNE: Hi, Debdatta. Thanks for inviting me to spend some time with your readers.
DDS: What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
JUNE: I think Jennifer Garner would make a perfect Robin, and Ryan Reynolds would be just right for Jeff. I'd like to see someone like the late James Garner as Pastor White because he always had a twinkle in his eyes just as I imagine Pastor White would. I think Reese Witherspoon could pull off a great Susan (the villainess in the book), and Jimmy Fallon would be play a mean, sarcastic Thomas (Robin's first husband).
DDS: What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
JUNE: I've been asked this question before by interviewers and by friends and others who find out I'm a published author. I always answer the same way. My advice is to not compromise your values and beliefs to sell books. Your writing is a very personal reflection of who you are as a person, and you have to live with what you put down on paper to share with hundreds, if not thousands, of readers. You have to live with your conscience if you go against what you believe in an attempt to get a book contract, so choose your publishing world path carefully. In other words, be true to yourself and your convictions.
DDS: If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
JUNE: I'd definitely want to take my husband along! :0} I'd also take lots of books and a good sun hat.
DDS: How do you spend your free time?
JUNE: I enjoy reading, sewing, quilting, crafting, listening to baseball on the radio, walking, visiting parks and gardens, touring museums and historic homes, photography, and listening to music.

#1. ARROW TAB TOTE BAG: PUBLISHED IN THE FALL 2010 ISSUE OF 'STITCH' MAGAZINE.

#2. SCHOOL DAYS TEACHER SET: PUBLISHED IN THE FALL 2012 ISSUE OF 'STITCH' MAGAZINE.

DDS: Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
JUNE: I love going to the Mendocino Coast of Northern California for vacation. That locale is one place where I feel I can totally relax! DDS: Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
JUNE: I would love to go to an old-time theater to see a silent movie with a live theater organ accompaniment!
DDS: Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
JUNE: a.) I love 1970's rock 'n roll music by: Elton John, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, The Rolling Stones, Journey, etc. b.) When I was six years old I took a ride in a Goodyear Blimp in Southern California. I still remember how small the people on the ground looked, and how they waved at us when we flew by! c.) As an adult, I enjoy rereading children's literature I enjoyed as a child. A few years ago I reread the entire 'Little House on the Prairie' series by Laura Ingalls Wilder in chronological order. I recently reread 'The Secret Garden'. This summer I'd like to try to find some of the mysteries and horse stories I loved as a young girl, 'Trixie Belden Mysteries', 'Black Beauty', 'Misty', etc.
DDS: What do you have in store next for your readers?
JUNE: I'm working on Book Two in the Bonita Creek Trilogy—'Penny's Promise'. It is the story of Robin's cousin/best friend, Penny Ralston. I also have some clean romance novellas I'd like to release as e-books.
DDS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
JUNE: I have been designing sewing, quilting, and crafting projects for magazines, books, and online publications since 2008. I have been fortunate to have over 100 of my original designs published in national and international publications. I also post instructions for some of my projects on my website. I'd like to invite those of you who like to create with thread and fabric to visit my website at: http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com/portfolio-of-designs to see some photos of my designs and possibly download a free pattern or two at: http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com/category/sewing-projects-and-tips/
Thank you for your warm hospitality, Debdatta. I enjoyed being your featured author for the month of May. Take care!

About the Book:

Bonita Creek’s librarian Robin Bennett is heartbroken after being abandoned by her husband, Thomas. The mysterious and handsome Jeff Clarke arrives unexpectedly and touches Robin’s life with his wit and warmth. Then, without warning, Jeff’s harsh words and abrasive actions scare her off, and Robin’s hope of finding true love withers again.
Just when it seems Robin and Jeff might have a future, Susan Stinson, whose cruel taunting has plagued Robin since they met as young teens, decides Jeff should be hers, not Robin’s. Susan’s anger and jealousy escalate dangerously. Her vindictiveness threatens the foundation of Jeff and Robin’s young relationship.
Robin’s journey through the peaks and valleys of her life meanders along the twists and turns of new challenges. Is a relationship which began with both parties harboring secrets destined to survive? Can they move past their troubles and the obstacles in their path to find love and happiness together? When their pasts rear their ugly heads, Jeff and Robin must use their faith to remain strong and true. But will it be enough for them to embrace a life of love, trials, and blessings . . . together?

