Review- Play On by Samantha Young

Summary-

Nora O’Brien chased a dream from Indiana to Scotland, so sure it was the right thing to do. Three years later she was left in her adopted country with nothing to her name but guilt and regret.

Until Aidan Lennox entered her life.

Older, worldlier, a music producer and composer, the sexy Scot should never have made sense for Nora. But somehow, in each other, they found the light they were looking for, the laughter and the passion—the strength to play on despite their past losses.

But when life dealt Aidan another unlucky hand, instead of reaching for her he disappeared. The agonizing loss of him inspired something within Nora. It fired her spirit— the anger and hurt pushing her forward to take control and reach for her dreams.

Finally pursuing a career on stage while she put herself through college, everything is how Nora wants it. She’s avoiding heartbreak and concentrating on her goals.

Sounds easy but it’s not. Because Aidan is back. And for some reason he hates Nora.

He’s determined to be at war with her. And she has absolutely no idea why. 

Release date: September 12th, 2017

Page numbers: 426

Review-

I love Samantha Young books. They are full of emotions and romance. So I was very excited to hear that she is coming out with a new series called as Play On. I was lucky enough to snag an arc of the first book which is called Play On. This book falls in the contemporary romance genre which is my favourite and I have to say the book did not disappoint. I very much enjoyed Play On.

So Play On is the story of Nora. The book actually takes us on a journey with her from right from the beginning. The book goes on completely from Nora's point of view and I wished sometimes that we got to see what was happening in Aidan's mind as well but, oh well. So coming back to Nora we see the reasons behind why she moved to Scotland. Nora is has dealt with a lot in her short life span but she still feels as though she's missing something.

I liked Nora. She was a sensible girl and she genuinely had been through a lot even though in the present she is only 22 years old. Nora wants to perform on stage but life has so not been accommodating. Nora's grief was easy to see. She carried so much guilt along with her all the time but she finally started overcoming it by the end of the book.

Then we have Aidan. Nora meets Aidan through his niece. The niece and Nora share a special bond which inevitably puts Aidan and Nora in close quarters. I liked Aidan even though Nora and he have an age gap of 12 years. I do feel they are at different points in their life but the connection between them is undeniable. What starts off as wary friendship soon turns into romance but unexpected circumstances makes Aidan push Nora away. It is safe to say that Aidan behaves like an asshole at times. But he has his reasons and there is enough angst and drama in this book to keep you hooked.

I'd like to point out that there are quite a few time jumps in this book so it may get a little confusing. It took me a moment to get my mind in the time zone. But I feel that is because this book sets up a foundation for the series to come. I also really liked the supporting cast. This book does not end on a cliffhanger. We get a satisfactory ending but I have a feeling the next book in the series is going to be about the same couple. Overall I quite enjoyed Play On. 

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

Fave Five Friday- Fave Lines from Literature

Hi, everyone! I am so excited for this week's Fave Five Friday by BUZZ Magazine that I'm finding it hard to narrow down my list to five because the topic this week is super interesting. So without much ado, let's get to it. 

1) 

Aujourd'hui, maman est morte. Ou peut-être hier, je ne sais pas. J'ai reçu un télégramme de l'asile : "Mère décédée. Enterrement demain. Sentiments distingués." Cela ne veut rien dire. C'était peut-être hier. 

Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure. The telegram from the Home says: YOUR MOTHER PASSED AWAY. FUNERAL TOMORROW. DEEP SYMPATHY. Which leaves the matter doubtful; it could have been yesterday. 

From: L'Etranger/ The Stranger by Albert Camus

This is the opening line of the book and what a powerful way to start a novel! I have to admit, however, that I love the French lines WAY more than the English translation. 

2) 

 

Juger que la vie vaut ou ne vaut pas la peine d'être vécué c'est répondre à la question fondamentale de la philosophie. 

Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philisophy. 

From: Le Mythe de Sisyphe/ The Myth of Sisyphus by Alber Camus

What a coincidence! This happens to be the second line of the book, one which I find myself using very, very often. Camus is magical. 

3) 

It was a mark of the strength of their friendship that Ron did not laugh. 

From: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 

If you're a Potterhead, you know exactly where this line is written and it tells so much about Ron that it literally brings tears to my eyes. 

4) 

We're all made of stars. We burn bright, then we flicker away. 

From: Made of Stars by Kelley York 

This line gets to me every time. It leaves me feeling both happy and sad and that's so special. 

