19 April 2023

#BookReview NINE by Vineet Singh Hukmani

About The Book

NINE is a collective of 9 original, thrilling stories based on 9 original, optimistic songs. Not only can you read the stories, but the book also has the 9-songs album, embedded with QR codes after each story.

My Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how much I love thriller books and movies. I have read multiple books and seen multiple movies in this genre. Hence it somehow makes me well aware of most of the plot points a thriller can offer.

NINE is a collective of 9 original, thrilling stories based on 9 original, optimistic songs.

The very first thing I liked about the book is the writing style and how well-written the book is. The author has definitely put his blood and sweat into the book.

However, I didn’t like the stories, none of the stories offer anything new and is pretty repetitive in nature.

For me, this book is a fun one-time read.

Book Links

Amazon India

About the Author

Vineet Singh Hukmani is a Harvard Business School alumnus and former MD & CEO of 94.3 Radio One. He is a world record-breaking singer-songwriter and now an author.

He is the first artist in the world to have 9 number-1 singles in the European Top 100 charts in 2021.

His music has topped other prestigious world music charts like the DRT and Cash Box Magazine charts in the USA, The World Indie Music Charts, and the World Radio Charts.

In 2021, 3 of his songs, were submitted in consideration for a Grammy, in 4 mainstream categories.

Author on the Web

Instagram | Wikipedia


 

12 April 2023

#BookReview Forget Me Not by Kristen Middleton

 

About The Book

When a deranged lunatic starts targeting single mom, Amanda Schultz, with threatening letters and "presents" on her doorstep, she turns to the police, who offer advice but no real help. At the mercy of a psychopath, Amanda realizes she's in a game of cat-and-mouse, where the killer keeps changing the rules, and the winner... is the only one left standing.

My Thoughts

The story revolves around Amanda, with her little boy, goes back to her childhood home to reclaim her life. She lost her first husband to a stroke and now, as a result of a tragic accident, she has inherited money and a cabin from him. When a young man accuses her of causing his sadness and swears to make her pay, strange things begin to happen around her.

This is a nice, decent book about serial killers. The overall storyline is good.

The characters are developed properly. The writing style is fluid and engaging.

Definitely a good way to pass the time. 

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Kristen Middleton is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and children. Since 2011 she has published over forty stories, in many different genres, including horror, fantasy, and romance. She also writes under the name K.L. Middleton and Cassie Alexandra. When she isn't at her computer, Kristen enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family

Author on the Web

 Instagram| Facebook 

05 April 2023

#BookLove The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

About The Book

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, originally published in 1894, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

My Thoughts

Sherlock homes, show me someone who doesn’t love him. He is the Gurudev for our beloved Feluda.

I will definitely not review this book but show my love for it. After the BBC Sherlock series, Benedict Cumberbatch is the face I have for Sherlock.

Simply love the book.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle KStJ DL (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a British writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Author on the Web

Wikipedia

29 March 2023

#BookReview High School Playbook by Chris Weilert

 

About The Book

Think Big, Dream Bigger, Live Larger

At least, that’s how Fergus would like to act. Instead, he exists in a world of the cool and the lame. Haves and have-nots. Winners and losers.

Full of fear and potential in equal measure, Fergus just needs a push.

Not content with his voyage of self, Fergus decides to rekindle the friendship between his father and the author of the Final Opus.

If Fergus can save his father from the fate of humdrum existence, then nothing can stop either of them. And all they have to do is follow the plan laid out thirty years ago in the High School Playbook.

My Thoughts

I am a sucker for YA books. I just simply love them, not only books but movies too.

The book depicts the life of Fergus, a teenage boy. He is like me in my teenage years. He is bulled by the popular kids, but they cannot crush his dreams. I was also bullied in my school days, hence can relate to it to a great extent.

At times Fergus lived in a fantasy world, whereas his reality is nothing but lame.

This all changed when he discovered a diary which is written by his father’s best friends and his namesake. This diary served as a roadmap to his journey to discovering himself.

