Review- Suddenly One Summer by Julie James

Summary-

Divorce lawyer Victoria Slade has seen enough unhappy endings to swear off marriage forever. That doesn't mean she's opposed to casual dating—just not with her cocky new neighbor, who is as gorgeous and tempting as he is off-limits. But once she agrees to take on his sister's case, she's as determined to win as ever—even if that means teaming up with Ford…

Investigative journalist Ford Dixon is bent on finding the man who got his sister pregnant and left her high and dry. He's willing to partner with Victoria, despite the fact that the beautiful brunette gets under his skin like no other woman. He might not be looking to settle down, but there's no denying the scorching attraction between them. Still, the more time he spends with Victoria, the more he realizes that the one woman as skeptical about love as he is might be the only woman he could really fall for…

Release date: June 2nd, 2015

Published by: Jove

Page numbers: 291

Review-

I love Julie James' books. I just love the way she writes her characters. Her heroes and heroines are smart, sexy and independent. There's just something very modern about her books. That is just one of the many reasons I picked up Suddenly One Summer. Suddenly One Summer is the story of Victoria and Ford and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone who loves contemporary romance should pick this one up!

Let's start with Victoria. Victoria is a divorce lawyer. Her childhood memories combined with the fact that she sees unhappy endings every day has made her swear off marriage and relationships. She is happy with the way things are going for her until things change. I loved Victoria. She wanted to keep up her facade of being strong in front of everyone but she was human and she had her vulnerabilities. I just love Julie James' heroines and Victoria was no exception.

Then we have Ford. We'd actually met Ford before in one of Julie James' previous books. Ford is an investigative journalist and at first glance he may come off as a bit of a laid back person. But that is so not the case. Ford is passionate about his work and protective of his sister and niece. I loved how Ford slowly but surely started falling for Victoria and seeing the real her.

The best thing I like about Julie James' books is that her characters are first strong individual persons themselves. Ford and Victoria were both successful and hard working but together they find the emotional connection in each other. I loved the chemistry they shared and the intimate scenes between them were sweet and sexy.

I also loved that we got to see some of the previous couples we'd met in the FBI/U.S.Attorney series though Suddenly One Summer is a standalone. I loved Ford's friends, they were absolutely hilarious. Suddenly One Summer was a bit different as it goes like a slow burn in terms of romance but it was perfect for Ford and Victoria. I really liked Suddenly One Summer.

Author Interview + Giveaway- Secrets, Sins & Struggles by Kamini Kusum

Hi, everyone! Today, we have for you, an interesting author interview and an exciting giveaway. Author of Secrets, Sins & Struggles, Kamini Kusum is here with us today to share more about her book, and she is also, very generously, offering two copies of her book to lucky Indian readers. Without much ado, let's get on the post then. 

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

A collection of five tales,Secrets,Sins & Struggles is about the lives and loves of five women, tracing their long, eventful journeys that are anything but linear. 

Meet Pooja, a teenager forced into the flesh trade but determined to escape and get justice. Shrawani who dreams of becoming a bureaucrat despite all the trials life throws her way. Avni who is torn between her childhood friend and her brand-new boyfriend. Harsha who is trapped in a loveless arranged marriage while still being haunted by thoughts of her forsaken lover. Geshna who falls head over heels for a high school sweetheart only to find her own life shrinking to accommodate his. 

These stories are about the odds stacked against women in their path to love and success.They are also about hope that the next turn will lead to the happiness and success they all long for.

BOOK LINKS: GOODREADS / AMAZON / FLIPKART

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Author of "secrets,sins and struggles".Also, a management professional.She just loves the way Danielle Steel writes.Also, an admirer of Shobha De and Paulo Cohelo.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: 

WEBSITE / TWITTER / FACEBOOK / GOODREADS

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

      Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a management professional working with an MNC in Gurgaon. Writing has been my passion for long. When I say writing, storytelling is what I enjoy more than anything else. I have written a couple of articles too on women issues in magazines. I live in Delhi with my family.

  Tell us about your book.

