Review- Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John

Review-

I had been waiting for Kit and Noah's story since the first moment I saw them together on the same page. I had pretty much been stalking the author for an ARC and I was lucky enough to get one. I have to admit that Rock Redemption was not what I expected. It was a different read but that's not to say that it was a bad read because it definitely wasn't.

Let's start with Kit. Kit was one of the most amazing heroines I've ever read about. I don't know how she was strong enough to forgive Noah every single time but she did. She was so in love with Noah and all she wanted to do was work things out between them. Kit was sweet and sexy and fun and I enjoyed reading about her. Finally she got what she deserved.

Then we have Noah. Noah is an asshole quite a few times during the book. He is a hard hero to like but as we delve into his personality and see his past you get to understand him. Noah is so SO broken. I don't even know how he survives but a major reason for that is Kit. Noah wants to protect and cherish what he has with Kit even though he knows he can't give her anything more. He thinks he is unworthy of her.

Kit and Noah had chemistry but that definitely took a back seat in this book. Rock Redemption was more focused on Kit and Noah rebuilding their friendship and Noah healing from his horrible childhood. I have to say I would have loved more romance in the book but somehow Noah and Kit had to accomplish this first and only then could they move on.

I always love how Nalini Singh portrays friendships so I loved seeing the entire band with their better halves. I am also super curious to see what is happening between Abe and Sarah as we are hinted at their VERY complicated relationship. All in all, Rock Redemption was a good but a bit of an unexpected read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Cover Reveal- Coke by Barun Chanda

“Can you help me, please?”

Pradipta wheeled around.

Standing behind was an unusually attractive lady. She wore a dark blue, chiffon saree which set off her fair complexion even more. Other than a thin gold chain with a tear-drop pearl pendant on her neck, she wore no jewelery. Her lips were pale pink, with no lipstick. Only the dark make-up on her eyes made her look even more unfathomable.

 “You’re talking to me?”

Thus begins Coke, with this chance encounter at Kathmandu airport. But the plot thickens when the lady requests him to include her suitcase as part of his checked in baggage and then does a vanishing act, once the aircraft lands in Calcutta. What follows is a riveting page-turner, replete with unexpected twists as you encounter gangs warring over narcotics, policemen, functionaries, and a sinister master-mind who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The furiously paced narrative takes you from the sleepy airport of Kathmandu to the packed streets of Calcutta, a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of town and an unforgettable chase-sequence through New Market.

From the author of the acclaimed Bengali novels ‘Kidnap’, ‘ShaaperJhaanpi’ and ‘Robibar’ comes a high-octane thriller that’s seriously addictive and keeps you hooked till the end.

About the Author:

In so far as the pursuit of any true vocation is a life in itself, Barun Chanda – advertising guru, actor and writer, may be said to have had three. Born in Dhaka, he did his Masters in English at Jadavpur University. Following a brief stint as a lecturer in English, he embarked upon a career in the creative department of advertising that spanned more than 30 years, won him numerous awards and culminated in his tenure as Creative Director at Clarion McCann.

Acting occupies the second of his three worlds. In 1971, he scorched the big screen as a high-flying executive, playing the protagonist in Satyajit Ray’s ‘Seemabaddha’, and winning a special President of India Award for his performance. After a hiatus that lasted over two decades, he returned to the screen during the 90’s, and has since then acted in numerous TV series and more than 35 movies. Tackling Bollywood and Tollywood roles with equal aplomb, he has distinguished himself in films such as Lootera, Roy, Chotushkone, Aborto, MIshorRohoshyo, Nayanchampa-r Dinraatri , Bela Sheshe and Jogajog. Chorabaali, where where once again he plays the protagonist, is his latest venture.

Barun’s third passion is writing. A regular film reviewer and contributor of articles to major dailies, in the last eight years he has published four highly acclaimed and successful novels in Bengali. His work has played a major role in establishing the adult thriller genre in Bengali literature.

Coke is his first novel in English.

