Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 74

Book Spotlight -Westbou Gold

Book Description:
The Indian Queen would risk torture and worse to keep her secrets from these barbarians in suits of metal and their search for cities of gold. They never found the gold. Empires rose; empires fell, the centuries passed. Legend became fireside myths, but no treasure was ever found. Yet, among the grey-green drapes of wisteria and wild jasmine along the misty shrouded lowlands of bayous and marshes of the Westo River, the folktales persist.
Buy the Book:  Amazon  ~  Barnes & Noble
Author's Bio: [image error]
Internationally acclaimed author and public speaker, Hawk MacKinney began writing mysteries for his school newspapers. He served in the US Navy Reserve for over 20 years, and was a tenured faculty member at several state medical facilities, teaching postgraduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem, Israel. Since retiring Hawk has authored several novels that have received national and international recognition. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel, was nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. The Cairns of Sainctuarie, his science fiction series, includes The Bleikovat Event and The Missing Planets, with a third book in the works. Hawk’s latest project focuses on The Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series. Book 1 in the series, Hidden Chamber of Death, was released early 2016.
Connect with the author:  Website
Giveaway:​
Prize: Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open int'l / 1 winner)Ends Dec 3a Rafflecopter giveaway

The American Indian dream by Pranay Sahu

Book Name         - The American Indian DreamAuthor                  - Pranay SahuPublisher              - Half Baked Beans Number of Pages - 210Publishing Year   -2016Edition                  -Paperback Price                     -225
Buy books from Amazon
Rating : 3.5

My Review

Youth these days have a penchant for Western culture and Western lifestyle. Like the saying Grass is greener on the other side, they focus their life towards an aim to reach the western world and settle there. Pranay Sahu, through the book The American Indian dream depicts the life of Roshan, a youngster who dreamt of a life in America. Being appointed in Lehman Brothers,US, becomes a matter of pride for him. Never did he think that recession would claim his position as a high earning bachelor to a jobless man. After losing his job. Roshan returns to India with a hope that economic conditions would revive and he will be back in US. Roshan, along with his friends Iraq nd Jagat, is dragged to the Youth meet of Sri Sri Sarvapriyan by his parents expecting that his overall outlook about life would change. Nevertheless, Guruji's efforts have no effect on Roshan. His predilection towards tha life in US prevails. The youth meet introduces him to his lady love Ariella aka Laxmi. Amother important person who comes to his life is Hirenbhai, an entrepreneur. On knowing about his failed IPO business Roshan proposes Jagat to revive his business. After a brief time, Roshan again returns to US, only to come back due to lack of opportunity. Roshan joins Jagat and slowly revives Hirenbhai's business as partners along with Ira. With flourishing business Roshan gets fame, publicity, controversies and in turn a lot of enemies.
On the day of publicizing his business, Roshan gets shot only to wake up in Guruji's abode. The story starts here and the rest is a flashback story which Roshan reminisces after getting shot.
Who is behind the attack? What happens to Ariella? What happens to his business? The answer to the following questions are given in the book.

The storyline is good and interesting. The characters are well crafted. The narration is fluctuating and the pace of the story drops occasionally. There are a lot of interesting one liners like "My dreams are American but made in India." The story showcases the general outlook of youth towards life.

Relation between Roshan and Ariella is not developed. Ariella's character was not up to the mark. The interactions between the friends also did not convey the warmth in their relation. Climax could not be guessed but mostly due to the immature twist. The name Sri Sarvapriyan and the breathing techniques resembles a celebrity Guru of current times. Hence some of the twists involving the character could have been avoided or the resemblance to the great man could have avoided. The spiritual journey was not so spiritual as claimed in the blurb.
My verdict: The book has uniqueness but lacks the x-factor.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Tornado Giveaway 3- These lines of Mehendi by Sumeetha Manikandan

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Name of the book: These Lines of
Mehendi
Author: Sumeetha ManikandanRead some reviews:

1.  Inderpreet Kaur Uppal
2.  Shonnie  
3. Snehal 

The Story:


Beautiful and efficient Lalitha loved to deck up brides for their wedding, though her own marriage was in shambles. When her estranged husband suddenly commits suicide she realizes that things wouldn’t be the same again…

Shrikanth thought that he was a confirmed bachelor but when his mother refused to get herself treated for cancer unless he got married, he had to get a bride in a hurry.

She needed a husband in name, to save her career while he needed to marry to please his mother. Will they find love second time around? Will they lower their shields and succumb to a mutual passion?





