Tag: contemporary-fiction

Book Review: A New Life by L J Ambrosio

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: A New Life by L J Ambrosio

Book Details:

Author: L J Ambrosio
Release Date: 21 July 2025
Series: Reflections of Michael Trilogy (Book 3)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 166 pages
Publisher: Louis Ambrosio
Blurb:
From America to the streets of Paris, A New Life follows two friends as they navigate grief, love, and self-discovery in a city filled with history and hope. A New Life is a story that lingers long after the last page. In the shadow of personal loss, two men journey from America to Paris in search of healing, purpose, and a place to belong. Set against the romantic backdrop of Shakespeare and Company bookstore, A New Life is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the transformative power of friendship, literature, and new beginnings.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A New Life by L.J. Ambrosio is the third book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy. It is one of those deep, philosophical books that doesn’t merely tell a story, it makes you to pause and listen. It’s a meditation on grief, friendship, memory, and the philosophical pursuit of freedom, wrapped in the intimate bond between two men, Ron and Louie, as they go through life in Paris after profound personal losses.

At its core, this novel isn’t plot-driven; it’s character-driven, emotion-led, and deeply poetic. Author Ambrosio invites us into the world of Shakespeare and Company as a sanctuary, a home for the broken and the brilliant. Through rich, dialogue-heavy scenes and introspective monologues, we witness Louie and Ron as they rebuild their lives and identities in the wake of death, trauma, and exile.

What I found particularly compelling is Ambrosio’s ability to layer personal grief with historical and literary subtexts. Through references to St. John of the Cross, Virginia Woolf, Hart Crane, and Sylvia Beach, the novel situates its characters within the lineage of great thinkers, artists, and seekers, many of whom were outcasts in their own time. This intertextual depth lends the book a haunting resonance, reminding us how art often emerges from profound solitude.

Louie, who is at once fragile and radiant, feels like a character born out of longing. His bond with Ron is tender, real, and beautifully undefined; it resists the binaries of friendship and romance, instead embracing something more nuanced: chosen kinship. Other secondary characters add their own textures to Louie’s emotional backdrop, shaping his growth and reminding us that human connection is always political and spiritual.

This book isn’t for readers who crave fast pacing or traditional plot arcs. It’s for those who enjoy wandering thoughts, philosophical digressions, and the meditative rhythm of characters sitting in cafés talking about art, grief, and the unknowable future. It’s a novel that asks you to slow down and feel rather than simply read.

There are moments where the prose becomes slightly repetitive or self-referential, but even that feels intentional, as if echoing the loops of memory and grief the characters are caught in. And there’s something profoundly healing in that.

Overall, this is a book about remembering, and in remembering, beginning again. Author Ambrosio gives us a novel of resistance; the resistance of the artist, the queer body, the intellectual, and the survivor. And in doing so, he leaves us not with answers, but with a space to contemplate our own “new life,” whatever that may mean.

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Book Review: Tokyo Tangents by Robin S. Hasuki

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magic Realism, noir, slice of life, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Tokyo Tangents by Robin S. Hasuki

Book Details:

Author: Robin S. Hasuki 
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Surreal Fiction / Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction, Slice-of-Life Fiction, Japanese-Inspired/East Asian Literature
Format: E-book 
Pages: 321 pages
Publisher: JCA Press
Blurb:
Tokyo Tangents is a quietly haunting, speculative fiction novel, laced with Japanese pop culture and metafictional nudges. Fans of Haruki Murakami, Makoto Shinkai, Andy Kaufman, or David Mitchell will feel right at home in this dreamlike Tokyo, where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
In the neon-lit party districts, between chiming convenience stores and countless hole-in-the-wall eateries, hidden histories lurk in every back alley. On the sweltering city streets, two strangers stumble upon a mystery that stretches far beyond their understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
A fading pianist, haunted by the weight of a crumbling career. A pharmacist, driven by the ghost of a brother long lost.
Linked by a fleeting encounter and an inexplicable connection, they begin pulling at threads that unravel long-buried secrets—about their families, their pasts, and the seemingly solid seams of the universe around them.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

If Murakami were a bit more playful and less obsessed with wells, you might end up with something like Tokyo Tangents. Robin S. Hasuki has crafted a quietly surreal, oddly poignant picture of Tokyo, woven together through tales of commuters, piano players, secret doors, and mysterious women who vanish into the city’s folds.

This isn’t a book you read in a single sitting. Rather, it’s one you slip into, chapter by meandering chapter, much like wandering through the back alleys of Tokyo itself. Author Hasuki excels at capturing the ennui and madness of modern urban life, giving us characters whose loneliness feels tangible, yet whose eccentricities spark genuine curiosity.

What really worked for me was the understated humor and the surreal, almost dreamlike unfolding of the plot. The writing is restrained yet richly atmospheric, striking that uniquely Japanese balance between the absurd and the subtly melancholic. The intersections between characters, the piano player with his secret job and the pharmacist haunted by a family heirloom, feel like disparate threads that somehow harmonize by the end.

It’s not without its imperfections. Some parts stretch longer than necessary, and there are moments when the pacing lags, perhaps intentionally to reflect the monotony of daily life, but it risks testing the reader’s patience.

Still, Tokyo Tangents is a book for those who savour atmosphere, character introspection, and stories about the unnoticed magic tucked into the cracks of everyday existence. A charming, subtle, and strangely affecting debut.

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Book Review: The Cobbler’s Crusaders by Rick Steigelman

Categories Comedy, coming-of-age, Contemporary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Cobbler’s Crusaders by Rick Steigelman

Book Details:

Author: Rick Steigelman
Release Date: May 4, 2025
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Format: E-book 
Pages: 244 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Jacquelyn Pajot is a nine-year-old American girl whose excitement over a solo visit to her grandmother in Paris is soon diminished by the discovery that the grandmother is far more devoted to dragging her to church every day than she is in showing her the much-anticipated sights of the city. Jacquelyn’s despair is remedied when she meets a pair of local girls, Nicolette and Genevieve, who are only too happy to lead the American astray. Jacquelyn, to her giddy astonishment, finds herself cajoled into joining her young companions in singing for money on the streets of Montmartre and leg kicking for laughs before the doors of the Moulin Rouge.
Jacquelyn’s joy over this ‘new’ life is tempered when she learns the circumstances of Genevieve’s father, a charming but financially struggling cobbler. Employing her own creative skills to produce a flier, Jacquelyn devises an advertising campaign that quickly spirals out of her control and into the hands of her more mischievous friends. By means both legal and not, the two French girls set a dubious course that has Jacquelyn flirting with the prospect of prison, purgatory and, most perilously, her grandmother’s righteous indignation.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Cobbler’s Crusaders by Rick Steigelman is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. What initially presents itself as a light-hearted caper quickly turns into a rich, character-driven exploration of found family, youthful rebellion, and a cobbler’s quiet revolution in the heart of Montmartre.