I wish I had a playbook like this.

I enjoyed reading this book and related it to Fergus in many ways. Even though I am an adult, still a roadmap would be really helpful.

Awesome book for teenagers.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Chris R. Weilert lives in San Jose, California with his wife and pack of dogs. He has written his whole life but only in the last few years has he been serious enough to pursue being an author. His pieces have appeared in magazines and book compilations. He is more of a short story writer but is now venturing into novel writing.  High School Playbook is his first book.

Author on the Web

EmailFacebook

22 March 2023

#BookReview To Lose A Penny by Savannah Lynn

 

About The Book

To Lose a Penny is a fictional autobiography of a man who loses everything and finds answers he wasn't looking for.

Amid the worst year of his life, an anonymous narrator finds an outlet to express his deepest fears, most joyous moments, and largest realizations. Somewhere along the way, we realize his mindless ramblings seem to show us more about the world around us than the one within the pages.

My Thoughts

I am a professional book promoter, editor, and content writer. I have to read, that is literally my job. I read various content, however, I come across very few books that touch my heart.

I don’t like to read romantic books. However, from the very first sentence, this book captures my full attention.

After a long time, I read something so fulfilling for the reader within me.

The story goes in a journal format where we get to meet the main character, well, his name is a mystery. He is suffering from a life-threatening disease, heartbroken over the death of the love of his life (Penny), and wants to end his life. However, what follows is a journey full of laughter, tears and hope.

The main character is like all of us in our worst situations, he doesn’t pretend to be strong, but rather he is strong enough to accept that he is not strong. I was rooting for him from the beginning.

I specifically like how the author finishes every chapter or entry in the journal. Like “A Mess”, “the biggest pain in your ass ever”, “Accidentally 34” and many more.

The language is fluid and easy to comprehend, the pace is fast, not a single dull moment.

This book is author Savannah Lynn’s first book and she did a marvelous job with it. I am eagerly waiting for her next book.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Savannah Lynn grew up in High Springs, Florida. By age 4, her adoration for reading and her wild imagination morphed into a passion for writing. Then at age 15, she attempted her first novel The Story of Mags. This was never published due to her acceptance of a dual enrollment program and was a full-time college student by age 16. 

At age 18, she moved to Tennessee and transferred to MTSU. She graduated at age 21 and self-published her second novel Imaginary the same year. Then at age 22, she decided it was time to begin the two-year process of writing To Lose A Penny. Which was her first commercially published novel and was released in 2021.

Author on the Web

Website | Email | Instagram| Facebook | Twitter 

15 March 2023

#BookReview The Right Kind of Wrong by Shilpa Suraj

About The Book

With no name, no medical history, multiple gunshot wounds, and enough security to rival the Prime Minister’s, Dr Aria Dubey’s new patient is something more than she asked for. And everything she might just need.

Intelligence Officer Karan Bhatnagar has only vengeance on his mind. Nothing will stop him from seeking justice for his murdered parents.

There's only one thing left to do...find the killer and end him before he ends them. Will Karan and Aria risk everything for a love that is all kinds of wrong? And yet, is the right kind of wrong.

My Thoughts

This book is a mixture (khichdi) of romance and thrill and suspense.

The best part of the book is its gripping narration and fast pace.

However, the main issue with the book is its overdramatization. At times it felt like a Bollywood masala movie.

The characters are well-drafted, especially Aria. Mr X is like any character from any thrillers book.

Overall, fun, time-pass read.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Shilpa Suraj wears many hats - corporate drone, homemaker, mother to a fabulous toddler, and author.

An avid reader with an overactive imagination, Shilpa has weaved stories in her head since she was a child. Her previous stints at Google, in an ad agency, and as an entrepreneur provide color to her present-day stories, both fiction and non-fiction.