Book Links:

Goodreads I Amazon I Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Award-winning author, June McCrary Jacobs, was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing’s 2013 Holiday Tale Contest for her debut novella, ‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’. ‘Robin’s Reward’ is her first full-length novel, and is set in her favorite location in California—the Mendocino coastal region. This book is the first installment of the ‘Bonita Creek Trilogy’.

June’s original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and blogs in the past few years. When she’s not writing, reading, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, and visiting art and history museums. She also enjoys touring historic homes and gardens and strolling around the many historic Gold Rush towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills. In the summertime you can find June at a variety of county fairs and the California State Fair admiring the sewing projects, quilts, and handiwork other inspired seamstresses, quilters, craftspeople, and artists have created.

Connect with the Author:
June enjoys connecting with readers, authors, aspiring writers, bloggers, designers, sewers, quilters, and crafters. Please connect with June at the following platforms:
Website I Facebook I Amazon Author Page I Goodreads Author Page I LinkedIn

Giveaway:

1 Digital Copy of Robin's Reward by June McCrary Jacobs

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28 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 28, 2015 0

#BookReview :: Jesse's Girl (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

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I have been hearing about Miranda Kenneally and her Hundred Oaks series for quite some time. But somehow I never really got a chance to pick up one. So, I was happy when I got approved to read this book on Netgalley. And now that I have finally read it, I am happy to say that all the good things I had heard about this book were absolutely TRUE!

When Maya had filled up the form for career mentoring day saying that she would like to be a musician, she expected to be sent to the local music store for a day. Instead, much to her surprise, she gets to shadow Nashville’s teen idol, Jesse Scott. Their first meeting was what I would call a disaster when Jesse came off as a stuck-up jerk. But there is more to Jesse than his star status and Maya discovers that soon enough.

I loved Maya. She is a girl you would for a friend… hell, would even want to be her. She is smart, talented and strong. Her punk-grungy appearance is just a cover for the sweet and caring girl that she really. Jesse has his share of baggage and while that sometimes make him lash out, he is mostly a good guy. He can be opinionated and stubborn. Maya and Jesse’s relationship is that of equals even though Jesse is a star and Maya is not. She can stand her ground well and give back Jesse as much as he doles her out. But the best part of the book is Maya’s Family and their dynamics. They are such a wonderful and supporting bunch that you cannot help but love them. Then there are Dave and Nash – one you’ll love to love and you’ll love to hate the other. The storyline is simple and the magic happens in its narration. The author’s writing style is very engaging with its simple language and smooth flow. The characters are all very well developed and no one is expendable in the story.

This is a very beautiful and light hearted story that sweeps you off your feet from the first chapter.

Review Copy received via NetGalley

27 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 27, 2015 0

#BookReview :: His Blushing Bride (Montana Born Brides #2) by Dani Collins

Piper Tierney is busy wrapping up the school year and planning the music for Marietta’s Wedding Of The Century. She does not need one of her parents’ backpacking hippies under foot. Except the guy they let stay in their house is so much more than the California couch-surfer he resembles. Before she knows it, she’s making time to make time, even though he’s only in town for a couple of weeks.

Taking a break from working on his doctorate in political science, Sebastian Bloom wants to reassure himself his sister isn’t making another mistake with her upcoming wedding to a Marietta rancher. He’s definitely not looking for a bride for himself. Marriage and family are a trap. But Piper is cute, funny, and wants to move on from her ex.

They agree to a no strings affair, but will they wind up tying the knot?