At its core, the novel orbits around Monsieur Joly, a quirky but lovable cobbler, whose shoe shop becomes a haven for three spirited girls, Genevieve, Jacquelyn, and Nicolette, each brimming with mischief and misplaced fliers. Their antics, ranging from accidental blasphemy to provocative street campaigns, are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, constantly toeing the line between satire and sincerity.

The writing is sharp, warm, and laced with wit that never tries too hard. Dialogue dances with personality, especially when juxtaposing the multilingual confusion of the American Jacquelyn with her Parisian companions. I loved how the author uses humor as a subversive lens, a kind of resistance against social norms, parental expectations, and even moral rigidity.

Beneath all the comedic mishaps, there’s a beautiful sense of intergenerational connection. The dynamic between Jacquelyn and her grandmother, Catherine, is particularly touching as it anchors the story in emotional truth while allowing the young cast to explore their own emerging identities and moral boundaries.

If I had to critique anything, it would be the pacing. At times, the humor slows the narrative momentum, especially during longer sequences of misdirection and hiding. Yet, these scenes also add charm and character, so it’s a gentle flaw that you can forgive because the prose is just so full of heart!

This book is a gentle satire, a Parisian coming-of-age romp, and an ode to eccentric fatherhood all in one. I’d easily recommend it to readers who enjoy novels like A Man Called Ove or The Elegance of the Hedgehog, stories that offer laughter, but also invite you to pause and feel something deeper.

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Book Review: Deep Fried by Mark Doyon

Categories Comedy, Contemporary Fiction, TragicomLeave a Comment on Book Review: Deep Fried by Mark Doyon

Book Details:

Author: Mark Doyon
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Series:
Genre: Tragicom, Humour, Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 244 pages
Publisher: Wampus Multimedia
Blurb:
Americanized millennial Arjun Chatterjee is a food-truck chef working in a parking lot outside the nation’s capital. He dreams up multiethnic recipes and pursues a young woman toiling in a Kafkaesque office nearby. Building a clientele, he faces life with a sly optimism.
One day he idly asks the sky: “Why am I here?”
Deep Fried is a tragicomic love story wrapped in creative freedom. Its chefs, musicians, and entrepreneurs face a world of oversized dreams and shaky prospects.
They try, fail, and fail better. Will it be enough?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Deep Fried by Mark Doyon is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that dives into the life of Arjun Chatterjee, a millennial food-truck chef with big dreams and an even bigger heart. Set against the backdrop of America’s capital, Author Doyon crafts a narrative that is both a love letter to creative freedom and a brilliant exploration of the trials and triumphs of the American dream.

Arjun’s character is beautifully developed, representing a blend of optimism and realism that resonates deeply in today’s cultural landscape. His journey from concocting multiethnic recipes in his food truck to pursuing romantic interests and building a clientele is depicted with humour and heart. The author’s prose is crisp and engaging, infusing the story with a light-hearted tone that belies the deeper questions it probes.

One of the novel’s strengths is its rich cast of characters—chefs, musicians, and entrepreneurs—who embody the spirit of perseverance in the face of uncertain futures. Their collective narratives are both individually compelling and universally relatable. The book shines in its portrayal of their struggles to succeed against the odds, encapsulating the essence of “failing better.”

Overall, Deep Fried earns a solid four stars for its original storytelling, memorable characters, and the eloquent way it captures the zeitgeist of a generation.

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ARC Review: Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

Categories Adult Fiction, Contemporary FictionLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

Book Details:

Author: Reuven Fenton
Release Date: May 28, 2024
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adult Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 288 pages
Publisher: Central Avenue
Blurb:
Reuven Fenton’s novel Goyhood is a brilliant debut about a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man who discovers in middle age that he’s not, in fact, Jewish, and embarks on a remarkable road trip to come to grips with his fate; it’s Chaim Potok’s The Chosen meets Planes,Trains and Automobiles.
When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small-town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt-poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.
But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?
So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew. 

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Goyhood by Reuven Fenton is a tale that defies convention and embraces the unexpected. Fenton’s debut novel offers a fresh take on the journey of self-discovery, weaving together elements of humour, poignancy, and profound insight.

What struck me most about “Goyhood” was its fearless exploration of identity and belonging. Through the eyes of Mayer Belkin, a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man grappling with the revelation of his true heritage, Fenton invites readers on a journey of introspection and revelation. As Mayer embarks on a road trip through America’s Deep South with his estranged brother and an eclectic cast of companions, the novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, faith, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.

Yet, amidst the weighty themes, Fenton infuses the narrative with a delightful blend of humour and heart. The interactions between Mayer, his brother David, and their companions are imbued with wit and warmth, offering moments of levity amidst the existential questions that permeate the story. It’s this unique balance of laughter and introspection that makes Goyhood such a compelling read.

In conclusion, Goyhood is a remarkable debut that deftly navigates the intersections of identity, faith, and the human experience. Fenton’s storytelling is as poignant as it is entertaining, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of life and the power of self-discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of personal transformation or simply enjoy a well-crafted narrative, Goyhood is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Book Review: Broken Strings by Rachel Lane

Categories Contemporary Fiction, satireLeave a Comment on Book Review: Broken Strings by Rachel Lane

Book Details:

Author: Rachel Lane
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 398 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
How do you move forward after the unthinkable happens, and life as you know it is gone? That’s the question Celine and Alex are forced to answer when their son Gage is abducted one rainy spring day.
Before the abduction, Celine and Alex are best friends, childhood sweethearts, and parents to three tireless children. They are a unified team. But When Gage is taken, Alex breaks down while Celine pushes forward. And struggling to heal in different directions breaks their bond.
Then, after spending years drowning in depression, Alex finds the drive to reconnect with his daughters, to heal enough to be in their lives. But seeing Celine again reignites a familiar spark. An inconvenient spark, since Celine has moved on.
And then the unthinkable happens again: Gage is found, he is alive, and he is coming home to a broken family. Though a long-awaited miracle, it means everything Celine and Alex thought they’d figured out must shift again.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“Broken Strings” by Rachel Lane is a breathtaking debut that will undoubtedly leave readers completely entranced. Diving deep into the anguish of loss and the bittersweet joy of rediscovery, this novel presents a poignant tale that’s both gut-wrenching and beautifully hopeful.

The character development in “Broken Strings” is stellar. Celine and Alex stand out as compelling protagonists, driving the narrative with their emotional depth, making readers root for them every step of the way. The story is conceptually brilliant and unfolds seamlessly with tight writing and a rhythmic flow that captures the heart’s palpitations.

For those who appreciate a tale brimming with raw emotions, and especially for fans of new adult fiction with a touch of romance and unexpected twists, “Broken Strings” is a must-read. Lane’s expertise as a therapist adds layers of authenticity, making this book an unforgettable experience.