Author on the Web

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

08 March 2023

#BookReview Study, Sleep, Repeat: 130 Tips to Schedule Your College Life by Joel Randall

 

About The Book

Hickory Dickory dock. The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck eleven, and this was the moment the university freshman stressed out about uploading his project at a time when he still had another three hours of work to do—Hickory Dickory dock.

Time crises foil the good-natured plans of education, but despondency doesn’t have to be permanent. With a break here, a breath there, and a Hickory Dickory dock of preparation, you can make it.

If you feel like a mindless mouse exhausted by racing against the clock for no apparent reason, this book is for you.

My Thoughts

I always take pride in my time management skills. I am a multitasker and I am good at it. Since my school days, I have never as such had any time management issues.

When my brother suggested this book to me, my reaction was like…. why.

However, after reading this, I can understand my brother recommended the book.

This book is a time management goldmine. Though the book is written for college students, it is still very relevant for corporate professionals also.

There are a lot of time management techniques mentioned in the book and I am following some of them in my life and getting good results.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Joel B. Randall graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communication (an emphasis in news/journalism) and an English minor. As a former tutor with his university’s writing center, Joel has a deep appreciation for English grammar and aspires to become a newspaper editor.

Besides professional writing, Joel enjoys creative writing and has published a guide to writing believable fiction. He is currently writing a fantasy book and a mystery book in his free time. Joel is passionate about the power that words can demonstrate when carefully crafted together, whether that be in a novel, short story, poem, or research paper.

Author on the Web

InstagramTwitter 

01 March 2023

#BookReview The Last Nazi by Andrew Turpin

About The Book

The buried contents of a Nazi train. An aging SS mass murderer. And the wartime secrets of a U.S. presidential hopeful’s Jewish family, hidden for seven decades.

War crimes investigator and ex-CIA officer Joe Johnson is more than intrigued when he learns of a link between the contents of a Nazi train, hidden by Hitler's Third Reich, a ruthless blackmail plot, and financing for a U.S. presidential hopefuls 2012 campaign.

My Thoughts

I have a fascination for spy thrillers. The assassination of some president or CIA/FBI involvement is my jam. There was a time I wanted to be a RAW agent but realized I am not very good a spying and dropped my plan.

Johnson himself is a well-crafted character. He was brave, resourceful, and utterly determined.

The description of various locations is apt and helps you to visualize. Definitely a fun read.

The only complaint I have is at times, the story is really dragging. For thrillers, this is definitely not ideal. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Andrew is a former journalist who has always had a love of writing, current affairs, history, and good novels.

His first book in the Joe Johnson spy conspiracy series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and hit the Amazon top 50 in the US and UK, as well as number one rankings in individual categories.

There are now seven books in the Johnson series. The others are The Old Bridge, Bandit Country, Stalin's Final Sting, The Nazi's Son, and The Black Sea, plus a prequel, The Afghan.

Author on the Web

Website | EmailFacebook | Twitter 

28 February 2023

Bad Girl Gone Wicked (Bad Girl #3) by Shilpa Suraj - #Contemporary #Romance @shilpaauthor @bookreviewtours



Everyone knew that when she stepped up to the crease, she always came out swinging…

Tara Wadhwa, Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket team, was living the dream. She got to play the sport she loved and to live close to her friends, the family of her heart. But when her friends start to fall in love, a sliver of loneliness works its way into her heart pushing her to make a reckless mistake.
Nikhil Upadhyay, owner of a pristine reputation and the nation’s best fixer, is called in to save the day. Fix Tara’s reputation and babysit her till she brings home the World Cup. A dream assignment for a man who otherwise spent way too much time cleaning up far messier situations. Until he met his newest client and the dream turned into a nightmare…
Can Tara work past her childhood grooming to see that there could be a life beyond the game? Can Nikhil see the value of the girl behind the polished façade he was working on presenting to the world? And will the two of them ever stop fighting long enough to allow their simmering attraction a chance to come out and play?