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Piper is a small town girl who works as a music teacher. She has been isolated for most of her life for two reasons. First being a teacher’s daughter, most students avoided her in case she told on them. Secondly, the birthmark on her face had been a source of teasing and bullying. Her one and only boyfriend had wanted her to ‘get it fixed’ and had dumped her when she had refused. She had almost given up hope of finding the ‘perfect man’. Sebastian is pursuing his Doctorate and has taken a break to attend his sister’s wedding. He is a smart and good looking man who knows the effect he has on women. But he is not the settling down type. When Sebastian and Piper meet, there is some chemistry that cannot be ignored. But they are so different and so are their ‘wants’ from life…

I LOVE Piper so much. She is such a darling with a genuinely good heart and a not so smooth life. I really felt for her and it was a pleasure to see that despite everything, she had not turned bitter. Sebastian is a good guy too and the fact that he is a hottie helps his case too. He is a confident and charming guy who works his way into Piper’s heart and removes her insecurities. They are a perfect match for each other. I also liked the way these two characters interacted and talked and built up their relationship. Though the time period set was not very much, their romance did not feel rushed at all. The author has done an admirable job of developing the characters with their flaws. The additional characters are interesting enough to make me want to read their stories as well. The flow of the story and the narration was just perfect. Also, the language used is simple and inviting. Every aspect of this book complements each other.

This is a complete package that every romance novel should offer.

Review Copy received via NetGalley

26 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 26, 2015 0

#Spotlight on Remington World

Hey there Romance Lovers!

Do we have a big surprise for you!

The Remingtons KINDLE WORLD is now open with eight amazing authors writing fan fiction set in the Remington World based off Melissa Foster's Remingtons Series.

From Rachelle Ayala comes a surprising vacation romance between a professional surfer bitten by a shark and an emotionally scarred Army Ranger in Leap, Laugh, Love

Zoe York presents a gritty New York City cop with a sexy fashion reporter looking for click-bait but finding love in Love on the Record

A sweet and steamy story about a florist named Daisy and a real estate mogul named Ben headed for a developmental collision comes from Elena Aitken in Love Me, Love Me Not

Kaira Rouda delves into the world of high fashion and rock and roll with her love at first sight romance between a small town aspiring model and a jaded celebrity in Spotlight on Love

Meanwhile, Ella James presents survivor's guilt and a grieving widower finding his future with feisty bartender running from scars of her own in Love on the Rocks

From Melissa Storm comes a sweet girlfriend adventure where Siena Remington and best friend Lousie Stark arrive in Texas and meet up with a star bronco rider in A Texas Kind of Love

Stacy Eaton dishes up a hard-boiled drama of a physician determined to uncover why a woman he meets at a bar is satisfied with a series of meaningless one night stands. But can he take the challenge he sets up in Cured by Love?

Finally, the super sweet Amy Manemann scores with a romance between candy rivals and accusations of a stolen salt water taffy recipe in Pulled by Love.

So, there you have it! Eight brand spanking new romances in one Fabulous Remington World based off Melissa Foster's Series: The Remingtons

SEE THE BOOKS HERE -->> http://bit.ly/RemiKindleWorld

Debdatta Dasgupta May 26, 2015 0

#BookReview :: Caught Up in You by Kim Boykin

After attending her baby sister’s destination wedding, Shelby Worthington decides she’s ready to do some husband hunting of her own. The only problem? She’s still insanely attracted to Declan Enright, her high school and college crush. He’s now a wildly successful painter who’s temporarily back in Magnolia Bay, but Declan should be Shelby’s last choice for possible husband material. He didn’t earn the reputation of runaway groom for nothing…

Declan has worked hard to make his mark on the New York art scene and has succeeded at everything he’s ever done…except love. But Declan has come back to the Bay to change that and care for his dying father, even if he’s still never forgiven Declan for leaving the family business. Shelby is determined to steer clear, but while her lips keep saying no, her heart is pounding out yes each time she and Declan are together. While she can’t deny her attraction, Shelby’s convinced that Declan’s track record means he will break her heart. Or has Declan changed for good, and made love worth the risk?

