Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Book Review: The Secret Diary of Kasturba by Neelima Dalmia Adhar

Title: The Secret Diary of Kasturba
Author: Neelima Dalmia Adhar
Publisher: Tranquebar Press


Review:

A fictionalized “memoir,” Neelima Dalmia Adhar’s ‘The Secret Diary of Kasturba’ derives its facts from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kastur, and their sons. It is written in the first person and includes invented thoughts and dialogue that may or may not bear resemblance to real life. The book essentially voices Kastur’s feelings about her life with her husband. Through this book we get a glimpse into the life of the otherwise overshadowed figure who was sacrificed at the altar of greater good.

Numerous books have been written about the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, the man who freed India, but nothing substantial has ever been written about the woman who shared his successes and failures. Known simply as “Ba” (Mother) to millions of people in India, she is truly the forgotten woman whom history has side-lined mercilessly. She was the woman who shared Gandhi’s love, his sorrows, his triumphs and his tragedies. She was the one who stood by his side even when imprisoned alongside him on several occasions. She overcame many obstacles as she gave up a life of wealth for one of utter poverty. She was forced into celibacy, a decision that was not conferred with her by her cherished husband.

The book starts with Kastur fighting an already lost battle with death. Hers is a fate sealed by the dictates of an otherwise stringent husband. The chronology then shifts to the beginning. We are gradually introduced to the Kapadia household where Kastur was born to the governor of Porbandar. She is shown to grow up in the pages with an alacrity that is short lived. She gradually speaks from her heart about the different facets of her life — losing her first-born, an often difficult marriage, her husband’s immersion in politics and its consequences on their family, their troubled sons, and, most importantly, her own desires and hopes.

Usually Gandhi biographers write about the legends that we have come to associate with the name. Neelima’s story is that of a human, riddled with one too many flaws. We are shown the tantrums of a husband and the failures of a father. As such it is not the same man that we’ve learned to expect but someone as seen through the eyes of his wife.

Neelima’s writing is crisp and comes effortlessly. Her narrative whips up a vivid imagery, albeit a lengthy, one which renders the reading experience a tad boring. The book could have been easily accommodated in just half of its present length. The biggest drawback of this book is the narrator’s omnipresence. It has come out more as story about Gandhi than a journal of Kastur’s. None of what makes up this book is new; some of it is blinkered, some is extraneous; but enough of it is vivid to impress upon latecomers the role of the woman behind the force that is known as the Mahatma. However, it should be read for what it is — a work of fiction rather than a historical study.

About the Author:

When Neelima Dalmia Adhar wrote Father Dearest: The Life and Times of R.K. Dalmia in 2003, she was on the bestseller list and labelled a daredevil “family chronicler” who had exposed some fiercely-guarded secrets. She then wrote a novel, Merchants of Death in 2007 to be established as a mistress of the genre. 

Educated in a convent school and a reputed college in Delhi, she has a Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in “personality.” Her first and only job was to teach Psychology to undergraduate students of Delhi University. 

A passionate “people-watcher,” she is drawn to oddities and thrives on writing about personalities and human behaviour, from the quirky to the mysterious to the bizarre, a subject she does chillingly close to the bone. 

She lives in Delhi with her husband, children and two grandchildren.


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* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in 


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Blog Tour: Rockin' Rhythm by Bella Jeanisse


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🎸♪♫♪♫  BELLA JEANISSE♪♫♪♫🎸
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Warning: For those 18 and over only. May not be suitable for all readers.

Ash Taylor lives life without making deep connections with anything other than his brothers and his bass. His past has jaded him to love and makes him fear getting too close. Then Michelle walks into his life. Every night, she invades his dreams and stars in his fantasies. She makes him question himself and his ways. However, he is sure she could never date someone like him. So much so, that he convinces himself that she is married.

Michelle Reynolds has been jilted so badly, that she doesn’t want to date again. Her friend Beth tries to encourage her, but all of her relationships end badly or don’t last. She is sick of disappointment. When Ash comes into her life, she feels an immediate spark. He makes her feel special without effort. His big heart and deep voice mesmerize her. As soon as she finds out he is a rock star, her hopes are crushed. In her eyes, it could never work because musicians are not faithful, and she is not good enough for him.

Can these two polar opposites find a way to make a relationship work? Will all that dating a rock star entails break them or bring them closer? Find out in the first book of the Velocity series.