For when the Bad Girl met the Good Boy, she realised, that just this once, she wanted to let her inner ‘wicked’ out to play. And we all know what happens when Tara Wadhwa steps up to the crease…

Book Links:
Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com


Reads an Excerpt from Bad Girl Gone Wicked


She slunk out, her face set in mutinous lines, accepting the plate with her omelette from me. I served myself, deliberately keeping conversation non-existent until a few morsels of egg hit her stomach.
I’d just sat down across from her when I saw her wince and massage her temples. A killer hangover, I was sure. Reaching for my laptop bag, I pulled out a strip of over-the-counter painkillers and slipped it to her.
She stared at it like I’d handled her a rattlesnake but took it without comment, swallowing a tablet without water. The pain must be truly intense.
I picked up my own plate, thinking maybe now would be a good time to discuss my game plan. “So-”
“You’re going to die of a heart attack,” she announced.
My fork froze halfway to my mouth. “Is that a wish or a prophecy or…?”
“You can’t eat like that.” She pointed her own fork at my plate.
I glanced down at my fried eggs sunny side up with their sides of mashed potatoes and bacon. I was a relatively calm and amiable sort, but this woman seemed to have only one setting; irritating.
“You’re going to die,” she announced again, finally managing to get on even my last nerve. “Don’t eat that.”
I should stay calm, I thought, reminding myself of the fat pay packet the hot mess sitting across from me was going to earn me.
“Don’t eat that,” she repeated loudly.
To hell with it. I picked up a sliver of bacon and popped it in my mouth, holding her irate gaze. Either I’d die of a heart attack, or she’d kill me with a stroke from high blood pressure. So be it.
At least I’d go with bacon in my mouth. I made it a point to chew extra hard and extra loudly when it came to the crunchy bits. 



About the Author:
A published author with Harlequin India – Mills & Boon India Collection and Juggernaut, Shilpa Suraj’s books have hit both the Hot New Releases and Bestseller lists on Amazon. Her next novel, tentatively titled ‘Wrong,’ has been contracted by Rupa Publications and will release later this year. She is also part of the Flipped Anthology by Harper Collins and had an audiobook book Insta Reddy release with Storytel.

She is, amongst other things, currently working on ‘Frazzled and Fabulous,’ a humorous, true-to-life parenting story that is part memoir and part nonfiction.

An avid reader with a passion for creative writing and storytelling saw her participating in writing competitions at school and dabbling in copy writing for an ad agency as a teenager. Twenty years in the corporate space, including a stint in Corporate Communications for Google, India, and a spell at entrepreneurship all hold her in good stead for her multiple current roles of author, mother and Head of Human Resources & Public Relations at an architecture and interior design firm.

Contact the Author:
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22 February 2023

#BookReview A Complete Biography of Elon Musk by Abhishek Kumar

 

About The Book

Between space rockets, electric cars, solar batteries, research into killer robots, and the billions he's made along the way, Musk is basically a real-life Tony Stark - which is why he served as an inspiration for “Iron Man.”

But it wasn’t easy for Musk, his personal life comes with a lot of ups and downs initially, from being extraordinarily bright at school to getting bullied at school, and abused by his father.

Still, he never gave up and attended the University of Pennsylvania, and thrived hard in life to achieve success.

My Thoughts

Well, I am not at all an autobiography reader, especially when it comes to these billionaires.

Anyhow, here I am reviewing this book. The best thing about the book is its fast and no-nonsense approach. It offers the inside of a brilliant mind as well as his determination to make a difference.

The book covers the work life of Mr. Elon Mask, not his personal life, and not even the ethical part of the work.

Overall, this is a good book, with a lot of details about Mr. Mask’s life.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Abhishek Kumar, graduated in Computer Science & Engineering from the Biju Patnaik University of Technology.

Following the completion of his formal education, he sought to mark himself in business, especially in the software industry. He is one of the founding members of the JTJ Group of Companies, held various designations, and served varying responsibilities. Under his guidance and supervision, the company has risen to a phenomenal height.

Author on the Web

Amazon