Bookish Indulgences

21 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 21, 2014 1

#BookReview :: Home Matters (The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series #1) by Julie N.Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.
Amazon * Kobo * Barnes & Noble

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18520337-home-matters

Olivia Pembroke is a small town girl trying to get her time on the silver screen. Though her own passions lay in designing, she struggled to become an actress so that her mother (and half of her town) could live her own dreams through her.When she finally lands a hosting job for ‘Home Matters’ and starts working with the delicious William Blake, she is all excited but soon she discovers that the Tinsel Town isn’t what she thought it would be like and fame isn’t all that cheap either. Neither is Pete, the head contractor of the show, who listens and cares.

I was excited to pick up ‘Home Matters’ as it sounded like a fun and easy going romance. Plus I personally loved watching ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’. The plot is pretty simple and straightforward. Quite predictable too. But within the limited length of the novella, the author has done a very good job of giving us the background of both the leads and build up the relationship as their characters grew. It was both heart warming to live Olivia’s ups and downs in life with her and live through Pete’s past.

A fast paced story with interesting characters of all shades and a fun narration, made this book easy to like. Also, its not too explicit and is a clean romance novel that I enjoyed reading!

Tour Schedule

Author Julie N. Ford Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin
Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson
Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White
Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY a Rafflecopter giveaway

20 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 20, 2014 0

#BookReview :: Until The End Of Time by Danielle Steel

Bill is a dedicated young lawyer working in New York. He leaves everything he trained for to follow his dream to become a minister in rural Wyoming. Jenny, his fashion stylist wife, leaves the milieu and life she loves to join him. The certainty they share is that their destinies are linked forever.

Fast forward thirty-eight years. Robert is a hard-working independent book publisher in Manhattan, looking for one big hit novel to publish. Lillibet is a young Amish woman, living as though in the seventeenth century, caring for her widowed father and three young brothers on their family farm. In secret at night, by candlelight, she has written the novel that burns within her. When it falls into Robert's hands, he falls in love first with the book, and then with the woman he has never met.

In the hands of bestselling author Danielle Steel, these two remarkable relationships come together in unexpected and surprising ways, as lovers are lost, and find each other again. If it is true that real love lasts forever and lovers cannot lose each other, then Until the End of Time will not only comfort and fascinate us, as destiny does her dance, but it will give us hope as well. Love and fate are powerful, irresistible forces, as Steel proves to us here, in a book about courage, change, risk, and hope.and love that never dies.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17307834-until-the-end-of-time

Until the End of Time is essentially two love stories over a period of time.

On one hand we have Bill and Jenny - a lawyer and fashion stylist living the big-city life. In love and very sure about their entwined destinies together, Bill takes up the post of a Minister in a small town in Wyoming and Jenny follows him their. They are happy in their lives together until a tragedy strikes. Fast forward a couple of decades and we meet the couple of the second story, Robert and Lilibet. Lilibet is an Amish girl who has secretly written a book and meets Robert, who is a publisher, while trying to get it published. As they meet and fall in love, there’s the twist in the tale that creeps up to the readers.

Danielle Steel certainly has mastered the art of story-telling. I always find her narration engaging and interesting. Her characters also have a wide range and often offers some surprising insights to people. In this case though the two couples a very different on their own rights. I loved reading about Bill and Jenny and adored their story which was quite enchanting. But I failed to connect with Robert and Lilibet. I wish the author would have given us proper insight into the Amish culture that I am very curious about. Also, the second story felt quite rushed and didn’t have the same feel as that of Bill and Jenny’s story.

Now about the twist in the end… Without giving out any spoilers, I can only say that it is a well explored concept both in literature and in movies - especially Bollywood movies. So when offering such a concept to the readers, I would expect an author to put her own little twist/take on it that would make it stand apart from the so many other artists who have explored it. Instead Danielle Steel plates up the same old concept in the same old manner and thus leaving me a bit disappointed at the end.

Overall, not the best Danielle Steel work but enjoyable still.