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Shelby is the proud owner of a clothing boutique, a cat and enough shoes to set up her own shop. She is happy with her life. But after attending her sister’s wedding, she realizes that something essential is missing from her life and yearns for her own happily ever after. But to find the perfect man, she needs to get over Declan, her high school love, first. She knows full well that trusting Declan would probably mean ending up with a broken heart, yet her heart beats only for him.

Declan left Magnolia Bay as soon as he could and has set up a life for himself in the big city. He is an artist who has managed to make a name for himself both for his work and for leaving multiple fiancés at the altar. With his father’s declining health, Declan decided to come back home to try and mend his relationship with his father who never really forgave him for leaving the family business. A good fifteen years has passed since he graduated high school and moved out, but now that he is back and Shelby is on his radar, will he continue with his track record? Or will he finally settle down?

I love this kind of romance… where the protagonists have known each other for a while and the relationship grows slowly instead of the insta-love. I have to say it though that I could not really root for either of the protagonists. Shelby’s shoe mania was a bit too much for me to handle. Also, while her POV was being narrated, it felt a bit too jumbled and rushed. Declan on the other hand is mostly likeable except for the fact that he seemed to get over his commitment phobia bit too quick when it came to Shelby. I know when it’s the right person, it is easy to settle down… but for someone who has already had three fiancés before, Declan made up his mind a bit to quickly while I expected him to be more cautious this time around. The narration style was overall okay, though the flow of the story felt a bit rushed.

Overall, an enjoyable romance that I would have enjoyed more if I could have connected to atleast one of the protagonist.

Review Copy received via NetGalley

25 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 25, 2015 0

#BookReview :: The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell

Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora's mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.

When the murderous hostility of the Russian Army threatens her very existence, Feo is left with no option but to go on the run. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, about standing up for the things you love and fighting back. And, of course, wolves.

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The story is set in the beautiful country of Russia and at a time when the rich and wealthy showed off their wealth by having wolves as house pets. Yes you heard me right… Now, wolves are wild animals and not your normal house pet. So obviously their owners often had some trouble taming them. But instead of killing the troublesome wolves, which was believed to bring bad luck, they were sent back into their natural habitat. Wolf Wilders help these wolves to ease back into a new life while getting used to the wild and learning to be wary of human. Feodora and her mother live near a ruined chapel, which also happens to be the home of a pack of wolves. Feodora's mother is a wolf wilder while Feodora is a wolf wilder in training. But their ordinary existence is threatened by the Russian Army, as a result of which Feodora is forced to escape and learn to live on the run all the while trying to save her mother from being executed… It is the beginning of an adventure of a lifetime.

Feodora is a beautiful character. She maybe young but she finds wisdom beyond her years and by the end of the book, she is a character that one can proudly cheer for. She stands for everything that is right – courage, empathy and kindness along with some fire in her heart. I also liked the character of her mother, her friend and of course loved her wolves. I have to admit, I have read about wolves before, but they were mostly about werewolves. This made for a refreshing change. The whole plot had something new to offer to its reader. The settings are beautifully described. The author’s narration style and language are expressive and inspiring. As a grown up reading a middle grade book, I never once felt like it was too childish. In fact the depth of the message passed on resonated with me as well.

This is a very well written and captivating piece that is has something for everyone.

Review Copy Received from Bloomsbury India

Debdatta Dasgupta May 25, 2015 2

#Spotlight :: Men of Valor Series by Kiru Taye

Men of Valor 1- 3 Box Set

Books: His Treasure #1, His Strength #2, His Princess #3
Genre: Historical Romance, African Fiction
Release date: May 25, 2015
Photographer: Hector Obeng

Cover design: Love Bites and Silk

Add to Goodreads TBR

His Treasure

In a time when men ruled their households with firm hands, can a quiet man tame his rebellious wife with persevering love?