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Review- It Doesn't Hurt To Be Nice by Amisha Sethi

Amazon Summary:

Kiara is a dynamic, thirty-something girl who has reached great heights professionally, and is the apple of the eye for almost everyone who knows her. But she never took any short cuts to become happier, wiser, healthier and more compassionate. She had to find rays of hope where the dark tunnel seemed unending, and identify shade in life's burning path. She found little pearls of wisdom in chasing her dreams, in spreading laughter, in learning from scriptures and philosophers, and even at one point in almost ending her life. More than Kiara's story and the wisdom she achieves through the various dramatic and hilarious experiences, this book is a motion picture with you in the lead role. You as the 'hero' who can beat the most stubborn of villains — most of which lie deep within us…our fear, unkindness, selfish interests, negative thoughts and jealousy. You as the 'heroine' who is sharp and witty in talking, selfless and caring in love, and charming and beautiful inside out, like none other (perhaps a 2.0 version of you). Walk with Kiara to find a better you, because It Doesn't Hurt to be Nice.

REVIEW:

By writing It Doesn't Hurt to be Nice, author Amisha Sethi has served her purpose in life. She truly captures the essence of human nature and what we need to basically keep going on. She has done her part by sharing the same with readers. Intentionally or unintentionally, that's exactly what the book is about. It's about finding your purpose in life and striving to be better each day than you were yesterday, which basically sums up my own belief as well, so that's a plus point. 

I wouldn't say that It Doesn't Hurt to be Nice is a philosophical discourse that is highly enlightening, but I can say with confidence that it helped me understand better what I already know and wish to practice as well. The book comprises of a collection of incidents from the life of the main character Kiara that end up teaching both her and the reader a lesson. A healthy dose of quotes from ancient Indian scriptures sheds light on rich and valuable teachings, which is perfectly balanced with the amusing and easy to relate to incidents from Kiara's life. 

While I did have my apprehensions about reading It Doesn't Hurt to be Nice, especially since I thought I would need to roll my eyes every two pages since I'm not into a hundred percent positivism through and through, the book ended up being very nice and was somehow fun to read. I do wish that it were more concrete, in the sense that it would concentrate on one aspect at a time. At the same time, however, I see how that would have ended up being way too long as a book. 

Overall, I do agree with the title of the book: it really doesn't hurt to be nice, but I do believe that being nice ends up hurting you. Anyway, all that aside, the book is definitely worth a try as it is a quick read through which you can learn something or the other. 

*A copy of It Doesn't Hurt To Be Nice by Amisha Sethi was provided by Srishti Publishers and Distributors in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book. 

RATING:

Book Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway- Made in India by Biddu

Hi, everyone! We are excited to be part of the book tour for Biddu's Made in India, that's being hosted by our friend DDS over at B00k R3vi3ws. Without much ado, let's get on to the post that we have for you. 

About the book:

As a child, Biddu dreamt of going west and making it big as a composer. At the age of sixteen, he formed a band and started playing in a cafe in Bangalore, his home town, At eighteen, he was part of a popular act at Trinca's, a nightclub in Calcutta devoted to food, wine and music, At nineteen, he had college students in Bombay dancing to his music.

In his early twenties, he left the country and ended up hitchhiking across the Middle East before arriving in London with only the clothes on his back and his trusty guitar. What followed were years of hardship and struggle but also great music and gathering fame. From the nine million selling "Kung Fu Fighting" to the iconic youth anthem of "Made in India" and the numerous hits in between. Biddu's music made him a household name in India and elsewhere.

In this first public account of all that came his way: the people, the events,the music tours and companies Biddu writes with a gripping sense of humor about his remarkable journey with its fairy tale ending. Charming, witty, and entirely likable, Biddu is a man you are going to enjoy getting to know.

Book links:

Goodreads / Amazon / Flipkart

Excerpt from the book:

For a brief millisecond I thought the man was looking for a bribe. (You can take the boy out of India, but you can’t take India out of the boy.)

‘Twenty-two pounds, sir,’ I said, flushing out the money and placing it in front of him.

‘This won’t last you more than a week,’ he said. And for the first time a smile of sorts escaped his features; it was a supercilious smirk.