19 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 19, 2014 1

#BookReview :: Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala

Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak by working at her parents’ Filipino restaurant when in walks Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Only now, he’s a hot movie star surrounded by gorgeous actresses and adoring fans.
Bad boy Romeo Garcia never understood why Evie stood him up at the prom. When he rescues her from a flying coconut in the dumpster, he is determined to dig into her heart for the reason. Their mutual attraction and unresolved feelings ignite in a scintillating night of daring sex, and Romeo shows Evie what she’ll miss the rest of her life if she walks away again.
Evie lands a part as Romeo’s co-star and falls into her role, totally in love. He plays his part, too, with his romantic gestures and skillful lovemaking. But is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.

*** Taming Romeo is a contemporary romance featuring family secrets, delicious food, and hot, steamy loves scenes. Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+ ***

Buy Links:

Amazon US I India I UK I Canada I Barnes & Noble Nook I Kobo Books I Smashwords I iTunes

My Review:

While I do enjoy reading my fair share of love stories and romance novels, I am not much of a ‘sizzling romance’ reader. But I have read Rachelle Ayala’s previous books and I quite like her works - especially Broken Build, so I decided to give Taming Romeo a chance.

Evie and Romeo have a history that dates back to their high school days. When Romeo walks into Evie’s life again while she is recovering from a heartbreak and working at her parents’ restaurant, Evie tries to avoid him. But with so much history between them, a chemistry that practically puts the pages on fire and a stubborn Romeo intent on getting answers from her - it seems unlikely that she could escape forever… While Romeo tries to find out why Evie had stood him up at prom and Evie trying to get her life back on track, things are about to change for both of them while we readers get a front row seat to their story.

Okay, so this is a typical romance novel and as such the plot is very much predictable. But Rachelle Ayala maintains a standard of narration style and that is what makes the story interesting to the readers even when they what is going to happen anyway. Romeo is this hot stud and Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ kept playing in my mind whenever he was on the pages. Evie did get on my nerves a few times with her ‘jumping to conclusions’ at every turn, but is in fact quite a balanced character. Rachelle Ayala’s characters are always very well developed and easy to fall in love with. Evie just takes a tad bit longer to grow on you. The chemistry between the two is super hot too.

I made one mistake though… I picked it up after I was done with dinner and all other chores for the day and read well late into the night. As a result, I was VERY hungry by the time I put down this book and was particularly craving Fillipino food. Don’t do that if you are a foodie - make sure to keep something around when you pick this one up!

Overall, Taming Romeo is a fast - light - hot - fun read that’s well worth couple of hours of your reading time if you enjoy Food and Romance.

Excerpt #1 – Taming Romeo by Rachelle Ayala

[Evie is hiding in the dumpster to avoid Romeo and his new girlfriend when they come out of her family restaurant, Barrio XO, with a dessert in a coconut shell.]

“I’m not carrying that coconut shell,” she complains.

“It’s buko.” He enunciates clearly as if she were a small child. “They’re not easy to come by.”

You’re darn right, Romeo.

Buko is a young green coconut we Filipinos take pride in, using its soft meat and pure juice in pies, cakes, gelatin, and salad. Okay, the salad is more like a custard made with condensed milk, no lettuce in sight. Take that, Vegan Barbie.

A shot of pain bursts on the top of my head.

“Ow!” I yelp and fall on my behind onto something squishy. The dessert laden coconut shell bounces off me, showering me with ube, or purple yam bits, jelly cubes of many colors, shaved ice, tapioca balls, mango pieces, red bean, and ice cream. Boy am I glad Mr. Dee got his golf cap back before I came out here.

My lower lip quivering, I wipe the chilly ooze off my face, unable to resist a lick. Maybe he didn’t hear me. Maybe he’s getting on his bike. Didn’t his friends say to meet and set up for a film shoot? The coast will be clear soon.

“Evie.” A masculine, brown-skinned hand sweeps gelatinous hair from my face. “Are you okay?”

Dreamy eyes soften into luscious pools of dark chocolate as the signature Romeo grin slides across his, gulp, chiseled, manly face.

Five years ago, he was cute. Now, invincible.

“Let me help you out.” His voice croons, low and sexy.

Before I can respond, he lifts me out of the dumpster as if I were a rag doll and puts me on the motorcycle.

“Who’s she?” Beach Slapped Blondie sneers. “Eww… you’re dirtying the seat.”

Romeo tips his finger in a ‘one-minute’ gesture and turns to Blondie. “I’ll call you a cab. Take a nap before meeting us at the shoot so you won’t be so cranky.”

“I’ll call my own cab.” She stalks off, making sure to drive her displeasure home by kicking gravel onto the shiny fender of Romeo’s bike.

We both wince in unison.

Romeo examines my head. “I’m really sorry. I had no idea you were in the dumpster. What were you doing there?”

“Looking for my contact lenses?” I squint and avert my eyes from his shining lip ring. Dang, he’s hot.

He puts his arm around me. “You should have said something. We could have shared the dessert together. Now it’s wasted.”

If my heart was palpitating earlier, now it’s practically in arrest. “I’ll get you another. Let’s go in.”

“Later.” He traces the side of my sticky face and licks his finger, touching his lip ring. “I could eat you right now, but first, answer my question.”

“Sure.” I suck in a shuddering breath as visions of tonguing his lips and handling his man parts raise my core temperature.

“Why did you ditch me at the prom?”

About the Author:

Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She enjoys writing love stories and has always lived in a multi-cultural environment. The tapestry of characters in her books reflect that diversity. She is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe.
Check out her four romantic novels. Michal’s Window is a powerful, emotional journey as lived through the eyes of Princess Michal, King David’s first wife. Broken Build is a story of healing where a man learns to love and trust the woman who destroyed his life. Hidden Under Her Heart is a heartfelt love story combined with controversy over difficult decisions, and Knowing Vera is a suspenseful, cross-cultural romance mixing an unsolved murder, adventure, and hot, steamy love scenes.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Blog I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

Giveaway:

~ $10 Amazon Gift Card to the Best Review on the Tour

~ 1 Paperback Copy of Winner's Choice of Rachelle Ayala's Books

a Rafflecopter giveaway

18 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 18, 2014 0

#BookReview :: Awaking (The Naturals #1) by Madeline Freeman

Morgan Abbey's life is about to change. Just weeks before the beginning of her senior year, a mysterious stranger approaches Morgan with information that turns her world on end: First, the psychic ability she believes she has just been pretending to have since middle school might actually be real. Second, her mother, who disappeared abruptly and completely almost a decade ago, might still be alive. Morgan finds herself drawn into a centuries-old struggle involving a shadowy group with incredible powers. The Veneret have quietly coexisted alongside the common people of the world for centuries. Now they believe it is time for them to reclaim their former positions of power-and that Morgan is the key to their victory. Every victory comes at a price-but is it one that Morgan will be willing to pay?

Morgan Abbey has no control over her life or it would seem so. Her life is suddenly all about changes and these changes are not always for the better and sometimes downright weird. She had been okay raising herself, almost, ever since her mother disappeared over a decade back, but finding out that she had ‘powers’ was something even she hadn’t bargained for. And to find out that he mother may be alive and that she is crucial in a war that has been going on for centuries is over-the-top for a teenager like her. We, the readers, get a front row ticket to the drama that Morgan’s life is and get to see her take on things that are far bigger than her.

First the good things about the book - the language and the narration style are informal and easy to get into. The plot and the concept behind the plot are intriguing. There are a number of interesting characters that you will love to like and love to hate. The storyline has a pace that is relaxed and hence every time I turned a page, I did not have the urge to go back and read it again with the fear that I may have missed something. As for the disadvantages of this book, one of its biggest advantages turns into a disadvantage before long. The informal language and narration style that initially invited me in initially, soon became something monotonous and not much attractive. It is difficult to be special while using common and everyday young adult language to tell a story and I think this was one of the instances where it didn’t just click. Also, there is minimum character growth and story development with a sudden ending to the book that left me feeling unsatisfied.

I may pick up the sequel to see where the plot goes and if there is any character development, but I doubt I would pick this one up for a second read. This is a one time read and forget sort of a book that failed to make a lasting impression irrespective of the fact that I hardly noticed time flying by while I was reading it.

