BOOK REVIEW: The Learner's Plight by Muhammad Hamza Shah

The Learner's Plight

Author: Muhammad Hamza Shah

Genre: YA Coming of Age / Contemporary Fiction / Short Story
Publication Date: 5th July 2020

Book Description:

Gavin Hawthorne has recently emigrated from Ireland to United States and is faced with an uphill battle to fight against blatant indifference. He undergoes rampant bullying at the hands of school’s athletic team and finds temporary solace in Linda, another student who has just arrived from Poland. However, this dependency doesn’t last for long as Gavin is plunged into the world of depression, stuck in a vicious cycle of self-hatred.

In harrowing times like these, a close acquaintance becomes his much-needed ally and helps Gavin re-discover fondness for the gift of life.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Gavin and Linda share a lot in common having both emigrated from across the other side of the ocean, so it's no surprise that they start hanging out and become besties. What is surprising, however, is when Linda decides to shift gear and leave Gavin behind, hanging with the school bullies who make Gavin's life a living hell every day. Gavin is left puzzled and heartbroken, wondering what he has done to cause her to ditch him for his arch-nemesis. As Gavin sinks deeper and deeper into depression, he finds solace in a fellow student, who encourages and supports him as he builds the courage to stand up to the bullies and tell Linda how he really feels about her, the fear of losing her forever weighing heavy on his mind.

This was a very moving and heartfelt exhibition of Gavin's insecurities and how he learns to accept that life sometimes doesn't go as planned or as hoped but that you can't wallow, you have to pick yourself up and carry on, even if it means losing the things most dear to us. Although it was a good read, I didn't feel a connection with the character as it felt as though it was exactly that, an exhibition. I felt as though I was viewing everything through a window and not having a clear vision of the events taking place on the other side. The story felt somewhat hollow, which had nothing to do with the length or the cliffhanger ending (I really liked the way it ended, by the way). We know what happened between Gavin and Linda. We even get to witness her rejecting him and left wondering whether or not she will ever respond to his letter, that maybe somewhere down the line they will find their way back to each other. I'm not expecting a long explanation, but if there had been some form of revelation, I believe it would have felt more complete and I would have better understood the incentive behind some of Gavin's action and better identify the moment that made him realise that now was the time to stand up for himself and let life takes it course.

Having said that, there was enough content and ingredient to keep me reading on. Betrayal was the key emotion throughout, which I comprehended, but it was missing that revelation that would cement the bond I was building with Gavin; instead the bond fizzled out. I wanted to connect with Gavin. I really did, because I liked him as a character. He was someone I think a lot of people would be able to relate to. I liked Shah's writing style. The choice of words and sentence structure throughout evoked a lot of emotion. I felt pulled in by his writing, which doesn't happen to me often, and I think it's one of the reasons I kept reading.

I think there's a lot more to come from this author. I got a Markus Zusak vibe by the connection I felt to Shah's authorial voice. I am not certain where the inspiration for The Learner's Plight came from, but it almost felt as though I was reading a memoir. I look forward to reading more from this author.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Courtesy of BookSirens

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Resistor by C.E. Clayton

Resistor

(An Eerden Novel (Eerden 1, Ellinor, 1))

Author: C.E. Clayton

Publication Date: October 1st, 2020

Genre: NA Cyberpunk / Fantasy

Book Description:

Ellinor Rask has wanted one thing for the past eight years: vengeance. But when Ellinor is captured, she finds herself dragged back into the world she walked away from, entangled once more with friends she would rather forget.

As if that weren’t humiliating enough, Ellinor learns first hand that her magic can be stripped away by a piece of bio-tech—and her ex-boss is happy to leash her with the technology in order to get what he wants. If Ellinor behaves, the device will be removed. All she has to do is deliver a package. One containing a creature created from raw magical energy and discarded technology. Simple, right?

But when her goals start getting people murdered, Ellinor has to decide if the year’s planning, her honor, and even her own magic, are worth the lives it’s costing. Dodging ruthless gangsters, she finds herself on the run with a creature of immeasurable magical abilities alongside her one-time friends. Now, Ellinor must relearn to trust the people she once abandoned. She must put her faith in technology, and her life in the hands of independent contractors, all while racing to deliver the package before it gets taken by force, or worse, the creature decides to make an appearance itself.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sleeping With Shadows by Rachel Hailey

Sleeping With Shadows

Author: Rachel Hailey

Published by: FyreSyde Publishing

Publication Date: September 22nd, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Once The King of Nightmares, Ashe lost everything when he was betrayed. Released from prison, he’s got one goal: Stay Free. To make that happen he’ll have to rescue the girl who stole his crown while saving the court he’d rather see burn. But he can’t do it alone. He needs Callie.