Love Romances Café Best Book of 2011

Kiru smolders with the sensitivity of the loved in describing this man... An exceptional book, well worth the time, money and frustration.....Sigh! ~ Imagervet (Amazon reviewer)

I didn't want the story to end, it was that good. ~ The Wordsmythe (Amazon reviewer)

***

His Strength

When a warrior seeks to claim a free-spirited woman, he soon discovers a tigress unwilling to be caged. Is the hunter about to be hunted?

The story is well told, the characters are tight and multi dimensional. ~ PamelaStitch.com

I enjoyed the FIERY passion between Ikem and Nneka...their chemistry is totally OFF-THE-CHARTS...and only IGNITED more by their INTENSE and sometimes humorous verbal sparring. ~ Malaika Tamu (Amazon reviewer)

***

His Princess

With the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders and his honour at stake, can a Prince truly love a slave?

I loved the hero, who in a land and time of male dominance, chose to be a man without reproach - a man worth losing one's heart to. ~ Empi Baryeh, author

This book was fantastic. Throughout it I kept wondering how the hero and heroine would end up together. When the major revelation came I said, "Hot holy crap" out loud because I didn't see it coming. ~ Nana Prah, author

Excerpt from His Treasure

Obinna looked up at her, his eyes fringed by long, dark lashes, a black, expressionless pool she could drown in, always unnerved her. As she couldn’t read his mood, gauging how to tell him what she wanted to say was difficult.

“Yes, say what’s on your mind Adaku,” he said in his usual deep voice, as he licked his long fingers.

Something stirred low within her belly. Her eyes hungrily followed his action, and she got distracted. For a brief moment she wished it was her fingers he was licking.

“That could be arranged.”

Adaku looked up sharply and Obinna’s brow was lifted with amusement. She realized she must have spoken her thought out loud. Embarrassment and heat washed over her as he took hold of her hand in his large one.

Somewhere within her mind something shifted. An awareness of Obinna at a primal level registered in her rapidly hazing brain.

The air suddenly felt warmer and her skin prickled. He took her fingers into his warm mouth in turn, twirling his moist tongue around each. Sensation flooded her body, and she forgot everything else she wanted to say. All she could feel was the stroke of his tongue on her fingers as he sucked and lapped each one.

His touch scorched her straight to her soul.

She gasped and his gaze came up, locking on to her and pinning her to the spot. His eyes were filled with a desire she couldn’t explain. His tongue moved down her skin, searing a path to the spot at the center of her palm before licking it. Then he released her hand, and she realized she was trembling.

Excerpt from His Strength

"Why did you not come to see me when you want me so?" He cocked his eyebrow cynically.

Her mouth formed an O. "I-I don't want you," she replied in a petulant fashion, shaking her head vigorously. But her eyes told him another story. They were a warm brown and stared at his lips as if expecting him to kiss her.

Maybe I should oblige her.

He chuckled. "Liar," he whispered before he lowered his lips to her. But he didn't claim her lips immediately. Instead he feathered her face and neck with kisses, alternating between nipping and licking her sweet-salty skin. Her breathing increased rapidly. When he looked up, he noticed that her eyes were closed. He licked the pulse at her neck before he trailed his lips back up and hovered above her lips. She opened her eyes and moaned softly.

"Say it, Nneka. You want me to kiss you."

"Never!" Her voice, as well as her body, trembled as she spoke.

"Why do you have a tough time admitting what you want? Your eyes and body betray you easily." He laughed as he pushed his thigh between her legs, parting them. He felt the heat and dampness of her hooded pearl against his bare skin.

Excerpt from His Princess

"Rise, Ezinne," he said.

The intense timbre of his words resonated, doing odd things to her insides. She’d heard him speak before. Still, being alone with him seemed to heighten the effect of his voice on her body.

She straightened but kept her eyes lowered. She needed to gain back control of her body. If she kept her eyes lowered, away from him, she could keep her body in check.