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ARC Review: The Cyclone Release by Bruce Overby

Categories Bruce Overby, Contemporary FictionLeave a Comment on ARC Review: The Cyclone Release by Bruce Overby

Book Details:

Author: Bruce Overby
Release Date: 15th November 2022
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Corporate Fiction, Literary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 254 pages
Publisher: Madville Publishing
Blurb:
It’s the late 90s Internet boom, and Brendon Meagher has just lost his wife Sadie in a freakish car accident at the edge of Silicon Valley. The Cyclone Release follows Brendon as he emerges from tragedy and lands in a pre-IPO start-up that promises astonishing riches. Mo Gramercy, a bright and commanding colleague with her own deep secret, joins Brendon, disrupts his malaise, and takes him as her lover. The characters’ careen toward IPO millions, their secrets suddenly converging, and both are shaken without mercy from bucolic notions of work, life, and impending fortune.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Cyclone Release by Bruce Overby is a definitive page-turning corporate fiction that will blow your mind and leave you wanting to read more works by the author!

This book is a heady mix of engaging prose, a captivating concept and a well-executed story developed around extremely realistic and relatable characterisation. This story pulls you in and takes you to the time when Silicon Valley was not how we see it today and tells the story of Brendon, a man stuck in the crazy turmoil of life whose career is in the field that is tethering over a precarious edge.

Well-written, absorbing and thoroughly interesting as well as intriguing, The Cyclone Release has a lot to offer to its readers and therefore I’d strongly recommend it to all fiction readers, especially those who like exploring corporate fiction and are interested in learning the details about the behind-the-scenes reality of the Silicon Valley.

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ARC Review: Kai’s Healing Smiles by Vivi Anne Hunt

Categories Contemporary Fiction, LGBT Fiction, Romance, Vivi Anne HuntLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Kai’s Healing Smiles by Vivi Anne Hunt

Book Details:

Author: Vivi Anne Hunt
Release Date: 13th September 2022
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
Format: E-book 
Pages: 201 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Silas is mourning the loss of his wife. Every day, he is going through the motions and barely managing to keep the excruciating pain from overtaking his life. There is precisely one ray of sunshine in his days — Kai — the smiley, awkward barista at Starbucks. For some reason, Silas finds comfort being around Kai and soaks up as much light as this sweet boy could give him.

For the short time Kai has worked at Starbucks, he has secretly watched one man from afar, hoping that one day he would notice him back. He looks all mature, business-like, and always sad. One day Kai finally gets the chance to speak to him. And this is where their story begins.
Will Silas be able to let go of the past and start fresh? And will Kai be able to heal the gloomy man with his smiles?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Kai’s Healing Smiles by Vivi Anne Hunt is a heart-warming romantic story that is full of emotional depth as well as character.

I liked this book from the start because, in spite of having started on a glum note, the author’s writing made this book an easy read and the character development kept me engaged. The plot kept developing well and soon I found myself not wanting to be pulled away from the story.

I liked the plot, the basic concept as well as its execution, the simple yet effective writing and the ups and downs the pacing added to the tension in the book. Overall, it is a lovely romance novel that I’d recommend to all romance genre fans especially readers who enjoy reading LGBTQ+ romance stories.

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ARC Review: Before Dawn by Laura F. Murphy

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Laura F. Murphy , women's fiction1 Comment on ARC Review: Before Dawn by Laura F. Murphy

Book Details:

Author: Laura F. Murphy 
Release Date: 5th September 2022
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 271 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Igor Fenenko, a former research scientist, is a scary, scary man. Not only is he a massive bodybuilder with a spider tattooed on his face, he has also been infected with Pestis Manducans — viral cannibalism. Igor tried to resist indulging, but his research specimens smelled so delicious. Who did it hurt, really, to nibble a corpse?
Caught, disgraced, and sent to a ‘rehabilitation’ center, Igor is now forced to live in a government-mandated Containment Center. He spends his days pressing wildflowers, growing blueberries, and doing his best to avoid human meat. More than anything, he wants a cure for the virus
that has ruined his life.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Before Dawn by Laura F. Murphy is a beautifully written contemporary fiction novel about relationships and a person’s journey to come to terms with their own self.

This book had an exceptionally well-written story and was full of emotionally complex as well as mature characters that were multi-layered. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the protagonist, Max’s, journey to find herself through the curve balls that life throws at her. Another thing that I really liked in this book was the cultural background of the main lead and its significance in the story in forming her character’s belief system and decision-making.

Overall I was really impressed with the depth and the emotional maturity that was explored in this book and would strongly recommend it to all women literature and contemporary fiction readers.

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Book Review: No Ghosts in the Graveyard: The Lifetime Adventures of a Small-Town Oregon Boy by Bob Crites

Categories Bob Crites, memoir, Non-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: No Ghosts in the Graveyard: The Lifetime Adventures of a Small-Town Oregon Boy by Bob Crites

Book Details:

Author: Bob Crites
Release Date: 29th August 2021
Series:
Genre: Non Fiction, Memoir
Format: E-book 
Pages: 429 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
“I had the good fortune of being born with a high biological set point for happiness.”
Walking alone at night, at age nine, selling newspapers on the streets of Eugene, Oregon, Bob Crites was among the last of the American paperboys. In the early 1950s, Bob and his triplet siblings didn’t know the word “homeless”; he thought they were living an adventure camping in the woods with their young mother.As an adult setting out to make a difference in the world, Bob finds his passion: Helping others help themselves.
Follow the funny, sometimes sad, always interesting adventures of “The Incredible Crites” as he saves lives, almost gets killed, and makes a world of difference.

Bob Crites has earned numerous recognition and awards for his service and altruism. In 1964 he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Brazilian hinterlands of Mato Grosso, Brazil, when the country was taken in a military coup. And in the late 70s, he was an Associate Peace Corps Director in Guatemala during a civil war. In the 1990s, he partnered with the “Second Mother Teresa”, one of the 20th century’s most enlightened women, to enrich the education of impoverished students. In 1991 Bob was thrust into the role of agent for an African teen who went on to become an Olympic gold medalist, world record-holding track star voted along with cyclist Lance Armstrong as the two top sports competitors in the world. In 1998 Dr. Jane Goodall personally requested Bob to partner with the Jane Goodall Institute in awarding academic scholarships in Tanzania.
Now retired from a career as an educator and counselor, Bob is an avid backgammon player living with his Brazilian-born wife Dalva in Eugene, Oregon. They love to travel and winter at their beachside condo in Recife, Brazil

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

No Ghosts in the Graveyard: The Lifetime Adventures of a Small-Town Oregon Boy by Bob Crites is a beautifully written memoir that will make you forget everything else as you read this book.

I quite enjoyed reading this book mostly because of two reasons; firstly it was a very well-written book and secondly because the story that the author had to share with the readers was a very interesting one. This book had a lot of aspects to it as the author had shared his long and interesting life through small captivating anecdotes. The book managed to grip my attention from the first page to the very last one and I was left wanting for more.

The pacing of the book felt right and the narrative style was very gripping. I would highly recommend this book to all readers of non-fiction and personal memoirs.