Abused, neglected, and finally shunned by The Court of Light, Callie is done with court politics. It’s just too damned bad Ashe doesn’t care. He’s arrogant, manipulative, and dangerous. Everything she’s been taught to fear. It would be so easy to hate him, but the sadness in his gaze calls to her heart, and his touch awakens her own darkness. She has never wanted anyone more.

Callie is Ashe’s darkest desire, but to earn his freedom and prevent the destruction of humanity, she must embrace the destiny that will keep them apart. But is the safety of the world worth losing the kind of love he’s only dreamed of?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Spotlight - Along Came A Spider by Apeksha Rao

Along Came A Spider

Author: Apeksha Rao

Book Description:

Are your Spidey senses tingling?

At 17, Samira Joshi has only one dream in life. She wants to be a spy. And why not? 

Spying runs in the Joshi genes. 

Her great-grandmother was famous for sticking her nose in everyone’s business. Her grandmother had a flourishing side-business of tracking down errant husbands and missing servants. Her parents are elite intelligence agents for RAW.

Yet, they want their only daughter to become a doctor.

When she sees a college friend being trapped by a pimp, Samira does some spying of her own, and discovers the existence of a secret sisterhood of teen spies — The Spyders. And, she wants in!

The question is, do they want her?

To find out, read this fast-paced, gripping YA novel by brand new author, Apeksha Rao.

Buy Links:

Amazon IN ¦ US ¦ UK

Advance praise for Along Came A Spyder:

"A thrilling read with several nail biting moments. Will keep you hooked till the end."

~ Andaleeb Wajid, author of The Legend Of The Wolf

"A fantastic spy story, keeps you on the edge and you can't stop till you finish the book. A fantastic debut book. Look forward to reading more from the author."

~ Kanchana Banerjee, author of Nobody's Child and A Forgotten Affair.

"Witty, snarky and a thorough entertainer, Along Came a Spyder is a welcome addition to India's YA genre."

~ Shilpa Suraj, author of Love, Marriage and Other Disasters, Saved by Love, and, Driven by Desire

"Apeksha Rao writes a taut espionage thriller with a twist-a-minute narrative that is sure to get all readers hooked. The language is flawless, the characterization spot-on, and the plot is filled with rich details. It is the kind of story that you'd leave all your other work aside to read. Be warned!"

~ Neil D'Silva, author of Haunted, Yakshini and Maya's New Husband

About the Author

Apeksha Rao fell in love with words very early in life. 

While other kids of her age were still learning to spell, she was already reading her older brother’s books and comics. 

She wrote her first story at the age of seven and submitted it to Tinkle, a very popular children’s magazine. 

Writing took a backseat, as she established a thriving medical practice.

But Apeksha rekindled her love affair with words, while on maternity leave. 

She would tap away at her keyboard while rocking her twin babies to sleep, as sleep deprivation stimulated her dormant creativity.

She wrote numerous short stories, that she published on her blog. 

Apeksha has been lauded for her taut and gripping stories, that always come with a twist at the end.

In addition to Along Came A Spyder, she has written The Itsy Bitsy Spyder, a prequel novella to the Spyders series.

A Mumbaikar, born and bred, Apeksha comes from a family of doctors. 

At the ripe age of thirty-four, she wound up her practice and moved with her family, to Bengaluru. 

She is now a full-time writer. 

She is also a die-hard foodie, who’s still trying to find the best vada-pav in Bengaluru.

She has twin boys, who keep her on her toes.

Apeksha’s husband is her inspiration to write, as well as her biggest critic.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Romancing the Holidays Anthology

Romancing the Holidays: A First Coast Romance Writers Holiday Anthology

Publication Date: September 22nd, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

A dozen ways to fall in love at the holidays…

Come celebrate the holidays with these dozen unique romances, ranging from sweet to steamy and all ending with a happily-ever-after. This anthology of short stories, written by multi-award-winning authors, including New York Times best-selling author, Alyssa Day, will transport you from Labor Day and Halloween antics to Christmas and Valentine romantics. Its stories will whisk you away into contemporary, historical, and paranormal worlds where love prevails. So, savor the authors featured in this enchanting book and bet your heart on some romantic cheer while you enjoy these twelve ways to fall in love.