"Look at me," he said in a snappy and low… dangerously low tone.

Was he annoyed?

Slowly she lifted her chin, her stare connecting with his once more. His lips were pursed, confirming her suspicions of his irritation.

Anxiety and excitement caused her heart to thump against her chest. Instinct told her to look away. This was the prince. He was capable of crushing her with a snap of his fingers. She should heed the warning.

Instead, she refused to look away and held his gaze. Infuriation crept up her spine at a snail's pace. She would not be intimidated.

"When you are in my presence, you will look at me directly," he continued.

"As you wish, my prince." She nodded and curtsied briefly still maintaining his gaze.

"And when we are in private like right now, you will use my given name, Emeka."

Doing that would mean accepting this whole arrangement as his con—companion. She couldn't do that. She wouldn't do that.

"No, my prince. Regardless of where we are, you are still the Crown Prince of Umunri, and I'm just a servant in your palace. I can't address you by your given name. It is improper."

"That may be so. But for the next four weeks, you are here to grant my every desire as my concubine."

Kiru is the award winning author of His Treasure and bestselling author of The Essien Trilogy series. She writes sensual and passionate multicultural romance stories set mostly in Africa. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her very own alpha husband and three children.

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com

Check out her author page on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Kiru-Taye/e/B00723TSDI/

You can also reach her on

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKiruTaye

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/KiruTaye

Google+ https://www.google.com/+Kirutaye

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kirutaye/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5242699.Kiru_Taye

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22 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 22, 2015 0

#SpecialFeature :: #CharacterInterview with Robin Bennett

'Interview with Robin Benett'

Hello, Robin. Tell us a little bit about yourself. ROBIN: I'm a twenty-seven year old librarian from Bonita Creek, California. I went to college in Oklahoma and then moved to Wisconsin to earn my master's degree in library science. I've been married once for about two years. Unfortunately, the marriage ended when my then-husband, Thomas, wanted to pursue a career in country music. I live by myself in the cottage where my grandparents, John and Estelle Chaplin, lived for a few decades. They raised me from the age of fourteen, so this has been my home for about as long as I can remember. What are your hobbies and interests outside of your job? ROBIN: I love to bake, cook, and read; but my favorite past time is gardening. I love to work in my vegetable and flower gardens and would do so from sunrise till sunset if I could get away with it. I also enjoy visiting the botanical gardens on the coast. Here are some snapshots I took of the gardens and the ocean from the bluff.

I like visiting history and art museums and historic homes. My favorite historic home is the magnificent Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. I don't have any photos to share with you because they don't allow visitors to take photos inside, but you can visit their website to get a feel for the castle. It's astonishing how they built this huge compound on the top of a mountain back in the 1930's and 40's! There are 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens. It's elegant and very over-the-top. Link: http://hearstcastle.org/ When the weather is bad and you can't get out to garden, what captures your interest? ROBIN: I enjoy going through seed catalogs to figure out what I'm going to plant when the weather does allow planting. Here are some photos of seed packets I purchased earlier this year--Heirloom Cornflowers and Tomatoes. I planted a lot more vegetable and flower seeds, but these were the only packets I saved.