You can buy the book @

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About The Author 

Sumeetha Manikandan is a freelance writer and an author who loves to write and base her plots on the tambrahm community of Mylapore, Chennai. She is the author of ‘The Perfect Groom’ that has been a bestselling ebook on the top 50 charts of Amazon India ever since publication.

An avid reader, she loves to read across different genres – romance, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy etc. A history buff to the core, she is currently translating Ponniyin Selvan – the evergreen tamil classic epic history by Kalki Krishnamurthy into English.

Married to film maker K.S. Manikandan, Sumeetha lives in Chennai, along with her six year old daughter.



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Go to Book No. 32 >> This Nightmare Is for Real by Walter Salvadore Pereira 
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Tornado Giveaway 3- An autograph for Anjali by Sundari Venkatraman

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Name of the book: An Autograph for
Anjali
Author: Sundari VenkatramanRead some reviews:

1.  Rubina Ramesh
2.  Nilima Mohite  
3. Shalini 

The Story:


Jayant Mathur is found murdered in his bed, shot at point-blank range with his own revolver. Though she’s extremely disturbed by his death, Jayant’s wife Anjali is way more upset about something else. Who stands to gain by killing the multi-millionaire businessman?

Parth Bhardwaj is a friend and neighbour of the Mathurs. Parth is an author who goes by a pseudonym. He appears more than a friend to Anjali; while he’s also on good terms with her son Arjun who lives and studies in the UK. What role does he play in Anjali’s life? Jayant’s relatives are curious to know. 

Jayant’s brother-in-law Rana is convinced that Parth and Anjali are the murderers. But Inspector Phadke has his own doubts about this theory. In comes Samrat, the private detective who appears as quiet as a mouse. Will he be able to find the murderer?

Will Anjali find happiness and peace?





You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 

Sundari Venkatraman is an indie author who has 11 books to her name, all Top 100 Bestsellers on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month each.

An Autograph For Anjali is the sixth book authored by Sundari Venkatraman. #AAFA is a mature, hot romance with a shade of suspense. Other published books by the author are: 

1. The Malhotra Bride 
2. Meghna 
3. The Runaway Bridegroom
4. Matches Made in Heaven (an anthology of romantic shorts)
5. The Madras Affair 
6. Tales of Sunshine (an anthology of human interest stories)
7. Her Smitten Husband (Marriages Made in India, Book #1)
8. His Drunken Wife (Marriages Made in India, Book #2)
9. Her Secret Husband (Marriages Made in India, Book #3)
10. The Casanova’s Wife (Marriages Made in India, Book #4)

Follow the author here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sundari-Venkat...



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Check out all the books of Tornado here 
Go to Book No. 29 >> Shadows of the Northlands by Vishwesh Desai 
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Tornado Giveaway 3-Miss adventures by Surajit Frank Agarwal

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Name of the book: Miss Adventures
Author: Surajit Frank AgarwalRead a review:

1.  VG

The Story:


Four friends decide to overthrow the shackles of their mundane middle class existence by planning an adventure of a lifetime. They travel to four cities, across four countries to gift themselves the ultimate 40th birthday bash. One that would fulfill their fantasies. But does their grand plan end up in one big misadventure?

************** 
On the surface they have everything. Jobs, family, great homes, great cars. But in reality: 
Their jobs suck. 
Their marriages are a sham. 
EMIs rule their lives. 
Their “fun” comes mixed in soda and ice. 
Raman, Ravi, Bijoy and Sagar decide to step out of their ordinary, boring middle class lives to gift themselves a fantastical 40th birthday party. They travel to four cities across four countries to indulge their deepest desires. 
However, they find themselves stymied at every step. Raman finds cops dogging his footsteps. Ravi finds innovative ways of losing money. Bijoy’s ego and manhood take a hit at every turn. Sagar finds himself in situations he would rather not be. 
The friends believe lady luck is being unkind to them. Is it luck that is tripping them up or is it just a lady? 
Miss Adventures is a sexy laugh riot of four bumbling friends and their one attempt at living life large. Will they make it? 
If you love to laugh, you’ll love this book. 
If you love drama, you’ll love this book. 
If you love sex, you’ll love this book. 
If you love to read, you’ll love this book! 






You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 



Reporter, Writer, Editor, Publisher, confused IT consultant and Author. A quarter century after earning his first paycheck Surajit Frank Agarwal is back to do doing the one thing he loves the most...writing.