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Book Review: Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise by A.H. Nazzareno

Categories A.H. Nazzareno, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment on Book Review: Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise by A.H. Nazzareno

Book Details:

Author: A.H. Nazzareno
Release Date: 1st June 2022
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Short Story, Humour
Format: E-book 
Pages: 42 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
A discontent and disillusioned author embarks on a road trip to the desert paradise of Las Vegas, teeming with oddball characters. Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise is a fictional short story about a flawed man attempting to reinvent himself while experiencing an unforgettable adventure.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise by A.H. Nazzareno is a short story about an author’s (mis)adventures that will tickle your funny bones.

I enjoyed reading this book because it was engaging, fun and light-hearted. I liked the writing and the characterisation and I found the author’s sense of humour to be really good. It is a short and well-written book that I’d recommend to all contemporary humour readers. Also, if you are a writer then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

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Audiobook Review: A Dog Of Many Names by Douglas Green

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Douglas GreenLeave a Comment on Audiobook Review: A Dog Of Many Names by Douglas Green

Author: Douglas Green (Director of The Hiding Place)
Narrator: Kelly McNair
Release Date: 3rd January 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-Of-Age
Series: 
Format: Audiobook
Length: 4 hours and 17 minutes
Publisher: Circuit Breaker Books
Blurb:
Born a runt, Rascal is destined to be an underdog. Despite what looked like an unbreakable bond with the daughter of the family who bred her, Rascal’s devotion is discarded when the mother loses her job, forcing the family into a financial crisis. Bitter and resentful toward a dog they can no longer afford to keep and who was never really wanted, the family throws out the young dog like garbage. Driven out to the country and left roadside, Rascal has nothing but a few pieces of kibble to help her survive the night.

Abandoned and alone, Rascal must learn to fend for herself and embark on a harsh and dangerous journey through wolf terrain in the mountain wilderness of Northern California. Along the way, she meets new families and strangers and is given many names. But will she ever settle with one family and one name? A Dog of Many Names is a courageous story of survival, seen through the eyes of a scared and desperate dog who just wants to love, be loved, and be given one last name.

REVIEW

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A Dog Of Many Names by Douglas Green is an inspiring yet gut-wrenching story of a dog who is abandoned and has to fend of herself until she meets new people and families and her journey to find herself and a new home continues.

This book elicited so many emotions in me that at one point it got very, very triggering for me. But I had to get through it as I wanted to know what happens with the story of the beautiful dog that Rascal is. Being an animal activist and someone who actively engages in the rescue missions for cats, I am well aware how people abandon their pets and leave them away from home not caring a lick about what they would do or how they’d survive. So it was deeply disturbing for me to read about it but I appreciated the author’s honesty because these are facts of life and have to be told to people so that they understand that doing so is not only wrong but also inhumane!

Coming to the book – the writing is great and had a very nice flow and the plot was crafted very carefully. Although it was a difficult read because of the concept and my close relation with the rescuing of animals, I am glad that I read this book. It is very informative and agonisingly real and I honestly think it is a must-read.

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Book Review: Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Emily Craig, new adult, Travel, women's fictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig

Book Details:

Author: Emily Craig
Release Date: 15th December 2021
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Travel
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 226 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
Two years of marriage ruined by one drunken mistake.
Lucy’s story is not yet over. In the sequel Where Will We Go?, Lucy Berry is faced with new challenges that will both excite and challenge her. Newly divorced from her high school sweetheart David, she is plunged into a new world where David is now engaged to his mistress while she has to navigate a life after love and heartbreak.

Just when Lucy is feeling unworthy of happiness, a silver lining presents itself. She lands her dream job as a travel writer. Follow aspiring author Lucy as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with her best friends by her side. Witness as she blissfully immerses herself in French culture while hitting all of Paris’ hot spots for her new job. Laugh along while she helps throw an epic murder mystery birthday bash. Most of all, join Lucy as she transforms her self-doubt to self-love, ending a tragic year with the surprise of her life.
Will Lucy finally leave David in the past or will he continue to haunt her dreams?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig is a new Women’s Fiction, New Adult, Contemporary fiction novel that is both, quick to read and easy to love.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot because the writing had a very good flow. The characterisation was good and the settings were absolutely brilliant. I loved that the author used the backdrop of Paris in this book because I love that place (actually I may be kind of obsessed with it – just a little bit *wink*) so when I read the blurb I knew it from the start that Iw as gonna love this book and I was not at all disappointed!

The author did a great job with a seemingly simple plot and turned it into something really special. Even though this is a sequel to another book, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything as the author has explained the story of the first book in the preface, so I really appreciated it (And would like to thank author Craig for it.)

I would strongly recommend this book to New Adult and Women’s Contemporary Fiction readers. And also to those readers who like reading about travelling and especially if you are a Francophile (like me) you will love this book!

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Book Review: Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jen Smith, Romance, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith

Book Details:

Author: Jen Smith
Release Date: 6th December 2021
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 295 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
It’s going to be the best summer ever for ambitious, overachieving Quinn. A huge history buff, not only has she landed her dream job interning in the archives department of the local castle, but her best friend will be working there too.
However, Quinn isn’t the only one to be working in Archives this summer; Quinn’s academic rival, Patrick, is sharing her office in Muniments. They’re competing for the Letter of Recommendation (singular) from the research historian that Quinn needs to get her dream future placement.

Their emotionally-loaded and competitive rivalry turns into a reluctant friendship, as they spend every day working together in silence (and sharing the occasional Twix). Until the Re-Enactors arrive. Between Patrick and Harry – the Golden Knight of the jousting team – Quinn’s carefully planned summer is thrown into complete disarray. Meanwhile, her best friend’s relationship may look perfect on the outside, but Quinn is starting to realise that there’s more going on than there seems.

Although Quinn is determined and single minded about planning every detail of her sparkling future, she comes to discover that the best things in life are the spontaneous ones – and that some people are more important than any Letter of Recommendation (singular) could ever be.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith is a new un-put-down-able YA romance.

This book is well-written with a great plot that kept me engaged right from the first page to the very last one. I was able to relate to the characters, both the main ones as well as the secondary ones, and was able to form a strong connection with the main lead, Quinn. This book is as interesting as it is entertaining. There wasn’t a single chapter where I felt bored or unfocused and that was a blessing as most YA books tend to do it (at least to me.) So I am really thankful tot eh author for great pacing and tremendous tension throughout the book.

I would highly recommend this book to all YA and romance readers.

You can also read this review on:

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Amazon

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ARC Review: Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jonathan Koven, Magic RealismLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven

Book Details:

Author: Jonathan Koven
Release Date: 3rd December 2021
Genre: Coming Of Age, Contemporary Fiction, Magic Realism
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 190 pages
Publisher: Electric Eclectic
Blurb:
It’s Christmas, and strange occurrences are plaguing the small town of Torrential Hill: a supernatural comet, undead insects, exploding streetlights, and a presence luring people into the woods. But when the mother of Tristen—a wistful, fatherless sixteen-year-old boy—hears voices from the kitchen sink, all he can think of is running away.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven is a well-written coming of age contemporary tale that is full of intrigue and surreal appeal.