5) 

We do not start as dust. We do not end as dust. We make more than dust.

That's all we ask of you. Make more than dust.

From: Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

I could basically type down this entire book because it's full of incredible writing and splendid thoughts. 

Which lines made it to your list? 

Review- The Elephant Chaser's Daughter by Shilpa Raj

The Elephant Chaser's Daughter on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Saved by her grandmother from being killed at birth for having been born a female, Shilpa’s life took many unexpected turns and twists through her early years. She faced abandonment by her mother, the formidable constraints placed on her by her family, and the barbs of village elders bound by hundreds of years of oppressive practices and customs that subjugate women. Shilpa is torn between the contrasting lives she leads: one of servitude and injustice experienced by her family; the other of opportunity and empowerment offered by a good education in a school started by a philanthropist.

Just when all seems settled, an unforeseen death under mysterious circumstances shatters whatever stability remains in her life. Pulled in opposite directions, and torn between despair and dreams, Shilpa finally makes a choice for her future. Is she strong enough to stand up to the people she loves, and pursue what she wants?

At its heart The Elephant Chaser’s Daughter is about hope, when all seems lost. Written with raw honesty and grit, this is a deeply moving memoir of a young girl confronting her ‘untouchable’ status in a caste-based society, and her aspirations for modernity.

Release date: July 10th 2017

Published by: Rupa Publications India

Page numbers: 260

REVIEW: 

The reasons I decided to pick up The Elephant Chaser's Daughter are the simple facts that it's the story of a village girl and it's the real story of the author. Without even knowing her, I'm able to say that Shilpa Raj is a very brave woman for sharing her story, which she has penned down in a manner so interesting that I wish she never stops writing. I want to know more about her life.

Any book set in rural India piques my curiosity because the condition and situation of women in Indian villages is a topic I've been interested in since a few years now. Set in Thattaguppe, Kerala, The Elephant Chaser's Daughter is about Shilpa, her family, her village and the one institute that saves her life- Shanti Bhavan, a school started by an American that takes village children into its arms and gives them wings to fly.

Shilpa's family and alma mater were two points that help make her into who she becomes. Shilpa is truly someone to admire and respect for whatever she has been through. I found it so difficult to even imagine some of the stuff that happens in her village. But the girl's courage, determination and strength make her stand on her own two feet. I really liked how Shilpa was, because her story was so real and raw that it's hard not to relate to her at some point or the other.

This book is so well done and so emotionally piercing that it just makes for a very great read. A true memoir of the author's life as a child stepping into adulthood with ups and downs, The Elephant Chaser's Daughter is one brilliant book that talks about the life of people in Indian villages with a focus on women, family and the kindness of strangers. But above all, this book is the voice of the voiceless. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Waiting on Wednesday #212

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

Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

Publication Date: November 14th, 2017

Summary-

Twisted Truths is the third book in New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti's breathtaking romantic suspense series, Blood Brothers, that will be loved by fans of Karen Rose, Kylie Brant, Elaine Levine, Maya Banks's KGI series and Lisa Jackson.

Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count - and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago and broke her heart. But with Talia's life on the line, this time, Noni won't take no for an answer...

The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he'll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they'll use anything - and anyone - to get to Denver.

For more addictive romantic suspense look out for the rest of the titles in the Blood Brothers and Sin Brothers series. And for thrilling passion played out against a dangerous race for survival, look for the titles in The Scorpius Syndrome series: Mercury Striking, Shadow Falling, Justice Ascending.

I LOVE Rebecca Zanetti's books and her Blood Brothers series is one of my favourites. I can't wait for Twisted Truths.

What are you waiting on? :)

Teaser Tuesday #78

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along!

“You're that song. I don't know any of the words, but the tune is so damn familiar.” 

― Vi Keeland, Beautiful Mistake

Summary-

A sexy new standalone from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Vi Keeland

The first time I met Caine West was in a bar.
He noticed me looking his way and mistakenly read my scowling as checking him out.
When he attempted to talk to me, I set him straight—telling him what I thought of his lying, cheating, egomaniacal ass.
You see, the gorgeous jerk had wined and dined my best friend--smooth talking her into his bed, all along failing to mention that he was married. 
He deserved every bit of my tongue-lashing and more for what he'd done.
Especially when that lazy smile graced his perfect face in response to my rant.
Only it turned out, the man I'd just told off wasn't the right guy. 
Oops. My mistake. 
Embarrassed, I slunk out without an apology. 
I was never going to see the handsome stranger again anyway, right?
That’s what I thought…until I walked into class the next morning.
Well, hello Professor West, I’m your new teaching assistant. 
I’ll be working under you…figuratively speaking. 
Although the literal interpretation might not be such a bad thing—working under Professor West.
This was going to be interesting…

Review- Ready to Run by Lauren Layne

Summary-

The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride in this addictive romance novel about a reality TV producer falling for her would-be star: a Montana heartthrob who wants nothing to do with the show.