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Check out all the books of Tornado here
Go to Book No. 26 >> Who Shall I Be Today? by Sunita Saldhana 
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Tornado Giveaway 3- Voyages into the unknown by Ruchira Khanna

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Name of the book: Voyagers into the
Unknown
Author: Ruchira KhannaRead some reviews:

1. Rubina Ramesh 
2.  Floryie BL  
3. Ruchi Singh 

The Story: 

In the historic Indian town of Agra, you can find a very unusual tour company, which is owned by a charming young man named Raj. Although Raj's official job is to show off the historical landmarks of Agra, including the legendary Taj-Mahal, his true mission is to heal the souls of his broken "birds," as he affectionately refers to his tour participants. His business operates purely upon word-of-mouth referrals, ensuring that all of his tour members arrive in Agra with their hearts in their hands, ready for the spiritual growth and cleansing that Raj is known to provide. Healing the hearts of the spiritually damaged can be a difficult job, and in this particular tale, Raj finds himself faced with his most challenging tour group yet. First, there is Ira, a stunningly gorgeous but fragile young woman on the brink of suicide. Next, we meet Darci and Lennard, a couple on the verge of divorce. Then there is Carl, an irritable, antisocial workaholic who has burned all of his bridges. Lastly, we meet Asha, an elderly widow who still yearns for the company and comfort of her late husband. When disaster strikes the tour group, everything is thrown into jeopardy, including lives, relationships, and Raj's very reputation as a tour guide. Raj must find a way to lift the spirits of these five special travelers, even in the face of death and despair. Venture into the unknown and discover how Raj Touristry heals the brokenhearted, one soul at a time. 

"Voyagers into the Unknown" is a vibrant story of transformation through an unlikely source: a local tour guide of historical Agra, India where the Taj Mahal still sways those who behold it. Seeped in cultural philosophy, this novel is an uplifting read from Ruchira Khanna." - Charli Mills, Writer & Lead Buckaroo of Carrot Ranch Communications. 

Voyagers into the Unknown is a delightful tale that interrogates the emotional connection between strangers and between races. With a cast of vivid characters, Ruchira Khanna draws the reader into a captivating emotional drama. Agra, the city, stands as both an alluring character and a magnificent setting that directs the diverse experiences, which are woven deftly into the fabric of the plot. The book is a wonderful compilation of encounters, both unexpected and unfamiliar. -Jaya Padmanabhan, Editor, India Currents.




You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 


A Reiki Master where she passes out information about channeling universal energy and conducts sessions. The author of “Choices”, “The Adventures of Alex and Angelo” but just another soul trying to make a difference in this lifetime.
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Check out all the books of Tornado here 
Go to Book No. 23 >> Love Sees No Reason by Reshma Ranjan 
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Cover release- Celtic Fire by Liz Gavin

Celtic Fire
Liz Gavin
(Highland Celts Series, #1)
Publication date: January 31st 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Paranormal, Romance

REDUCED PRICE UNTIL RELEASE DAY ONLY
This is a standalone, historical/paranormal romance. Its mature themes – violence, religious war, and pagan rituals – might not be appropriate for audiences under 18.
When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive, the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal eyes forever.
Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection. However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be Avalon’s last chance.
Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully, forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated? Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her soul?
Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives; but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to become her protector?
Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the bewitching maiden from himself?
When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must learn to trust each other and the mysterious ways of the Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure would tear the island from the human realm forever, condemning it to oblivion.
Failure was not an option.

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Author Bio:
When Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her.
Apparently, the teacher wasn’t a big fan of those stories, and Liz’s mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher’s class.
Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on – from the classics to erotica. That’s how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well.
As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin’s heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz’s creativity has improved many times because it’s such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country.
Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you’ll get the picture.
Sit back, fire up your Kindle and enjoy the ride!
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review of X by Sue Grafton

Book Name         - XAuthor                  - Sue Grafton Publisher              - Pan Macmillan Number of Pages -491Publishing Year   - 2016Edition                  - PaperbackPrice                     - 450Buy books from Amazon,  Flipkart
Rating : 4.0
My Review
Sue Grafton has made her position up high among the authors who write thrillers. Her alphabet series has took off on a high note and she successfully maintained the graph. While reading a series, it is important make let the readers understand the characters. The character is crafted in such a way that the first time readers will not find it difficult to follow the backstory.
The story has two parallel plots. Kinsey, private detective is approached by a lady who wants to trace her son,whom, she put up for an adoption,three decades back. Kinsey is taken unawares when she learns that the payment she gets for the job consists of marked bills. Coincidentally or deliberately her client vanishes into thin air.Second plot is Kinsey's quest for the secrets behind a coded list, which,she gets from her deceased friend's file. The inquiry takes her through  unforeseen consequences.
The two plots proceeds with a fast pace, keeping the readers on the edge of the seat. The narration and the events make the book unputdownable. The idiosyncrasies of the protagonist are quite entertaining. A private detective setting out for a serious operation with a full bladder surely calls for the inquisition as well as amusement of the readers. Kinsey's interactions with Henry,her house owner, is a refreshing distraction from the main plot. Yet, Henry plays an important role in unravelling a mystery.
Towards the second half, a third plot develops but I would keep it as a suspense. The pace of the story drops when Kinsey sets out to Burning oaks. The encounter between the people who could give an alibi is dragged beyond the limits. 
The climax also cannot be evaluated in a single graph. The first plot ends in a quite cliched manner and the whole build up seemed unwanted. The second plot is what hooks the readers till the end and I liked the climax too. The third plot, well, let it be a suspense.
Do complete all your work before starting the book. Else,you will end up having undone work.
My verdict:- The book is perfect for cliffhanger lovers. 
Reviewed for the PublisherDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review.