After I decide what crops and flowers I want to plant, I draw detailed sketches showing where each packet of seed will be planted. I try to use my space to get maximum yield. I share my extra crops with neighbors, church friends, and the food bank in town. I also enjoy shopping for Dahlias for my collection. They're a little bit pricey, so I have to limit myself and show great discipline to stay within my limited budget. Sometimes I can get dahlia tubers on sale at the botanical gardens. Here are a couple of photos of the bags of dahlias I found there last spring. These magenta pompom dahlias are my absolute favorites! How would you describe yourself? ROBIN: You mean my physical appearance or my personality traits? Your personality traits, please. ROBIN: I'm detailed-oriented, hard-working, ambitious, and outgoing (most of the time). I've been told I'm a good hostess because I make others feel welcome in my home. I'm a perfectionist, so sometimes my self-esteem takes a beating if I don't meet my goals and objectives. Most of the time I'm cheerful, unless I think too much about what some not-so-nice people have done to me or I start missing my parents and grandparents. I can be moody if I don't get the rest I need. I'm cranky if I get too stressed. I'm disciplined about certain things and lazy about other things. (That's all I'll say about my weaknesses.) I try to always be kind to others. I think kindness and compassion are two of the most important traits people can possess. Oh, and I'm honest and I try to take responsibility for my actions. I learned the value of all of these positive traits from my parents and grandparents when I was young. Where do you see in yourself five years from now? ROBIN: I'd like to be happily married and have a baby or two if that's God's plan for my life. I hope to be in good health and to be able to continue my gardening and other hobbies. My work at the library is important to me, so I'd like to continue working there in some capacity even after I have my family.

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21 May, 2015

Debdatta Dasgupta May 21, 2015 0

#BookReview :: Story of Tublu by Jahid Akhtar

Devastated by the floods, Bipin and his little boy Tublu move to a faraway land, where they meet the Sharma’s. This marks the beginning of a long and enduring relationship between Bipin and the Sharma’s, and the growing friendship of their children Tublu and Maina. The book captures the journey of this friendship through childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. From some interesting school and college humor, the story progresses on and develops into a mature narrative. As years pass, Tublu’s plain and silent crush on Maina develops into deep love and longing for Maina which bears the potential to conquer all of life’s challenges. The story has its share of drama, that entertains; humor, that makes one reminisce; love, friendship and emotions that defines the amazing journey that is, life.

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We meet Tublu as he begins a new chapter in his life in a new city as he is forced to move with his father – driven away from his hometown due to floods. As Tublu and his father start to settle in, their lives get entwined with the Sharma family. Tublu finds a new friend in Maina, the daughter of the Sharma family. The story then follows them from their childhood to their teenage to as they turn into adults.

Through Tublu and Maina, the author has portrayed different stages of a person’s life and their different perspectives at those stages. From childhood friendship to teenage crush to something that is more matured, the stages of love in a person’s life are also beautifully captured. I enjoyed reading as these characters grew and developed over the years and through the pages. Initially when I picked up this book, I was expecting a simple love story but this book offers a lot more. The everyday nuances captured give a feel of reality to the story. Growing up, friendships, love and infatuations, facing harsh realities and even sorrow are few very simple elements of the story that makes it so gripping. The author’s narrative is engaging and he has kept his language dainty enough to make it really easy to get into the flow of things. Additionally, I would like to point out that as per the current trend; the author has included Hindi dialogues at certain moments. But he doesn’t overdo it and therein lays his success.

There are two things that I did not like much about the book. First is the fact that the Foreword and Introduction contain innumerable spoilers. After reading about three pages, I felt as if I knew the whole story. It was quite a turn off because of which I had put the book down for two days before picking it up again. The second thing that bugged me is the fact that the author covers decades of time period within two hundred odd pages. As a result, I found the pace rushed and a bit cheated because I felt like there was lot more that we could have known about the characters.

The title of the book maybe simple and not that attractive, but the book holds a lot more promise.

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Debdatta Dasgupta May 21, 2015 0

#Spotlight :: A Woman's Pleasure by J.F. Kelly

A Woman's Pleasure

by J.F. Kelly

Genre: Erotic Romance

A Woman’s Pleasure by J.F. Kelly (pen name of Warren Shepell): 25 Erotic Chapters about Satisfying Sex and Mutuality

There are three levels at which you can read the book:

At the first level it is a cornucopia of sexual delights and a great fantasy read for both women and men. It has lots of romance as well as sensual encounters. At the second level, it recognizes that women are wired differently from men and the book empowers women to ask for what will pleasure them and satisfy them in lovemaking encounters. At the third level it is a book that teaches men to be great lovers and how to satisfy their women, and in knowing that by satisfying their women, they themselves will get satisfied.