Secrets, sins and struggles. Its has stories of five women who fight all odds in their lives to live their dreams.

         What inspired you to write your book?

These stories are based on some real life incidences I have seen, heard or even felt. The story “Madam Bureaucrat” is loosely based on one of my close friend’s life and of course a writer’s imagination has done its job. “Women” is always an area of curiosity and I have a natural inclination towards weaving words around women.

         Are any of the characters in your book inspired by someone you know or are they complete results of your imagination?

As said earlier, story Madam Bureaucrat is close to one of my friend’s life. For the first story, Brothel to Assembly, I literally visited Delhi’s famous red light area G.B road to have a feel of that darkest corner of our capital. This book is an amalgamation of reality and my imagination.

        What kind of research went into writing your book?

Terrific research I would say. Walking the G.B road to get a feel of kotha , Studying the NGOs and their work, ins and outs of Rave party ,the world of drugs etc..; At one point I felt that I am an undercover cop investigating the grey areas. 

         Tell us why readers should pick up your book.

My book is far away from those loves and romance flooded in the market. If you want to “watch” while reading, something very gripping then go for “Secrets, sins and struggles”. The book won’t let you move away till you have reached the last line. You will long for more.

         What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Movies and reading fiction (of course when I am not in office)

        Give us glimpse into any normal day of your life.

Get up at 5, serve the kids and family, go to office at 8 am, reach home by 6:30 pm,

One hour family time, TV and writing.

        What is next in store for you? Do you plan on writing more?

I have so many stories fighting in my mind to come out first. Currently, I am working on two novels simultaneously- one an inspirational story and the other a fiction on woman’s quest for love. Hopefully, 2017 will see one of them out in market.

         According to you, in today’s day and age, how important a role does social media play in spreading the word about a book?

Its power. I am totally on social media. Its because of social media that a new writer like me could see her book in Amazon Best seller top 50 in just two days of launch.

FAVOURITES-

        Favourite book? 

Power Play by Danielle Steel

       

Favourite author? 

Danielle Steel

        Favourite band? 

Not any specific

       Favourite singer? 

Kumar Sanu

         Favourite song? 

All songs from Ashiqui 1.

        Favourite movie? 

Chak De

         Favourite actor? 

Shahrukh Khan

         Favourite actress? 

Priyanka/Sharon Stone

     Favourite drink? 

Fruit Punch

       Favourite food? 

Momos

THIS OR THAT-

         Day or night? 

Night

         Dark or light? 

Dark

         Black or white? 

Black

         Tea or coffee? 

Coffee

         Coke or Pepsi? 

Neither

        E-book or physical copy? 

Physical

         Novel or novella? 

Novel

         Beach or mountain? 

Mountain

        Salty or sweet? 

Salt      

   Left or right? 

Right

GIVEAWAY: 

So, like we mentioned at the very beginning of the post, two copies of the book are up for grabs for two lucky Indian readers. 

As usual, giveaway rules are simple:

*Giveaway is open for residents of India only.

*To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

*If the form doesn't load, go here.

*Once winners are picked, they will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond, or else, we'll be compelled to pick new winners. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That's all for today! We'd like to thank author Kamini for the lovely interview and the great giveaway, and we wish her all the success and love, and thank you, readers, for stopping by! 

Review- Howl by Kelley York

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Ivan and his family moved in with their grandpa in order to rally around his sick little brother, Eli, as he went through treatment. It’s not a bad change; Ivan and Eli love to sit outside and listen to the wolves howling from the woods. It’s calming. At least, until Eli disappears from his bed to go looking for them. Chasing after his brother brings Ivan face-to-face with a strange, wild, beautiful boy living in the forest with the wolves…and nothing will ever be the same.

Part of Take a Chance Anthology.

Release date: December 8th 2016

Published by: Beaten Track Books

Page numbers: 32

REVIEW: 

Author Kelley York' short story, Howl, is a part of the Take A Chance anthology which releases on December 15th (which is today!). I am obviously super excited to read the book, but when I saw that Kelley's story was already available on Amazon (.in and .com), I bought myself a copy, and like any other book by the author, this one did not disappoint.  Howl is a beautiful and moving story that reflects Kelley's love for and respect towards animals. Now I myself love my animals more than humans and have a special spot for wolves in my heart, so this story for me was everything. 