Proceeds from this novel benefit First Coast Romance Writers, a non-profit chapter of Romance Writers of America that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. A portion of the proceeds are also donated to FeedAmerica.org.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: Anna Banana by Sigal Adler

Anna Banana: Anna Finds a New Home

Author: Sigal Adler

Genre: Picture Book

Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Book Description:

ANNA BANANA:

******************

It was crowded there and hard to rest,

Just half a closet to help her get dressed.

Her only belongings a plant and a ball,

No, there was no space inside there at all.

It was time for Anna to find a whole new place,

a home much wider with plenty more space.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Well, this was a wonderful surprise. I'm usually used to seeing a child as the protagonist of children's books, but this was very refreshing indeed. Anna Banana follows the journey of a senior citizen as she ventures out into the big world to find a new place to call her home. Off with her belongings and pets, she travels day and night searching for the right place to set down her foundation. She tries many different houses of all shapes and sizes but never quite finds the right fit. After residing in one house for two years, she still continues her search until she finally finds the perfect house for her and everything she owns.

This was a charming tale. It goes to show that it's never too late to start over again. I think the choice of character was very fitting for this story. Moving homes can be a very demanding endeavour, especially if you've been in one place for such a long time that you've become so accustomed to your space that the thought of moving is daunting. Change isn't always a welcoming venture, but if a little old lady can pick up and start over again and find solace at the end of her journey, even with the uncertainty Anna faced on her journey, it goes to show that, with perseverance, change can be rather rewarding. It’s a great message, which might be lost on some children, depending on their age, but it’s an enjoyable adventure with a fun quiz for the young ones.

Light and sweet. I would definitely recommend it.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

A Game of Fate
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Publication Date: September 18th, 2020
Genre: Adult Fantasy / Retelling

Book Description:

Hades, God of the Underworld, is known for his inflexible rule, luxurious night clubs, and impossible bargains. Used to control, he is not prepared to discover the Fates have chosen his future wife and Queen—Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Despite her attraction to the god, Persephone, an ambitious journalism student, is determined to expose Hades for his cruel and ruthless ways.

Hades finds himself faced with the impossible—proving his future bride wrong. Regardless of his efforts, there are forces who wish to keep the two apart and Hades comes to realize he will do anything for his forbidden love, even defy Fate.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Author Interview with Sharon C. Williams - A Rainforest Adventure (Jasper - Amazon Parrot Book 1)

A Rainforest Adventure (Jasper - Amazon Parrot Book 1)

Series Title: The Jasper, Amazon Parrot Series
Author: Sharon C. Williams

Genre: Children’s chapter book, middle grade, action adventure

Publisher: Peculiar Possum

Publication Date: Volume one and two are second edition volumes of the series

vol. 1: July 9, 2019

vol. 2: July 23, 2019

vol 3: December 10, 2019

Book Description:

Jasper is no ordinary parrot.

He lives in the rainforest, which secrets he’s eager to explore. Jasper loves his home and his family, and he's also in charge of his younger brother Willie - a responsibility Jasper takes very seriously.

When he meets Charlie - a spider monkey with a penchant for food and a laid back attitude - he realizes he’s in for an adventure he never thought possible.   Even if this means getting into danger and worrying his mother to no end.

Exploring the boundaries of the forest, Jasper understands that there is more to the world around him. Who are the strange new creatures that have come there? With Willie and Charlie by his side, he will soon find out.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Audible ¦ iTunes

Cover Reveal - Mercenary by Bella Di Corte

Mercenary

(Gangsters of New York, #3)

Author: Bella Di Corte

Publication Date: November 13th, 2020

Genre: Adult Romance Suspense

Book Description:

I had something to live for.

The moment I saw him, I knew.

His eyes would hypnotize.

His lips would speak the most beautiful promises.

His body? Made for pleasure.

But if Corrado Capitani thought that he could fool me into thinking he was a good man, he was wrong.

The moment I saw him, I knew the truth.