I liked reading this book mostly because the story had a great flow and the pacing kept me glued to the pages until the end. I was able to relate and connect to the main character, Tristan, and really enjoyed reading about his journey. The writing is good, the story is great and the execution is amazing. The suspense in the story ran high throughout the pages and I enjoyed the surrealness of the supernatural elements that took the story to an entirely another level.

I highly recommend this book to all readers because this book has something to offer to all its readers. And I can’t think of a better novella to recommend reading so close to Christmas!

You can also read this review on:

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Amazon

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Book Review: A Nest For Lalita by Ken Langer

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Ken Langer, World FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: A Nest For Lalita by Ken Langer

Author: Ken Langer
Release Date: 25th October 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, World Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 318
Publisher: Dryad Press
Blurb:
MEENA KAUL is riding high in her position as director of Behera House, a safe haven in India for women who have survived domestic violence. But when the stock market crashes, Behera House loses its funding to expand. The right-wing Hindu Democratic Party (HDP), seeing an opportunity to win women’s votes before a national election, steps in with a multimillion-dollar grant. While Meena is reluctant to accept the offer, it is the only way for the project to proceed. Her worst fears come to pass when the HDP wins the election and begins to chip away at a hundred years of progress on women’s rights.


Meanwhile, Simon Bliss, America’s foremost “green” architect, who had been commissioned to design the new facility, falls for the alluring Meena and is drawn into the perilous world of Indian politics. In his attempt to loosen the HDP’s grip on Meena and win her affection, Simon takes on reactionary politicians, shady priests, and crooked businessmen. In the process, he comes face to face with disturbing truths about his past, while Meena finds herself trapped in ways she never could have expected. A Nest for Lalita is a tale of passion and murder against the backdrop of an ancient country trying to find its identity in a fast-changing world.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A Nest For Lalita by Ken Langer is a good story full of complex themes and backdrops and woven into an intricate as well as engaging plot.

When I started reading this book, I was a little sceptical because I am usually uncomfortable with books written by foreign authors writing about India after having spent a couple of weeks or months here, believing they understand everything about India. The problem is not their understanding or their warped perception but the wrongful presentation of a culture and country that they do not fully comprehend which in turn goes a long way in giving birth to many misconceptions about the country and the people living here. But thankfully, this book wasn’t like that, or at least not in that particular sense. It was more about the story of an individual rather than a social commentary of the clogged roads.

I liked the story as it was very engaging and made for a nice read. Many things mentioned in the story may not necessarily be correct, but fiction is forgiving that way and so are fiction readers. Anyway, if you like reading about other culture and a different way of life, then this book would make for a good read.

You can also read this review on:

Goodreads & Amazon

Book Review: An Indelible Day by Cairo Marques

Categories Cairo Marques, Contemporary FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: An Indelible Day by Cairo Marques

Author: Cairo Marques
Release Date: 23 July 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 25 pages
Publisher: 
Blurb:
The story accompanies a single day of John C., a man of about thirty. In this short passage of time he has three dialogues with three different people. These dialogues, certainly, have shaped his day and, likely, will exist within him eternally.

Book Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

An Indelible Day by Cairo Marques is a very unique and fresh take on the various facades we put on for different parts we play in our life. What makes this story even more interesting is that this book tells the story of the main character through a single day.

The writing was good for the most part and the characterisation was good (it had depth and layers) and the story, overall, was very interesting. Given that this book takes less than half an hour to read (a lot less actually,) it would be perfect for anyone looking for a quick engaging read.

You can also read this review on 

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Book Review: The Sweeny Sisters by Lian Dolan

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Lian DolanLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Sweeny Sisters by Lian Dolan

Author: Lian Dolan 
Release Date: 28th April 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family & Relationships
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 304
Publisher: William Morrow 
Blurb:
Angels…
Death Stalkers…
ReaAn accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet—a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA that combines the wit of Jonathan Tropper with the heart of Susan Wiggs.
Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney grew up as a happy threesome in the idyllic seaside town of Southport, Connecticut. But their mother’s death from cancer fifteen years ago tarnished their golden-hued memories, and the sisters drifted apart.

Their one touchstone is their father, Bill Sweeney, an internationally famous literary lion and college professor universally adored by critics, publishers, and book lovers. When Bill dies unexpectedly one cool June night, his shell-shocked daughters return to their childhood home. They aren’t quite sure what the future holds without their larger-than-life father, but they do know how to throw an Irish wake to honor a man of his stature.
But as guests pay their respects and reminisce, one stranger, emboldened by whiskey, has crashed the party. It turns out that she too is a Sweeney sister. 
When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier, she learned she had a 50% genetic match with a childhood neighbor—Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut. It seems Serena’s chilly WASP mother, Birdie, had a history with Bill Sweeney—one that has remained totally secret until now.
Once the shock wears off, questions abound. What does this mean for William’s literary legacy? Where is the unfinished memoir he’s stashed away, and what will it reveal? And how will a fourth Sweeney sister—a blond among redheads—fit into their story?
By turns revealing, insightful, and uproarious, The Sweeney Sisters is equal parts cautionary tale and celebration—a festive and heartfelt look at what truly makes a family.

Book Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Sweeny Sisters by Lian Dolan is a spectacular contemporary read which has a lot to offer to its readers. It is funny, heart-warming, emotional at times and conveys the strength of a bond of sisters in such a beautiful way that it is hard not to like this book.

Although this book was fiction, it did a pretty good job of convincing me otherwise. The characters felt so real and full of life and the story was so fresh and good that I wanted to believe it all to be true. And that is the best way an author can indulge a reader! The book was well-written and I loved the cover image of the book. The concept was good and the story-line very engaging.

I loved every bit of it and would recommend it to all contemporary fiction reads and anyone who likes reading about family and relationships in general.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and NetGalley

Book Review: The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard by Ravina Hilliard

Categories adult, Contemporary Fiction, new adult, Ravina Hilliard, RomanceLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard by Ravina Hilliard

Author: Ravina Hilliard
Release Date: 4th February 2020
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction
Series: 
Format: E-book
Pages: 185
Publisher: Dawn Hill Publications Ltd
Blurb: Alexandra “Lex” Granger is a private security consultant who has to go undercover to protect billionaire businessman Michael Thornton, pretending to be an escort. Michael does not think he needs a bodyguard, despite the death threats he has received from protesters against his takeover of a Danish company, but he does need protection against the predatory wife of the Danish ambassador. Lex knows that this assignment is dangerous, made more so because her client does not even know that he is being protected. 

 She doesn’t know that he thinks she is a con-artist a gold-digger who takes rich men for everything that she can get. As sparks fly, and the attraction between the two go stronger, they face a deadly danger from an unknown assailant.
Lex and Mike embark on a turbulent affair in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, with Mike realising that there is much more to the sexy seductress, her bewildering vulnerability evoking unfettered passion and feelings that he has never experienced before. Lex realises that she has committed the ultimate folly, that of falling in love with a man who despises her. Will she overcome the dangers to Michael to her breaking heart?

Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard by Ravina Hilliard is an adult contemporary romance fiction full of steamy sexual tension between the leads and sprinkled with light thrills and chills. It’s not my usual go-to genre, but it made for a good distraction from my normal picks.

Although the book wasn’t an overly thrilling read, it made for a nice entertainer. The story was good and interesting and the idea of the female being the undercover bodyguard appealed to me the most about its plot. The characters were not very relatable but then I was not expecting them to be (I rarely expect it from romances, unless they’ve been written by the big authors who are good at what they do.) The writing though was good and that’s what made me read this book in the first place.

I’d recommend this book to romance and new adult genre readers and to those looking for a new entertaining read.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Were We Awake by L.M. Brown

Categories Contemporary Fiction, L.M. Brown, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment on Book Review: Were We Awake by L.M. Brown

Author: L.M. Brown
Release Date: 25th November 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Short Story Collection, Family, Relationships
Series: 
Format: E-book
Pages: 215
Publisher: Fomite
Blurb:
In each story of this collection, events make the characters understand that their world is not as it seemed.

In Hidden, the discovery of an affair between her father and aunt is only the start of finding hidden secrets for Hazel.
What it Means to Be Empty-Handed is narrated by a fourteen–year-old daughter of an alcoholic. Her denial and elaborate imagination starts to disintegrate when she lies to the wrong person.
In Crashing, a middle-aged woman lives a life of servitude until she hits teenage boy with her car.
A thirty-year-old murder takes its toll on the victim’s family in Walking A Country Road.
The stories are set in Boston and Ireland.

REVIEW

★★★★

A collection of exceptionally narrated and well-plotted short stories that depict the complexities of life. Each and every story felt complete and was very different from each other in respect of plots as well as their implications, yet the theme somewhat remained centric to the multi-faceted and emotionally taxing life one has to plough through no matter how much they wish otherwise.

I enjoyed reading all the stories as they were all well-written. This is my second book by the author (the first being Treading The Uneven Road The characterisation was flawless and I was able to relate to each and every central character in this collection. The pacing was good and I found the stories very realistic.

I’d recommend this collection to all the readers who want to take a break from their usual genres and try something new and refreshing.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: The Latecomers by Rich Marcello

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Author: Rich Marcello
Release Date: 15 January 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family, Relationships
Series: 
Format: E-book
Pages: 294
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Blurb:
AN AGING COUPLE AND THEIR CLOSEST FRIENDS PIECE TOGETHER A LIFE-CHANGING PLAN FROM AN OTHERWORLDLY TEXT.
Maggie and Charlie Latecomer, at the beginning of the last third of their lives, love each other but are conflicted over what it means to age well in a youth-oriented society. Forced into early retirement and with grown children in distant cities, they’ve settled into a curbed routine, leaving Charlie restless and longing for more
When the Latecomers and their friends discover a mystical book of indecipherable logographs, the corporeal world and preternatural world intertwine. They set off on a restorative journey to uncover the secrets of the book that pits them against a potent corporate foe in a struggle for the hearts and minds of woman and men the world over.
A treatise on aging, health, wisdom, and love couched in an adventure, The Latecomers will make readers question the nature of deep relationships and the fabric of modern society.

REVIEW

★★★★

The Latecomers by Rich Marcello is a very profound, enriching and meaningful read about an ageing couple, which makes the reader question about a lot of things including one’s purpose in life. But more importantly, it shows us, beautifully and quite truthfully, how life goes on beyond one’s retirement and how we are destined to fulfil our purpose in life irrespective of our age.

It is a beautifully written book, with lyrical prose and with utmost sensitivity on a topic which many people avoid to even acknowledge. This book makes you think hard about your life, it’s valued and, as I said before, one’s purpose. It has a beautiful message wrapped in complex layers of philosophy made entertaining with a sprinkle of magical mystery.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes to read on subjects related to philosophy and life’s purpose. Also, people in their middle-ages and above are sure to relate to this book on a much deeper level.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Tessa BaileyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: 11th June 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
Series: Hot & Hammered (Book #1)
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 400
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Blurb:
A brand new romantic comedy from New York Times bestseller Tessa Bailey!
Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since. Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World… whatever that means.
Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)
Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.)
Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)
Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)
Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the “little sister” who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?
Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there’s Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme—that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job—he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her…

REVIEW

★★★+1/2

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey is a quirky and fun read that was a rather quick read and also pretty enjoyable. Even though the story was full of over-used romance tropes and cliche moments, the characterisation felt vibrant and fresh which totally made up for both these flaws.

The writing was good and it was one of the things I liked the most about the book. The pacing was great as the things moved quickly and made this book a quick 1-2 day read which seems reasonable to me.

I’d recommend this book to all the romance genre lovers and to those who are looking for a light, fun read to take a break from their normal reading lists.

This review is also available on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Those Days In Delhi by Yashodhara Lal

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Yashodhara LalLeave a Comment on Book Review: Those Days In Delhi by Yashodhara Lal

Author: Yashodhara Lal
Release Date: 10th August 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 304
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Blurb:
Delhi in the Nineties. And this time, it’s going to be Gudia’s summer. So what if she’s the quintessential awkward middle child? So what if it seems like everything – from the hair sprouting on her legs to teachers making her life miserable – is conspiring against her? She’s taking matters into her own hands, and there’s no way that she’s going to fail. After all, there are three things Gudia is obsessed with – Basketball, the Boy with the American accent…and Winning. But in her desire to win this campaign of middle-school one-upmanship and conceal her plummeting grades, Gudia might just lose all that’s important to her – including herself. Best-selling author Yashodhara Lal is back with this funny, bittersweet and entirely relatable story about growing up; of that summer of innocence, when the world was simpler, and even our problems seemed sweeter.

REVIEW

★★★★

To sum it up in a single sentence, Those Days In Delhi by Yashodhara Lal is a feel-good contemporary read with an interesting story and an equally interesting cast of characters. It was a pretty quick read, mostly because of the well-written prose and also due to the fact that the book was so darn engaging. A really good book that shouldn’t be missed by anyone, especially those who belong to the legendary era of the ’80s and ’90s.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Nameless Book: Everyone Has A Story by Deepthi Ayyagari

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Deepthi Ayyagari, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment on Book Review: Nameless Book: Everyone Has A Story by Deepthi Ayyagari

Author: Deepthi Ayyagari
Release Date: 30th October 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Short Story Collection
Series:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 76
Publisher: WordBuzz Publishing
Blurb:
Everyone has a story. These are stories about people like you and me, about relationships, love and life. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply about. Some of them, you will not forget for a long time to come…

REVIEW

★★★★

Nameless Book by Deepthi Ayyagari is a collection of short stories that explore the broad themes of emotions and life intermingled with witty narration making it a breezy read. It was a very quick and refreshing read as the author did not burden the reader with the needless sentimental baggage of characters keeping her narrative as well as characterisation light yet eventful.