‘I believe you are here to find employment.’ That stern look was back on his face. ‘I’m afraid I can’t let you into the country.’

That remark hit me with the force of a Mohammed Ali uppercut. A thousand and one nights of hopes and dreams dashed by the reality of a country’s immigration laws. Everything I had worked for, every iota of desire to come to England and finally all that hitchhiking through the Middle East and selling of my blood in Kuwait were being thwarted by the whim of one man. I was close to breaking down. My future was no longer hanging in the balance of his capriciousness. He had given his answer. I could not enter Britain, the land of my former masters.

I had to think; and fast. All that blood, sweat and tears for nothing?

‘I do have some more money with me,’ I lied in desperation. ‘Show me,’ he said, as succinct as one can get.

‘I have it in my travel bag. I’ll go and get it.’ I smiled back at his grave demeanour.

About the author:

Biddu was born in India, where he started his career playing in a pop band whose influences lay in the classic repertoire of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Following his early success, he decided to hear West and move into the international music arena. He struck gold, signing the unknown Carl Douglas and producing "Kung Fu Fighting?" which went on to become a hit all over the world. He also wrote and produced hits for Tina Charles and soul legend Jimmy James.

Around this time, Biddu became involved in Indian music: he composed the cult "AapJaise Koi" for the film Qurbani which set a new landmark for sales in India He followed this up with a pop album, Disco Deewane, with Nazia Hassan, which became the largest selling pop album in Asian history, and was the first Indian album to hit the charts in fourteen countries. In 1995, Biddu wrote and produced the three-million-selling album Made in India with the singer Alisha Chinai. To date, Biddu has sold over thirty-eight million records worldwide.

 Visit Biddu's Wikipedia page to know more.

Giveaway:

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*1 Gift Voucher : $10 Amazon GV or INR 500 Flipkart GV (Winner’s Choice)

*1 Signed copy of Curse of the Godman by Biddu

*Paperback copy of Made in India by Biddu

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Cover Reveal- Shanti and the Magic Mandala by F.T. Camargo

Shanti and the Magic Mandala is an adventure in which fantasy and reality are mingled. The book tells the story of six teenagers, from different religious and cultural origins and different parts of the world, who are mystically recruited to form two groups - one in the Northern Hemisphere, and one in the Southern. They eventually gather in Peru, and through a single alliance, begin a frantic chase for the sacred object that can stop the black magician's final plan.

Amazon.com I Amazon.in I Amazon.co.uk I Barnes & Noble I Google Play 

Awards & Recognition for the Book

- Winner of 2014 London Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.
- 2014 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards: Bronze Medal at “Young Adult Fiction – Spirituality” category
- 2014 New England Book Festival in Boston:  Honorable Mention in the category “Young Adult”.
- Winner of 2015 Paris Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.
- Winner of 2015 International Book Awards in the category “Fiction / Young Adult”.
- Winner of 2015 New York Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.
- 2015 Los Angeles Book Festival – Runner-up in the category “Young Adult”.
- 2015 San Francisco Book Festival – Runner-up in the category “Young Adult”.
- 2015 DIY Book Festival in Los Angeles: Honorable Mention in the category “Young Adult”.

About the Author

F. T. Camargo is an Italian Brazilian living in Sao Paulo, Brazil. An award winning architect and author, he also studied Arts and Media and has a post degree in Economics and MBA in e-commerce. He is a vegetarian because of his love for all animals and has been deeply involved in causes for their protection and freedom. He is a world traveler adventurer, outdoor sports lover, speaks 4 languages and has published a travel book “Rio, Maravilha!”
For many years he has been practicing yoga and meditation and studying the Kabbalah. His exploration of spiritual teachings motivated a commitment to self-development which in turn created a new path and goal in life. Shanti and the Magic Mandala was born from his inner journey.

Contact the Author

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Book Tour- The Upstate Boys by Ofer Aronskind

The Upstate Boys

by OferAronskind

Release Date: 8/31/15

Summary from Goodreads:

John Shepherd (Shep) is a kid of the streets. An orphan bounced around from one foster family to another until he winds up in a juvenile detention center in upstate New York. While incarcerated, Shep and his fellow inmates are subjected to regular beatings and forced hard labor by the corrupt warden who runs the facility along with his squadron of armed guards. 

But Shep is no ordinary minor and has no intention of spending the rest of his youth behind bars. Shep and a handful of other inmates hatch a bold plan which culminates in a spectacular turn of events changing the lives of the young prisoners and their captors forever. The Upstate Boys is a tale of adventure, redemption and the unbreakable will of the human spirit. A must read for young and old alike, for anyone who ever dreamed of freedom and especially for those who made it happen.

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Buy Links: Amazon│Barnes and Noble│Book Depository

Author’s Writing Inspiration:

My inspiration for The Upstate Boys came when I read an Article in the NY Times about the Arthur G. Dozier school for boys.  The stories of the abuse, neglect and murder struck a cord and I wanted to change the story.

  

About the Author:

OferAronskind was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and came to the United States at the age of six. He grew up in Little Neck, Queens, on the outskirts of New York City. He attended SUNY Albany then took a year off after college where he spent the year in Los Angeles writing screenplays. The following year he came back to NY to attend St. John's University School of Law and graduated in 1989. He went to work at the law firm of Weil Gotshal&Manges as a real estate attorney and worked there until 1997. He now lives in Short Hills, New Jersey with his three sons and is a real estate investor.

Ofer, father of 3 boys, has had a lifelong passion for reading and writing. He began writing his first book, Summer Sleep Away the summer he sent his own sons off to camp for their first time. Ofer spent endless nights sitting at the edge of their beds telling his children stories from his own years in camp. As the boys embarked on their journey they encouraged Ofer to turn his stories into a book… so became Mattie Kleinfeld and the beginning of Ofer’s prolific career.

New Jersey resident OferAronskind remembers what it was like to be 12 years old: the challenges of middle school, making new friends, attending summer camp for the first time, having your first crush. By drawing on events from his life, as well as those of his three teenage sons, he has been able to vividly recreate some of life’s most memorable experiences in his young-adult novels.

To find more about Ofer and his books for young adults, please visit his website. 

Author Links: Website│Goodreads│Twitter

GIVEAWAY:

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Book Tour Organized by:

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Review- In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz

Summary-

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It’s a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove — Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts working as Fallon’s assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office—and doesn’t bat an eye at the psychic element of his job. She’s a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business…and Isabella’s family tree.

Review-

I do find Jayne Ann Krentz's Arcane Society series quite interesting so I have read all the books set in the present times in the series whenever I was in the mood for them. In Too Deep is Fallon Jones' book and I have to say I had been looking forward to this one because I curious to see more about Fallon whenever he made a cameo in the previous books. In Too Deep turned out to be a really good book.

Let's start with Fallon cause I am very excited about him. Fallon Jones is the descendant of the Jones' who were the founders of the Arcane Society. Fallon is a recluse and an investigator of the paranormal. He has a lot of power and works on multiple cases at a time. I really liked Fallon. He was an almost geeky hero who didn't see his appeal. I loved how direct he was with Isabella. He made for a great hero.

Isabella has been running her entire life. When some dangerous men come very close to catching her she decides to go to Scargill Cove and become Fallon's assistant. I really liked Isabella too. She was a heroine with her head on her shoulders. I loved how she spoke what was on her mind. Isabella was a heroine who was very easy to relate to and I really enjoyed her with Fallon.

With the mysterious case going on at Scargill Cove, we see Fallon and Isabella working together. I loved the chemistry Isabella and Fallon shared. You could see it in each conversation they had. It was so cute to see them accept each others weirdness and quirks. Isabella and Fallon made for a great couple.

I also love the suspense elements which come with these books. In Too Deep had a good suspense going on and it kept me hooked. I also liked meeting all the characters residing in Scargill Cove. They made for a great if not slightly mad small town. All in all, In Too Deep was a really good read.