Those eyes hid his poisonous heart.

Those lips were vessels of deception.

That body? Made for inflicting pain.

He wasn’t sent from heaven. He was sent to drag me back to hell.

I had something to die for.

Alcina Parisi had a price on her head, and she’d eluded the best. She thought no one would ever find her, but I did. Everyone in our world called me Scorpio—the man who never let the enemy go. But she was a weapon, not an adversary, and I’d claimed her as mine.

Mercenary is the third of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series.

Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out. 

Author Links:
Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Instagram ¦ Bookbub

Cover Reveal Organised by:

Blog Tour Promo - Tropical Doubts by David Myles Robinson

Tropical Doubts

Author: David Myles Robinson

Genre: Legal Thriller

Book Description:

When Honolulu’s flamboyant and quirky attorney, Pancho McMartin, agrees to step out of his normal role as a criminal defense lawyer, he thinks it will be a challenging but welcome change from his daily dose of criminal clients. His old friend and father-figure, Manny Delacruz, has beseeched Pancho to handle a medical malpractice claim against the physicians who botched what should have been a routine surgery, but which resulted in Manny’s beloved wife being in a permanent vegetative state. The case looks good, the damages enormous, but when Manny is arrested for the murder of one of the doctors, Pancho finds himself back in his old role. If Manny is convicted, it means he won’t be able to be at his wife’s bedside to hold her hand, caress her face, and read his poems to her. He will have lost his reason to live. The pressure on Pancho is enormous. While he and his team try to make sense out of one of the most sinister and complicated murder schemes he’s ever seen, the medical malpractice case chugs forward, in jeopardy of being worthless should Manny be convicted.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Other Books by David Myles Robinson:

CHAPTER 1

Pancho McMartin watched as his client, newly convicted of murder, was escorted to the side door of the courtroom by two men in brown jumpsuits with “Sheriff” stenciled across the back. The client, a large Samoan in his early twenties, had a shaved head. Except for his face, every square inch of visible flesh was tattooed.

With shackles on his wrists and ankles, he shuffled to the door and then stopped and glanced over his shoulder at Pancho. He’d sat through the trial with a look of absolute disdain, even menace, and now Pancho almost laughed out loud at the expression on the man’s face—fear. Pancho gave him a small nod, which he hoped would convey some sense of encouragement. Not that there was much to encourage. The Samoan would spend the rest of his life in prison unless Pancho could win an appeal of little or no merit.

His client disappeared through the door, and Pancho was alone in the courtroom. He shivered as the room, now empty, returned to its usual freezing temperature. He leaned his elbows on the counsel table and put his head in his hands. This was his third trial loss in a row, the second this year—a record for him. Pancho knew his client was guilty and hadn’t wanted to take the case. But the client’s family in Samoa and Oceanside, California, had collected the $250,000 fee Pancho charged for a murder case. Even then he might have turned the case down, but Pancho’s private investigator and best friend, Drew Tulafono, had asked him to take it on.

“The guy’s family in Oceanside goes to church with my mother,” Drew had said. “And they’re using all their powers of persuasion to get her to get me to get you to take the case.”

“Don’t they know he’s guilty as hell?” Pancho asked.

Drew nodded. “Pretty much, although they’re hoping he’ll get off with self-defense. But the main thing here is that Samoan families, mine included, are tight-knit and supportive of each other. If someone’s in trouble, the family’s sacred duty is to come to their aid in whatever way possible.”

So Pancho had taken the client on and had presented a decent case for self-defense. In the end, however, Pancho figured the jury just couldn’t get past the way his client looked, which was like a gangbanger who would just as soon kill you as step out of your way.

Pancho sighed heavily and ran his hand through his long brown hair. Three in a row. He wondered if he was losing his touch. He felt tired and depressed. It had been a bad six months. Just before he’d taken on this loser of a case, his longtime girlfriend, Paula Mizono, a financial adviser, had tearfully told him she was accepting a position in Hong Kong. She loved him, she said, but she was in the prime of her work life and this opportunity, at triple her current salary, was too hard to pass up. “Besides,” she said, almost as an afterthought, “even though I knew what I was getting into when we hooked up, the fact of the matter is we hardly see each other. I’m off to work at three in the morning because of the time change to New York, and I’m ready to hit the sack by the time you get home.”