Ass the stories are full of life and essence and I enjoyed them all very much. I was able to read this book in less than an hour and would highly recommend it to those readers who are looking for a quick fix that they can read in their work-break or commute. Honestly, any person who enjoys reading will have a great time reading this book so I recommend it to everyone.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Brinda -The Extraordinary Story of An Indian Girl (Femme Fatale) by Deepthi Ayyagari

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Deepthi Ayyagari, women's fictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Brinda -The Extraordinary Story of An Indian Girl (Femme Fatale) by Deepthi Ayyagari

Author: Deepthi Ayyagari
Release Date: 20th May 2019
Genre: Women Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 144
Publisher: 
Blurb:
‘Brinda’ will draw you in bit-by-bit to experience an extraordinary story; for there will always be secret-lives we will never know about, but are free to glimpse through the ‘reel’.
This is Brinda’s story–she was thrown into the local MLA’s house for servitude by the intertwining of her poor family’s greed and a quirk of fate. As she began a new chapter in her life with great anticipation of a financially secure future, fate held darker challenges for her to overcome.
The MLA’s son, Virender, was prying on her blossoming youth. She knew she was sought, and she knew she was bought. As Payal, her only friend in the palatial bungalow plotted her escape, she was not sure if she should go–they both knew some dark and tightly held secrets of the house, and she knew the implications of an escape for herself, and more so, for Payal.
Will Brinda leave or stay on to be exploited? Knowing what could shape out of even the slightest slip, will Brinda take the plunge, or will she resign herself to her fate and wait for what’s in store?
In this intriguing plot filled with choosing between two equally hazardous courses, what does Brinda choose? And what will be the outcome of that choice?
WHAT SHOULD BE ONE’S STAND WHEN DOOM AWAITS IN THE ONLY TWO DIRECTIONS TO TAKE?

REVIEW

★★★★

Brinda -The Extraordinary Story of An Indian Girl (Femme Fatale) by Deepthi Ayyagari is a beautifully written and well-plotted story about a girl named Brinda who has to go through a lot before emerging as a much stronger variant of herself. This story was both, compelling as well as endearing.

The writing, as I mentioned, was good, the characterisation was on point and the story was paced evenly, overall making it a strong read. This is my 3rd book by the author and so far the best one by her, so I was very glad I read this book.

What I loved most about this book was that it offers something that our society needs desperately these days – women empowerment without the pretention of feminism. I have nothing against feminists and feminism whatsoever, but I do have a problem with pseudo-feminists who, by the masses, corrupt the entire movement altogether. I believe in an egalitarian society so I am always in favour of women empowerment and this book is all about showcasing the strength of women. And that is where it scores the brownie points. All this while keeping in mind that the book didn’t feel like it was written with any kind of agenda in mind.

I’d recommend this book to all women’s fiction readers and to everyone who enjoys reading contemporary fiction in general. This book would also make a good read for both feminists as well as the feminazis 😉

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: The Choices We Make by Karma Brown

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Karma Brown, women's fictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Choices We Make by Karma Brown
Author: Karma Brown
Release Date: 12th July 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 316
Publisher: Mira
Blurb:
Hannah and Kate became friends in the fifth grade, when Hannah hit a boy for looking up Kate’s skirt with a mirror. While they’ve been close as sisters ever since, Hannah can’t help but feel envious of the little family Kate and her husband, David, have created—complete with two perfect little girls.She and Ben have been trying for years to have a baby, so when they receive the news that she will likely never get pregnant, Hannah’s heartbreak is overwhelming. But just as they begin to tentatively explore the other options, it’s Kate’s turn to do the rescuing. Not only does she offer to be Hannah’s surrogate, but Kate is willing to use her own eggs to do so.Full of renewed hope, excitement and gratitude, these two families embark on an incredible journey toward parenthood…until a devastating tragedy puts everything these women have worked toward at risk of falling apart. Poignant and refreshingly honest, The Choices We Make is a powerful tale of two mothers, one incredible friendship and the risks we take to make our dreams come true.

Review

★★★★+1/2

The Choices We Make by Karma Brown is a beautiful, heart-warming and very memorable read about friendships, husband-wife relationships and the unpredictability of life.

This book is one of those books that always stays with the reader. I believe Contemporary Women’s Fiction as a genre has a lot of potential and when the books in this genre are paired with excellent writing, a strong and unyielding plotline and powerful and believable characters, they transform into magic. This book had all these things and so much more. I loved the dialogues in this book a lot because they were good and as a result, each and every conversation felt real. For me, this was the strongest aspect fo this book.

The second best thing about this book was the writing – clean, crisp and clear. As a result, the book felt like a very easy and quick read (something that I always appreciate.) The writing had a very smooth air about it and flowed beautifully complementing this beautiful story. The pacing was spot-on and the tension perfect.

I was totally blown away when the main turning point of the story came; I was left gasping for breath, literally. I did not expect it and it totally broke my heart. It took me a while to digest what actually happened and all the while I kept wishing for it to somehow get undone, but then when it did not, I found myself struggling to grasp what was actually happening just like the characters in the novel. I mean, one thing you know you love a character and then the next thing you know something very bad has happened to them and you totally did not see it coming (I’m remembering Ned Stark’s execution in the first book itself… god! it still hurts!) After having read a lot of books you come to a point where hardly anything surprises you. But this book made me feel emotions I forgot having felt for a long time. This book made me feel like a first time reader who got involved in a book so much that even after having finished the book I am not able to forget the characters.

I’m cutting back 1/2 a star because the author left me sleepless for a couple of nights with such a tragic ending (I hate you for it, Karma Brown, but I love you for writing this book!) I’m sure as hell reading other books by the author. And I’d recommend it to all the readers who have a hunger for really good stories but won’t mind reading about issues related to surrogacy or pregnancy.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and NetGalley

Book Review: The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Sean AndersonLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson
Author: Sean Anderson
Release Date: 12th February 2018
Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 324
Publisher: Riversong Books
Blurb:
Hugo Larson is a retired accountant living in North Seattle. Having recently lost the person most important to him, he attempts to make a life for himself in spite of that gaping absence. While he spends his time swimming, gardening, and accomplishing the mundane tasks of everyday life, he also has several important relationships to manage. Adrian is Hugo’s caring but foolish son, a young man desperately in need of career guidance. Hugo’s brother, Martin, brims with positive energy and a life many would envy: a kind wife, an illustrious teaching career, and a darling granddaughter—but at the implications of retiring. Then there is Paul, a serene next-door neighbor and friend who is haunted by his own loss, who goes on adventures with Hugo through the city. Despite all this, Hugo faces the heaviness of existence, confronts towering questions, embraces and then pushes away those close to him. Through the course of one year, he faces his past, struggles with the present, and questions the future.
What waits for Hugo at the end of that year?

Review

★★★★

The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson is a sensitive book about dealing with loss, the overpowering and omnipresent grief that ensues and about individual growth. It was a very likeable read, albeit being on the heavier side of the spectrum.

It was very interesting to read about Hugo, the protagonist, and seeing his journey for an entire year after the loss of his beloved. Many times I found myself feeling a wide spectrum of emotions that the protagonist goes through – sadness, frustration, loneliness, disdain and emptiness. But as the book progresses, the author artfully shows the growth of the main lead in a way that felt very real and relatable.