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Amazon:
US: http://amzn.to/2e7N0VT
Smashwords:
Barnes and Noble:
Kobo:
Ibooks:
Createspace:
ISBN-13: 978-1537670997
ISBN-10: 1537670999
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Bella Jeanisse lives for rock music. Addicted to concerts, Avenged Sevenfold, fictional rockers, and blasting music in the car, she can’t get enough. After her father turned her on to Queen, there was no going back. Of course, it didn’t stop there. Playing guitar became a pastime, which didn’t turn into a career… until she started to pen her fantasies and publish them.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York City, she grew up with access to clubs like L’Amour and CBGBs, hung out in Greenwich Village, as well as had plenty of friends in bands. No wonder rockers stayed on her mind. Bringing her ideas to life was a long time coming.

She is now living near Tampa, FL with 3 kids and 2 grandkids, as a single mom. Her family supports her writing even when it seems to take up more time than they feel is necessary. Can’t stop the muse, ya know!

Besides erotic rock star romances, Bella also writes about wild bikers, hot college men and more.



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Sunday, October 16, 2016

Blog Tour: Crosswind by G.L. Ross

Get it while it's hot!! Crosswind by G.L. Ross is brand new!! Release Day is October 11, 2016.

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Get your copy today!
synopsis 

 The exciting conclusion of The Flyboy Trilogy! Lisa’s memory has returned along with her burning desire for wickedly hot Captain Lance Miller. Passion soars when the two unite. Lance is thrilled his goddess finally remembers him, but which Lisa is coming home with him? In some ways he is eager for the return of his original, sweet, loving Lisa, but he also adores his new and improved, sexy, opinionated, wild tiger. They are settling into their smooth sailing, happily reacquainted life when Lance’s flyboys are called to Afghanistan. This disruption is nothing compared to the turbulent arrival of Lance’s insanely hot, long lost half-brother, fighter pilot Derek Fuller. Derek’s arrival may 
cause Lisa’s path to be completely rerouted.

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"I'm telling you this was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. A great conclusion to The Flyboy Trilogy."

excerpt

Step by firm step he approaches me, backing me against the wall. “Lisa, I can only be so strong.” He captures my wrists, holding them firmly above my head. Staring vehemently into my eyes, he continues, “I’m not a saint. I love my brother, but when it comes to you I lose my mind and my honor.” His eyes lower to my heaving chest. After dropping his head back to look at the ceiling, he returns his gaze and continues, “I’m begging you to stop whatever this teasing torment is, because if you keep this up we’re both going to wake with regrets.” His forearms rest against the wall. Fanning his warm, labored breathing across my face, his hips press firmly against me. The heat of his rock solid erection between my thighs excites and lubricates every blessed inch of me. His head drops to my shoulder. Against my ear, he whispers, “You’re my kryptonite.” “My hearts pounding,” I reply. “Sweetheart, mine's been pounding ever since I first laid eyes on you.” I whisper, “You really want me…and think about me?” With his forehead pressed to mine, he replies, “If you’re asking me how many times you’ve entered my thoughts I would have to say once, because, quite honestly, you never really left my mind from our very first encounter.” “How much of what you say is bullshit and how much is sincere?” He tosses his head back and laughs, before placing his lips directly in front of mine. “When it comes to you, Lisa, it’s all factual.” “You’re maddening.” His crystal blue eyes turn dark. “Well, that’s the pot calling the kettle black.” His breath brushes warmly against my lips. “Are you going to kiss me?” I ask. “I want to.” “Then do it. I miss being kissed.”

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Read the complete series today!
Turbulent Passion is FREE Named to Steamy Romance Books Top BDSM Erotica EBooks Guide (The Top 50 Reader and Editor picks) Barnes & Noble Smashwords iTunes Amazon
Burning Desire is just 0.99 PENNIES Named to the RomCon 8+ list Barnes & Noble Smashwords Kobo iTunes Amazon

This is a series you won't want to miss!

author bio

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G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings. Her motto in life is to “always find the good” in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, and adventure in her stories. Each book will inspire you to stand strong in faith and believe in second chances. Take flight with Lance & Lisa in Turbulent Passion, Burning Desire, and Crosswind (The Flyboy Trilogy). After twenty-seven years as a Flight Attendant, G.L. has incredible and often humorous insight into the aviation industry. She shares many of these stories in the Flyboy Trilogy. Plus, you must meet hunky rancher, Graham Gaskin, in A Rose Has Thorns…he is hot! Fall in love with Rachel and Brooks in The Strength of Love, an Inspirational Romance and recipient of the Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Seal. Join G.L.’s Street Team: The Flygirls to receive the most up to date information regarding releases and prize opportunities.
Visit G.L. Ross's pages:
giveaway

G.L. Ross has put together a FANTASTIC giveaway in honor of the release of Crosswind! One lucky winner will receive 5 ebooks and an Urban Decay Naked 2 Eye Shadow Palette.

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Blog Tour: Tempestuous by Nicole Austin


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💖Re-Release Tempestuous by Nicole Austin💖

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Once a woman’s deepest, darkest desires have been exposed—whetting her appetite for taboo pleasures of the flesh—her unquenchable hungers will not be denied.
Floggers and whips
Chains and leather restraints
Erotic rewards and punishments…oh my!
Seduced by stories and the forbidden lure of Dominance and submission, Evie Sloan longs to explore the scintillating delights firsthand. While some fantasies are better left to the imagination, for the chance to visit a real club, she’s willing to take a risk.
Been there, done that, seen it all—or so jaded Dominant Niko Kovalenko thought. Evie’s arrival on the scene reawakens long dormant passions and ramps them up to a whole new level. She’s an exciting challenge—a dangerous temptation—igniting the compulsion to possess. To collar.
Evie is no man’s submissive pet. Niko stripped her bare, shed light on all her secret desires and weaknesses, but it’s still not enough for him. To win her man she’ll have to confront her fears and find a way to bridge the distance between them.
This previously published title has been revised and re-edited

Buy links:
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/XI9nF1

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What’s being said about Tempestuous:

“The flow of the book was perfect; each page had you wanting to turn to the next. I hadn’t read a Nicole Austin story before, but I can assure you it won’t be my last.” ~ 5 stars ~ Blackraven's Review

“The sizzle between Niko and Evie jumps off the pages! And, Niko takes sexy to a whole new level. The ceremonies toward the end made me wish I was standing in Evie's shoes... this book is HOT! Highly recommended and will be a definite re-read for me!” ~ 5 Stars ~ Barbara

“This book is amazing. The author brings your into the wild world of BDSM in a way that even a novice reader can understand. Her characters are by far my favorite that I have read in the genre. This is a must read”. ~ 5 Stars ~ Drea

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Enter for your chance to win a copy of Tempestuous

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About Nicole:

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Nicole Austin lives on the sheltered Gulf Coast of Florida, where inspiration can be found sitting under a big shade umbrella on the beach, sipping cold margaritas. A voracious reader, she never goes anywhere without a book, but started looking for something more. Something hotter.

A passion for erotic romance led to Nicole's creation of sizzling characters and boundary pushing stories. Now she lives in an incredible world where fantasy comes to life in bold, vivid detail. Well, until real life intrudes and she has to share the computer with the rest of the family.

Visit Nicole's website: http://nicoleaustin.net
Email Nicole: nicole@nicoleaustin.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleAustin


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Saturday, October 15, 2016

Blog Tour: Deceiving Bella by Cate Beauman

Ethan Cooke Security and their bodyguard team return to action in Deceiving Bella – book eleven in Cate Beauman’sBodyguards of L.A. Countyseries.
With over 7700 reviews and a 4.4 rating for the entire series, see why the Bodyguards of L.A. County is a multi-award winning series.
Buy It Now!

Amazon | Kobo | Nook | iBooks

New to the series? No problem! Each book in the “Bodyguards” series is a stand-alone title. Although reading the books in order is preferred, it is not necessary. Each title features brand new primary characters and limited overlapping secondary characters. Don’t hesitate to jump right in!

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Isabella Colby has always yearned for normalcy. Now that she’s settled in LA, she finally has it. Good friends, a pretty home, and her thriving career as the Palisades’ top skincare specialist are a dream come true. Bella is content until she meets her hunky new neighbor, but her attraction to the blue-eyed cutie is the least of her worries when contacting her long-lost father threatens to destroy her happy life. Reed McKinley is more than ready to forget the past. His seven-year stint as an NYPD detective nearly got him killed. His wounds have healed and he’s starting over as Ethan Cooke Security’s latest recruit. With sixty-hour workweeks and little time to himself, the last thing on his mind is a relationship. Then he bumps into the gorgeous woman next door. Reed and Bella become fast friends. Before long, Reed discovers that Bella is keeping dangerous secrets. Bella may have the answers to decades-old questions he’s been searching for. Reed will risk it all to uncover the truth, but he soon realizes that the deeper he digs, the direr the consequences.

The Inspiration Behind Deceiving Bella:

It’s no secret that I’m a crime television junky. I love watching anything that might bring about an idea for another story. Several months ago, I found a series on Netflix about La Cosa Nostra—or the five mafia families of New York. I was immediately drawn to the information I was observing. Within minutes, I knew I wanted to weave together an adventure that would bring Isabella Colby and Reed McKinley face to face with organized crime. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Deceiving Bella as much as I loved writing it.

Read an excerpt from Deceiving Bella:

Chapter 1: Bella drew a heart on the back of a pale pink envelope while she sat at the small table tucked in the corner of her room. Smiling, she set down her lilac crayon, pleased that the shape of this heart hardly looked wobbly at all. She studied the assortment of stickers Mommy had given her to decorate her invitations with and picked the glittery fuchsia ones for the corners. Locking her ankles, she kicked her legs back and forth and hummed along with the music on the CD player, trying to ignore her parents shouting in the living room. “Here is my handle, here is my spout,” she muttered, sealing the envelope closed with a puffy star sticker. “Tip me over and pour me out.” The yelling suddenly stopped, and footsteps stormed down the hall. Bella jumped when Mommy and Daddy’s bedroom door slammed shut. Pausing, she listened to the quiet, then picked up the next envelope and smiled again when she recognized the letter ‘M.’ “Mary Rose.” She snatched up the sheet of silly smiley faces and put one right below Mommy’s pretty handwriting, certain her best friend would love it. “Bella Boop,” Daddy called, giving a quick knock on her door. “I’m in here.” The knob turned and Daddy walked in dressed in jeans and one of the grease smeared white T-shirts he always wore to work. Bella picked up a sky-blue crayon. She paused as she met Daddy’s gaze and realized his brown eyes were red, the way hers looked when she scraped her knees or got shots at the doctor’s office and cried. “Are you and Mommy mad at each other?” Daddy sat on the bed, wrinkling her Hello Kitty comforter with his weight. “No. We’re not mad at each other.” “Mommy yelled at you. Did you leave the toilet seat up again?” She frowned, remembering the cold water she’d fallen into the other morning. “I don’t want my tushy to get wet again when I sit down.” He closed his eyes as he laughed, but it wasn’t his regular laugh that always made her giggle. “No, I didn’t leave the seat up.” “Good,” she said with a decisive nod and got back to work. “What are you doing in here?” he asked. “Coloring my invitations. Mommy said we can bring them with us to school in the morning. Everybody gets to have one—even the boys—so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.” “That’s my girl.” He winked. She handed over one of the envelopes in her finished pile for Daddy to admire. “This one is for Clara. See how it has a letter ‘C’? That’s how I know.” “What’s this?” Daddy pointed to the next letter in Clara’s name. “An ‘L.’” “Smarty-pants.” She grinned, always loving it when he called her that. “Clara’s going to be five too. Her mommy’s bringing brownies to school next week when it’s her birthday—just like you brought in the cupcakes for me to share yesterday. Everyone liked them. Pink frosting is the best kind.” “With purple sprinkles, right?” “Right.” She took the invitation back and continued decorating Mary Rose’s. “I can’t believe my girl’s almost five. You’re not a baby anymore.” “I’m a beautiful young lady now, right?” He sighed. “Somehow you are. Not all that long ago, I was rocking you to sleep.” “Beautiful young ladies have pierced ears and paint their nails.” She beamed at him, thrilled that she had both after a trip to the mall and a visit to the nail painter woman Mommy knew. “And young ladies go to kindergarten when the leaves fall off the trees, right after the summer is over.” “I guess they do.” He blew out another breath. “Will you come sit with me for a couple of minutes?” She hesitated as she glanced from the stickers to Daddy’s sad eyes. “Okay.” He grabbed her under the armpits of her favorite Hello Kitty pajamas and boosted her up, settling her on his thigh. “Here we go.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. She returned his embrace, breathing in the familiar oil smell of the garage where he fixed cars. “Is your tummy sick?” “No, baby.” He played his hand through the curls Mommy had made at the end of her long ponytail this morning. “Did you get a boo-boo at work?” She picked up his stained black fingers, checking for a cut. “No, honey.” He clenched his jaw. “I have to go on a trip.” She gasped her excitement and clapped. Daddy always took her on the best adventures. “Can I come?” He shook his head. “Not this time.” “We could get ice cream at the Dairy Stop,” she said in a singsong voice, hoping that would convince him to change his mind. “I wish we could, Bella. I have to go on this trip by myself.” She pressed her cheek to his chest. “I don’t want you to go unless I get to come too. I always come too, Daddy.” His fingers moved through her hair again. “I know.” “You can stay right here with me.” She leaned forward and picked up her favorite book from the pile on the nightstand. “We can read instead.” He nuzzled his chin on top of her head, keeping her close. She clung to him as her stomach started to hurt. Daddy never went away. He and Mommy always read her books together and took turns bringing her to school after breakfast. “Will you come back soon?” He shook his head. “Not for a long time. Not till you’re an even bigger young lady.” Her lips trembled as her eyes filled. “But I’ll miss you so much.” “I’ll miss you too. I’ll think of you every day.” “Daddy.” She sniffled. “I want you to stay.” “I have something for you.” He grabbed something from behind his back she hadn’t noticed when he walked in and held up a small snow globe. She took the delicate glass and studied the pretty two-story house surrounded by pine trees in the center—much bigger than the home she lived in now. “It’s so nice.” “When you look at it, you can think of me.” “You’ll live in there?” He looked at the ceiling as he swallowed. “Something like that.” She stared at the lights on in the cheerful home as the snow fell to the ground. “Will you come out for my party in a couple of days and sing ‘Happy Birthday’?” “I can’t.” Her shoulders sagged. “But you can come out at night and read to me and tuck me in?” He shook his head. Her lips trembled again, and she blinked as tears fell. “Don’t cry, Bella.” He wiped her cheeks with his thumbs, like he always did. “If there was any other way… If I could be sure you and your mom would be safe, I’d take you with me.” “We could call the policemans. They’ll make us safe.” “That’s an idea.” He swiped another tear away. “How about I tuck you in and we’ll read?” She nodded. “Can I sleep with this?” She gestured to the globe. “How about we put it right next to you on the table? I don’t want it to break and cut you.” “All right.” She leaned over and set it next to her lamp. “There.” Daddy stood, lifting her with him, and pulled back her covers, then settled her in bed. “Here we go.” He tucked the blankets around her and read the story she and Mommy had picked out at the library. She giggled when the silly puppy got into mischief and yawned, struggling to keep her eyes open as Daddy turned to the last page. “The end.” “That’s a good one.” She yawned again. “Maybe we can get a doggy like the girl in the book.” “Someday.” “I love doggies.” “I know you do.” She rubbed her tired eyes. “Let’s read it some more.” “You need to get some rest.” Daddy stood from his chair. “Snuggle up.” She rolled on her side and nestled her cheek on the pillow. “Night-night, Daddy. I love you.” “I love you too.” He knelt down and hugged her tight, his breath shuddering in and out next to her ear. “I love you, Bella.” Clearing his throat, he eased back and smiled. “I love you.” She smiled too. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He shut his eyes, swallowing several times. “Okay.” Standing again, he turned off her light. “Bye, baby.” “Bye, Daddy.”
Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book with the links below!

Amazon | Kobo | Nook | iBooks


About the author: 


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 International bestselling author Cate Beauman is known for her full-length, action- packed romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Her novels have been nominated for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Golden Quill Award, Writers Touch Award, and have been named Readers Favorite Five Star books. In 2015, JUSTICE FOR ABBY was selected as the Readers' Favorite International Book Award Gold Medalist, while SAVING SOPHIE took the Silver Medal. SAVING SOPHIE was also selected as the 2015 Readers Crown Award winner for Romantic Suspense and FALLING FOR SARAH received the silver medal for the 2014 Readers' Favorite Awards. Cate makes her home in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. Currently Cate is working on her twelfth full length romantic suspense novel.

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Social links: Twitter: @CateBeauman