Pancho had lost his first wife to the long hours of his law practice and had vowed not to lose Paula. It was her job that caused the split, he told himself. But the pain of the loss and the loneliness of his empty bed hurt just the same.

The door to the judge’s chambers opened and Lew, the bailiff, poked his head into the courtroom. “You all pau in here, Mr. McMartin? I need to lock up.”

Pancho nodded and stood. “Yes, Lew, I’m done. Put a fork in me.”

“For what it’s worth,” Lew said, walking into the courtroom and pulling his keys out of his pocket, “I thought you did a great job on a dead loser of a case.”

Pancho gave a wan smile. “Thanks.” He loosened his tie, picked up his briefcase, and walked out of courtroom into the real world.

David Myles Robinson was a trial attorney in Honolulu, HI for 38 years before retiring to the mountains of New Mexico, where he lives with his wife, a former Honolulu trial judge. In the days of yore, before becoming a lawyer, he was a freelance journalist and a staff reporter for a minority newspaper in Pasadena, CA. He is an award-winning author of six novels, three of which are Pancho McMartin legal thrillers set in Honolulu.

Having traveled to all seven continents, he has also published a travel memoir entitled CONGA LINE ON THE AMAZON, which includes two Solas Traveler’s Tales award winners. He says he includes his middle name, Myles, in his authorial appellation because there are far too many other David Robinson’s running around.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Twitter ¦ Facebook

Blog Tour Organised by:

Paperback Release Launch & Giveaway - Arcadia Saga by Al Stone

From Amazon Best-Selling Author Al Stone

comes the Paperback Edition of the ARCADIA SAGA,

an epic young-adult fantasy series

brought to you by Centrinian!

Be sure to grab your copy today!

Join us today in celebrating the new paperback edition.

Enter below for a chance to win 1 of 3 $10 Amazon Gift Cards and 1 of 2 Signed Paperback Copies of Talisman Of El!

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Phantoms in the Moonlight Anthology

Phantoms in the Moonlight

Authors: Alaine Greyson, Marie McGrath, S. C. Morgan

Publication Date: September 8th, 2020

Genre: Adult Horror / Thriller

Book Description:

11 stories to fright and delight. As the air turns cooler and bonfires take over the night, gather around the fire for stories of fall fun, strange occurrences and abject terror.

These stories published by authors S. C. Morgan, Marie McGrath and Alaine Greyson are sure to get your heart pumping and take your imagination on a wild ride.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Beginning's End by M. Dalto

Beginning’s End

(The Empire Saga #3)

Author: M. Dalto

Published by: Parliament House

Publication Date: September 8th, 2020

Genre: NA Fantasy

Book Description:

Ever since her unexpected return to the Empire, all Queen Empress Alexstrayna wanted was to protect her family. Despite of the life-altering events that occurred within the Borderlands, her family – those that remained- were all she had left, and as Empress is was her predestined duty to protect the while ensuring the safety of the Empire.

But when the ever-threatening forces from the Borderlands challenge all she has worked towards to maintain that peace, she must search within herself to discover a new magic stronger than anything the Annals have foretold before.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Escape by Deana Birch

Escape
(The Covington Heights Crew #1)
Author: Deana Birch
Publication Date: September 1st, 2020
Genre: Adult Romance Suspense

Book Description:

FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHOR DEANA BIRCH

Book one in The Covington Heights Crew series

The only thing she has to give is exactly what they want.

The Covington Heights Crew has a funny way of protecting their own. With rapes from rival gangs and human trafficking riddling their poverty-stricken streets, they’ll keep the girls from their neighborhood safe—for a price. No money? No worries. They have quite creative payment plans.

Messed up? Yeah, they know. They’re criminals.

Twenty-one-year-old Fiona Thompson was happy to stay off the radar of the twisted drug dealers who encourage her mother’s habit. She’s sure that she can work her way out of Covington and find a better life for herself and her baby sister. But then she beeped. Loud.

Second-in-command Leo Ricci is a poser. The web of lies he’s spun for a life unravels every time he’s around Fiona—every day he’s trying to keep her safe and every second he’s avoiding his destiny.

When his missteps challenge the authority to which he’s pledged his allegiance and Fiona’s life is at stake, there’s only one solution—become the man he never wanted to be and leave the place that was saving him from a worse, but unavoidable fate.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo