Review- The Morning After by Kamini Patel

The Morning After on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

One for heartache Two for boys Three for cocktails Four for joy Meet the fabulous four, Neha, Sanya, Lara and Palak-Young women, who love their drink as much as they love each other! Neha doesn't care much about her career and is not sure if she even fancies her clingy, judgmental boyfriend. Will she ever find true love? Luscious sex goddess, Sanya-- a man-eater with a hard as rock heart. But what will happen to her when her heart's defences are breached, and by a man who isn't worth it? Lara, engaged to the love of her life, but trying desperately to survive her monstrous in-laws to be. Will her marriage break even before it happens? Step-by-step life planner Palak is in a perfect, almost dream-like relationship. But will her promotion and transfer shake the very foundation of her life and love? In Goa to sort their heads out, the girls realize that there's nothing a little chocolate, cocktails and margaritas can't cure!

Release date: June 8th 2012

Published by: Penguin Metro Reads

Page numbers: 224

REVIEW: 

Author Kamini Patel's The Morning After is a book about four high society Mumbai girls who are trying to find love. Neha, Palak, Lara and Sanya have been the closest of friends since forever and their friendship is everything. From discussing boys to getting drunk to gossiping; they're always doing it all together. A very fun, quick and exciting read, this book is also very difficult to believe because of the very obnoxious and tipsy portrayal of most of the characters.

The Morning After goes from Neha's point of view, who is the main protagonist, but her friends Palak, Lara and Sanya play just an important role because we get to know everything about them and their lives as well. The friendship between these girls was very strong and that made the book very fun and interesting because when there is so much drama happening, it's difficult to put a book down. The way these girls grow up emotionally and mentally together was portrayed in a lovely, although sometimes unbelievable, manner.

Coming to the characters, Neha is a simple girl who lacks ambition and confidence, but she's happy where she is and doing what she is doing. A very conscious yet clumsy girl, she takes a long time to find her perfect match, but when she does, she is just normal and raw it's hard not to appreciate and relate to her. Palak is a very determined and extremely well put together girl who is also very emotional. Lara is honestly the most relatable of them all because she is calm, cool and will do whatever it takes to keep the ones she loves happy. Sanya, contrary to all her friends, is a free bird who lives life on her own terms. She screws up but she puts herself back together which makes her very strong and likeable towards the end.

While it was fun reading about the four main girls, some of the side characters were portrayed as extremely pathetic and not a frequent traveller, nor very knowledgeable about the South Bombay or SoBo scene, it was difficult to accept them for who they were because honestly, they were just plain dumb. The girls' guys, however, were all dreamy and nice. It, of course, took them long to find their perfect guy, but once they did, it was all roses.

The stress on marriage, the subtle hints of sexist realism and borderline alcoholism made the book slightly frustrating at times, but because it's all very subtle, it's easy to overlook it all; especially for the normal eye. Overall, an extremely fun, fast-paced and frolic read, The Morning After is a nice one-time weekend read that keeps the reader engrossed.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Waiting on Wednesday #199

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

The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young

Publication Date: June 27th, 2017

Summary-

I know how to watch my back. I’m the only one that ever has.

India Maxwell hasn’t just moved across the country—she’s plummeted to the bottom rung of the social ladder. It’s taken years to cover the mess of her home life with a veneer of popularity. Now she’s living in one of Boston’s wealthiest neighborhoods with her mom’s fiancé and his daughter, Eloise. Thanks to her soon-to-be stepsister’s clique of friends, including Eloise’s gorgeous, arrogant boyfriend Finn, India feels like the one thing she hoped never to be seen as again: trash.

But India’s not alone in struggling to control the secrets of her past. Eloise and Finn, the school’s golden couple, aren’t all they seem to be. In fact, everyone’s life is infinitely more complex than it first appears. And as India grows closer to Finn and befriends Eloise, threatening the facades that hold them together, what’s left are truths that are brutal, beautiful, and big enough to change them forever…

I love Samantha Young's writing and I haven't read a lot of young adult books this year. So I'm really looking forward to this!

What are you waiting on? :)

Teaser Tuesday #72

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

"This is as real and as awful and as wonderful as it gets. I'd hold her forever if she'd let me."

- loc 2847 of the ARC, When It's Real by Erin Watt

Summary-

From #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt comes the addictive contemporary tale of a teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend. 

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

What are you currently reading? Link me to your teaser. :)

Review- Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti

Summary-

A deadly secret can't stay buried forever . . . 

Revenge. It's the only thing that will help Anya Best sleep at night. The serial killer who murdered her sister is on the loose, and Anya will stop at nothing to put him behind bars-even use herself as bait to lure him out of hiding. But she can't do this alone.

Private investigator Heath Jones's job is to bring bastards to justice. This time it's personal. He knew the Copper Killer's latest victim so when her sister asks for his help, he's all in. But when Anya uses the media to taunt the killer, she exposes Heath's identity, putting them both in jeopardy. Now, secrets buried long ago are coming to light and the forces determined to destroy him are watching Heath's every move, waiting to exact their own revenge. And they'll use anything and anyone to get to Heath.

With twists and turns that will take your breath away, LETHAL LIES is sexy, action-packed suspense at its very best from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti.

Release date: May 16th, 2017

Published by: Forever

Page numbers: 416

Review-

I love Rebecca Zanetti's writing so I was super excited to read Lethal Lies. Lethal Lies is the second book in the Blood Brothers series which is actually a spin off of the Sin Brother series. Of course, each book in the series can be read as a stand alone but there are recurring characters so I would highly recommend reading them in order. I really enjoyed myself while reading Lethal Lies. 

So this is the story of Heath and Anya. Let's start with Anya. Anya is a professor. She thinks she has her life together but a serial killer is out hunting her. After her sister gets brutally murdered by the infamous Copper Killer Anya vows to put an end to it. Like all Rebecca Zanetti heroines, I ended up really liking Anya. She was a perfect mixture of feminine and vulnerable but she had a core of steel. She is determined to find the Copper Killer even if it means putting herself up as bait.

Then we have Heath. Heath and his brothers have enough problems on their own. But Heath has always had a soft spot for women and animals. He can't help but get involved in the Copper Killer case. Heath obviously likes his control over everything in life but Anya makes him lose it. I loved Heath. He was a great guy. He only wanted to protect Anya and his brothers. 

Anya lies to the press stating that Heath and she are engaged to bait the Copper Killer exposing the Lost Bastards in the process. Heath and his brothers have multiple enemies on their trail but he is determined to bring all the victims of the Copper Killer justice. I loved Anya and Heath together. They made for a great pair who understood each other. They were both a bit stubborn in their own way but they worked so well.

I loved the way Rebecca Zanetti weaves her stories. They are chock full of action and romance and bonds of friendship and brotherhood. I enjoyed the main romance but I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Zara and Ryker and Denver too. I can't wait for Denver's book which is next for it all to culminate. The villains definitely have it coming for them. Lethal Lies was a great read.

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

Kristen Proby's Surprise Announcement!

   

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a passionate new romance—EASY FORTUNE! A Boudreaux Series novella, this standalone second chance romance features Mallory’s best friend Lena! Don’t miss the beautiful cover and a note from Kristen below! EASY FORTUNE is coming your way May 30, 2017!

    Cover Design by Okay Creations with Photography by Sara Eirew Photography

About EASY FORTUNE (A Boudreaux Series Novella):

The Boudreaux Series—Sexy. Intriguing. Easy.

Sometimes the past is better left behind you…

Lena Turner has spent her life as the outsider. Thanks to her extraordinary gifts, she’s learned to be independent—especially when it comes to men. She’s content to live her life in New Orleans as a schoolteacher, dating casually and dedicated to her small family. Long term is not part of her plan.

Sometimes the past catches up with you…

Leaving Lena behind to pursue his career was the most difficult thing Mason Coulter ever did. He told himself that it was for the best, had even convinced himself that he had only Lena’s best interests in mind. But now, after six long years, he’s back in New Orleans to settle his late eccentric aunt’s estate. All he has to do is get in and out of the city without submitting to the need to see Lena. But to Mason’s dismay, his aunt made other plans.

And sometimes the future and the past collide…

Having Mason walk back into her life is something Lena never saw coming. She could refuse to help him, but she’s never been good at telling Mason no. So she’ll do what she can to get the estate settled and Mason out of her life for good.

At least, that’s the plan. But Mason has plans of his own…

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Add to your Goodreads

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  A Note from Kristen:

Hi, everyone! I’m so happy that it’s finally Friday because that means that I don’t have to keep this secret anymore! I’m horrible at keeping secrets. Seriously, don’t tell me any. I can’t be trusted.

Since Easy Magic released last month, readers have shouted from the rooftops that they’d love for Lena, Mallory’s BFF, to have her own story. I honestly didn’t have that in mind when I wrote her into Easy Magic, but the more I thought about it, the more it occurred to me that you’re right. Lena does deserve her own happily ever after!

And that brings us to this. Easy Fortune, Lena’s story, will release on May 30^th! That’s right, you won’t have to wait long for this one. Easy Fortune is a novella, and can be read as a stand-alone. And look at this gorgeous cover! I can’t thank Sara Eirew Photography enough for the beautiful photo, and Okay Creations for the amazing cover art.

Lena’s story has been a surprise to me, and frankly one of the most enjoyable story lines that I’ve written in a long time. I hope you enjoy watching her fall in love with Mason! He’s quite swoon-worthy!

Oh, and to make it an even better treat, the prologue and first chapter for Easy Nights will be included at the end of Easy Fortune. JACKPOT! J

Have a great weekend, everyone!

xo,

Kristen

    

And don’t miss the first standalone titles in the Boudreaux Series!

EASY LOVE-FREE for a limited time only EASY CHARM-$.99 for a limited time only EASY MELODY-$1.99 for a limited time only EASY KISSES EASY FOR KEEPS: A Boudreaux Novella EASY MAGIC EASY NIGHTS-Coming June 27^th! Preorder Now!

About Kristen Proby: 

   

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.     

  

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Author Goodreads**Novella Goodreads

   

Review- The BNO by Manoj Jain

The BNO on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Eight men, 

Two girls,

One boys' night out

He could be the man you say hello to in the lift everyday, he could be your boss, he could be your husband.

She could be your girlfriend, your sister, or the girl-next door.

In this fast-paced novel that reveals a slice of urban life, The BNO opens the doors to the locked world of people's minds, and explores the lives of eight Mumbaikars, examining them through their sexualities and what makes them behave the way they do.

The BNO looks at how the lives of eight relationships get affected by a casual night out. From the lonely housewife to the travelling business man, the book delves into the very private lives of married couples and how a single night can alter all existing equations.

Release date: 2016

Published by: NotionPress

Page numbers: 125

REVIEW: 

I won The BNO in a giveaway hosted by The Tales Pensieve and it had been lying on my shelves for a long time when I finally decided to pick it up because I wanted a short but engrossing read, which is exactly how the book turned out to be.  Author Manoj Jain's The BNO is the story of eight people and how just one simple night affects all of them and all secrets start flowing out over the course of the 125 pages of the book. But this book isn't just about that one night. Oh no, it's about so much more and that is what made it so interesting and engrossing.

A book set in the very urban scenario of Mumbai, a bunch of friends decide to go to Pune on a special Boys Night Out because they just want to have a good time and forget about all their stresses and worries. When their wives give them their green signal (and in spite of protestation from some), they plan a very, very special night and end up doing stuff that wasn't initially planned. As a bro code or whatever, they decided to keep mum and never speak about what happened in Pune.

The BNO is divided into nine chapters that go from the third person's point of view and how that one night transgresses into so many events that end up showing the true colours of everyone. So we go from Rohan, Riddhima, Venkatesh, Myra, Akram, Geetanjali, Kulbir, Suyash and Veena to Neha. Every person's story was extremely well done and showed how real and raw emotions can be. Some of the past incidents from the lives of these people were so interesting, while others disgusting, way too unbelievable (in the sense that such stuff doesn't happen) and some purely pathetic. But that's what made the book so unique, real and fast-paced.

The way every chapter ended was so meticulously done and without saying what happened, it was clear as what would happen next and yet, there was that hint of mystery with the sudden shutting of a chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and clearly, I haven't been able to do justice to it with my review which seems very confused, but trust me, this book was really good. The writing, albeit simple and clean, could have been better, but the story is really what mattered anyway. I'd recommend this one to fans of short and fast-paced books that are full of action and raw emotions, but do keep it mind that is an adult read.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Waiting on Wednesday #198

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

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

Publication date- September 19th 2017

Goodreads Summary:

“I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, and I am bursting with confidence. Today will be everything I’ve promised her…and more…”

Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he's promised today will be the best day ever.

But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really? 

Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the bestselling, page-turning vein of The Couple Next Door and The Dinner, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.

Such plots always make me very, very curious, so I'd like to know what this story is all about.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? Happy waiting and happy reading!