I loved the writing of the author as it complimented the story well. The story had a good flow to it and I was able to navigate through it easily. I liked the story from start to end, and in spite of an unexpected ending, I felt it was very apt for the book.

The best part about this book, though, was that the subject of death and the grief that one has to cope with afterwards (which is a very tricky one) was handled, to my pleasant surprise, quite skillfully with the much-needed delicateness and subtlety. It was a bit hard for me to read this book as the subject of loss, personally, is agonising for me to handle, but I’m glad that the author respected a person’s sense of loss, in general, and worked gracefully around it, touching on the nerves only as required.

A wonderful book for a debut novel that I’d recommend to everyone and anyone who can handle reading about loss, grief and pain related to a close one’s death.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Spencer’s Risk by Andy Greenhalgh

Categories Andy Greenhalgh, Comedy, Contemporary Fiction, dark comedyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Spencer’s Risk by Andy Greenhalgh
Author: Andy Greenhalgh
Release Date: 17th April 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Dark Comedy
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 185
Publisher: –
Blurb:
SPENCER’S RISK is a dark comic novel. Burnt out and broke, university Drama lecturer Spencer Leyton is a compulsive gambler, estranged from his wife and children and driving his career over a cliff. His some-time friend Justin invites him to a high-stakes poker game. (‘Justin could sell snow to the Eskimos – literally. For some months he had sold cocaine to the Inuit community in Copenhagen’.) The game ends with Spencer owing £10,000 to Paula Malone, the head of a criminal gang.
At work, Spencer is sexually obsessed with a wealthy and glamourous student called Eva. She commits plagiarism,
an offence usually punished by expulsion, but bribes him with £3000 to keep quiet about it. Spencer has inside information about a football game, so he bets the £3000 on it, and that is when things really start to go wrong…
Eva demands the leading role in the College Showcase Production, with disastrous results. (‘Eva was not wearing the costume she had worn in the Dress Rehearsal. Eva was wearing a sporran. And very little else’)
Paula’s deadline runs out. It looks like curtains for Spencer Leyton…

Review

★★★★

Spencer’s Risk by Andy Greenhalgh is a delightful and enjoyable new contemporary read with lots of dark humour highlighted by sarcastic undertones.

It was a very enjoyable book and I had a good time reading it. The characterization was good which was a big plus given the entire story heavily depended on the main protagonist, Spencer. He was very believable and pretty relatable. Even though he landed up in extreme situations, I was able to relate to his worries and dilemmas and hence, was able to connect to him easily.

The writing was clean and good and the author’s clever sense of humour shone through the entire book nicely. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light and refreshing contemporary book.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Kaitlin’s Mooring by Carey V. Azzara

Categories Carey V. Azzara, Contemporary Fiction, Drama, Relationships, RomanceLeave a Comment on Book Review: Kaitlin’s Mooring by Carey V. Azzara
Author: Carey V. Azzara
Release Date: 3rd July 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Romance
Series:  
Edition: E-book
Pages: 208
Publisher: Glass Spider Publishing
Blurb:
Nothing is more horrific than losing a child, nothing more joyous than the birth of one. When grief intertwines with joy, it throws the Deveau family into turmoil.

Pregnant twenty-year-old Kaitlin Deveau leaves Boston University in a hurry when Henry, her grandfather, calls from Maine with devastating news. Bereft of hope, Kaitlin’s son, Christopher, becomes a life preserver, keeping the family buoyant. Henry, now Chris’s only male role model, teaches him lessons he uses throughout life. In the end, Chris and his adopted sister, Susan, must save their parents from the fate that took his grandparents–but the outcome is uncertain.

Review

★★★★

Kaitlin’s Mooring by Carey V. Azzara is a beautiful story about relationships and family.

This book was surprisingly good and I savoured reading every minute of it. The overall story was a feast and the writing was pretty good and the characters strong and believable. The character’s inner conflicts seemed real and they complemented the carefully woven tale very well. The beginning was slow but built up steadily and the ending proved to be apt.

Except for a few minor pacing issues, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I’d recommend it to all contemporary fiction readers and to those readers who want to explore new authors and books.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

ARC Review: How To Walk Away By Katherine Centre

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Katherine Centre, women's fictionLeave a Comment on ARC Review: How To Walk Away By Katherine Centre
Author: Katherine Center
Release Date: 15th May 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Series:  
Edition: E-book
Pages: 320
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Blurb:
From the author of Happiness for Beginners comes an unforgettable love story about finding joy even in the darkest of circumstances.
Margaret Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she’s worked for so hard and so long: a new dream job, a fiancé she adores, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a brief, tumultuous moment.
In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Maggie must confront the unthinkable. First there is her fiancé, Chip, who wallows in self-pity while simultaneously expecting to be forgiven. Then, there’s her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act. Finally, there’s Ian, her physical therapist, the one the nurses said was too tough for her. Ian, who won’t let her give in to her pity, and who sees her like no one has seen her before. Sometimes the last thing you want is the one thing you need. Sometimes we all need someone to catch us when we fall. And sometimes love can find us in the least likely place we would ever expect.
How to Walk Away is Katherine Center at her very best—a masterpiece of a novel that is both hopeful and hilarious; truthful and wise; tender and brave.

Praise for How to Walk Away:

“A heartbreak of a novel that celebrates resilience and strength.” —Jill Santopolo, bestselling author of The Light We Lost

“If you just read one book this year, read How to Walk Away.” —Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop

“Warm, witty, and wonderfully observed.” —Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of First Comes Love“Sympathetic and refreshing!” —Elinor Lipman, bestselling author of The Family Man

“I can’t think of a blurb good enough for this novel…poignant, funny, heartbreaking.” —Jenny Lawson, bestselling author ofFuriously Happy

Review

★★★★+1/2

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center is a beautiful book about loss, love, courage and hope that has a lot to offer to its readers apart from an exceptional story.

I am so glad that I read this book! It is a really, really good book and has taught me a lot of things about forgiveness – which definitely doesn’t come easy, loss – which does hurt a lot, and hope – which, even though difficult to hold onto, can turn around one’s life.

This book had a delightful mixture of a well thought-out storyline, a string of not only believable and realistic but also very relatable characters, very engaging yet simple writing with an exceptional sense of humour and an excellent ending.

What I really loved about this book was that the author didn’t sugarcoat things, she put things forward the way they are in real life, but she did it so without being overdramatic. I generally shy away from reading books with illness/medical situations because most of the authors present the pain in such horrific (sometimes honest, sometimes not) details and the overall experiences, more often than not, leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth. That said, if done right, these books are nothing short of magic because they have a lot of lessons and takeaways along with a good story (which, as a reader, is always the main thing for me.) For example, I loved John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars, but I didn’t really like Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything.

I’d recommend this book not only to all the contemporary fiction readers but to anyone and everyone who wants to read a really, really good book.

this review is also posted on Goodreads, Netgalley and Amazon