17 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 17, 2014 1

#BookReview :: Starcursed by Nandini Bajpai

In the ancient city of Ujjayani, the planets align to decide the fate of two starcursed lovers. Born under the curse of Mars, brilliant and beautiful Leelavati, daughter of the famed astronomer Bhaskarya Acharya of Ujjayani, knows she can never wed. But when her childhood playmate, the handsome and rich Rahul Nagarseth, returns from sea, their attraction is rekindled under stormy monsoon skies. As Leela, forced by fate to relinquish Rahul, tries to find solace in teaching at her fathers observatory, a fleeting alignment of the stars is discovered that can help overcome her curse. But Rahul is called away on a war to defend his kingdom. Can he return in time or will she lose him forever to the will of the planets?

Set in turbulent twelfth century India, against the backdrop of the savage wars waged by Muhammad of Ghor and his band of Turkis, Starcursed is a sweeping tale of science, romance and adventure that will transport its readers to another world.

Leelavati, the daughter of the famed astronomer Bhaskarya Acharya of Ujjaini, is a beautiful woman with a thirst for knowledge and a bad birth chart when it comes to marital options. She is nurtured and encouraged to learn by her parents and her father allows her to teach at the observatory. Bhaskaya Acharya, worried for his daughter, builds a water clock so as to ascertain and auspicious moment that would allow his daughter to get married. But due to an accident, the clock stops working and the moment passes by without anyone being any wiser. On the other hand we have our hero, the rich and handsome and brave Rahul, who is prepared to marry her irrespective of her birth charts. But Leelavati is in two minds… will these star-cursed lovers ever find their happily ever after?

Leelavati is an adorable character who shows strength and vulnerability at the same time. Rahul is also up to his part of a leading character. I liked Leelavati’s father a lot. He is progressive and really loves his daughter. The other supporting characters are also all very well placed and developed. The storyline is not something outstandingly good, but it exceeded my expectations from the book - especially with the twist at the end. The only thing that I can think of that needs a bit improvement is the narration style which is about average and slows down the pace a bit.

The highlight of the book is the way that the author has managed to portray the lives of people in Ujjaini during that period. The caste systems and the status of women in those days are portrayed very well.

Overall I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to people looking for some quality IWE books.

15 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 15, 2014 0

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - The Prez Features in My Book by Andy Paula

Now Presenting:

*** SPECIAL FEATURE - March'14 ***

Piali Roy has run away from home and the two stubborn men who love her. One is her beloved Baba; a rigid traditionalist, he refuses to accept anyone from outside her caste and community. And then there is Sathya, the unsuitable outsider. He loves her truly, madly, deeply and has even called off his marriage for her sake. Neither man will budge, and the small town of Jampot, where everyone knows everything, is not big enough for the two of them.
Away from their unreasonable demands, Piali strives to find peace in the mountains. But within six months, her lover tracks her down. Once again, she betrays the one by trusting the other.
Will her labor in the name of love be in vain, or will love transcend all differences?

Buy Links:

Amazon I Apple I Pothi I iBookstore I Barnes & Nobles I Diesel Books I Sony I Smashwords I Kobo I All Romance eBooks

The Prez Features in My Book!

I'll let the mails do the talking for this one.


Respected Dr. Kalam 14th June

Hoping this finds you in good health.

I, Anindita Sarkar, a teacher for nine years and a corporate trainer for the last six, am delighted to be writing to you. An M.A.(English), from Banaras Hindu University, I started my teaching career in 1997. From then to 2006, I taught English to high school students in various parts of the country, my last academic stint being St.George's College, Mussoorie.

That was the year when you graced the Sesqui Centenary celebration of our school with your presence. I was the editor-in-chief of the school year book then, and with the editorial board, we tried to capture what you truly embody. The excitement that your visit created; your address to the students; your answers to their questions; your photographs with the faculty and all my memories associated with it have frozen in time.

So potent was my meeting with you Dr. Kalam, that when I made a foray into writing, this visit of yours to the school became a backdrop of my book! My book, Love's Labor, an e-book published by Indireads, a Toronto-based publishing house, deals with the caste and communal differences that so plague our society. How the protagonists sometimes bow down, and, at others, rebel against the limiting influences of family and society; how the role of parents defines our choices as Indians; our deference to the collective consciousness rather than upholding individual wishes form the fabric of Love's Labor.

Please permit me to present to you a hard-copy of my e-book, Dr Kalam.

I am publishing under the pseudonym of Andy Paula, as Anindita had been made Andy by well-meaning friends since my school days!