There's really not much to say about this one particular short story, because it's easier to just read it for yourself and appreciate it. But what I would like to stress on is the fact that I have only read Kelley's contemporaries so far, but in no way was I apprehensive about trying something new from her, because I knew it would be good anyway. And it turned out to be just that. Like any other short story, however (or any other book from your favourite author), I wish there was more, and I sure as hell hope *hint hint* that Kelley continues this amazing story of Ivan, Eli and the magnificent wolves. 

As usual, Kelley's writing was just as beautiful as her story-telling. If this is just one of the many stories in the anothology, I really cannot wait to see what the other authors have in store for us. I'm sure this anthology will be amazing, mainly because it's LGBT, and also because some really cool authors have contributed to it. Meanwhile, if you get the chance, do give Howl a go, because it's a short, moving, emotional and extremely beautiful story. 

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN) / AMAZON (COM)

Waiting on Wednesday #182

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Publication Date: June 15th, 2017

Summary-

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world with a story of wild passion and darkest betrayal...

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious…and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

I am SO SO SO excited for the start of this new arc in the Psy-Changeling series. Plus what a gorgeous cover!

What are you waiting on?

Cover Reveal- Face-Off at the Altar by Toni Aleo

Coming December 26th

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Amazon AU

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he's watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he's a mess on and off the ice.

But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won't let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him...

Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus's betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton's wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they're starting to wonder if they really want to.

They're headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Author Links

Twitter  Facebook  Web  Goodreads  Amazon Pinterest  

Review- Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Release date: September 4th, 2012

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 337

Review-

After absolutely loving Archangel's Blade I went right to Archangel's Storm. Jason with his facial tattoos has always been a mystery so I was really curious about him. Also seeing that the book was set in India I was even more intrigued and I admit I may be a little biased here. But none the less Archangel's Storm turned out to be a stunningly unique book for me.

Jason is Raphael's spy master. He always stays in the shadows with his wings of black. When Archangel Neha's consort is found dead Jason steps in to unearth the murderer but before that he must tie himself to Princess Mahiya with a blood bond. I loved Jason! Unlike any other heroes he was quiet one, not wanting any attention on himself. He had a lot of issues which no one knew about but his strength was undoubted.

Then we have Mahiya. At first I just could not get a read on Mahiya if she was good or bad. She came off as meek but we soon find out she has a core of steel. Not everyone is an out and out warrior like Elena and I so appreciated seeing a completely different yet just as strong of a heroine in Mahiya. Mahiya has intentions of her own and when you see how hard she's been fighting just to survive you can't help but like her.

Jason and Mahiya's romance was slow burn at the best. You need to have patience while reading this book for their chemistry to grow and build. But I loved every second of it. Both Jason and Mahiya were not people who trusted easily and it was a pleasure seeing them learn about each other. The bond they form is with a quiet strength and intensity.

We also get to see a lot of Venom in this book and I am highly curious about him after reading his bits in Archangel's Storm. I also loved how seamlessly Nalini Singh incorporated the Indian culture in the book. Archangel's Storm was an amazing and unique installment to the series and I loved it.

Cover Reveal- The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter is proud to share the cover for the 13^th novel in her bestselling Lords of the Underworld series, THE DARKEST PROMISE! #LOTU

Order THE DARKEST PROMISE here!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * BAM * Powell’s * IndieBound

THE DARKEST PROMISE Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Lords of the Underworld story about an iron-willed sovereign and the somber beauty who melts him with a glance…

Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.

Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him—until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile…and seduce her into his bed.

As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever…

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

   

About Gena Showalter: Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld series, two young-adult series—Everlife and The White Rabbit Chronicles—and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs and all her upcoming books at GenaShowalter.com or Facebook.com/GenaShowalterFans.      

Website | Twitter @genashowalter | Facebook | Goodreads