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: Luke Elliott, a playboy firefighter who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly . . . except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms. 

Release date: August 22nd, 2017

Published by: Loveswept

Page numbers: 175

Review-

I read a lot of Lauren Layne books. Her books are quick reads and usually I can easily devour them in one sitting itself. Lauren Layne's writing has its own charm but with some of her recent reads I'm finding a few things repetitive. I guess that is bound to happen because I'm sure she has like 30+ books published till date and all if not most fall in the contemporary romance genre. Ready to Run starts off a new series by Lauren Layne called the I Do, I Don't series which is about runaway grooms.

The whole runaway groom idea intrigued me so I was happy to read Ready to Run when I got an opportunity. Let's start with Jordan. Jordan is our city girl and she thinks she's found the perfect candidate for their new reality show Jilted. But the candidate is not responding. So she decides to go to him to convince him. I liked Jordan. She was driven and focused on her career. She usually kept her distance from people but Lucky Hollow's small town charm and people get to her. Soon she's rediscovering herself all the while falling for the candidate himself.

Luke is the runaway groom. With three brides left at the altar he has a bit of a reputation but Lucky Hollow's people are always there for him. He has friends and family here and he will not let Jordan ruin it. Luke came off as a bit of an asshole in the beginning. But it was easy to see why because Jordan was hounding him for something he didn't want to do. Luke does have commitment issues but there is a very good reason behind it, one he is not willing to share.

Jordan ad Luke definitely had chemistry. Whenever they were in the same room together sparks seemed to be flying everywhere. Both Jordan and Luke were stubborn in their own way but when they finally got together their chemistry was off the charts. Luke does mess up in the end but he does make up for it. I would have liked a little more groveling though.

All in all Lauren Layne's writing is smooth and fast paced. I actually would have liked the book to be a bit longer so that we got a more resolved ending with an epilogue thrown in. But I like the premise of the series and I can't wait to see which direction it goes in next. This was a quick and cute read.

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

Fave Five Friday: Fave Five Book To Movie/ TV Series Adaptations

Hi, guys! Happy September! Who all will I be seeing at Hogwarts today? 

By the way, it's Friday, which means, it's time for Fave Five Friday by BUZZ Magazine and this week's topic is: FAVE FIVE BOOK TO MOVIE/ TV SERIES ADAPTATIONS. 

Okay. I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the television or the movies, so this was a very tough one for me. Movies are still all right, but the TV and I never really got along, so there are next to none TV shows on my list. Nonetheless, I have come up with a list after hours and hours of thought processing. Here's what's on my list: 

1) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: This has to be my most favourite book to movie adaptation because of the emotional intensity with which the book was written and the story was then brought to life on screen. This is one movie beings tears to my eyes just remembering it. 

2) The Three Mistakes of My Life by Chetan Bhagat: While Chetan Bhagat faces criticism for his books and writing, his stories always sell and that's because they are quite nice. When it comes to this book, however, I loved the movie version more because it was so much more touching and special. Besides, Shushant Singh Rajput is bomb!

 

3) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Both the book and movie version of this are incredible! I loved this book and loved the movie just as much, In fact, it's one of the few movies that I must've wacthed more than a dozen times and still watch when it is broadcast on TV. 

 

4) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: This book was literally so boring and beyond my comprehension, so the movie came as a savoiur and made me like Magnus Bane even more. This was one well done movie which I wish they'd continued with the rest of the books as well. 

 

5) Je l'aimais by Anna Gavalda: This is a French book that I read while doing my Master in French literature and somehow, the book helped me understand the movie and the movie helped me understand the book better. There's something very unique about the way in which this lovely story was portrayed on screen. 

 

P.S: I don't really put Harry Potter on such lists because it's a given that I love it the most. Books, movies, TV series... I don't care. Harry Potter is on my list by default! 

What adaptations made it your list?