‘A Woman’s Pleasure’ is the steamy story of 25 men, and how they use romance, care, and mutual attention in achieving complete sexual satisfaction – for both themselves and their partners.

J.F. Kelly, author of ‘A Woman’s Pleasure’, isn’t interested in writing a book that requires fetishes, kinkiness and dominance to stir his audience – he’s out to capture the intimacies and intensity of true love-making; passions rarely shared on the pages of most books that aim to hit the mark on their reader’s erotic fantasies. Indeed, most books attempt to deliver purely physical, sometimes extreme sexual fantasies with the barest, slightest shade of romance – often creating nothing but plain porn.

J.F. Kelly’s work, however, isn’t like most books.

The book focuses on the adventures of 25 different men, and their various sexual encounters – at times, the book leaves you breathless, at other times, it ensures you you’ll be left with a throbbing heart and yearning for more.

Each chapter is devoted to a different man – and with each chapter, author J.F. Kelly accentuates the book’s purpose as a collection of sensual experiences meant to enlighten readers on the possibilities and the erotic joy of sexual equality, in and outside the bedroom. He strips off the abuse and nature of books like 50 Shades of Grey, instead insisting on giving readers an insight into mutual fulfillment through attentive intimacy, understanding and romance – keeping things incredibly hot without having to resort to extremes with a myriad of tales that depict skills lost to most men.

In a statement on his website, author J.F. Kelly notes various reasons for his choice of portrayal, as he explains why his book approaches sex in such a normative, yet rarely seen way for literature. He says he created it as: “A vibrant counterpoint to pornography and sex on the internet that treats sex as only a physical act and portrays many things done to women that women don't enjoy. Pornography and sex on the internet become an educational tool for most men. In contrast, this book teaches men about satisfying sex and what women really want in expressing and experiencing their sexuality.”

In critique of the book, professional book reviewer Paige Van De Winkle notes that “in the wake of erotic novels like Fifty Shades of Grey that, according to some, depict unconventional sex as exploitative—with one partner dominating over the other without a discussion of limits, respect, or safe words—A Woman’s Pleasure refreshingly focuses on the aspects of … sex that books like Fifty Shades ignore.”

J.F. Kelly is the pen name of Warren Shepell. His first book is ‘A Woman's Pleasure.’

Warren has many interests. In addition to writing, he invests in Domains, Real Estate and Broadway Shows and Theater across North America. Some of his other businesses are in EAP Surveys and EAP Audits. He attends Film Festivals yearly around the world.

Warren Shepell is a well-recognized pioneer in the field of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and well-being in the workplace, among family members, couples, and individuals. He started, developed, and ran Warren Shepell Consultants Corp/Warren Shepell-The EAP Professionals/Les Consultants Shepell Ltee. with an employee group of 460 full time and 1500 part time employees which he sold in 2005. He brought the concept of mental health counselling to the mainstream population.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a PhD in Counseling and Clinical Psychology and has counseled couples for 25 years. Now, using the pen name of J.F. Kelly, Warren Shepell brings his unique vision to erotic novels and fictional short stories that will promote women's rights, and equality between women and men not only at work, but also in the bedroom.

As J.F. Kelly, he gives voice to women and the men that respect each other, and to relationships, including erotic and sensual relationships between women and men that embody mutuality.

He brings heart, sensitivity and appreciation for the uniqueness found among ordinary people in their journey in life and is a spokesperson for the everyday person.

Three of his favorite sayings personify his writings:

"Each of us has a heart, a soul, and feelings. Each of us desires to be wanted, to be appreciated, and to be loved."

"Making love is not something you do to someone―it's something you share. Lovemaking between men and women should be mutually pleasurably. Both women and men should be fully and completely satisfied."

"If women were totally satisfied with their sexual and lovemaking experiences, women would welcome the lovemaking experience as much as men."