Tornado Giveaway 3-Spotlight-Perfect pleasure by Deborah Fletcher Mello

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Name of the book: Perfect Pleasures
Author: Deborah Fletcher MelloRead some reviews:

1. Reshemah 
2.  Shone  
3.  Kenya

The Story:


World famous MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Phuket, Thailand, and his elite training camp, Revolution. Thanks to his twin brother, a renowned pro trainer in Colorado, Zachary is primed and ready for his next title bout—but his toughest match may be with the sports journalist assigned to write an exposé on him. Not only is she gorgeous, she’s after a well-guarded secret that Zach soon realizes makes her off limits in every way…

It’s true that Kenzie Monroe has an ulterior motive for pursuing Zachary. The half-Asian beauty believes he’s connected to her estranged father, a former MMA fighter who disappeared years ago. And the more Zachary avoids her, the more determined she is—and the hotter their game of cat and mouse becomes…until they both surrender. But as lust, love, and friendship combine, Zachary knows he has to answer all of Kenzie’s questions—because outside of the ring, the heart makes the rules… 


You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 

For Deborah Fletcher Mello, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. Her first novel, TAKE ME TO HEART, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005 she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel THE RIGHT SIDE OF LOVE. In 2008, Deborah won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Series Romance for her ninth novel, TAME A WILD STALLION.
A true renaissance woman, Deborah's many career paths have included working as a retail buyer and size model for a national women's clothing chain, a finance manager for a well-known beverage organization, a sales manager for an infamous candy company, a telecommunications administrator and corporate trainer for a hotel-owning company, an art gallery director for a world-renowned artist, and an administrative consultant for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Deborah is also a licensed real estate broker and general building contractor.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her. 

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Check out all the books of Tornado here 
Go to Book No. 20 >> Yama's Lieutenant by Anuja Chandramouli 
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Tornado Giveaway 3-Spotlight- Panther by Chhimi Temdif-La

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PANTHER by Chhimi Tenduf-La
Name of the book: Panther
Author: Chhimi Tenduf-LaRead some reviews:

1.  Chittajit Mitra
2.  Chrishantha Jayasinghe  
3. Lisa Wydeman 

The Story:


'I see you. Legs like toothpicks, body and face all ribs and cheekbones. And that hair. Come on, what is it? Like friggin' barbed wire. I see you with a hand-me-down cracked bat creaming a leather ball, in a sock, hanging from the branch of a mango tree.' 

Being accepted into an elite international school on a cricket scholarship doesn't mean your life is going to change. Except it does, because hunky Indika - I for Indika, I for Incredible - takes you under his wing, drags you to posh restaurants and shows you pictures from glossy magazines of women who ... well, never mind, that's not the point. The point is: if your best friend snogs your girlfriend, can he still be Incredible? Was he ever? But don't sweat the small stuff. There are cricket matches to win, examinations to pass, a horrifying past to forget, a sinister schoolmaster to avoid ... and, of course, a first kiss to finally experience. Prabu's life is never going to be the same again. 

Funny, diamond-sharp and unapologetic, Panther is a novel about that familiar, fractured passage to adulthood that can make us magnificent if it does not kill us.




You can buy the book @

amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

About The Author 

Half English, half Tibetan, Chhimi Tenduf-La grew up in Hong Kong, London, Delhi and Colombo, where he now lives with his wife and two kids. The Amazing Racist, his first novel, was released in January 2015 by Hachette India. His second novel, Panther, was released by HarperCollins India in July 2015.
'a fresh and promising new voice on the literary landscape.' New India Express




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Go to Book No. 17 >> Binding Arbitration (Chicago #1) by Elizabeth Marx 
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