While I wait to hear from you, I wish to share a personal detail. As I transitioned from a school teacher to a corporate trainer, I carried your leadership lessons in my soul. Prof. Satish Dhawan's move of shouldering the blame on himself during the failed launch of SLV-3 and conferring credit on the team on its success, is an example I always share in my leadership trainings. And for some reason, recounting this incident, invariably fills up my eyes.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience, Dr.Kalam. My husband, Prakash Chandra, a software engineer, and I, will be the two people present for the presentation. And we shall not take too much of your time.

Regards
Anindita Sarkar

PS: The teacher right behind you, peering intently at the action below, is yours truly. From 2003 to 2013, time has taken its toll.

There are some mails we send and forget; the others keep us awake. This one, definitely, belonged to the second category. There was no reply from the former Prez' office for ten days. TEN HARROWING DAYS! The Missile Man was travelling, he would be back only by the 3rd of the next month. 3rd of the NEXT MONTH, OMG! (Did I actually think he would invite me for high tea the same evening he got the mail?! Aah, the vanities of an author!)

A couple of phone calls later, the PS to the former Prez asked for the mail to be forwarded to his personal id. Duly done. Wait begun.

Good things come to those who wait, they say. They after all do, it seems!

Dear Ms Anindita Sarkar, 28th June

Ref your request to meet Dr Kalam to present a copy of your e-book to him. Dr Kalam will be happy to meet you on Wed, 03 July 2013 at 1950 hrs at his office No.10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi.

Please confirm if you are coming for the meeting.

Regards

Please confirm? Please confirm?! I have been waiting for a fortnight for only this, Mr Secy. But then you wouldn't know the thrill, the apprehension, the excitement, the palpitations, the zoning out that happen on receiving a mail from someone like HIM, or from his office. Same difference :)

Let the pics do the rest of the talking.

Dr Kalam autographing Loves' Labor; his autograph; reading the novella on the iPad

The first thing I noticed about the former Prez was how frail he had become in ten years. He was as inspirational though, taking interest in the digital format, appreciating how we are saving trees by not paper-printing, fascinated about how global Indireads is with the authors, editors, publisher, marketing- all working out of different countries, complimenting entrepreneurs that they are the employment-generators and not employment-seekers and saying all the things a budding writer would take home with her.

Was I inspired to write more, write better? Of course! The moment I come down to Mother Earth, I will...and that's a promise :)

~ Andy Paula, author of Love’s Labor

About the Author

Andy Paula is a corporate trainer, an avid reader, a near-passionate blogger, and now, a writer. When she met her editor during the writing of Love's Labor, she realized how ruthless she may have appeared to all her enthusiastic trainees who nurtured creative dreams. "Never again," she thought, "am I going to correct another article." And she proceeded to make corrections in her own manuscript.
She confesses to never having made a kaleidoscope with broken bangles or taken apart a clock and put it back together, in her childhood. Two things that she did cherish were reading and falling in love. To the question, ‘What prompted you to write?’ Andy gives a tongue-in-cheek reply. "They say there's a book in each of us. Just wanted to check if they were right!"
When she is not making stories in her head, this Thinker does her pranayam and tries to meditate to keep a grip on her wandering mind.

Website I Twitter I Facebook I Amazon I Goodreads

Giveaway

10 Digital Copies of Love's Labor by Andy Paula

5 PDF copies of Love Across Borders, an anthology of twelve heart-warming narratives

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 March, 2014

Debdatta Dasgupta March 12, 2014 1

#CoverReveal :: Clinging to Rapture by Megan D.Martin

Clinging to Rapture
Rapture: Book 2
Author: Megan D. Martin
Publication date: April 25, 2014
New Adult Erotic Romance

Goodreads Link

Blurb:

“I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.”

Four months ago I ran away. I left him behind. The man who stalked me, took control of my body, and claimed he loved me.

Now he’s returned. Like dripping razor blades, he has slashed his way back into my life. But everything is different.

He doesn’t want me anymore.

I expected him to come back, to be sorry. I even planned to forgive him. I should have known that he would discard me like everyone else in my life. But I’m going to change that.

My billionaire stalker has come to say goodbye…only this time I plan to keep him.

About the Author

Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.